Planning Commission approves Gallo apartments for Irving
CITY COUNCIL REJECTED
SIMILAR PROPOSAL IN 2022
BY
ERIC CZARNIK
eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Around two years after an apartment project for Irving Road was rejected by the Sterling Heights City Council, the Sterling Heights Planning Commission has given a modified version of it a green light.
During an Aug. 14 meeting, the Sterling Heights Planning Commission voted 8-1 to clear the way for developer Gallo Cos. to build an apartment complex on Irving Road. Planning Commission Vice Chair Nathan Inks was the sole dissenter.
Gallo Cos. sought a special land use and site plan
See APARTMENTS on page 16A
Rectangular rapid flashing beacons are set to be installed near Stevenson High School soon, according to Sterling Heights city officials. City officials are warning students and other pedestrians to be cautious when crossing the road this back-to-school season.
Flashing beacons alert drivers to stop for pedestrians
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Sometimes it takes big flashing lights to draw people’s attention, and that’s just what Sterling Heights city officials hope will happen at certain crosswalks throughout the city with the return of back-to-school season.
In an Aug. 27 YouTube video produced by Sterling Heights, Sterling Heights police Lt. Aaron Susalla and City Engineer Brent Bashaw educate the public about rectangular rapid flashing beacons, or RRFBs, and how they operate.
According to Bashaw, pedestrians may activate these devices by pushing a button at the crosswalk, which then triggers a flashing strobe-like light on a nearby sign.
Susalla pointed out that the flashing sign is designed to alert drivers. While he said the flashing lights by themselves don’t necessarily require drivers to stop, other accompanying conditions may require them to do so.
“As a driver, you’re not required to stop at these,” he said. “The lights are flashing just (to) make you aware. But if a driver on the opposite side does stop and the pedestrian is able to enter the crosswalk, at that point, the drivers are required to stop.”
See BEACONS on page 26A
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Professional Profiles ComParison
Peter J. Lucido Opponent
Current Legal Practice Employment
Currently serving as the elected Macomb County Prosecutor since 2020.
Currently unemployed.
Legal Practice & Management Experience
• Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Macomb County, managing over 70 attorneys and 75+ legal support staff handling more than 60,000 legal actions during the last 4 years.
• Restored integrity & competency in one of the most corruptly run Prosecutor’s Office in the history of Michigan.
• Private practice attorney & founder of a Macomb County based law firm defending rights of individuals, families and seniors for over 35+ years.
• Litigated hundreds of cases in Macomb County Courts.
• Represented thousands of clients in Macomb County.
• Member of the Macomb County Bar Association, 40 years.
• Over 36 years as licensed attorney.
• Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office, 3 years.
• Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, 6 years.
• No top-level experience managing a County Prosecutor’s Office or a private law firm.
• No experience fighting corruption in a Prosecutor’s’ Office.
• Never litigated a case in a Macomb County.
• Never represented a client in a Macomb County Court.
• No membership in the Macomb County Bar Association.
• Less than 10 years as licensed attorney.
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Firsts
• First Conviction Integrity Unit.
• First Hate Crimes Unit.
• First Warrant Appeals Unit.
• First Major Crimes Unit.
• Hired most women attorneys during a four-year term.
• See web site for complete list.
NONE
Awards for Legal Practice in Macomb
• National Association of Counties County presented 26 awards to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office during Prosecutor Lucido’s tenure.
• See web site for complete list.
State Legislative & Public Policy Experience
• Served 2 years in the Michigan Senate, and 4 years in the Michigan House of Representatives.
• See web site for complete list.
Personal Legal Record
• Never arrested or charged with a crime.
NONE NONE
• Criminally charged in Ann Arbor (Case # 08W186476).
Civic & Involvement in Macomb County
• Macomb Hall of Fame Inductee.
• Macomb Community Correction, Board Member.
• Macomb Care House, Board Member.
• Current or past member of more than 10 non-profit and community organizations based in Macomb County.
• See web site for complete list.
• President of less than 2 years old nonprofit organization that co-sponsored a public event at Warren City Hall in June of 2024 during which children were exposed to sexually explicit materials and sex toys according to a July 8, 2024 report in the Macomb Daily newspaper.
Small Business Ownership & Job Creation
• Founded one of Macomb County’s largest independent law firms.
• Founder & former Publisher of Macomb Now Magazine.
NONE
Peter J. Lucido went to Lansing to make law. Now, Peter is home working to end the corruption in Macomb County.
Under Pete’s leadership, he has activated a “Public Corruption & Ethics Unit” at the Prosecutor’s ofce, because justice demands it!
Tuesday, November 5th
City officials, consultants say patience required for mixed-use development success
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Denser mixed-use districts at several Sterling Heights intersections were recently declared a long-term city planning priority by Sterling Heights officials.
City Council and Planning Commission members assembled at the Sterling Heights Community Center Aug. 28 to discuss issues pertaining to an upcoming update to the city’s master land use plan, which the state requires every five years. The particular focus was on “key nodes” and “priority corridors” at certain city intersections.
Sterling Heights agrees to sister city status with Ankawa
IRAQI CITY HOME TO LARGE CHALDEAN POPULATION
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — The city of Sterling Heights has a new “sibling” more than 6,000 miles away.
During an Aug. 20 meeting, the Sterling Heights City Council unanimously approved via its consent agenda the establishment of a sister city relationship with Ankawa, a city in northern Iraq with a large Chaldean Christian population. According to a Sterling Heights city document, Ankawa’s population is around 65,000, and 90% of its residents are Chaldean.
According to Sterling Heights officials, the city already has sister city ties with Tetovo, North Macedonia; Legazpi City and Sorsogon City, Philippines; Sant’Elia Fiumerapido and Cassino, Italy; Shengjin, Albania; and Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Sterling Heights Special Projects Coordinator Meghan Ahearn said the city has been busy working on the latest partnership, including three months involving online meetings between Ankawa and Sterling Heights officials, including Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor and City Manager Mark Vanderpool.
See ANKAWA on page 12A
One of the city’s priorities is converting more areas into mixed-use hubs that combine residential living space with groundfloor commercial or retail shopping areas. Jill Bahm and Andy Aamodt, both from consulting firm Giffels Webster, started the Aug. 28 meeting with a presentation on how traditional commercial areas or strip malls
were built for motorists’ convenience, with large parking lots and drive-thrus. Aamodt pointed to a parking lot at Dequindre and 17 Mile roads that reportedly only has around 31% of its parking spaces typically used. He also said many commercial areas lack pedestrian amenities.
ABOVE: The Chaldean Community Foundation is being credited for its role in helping establish a sister city relationship between Sterling Heights and Ankawa, Iraq. File photo by Erin Sanchez
LEFT: Rita Young, Nina Jean and Nasreen play instruments and remember traditional songs at the CCF’s display at a previous Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange. File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
NHS to host mom-to-mom sale, Halloween event
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Philip S. Killoran Chapter of the National Honor Society at Sterling Heights High School is holding two events this fall to raise money and awareness for the Friends of Foster Kids in Macomb County. It’s a cause the students have taken up in recent years to help children in foster homes. The goal is to raise $5,000 for the nonprofit organization.
On Sept. 21, the students will hold their second annual Back-to-School Mom2-Mom sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sterling Heights High School, 12901 15 Mile Road, building entrance No. 12. The sale offers a space to families and businesses that want to share resale items and/or products related to families with infants up to college-aged freshmen.
Table rental is available for family personal resale at $20 for the first table with a $5 discount on additional table rentals. Businesses can rent table space for $30 for the first table with a $5 discount on additional table rentals. Both types of renters have available rack or shelf space for $5 each. There will be big-ticket item room space available for $2 per item. Strollers are welcome.
Things will get spooky for the chapter next month when it holds its third annual Frights & Delights Halloween fundraiser from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 25. The ghoulish fun
will be indoors and outdoors at the high school, building entrance No. 12.
The festivities will include a free trunkor-treat with a contest for the best-decorated trunks; a carnival with games prizes at $5 for 20 tickets; a haunted hallway at $5 per entry; and concessions with Halloween baked goods, popcorn, cider and doughnuts. Family-friendly costumes are welcome.
Community members who would like to participate in the trunk-or-treat or have further questions can send an email to shhs. psk.nhs@gmail.com. Please put “Frights & Delights” in the subject line.
Friends of Foster Kids was founded by Theresa Toia, whose daughter was a caseworker in the state’s foster care system. Toia works with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to help foster children in southeastern Michigan who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. Some children are living in foster care facilities or foster care homes.
With the help of volunteers and private donations, the Friends of Foster Kids is about “the five Cs.” Those are Christmas, care, college, careers, and the coalition of community commitment. Each component provides needs for children removed from a bad situation, including shoes, coats, clothing, undergarments, pajamas and blankets.
To book a table at the Back-to-School Mom-2-Mom sale, scan the QR CODE.
Students
Students
CRIME WATCH
Shoplifter attempts theft of kids items from Walmart
Police learned Aug. 25 about a reported shoplifting incident at Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave.
According to store staff, a suspect paid for some but not all merchandise at the self-scan checkout. Upon then allegedly trying to leave with unpaid items, the suspect was caught by staff. The stolen items included kids clothing, kids shoes, a bag and milk bottles, police said. Police cited the suspect for third-degree retail fraud.
Patrons evicted over hotel swimming pool argument
Police went to a hotel in the 36000 block of Van Dyke Avenue Aug. 24 upon hearing that some patrons had been arguing with a worker.
According to police, guests from two rooms had reportedly been celebrating a birthday party at the swimming pool, and a worker reportedly told them that too many people were in that area. This reportedly made several patrons mad, and they allegedly yelled and “got into her face,” according to staff.
Police said a hotel manager wanted the patrons to leave, so police passed on the message, and they followed the order. Police took no further action.
Vehicle stolen from outside SHAP
Police went to the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, 38111 Van Dyke Ave., the night of Aug. 23 upon hearing that a silver Honda Sonata had been stolen there sometime between 2 and 10 p.m. Police said the vehicle’s owner still had the vehicle’s keys.
Moped wheelies reported around Dodge Park
Police heard a complaint the evening of Aug. 23 about two mopeds doing wheelies along a trail in the area of Dodge Park, near Utica Road. Police did not say in the report what sort of action they took in response.
Teen bothers waitress at restaurant
A male teen wearing a black tracksuit was allegedly bothering a waitress Aug. 23 at a restaurant near 15 Mile and Schoenherr roads. Police said the suspect had left the restaurant by the time they got there, and they told staff to call again if he returns.
Anyone who has more information about these events or general suspicious happenings is encouraged to call the Sterling Heights Police Department at (586) 446-2800.
— Eric Czarnik
Office: 13650 E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48089 (586) 498-8000 facebook.com/sterlingheightssentry @candgnews candgnews.com
Editor: Annie Bates | (586) 498-1071 | abates@candgnews.com
Reporter: Eric Czarnik | (586) 498-1058 | eczarnik@candgnews.com
Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com For retail ad rates: Dan Carroll | (586) 498-1024 | dcarroll@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100 Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com
Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
https://forms.offce.com/r/dRj5cFa3bC
“There’s a lot of sameness,” Aamodt said regarding the commercial plazas. “They’re kind of built to the same cookie-cutter type of portfolio, for the most part.”
Bahm said mixed-use development hubs promise a better quality of life, more walkability and accessibility, better environmental sustainability, more economic growth, and more housing.
“Some of these areas can really generate a strong sense of community as well, which also gives people that civic pride, that feeling that they’re in a really special area,” she said.
Bahm also said “patience is key” in developing mixed uses and often requires phased implementation, public and private investments, transit options, and more, calling it “really hard.”
City Council and Planning Commission members voted by remote to choose whether they preferred certain node intersections in the city to either be moderate-sized “districts” — roughly defined as 15 to 25 acres, up to four or five stories tall — or less intense, smaller-scale “neighborhoods.”
As a result, their popular candidates for neighborhoods were Dequindre Road-17 Mile Road, Ryan Road-17 Mile, and Dodge Park Road-15 Mile Road.
In contrast, their popular candidates for districts were Ryan-18 Mile Road, Schoenherr Road-19 Mile Road, Dequindre-15 Mile, Ryan-15 Mile, Schoenherr-15 Mile, and Schoenherr-14 Mile Road.
During the presentation and workshop, city officials heard examples of mixed-use development succeeding, including along Big Beaver Road, near Crooks Road, in Troy. The officials also brainstormed and discussed various facets of advancing mixed-use development, including possible incentives, policy changes, implementation barriers, and attributes of successful or unsuccessful
places.
No policy decisions were finalized at the meeting. Planning Commissioner Gerald Rowe, noting the earlier statements about phased implementation and “patience,” mentioned the need to find a business champion or two in the community to partner with the city’s vision.
Planning Commissioner Geoff Gariepy said the relationship between the city and developers could potentially become adversarial unless the city first engages with developers over the benefits of the city’s vision.
Mayor Michael Taylor said housing is the key catalyst in mixed-use success stories and that Sterling Heights needs to show that “density works.” He said the city must start by working with developers to get housing in the targeted areas “and then hope it grows from there.” He encouraged officials not to make the perfect the enemy of the good in approving development proposals.
“So if we don’t collaborate and look for ways to work with our development partners and we just tell them it’s our way or the highway, they’re going to take the highway,” Taylor said. “We have to get what we can and build momentum, and that’s the way forward.”
According to City Planner Jake Parcell, city officials expect to reveal a draft of the next version of the city’s master land use plan by the end of this year.
Learn more about Sterling Heights by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2489.
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
NEWS & NOTES
Farmers market to have themed weeks
The Dodge Park Farmers Market will have special event themes 3-8 p.m. Thursdays in September. Sept. 12 will have a “Market Fit” healthy living theme, Sept. 19 will be themed around Oktoberfest, and Sept. 26 will let people see city vehicles up close via a “Touch a Truck” theme. Learn more about the event by visiting myshpr.net or by calling (586) 446-2700.
CREDIT UNION
HOSTS TOY DONATION DRIVE
Cornerstone Community Financial Credit Union is running its ninth annual Pediatric Cancer Awareness toy drive, which throughout September gathers toys for baby and toddler patients fighting cancer at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. See wishlists of toys that donors can buy for the young patients from Amazon, Target or Walmart by visiting CCFinan cial.com/toybox.
Nature Center to host fall stroll
The Sterling Heights Nature Center, 42700 Utica Road, will host an Autumn Equinox Walk through a colorful treescape at noon Sept. 21. The path will be a bit over a mile long, so organizers recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, water and strollers if small children are coming along. General admission costs $4 per resident or $7 per nonresident. Children under 5 years old are free. Both parents and kids must register, and children must be supervised by their parents. Pets are not allowed to join. RSVP by visiting bit. ly/4dQGe3m or registration.sterlingheights.gov, or call (586) 4462700 to learn more.
Lakeside bike path naming contest continues
Until Oct. 31, Leviathan Development and Out of the Box Ventures are hosting a “Name Our Bike Path” contest for a public space within the future Lakeside City Center. The winner will win a bike, and the bike path will be named according to the winning entry. Find out more about the contest by visiting lakesidecitycenter.com/ name-the-bike-path.
DPW TO HOLD RECYCLING TOWN HALL
The Sterling Heights Department of Public Works, 7200 18 Mile Road, will hold a town hall 4-6 p.m. Sept. 18 to discuss “Recycling 101” as well as a new ordinance that deals with recycling at multifamily complexes. Learn more about the event by calling (586) 446-2440, or find out more about the DPW by visiting sterlingheights.gov and typing “Public Works” in the search bar.
Macomb County prosecutor to host hate crimes telephone town hall
CIDER MILLS IN OAKLAND AND MACOMB COUNTIES
Armada
• Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, blakefarms.com/orchard-cider-mill
• Blake’s Big Apple, 71485 North Ave.,blakefarms.com/big-apple
Bloomfield Hills
• Franklin Cider Mill, 7450 Franklin Road, franklincidermill.com
Holly
• Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 1479 Ranch Road, diehlsorchard.com
• Mitchell Farm, 3500 Mitchell Road, mitchellfarm.biz/index.html
Lake Orion
• Yates Cider Mill at Canterbury Village, 2375 Joslyn Ct., yatescidermill.com/canterbury-village
Ortonville
• Ashton Orchards, 3925 Seymour Lake Road, michigan.org/property/ashton-orchards
Rochester
• Rochester Cider Mill, 5125 N. Rochester Road, rochestercidermill.com
Rochester Hills
• Yates Cider Mill, 1950 E. Avon Road, yatescidermill.com
Romeo
• Hy’s Cider Mill, 6350 37 Mile Road, hyscidermill.com
• Stony Creek Orchard and Cider Mill, 2961 W. 32 Mile Road, stonycreekorchard.com
• Westview Orchards & Cider Mill, 65075 Van Dyke Ave., westvieworchards.com
Washington Township
• Big Red Orchard and Cider Mill, 4900 32 Mile Road, bigredorchard.com
• Verellen Orchards, 63260 Van Dyke Ave., verellenorchards.com
MACOMB COUNTY — The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office will host a telephone town hall at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, to address various topics about hate crimes. The town hall, hosted by Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido and Hate Crimes Unit Chief Patrick Coletta, offers residents an opportunity to engage directly with the Prosecutor’s Office on hate crime issues. It will also offer residents an opportunity to ask general questions and to learn what a hate crime is; what resources are available to victims; how to report a hate crime; and what a community can do. To join, register by visiting macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office/units/hate-crimes or by calling (586) 466-8722.
Photo provided by Cornerstone Community Financial Credit Union
0296-2437
0348-2435
Ankawa
from page 3A
“Up until now, the sister city partnerships forged with the city of Sterling Heights have been more ceremonial and have lacked follow-up conversations on either side,” Ahearn said.
“Going forward, these ceremonial partnerships will now be infused with continuous collaboration and education, setting a new model for sister partnerships in the future.”
Ahearn said the partnership will focus on three main types of stakeholders. According to her presentation, the first is culture, which particularly involves communities, youth, foundations and service providers. The second is education, pertaining to research, media and donors. And the last stakeholder category is commerce, involving businesses, trade unions, investors and more.
City intern Kirill Eydinov said the cultural exchange component of the partnership will include art, music and youth development. He said the city hopes to hold a digital art exchange with Ankawa, as well as an annual art contest held by both cities.
He also said the program would recognize “rising talent and emerging leaders” in each city. And he said there could be
exchanges among the cities’ business communities as well as “thought leadership workshops” related to organizational management, cybersecurity and more.
According to a city timeline, Sterling Heights expects many of these programs, including the international art contest and the educational and business programs, to take place during the 2025 fiscal year.
The city said it hopes to accept a delegation from Ankawa and also hopes to send a Sterling Heights delegation over there. A delegation trip of city and CCF representatives is also planned for the 2025 fiscal year, followed by an Ankawa delegation visit in the 2026 fiscal year.
Eydinov said the city planned to submit an application for a federal grant program by the end of August to fund the initiative. The intern added that the program has support from Ankawa, the Kurdistan Regional Government, Macomb Community College and the Chaldean Community Foundation.
“We will continue to seek federal money and sustain and grow this program, but we also have a public-private partnership platform in mind if along the way we need financial stopgaps to complete our projects,” Eydinov said.
When City Council members responded to the presentation, Mayor Pro Tem Liz
Sierawski said she is eager to see the program’s direction and welcomed the news that it would be “mostly outside funded,” adding that residents expect the city to be careful with money.
Taylor said he met Ankawa’s mayor, Ramy Noori Awdish, a few months ago when the latter was in town, adding that it was “a very productive meeting.” Taylor said he hopes to visit Ankawa someday, adding that he visited the Middle East earlier this year and “was absolutely blown away.”
“It’s long overdue that we have a sister city relationship with an Iraqi city,” Taylor said. “Iraqis make up, Chaldeans make up, probably the single largest ethnic group in the city of Sterling Heights, and they’re an incredibly important part of our community. … And it’s important, I think, that we don’t just make this sister city relationship like some of the others — that we really make it meaningful and learn from them and impart whatever we can on the city of Ankawa as well.”
Sterling Heights Community Relations Director Melanie Davis said after the meeting in a text message that the city has not at this point budgeted any funding toward the Ankawa partnership’s programming. She identified the potential federal grant as coming from the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in
Iraq’s Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program and said the grant application is seeking $98,875.
CCF President Martin Manna told the Sentry after the meeting that the CCF has been “actively pursuing this relationship between the city of Sterling Heights and the city of Ankawa mainly because these two cities probably boast the largest concentrations of Chaldeans both in Iraq and the United States.” Manna said around 25% of Sterling Heights is Chaldean.
Manna explained that Ankawa can learn city administration practices from Sterling Heights, and Sterling Heights can learn from Ankawa the historical traditions and Chaldean culture. He also said he has personally visited Ankawa before.
“Ankawa is one of the fastest-growing cities in northern Iraq within the Kurdistan region,” he said. “I was pleasantly surprised at the open spaces, the park settings, the fact that this is one of a few cities in Iraq that has a flourishing Chaldean community.”
Learn more about the Chaldean Community Foundation by visiting chaldeanfoundation.org. Learn more about Sterling Heights by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2489.
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
Enhance the design atmosphere of any space at Consign Couture
Looking for that signature piece or design element to take any interior space to the next level? Look no further than Consign Couture Interiors & Inspiration.
Now celebrating three years on 18 Mile Road in Clinton Township, Consign Couture founder Rosemarie Baldwin said she wanted to create a personalized shopping experience offering consignment pieces, builder’s model merchandise and new furniture, home decor and oneof-a-kind gifts.
“When you come into my store, it’s somewhat of a treasure hunt,” Baldwin said. “The store is flled with national name brands, all at amazing prices. It’s perfect for very
savvy consumers who really know their brands.”
Baldwin spent 35 years in retail and was a vice president of visual merchandising and marketing for national retailers. She said she wanted to put that national experience to work at the local level.
At Consign Couture, you’ll fnd new high-end home decor items from brands including Uttermost — accent pieces, vases, statues, furniture and tables. Merchandise in the store on consignment bears famous brand names, including
West Elm and Pottery Barn.
“We’ve curated a selection of stylish and unique items, perfect for refreshing your space and treating your loved ones,” Baldwin said. “We have an extensive collection of funky items if you’re looking for something that makes a big statement in your decor. I love to enhance atmospheres, to tie rooms together and help designers make a bold statement.”
Baldwin said she’s already looking forward to the weeks and months ahead, and the interior
design inspirations that will change with the seasons. “What I’m really excited about is celebrating the fall season and a spectacular holiday season ahead,” she said. “I will be selling seasonal holiday things such as different lighted orbs, beautiful garlands, holiday candles, decor pieces, pillows and throws.”
Consign Couture Interiors & Inspiration is located at 16989 18 Mile Road in Clinton Township. For more about the shop and its wares visit consigncouturemi.com.
25%
ONE
Excludes Furniture Regular price items.
Spring-breaking news!
Now is the time to book your next trip
You can’t wait until the cold winds blow to start planning your next escape to the sun and sea on a beach or a cruise ship.
Travel Time Vacation & Cruises has you covered.
“ is is a good time for people to book their travel for the end of the year and also for next year,” said Je rey Leonardi, a travel sales professional and the owner of Travel Time Vacations & Cruises.
Leonardi has been booking winter and spring break getaways, annual trips and vacations of a lifetime for his clients for 28+ years. He knows how to do it, and when to do it.
“For people who wait until the last minute, they think they’re getting a really good deal on a cruise. When you take a look at the whole
picture, the air travel at the last minute could be more than the cruise,” Leonardi said. “It’s good to book these in advance. I will always nd the very best deal for everyone.”
ose who wait to book not only risk losing the best price. ey risk losing the chance to go at all.
“For example, for Alaska, now is the time to book for next year, because it was all sold out last year,” Leonardi said.
He said he’s putting together a group deal with Royal Caribbean for an Alaskan Cruise in 2025.
“And the Caribbean tends to sell out as well for spring break season. It’s the best time, the best weather. It’s incredible in the winter and in
the spring, as it’s past hurricane season,” Leonardi said.
When you book with Travel Time, Leonardi is your booking contact and your only contact. He personally takes care of everything, so all you have to do is relax on vacation.
Travel Time Vacations & Cruises o ers its clients the world, including a trip to “Southern Italy & Sicily” (see below) from April 27 to May 9, 2025.
To inquire about booking your next trip through Travel Time Vacations & Cruises, call (586) 323-6100. For more information, visit 586travel.com.
Apartments
from page 1A
approval for its concept two-story apartment complex, Sterling Landings III, at 8271 Irving Road, which is south of 15 Mile Road and just east of Van Dyke Avenue.
The currently vacant property sits on about 2.25 acres and has been zoned as O-2 planned office district, and the space is within the Van Dyke Mixed Use District. According to City Planner Jake Parcell, residential housing is to the property’s east, and the other three sides have commercial or office zoning. City officials said the proposal calls for 50 one-bedroom units and 20 twobedroom units.
The Sterling Heights City Council denied via a 6-1 vote a similar proposal with 64 units in 2022. Parcell said that the latest proposal would be the No. 3 densest planned apartment complex in the city at 31.11 units per acre, just behind No. 2 Marketplace Cove along Brougham Drive, near Van Dyke, and No. 1 Icon Park Residences, by 14 Mile and Mound roads.
Gallo and his attorney, Philip Ruggeri, argued that the property is too hidden and obscure from Van Dyke to be suitable for retail, and that their request merely sought to remove the retail requirement.
crime, water drainage, increased traffic, lighting, a characterized lack of green space, and the planned area for dogs. Another resident speaker said, “This design is a lot better than the other one.”
Planning Commission Chair Pashko Ujkic said the property could conform to the mixed-use district requirements if even a small percentage of its ground floor had some type of commercial use, like a dry cleaner. Planning Commissioner Geoff Gariepy said the purpose of zoning is to make sure property uses are harmonious with one another. He added that he opposed the idea that the government knows better than the market or should dictate to private property owners “by fiat” what they can or cannot build.
“I can assure you that this piece will never ever, ever in our lifetime become mixed-use,” Ruggeri said, later adding: “If it was something that was feasible, (Gallo) would do it in a New York minute.”
Planning Commission Vice Chair Nathan Inks said if the city allows exceptions to the Van Dyke Mixed Use District, the area won’t actually become mixed use.
“The point of the overlay district was to change the status quo,” Inks said.
Planning Commissioner Gerald Rowe said that while he respects the Van Dyke Mixed Use District concept, he had doubts about whether Irving has a traffic volume that could sustain commercial use.
During public comment, some residents cited concerns over privacy, noise,
While Gallo insisted that he didn’t have to do so, he ended up agreeing to designate and market a couple of units on the first floor for potential commercial development — under the premise that if there’s no demand after 18 months, he gets to convert those units to residential.
According to Parcell, this passed proposal doesn’t have to go to the City Council for final approval.
Learn more about the Sterling Heights Planning Commission by visiting sterlingheights.gov and typing “Planning Commission” in the search bar.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
ABOVE: The Sterling Heights Planning Commission recently voted in favor of a special land use and site plan approval for the Sterling Landings III apartment complex to occupy currently vacant land along Irving Road in Sterling Heights. TOP: This rendering shows a concept design for the Sterling Landings III apartment complex for 8271 Irving Road in Sterling Heights.
Image provided by Gallo Cos.
Discover the Benefits of CBD for Your Dog
SIERAWSKI Asst. Prosecuting Attorney PAT
FOR 41-A DISTRICT COURT JUDGE
Five Things You Need to Know About Pat Sierawski
1
Pat Sierawski is Experienced
Pat Sierawski has served his entire legal career as an Asst. Prosecuting Attorney for Macomb County as Chief of the Internet Crimes Unit, Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit, Chief of the Environmental Crimes Unit and Deputy Chief of the Juvenile Division. He has handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases.
2
Pat Sierawski is Trusted
Pat Sierawski has already earned the endorsement of Public Works Commissioner Candice Miler, Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, Prosecutor Peter Lucido, Treasurer Lary Rocca, Chairman of the County Board Don Brown, Supervisor Rick Stathakis, Mayor Mike Taylor and Mayor Gus Calandrino. Also endorsed by Justice David Viviano and over 50 Elected Officials and Judges.
3
Pat Sierawski Respects Veterans
Pats’ Grandfather served in World War Two in the Pacific at the Battle of Okinawa and received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. Father flew C-130’s in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and received Air Force Air Medal. Twin brother currently serves as a Major in the Marine Corps and was deployed twice to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
4
5
Pat Sierawski is Highly Trained
Pat Sierawski is a graduate of Saint Lawrence School, De La Salle Collegiate High School, University of Michigan with a BSA in Political Science and received his Juris Doctor Degree from Wayne State Law School.
Sierawski Equals Service
Pat’s Father, Chief Judge of the 41-A District Court, Stephen Sierawski has served the people of 41-A District Court for over 25 years. Chief Judge Sierawski served over 20 years in the United States Air Force. Pats’ mother, Mayor Pro Tem of Sterling Heights, Liz Sierawski has served as Mayor Pro Tem for the past eight years. Pats’ twin brother, Anthony Sierawski, has served over thirteen years in the United States Marine Corps.
CAR CRUISERS DRIVE INTO THEIR LANES
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — If there is a car cruise in town, chances are Gary White is there.
Last month, the Warren resident made the rounds at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Oakland County and Cruisin’ Hines in Hines Park in Wayne County.
“I’ve done the Woodward cruise every year since it started. I started that with my sons,” White said. “Hines Park is always moving. You very seldom see a traffic jam.”
He’s also a regular at the Ukrainian Cultural Center car show on Tuesday nights in Warren, and Sandbaggers on Wednesday nights in Center Line.
On Aug. 28, White brought his 1941 Plymouth Deluxe Coupe to Macomb County for the annual Shorewood Kiwanis Club of St. Clair Shores Harper Charity Cruise. Girlfriend Betsy Spence accompanied him. Amid the tires screeching on Harper, the horns honking to celebrate the occasion and a live show from local cowboy rockers the Orbitsuns in the background, the pair enjoyed the evening. The event also raised money for local charities.
“The people here are great. You can cruise around,” White, 72, said. “I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on the car today.”
White bought his brown-and-beige model two years ago.
“It’s one that I happened to run across,” the car buff said. “I liked the two-tone.”
He did some work on it to make it road ready.
“I changed all the exhaust on it and I changed up the engine. Things like that,” he said. “We drive the car anyplace we want to go.”
White takes his car out every week, often with Spence by his side. In the early days of the Woodward Dream Cruise, White built his own car, a 1948 Chevy aero sedan. White described the aero sedan as a fastback. The fastback features a car body style in which the roofline slopes continuously down at the back.
“When I built the car, I found it for $500. I took it completely apart and rebuilt the whole car,” he said. “With help from my friends, it took me seven months. I had it for 20 years.”
He passed his love for cars onto his sons, Willis White and Gary White II, who are now grown.
“My son Gary has a 1947 Pontiac coupe,” White said. “He drove it on Route 66 all the way to Arizona.”
Other car enthusiasts made their way around different car shows this summer, including John Marino, who is the owner of a 1967 Dodge Coronet 440 convertible. The car had already been primed for painting by the previous owner when he bought it last fall. Marino, 65, stripped the car down to bare metal.
The St. Clair Shores resident made a plan to restore the Coronet, anticipating it would take five years. But after working on the car each day for two hours at a time, he finished everything in just five months.
“When I bought it, I made a long list of everything that needed to be done. I tried to finish things off the list every day with shortterm goals,” Marino said. “I’m happy with it. It’s been photographed a lot. It gets a lot of compliments.”
Marino has always had a passion for working on cars.
“It’s in my blood,” he said.
At age 15, his first car was an Opel model that his dad brought back from Italy. He’s been tinkering under the hood ever since. He’s known to buy inexpensive cars,
LEFT: John
did a family pet, a dachshund named John.
BELOW: Gary White, of Warren, takes his 1941 Plymouth
fix them up and sell them.
“Every car I’ve had, I’ve had to do something to it,” Marino said.
Marino, too, was at the Harper Charity Cruise with a number of family members and friends. They spent the evening together as automobiles of all styles decorated the avenue. The cruise ran from Old Eight Mile Road to Bayside Street near 11 Mile Road.
“This is my favorite cruise. We just have a blast,” Marino said. “I like to go to any car cruise where I can drive.”
If the Marino name sounds familiar it’s because he and his brother, John, own Paisano’s Restaurant in St. Clair Shores, which their grandfather started in 1955.
Marino, pictured at the steering wheel, brought his 1967 Dodge Coronet 440 convertible to the annual Shorewood Kiwanis Club of St. Clair Shores Harper Charity Cruise Aug. 28. A number of family members and friends joined in, as
Deluxe Coupe to various car shows every week.
Photos by Maria Allard
YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR
Please join Michelle O’Hara, Director of Advance Planning at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, for a thoughtful discussion about the many benefits of early funeral and cremation planning.
Please join Michelle O’Hara, Director of Advance Planning at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, for a thoughtful discussion about
Please join Michelle O’Hara, Director of Advance Planning at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, for a thoughtful discussion about the many benefits of early funeral and cremation planning.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH | 6:30 P.M.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH | 6:30 P.M.
Sterling Heights Senior Center, 40200 Utica Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48313
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH | 6:30 P.M.
Sterling Heights Senior Center, 40200 Utica Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Sterling Heights Senior Center, 40200 Utica Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48313
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH | 12:OO P.M.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH | 12:OO P.M.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH | 12:OO P.M.
Ike’s Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Ike’s Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Ike’s Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights, MI 48312
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10TH | 12:OO P.M.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10TH | 12:OO P.M.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10TH | 12:OO P.M.
Green Burial Seminar @ Loui’s Pizza, 23141 Dequindre, Hazel Park, MI 48030
Green Burial Seminar @ Loui’s Pizza, 23141 Dequindre, Hazel Park, MI 48030
Green Burial Seminar @ Loui’s Pizza, 23141 Dequindre, Hazel Park, MI 48030
Please RSVP to 586-731-2411 as seating is limited and meals will be served.
Please RSVP to 586-731-2411 as seating is limited and meals will be served.
Visit
Visit sullivanfuneraldirectors.com and like us on Facebook to get up-to-date information on events!
Visit sullivanfuneraldirectors.com and like us on Facebook to get up-to-date information on events!
Please RSVP to 586-731-2411 as seating is limited and meals will be served. 0269-2435
HOMES
22A/SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY
TURN GARDENS INTO POLLINATOR HAVENS
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — A garden can be more than a patch of beautiful landscaping. It can be a lifeline for nature.
Pollinators — insects and animals that carry pollen from plant to plant, allowing plants to reproduce — can find pollen and dine on nectar from any variety of flowers. By planting a pollinator-friendly garden, expert green thumbs and gardening first-timers alike can provide a space that allows pollinator species to flourish.
“When you talk about pollinator plants, you’re talking about ones that provide really good sources of pollen and nectar,” Caitlin Splawski, Michigan State University Extension consumer horticulture educator, said. “Pollinators can range anywhere from ants to flies to bees and wasps to butterflies, and they all have different requirements for what they need. Generally insects require pollen for protein and require nectar for carbohydrates.”
Planting pollinator gardens serves an important purpose for the health of pollinator insect species. While the invasive and domesticated honeybee tends to serve as the poster child for pollinators in danger, Michigan’s native pollinators remain under threat from habitat loss, pesticides and diseases. Planting to their needs can help these species.
Before planting anything, MSU Extension educator and entomologist David Lowenstein recommends getting a feel for the suitability of your plot.
“If you want to help pollinators, hopefully you have an area that gets five or more hours of direct sun, because there’s not a lot of plants that are attractive to pollinators that do well in full shade,” Lowenstein said.
Keeping a diversity of blooming times allows for pollinators to have food sources all year. Flowers such as asters will bloom in the fall, while perennials like butterfly weed and wild geranium will bloom in the spring and summer.
The MSU Extension plant search tool — which can be accessed at canr.msu.edu/native plants/plant_facts/plant-search-tool — can help gardeners find native plants based on shade, soil moisture, blooming time and location within Michigan.
Planting certain pollinator-friendly flowers is not the only way a garden can benefit pollinators. When managed properly, gardens can serve as homes and egg-laying spots.
“Bees can live in one of two places,” Lowenstein said. “They can live in the soil or they can live in a cavity: rotting logs or the old stems of plants. If you have the space in the garden, leaving a small corner or area a little messy or undisturbed can provide a space that a bee might be able to nest within. If you have some old logs or stems that you’ve cut, they can take advantage of those holes and nest within them. Some people put what’s called ‘bee condos’ in the garden; it’s sort of a house with holes drilled within its wood that cavity-nesting bees can nest in. That’s something you can find at stores or you can make yourself if you drill holes within the wood that are varying diameters from about the size of a dime to 1/16 of an inch in diameter.”
Keeping gardens watered helps plants stay healthy, but nothing is more harmful to the goals of a pollinator garden than spraying it with pesticides.
“Spraying plants during bloom, whether it’s with a pesticide or herbicide, is not recommended because pollinators are only going to visit plants that are flowering, and you don’t want to create toxicity for a bee if it visits a plant that has been sprayed with a pesticide,” Lowenstein said.
Getting started with a pollinator garden can be daunting, but Splawski encourages anyone interested in helping pollinators to give it a go.
“If someone is new to gardening, it’s always a good idea to start small,” Splawski said. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew in a single season, and just doing a small amount in your garden is still better than nothing. Set yourself up for success by starting small and don’t be afraid to dive in. Gardening is a lot of trial and error, so don’t be afraid if something doesn’t work out.”
Resources are available to help anyone looking to plant their own pollinator gardens. The MSU Extension has numerous pages on growing for pollinators at pollinators.msu.edu while the Rochester Pollinators group sells seeds and provides resources through its website at rochesterpollinators.org.
A pollinator garden at a Rochester Hills home features the following plants: purple love grass, cardinal flower, showy goldenrod, New England aster, butterfly milkweed, Joe Pye weed, purple coneflower, northern blazing star, black-eyed Susan and foxglove beardtongue.
Photo provided by Daniela Lucia Garza
EXPLORE
M-22 this two-lane highway offers scenic views and
so much to
do
BY GREG TASKER
NORTHERN MICHIGAN — The Leelanau Peninsula gets a lot of attention in the fall. When the woodsy hills explode in fiery shades of red, orange and yellow, M-22 becomes a river of cars, campers and RVs. Not too long ago, the readers of USA Today voted M-22 as “the best scenic autumn” drive in the country.
But I prefer the Leelanau Peninsula in the summer, especially this time of year, late August and early September, when there is a lull between the crowds of beach-bound families and leaf-peeping couples. M-22 becomes a bit less traveled and there’s more elbow room to check out the places that make this peninsula unique.
Take a drive along M-22 and the rewards are many: panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, postcard-pretty small towns, vineyards, orchards and small farm stands, selling seasonal fruits, vegetables and more. The route also provides easy access to hiking trails, bike paths, beaches and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which stretches for miles along M-22.
You can pick up M-22 on the west side of Traverse City or in the southwestern corner of Leelanau County near Empire. The 116-mile road begins outside of Manistee, about an hour south. That stretch also makes for a great fall road trip.
But let’s stick to the Leelanau Peninsula.
ABOVE: M-22 is a two-lane highway that hugs the shoreline of the the Leelanau Peninsula. BELOW: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore stretches for miles along M-22.
For the unfamiliar, M-22 is a two-lane highway that hugs the shoreline of the pinky-shaped peninsula. One of the most scenic highways in Michigan, M-22 has become an iconic brand. Black-and-white M-22 stickers have become ubiquitous on vehicles, kayaks and backpacks all over. The M-22 brand “symbolizes everything we love about up north living — exploring our lakes, dunes, and forests while fostering authentic community connection,” the founders of the lifestyle brand, local adventurers and brothers Matt and Keegan Myers, explain on their company website.
That sums up much of the appeal of the Leelanau Peninsula.
Even in the thick of summer crowds, Empire exudes the charms of a rural village, with a popular beach just a few blocks from downtown. Smaller than other Leelanau towns, Empire is a great apres-beach stop to grab a burger at Joe’s Friendly Tavern or gelato and chocolate treats from the Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate Shop. This sweet little shop has been around two decades and sources chocolate from Ecuador. Everything is handmade — the truffles and honey caramels are standouts. Empire serves as the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an outdoor paradise spanning more than 70,000 acres along Lake Michigan.
See M-22 on page 25A
Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism
Photo by Greg Tasker
M-22
The diverse landscape of clear lakes and streams, dense woods, beaches and shoreline sand dunes draws hikers, bikers, swimmers, beachcombers and more. Stop at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, just east of the intersection with M-72, to learn more about the popular Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The latter is famous for its one-of-a-kind views of Lake Michigan and the majestic shoreline.
Farther north, Glen Arbor is home to Cherry Republic, the purveyor of all things cherry. Chill and sip cherry-inspired beer or wine at the Cherry Public House. The Mill Glen Arbor is a recently restored grist mill on the banks of the Crystal River. Built nearly 150 years ago, the Mill is now a cafe, restaurant and hotel, earning rave reviews for the restoration and the food, which is seasonal and regionally sourced. The fresh-baked pastries using house-milled grains are a hit too.
Clothing, souvenirs and other shops line M-22. New to the neighborhood is the inviting River Club Glen Arbor, a place to relax, indulge in healthy Mexican-inspired fare and local craft beer and ciders. Play the River Club’s 18-hole miniature golf course, where the holes have been designed with Northern Michigan attractions in mind. Live music is on stage daily and you can even arrive by kayak.
The Leelanau Peninsula is home to more than two dozen wineries, many of them producing award-winning wines. A few wineries are located on M-22, including Good Harbor Vineyards, just south of Leland. Pop in the tasting room to sample Good Harbor’s award-winning Pinot Grigio and its unusual red blend, Pinot Noir-Zweigelt, a lovely wine you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
Leland bustles with tourists throughout the summer, many of them coming to check out Fishtown, a village of shanties along the Leland River that once was a commercial fishing hub. Some fishing still occurs out of Leland, but most of the shanties today are boutique shops or restaurants. The Manitou Island Transit offers a great day trip to South Manitou Island, part of the national lakeshore. Charter fishing excursions are available from the Leland Township Marina.
On the main street, the Leland Harbor House stocks outdoor and beach clothing — including the M-22 brand — and is a popular stop for locally made Moomers Ice Cream. On the opposite corner, The Leland Mercantile Co. sells everything you need for
a picnic, dinner in the airbnb or a trip to nearby Van’s Beach. A block away, the sandy beach is a great place to sunbathe or look for Petoskey Stones or Leland Blue Stones.
Near the tip of the peninsula is Northport, where M-22 turns south toward Traverse City. Just north of town is Leelanau State Park and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, an easy walk from the parking lot. In town, check out the farmers market on Fridays, held across from the marina. It’s one of the best farmers markets on the peninsula, with everything from fresh greens, sweet corn, apples, peaches, lavender, and fresh flowers this time of year. Just an FYI, it’s too late for sweet cherries.
M-22 is the main thoroughfare through Suttons Bay, where you’ll find all kinds of shops, restaurants, a movie theater and a pair of tasting rooms. Gilchrist Farm Winery and Restaurant is fairly new and its tasting room serves a “hyper-local menu,” with ingredients sourced seasonally and from local farms. At Northern Latitudes Distillery, samples of house-made spirits are complimentary. Be sure to try the horseradish vodka.
Outside of town, Hop Lot Brewing Company exudes an Up North vibe with outdoor seating amid towering trees. Other wineries and cideries can be found along or just off M-22 as you head south.
No trip would be complete without time on the water. In Greilickville, closer to Traverse City, board a specialty cruise on The Discovery, a two-deck touring vessel with a fully enclosed main deck. Cruises include Wine Tasting Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 11, featuring flights of wine from local wineries. Or opt for the schooner Manitou, a replica of an 1800s schooner, similar to those
that sailed the Great Lakes. The Manitou’s options include brunch, evening sails, winetasting and Moomers Ice Cream.
Yes, you’re no longer on M-22, but viewing Leelanau from Grand Traverse Bay
is a great way to end your road trip and another way to appreciate the distinctive beauty of the peninsula.
Greg Tasker is a Traverse City-based freelance writer.
Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism
Glen Arbor is home to Cherry Republic, the purveyor of all things cherry. Chill and sip cherry-inspired beer or wine at the Cherry Public House.
Beacons
Susalla also said drivers must stop once a pedestrian enters the crosswalk. But Bashaw warned pedestrians to still be careful when crossing.
“It’s important to note, too, when you’re a pedestrian crossing these things, when you hit the button, you really need to look both ways and make sure traffic is clear as you normally would at the crossing,” Bashaw said.
Susalla pointed out that many students use the RRFB crosswalks while walking to and from school, and those times are often when the RRFB crosswalks are most frequently in operation.
According to the city, RRFBs are currently set up in several spots in Sterling Heights, including some near schools:
• 19 Mile Road and Flis Drive.
• Riverland Drive and the Clinton River.
• 15 Mile Road east of Cavant Drive.
• 15 Mile east of Van Dyke Avenue.
• Dodge Park Road between the City Center and the Community Center.
• 19 Mile east of Gainsley Drive.
• 17 Mile Road east of Plumbrook Road.
• Plumbrook Road and San Valleluce Drive.
• Dodge Park Road north of Metropolitan Parkway.
Bashaw said the city has been planning to install the signals near Stevenson High School thanks to “a joint project with the Utica Community Schools.” According to the city, the new beacons at Stevenson are “coming soon.”
According to Sterling Heights Community Relations Director Melanie Davis, the two-directional signs with the overhead light cost $15,000 apiece, and the one-directional signs with overhead lights are $10,200 apiece.
In an emailed statement, UCS Superintendent Robert Monroe praised Sterling Heights for its partnership and support in keeping kids safe.
“The changes at Stevenson High School will greatly increase the safety of our students as they begin and end their high school day,” Monroe said.
A recent AAA survey that discussed active school zones revealed that 40% of respondents said they have sped in one, and 26% said they have used a handheld cellphone while driving in one.
But AAA is also advising pedestrians not to be distracted during back-to-school
season. It advises them to pay attention; walk on sidewalks, if possible; wear brightcolored clothes; and make eye contact with stopping drivers before crossing.
“Distracted pedestrians can be just as consequential as a distracted driver,” AAA spokeswoman Adrienne Woodland said in a statement.
“Now is an important time to talk to
your students about the rules of the road and ways to stay safe. Discourage them from wearing earbuds or looking down at digital devices while standing or walking near traffic lanes. Otherwise, they may not detect an approaching vehicle.”
Learn more about the RRFBs by visiting Sterling Heights’ YouTube page at youtube.com/@SHTV.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. CONSIDERATIONS
STERLING HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024
MEETING TO BE HELD AT STERLING HEIGHTS CITY HALL 40555 UTICA ROAD
7:00 P.M.
A.PPCM-1327 – Z & A Import and Export (postponed from the September 11th meeting)
Requesting special approval land use which would allow storage containers as an accessory use for storage
incidental to the primary use in a M-1 Light Industrial District.
Property Address: 40592, 40594, 40596 and 40598 Brentwood Drive
Location: West of Mound Road, south of Eighteen Mile Road
Current Zoning: M-1 Light Industrial District
B. PZ24-0006 – Raising Canes
Request for a conditional rezoning of a parcel from O-3 High-Rise Of ce Commercial Service District to C-2
Planned Comparison District for the purpose of developing a fast-food restaurant with a drive-through on site.
Property Address: 12800 Hall Road
Location: East of Oleander Drive, south side of Hall Road
Current Zoning: O-3 High-Rise Of ce Commercial Service District
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. September 11, 2024
7. CORRESPONDENCE
8. OLD BUSINESS
A.PZ24-0004– 12800 Hall Road Rezoning (postponed from the August 14th meeting)
Request for a conventional rezoning of a parcel from O-3 High-Rise Of ce Commercial Service District to C-3
General Business District.
Property Address: 12800 Hall Road
Location: East of Oleander Drive, south side of Hall Road Current Zoning: O-3
NEXT MEETING DATE: November 13,
Pashko Ujkic, Chairperson Ed Kopp Nathan Inks, Vice Chairperson Nicole McGill Parmpreet Sarau, Secretary Gerald Rowe Geoffrey P. Gariepy Brandy Wright Paul Jaboro
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SEPT. 11
Business-to-business networking and vendor show: Also raffles, corn hole, food trucks and music, supports iCare of Michigan (assists with medical, financial or emergency needs for children, adults or families), open to public, 5-8 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, biziq4u.com/events
SEPT. 12
Hate Crimes Telephone Town Hall Event: Learn about what they are, how to report them, resources available for victims, community involvement and ask hosts Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido and Hate Crimes Unit Chief Patrick Coletta questions, 7 p.m., register at macombgov.org/hate-crimes or (586) 466-8722
Morning Movies: Adults can watch “The Boys in the Boat” (2023), 10 a.m.-noon, Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, future flicks include “Leave the World Behind” (Oct. 10), “Poor Things” (Nov. 7) and “Joyeux Noel” (Dec. 12), sterlingheights.gov/2136/ Library, (586) 446-2665
SEPT. 12-15
Metro Boat Show: Find boats, cruisers, yachts, personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and more, plus hear live music, meet Paws, tour Pride of Michigan and cruise on Spirit of Lake St. Clair, 1-7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 and 13, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sept. 14, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 15, Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metropolitan Parkway in Harrison Township, boatmichigan.org
SEPT. 14
Glow Run 5K: Benefit for The Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer Foundation, route includes River Bends Park and Jimmy John’s Field, also mile run at ballpark, 7:40 p.m. start (5:30 p.m. registration), 7171 Auburn Road in Utica, www.cassiehinesshoescancer.org/event/13th-annualglow-run-5k
The ‘Last Laugh’ Tour: Presented by Comedy 4 Cancer, latest event supports local man fighting leukemia and features four stand-up comedians, gift basket raffle and cash bar, doors at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m., Premier Events Center, 20400 S. Nunneley Road in Clinton Township, comedy4cancer.com
VIEW MORE! Visit candgnews.com/ calendar or use this QR code
SEPT. 19
Senior Fun Festival: Free health screenings and wellness information, community safety and awareness resources, raffles and giveaways, and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombgov.org/departments/senior-services/ senior-fun-festival
TayTay Dance Party: Tribute hosted by The DJ Swiftie, 7 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter. com, (586) 286-2222
SEPT. 20
Crafts on the Clinton fundraiser: Features nine local breweries and wineries, art, food and live music, proceeds support Clinton River Watershed Council’s programs/initiatives to protect Clinton River and Lake St. Clair, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion at Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, must be 21 or older, crwc.org/ crafts
SEPT. 22
Superdrew Family Extravaganza: Benefit for local charities and children fighting cancer, includes bounce houses, petting zoo, entertainment, food and more, noon-4 p.m., Knights Park & Pavilion, 11541 21 Mile Road in Shelby Township, superdrewfoundation.org
Rosie the Riveter Memorial Garden Luncheon: Celebrate newly planted garden and learn about women who played roles in World War II, 1-3 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, packardprovinggrounds.org/rosie
SEPT. 23
Macomb Fall Senior Expo: Connect with dozens of organizations specializing in assistance and care, also free health screenings, prizes, giveaways and refreshments, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, (248) 524-4868, seniorexpousa.com
SEPT. 29
Walk n’ Roll for ALS: 10 a.m. check-in includes pumpking decorating, photo booth and hot drinks/snacks, then 3-mile walk at 11 a.m.,
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followed by lunch, music and more, Eastside Beach at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Drive in Shelby Township, alsofmichigan. org
Book clubs: Includes Chapters & Chatter (3:30 p.m. Sept. 11), BYO Book Club (6 p.m. Sept. 12) and Big Screen Book Club (1:15 p.m. Sept. 27), Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights.gov/2136/Library
Concerts at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre: Sept. 13 (Jon Pardi, Priscilla Block and Meghan Patrick), Sept. 15 (Falling in Reverse, Dance Gavin Dance, Black Veil Brides, Tech N9Ne and Jeris Johnson), Sept. 17 (Judas Priest and Sabaton), Sept. 20 (Clutch, Rival Sons and Fu Manchu), Sept. 21 (Conan Gray and Maisie Peters), Sept. 25 (The National, The War on Drugs and Lucius) and Sept. 30 (Meghan Trainor, Paul Rusell and Ryan Trainor), Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights, 313presents.com
Widowed Friends dancing: Doors at 6 p.m. and music from 7-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays, American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Victoria at (586) 566-7936 Northern Toastmasters: Meets 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Monday of month, Leo’s Coney Island, 33577 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, (248) 828-7481, samcrowl@comcast.net
City Square Street Fair: Street vendors, food trucks and activities, 5-8 p.m. Sept. 11 and 25, and Oct. 9 and 23, 1 City Square, cityofwarren.org/events
For questions, email calendar@candgnews.com
INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS
Police assist with getting drunken moviegoer to leave
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to a movie theater in the 44000 block of Mound Road, near Dobry Drive/M-59, Aug. 9 upon hearing that an intoxicated man wouldn’t leave. According to cinema staff, a man was sleeping in one of the top rows and, using vulgar language, told off staff who woke him up and tried to get him to head out.
Police said they roused the sleeping man and told him he had to go, and then the man allegedly stumbled and fell. Police gave the man a preliminary breath test, which reportedly resulted in a 0.399% blood alcohol content. The police and fire departments arranged his hospitalization, the report concluded.
Dog groomer makes, cleans up mess at park ballfield
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police heard a complaint Aug. 11 about a man who was grooming his dogs at the baseball facilities at Donovan Park, 11550 Clinton River Road, and leaving big tufts of dog hair on the baseball diamond. Park staff had reportedly told the man to refrain from doing this before.
Police met with park staff and the dog groomer, and the latter reportedly agreed to pick up the hair and dispose of it rather than blow it around with a leaf blower. Police witnessed the man cleaning up the area and then left.
Restaurant evicts man for trying to swipe tip jar
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to a restaurant in the 5000 block of 17 Mile Road, near Mound Road, Aug. 11 upon hearing that a male suspect had tried to steal a tip jar. According to the report, there was a disagreement about the man’s food, and he wanted to get new food. Although staff said they offered a half-off discount for food, the man reportedly said the business wouldn’t return his money, leading to the alleged attempt to take the tip jar. The restaurant reportedly declined to press charges, but the man was ordered not to return.
Shoplifting suspect found with narcotics
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police investigated a shoplifting report Aug. 9 at Target, 2310 Metropolitan Parkway, near Dequindre Road. A female suspect was searched, and police reportedly found suboxone strips and some sort of pills, for which the suspect allegedly lacked a prescription.
retail fraud as well as possessing narcotics.
Juvenile allegedly shoots person with gel blaster gun
STERLING HEIGHTS — A male juvenile was accused of shooting a gel blaster gun at people in the area of Cherry Creek Lane and Ryan Road during the afternoon of Aug. 11. Police said a caller had been shot but refused medical treatment.
Police checked the vicinity, including Ryan Road, Dobry Drive and Apple Blossom Drive, but couldn’t find the suspect.
Property damage reported on I-94 and 12 Mile Road
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 6:50 a.m. on Aug. 8, a report was made about property damage on Interstate 94 at 12 Mile Road.
An officer reportedly observed black spray paint with an anti-Israeli message on a concrete privacy wall separating the homes on Hughes Avenue from eastbound I-94. The graffiti was found in three separate sections.
The officer took pictures of the graffiti and had dispatch notify Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Transportation for removal.
Felony assault reported on Harper Avenue
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 7:41 a.m. on Aug. 7, a felony assault report was made in the 31000 block of Harper Avenue.
An officer spoke with the victim, a 26-year-old man, who stated he was assaulted with a car after a nearly physical altercation. The victim and the suspect, a 52-year-old man, were waiting to donate blood when the suspect bumped into the victim. They got into a verbal argument and the manager, a 62-year-old man, told them to leave and denied their donation that day.
Outside, the two squared up to start fighting and the manager stated he placed himself in-between them, de-escalating the confrontation.
Once the suspect was in his car, he asked the victim which bus stop he was going to and drove off.
The victim stated he was walking to the bus stop when the suspect tried to strike him multiple times with his vehicle. He evaded the vehicle multiple times prior to falling over. He was struck in the left arm.
The victim was evaluated for injuries, and he refused transport to the hospital.
Officers canvassed the area with no results.
Upon reviewing the videos from the blood donation center, officers were able to determine who the suspect was and what vehicle he drove.
Running vehicle stolen
GROSSE POINTE CITY — An unknown thief is said to have stolen a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox while the victim left the vehicle running and empty while she went into a restaurant in the 17000 block of Kercheval Avenue in The Village at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25 to pick up a carryout. When the victim left the restaurant, her vehicle was missing.
Car taken
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A black 2007 Chrysler
300 was stolen from the 1100 block of Maryland Street between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Aug. 25. Police said this vehicle was stolen without the keys inside.
Vehicle with keys stolen
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Sometime between 9 a.m. Aug. 25 and 5 a.m. Aug. 26, an unknown suspect is said to have stolen a vehicle from the 1900 block of Van Antwerp Street while the keys were left inside. Besides the vehicle, the suspect got away with the contents that were left inside, which included a laptop computer, a purse, credit and debit cards, a Michigan driver’s license and a passport.
Gun removed from vehicle
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A loaded 9 mm Glock pistol was stolen from a vehicle that was parked — and possibly left unlocked — in the driveway of a home in the 2000 block of Allard Avenue between the hours of 4:30 p.m. Aug. 22 and 9:45 a.m. Aug. 23. Police said there were no signs of forced entry at the scene.
Meal thieves spotted
GROSSE POINTE CITY — A 21-year-old Detroit man and a 30-year-old Detroit man allegedly stole a meal awaiting delivery from a restaurant in the 17000 block of Kercheval Avenue in The Village at around 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20. According to a police report, the suspects entered the restaurant and asked the cashier for water. When the cashier was getting water for them, the suspects are alleged to have taken someone else’s meal, which was valued at $59. Police said the suspects were spotted in the area days later, at which time they were cited for larceny and released in conjunction with this incident.
Larceny suspects sought GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Unknown young male suspects are being sought by police after a couple of larcenies from automobiles in the 300 block of Ridgemont Road in the early morning hours
she was awakened by her dogs and got up to see that two unknown males were rummaging through her unlocked vehicle at around 5:41 a.m. Aug. 14. The victim said she yelled at the suspects, who ran toward an awaiting gray midsized SUV, possibly a Lincoln, that fled the scene northbound on Ridgemont toward Chalfonte Avenue. She said the suspects left her driver’s side door open but didn’t appear to have taken anything. In a second incident, the suspects are said to have entered an unlocked vehicle and stolen two phone chargers and one battery booster/charger, valued at a total of $55.
Vandal sought GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An unknown suspect is said to have drawn male genitalia on two brick wall pillars on the property of a home in the first block of Beverly Road between the hours of 7 p.m. Aug. 14 and 7 p.m. Aug. 15. The victim wasn’t sure
Larceny
