Royal Oak Planning Commission
OKs mid-rise apartment building
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — A site plan at 505 S. Lafayette Ave. was approved unanimously by the Planning Commission Dec. 10 despite the majority of public speakers disapproving of the project.
Members of the Planning Commission and others who were present include Brian Cooper, Clyde Esbri, City Commissioner Sharlan Douglas, Director of Planning Joseph Murphy, Assistant City Attorney Josh Marcum, Jim Ellison and Woody Gontina.
Planning Commission Chairperson Gary Quesada and Mayor Michael Fournier were not present. Because Quesada and Fournier were not present, the petitioner had the choice to hold the vote for the project but chose to go forward with a vote.
New Chanukah Village to lead up to menorah lighting
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
Chanukah Village experience that will take place 4-6 p.m. Dec. 29.
rah each of the eight nights to symbolize the winning of light over darkness.
ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak Chabad Jewish Center is getting ready for its sixth annual menorah lighting and brand-new
Chanukah is an eight-day celebration that begins this year on the evening of Dec. 25 and runs to Jan. 2. The holiday tradition is to light one candle of a meno-
“The general message is for every person in every situation, especially when it is dark, to light a candle and that light can
MENORAH on page 6A See APARTMENT on page 11A
Photo provided by the Royal Oak Chabad Jewish Center
Royal Oak Chabad Jewish Center is getting ready for its sixth annual menorah lighting and brand-new Chanukah Village experience that will take place 4-6 p.m. Dec. 29. See
Raider is newest, and furriest, addition to ROPD team
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Police Department has welcomed an addition to the team, a 19-month-old, 60-pound black Labrador Retriever named Raider.
Raider is not on the force for the typical reason one would think; he is there to provide happiness and is now the ROPD’s designated “comfort dog.”
“A comfort dog program is something that we identified a number of years ago as something we wanted to bring to both the department and the community,” Deputy Chief Patrick Stanton said.
Stanton said he has prior experience working with and understanding different roles that dogs can play in the police force, and through this knowledge thought that the ROPD could benefit from a comfort dog.
Raider is classified as a “career change” dog. Originally, he was training with the Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills to become a guide dog, but he was unable to meet the requirements of the training.
“During that time, he underwent extensive training; however, he was
The Electrifyin’ Filthy Rockwell and a group of volunteers visit houses in Detroit the morning of Dec. 25 to deliver gifts to children and families during a past
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — Show off your ugliest Christmas sweater and give back on Dec. 20 at the Blind Owl, 511 S. Main St. in Royal Oak, for the Filthy Cares Adopt-A-Block Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.
Filthy Cares, the nonprofit organization that was started by the Grammy nominated, multiplatinum music producer and ASCAP songwriter The Electrifyin’ Filthy Rockwell (L. Turner), partnered with the Blind Owl restaurants to promote the annual Adopt-A-Block campaign.
Photo provided by Ryan Spangler
The Royal Oak Police Department added its first comfort dog to the team, Raider, a 19-month-old black Labrador Retriever.
Photo provided by Filthy Cares
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
‘The Color Purple’ to take stage at the Baldwin Theatre
ROYAL OAK — Stagecrafters will present the musical “The Color Purple” Jan. 10-26 at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak.
Based on the novel by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment motion picture, the story depicts the lives of African American women in the early 20th century in rural Georgia.
For Thursday performances, tickets cost $25 plus a $3 per ticket fee. Friday, Saturday and Sunday tickets cost $35 plus a $3 per ticket fee. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Tickets and more information can be found at stagecrafters.org.
Learn about African Americans who lived in Royal Oak in the 19th century
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Historical Society and Museum, 1411 W. Webster Road, is diving into the history of African Americans next month with two exhibits.
Christmas
from page 3A
The Adopt-A-Block campaign is currently in its sixth year and is a way to give back to the Detroit community. Rockwell began his nonprofit, Filthy Cares, after the Adopt-A-Block program in 2019.
Every Christmas, on Dec. 25, the Adopt-A-Block volunteers head out to Detroit neighborhoods to hand-deliver wrapped toys, canned goods, dried foods and surprise gifts like bicycles and televisions to families in need.
Rockwell said that each year they collect over 6,000 gifts to donate and visit over 1,000 homes. The event continues to grow in popularity, as he notices more gifts, homes and volunteers on Christmas morning each year.
“It has just been growing and growing,” Rockwell said. “Last year we wrapped around 7,000 gifts, and every year that we do it, we visit more neighborhoods.”
Growing up in Detroit, Rockwell faced hardships and during the Christmas season
From 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 12, the museum will have a grand opening for the traveling exhibit “The Underground Railroad in Oakland County.” The exhibit will be on display in January and February.
The museum also will feature its own exhibit: “A Tangled Web: Stories of African Americans in 19th Century Royal Oak.”
At 7 p.m. Jan. 10, Leslie Pielack, a local historian and director of the Birmingham Museum, will discuss the Oakland County traveling exhibit at the society’s featured speaker series.
Seating is limited to 50 people and reservations are open at www.royaloakhistorical society.com.
“A Tangled Web: Stories of African Americans in 19th Century Royal Oak,” curated by Leslie S. Edwards, will run in conjunction with the traveling exhibit and then continue through May, highlighting the stories of African Americans who lived in Royal Oak. It will also showcase the ties between the Black community in Royal Oak and the Underground Railroad network in Detroit. “Tangled Web” will be open to the public January through May.
People can visit the exhibits during the museum’s open hours 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays beginning in January.
For more information visit www.royal oakhistoricalsociety.com.
— Taylor Christensen
never knew if he would be getting a gift or not.
“Sometimes I woke up and there was nothing under the tree for me,” Rockwell said. “There were times that I just wasn’t celebrating Christmas when I got older.”
Because of this, he was motivated to create the Adopt-A-Block program.
“It was my way of giving back,” he said. “The goal of Filthy Cares is to empower the community, empower youth, through music, art, history and culture, and bring families and people together.”
To help promote and collect gifts, Rockwell partnered with the Blind Owl in Royal Oak, which has been collecting gifts since Dec. 2.
On Dec. 20, the last day to donate, the Blind Owl is hosting an ugly Christmas sweater party where people can bring donations and celebrate the holidays together.
“There will be live music, great food and great drinks,” Rockwell said. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere and a great vibe.”
For donations, people can bring brandnew, unwrapped gifts marked for girls or
See CHRISTMAS on page 8A
Compiled by Taylor Christensen
Blind Owl restaurant to host New Year’s ball
ROYAL OAK — Blind Owl is throwing a New Years Eve party from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Dec. 31 at 511 S. Main St.
The event is going to showcase two live acts, DeeJay Gene and the Mike Leslie Band. The New Year’s ball is for ages 21 and older.
Kicking off the new year, Blind Owl will be creating a special all-inclusive New Year’s menu, party favors and other surprises for people to enjoy.
The cost of the event is $189 per person. This cost includes the food, liquor and domestic beer.
The charge will include an assortment of appetizers, a main course buffet, a pasta station, late night treats, and a dessert buffet.
There is a limited number of seats for this occasion. For information and tickets, text (248) 717-2995 or call (248) 216-1112, or email blindowlpub@gmail.com.
Moonbeams light up night for pediatric patients
Royal Oak Schools students honor Martin Luther King Jr. during the walk at the 2023 “A Day On, Not a Day Off” event.
Photo provided by Berkley School District
‘A Day On, Not a Day Off’ Martin Luther King Jr. Day event to return
ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak Schools will once again be holding a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day event Jan. 20 at Berkeley High School, 2325 Catalpa Drive.
The event will kick off at 9 a.m. with breakfast. Following breakfast will be public speakers, choir performances and opportunities to connect with others.
The event also includes honoring King with a walk to celebrate his vision of equality and justice. Hands-on activities can be expected, such as blanket making, donation sorting and card making projects. More details and a full schedule are yet to come, and they will be found at royaloakschools.org.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
go far,” Rabbi Moishie Glitsenstein said. “It’s the idea of bringing light to the world, which is a very universal idea.”
From 4 to 5 p.m., members of the Royal Oak community can visit Eagle Plaza, on the corner of South Center Street and West Fouth Street in Royal Oak, where they can receive a bag with a map of the Chanukah Village.
The map will take participants throughout the downtown area to different businesses that will be having different activities and giveaways.
“Its (each store is) going to have fun things to do, and they can collect whatever they receive at the stores,” Glitsenstein said.
The Chanukah Village is going to be at no cost to those who wish to participate. Glitsenstein said that the event has local sponsors as well as sponsorship from the Downtown Development Authority.
Member of the Chabad Jewish Center and Royal Oak resident Mike Sherman said that he enjoys the menorah lighting ceremony every year.
“It’s a great way to celebrate the holiday of Chanukah with family and friends,” Sher-
man said. “It’s a very festive holiday and is a nice chance to be together to celebrate this happy time of year.”
The menorah will be made out of ice, hand-carved, starting at 4 p.m. People who wish to see the menorah being created can stop by Eagle Plaza from 4 to 5p.m.
Starting at 5 p.m. will be the menorah lighting ceremony. Glitsenstein will be reading some words of prayer and then the candles of the menorah will be lit.
Glitsenstein said that the Chanukah Village and the menorah lighting ceremony is open to all members and religions of the Royal Oak community.
Sherman said that this is a great opportunity for his neighbors to learn more about the Jewish faith, and the event promotes understanding among different people and religions.
“The United States is such a melting pot of ethnic groups and religions,” Sherman said. “It is nice when we can come together to help celebrate each other’s holidays and each other’s special times. It just adds extra warmth to the holidays.”
During the ice menorah lighting ceremony, there will be doughnuts, hot chocolate, latkes, a fire show, a Chanukah train ride for the kids and more.
Glitsenstein said that a favorite event that happens each year directly after the
lighting of the menorah is the gelt drop.
During the gelt drop, chocolate coins wrapped in silver or gold paper are dropped over the crowd from someone in a tall firetruck lift.
“We have a custom of giving money to kids during this holiday; the idea is to educate them about using money in a wise and kind way,” Glitsenstein said. “So we give them ‘money,’ and have them decide how to use the money. Typically, we try to encourage them to donate part of the money and keep some for themselves.”
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Reporters: Taylor Christensen | (586) 498-1081 | tchristensen@candgnews.com Mike Koury | (586) 498-1077 | mkoury@candgnews.com
Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
Glitsenstein said that some people only come to the ceremony for the gelt drop because it is so much fun for the kids.
If any Jewish people are in need of menorahs or candles to light for Chanukah, contact Glitsenstein at moishie@jewishroyal oak.com or call (248) 890-6480.
For more information and to RSVP to the menorah lighting and Chanukah Village, visit www.jewishroyaloak.com/events/ menorahlighting2024.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
1 PM
4 PM | 7 PM
Messiah | 10 PM
Christmas Day feat. Kris Johnson Jazz Quartet!
December 25 at 10 AM
Featuring the celebrated Kris Johnson Quartet come and enjoy a Christmas celebration of peace, love, hope and joy. Stay afterwards for a brunch open to all!
Feat. Handel’s
Christmas
from page 4A
boys, canned goods, dried foods, or bows and wrapping paper.
The gifts will then be taken to be wrapped at the Filthy Cares wrapping party at 1 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Garden Theater, 3929 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. Volunteers are encouraged to help wrap gifts.
Nicolas Andreasson, the owner of Blind Owl restaurants, said that as a multiple business owner, he tries to find nonprofits to work with and give back to the community.
“I wanted something different, some-
Raidercareer changed,” Sgt. Ryan Spangler said. “Very few dogs trained by Leader Dogs satisfy their high standards, and a large number ultimately end up career changes. While they may not be capable of being a guide dog, they are still very well suited to work in other helpful capacities.”
Upon adoption, Spangler became the handler of Raider. Raider lives at Spangler’s home and will now be going to work with Spangler every day he is there.
Spangler said that Raider is a friendly and active dog, mentioning that he enjoys being around people, “especially if they are petting him.”
Raider is currently going through his version of training, which is not much given the prior knowledge and skills he brought with him from his previous training. Right now, Raider is getting acclimated to his surroundings and meeting his coworkers.
“We are very fortunate Raider came to us with a significant level of training as far as behavior and obedience and everything else. So that makes our job easy,” Stanton said.
When Raider completes his training, a typical day for him will be to come to work with Spangler, who works in the professional standards unit.
Spangler has frequent contact with the community through different programs and events and goes into the office Monday through Friday.
“Wherever Sgt. Spangler goes, he (Raider) will go, and then he goes home with Sgt. Spangler,” Stanton said. “He will go with Sgt. Spangler to community events, school visits, it’s just all about the dog interacting with the community. That is the priority of this dog.”
Throughout the week, Raider will be available for anybody in the office who needs
thing that would give back, and I like the idea of giving back to the kids for Christmas,” Andreasson said. “I have always, with all of my companies, been associated with one nonprofit; it’s been different over the years, but I always thought it was nice to have a nonprofit that you can attach or sponsor and give back through that.”
Andreasson said that the ugly Christmas sweater party is going to have local band ZANG playing live at 9 p.m. There will also be opportunities for prizes.
At the party, ugly Christmas sweaters will be raffled off to attendees, and people will have the chance to win gift certificates to Blind Owl restaurants, and gift baskets.
a pick-me-up, and according to Stanton, he is already a pro at that part of the job.
“A lot of times Ryan will walk him and bring him throughout the department, just to say hi to the employees and bring smiles and cheer to everybody’s faces,” Stanton said. “The thing you will notice about Raider is that if he comes into a room, it doesn’t matter how bad of a day you might have, everybody lights up.”
Raider will also be available to help alleviate stress or anxiety of people who may be in the Police Department under traumatic circumstances.
“If we have someone come in and maybe went through a traumatic event, the dog may be able to help them relieve their stress and calm down a bit,” Stanton said.
Stanton has been working for the ROPD for around 24 years and said that the differences he has seen in mental health resources awareness have been substantial.
“There has been a significant change in how we approach mental health, both internally with our own personnel and especially with members of the community,” Stanton said. “I am very proud of the work we have done over the last three or four years now to incorporate all of these programs and take the lead as far as interaction with the people having mental health episodes or incidents, or just being able to provide people assistance.”
Within the next few weeks, Raider will be fully acclimated and done with his training. Spangler said that he is looking forward to introducing him to the greater community and excited for the help he can provide.
“He will be expecting his co-workers to give him attention with the thought he will bring a smile to their day,” Spangler said. “We look forward to Raider engaging with the Royal Oak community at events and are excited about this great method to interact with the community.”
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
During the party, envelopes will be given to customers. The envelope can only be opened when it is brought back to the Blind Owl and opened by a manager between Jan. 2 and Feb. 7. Prizes will include $5 off the bill, 10% off the bill, free appetizer tacos for a month or a 55-inch TV.
“We are going to be giving out envelopes with different prizes that can only be opened in January for people that come to the restaurant on Dec. 20,” Andreasson said. “You can get free tacos for a month, a flatscreen TV, discounts on your bill — there are a variety of prizes.”
At 10 a.m. Dec. 25, Rockwell and the volunteers will be going to Detroit to pass out the gifts. Volunteers will meet at The Congregation Detroit, 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd. in Detroit.
Adopt-A-Block donation boxes will be in the Blind Owl restaurant until Dec. 20. For more information on the ugly Christmas sweater party and Blind Owl restaurants, visit blindowlrestaurant.com.
For more information on Filthy Cares and Adopt-A-Block, visit filthycares.org.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Now open! The Caboose: Sidetrack Bookshop for kids
Royal Oak’s Sidetrack Bookshop has expanded its presence with a new children’s bookstore.
The Caboose: Sidetrack Bookshop for Kids opened at 220 W. Fourth St., two doors from the original location in downtown Royal Oak.
The new store specializes in books for babies through middle school readers, while the main location will expand its adult and young adult sections, particularly in romance, fantasy and nonfiction.
Since its June 2022 opening, Sidetrack has become a community fixture, offering new books and hosting regular events. The expansion will allow the bookstore to enhance its programming, including author visits, book clubs and story times.
The Caboose’s opening represents Sidetrack’s growing commitment to serving Royal Oak’s diverse reading interests and fostering its literary community.
BUSINESS CLIP
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
9A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 18, 2024
DEC. 18
Community Music Jam Session: Session open to violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, clarinet, flute, mandolin, oboe, bassoon and more, music books available, 6-7:30 p.m., Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, (248) 588-5500
Blood drive: 7 a.m.-noon, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak, donate.michigan.versiti.org
DEC. 21
Winter Solstice Celebration: Includes crafts and activities focusing on light and dark, hear medieval Christmas carols and wassails, gaze into night sky with observatory telescope, try seasonal snacks and specialty drinks, and more, 1-7 p.m. at Cranbrook Institute of Science and 1-5 p.m. at Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, also create lantern for evening parade at 6 p.m., science.cranbrook.edu
JAN. 4
Royal Oak Woman’s Club: Monthly meeting includes
pancakes and meditative drumming circle, wear flannel, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 404 S. Pleasant St. in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3066, rowc.org
JAN. 5
Winter Trees & Bark Walk: Led by Royal Oak Nature Society, 2 p.m., Tenhave Woods in Royal Oak, park at Marais/Lexington lot and walk 300 feet east to entrance, romi.gov/411/Nature-Walks
JAN. 11
Attic Treasures: Get verbal appraisals from DuMouchelle’s Gallery staff, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Royal Oak Woman’s Club, 404 S. Pleasant St., book 15-minute appointments for every two items at rowc.org/events
ONGOING
Wild Lights: Millions of lights,500-plus displays, interactive wishing tree, seasonal drinks, food and treats, warming stations with live entertainment, and more, select dates and times until Jan. 5, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, dzoo.org/ wildlights
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
Royal Oak Holiday’s Horse & Wagon Rides: 5-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays until Dec. 21, pick up/drop off on Third Street across from Lockharts BBQ, romi.gov
Ice skating: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-11 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays until Dec. 31, then new hours in 2025, The Rink at Royal Oak in Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St., therinkatroyaloak.com
‘The E(Xmas)ist’: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and 3 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 22, Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com
Farmers markets: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, also antiques and collectibles 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, 316 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3276, more on Facebook
Santa visits: 5-7 p.m. Fridays and noon-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays until Dec. 22, Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St. in Royal Oak, romi.gov
Harmony United Chorus: Open rehearsals for men’s Barbershop-style group, 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday, choir room at Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave., greaterdetroit.org
Bingo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. every first Friday of month, Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave. in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3900
Monthly groups: Find book clubs for horror fans, kids, LGBTQIA+ and more, Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3700, romi.gov/1532/ library
• STEM and electronics hobbyists meet 6-7:30 p.m. every first Wednesday, book club meets 1-2 p.m. every third Wednesday, and writing group meets 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Wednesday, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, clawson.lib.mi.us
Widowed Friends breakfasts: 9:30 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of month, The Avenue Family Restaurant, 31253 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, RSVP to Marilyn at (248) 543-1018
Limit one smoothie per coupon.
BUILDING THEM BIGGER
EXPERTS SHARE WHY SMALLER, MORE AFFORDABLE
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
Buyers who are searching for small and affordable new-construction homes might find that the inventory isn’t quite like it used to be.
Instead, what those who are in the market to buy are more likely to see when seeking new-development projects is larger, more expensive homes than in years past.
While there are a variety of factors at play, Matthew Bazner, of Max Broock Realtors in Royal Oak, offered at least one explanation.
“In real estate, what people are looking for is not a 1,000- or 1,200-square-foot home anymore; they’re looking for their forever home, which is more of a 2,000-plussquare-foot home,” Bazner said. “That’s why you’re seeing now in Royal Oak, new construction being built, or a small house being torn down, and a 2,000-, -2,400 square-foot new-build is being built in what people would be looking for in that style of a house that someone would be able to find previously in a (1,200-) to 1,400-square-foot home. People are not interested in living in a (1,200-) to 1,500-square-foot home and raising two or three kids like our parents and grandparents did. They can find that housing stock in some other locations further out
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Robertson Brothers Homes is building The Village of Troy at the corner of Long Lake and Rochester roads. Those in the market for a new-construction home might
Apartment
from page 1A
The plan calls for the construction of a 10-story building with a ground-level bistro/ market and 54 upper-level multiple-family dwellings. Akouri Group of Royal Oak LLC is the petitioner and owner of the plan. The building is designed by Krieger Klatt Architects Inc. and is being represented by the law firm Plunkett Cooney.
The apartment building is to be built at 505 S. Lafayette Ave., which is a bustling area of downtown Royal Oak next to the Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre and Fifth Avenue.
Members of the community spoke of their objections to the project, stating that the parking for the structure would be a problem for both the potential residents and the general public or visitors to downtown Royal Oak.
In multiple public comments Dec. 10, people did not approve of the Zoning Board of Appeals decision back on June 13 to waive the city’s required 81 parking spaces, of which four need to be Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
At the ZBA meeting June 13, the petitioner requested to waive the required 81 parking spaces on-site because of the configuration of the building, size and dimensions.
“We had our architects report that was
presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals that showed we couldn’t comply with the parking requirements,” Dennis Cowan, of Plunkett Cooney, said. “You need so much space for parking, ramps, drive aisles. I mean, that just couldn’t be accommodated within that very narrow piece of property that we have. We are grateful to the ZBA for granting that variance.”
Trish Oliver, a resident of Royal Oak for almost 40 years, spoke on behalf of Protect Royal Oak, a “non-partisan group dedicated to protecting and preserving the integrity, character and beauty of our community and single family residential zoned neighborhoods within the city we love,” according to the website, protectroyaloak.com.
“This project at 505 South Lafayette, which unprecedentedly waived the entire parking requirement, is not accessible or friendly to seniors or the disabled, even in terms of living there or visiting,” Oliver said.
“The remedy is for you all on the Planning Commission to send it back to the ZBA for reconsideration per statute ML 125.3604.”
Statute ML 125.3604 states: “The zoning board of appeals may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or modify the order, requirement, decision, or determination and may issue or direct the issuance of a permit,” according to legislature.mi.gov.
See APARTMENT on page 14A
HOLIDAY EXTRA
TRAVEL SAFELY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THESE TIPS
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
Holidays bring joy and laughter to many gatherings, but it’s important to arrive safely by reducing risky driving behaviors and planning ahead.
Michigan State Police Public Information Officer Section Commander Michael Shaw said during the holidays, troopers look for “risky driving behaviors.”
“Those are the same behaviors we see constantly when people are driving around metro Detroit,” Shaw said. “That’s excessive speed, following too closely, driving impaired and also driving while distracted.”
These behaviors and crashes are seen all throughout the year. Shaw said inclement weather conditions with snow or rain makes these behaviors stand out.
“There’s a lot of people going to parties and things like that so maybe they won’t have a plan in place to get themselves
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Experts anticipate that a record high number of people will be traveling this holiday season.
Apartment
from page 11A
Parking for this building would be located across the street at the Park Rite Parking building at 514 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak.
Protect Royal Oak has posted on its website its disagreements with the plan. There are also testimonials provided by Royal Oak residents.
Stephen Lograsso, a retired investment broker, has lived at the Fifth on Washington Avenue in downtown Royal Oak for four years.
Lograsso filmed a testimonial for www. protectroyaloak.com saying that he has disabilities that require ADA considerations. In the video, Lograsso states that he has one dedicated parking spot at the Fifth that accommodates only him.
“I have caretakers who cannot park in my building who therefore must park at the parking garage at Fifth and Lafayette,” Lograsso said. “I am very concerned about the Zoning Board of Appeals decision to waive the 100% of the required 81 parking spaces.”
Esbri, a member of the Planning Commission, asked Marcum if the ZBA “acted in any way that was inappropriate or outside of the bounds of what they should have done” in regard to the waived parking.
“This was reviewed within our office and no, the ZBA’s decision was appropriate for their vote,” Marcum said. “It would not be appropriate for this body to circumvent the ZBA in any way.”
Cowan said that the team working on the building is going to be working hard to keep the peace between this development, parking and the neighborhood.
“We are going to work with our neighbors in the city on every part,” he said. “We are going to work hard to make sure everybody’s needs are met.”
At the public hearing on Dec. 10, there was one resident who approved of the project, Kati Woock, who is the Royal Oak chair at YIMBY Oakland County, a group of volunteer housing advocates, according to www. yimbyoaklandcounty.org.
Woock said YIMBY Oakland County also spoke at the ZBA meeting June 13.
“I think this is a great project. These people are going to have a place to park, and these people will also be able to walk and cycle all over downtown Royal Oak just like many other people who do not live directly downtown,” she said.
Douglas, a Planning Commission member, said that the addition of this building will be the “center of activity” in that area of downtown.
“I think this is not just suitable, it is an asset,” Douglas said.
Following the approval of the site plan, Cowan said that they will now be drawing up construction plans, which will take approximately six months. The team hopes to have construction begin in the summer of 2025.
Owner Jim Akouri said that he looks forward to supplying that area of downtown with more services.
“I realized this whole area in Lafayette needs to be activated, and now we are putting my vision into plan,” Akouri said. “It (the project) is really not a negative, it’s a positive, not just for our project, but also for surrounding businesses in the area.”
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Rendering created by Krieger Klatt Architects
This rendering created by Krieger Klatt Architects shows the 10-story apartment building that will be built at 505 S. Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak.
Travel
back home and end up driving impaired when they shouldn’t,” Shaw said.
Shaw recommends residents have a plan in place before going to a gathering. This could be designating a driver, using ride share services such as Uber or Lyft, or other things. Designated drivers should honor their duties and not consume alcohol during parties.
“Trying to figure something out like that after you’re already intoxicated is pretty tough,” Shaw said.
Adrienne Woodland, public relations program consultant for AAA - The Auto Club Group, said the company is forecasting around 3.8 million Michigan residents are going to travel 50 miles or more away from home this holiday season.
“That’s actually a record and that’s about 98,000 more travelers than the previous record high which was set last year,” Woodland said.
She said it’s going to be busy on roadways, at airports and at other transit terminals.
AAA is also expecting a new air travel record this holiday season as well. Woodland said they’re expecting nationally 7.9 million Americans to take at least one domestic flight.
She said those planning to fly should plan ahead by checking in online and confirming the flight’s status.
“You want to arrive to the airport a minimum of two to three hours before your scheduled departure time and we also suggest (to) those that are flying that you pack your medications and an extra change of clothes in your carry-on bag just in case your flight is canceled or delayed,” Woodland said.
Around 3.4 million Michigan residents will take a road trip this holiday season, Woodland said. Nationally, they’re expecting that around 107 million Americans will be driving to their destinations. Woodland recommends drivers follow the posted speed limits and drive only when alert.
“Driving only on four to five hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08,” Woodland said.
She went on to say it is best to drive at times when normally awake, avoiding overnight drives and any intoxicants, and that drivers should take breaks every two hours.
“And you want to use these breaks to maybe switch drivers if possible or park at a safe location and maybe nap for about 20 to 30 minutes to recharge,” Woodland said.
Shaw recommends drivers stop every hour to stretch, grab a coffee, use the restroom and other things.
“Just to kind of keep your mind focused on the road for the rest of your trip,” Shaw said.
The last tip Woodland would give drivers is to slow down and move over for roadside workers and others stopped on the side of the road. Woodland said a roadside worker is killed every other week in the United States.
“When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, you want to reduce your speed. If possible, you want to change lanes to give those crews more room to do their job safely,” Woodland said.
Shaw said the MSP responds to around 10 to 20 crashes a day on Michigan roads.
“If you add weather to it and people don’t heed our advice about those risky driving behaviors, that will naturally cause an uptick in crashes,” Shaw said.
Shaw said getting snow tires wouldn’t hurt and that tire performance depends on the manufacturer.
“A lot of vehicles have all weather tires on them now, so it’s often good to just take a look at your owner’s manual and see what they suggest,” Shaw said.
Fines for driving under the influence or crashing a vehicle are up to the courts, Shaw said.
“Know that along with those fines if you have to hire an attorney, (it’s) at least $10,000 just for the attorney costs,” Shaw said.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Package stolen off porch
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 8 and 11 p.m. Dec. 3, an unknown person stole a package from the complainant’s front porch near Normandy Road and Custer Avenue.
Car damaged by unknown person
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 9 p.m. Nov. 28 and 9 a.m. Nov. 29, an unknown person keyed the complainant’s car and broke the passengerside window near the corner of Woodward Avenue and South Washington Avenue.
— Taylor Christensen
Building
from the Woodward corridor.”
Aside from being the chair of the board of Farmington’s Downtown Development Authority, Todd Craft is also the broker/owner of City Life Realty in Farmington.
He and his wife also manage new-construction sales and have sat on the board of a home builder’s executive committee, according to Craft.
Aside from what buyers are looking for, Craft has also considered the matter from the perspective of builders.
“It’s very difficult to build first-time buyer housing, or smaller, affordable housing, because the land costs are so high, especially as you get closer to a walkable downtown and there’s not much land available,” Craft said. “That buyer profile is looking for four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths and wants a two-to-three car garage, and they want a basement they can finish, maybe a walk-out or at least one with daylight windows. And so when you get to that size, that’s kind of what the market’s demanding, and that’s kind of what the economics work out to be, to be able to build something and still be profitable for a builder.”
Bazner shared a similar perspective.
“Why are they building larger homes? Because on the build-and-sell side of that, they have to make a larger home in order to get the money to make it a profitable endeavor,” he said. “That’s why you are seeing a lot of the smaller homes being torn down, because for investors there’s not enough money to be made without adding the square footage to make it a bigger home, make a better product for the consumer.”
According to Tim Loughrin, who is the vice president of land acquisition for Robertson Brothers Homes, which builds and develops homes, pricing for new developments depends on the market area.
Bazner said that in Royal Oak, new construction is “basically, a million dollars.”
Robertson Brothers builds and develops a variety of
different kinds of housing, including condominiums, townhouses and single-family homes.
Loughrin provided examples of different pricing options.
“Generally speaking, our townhomes are in the low $300s, starting, and we’ve got them kind of piercing the $400-thousands in Troy, and there’s a lot of demand for that type of house in Troy,” he said. “It has a lot to do with the underlined market. Like for Troy, it’s hard to get into a single-family home for less than ($700,000) or $800,000, so $400,000’s a bargain. But in other communities, that’s about the price of a single-family house, so it really depends on where you’re at.”
For those who may be looking for a better bargain, according to Loughrin, Robertson Brothers has a project in Commerce Township where single-family homes are starting in the high $400,000-range.
Townhomes may also be an option for those who are looking to save some money on a new-construction project.
“The difference between a townhome and a singlefamily, you’re talking at least $150,000 in price difference,” Loughrin said. “I’m talking 1,330 square-feet, compared to 2,000 square feet. And of course, with a single-family, you get a yard, so there’s sacrifices you make with a townhome, but it is, relatively speaking, cheaper than single-family, and of course you have those amenities you get in a walkable community.”
Those kinds of differences can help explain Loughrin’s observation of the housing market.
“That’s why townhomes are popular; it’s really entrylevel housing,” Loughrin said. “You cannot build even a very small single-family home and sell it for less than $400,000 because of costs. You’ve got construction costs, land-development costs, land costs. Everything has shot up a lot, especially since COVID.”
Although the cost of new-construction homes isn’t to everybody’s liking, it does present an advantage for some who are in the market to buy.
“We see less and less of the people that are willing to buy something, spend a lot of time fixing it up, and the time it
takes to live through a remodel,” Bazner said. “You might’ve been able to buy something that was less expensive and save some money, but we see less and less of the consumer willing to do that now than we did in the past. So those investors and people that are coming in, they’re kind of filling that gap to make that housing stock turn around to make them something more desirable for the consumer to buy. … What they’re looking for is turnkey with all the things I expect it to be.”
According to Loughrin, it typically takes about six months to build a home from start to finish.
Although consumers can contact a developer in advance of a home being built and be part of the process from beginning to end, according to Bazner, that is not typically the case.
“Most of the time a builder or investor is buying that property, tearing it down, putting up a product, and selling it already completed to somebody,” Bazner said. “Investors, builders, they’re buying those small houses, putting a larger home on it, and then selling it once it’s completed on the open market. That’s what you’re seeing.”
New construction projects can include building single homes on land where a previous home stood, as well as building communities on larger sites, such as those that were previously occupied by properties that belonged to school districts.
For those who would like to see smaller, single-family homes continue to be built, Loughrin offered a glimmer of hope.
“The main demand we’re seeing are detached ranch condominiums,” he said. “So that’s something we’ve been successful with, finding those type of properties and getting them approved. There is a lot of demand for that product, and that’s really the market segment that’s growing. As far as more of your traditional, smaller, single-family residential, I think that’s probably the next demand. If we can build ’em, they’ll buy ’em.”
Bazner can be reached at mbazner@maxbroock.com.
For information about Robertson Brothers Homes, visit robertsonhomes.com.
Craft can be reached by email at todd craft@citylifemi. com.
Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.
Dr. Bergeron has comprehensive education, training, and experience in hospital and clinic-based patient care. She excels in all areas of foot and ankle care with specific training and interest in wound care and foot and ankle surgery (including cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques designed to minimize surgical trauma and help patients recover faster).
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63. Great Lake 66. Be in the red 68. Were introduced
