Downtown newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

INSIDE: FOR THE HOLIDAYS SECTION ON BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING

DECEMBER 2019

FALL

MIGRATION TELLTALE TAKES ON STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

REDISTRICTING: PUTTING POWER IN HANDS OF CITIZENS SOCIETY NOTEBOOK • METRO INTELLIGENCER OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL GOSSIP ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

DOWNTOWNPUBLICATIONS.COM

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

Newer 3-story Automated Townhome W 14 Mile Road, Royal Oak

Green Lake Lakefront Alden Drive, West Bloomfield Twp.

Opportunity to Build on 2.18 Acres Brookdale Road, Bloomfield Twp.

Newer Build on All Sports Lake Orion Central Drive, Lake Orion Village

1.66 Acres & Option for Lake Privileges Cherokee Lane, Bloomfield Twp.

Remodeled Attached End Unit Condo Crescent Lane, Rochester Hills

2.3 Acres with Orchard Lake Views Dow Ridge Road, Orchard Lake

Fantastic Curb Appeal on 1.3 Acres Dowling Road, Bloomfield Twp.

Lakefront Living on Lower Straits Lake Edgewood Park Drive, Commerce Twp.

Premium Location on Upper Straits Lake Elmgate Drive, Orchard Lake

Seasonal Paradise on 9.25 Acres Halsted Road, West Bloomfield Twp.

New Construction 2020 Completion Hazel Street, Birmingham

Prime Build Site on Upper Long Lake Heron Ridge Drive, Bloomfield Twp.

Modern Masterpiece Updated Throughout Heron Ridge Drive, Bloomfield Twp.

Unparalleled Indoor & Outdoor Entertaining Hilltop Lane, Bloomfield Hills

Regal Manor with Exceptional Quality Hillwood Drive, Bloomfield Hills

Sweeping Quarton Lake Views Lakeside Drive, Birmingham

Spacious Ranch with Recent Updates Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills

Coveted Location Updated to Perfection Martell Drive, Bloomfield Hills

2.9 Acre Lot with Birmingham Schools Oakleaf Lane, Franklin Village

Breathtaking Pine Lake Sunset Views Pine Estates Drive, West Bloomfield Twp.

Charming Home with Prime Location Pleasant Street, Birmingham

Open Floor Plan with Recent Updates Sunningdale Drive, Bloomfield Twp.

Spacious Layout with Classic Curb Appeal Westboro, Birmingham

3 $

SELL WITH A MARKET LEADER IN REAL ESTATE!

8 $

NE

10 $

DAN GUTFREUND, Top Producer

248-497-4646 www.iSellMichigan.com

18 $

4 $

NEW PRICE

3412 HIDDEN OAKS LANE | WEST BLOOMFIELD $479,000

6425 WEST OAKS DRIVE | WEST BLOOMFIELD $499,000

1996 HAYNES STREET | BIRMINGHAM $515,000

NEW PRICE

872 NORTH CENTER STREET | NORTHVILLE $549,000

6971 VALLEY SPRING DR. | BLOOMFIELD TWP. $587,000

2800 ETHAN ALLEN | MILFORD TOWNSHIP $695,000

NEW PRICE

1060 ARDMOOR DRIVE | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $599,000

3498 FOX WOODS COURT | WEST BLOOMFIELD $699,000 JUST LISTED

181 LINDA LANE | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $1,149,000

1335 TROWBRIDGE | BLOOMFIELD HILLS VACANT LAND, BUILD YOUR OWN $899,000 OR CUSTOM BUILT HOME BY LAMARCO CUSTOM BUILDERS $2,995,000

2828 ADDISON CIRCLE SOUTH | OAKLAND TWP. $999,000

4840 STONELEIGH ROAD | BLOOMFIELD TWP. $1,099,000

4737 STONELEIGH ROAD | BLOOMFIELD TWP. $1,199,000

3131 ERIE DRIVE | ORCHARD LAKE $1,299,000

VISIT US AT

iSellMichigan.com

DAN@SIGNATURESOTHEBYS.COM 248.497.4646 415 S. OLD WOODWARD BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

FEATURED LISTINGS

NEW PRICE

863 SOUTH BATES STREET | BIRMINGHAM $1,499,000

JUST LISTED

839 RANDALL COURT | BIRMINGHAM $2,099,000

17 $ P

3 $

JUST LISTED

862 WATKINS | BIRMINGHAM $2,099,000

608 STANLEY | BIRMINGHAM $2,299,000

15 $

ON SALE NOW

625 BROWN STREET | BIRMINGHAM STARTING FROM $1,999,000

5 $

YOUR DREAM HOME AWAITS. JUST LISTED

177 DOURDAN | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $1,499,000

680 SHEPARDBUSH STREET | BIRMINGHAM $1,549,000

PENDING

339 CHESTERFIELD | BIRMINGHAM $1,594,000

5853 CLEARVIEW COURT | TROY $1,649,000

1515 LONE PINE | BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP $2,499,000

1516 WEST LONG LAKE | BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP $2,995,000 NEW PRICE

592 BARRINGTON PARK DRIVE | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $2,995,000

VISIT US AT

iSellMichigan.com

745 WALLACE | BIRMINGHAM $1,699,000

1660 APPLE LANE | BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP $3,675,000

DAN@SIGNATURESOTHEBYS.COM 248.497.4646 415 S. OLD WOODWARD BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

COMING SOON

2025 QUARTON ROAD | BLOOMFIELD HILLS

DOWNTOWN12.19

32

Bird migration serves as forecast on environment Birds across North America, including some migrating through Michigan, are struggling to survive in the face of manmade and natural threats, according to research based on radar data and new technology for tracking birds.

LONGFORM

42

In 2018 Michigan voters decided to take control of the state and congressional political redistricting process, and the application process is now underway for those who want to participate directly.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

16

Evolution, not revolution, will be the guiding consideration for many voters seeking a change in the White House in 2020 as they survey the large field of Democrats seeking the nomination to go against Trump.

CRIME LOCATOR

21

A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

25

Coulter-Meisner face-off now official; less than thrilling fundraiser turnout; another endorsement for Cooper foe; every picture tells a story; Peters' vulnerability rating; more Slotkin challengers; plus more.

MUNICIPAL

67

More cuts in township; rail district economic development licenses; Brooklyn Pizza bistro proposal; clity manager contract; campaign finance violation; possible school bond; hotel liquor license; plus more.

THE COVER Cover design: Chris Grammer

A Touch of Lace 4036 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302 (Located at the Southwest Corner of Long Lake Road & Telegraph Road) Phone: 248-645-5223 | Fax: 248-645-5227 Email: Sales@atouchoflace.net | www.atouchoflace.com Monday - Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm Evenings and Weekends available upon request @a_touch_of_lace

A Touch of Lace

64

Max Leonard

METRO INTELLIGENCER

102

Writer/reporter Dana Casadei helps us provides quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro Detroit area.

SOCIETY NOTEBOOK

106

Society Notebook reporter Gigi Nichols provides the latest news and snapshots from the society and non-profit circuit fundraising events.

ENDNOTE

114

Oakland County should continue leading on septic inspection issue; DIA millage request does not belong on March or August ballot in the 2020 elections.

FACES

30 52 64 93 97

Niko Dimitrijevic Rachel Sussman Max Leonard David Lynn Aneesa Sheikh

THE MORE THE MERRIER! ’Tis the season for shopping, and from simple stocking stuffers to one-of-a-kind gift sets, Mills has everything you need to spoil everyone on your list. Visit us in store or online today to explore our holiday gift collection.

C O M P O U N D I N G • VA C C I N AT I O N S • H RT C O N S U LT I N G • M O B I L E A P P C O M P L I M E N TA RY S A M E - D AY D E L I V E RY • AVA I L A B L E PA R K I N G 1744 West Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009 • P 248.644.5060 F 248.644.5576 info@millspharmacy.com • millspharmacy.com • @millspharmacy MON - FRI 9AM - 9PM | SAT 9AM - 6PM | SUN 10AM - 3PM

Elaina Ryder REALTOR®

Cindy Kahn REALTOR®

An Extraordinary Agent Providing Extraordinary Results #1 TOP PRODUCER FOR 2018 AT HALL & HUNTER REALTORS

NE W

LIS TIN G

248.568.7309 | Cindy@CindyKahn.com | CindyKahn.com

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP 1484 Inwoods Circle | $2,980,000 6 Bedrooms | 6.2 Baths | 6,792 Sq. Ft. Grand Lower Long Lake estate on 1.3 acres –This elegant residence features extraordinary spaces & appointments, blending modern luxury with timeless architecture. All 3 levels take full advantage of its peaceful, private setting with breathtaking lake views & outdoor access.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

BIRMINGHAM

860 Vaughan Road | $5,999,000

2192 Yarmouth Road | $3,495,000

6 Bedrooms | 7.1 Baths | 8,741 Sq. Ft.

6 Bedrooms | 7.4 Baths | 7,270 Sq. Ft.

277 W Brown Street | $2,495,000 3 Bedrooms | 4.1 Baths | 3,400 Sq. Ft.

BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM

FRANKLIN VILLAGE

346 W Brown Street | $1,999,000 3 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths | 3,006 Sq. Ft.

341 W Brown Street | $1,399,000

27200 Ovid Court | $1,399,000 6 Bedrooms | 5.1 Baths | 8,852 Sq. Ft.

3 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths | 2,644 Sq. Ft.

442 S. Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, MI 48009 HallandHunter.com

EVERY PRICE POINT, SAME SUPERIOR SERVICE

CINDY OBRON KAHN NE W

LIS TIN G

248.568.7309 | Cindy@CindyKahn.com | CindyKahn.com

BIRMINGHAM 559 W Brown Street | $1,699,000 3 Bedrooms | 4.1 Baths | 3,107 Sq. Ft. 2017-built Birmingham townhome showcases gleaming hardwood floors, extensive crown moldings/woodwork & high ceilings. Open floor plan features a stunning gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, large quartz island and countertops and flows to inviting living room with stone fireplace and doors opening to balcony.

BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

1011 Kennesaw Street | $1,349,000 5 Bedrooms | 5.2 Baths | 4,912 Sq. Ft.

2435 Devon Lane | $1,195,000

965 Bloomfield Woods | $839,000 3 Bedrooms | 4.2 Baths | 2,788 Sq. Ft.

4 Bedrooms | 4.2 Baths | 4,484 Sq. Ft.

Co-Listed with Amy Ordona

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

BIRMINGHAM

4720 W Wickford | $799,000

476 Steeple Chase Court | $675,000 5 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths | 4,219 Sq. Ft.

748 Southfield Road | $649,000 3 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | 2,616 Sq. Ft.

4 Bedrooms | 4.1 Baths | 5,071 Sq. Ft.

TOP AGENT 2012-2018

AREA TOP PRODUCER 2008-2018

TOP 1% OF REALTORS® NATIONALLY

FROM THE PUBLISHER his month's rumination is directed at the true political independents and what I suspect is a large portion of the voting masses, among them this writer, who remain befuddled by the field of Democrat primary contenders, including late entrants into the field in recent weeks.

T

Like many others, a few months out from the March presidential primary election, I find myself very conflicted. I'll be upfront about it – I seek change in the White House, and long ago I gave up thinking that the current occupant would rise to the occasion after being elected in 2016. We need to be rid of the reality-tv drama – back alley politics and the constant threat to the basic ethical and constitutional foundation of our country. I also pine for a president that will inspire and unite the country, not just play to his/her political base. A return to normalcy.

Yes, I hear the sirens' call from the Republicans with their “coming home” effort to rebuild the party, but too much has transpired in the last several years after the hostile takeover of the GOP by Trump. The citizenry has been put through the ringer in the last three years, so I long for elected officials at the national (and state) level – in both parties – who are willing to challenge party bosses rather than standing silently in the shadows while the values of the past are forsaken.

That really leaves me with the Democrats, assuming the party doesn't self-destruct and blow this opportunity. It, too, is factionalized. Moderates vs. ultra-liberals. The divide could cost this party the general election next year.

My mantra has long been evolution not revolution. In other words, incremental change. I have been dispensing with this world view for a number of years and even more frequently when introduced to someone thinking of throwing their hat in the ring for state office or Congress, along with those already holding an elected position. My philosophy starts to naturally winnow the herd seeking the nomination to represent Democrats next November.

Although we can (and must) make improvements, they must be in an orderly, incremental fashion, without dividing the country further – if that is even possible. My perfect candidate, if such a thing exists, will put forth an agenda that is ambitious while avoiding the impractical. Public policy that is progressive (with a small “p”) but not overly punitive when it comes to taxation. We must make course corrections for the nation, restoring policy that has been stripped away with the current administration, although this does not mean simply returning to the past. And it certainly does not mean forsaking our form of government.

As we know, all of us go through some predictable political stages as we age, starting with lip synching the political views of the household in which we are raised only to evolve, even if only slightly, as we grow and face our own life challenges that help shape our outlook on public policy issues.

I went off to college as a Republican but cut my political teeth during the Vietnam War or Nam-era. Spent my fair share of time at

political marches and teach-ins against the war; counseled young men and some current members of the military at the East Lansing Draft Information Center. Obtained Conscientious Objector status after fighting with my local draft board for what seemed like an eternity.

Eventually, I lost faith or at least became less enamored with, some factions of the far left at that time especially when radical leftist viewpoints took over and violence crept into the movement back then. (Google Weathermen if you need a reference point.)

That break really marked the start of my evolution politically as an independent and the pursuit of a personal goal to become involved in the “system,” at least from the fringes through the field of journalism.

My life's journey is at a different stage now.

My driving motivation today is to fight for the future for my children, so they retain the same rights (nothing less) and quality of life that their parents have enjoyed.

I like to think of myself as an independent, more of a conservative to moderate on economic issues while more liberal on social issues. I want the next generation and their offspring to have a decent world in which to live, so the environment remains high on my priority list when I look at supporting candidates and issues.

Equal pay for equal work. Need for expanded gun control efforts like background checks and banning of assault weapons. Voting rights and efforts to increase participation. Transparency in government. Not a fan of income redistribution but share the growing concern over economic disparity – unsure of the solution.

Believe society must have some semblance of social net to buffer those less fortunate. Concerned about the future of health care, Social Security and women's reproductive rights. Big supporter of diversity in all aspects of society. Believe that the fight for civil rights is still being waged, albeit on additional fronts. Strong supporter of legal immigration, but also finding a path to citizenship for what we call The Dreamers and others who reside here illegally but have been contributing for years. Believe that the United States past role as the bastion of democracy and the leader of the free world must be restored.

I am turned off by the disinformation campaigns being waged; governance by Twitter; dog-whistle politics; the growing influence of dark money in our elections, and elected officials tethered to political dogma.

My values and concerns I suspect are shared by many others, who like me, face a quandary and are wrestling with who might best represent their interests come next year's election .

Finding my perfect candidate will certainly not be easy.

But come 2020, while seeking change I will vote for moderation – evolution rather than revolution.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Dana Casadei Kevin Elliott | Stacy Gittleman | Austen Hohendorf Gigi Nichols | Bill Seklar PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Esme McClear | Laurie Tennent | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $15 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication.

Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.

If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

WEBSITE downtownpublications.com

FACEBOOK facebook.com/downtownpublications TWITTER twitter.com/downtownpubs OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL oaklandconfidential.com METRO INTELLIGENCER metrointelligencer.com Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD

5SVTU JO ZPVS ESFBNT XJUI B QBSUOFS ZPV DBO DPVOU PO 5IF SJHIU NPSUHBHF TVQQPSUT ZPVS GJOBODJBM HPBMT BOE GJUT ZPVS MPOH UFSN TUSBUFHZ 8IFO NBLJOH B EFDJTJPO ZPV EFTFSWF BO FYQFSJFODFE IPNFCVZJOH QBSUOFS EFEJDBUFE UP FUIJDT BOE USVTU 0VS DPNNJUNFOU UP EPJOH UIF SJHIU UIJOH IBT FBSOFE VT UIF 8PSME T .PTU &UIJDBM $PNQBOZ¡ BXBSE GSPN UIF &UIJTQIFSF *OTUJUVUF GJWF ZFBST JO B SPX 5IBU T B DIPJDF ZPV DBO SFMZ PO

Ted Edginton Mortgage Loan Officer 248.991.9390 ted.edginton@usbank.com NMLS #: 502442 0GGJDF 8PPEXBSE "WFOVF 4UF #MPPNGJFME )JMMT .*

Mark Webberly Mortgage Loan Officer 248.991.9385 mark.webberly@usbank.com NMLS #: 139326

• +VNCP DPOTUSVDUJPO BOE WBDBOU MPU TQFDJBMJTUT • -FBEFSTIJQ PG B OBUJPOBM MFOEFS BWBJMBCMF JO BMM TUBUFT • *OUFHSJUZ BOE TFSWJDF UP FYDFFE ZPVS FYQFDUBUJPOT

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage and Home Equity Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2019 U.S. Bank c /19

CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through November 19, 2019.

Placement of codes is approximate.

͘

͘

dŚĞ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ ůŽŽŵĮĞůĚ ƌƚ ĞŶƚĞƌ WƌĞƐĞŶƚƐ

ĞĐ ϱ-ϮϬ Ã KW E />z͊ DŽŶ-^Ăƚ͕ ϭϬĂŵ-ϲƉŵ Θ ^ƵŶĚĂLJƐ͕ EŽŽŶ-ϰƉŵ

ũĞǁĞůƌLJ͕ ĐĂƌĚƐ͕ ƐŽĂƉƐ͕ ŽƌŶĂŵĞŶƚƐ͕ ĐĂŶĚůĞƐ͕ ǁŽŽĚ͕ ĐĞƌĂŵŝĐƐ͕ :ƵĚĂŝĐĂ͕ ŚĂƚƐ͕ ƉƌŝŶƚƐ͕ ƉĂŝŶƚŝŶŐƐ͕ ƐĐƵůƉƚƵƌĞ͕ ƐĐĂƌǀĞƐ͘​͘​͘Θ ŵŽƌĞ - Ăůů ŽƌŝŐŝŶĂů ĐƌĞĂƟŽŶƐ ďLJ ϭϴϬн ũƵƌŝĞĚ ĂƌƟƐƚƐ ŝŶ ϯ͕ϱϬϬ ƐƋƵĂƌĞ ĨĞĞƚ ŽĨ ŐĂůůĞƌLJ ƐƉĂĐĞ͘ ^ŚŽƉ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ŽǀĞƌ Θ ŽǀĞƌ͘ ^ƵƉƉŽƌƚ ůŽĐĂů ĂƌƚŝƐƚƐ Θ LJŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů Ăƌƚ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ͊ D Z< zKhZ > E Z EKt͊

,ʽ® ù ^«ÊÖ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϱ-ϮϬ

DŽŶ-^Ăƚ͕ ϭϬĂŵ-ϲƉŵ͖ ^ƵŶ͕ EŽŽŶ-ϰƉŵ

&10 6 (14)'6 #$176

SH

O P

& CH

A M

P A G N

E !

zKh Z KZ / >>z /Es/d dK :K/E h^ Θ </ < K&& d, ,K>/ z^͘

ϰ͕ ϲ͗ϯϬ-ϵƉŵ

Ŷ ĞǀĞŶŝŶŐ ŽĨ ƐƉĂƌŬůŝŶŐ ƐƉŝƌŝƚƐ͕ ƚĂŶƚĂůŝnjŝŶŐ ĐƵŝƐŝŶĞ Θ ϭϬй ŽĨĨ ĞǀĞƌLJƚŚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ,ŽůŝĚĂLJ ^ŚŽƉ ƚŚĂƚ ŶŝŐŚƚ͘ d/ < d^ ^d Zd d Ψϴϱ s/^/d ƌƚ ĞŶƚĞƌ͘ŽƌŐ KZ W,KE Ϯϰϴ͘ϲϰϰ͘Ϭϴϲϲ ůů ƉƌŽĐĞĞĚƐ ďĞŶĞĨŝƚ ƚŚĞ ͛Ɛ ĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ Θ ƌƚ ĐĐĞƐƐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ͘

ĐĞůĞďƌĂƟŶŐ Ăƌƚ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ƐŝŶĐĞ ϭϵϱϳ

͘ 22

DOWNTOWN

ϭϱϭϲ ^ ƌĂŶďƌŽŽŬ ZĚ͕ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ ϰϴϬϬϵ

͘

12.19

INCOMING Literacy volunteer work Thanks so much for the great article (Faces/October) about my literacy volunteer work.

I hope it inspires a few others to participate.

Dana Casadei and Laurie Tennent did a great job with the story and photos.

I was surprised at the number of people who commented about it.

Shari Cohen Communication Consultant Bloomfield Township

Crime story disparity I believe I began to receive your online newsmagazine when I worked in Birmingham although I do not live in your immediate coverage area. I have appreciated the articles posted since beginning to receive them.

For quite some time, however, I have noticed when your articles highlight crime in the community, the majority of times, when pictures are included, the suspects are African Americans but when crimes are reported where people arrested are reported as residents of Birmingham or Bloomfield Hills, there are rarely pictures included.

I called on this before and was told you only include what is sent over by the police, however, as responsible journalists, I would think you'd want to address this disparity justly, even if another entity is sending you the information.

Surely, as impartial reporters, your news magazine does not want to be party to planting seeds that subconsciously relay a message that the criminals in the community are only one group of people but those in affluent areas never make mistakes and are comprised purely of socialites, philanthropists and success stories.

I write this not to accuse but only to highlight what I've noticed as a reader. We all have a responsibility to make the choice to be conscious of the messages we send. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts.

Carla Stamps Lincoln Park downtownpublications.com

Birmingham Bucks

That's right. By signing up to receive the email newsletters from Downtown, you will be automatically entered into a drawing for one of 10 $50 gift certificates we are giving away to The Morrie in Birmingham.

Anyone signing up for our newsletters by the end of December will automatically be entered into the drawing for the $50 gift cards. Winners will be notified by email at the end of the year.

Go to downtownpublications.com and register to receive at least one of our newsletters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; weekly and breaking news updates, society notebook, metro intelligencer, oakland confidential, promotions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and you will be automatically entered into the drawing.

Birmingham E-Gift Cards Make the Perfect Gift!

Give the Gift of Birmingham

The sign up area is on our home page.

Birmingham Shopping District E-Gift Cards

(Birmingham

Bucks)

make

a great holiday gift for family, friends and teachers! For more information and to purchase Birmingham Bucks, visit

Get the latest news online and delivered to your email box from the leading news organizations for the Birmingham and Bloomfield area.

www.AllinBirmingham.com/GiftCard

And you might win a $50 gift card to The Morrie!

124 WesT Maple ROaD BiRMiNghaM 48009

DOWNTOWN

23

Give the Gift of Spa

Purchas e Krystyn by phone or o n asEuro peanSp line at a.com

h

treat her to a day at Krystyna’s

h

Give the gift of unimaginable pampering with a gift card to Krystyna’s European Spa. Krystyna’s European Spa integrates therapy for the body and treatments for beauty with relaxation for the mind and spirit. Enter an oasis of calm, with elegant body treatment rooms including a Vichy shower,

sauna room, and relaxing steam shower, which make for a perfect spa experience. This holiday season, give the gift of beauty to the beautiful people in your life. Available in any denomination, or for any service. h

www.krystynaseuropeanspa.com | 248.540.0600 31815 Southfield Road | Suite 32 | Beverly Hills, MI

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com.

All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com where you can sign up to receive updates each month via email.

WHAT, ME WORRY?: Another Republican candidate has filed to run for Michigan’s 11th Congressional seat held by freshman Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills, Troy, western Oakland, western Wayne County). Conservative Republican Eric Esshaki filed on October 31 with the Federal Elections Commission. A registered nurse and practicing attorney, Esshaki touts his first-generation citizenship status and local roots, and notes retaliation from a former employer for reporting health violations against elderly patients as his motivation for entering the legal field.

STEVENS He says he’s running to “fix politics and solve problems,” caused by overreaching government control that harms the middle class. Also returning to the fray is the former “accidental Congressman” and perennial 11th District candidate Kerry Bentivolio, who put $50,000 into his campaign at the end of September, and received three donations in June, including a $500 contribution from ousted RNC member and controversial Republican Dave ESSHAKI Agema. Also running for the Republican primary are Frank Acosta, whose platform includes consensually annexing Mexico and providing free health care to children of US citizens until age 21, and former undocumented immigrant and pro-Trump candidate Whittney Williams.

NOT SO GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Michigan legislature candidate, and longtime fixture in Oakland County Republican politics, Dave Potts of Birmingham held his first fundraiser in October – and a small number of attendees came out to support their buddy. Potts is running for the 40th District seat, which includes Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills and part of West Bloomfield. He raised just $1,750 from six persons at the October 17 event, according to campaign finance data. The event was held at the Birmingham Athletic Club, where Potts is a member, according to the “community involvement” section of his campaign website, which includes memberships to other private clubs, including the Detroit Racquet Club, his church and college fraternity. Potts said on social media that he doesn’t anticipate a challenger in next year’s August primary; even so, he will likely need more cash on hand than the $4,850 he had at the end of October to compete with Democratic incumbent Rep. Mari Manoogian, who reported having about $51,095 cash on-hand. Whether Potts, a practicing attorney and former county commissioner whose early political work dates back to former Governor George Romney’s days in office, can tap party allies for support remains to be seen.

LET THE BATTLE BEGIN: When Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter (D), who was appointed to the position in August by a narrow 11-10 vote of the Oakland Board of Commissioners in August following longtime executive L. Brooks Patterson’s death, announced on October 31 he would run in 2020 for the seat, county treasurer Andy Meisner (D), who has been running for the position practically since he won his last election, let it be known he was not too thrilled. When Coulter was appointed the first Democrat to hold the executive’s position, Democrats thought he’d be a placeholder – which Coulter COULTER confirmed at the time. But doing the job for 90 days changed his mind. “The universe sometimes puts you in places you didn’t expect to be,” he said at his announcement. “In just a few short months, I have seen the bright possibilities we can create for our county.” “I respect Dave Coulter, but think he got it right when he endorsed my campaign for Oakland County Executive, and when he said he was too busy doing the job he was given to run for state Representative,” Meisner ungraciously jabbed. Meisner MEISNER points out he has successfully run three countywide elections, including in 2016, when he was the top Democratic vote getter in the county. His resume also includes time as a congressional aide and several terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. Coulter, who until being named executive was the downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

Dine Shop Share WHATEVER THE OCCASION, AL K 9DD IN BIRMINGHAM Enjoy free 2 hour valet parking and 2 hours free in decks. Be sure to check out what’s happening at www.ALLINBirmingham.com

BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT

@BHAMSHOPPING

25

mayor of Ferndale, is a former county commissioner. Meisner’s quarterly statement shows a war chest of $420,898 cash on hand, having raised $569,307 in the election cycle. Coulter’s about-face has altered the political trajectory of county board chair Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak), who had announced plans to run for executive, but now has endorsed Coulter. No telling what the “incumbent” tag does in the battle for public opinion.

Meanwhile, all is quiet on the GOP front when it comes to potential Republican candidates.

CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT. LESSONS THAT LAST. OPPORTUNITIES THAT OVERFLOW.

D E T R O I T

C O U N T R Y

D A Y

S C H O O L

JOIN US FOR OUR open house TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 | 5-7 P.M. GRADES PK3 - 4 Maple Road Campus | 3003 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

GRADES 5 - 8 Hillview Campus | 22400 Hillview Lane, Beverly Hills, MI 48025

GRADES 9 - 12 Thirteen Mile Campus | 22305 West 13 Mile Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025

248.646.7717 26

|

www.dcds.edu/openhouse

MORE MUSICAL CHAIRS: We’ve seen this game before, usually at the county commission level – state officials seeking a home at the county once they leave Lansing. But the passing of L. Brooks Patterson has put a new twist on the competition.

Current appointed county executive Dave Coulter (D) announces his intention to run for the position in 2020, abandoning his bid for the 27th District House seat to replace term-limited Democrat Michigan Rep. Robert Wittenberg (D-Huntington Woods, Oak Park, Berkley, Ferndale). Meanwhile, WITTENBERG Wittenberg formally announces he’s seeking the county treasurer position, which will be vacated by current treasurer Andy Meisner (D) as he hopes to move on up in the pecking order to the office of county exec. Sources now confirm that former Rep. Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) is also considering a bid for the treasurer’s seat, making for GREIMEL at least two contested races in the August Democrat primary. At this time it is anyone’s guess who will run for Wittenberg’s 27th House District seat.

PETERS’ VULNERABILITY: The national political media has Michigan’s U.S. Senate race between incumbent Senator Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield) and Republican challenger John James in its periscope, placing Peters as one of the top 10 most vulnerable senators in the country in 2020. Peters, finishing his first term, is a former U.S. Congressman from Bloomfield Township, and has a long political resume, so he’s been through this rodeo before, while James, a relative neophyte, lost his only other political race in 2018, to four-term Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) – yet Republicans both in Michigan and nationally have pinned high hopes on him. Because Michigan is one of two states where Trump won in 2016 but there is a Democratic Senator on the ballot, lots of GOP bucks and focus will be poured into the state. Republicans are still smarting from the Democratic sweep in 2018 with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (winning by almost 10 points), followed by Stabenow, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and two Oakland County congressional seats flipping – for Democrats Elissa Slotkin (MI-8) and Haley Stevens (MI-11). In the last reporting period, James outraised Peters, $3.1 million to $2.5 million, but Peters reportedly has $4.7 million cash-on-hand. Unlike 2016, Michigan will get a lot of presidential candidate love, attention and dollars this go-round, and James’ notoriety as a combat vet will only go so far – Peters is as well.

However, James’ full-throttle embrace – “2000 percent” – of Trump could doom him once again.

WHAT’S IN A PICTURE: The Michigan Democratic Party is seizing on a pair of photos of Republican and U.S. Senate candidate John James with President Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and recently indicted businessman Lev Parnas. The photos, one that surfaced as part of a CNN story and another posted to one of Parnas’s social media accounts, shows the trio at James’ campaign events in 2018, when he was running against Senator Debbie Stabenow (D). An associate of Giuliani, Parnas is a Ukrainian-born US citizen whose family first moved to the Detroit area. He was indicted in October in the US District Court’s Southern District of New York on allegations of campaign finance violations related to the impeachment inquiry of President Trump. Federal prosecutors say Parnas conspired to funnel foreign money to candidates in order to buy potential influence with them. While the indictment states Parnas and other defendants concealed the scheme from candidate campaigns, state Democrats are raising DOWNTOWN

12.19

SHE GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

6400 TELEGRAPH RD BLOOMFIELD HILLS 248.385.5502 BEHIND STARBUCKS | MAPLE+TELEGRAPH shestores.com #shestores

questions. “John James held a sit-down meeting with a shady businessman and Trump’s personal lawyer as they were engaged in an illegal campaign finance scheme, and the question is ‘why,’” said Democratic party spokesman Alex Japko.

TAKE A NUMBER: Two more candidates have lined up for the Republican nomination in next year’s primary election for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, currently held by first-term Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (DRochester, Rochester Hills, northern Oakland, Ingham and Livingston counties). Republican Paul Junge is a former Lansing-area television anchor and East Lansing attorney raised in California and now living in Brighton. He filed as a candidate on November 12. Junge served as investigative counsel for U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, and most recently was an external affairs advisor for ICE. Junge, who identifies himself as a “Pro-Trump JUNGE leader,” said he hopes to “restore conservative leadership” to the 8th District, and has labeled Slotkin as a liberal “creature of Washington” aligned with radical liberals, despite Slotkin’s moderate public policy stances. Lansing-area lawyer Kristina Lyke, who said in October she was planning to enter the 8th District Republican race, formally filed on November 13, citing Slotkin’s support of the impeachment inquiry. The two candidates join freshman State Board of Education member Nikki Snyder (RDexter), a registered nurse and lactation specialist; and Republican “patriot” Mike Detmer, of Howell, who suspended a short-lived state House campaign to run in the congressional primary.

AMERICAN AD NETWORK: Voters in Michigan’s 8th and 11th Congressional districts who might be craving even more partisan advertisements are about to get their fill as a $7 million advertising campaign has begun rolling out, which will throw an estimated $400,000 in districts held by Democrats Elissa Slotkin and Haley Stevens. A sneak peek of what is to come can be found on YouTube, as posted by the American Action Network, a conservative issue advocacy group aligned with the Republican Party, and whose officials run the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC focused on electing a House Republican majority, or you can just turn on the TV. The ads are specifically targeting districts where President Trump performed well in 2016, and which are currently held by Democrats – such as Slotkin and Stevens’ districts in metro Detroit. The goal is to lump those Democrats together with the “Squad” of Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Dearborn), Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ayanna Pressley (DMass.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) as rabid anti-Trumpers focused more on impeachment than the business of Congress.

THREE’S COMPANY: A third candidate has announced she will be running for Michigan’s 45th House District seat in the state Legislature covering Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township, with Rochester Community Schools Board of Education Trustee and Rochester Hills Democrat Barb Anness announcing her candidacy on Wednesday, November 6. Anness joins Democrat Brendan Johnson as well as Rochester Hills City Council President Mark Tisdel, a Republican, who thus far is facing no challenger from his own party. The candidates are hoping to replace incumbent Rep. Michael Webber (R-Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township), who is term limited and can’t run again for re-election in 2020. The question is, can this long-held Republican seat be flipped blue?

Let the

Gentlem

Take Ca en Movers re of Yo ur Move !

248-674-3937

www.changingplacesmovers.com

Lic #: L-21897 28

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES: What’s an endorsement worth? It all depends on who it’s from, pundits say. Former Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Karen McDonald, who is challenging Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper in the Democratic primary next August, is wracking up some impressive endorsements – including a Cooper nemesis, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy (D), who has gained some national fame for finding and tackling some 9,000 untested rape kits left gathering dust for years on shelves. It appears Cooper and Worthy have clashed over the years they both have been the top prosecutor of their fiefdoms, notably on cases including the Oakland County Child Killer. Cooper views it as an active case and is keeping investigative details secret and Worthy says let the families see what you’ve got. McDonald, a former assistant prosecutor, is likely going after Cooper on drug courts and juvenile lifer positions, but Cooper, a former district, circuit and Michigan Appeals Court judge, will not be a pushover.

DOWNTOWN

12.19

CALL -

OR

-

TEXT

PAM -

TO

-

LEARN

2 4 8 . 8 4 0 . 0 0 4 4 PA M S T O L E R . C O M PA M S T O L E R @ H A L L A N D H U N T E R . C O M

MORE

PAM STOLER SELLS

3 BED | 3.3 BATH | 6,108 SF | $2,400,000 699 HANNA STREET, BIRMINGHAM Luxury meets location in this glorious Derocher custom built home in Downtown Birmingham. Quality craftsmanship & exquisite custom appointments include extra-wide moldings, curved walls, arched doorways & tray ceilings. Dramatic 2-story Foyer w/sweeping circular staircase w/iron spindles. Living & Dining Rooms adjoin for easy entertaining. Sunny gourmet Kitchen w/Breakfast area opens to Family Rm w/fireplace. Professional-grade appliances (Viking, Subzero), custom cabinetry, center island & butler’s pantry. Richly-appointed Library w/built-in bookcases. Spacious upper level Master Ste w/tray ceiling, wet bar, huge walk-in closet w/custom cabinetry, jetted tub, steam shower & heated floors. 2 additional large en-suite Bedrooms w/ generous walk-in closets. This stand out home is a must see!

5 BED | 4.2 BATH | 7,064 SF | $969,000 28 BALFOUR DRIVE, BLOOMFIELD HILLS How much do you love durability? A lot? Us too. This home is perfect for buyers that want to live in a finely tuned, well-oiled machine of a house: top of the line 2019 energy efficient boilers, industrial strength attic fan for optimal summer airflow, integrated generator that kicks on automatically if power is lost, & a frankly impressive security system.

BONUS: a builder made this house for himself, so the craftsmanship and durability of materials is incredible. EXTRA BONUS: first-floor master!

4 BED | 3.2 BATH | 4,778 SF | $799,900 3485 BRADWAY BLVD, BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE This home is perfect for buyers looking for a little elbow room in the safe suburban mecca of illustrious Bloomfield Village: half-acre lot, extra-large bedrooms, vaulted ceilings w/ his & hers closets in the master, & TONS of storage rooms+built-ins. It’s also a dream for buyers that are looking for some extra in-home comfort-based luxury-amenities: 5 gas fireplaces, 3 wine fridges, theater room with 2nd kitchen in the basement, & the natural light from all the windows & sky lights is absolutely refreshing.

(Here are the highlights about Bloomfield Village: private police & fire departments, community landscaping, sidewalks, and fantastic neighbors.)

4 BED | 3.1 BATH | 4,463 SF | $659,500 981 BLOOMFIELD WOODS, BLOOMFIELD HILLS Contemporary chalet style home with first-floor master & laundry. An end unit in a condo association with 10 detached units, pool, tennis court, professional landscaping, grounds maintenance, and a Frank Lloyd Wright designed home at the entrance. This home is a symphony of natural beauty & modern comforts with a private courtyard, all seasons room, wrap-around deck, 3 balconies, large windows, door walls, & skylights. The flow of the house is open, inviting, and charming to navigate with the sleek contemporary foyer opening up to the high ceilinged living, dining, and kitchen. Upstairs is a private en suite.

The lower level boasts 2 bedrooms, a full bathroom, a second great room with a fireplace, and a second laundry room. Beautiful home on a beautiful street in a beautiful setting – see it for yourself!

FACES Niko Dimitrijevic ften utilizing materials at his disposal to incorporate into artwork, Niko Dimitrijevic's is both an artist and a glassblower who has created hand-crafted installations to bring new perspective to the world around him.

"My maternal grandfather was an artist, but realistically speaking, my mom's whole family was from Northern Italy and were farmers, but also makers, working with everything from copper work to embroidery," Dimitrijevic said. "I never met my grandfather, but I was exposed to art and culture at an early age, and I fell in love with it."

Drawn to the allure of glasswork, Dimitrijevic first got started with the medium at the Michigan Hot Glass Workshop, founded by sculptor Albert Young and formerly located in downtown Pontiac. Dimitrijevic then earned a fine arts degree in glass and sculpture from the acclaimed art program at Alfred University, in New York. He also holds a master's degree in fine arts from Ohio State University.

"I think part of it was the way you are manipulating it with everything but your hand. It's a pretty captivating material when it's hot," he said about what drew him to work with glass. "To see this thing that is a static material move â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there's really nothing that moves like hot glass, except honey."

Dimitrijevic later worked as a member of the hot shop team at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington, and the William Morris team in Stanwood, Washington, and was an artist-in-residence at The Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. His work has been exhibited across the country and he has taught around the globe.

Dimitrijevic's more recent work focused on temporary, site-specific installations using light or its properties to define a space. The work often creates a framework around structures to literally cast the structures or landscape in a new light. To do so, Dimitrijevic often uses reclaimed and repurposed items, like discarded wood and fluorescent lighting.

"I started making things with found objects, and the work with lights started because the industry is switching to LED, and everyone is giving away fluorescent lights all over, so I started amassing like 1,500 fluorescent lights and needed to do something with them," he said. "I started photographing and distorting and displacing light that's in a natural setting and started thinking of light as something to draw with."

Dimitrijevic recently moved back to the metro Detroit area, drawn to the city by a new opportunity with Detroit restauranteurs and longtime friends Jacques and Christine Driscoll, best known for their success with restaurants Green Dot Stables and Johnny Noodle King. Together, the three plans to open Yellow Light Coffee & Donuts, in Detroit's JeffersonChalmer's area.

"Life has taken a twist," Dimitrijevic said. "I moved back to Detroit this past year with the intention of opening the restaurant. I didn't know I'd be opening a coffee roaster and donut shop, but I wanted to get back to Detroit, and I had to figure out what that meant."

While the majority of his artwork will remain on hold for a while, Dimitrijevic is already using his skills to decorate the interior of the restaurant.

"We found these old 1950s donut hoppers and blew them up in scale and made them into glass pendant lights," he said. "I'd like to do some smaller day projects, just to scratch that itch."

O

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

MIGRATION INDICATOR BIRDS ARE STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE MANMADE AND NATURAL THREATS

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

M

any birds across North America, including some migrating through Michigan, are struggling to survive in the face of manmade and natural threats, according to research based on radar data and new technology for tracking birds, and the overall migration data is serving as a forecast on the health of the environment.

Fall migration in Michigan tends to start in the third week of September and goes through the warmer part of November. During that time, birders not only see dozens of species leaving Michigan for the south, but other species passing through the state, with some northern birds coming into Michigan. For those tracking migration patterns and trends, the presence or absence of some species of birds, as well as changes in the timing of their comings and goings, serve as a sentinel of sorts, with changes in avian wildlife indicating larger environmental issues.

"Bird populations are declining, and over half of the birds in North American migrate. It's hard for scientists to pinpoint exactly where declines are happening... but habitat loss is probably the number one factor. That's true for any decline in species," said associate professor Jen Owen with Michigan State University's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, who specializes in the behavioral ecology of migratory birds. "There are other disturbances. Invasive species have a substantial impact. Pollution, including light pollution particularly for migrating birds, is a problem. Cats also are a massive killer of birds."

Other factors, such as climate change, are having a notable effect on the timing and movement of birds.

"Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing changes in phenology, or the movement and earlier arrival of birds," Owen said. "There is a mismatch when birds arrive and when food is present. In the spring they want to get here when there is a huge flush of insects, but if they arrive too late, whether because of events on the wintering grounds not matching breeding grounds, they may get here too early."

Overall, ornithologists and others studying birds have determined that nearly three billion birds, or about 29 percent of North America's bird population, have died off over the past 50 years, including many migrating birds. Those figures are part of the study, "Decline of North American Avifauna," published in September in the journal "Science," in which leading researchers said we are now in the midst of an ongoing biodiversity crisis.

"This loss of bird abundance signals an urgent need to address threats to avert future avifaunal collapse and associated loss of ecosystem integrity, function and services," according to the study's authors, who said that slowing the loss of biodiversity "is the defining challenge of the 21st century."

Contributing to the decline of bird populations is loss of habitat, climate change, unregulated harvest and other forms of human-caused mortality.

Together, those changes have led to a "thousand-fold increase in global extinctions," which researchers say has been underestimated.

Birmingham FootCare Specialists Physicians and Surgeons of the Foot Foot and ankle surgery • Heel pain • Plantar fasciitis • Nail problems • Neuromas • Fractures • Bunions and hammer toes • Diabetic foot care

Foot and ankle surgery | Cracked heels and fingers Fractures | Orthotics | Ingrown nails | Warts

Laser treatment for nail fungus offered by

w

www.cynosure.com

Improvement in Clear Nails birminghamfootcarespecialists.com DrSchafferInfo@gmail.com

CALL

248-594-3338

"Extinction of the Passenger Pigeon, once likely the most numerous bird on the planet, provides a poignant reminder that even abundant species can go extinct rapidly," the study noted. "Today, monitoring data suggest that avian declines will likely continue without targeted conservation action, triggering additional endangered species listings at tremendous financial and social cost.

"Moreover, because birds provide numerous benefits to ecosystems (e.g., seed dispersal, pollination, pest control) and economies (47 million people spend $9.3 billion U.S. dollars per year through birdrelated activities in the U.S.), their population reductions and possible extinctions will have severe direct and indirect consequences."

H

owever, the paper offers a silver lining: Population declines can be reversed through adaptive harvest management, wetland protection and restoration and other conservation efforts.

Researchers evaluated population changes for 529 species of birds in the continental United States and Canada, finding declines in 303 species, or about 57 percent of all that were surveyed over the past half-century. Of those, grassland birds showed the largest population loss, with 74 percent of grassland birds in decline. Still, the study found 419 native migratory species, which include many grassland birds, in North America experienced a net loss of 2.5 billion birds, with those overwintering in temperate regions having the largest loss.

"More than 90 percent of the total cumulative loss can be attributed to 12 bird familes, including sparrows, warblers, blackbirds and finches," the study noted. "Of 67 bird families surveyed, 38 showed a net loss in total abundance."

In Michigan, where seasonal variations can bring unexpected shifts in weather and temperatures, an early or late winter can have a range of impacts on birds in both fall and spring migration. While much of fall migration typically peaks in late September, early birds begin leaving the area as soon as August with late migration extending into November.

"Some weird temperatures are affecting migration and some birds are migrating later.

And precipitation is changing the areas that birds use," said Ava Landgraf, a research associate with the Detroit Audubon Society.

"Drier areas have become more flooded. And in the spring, when birds are arriving, they may not have access to insects or seeds and berries if they arrive too early and we get late winter weather."

In October of 2019, the Audubon Society published "Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink," a new report regarding

the impact of climate change on bird species.

The report noted about two-thirds of the nation's birds are threatened with extinction from climate change. However, if global temperatures drop, it will help up to 76 percent of those species.

"We're already seeing the impacts of climate change in the Great Lakes region on birds and people," said Nathaniel Miller, acting executive director for Audubon Great Lakes, based in Chicago. "Storms and rapid fluctuations of lake levels impact birds at the same time that they impact people That is multiplied in coastal and urban areas.

Slowing global warming and investing in green infrastructure – like coastal wetlands – is a win-win solution that can reduce impact for birds and people. This can make all the difference for birds like the Piping Plover, which is already on the brink and has just started to make a recovery."

The study includes an interactive web tool that allows users to search their county for vulnerable species. The tool includes seasonal projections based on increases in average temperature increases of 1.5 degrees, increases of two degrees by 2050; and three degrees by 2080. Like early or late frosts, rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns impact the ability for birds to find food and reproduce.

In Oakland County, a projected 1.5-degree increase in summer temperature could raise vulnerability to Trumpeter swans and Henslow's Sparrows. However, doubling that temperature by 2080 could result in a dozen species being considered "high vulnerability species." Those species include the Eastern Whip-poor-will; Red-headed woodpecker; Wood thrush; Brown thrasher; field Sparrow; Savannah Sparrow; Henslow's Sparrow; Eastern Towhee; Bobolink; Ceulean Warbler; Pine Warbler and Scarlet Tanager.

T

he projections present even more challenges to several of the species that are already considered Species of Greatest Concern under Michigan's Wildlife Action Plan, which is created by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and provides a framework for conservation in the state between 2015 and 2025. That number of species on the greatest concern list has been reduced from 99 in 2005 to 45 in 2015.

Species currently on the list of greatest concern include: American bittern; Bald eagle; Barn owl; Black tern; Black-backed woodpecker; Black-crowned night-heron; Caspian tern; Cerulean warbler; Common loon; Common moorhen; Common Nighthawk; Common tern; Dickcissel; Eastern Red Knot; Forster’s tern; Goldenwinged Warbler; Grasshopper sparrow; Henslow’s sparrow; Hooded warbler; King rail; Kirtland’s warbler; Least bittern; Long-

eared owl; Louisiana waterthrush; Merlin; Migrant loggerhead shrike; Northern goshawk; Northern harrier; Osprey; Peregrine falcon; Piping plover; Prairie warbler; Prothonotary warbler; Red-headed woodpecker; Red-shouldered hawk; Sharptailed grouse; Short-eared owl; Spruce grouse; Trumpeter swan; Western meadowlark; Whip-poor-will; Wilson’s phalarope; Yellow rail; Yellow-headed blackbird; Yellow-throated warbler.

Species in Oakland County considered to have high vulnerability to climate change that are already included as species of concern by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), include: • The Cerlean warbler, which according to the Michigan Breeding Bird Survey is in significant decline. From 1966 to 2010, the survey shows an annual decline of 2.98 percent, with an estimated population in 2011 of 5,000 in Michigan. The core range of the species is in the Appalachian Mountains.

• The Henslow's sparrow, which is listed as Endangered, with an estimated population of 5,000 in the state. The Breeding Bird Survey data indicate an alarming decline of 9.39 percent annually between 1966 and 2012 in Michigan.

• The Red-headed woodpecker, which is listed as a special species of concern.

Population estimates of the species in Michigan is about 7,000. While considered common, the birds are in steep decline across the range, according to the DNR. • The Trumpeter swan, which is one of few species expected to be downgraded by both the Audubon Society and the DNR. The state's Wildlife Action Plan Technical Advisory Comittee recommended the Trupeter swan be down-listed from Threatened to Special Concern because their restoration goal has been exceeded and breeding distribution and numbers are slowly expanding statewide.

• The Whip-poor-will, which currently has population estimates of more than 100,000, but is undergoing a long-term declining trend, according to the DNR. Specifically, the species is losing parts of its range in the southern Lower Peninsula of the state, which includes Oakland County.

In the early fall, many of the more colorful birds seen during the summer months leave and head south, as far as Central America and South America. Those include a wide range of small warblers, hummingbirds and others.

Landgraf said species like the Indigo Bunting, Baltimore orioles and others colorful species of hummingbirds are ones that birders particularly enjoy.

"It starts as a slow trickle and slowly all the birds leave in the fall, where spring is more of a big boom," she said. "Fall is a slower, longer process that ends about the end of October or a week or so into November."

It should be pointed out that while some species may be present year-round at local bird feeders, it's normal for those spending

590 Flora Valley Ct | Rochester Hills

2737 Lamplighter Ln | Bloomfield Hills

519 Wallace Street | Birmingham

$1,049,900 | 4 Bed 3.1 Baths 3,475 SqFt

$429,900 | 6 Bed 4.1 Baths 3,348 SqFt

$745,000 | 4 Bed 3.1 Baths 2,463 SqFt

Crystal Marsh Associate Broker (248) 225-4269 crystal.marsh@ymail.com www.HWWBRealtors.com

121 Forest Avenue | Royal Oak

100 N Center St #201 | Royal Oak

$285,000 | 4 Bed 1 Bath 1,578 SqFt

$385,900 | 2 Bed 2 Baths 1,425 SqFt

880 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI

Creating chemistry one home at a time.

Lynn Wiand has been dedicated to helping her clients achieve their homeownership dreams. Whether you’re planning to buy or build a new home, or refinance your current mortgage, let Lynn and Chemical Bank help you find the loan option to fit your needs.

Subject to approval.

Join the many homeowners who have relied on Lynn’s committed service. Contact Lynn today!

Lynn Wiand VP | Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #394920 T: 248.228.4805 Lynn.Wiand@ChemicalBank.com ChemicaBank.com/LynnWiand

248-646-4766

A Division of TCF National Bank

2125 Cole Street, Birmingham | www.coachmefit.com | birmingham@coachmefit.com 36

DOWNTOWN

12.19

warmer months in Michigan to fly south for the winter with other northern birds of the same species heading to the state for the winter. For instance, blue jays may be seen throughout the year because some of those that leave may be replaced by those coming in from farther north.

"There aren't too many that actually overwinter in Michigan," Owen, with Michigan State University, said. "There are some that breed in the winter from the Boreal region, which is also being hit pretty hard with dramatic weather issues, so we see a huge fluctuation in food."

Shorebirds looking for wetlands and muddy areas tend to migrate through in the early part of the season or late summer, followed by raptors, such as Broad-winged hawks and Sharp-shinned hawks flying through the state. Dabbling duck species, like mallards, Blue-winged teal and American widgeon also head south in September, along with gulls and songbirds, like blue jays, warblers, thrushes and rubythroated hummingbirds.

By October, diving duck species from the north start arriving in Michigan, such as the common goldeneye, long-tailed ducks, and canvasback. Other species, like northern finches and sparrows, like dark-eyed juncos, white-throated sparrows, white-crowned sparrows, pine siskins, with the potential for pine grosbeaks, evening grosbeaks, common redpolls and crossbills, according to the Audubon Society. Northern breeding birds, like ruby-crowned and golden-crowned kinglets, brown creepers, American pipits and horned larks also move south in October, with some warblers still on the move, including blackpoll warblers, blackthroated blue warblers, Nashville warblers, orange-crowned warblers and yellowrumped warblers. At the same time, hawk species increase in diversity.

B

lanche Wicke, with the EL Johnson Nature Center in Bloomfield Township, said in early November that the 40-acre site serves as a stopover for migrating birds, making it a great spot for local birders during both fall and spring migration.

"Any little pocket of greenery among the pockets of highways are a stopover for birds, and we have a bird banding program in May," she said. "We get the common species during migration, and get almost all of the warblers."

Two of the more unusual species of warblers that have been observed at the

nature center are the Golden-winged and Blue-winged species that pass through during migration.

"It does seem like things are starting a little later, but warbler migration is over," Wicke said. "Ducks are still migrating.

Occasionally we have a Bald Eagle fly over, and see Sandhill Cranes a little more often.

We did see an osprey, and have the occassional Peregrene falcon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not that they nest here, but they fly through."

By November, some sparrows are still moving, while northern diving duck and sea duck species are on the move, including Eiders and Long-tailed ducks, and rare gulls, such as the Iceland gull, Sabine's gull, while Franklin's gull are looking for open water.

Audubon says Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings travel in peak numbers in November, while owls are making their way to the Upper Penninsula, including Northern owls, great gray owls, snowy owls, Northern hawk-owls and boreal owls, while roughlegged hawks and golden eagles are moving through the state in good numbers.

"Coming in are deep-water duck species," Landgraf, with the Detroit Audubon Society said. "They spend their breeding season farther north, in Canada and Alaska, and then for winter they come here. We are their warm area. You can see them along the Detroit River."

In terms of birding in the metro Detroit area, Landgraf said the majority of metro parks are good for viewing during the migration season.

"Anywhere with trees that have more native plants, which attract more bugs and berries that birds like to eat, such as Kensington Metropark, Lake St. Clair Metropark, which is nice and near the water where birds like to follow the coastline," Landgraf said. "For viewing ducks, you can go to Belle Isle or Grosse Isle when the ice starts forming. The ducks like when the ice corrals them together and they end up in big groups."

Barbara Avers, waterfowl and wetlands specialist with the Michigan DNR, said the department focuses migration tracking and conservation primarily on game birds.

However, the department's Wildlife Action Plan includes species of concern. Further, the department monitors status of specific species of concern that have conservation plans associated with them.

"The biggest place migration comes into play is with waterfowl, and the waterfowl hunting season. We have interest there in what those migration movements are like, and that tells us best how to set the hunting season," she said. "It also informs hunters on when and where they want to go to harvest ducks and geese, so that information is pretty important."

The state's MI Birds Program is a public outreach and education program created by a partnership by Audubon Great Lakes and the Michigan DNR. With the majority of conservation funds in the state coming from hunting licenses, the program aims to bridge the divide between hunters and birders.

"The Wildlife Action Plan is the framework for conservation in public lands through the DNR, and it's dependent on hunters' money," said Erin Rowan, Program Associate with MI Birds. "Nearly half of the state's managed areas are managed by the DNR, or 54 of 103, so they are contributing to non-game species. They often act as an umbrella."

The MI Birds program conducts public talks and engages residents in stewardship activities and community science projects

W

ith much of the waterfowl hunting season extending into late December, the DNR does weekly counts of the state's seven waterfowl hunting areas, as well as refuge areas that are closed to hunting.

"There is some good research and data showing migration is occuring later for some duck species, like mallards, with delays from anywhere from one week to two weeks," Avers said. "A lot of that is tied back to climate change and more mild conditions.

We are seeing some evidence of that, especially in southwest Michigan, where we are seeing mallards peaking later in December instead of later in the fall. Duck hunters are seeing that and it's part of the conversation of whether duck hunting dates should be later."

Additionally, Avers said the department is seeing more long tailed ducks in Lake Michigan in recent years than in the past.

"We think they are responding to zebra mussels as a source of food in the Great Lakes. Something is shifting their distribution toward the Great Lakes."

Avers said other diving duck species are also shifting ranges over time, which is most likely related to zebra mussels. She said weather patterns also play a part in migration in the Great Lakes, as waterfowl typically look for open water and food availability when flying south. Likewise, hunting pressure can play a part on where waterfowl species stop for the winter "If there's open water and food availability, they won't go any farther," she said. "All of that plays a role."

While zebra mussels are an invasive species that has helped the state's waterfowl populations, other non-native plant species

In the Market for Your Next Home?

No home too large, no home too small, we DO sell them all!

Our â&#x20AC;&#x153;cottages to castlesâ&#x20AC;? listings are advertised on 33 websites with 660 links!

Call the real estate team of

Deby Gannes & Lynn Baker (248) 379-3003 | (248) 379-3000 dgannes@hallandhunter.com | lbaker@hallandhunter.com

LynnAndDeby.com |

Lynn and Deby - Hall & Hunter Realtors 442 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, MI 48009 HallandHunter.com

can crowd out wetlands and nesting habitat, such as phragmites and non-native cattail species.

"Particularly for fall migration, we are interested in the role of invasive plants," Owen from MSU said. "They are easier to obtain than insects and it doesn't take as much energy to obtain, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s packed with nutrients and antioxidants. But not all food is the same. Invasives like honeysuckle, autumn olive and others are not good nutritional value for migratory birds, and they out-compete dogwood, elderberry and other plants with high energy potential, which make birds get fat faster. Birds want to get fat for migration. They have to put on a lot of fat to make those flights."

Likewise, agricultural changes play a role in migration and breeding patterns.

"How much corn is being grown in the Great Plains and prairies may be a factor.

That's where the majority of dabbling ducks breed. That prairie area is like a duck factory, and we have seen changes where those are being tilled up and being planted with corn," Avers said. "The biggest threat to waterfowl habitat is climate change, invasive species and development, both industrial, commercial and agricultural. Oil and gas exploration can be a problem where some waterfowl are nesting."

Agricultural shifts also are one of the greatest threats to grassland birds species.

As such, the Audubon Society focuses much of its conservation efforts on those areas.

"It's kind of a tricky. People see flat areas without a lot of trees and think we have to build or turn it into something, but that's just as important as forest or wetland. It's still a habitat," Landgraf said. "We have destroyed so much of it because it's easy to build or farm, but there are many birds that depend on it."

L

andgraf said species such as the Eastern bluebird, Bobolink, Dickcissel and Eastern meadowlark have been in decline in Michigan for quite some time. She said conservation efforts, such as Detroit Bird City, which partners with MI Birds and Detroit Audobon and others, is working to restore some of those habitats.

"They are working to take underused parks in Detroit and make them into green spaces that are nice for people to use and are very beautiful. They also provide habitat for birds," she said. "Those areas take care of themselves and don't need much upkeep, so the city saves time and money, and it acts as

a meeting space and habitat for birds."

The declining trend of grasslands is evident across the state, and is in line with national and global trends, said Linnea Rowse, conservation program coordinator with the Michigan Audubon Society.

"Grassland birds aren't doing very well as a whole, and that includes a handful of birds," she said. "A lot need well-maintained grassland habitat that isn't broken up by woodlots or shrub areas. Those birds have developed for thousands of years with open grasslands, so the smaller parcels don't have the contiguous habitat they need."

While declines in bird populations have been apparent to amateur and professional birders for decades, advances in machine learning technology coupled with weather radar data is helping to put hard data numbers behind various local, state and national bird counts done by the eye.

Andrew Farnsworth is a research associate with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and helps to run BirdCast, a forecasting system able to predict where and when birds will be thanks to the use of weather radar. The project also is able to utilize archived weather data to track longterm changes.

"The radar technology has been around for some time. It's almost 100 years old. The thing that took it to the next level and allowed you to think about it from what's happening from a biological aspect is machine learning and cloud data to track bird movement in real time. The United States has a unique situation in that the government has been archiving this data for 25 years, so it's been around a long time, but only really recently has there been an, 'oh wow moment,' where we can really do something with this data and track some meaningful patterns.

"People have envisioned it for the past 20 years, but the realization has been in the past 24 to 36 months."

The technology played a significant role in the "Decline of North American Avifauna" study, which was headed in part by the Cornell lab.

Farnsworth said the data corroborates the patterns of deep decline in bird populations, particularly those in the western United States.

The data shows conclusively that what has been "known" by hobby birders by quantifying the data for the first time.

"It's really a treasure trove of biology, and that's the big part of the next couple years of digging into that data and producing as much science as we can," he said. "By looking at the detail of radar data with citizen data, and acoustic data about movement at night, then integrating them, it tells you about biomass, and acoustics can tell you what species are up there."

By coupling longtime observations with

quantifiable data, Farnsworth said scientists hope to produce compelling data that will result in stronger conservation efforts on the national level.

S

tephanie Beilke, conservation science manager for Audubon Great Lakes, said the chapter and national Audubon Society is pushing for renewal of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, which could provide dedicated wildlife conservation funding at a national level. In total, the bill, which was introduced by Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, would direct an annual $1.3 billion to states to help stem population declines in some 12,000 species of fish and wildlife, including 800 birds.

"A lot of local policies have gone into protecting game species, and there's a reason for that because we make money off of selling hunting and fishing licenses," Beilke said. "Unfortunately, we have less money to protect other species that aren't funded. Others can benefit from conservation of game species, but some of the species of concern on the state plans don't recognize that. A federal plan wouldn't be just for game species."

Turning to Michigan and the northern part of the country, Farnsworth said a soonto-be released peer-reviewed paper is expected to utilize the data to show quantifiable shifts in the timing of migration, and how the timing has changed over the past two decades.

"What is very clear is that timing should advance as warming temperatures happen, and not at an even distribution across the landscape," he said.

Farnsworth said researchers are learning that climate change won't be evenly distributed, and that changes in Michigan and other northern latitudes and advances of spring migration timing occurring earlier is one of the things we can say and point to the data.

"You hope the science is enough to shape policy because you can't argue what the truth is. You have these methodologies and the scientific method. When you can produce a peer-reviewed study, it's science that you should base some policy on," he said. "The U.S. had been making progress toward environmental regulations on a large scale, and the hope is that in light of these kind of studies, it would reinforce that. But, I'm just here to provide the information, where it goes from there â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we hope it goes to that end.

"It's a fascinating time. It's almost a golden observation age that hasn't happened since the advent of binoculars."

Christmas Services CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE: 4 PM Suggested for families with small children and youth.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: 7 & 10 PM

CHRISTMAS EVE JAZZ MASS: 1 PM Featuring the Rodney Whitaker Jazz Ensemble

&RPH IRU DQ DIWHUQRRQ Ã&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK live jazz renditions of your favorite holiday songs.

Come as you are!

With full choir, brass and timpani.

Musical preludes begin at 6:30 and 9:30 PM 10 PM service includes traditional language and incense.

CHRISTMAS DAY HOLY EUCHARIST: 10 AM

Christmas at the Kirk Welcome Home!

December 18

December 24 - Christmas Eve

7:00 PM Service of Comfort and Hope

11:00 AM Service for Young Families with Very Young Children

December 22 4:00 PM Service of Lessons and Carols

1340 W. Long Lake Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

4:00 PM Family Service for Younger Families 6:00 PM Family Service 8:30 & 11:00 PM Holy Night Service

kirkinthehills.org Kirk in the Hills

(248) 626-2515

Christmas Services

Join us for Christmas Eve Worship Tuesday, December 24

Sanctuary Services

Christian Life Center Service

Family Service

2:00, 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 PM

5:30 PM

4:00 PM

1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 646-1200 www.fumcbirmingham.org

Ortonville

Brandon Twp. Groveland Twp.

46

Groveland Twp.

43

29

Pontiac

White Lake Twp.

45

Rochester

Rochester Hills

Sylvan

Keego

Auburn Hills

Bloomfield Twp.

White Lake Twp.

Franklin

Commerce Twp.

39

West Bloomfield Twp.

Wolverine

Bloomfield Twp.

Troy

Bloomfield Hills

40

41

Birmingham

Commerce Twp.

Milford

15

Milford Twp.

Clawson

Wolverine

Royal Oak

38

37

Novi

City of Southfield

Southfield Twp.

Novi Twp.

Orchard Lake

13

West Bloomfield Twp.

Novi Twp.

Royal Oak

27 Pleasant Ridge

Ferndale

Berkley Southfield Twp.

Farmington Hills

Hazel Park

Northville

Farmington

City of Southfield

Madison Hgts

Lathrup Village

11

Huntington Woods

Oak Park

Pleasant Ridge

Ferndale

Hazel Park

Royal Oak

REDISTRICTING NEW INDEPENDENT COMMISSION TAKES OVER PUTTING THE PUZZLE TOGETHER

BY LISA BRODY Ortonville

Leonard

Oxford Twp.

Brandon Twp.

Groveland Twp.

Addison Twp.

Oxford Village Holly

City Fenton

8

Rose Twp.

Springfield Twp.

Independence Twp.

Lake Orion

Oakland Twp.

Orion Twp.

Clarkston

Rochester Lake Angelus

Highland Twp.

Lyon Twp.

Commerce Twp.

Troy

Bloomfield Hills

Wolverine

Wixom

South Lyon

Rochester Hills

Auburn Hills

Birmingham

Walled Lake

Clawson

Novi Novi Twp.

Pontiac

Farmington

Northville

Bloomfield Twp.

Orchard Lake

West Bloomfield Twp.

Franklin

Bingham Farms

Milford Twp.

11

Waterford Twp.

Sylvan

Milford

White Lake Twp.

14

Beverly Hills

9

Royal Oak

Berkley

Madison Hgts

Huntington Woods Southfield Twp.

Farmington Hills City of Southfield

Pleasant Ridge

Ferndale

Lathrup Village

Oak Park Royal Oak

Hazel Park

Clawson

Royal Oak

Northville

Huntington Woods

Oak Park

Holly Twp.

Troy

Birmingham

Novi

South Lyon

Berkley

Lathrup Village

35

Farmington

26

Beverly Hills

Rochester

Rochester Hills

Bloomfield Hills

Lyon Twp.

Madison Hgts

Keego

South Lyon

Franklin

Farmington Hills

Bingham Farms

Walled Lake

Beverly Hills

Walled Lake

Wixom

Wixom

Auburn Hills

Pontiac

Milford

Lyon Twp.

Oakland Twp.

Clarkston

Waterford Twp.

Highland Twp.

Orchard Lake

Milford Twp.

12

Lake Angelus

Lake Angelus

Waterford Twp.

44

Springfield Twp.

Lake Orion

Orion Twp.

Clarkston

Springfield Twp.

Highland Twp.

Rose Twp.

Independence Twp.

Bingham Farms

Rose Twp.

Addison Twp.

Oxford

14

Oakland Twp.

Orion Twp.

Brandon Twp.

Village Holly

City Fenton

Lake Orion

Independence Twp.

Oxford Twp.

Keego

Village Holly

51

Addison Twp.

Oxford

Leonard

Ortonville

Holly Twp.

Sylvan

Holly Twp.

City Fenton

Leonard

Oxford Twp.

In 2018, Michigan voters, fed up with congressional and state legislative districts that seemed designed to favor certain political parties and not necessarily reflect their interests, did something that people always say they want to do – they took the matter into their own hands and created a system designed to end partisan district gerrymandering.

It was accomplished through the efforts of a grassroots group called Voters Not Politicians, which launched a citizen-led ballot initiative for redistricting reform, known as Proposal 2 on the ballot, which passed with 61 percent of the vote. The positive election results created a 13-member independent redistricting commission that is designed to be made up of regular citizens of Michigan – four of which are Republican, four Democrat, and the rest political independents – in order to design district maps that are fair, equal and balanced. It recently launched its application process, overseen by the Michigan Secretary of State office, getting off to a huge initial response.

Michigan is not the first, or only, state with an independent redistricting commission. Currently, there are at least 25 U.S. states that have some form of nonpartisan or bipartisan redistricting commissions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Redistricting commissions are a body, other than state legislative panels, that are established to draw electoral district maps. Typically, the intent is to avoid gerrymandering, or the appearance of gerrymandering, by specifying a nonpartisan or bipartisan body to comprise the commission drawing district boundaries. The NCSL said that traditionally, state legislatures had been responsible for redistricting for state legislative and congressional districts, done every 10 years after the decennial census. Per the U.S. Constitution, since 1790 a decennial census has been conducted every 10 years in order to determine how elected representatives and taxes should be apportioned. The last census was held in 2010; the next is mandated in the Constitution to take place in 2020.

Traditionally, whichever party is in control of its state legislature during the decennial census has been in charge of redistricting for the decade going forward.

Since landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the 1960s which established the one-person, one-vote principle, the NCSL said that a number of states have shifted their redistricting responsibilities of state legislative lines from their legislature to a board or commission. “Reformers often mistakenly assume the commissions will be less partisan than legislatures when conducting redistricting but that depends largely on the design of the board or commission,” said NCSL. In Michigan, members of the majority in the state legislature have done the job of redistricting – until this new Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, which will perform the task after the next census.

Eric McGhee, senior fellow at Public Policy Institute of California, said that there has been a big movement for redistricting commissions since the 1980s, and in California, there once was one in the 1980s. Currently, according to NCSL, there are eight states with a commission which has a primary responsibility for drawing a plan for congressional districts; six states have an advisory commission that may assist the legislature with drawing district lines; and two states have a backup commission that makes a decision if the legislature is unable to agree. In several of the states, the legislature still must approve the plans.

The difference in Michigan today, as it is in California and Arizona, and now also in Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Colorado and Washington, is the

redistricting commissions are completely independent, comprised of citizens and not connected to any political entity.

This is not Michigan's first encounter with a redistricting commission – Michigan's Constitution of 1963 introduced a bipartisan Commission on Legislative Apportionment designed to draw the state's House and Senate districts, with four Republicans and four Democrats on the commission, explained Michigan House Legislative Analyst Jenny McInerney. They would vote on adoption, and if a majority of the commission members couldn't agree, the Michigan Supreme Court was directed to choose a redistricting plan before the next election.

The Michigan Constitution of 1963 included the use of both population and geography in apportioning legislative seats – until June 1964, when the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision stating that all state legislative bodies had to apportion seats based on population. It was determined to be a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.

However, the redistricting commission continued without adhering to the Supreme Court edict, ending up deadlocked in both 1964 and 1972, with the Michigan Supreme Court approving the final plans. In 1982, after another deadlock, the Michigan Supreme Court considered the procedure dictated in the state Constitution, and “disbanded the apportionment

EIGHT STATES HAVE A COMMISSION WITH A PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR DRAWING PLANS FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS; SIX STATES HAVE ADVISORY COMMISSIONS THAT MAY ASSIST THE LEGISLATURE WITH DRAWING DISTRICT LINES; AND TWO STATES HAVE A BACKUP COMMISSION THAT MAKES A DECISION IF THE LEGISLATURE IS UNABLE TO AGREE. IN SEVERAL STATES, THE LEGISLATURE STILL MUST APPROVE THE PLANS. commission and authorized the legislature to once again take control of the apportionment,” McInerney said.

It was thrown out, Robert Sedler, constitutional law expert and Wayne State University law professor, said, “based on land apportionment. It was all part of one process, so the whole thing went down.”

“In 1982, the substantive principles that the commission was obligated to follow violated clearly established Supreme Court principles requiring that all districts have roughly equal numbers of people.

Because the essential policies the commission was obligated to follow were unconstitutional, the Michigan Supreme Court held that the whole scheme could not be constitutionally implemented,” said Richard Pildes, Sudler Family Professor of Constitutional Law, NYU School of Law. The term gerrymandering first came to be after Elbridge Gerry, who, as governor of Massachusetts in 1812, signed a bill that created a hyper-partisan district in the Boston area that was compared to the shape of a salamander – hence, “gerrymander.”

Gerrymandering has come to be known as the practice of establishing a political advantage for a political party by manipulating district boundaries, often into strange contortions. It can also be used to protect incumbents. In 2014, historian Wayne Dawkins

pinpointed the action as “politicians picking their voters instead of voters picking their politicians.”

“It provides cover to only the party in power,” said Yurij Rudensky, redistricting counsel, the Brennan Center for Justice.

“Fast forward to 2000, when Republicans controlled both (Michigan) houses and the governorship. They drew up districts favoring Republicans – same as in 2010,” Sedler said. “Republican apportionment went into effect in 2001 and 2010, and those 2010 lines were drawn to guarantee Republicans nine seats and Democrats five seats in Congress.”

Dawkins viewed the practice as racial voter suppression. “Gerrymandering is just another way to keep black people from voting,” he wrote about Virginia, after three federal judges ordered the Virginia General Assembly to redraw the boundaries in 2015.

He's not far off. The term gerrymandering has many negative implications, with two principal tactics used in gerrymandering – “cracking” and “packing” – to create districts to ensure a majority of favoring one party, irrespective of voter and demographic changes.

“Cracking” refers to the dilution of voting power of the opposing party's supporters across many districts, and “packing” means concentrating the opposing party's voting power in one, or a few, districts to reduce their voting power in other districts.

For example, Michigan's 11th Congressional District,

GERRYMANDERING HAS COME TO BE KNOWN AS THE PRACTICE OF ESTABLISHING A POLITICAL ADVANTAGE FOR A POLITICAL PARTY BY MANIPULATING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES, OFTEN INTO STRANGE CONTORTIONS. IT CAN ALSO BE USED TO PROTECT INCUMBENTS. IN 2014, HISTORIAN WAYNE DAWKINS PINPOINTED THE ACTION AS “POLITICIANS PICKING THEIR VOTERS INSTEAD OF VOTERS PICKING THEIR POLITICIANS.” which meanders in a unique and unusual configuration from Plymouth to Livonia to Novi to Commerce Township to Waterford east to Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy and north to Auburn Hills and a portion of Rochester Hills, designed in 2011 to be comfortably and safely Republican for then-Congressman Thaddeus McCotter of Livonia. As we know, in 2018 Democrat Haley Stevens flipped the district despite gerrymandering. Carved out of the district when boundaries were last drawn was more-Democrat leaning Farmington Hills and West Bloomfield, both stuck into the 14th District, which includes northwest Detroit and Harper Woods, and is currently represented by Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D). Similarly, Bloomfield Township was carved out of the 11th District and put into the safely Democratic 9th District, in 2011, protected for then-Congressman Sander Levin, now represented by his son Rep. Andy Levin (D-Bloomfield Township).

“Gerrymandering is designed to mute the voices of some parts of society, to lessen the vote compared to other voters, by putting minorities into a district, or if they try to create a district with a majority of voters similar to your party but they sprinkle in a few voters from the other party, their voices will seldom be heard,” explained Eric Lupher, president, Citizens Research Council in Michigan. “The bottom line is it works to disenfranchise voters of the other party. For voters of the

majority party, here in Michigan, we've been dealing with the Republican Party, but in other states it's been the Democrats. They've been able to draw the lines to keep it this way until this last election – especially to keep Congress Republican – even though they haven't had the majority of votes cast.”

Lupher explained the goal behind their control of the districts.

“If they control the ballot box, they control the agenda, then they control the budget,” he said.

Thomas Mann, a senior fellow of governance studies at the Brookings Institute, said that “Redistricting is a deeply political process, with incumbents actively seeking to minimize the risk to themselves or to gain additional seats for their party. Gerrymandering of state legislative districts can effectively guarantee an incumbent's victory by 'shoring up' a district with higher levels of partisan support.” He noted that this can be highly problematic from a governance perspective because forming districts to guarantee high levels of partisanship often leads to higher levels of partisanship in legislative bodies, which can then create and perpetuate partisan gridlock.

“This demonstrates that gerrymandering can have a deleterious effect on the principle of democratic accountability. With uncompetitive seats reducing the fear that incumbent politicians may lose office, they have less incentive to represent the interests of their constituents,” Mann noted. “Incumbent politicians may look out more for their party's interests than for those of their constituents.”

“It boils down, at the heart of it, to a real fundamental conflict of interest,” Justin Levitt, associate dean for research, professor of law, Loyola School of Law, pointed out. “They may care about issues, but like anyone, they care about keeping their job, and the pressure to keep their job. There's a very natural conflict of interest between the public's interest and their private and partisan interest.”

“While gamesmanship in politics is nothing new, this extreme gerrymandering is,” Rudensky from Brennan Center, said. “The (redistricting) maps in North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, Maryland, are fundamentally more extreme than ever before. It's been primarily over the last decade of Republican maps, because Republicans have had more opportunity because they had such good elections in 2010 as a reaction to (former President) Obama, so the party used that good election year to lock in their majority.”

Rudensky said the ability to draw maps to define and establish extreme gerrymandering occurred partially through the use of sophisticated tools, but “part of it is there has been political polarization – much more than in the '80s, '90s and decades past. Political operatives can really predict how people will vote, and determine if it will be a good year for Republicans or Democrats. That kind of predictability, combined with sophisticated algorithms, allow you to draw maps that allow representatives to stay in power, even if people are displeased with their decisions.

“That's fundamentally different from years before.”

Another issue the Brennan Center has noted is the grip the party in power – the Republicans – have maintained.

“We've never before seen gerrymandering hold over an entire decade,” Rudensky said. “Because with people, there are natural shifts in demographics over 10 years – with 2016 and 2018 – in those elections we've seen pretty strong shifts in election results.”

The long-standing complaints about gerrymandering finally galvanized in 2018 a Michigan grassroots group which took petitions to neighborhood associations, libraries, coffee shops, family gatherings, book clubs –

everywhere people gathered together, all over the state, and gained over 425,000 signatures to put a citizen-led constitutional amendment on the ballot to create a commission charged with redistricting following each decennial census. The amendment would replace the previous method of determining the boundaries of congressional, state Senate, and state House districts – namely, governed by the legislature – with a process led by an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

“I was surprised how much of a grassroots effort” the rise and impact of Voters Not Politicians “really was,” Citizens Research Council's Lupher said. “We talk about grassroots efforts, but often behind the curtain is big dollars. But Voters Not Politicians really was a grassroots effort because people were just fed up with the system.

They felt their voices were not being heard. Whether because of the road gone down by California or Arizona, or the political scientists from some of Michigan's universities who had done research showing how things could be different,” voters were energized and motivated.”

Rudensky concurred. “There's been a civic awakening in the last several years, not just about kitchen table policies, like health care and schools, which are still important, but there's been a mass awakening across the entire political spectrum, with polling showing that reforms say redistricting may show it could hurt the party you favor – they still favor reform, even if they're told it could hurt their party and the number of seats they favor because they want to live in a fair system, and people just feel alienated, regardless of their party preference. They don't trust the government or that their representative is acceptable to them.

“Ultimately, that's really important,” he emphasized.

“Our system depends on people's trust. Once it breaks down, then it's hard for whatever happens to have legitimacy. Independent redistricting commissions help restore legitimacy.”

Arizona was the first state to establish an independent redistricting commission, by voters in 2000, and has now gone through two redistricting cycles.

California was the second state to establish an independent redistricting commission in 2010. Arizona's commission was challenged by the Arizona legislature, which contended that the elections clause of the U.S. Constitution provided for the legislature to draw district maps. However, in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected their argument, holding that the term “legislature” could be read broadly to mean "the power that makes laws," not just the two representative houses. Because the Arizona Constitution granted voters “the powers that makes the laws,” voters were not prohibited from adopting laws governing redistricting.

“These kinds of commissions take this kind of partisan interest back from politicians,” Loyola School of Law's Levitt said. “So that instead of politicians choosing their voters, voters are choosing their politicians. It's not about a particular party seizing power – but about the citizens seizing power back from the politicians, which I happen to think is a good thing.”

Levitt said Michigan “very smartly and intelligently thought through” creating the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, which he said passed because “it's not hard to get people agitated when politicians are abusing the power we give them.

Incumbents talk about 'their' district. It's not 'their' district – it's our district. It's easy for them to forget and feel it's an entitlement they are granted.

“It's not partisan frustration, and the ballot issue showed that.”

“We started out with a goal, just to find a solution to some of the most gerrymandered maps in the country,” said Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not

Politicians. “We also were coming off the 2016 election and how hyper-partisan and nasty it was.”

Now that Michigan is at the point of implementation of the change, Wang and others who sought to foster change recognize the importance of protecting their dream of redistricting for and by the people.

“We knew we would be sued. And there was a bill during lame duck (the period after last year's election in November). It would have restricted the kinds of experts that could have been hired (by the new commission). It was meant to be very restrictive. We were following that from the beginning, and spoke out about that, and got volunteers,” Wang said. “It passed the state House, but died in committee in the Senate. It was another example of the power of people taking action and saying 'we're not going to let you undermine us and what we just passed.'

“A big part of our strategies is being proactive,” she explained. “We reach out and drum up awareness and enthusiasm for our commission. Volunteers are being involved in presentations and educated about the new commission, and sign ups. Proposal 2 passed, but what does that mean? How can the public really be involved in the process?”

Officially, the public can now be involved in the process of redistricting Michigan's congressional and legislative maps. As of October 24, 2019, the state of Michigan began taking applications for the Independent

THE (REDISTRICTING) MAPS IN NORTH CAROLINA, MICHIGAN, WISCONSIN, MARYLAND, ARE FUNDAMENTALLY MORE EXTREME THAN EVER BEFORE. IT'S BEEN PRIMARILY OVER THE LAST DECADE BECAUSE REPUBLICANS HAVE HAD MORE OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE THEY HAD SUCH GOOD ELECTIONS IN 2010 AS A REACTION TO OBAMA, SO THE PARTY USED THAT GOOD ELECTION YEAR TO LOCK IN THEIR MAJORITY. Citizens Redistricting Commission, which will be fully responsible for redrawing the district lines for state House, Senate and U.S. Congress.

“We're really excited to have launched the application process, and we're receiving a great response,” said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “In the first hour when we launched, 100 people applied. In the first 24 hours, 1,000 people applied. We've had over 3,000 people apply so far, and we have eight months to go. We intentionally started early to get the word out across the state.

“This is a really special moment in Michigan history,” Benson continued. “We want to ensure our elections are fair and really representative of all of our constituencies and communities in this great state. This allows all citizens the opportunity to participate in the process.

This powerful change has the opportunity to define our democracy for years to come.”

Any Michigan registered voter can apply, have their application notarized, and then they're in the pool of applicants. The deadline is June 1, 2020, when a national accounting firm will do a random selection of 200 semi-finalists. Those names will be posted, Benson said, and the quadrant leaders in the legislature – the Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader and Minority Leader – will each be able to strike up to five names each, for a total of 20 names.

The remaining 180 semi-finalists will then go into a random selection, and from there, the final 13 will be drawn.

“The amendment is very clear about this – there's a random selection process to 200 semi-finalists,” explained Jamie Lyons-Eddy, Voters Not Politicians Director of Campaigns and Programs. “It's required to be weighted to the demographic and geographic distribution of Michigan. After the five strikes of the legislative leaders, then it's completely random. The pool will be balanced – but it will be completely random. It's statistically designed to reflect Michigan's diversity. It's already part of Michigan's Constitution and will be followed to the letter of the law by the Secretary of State.”

Once the commission is seated, designed to be no later than October 15, 2020, Benson said they will be required to hold at least 15 town hall meetings across the state – although they can have as many as they feel they want or need – and have a completely open process in order to have the perspective of all Michigan citizens as they draw the maps. The goal is to have final maps completed and adopted by November 1, 2021, and enacted into law by December 31, 2021, which will take effect prior to the 2022 elections.

Members of the commission will each be paid about $40,000 for their efforts, and can expect anywhere between 10 and 40 hours a week of time during the process.

THE INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION IS OPEN TO REGISTERED VOTERS IN MICHIGAN EXCEPT ANYONE WHO IN THE LAST SIX YEARS WAS A PARTISAN CANDIDATE, ELECTED OFFICIAL, POLITICAL APPOINTEE, LOBBYIST, CAMPAIGN CONSULTANT AND OFFICER OR MEMBER OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF A POLITICAL PARTY, AS WELL AS A PARENT, CHILD OR SPOUSE OF ANY OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS. “When you do commission-based redistricting, it's really about putting people first,” said the Brennan Center's Rudensky. “They're supposed to go around the state and get input, holding public hearings, and have people inform the process, and submit plans. We saw the process play out in California. It's a really remarkable thing.

“In Michigan, it's really elevated,” he said. “You'll see really good results. What the commissioners are for is to collect the testimony of Michiganders and synthesize it and reflect it back. You still need people who have skills – if you've served on a PTA, taken any kind of leadership, you're prepared to serve.”

As Wang and her colleagues anticipated, there has been a lawsuit. A national Republican group led by former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R), Michigan Freedom Fund Executive Tony Daunt, state Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Potterville), and 13 others filed suit in federal court in Grand Rapids, alleging the rules of the commission is exclusionary and violates First Amendment rights of free speech and Fourteenth Amendment rights of equal protection.

Their reason? The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is open to registered voters in Michigan – except anyone who in the last six years was a partisan candidate, elected official, political appointee, lobbyist, campaign consultant and officer or member of the

governing body of a political party, as well as a parent, child or spouse of any of those individuals.

In its motion, the lawsuit asked a federal judge to shut down the commission. As of press time, the court had not yet ruled on the lawsuit. Repeated calls and emails by Downtown newsmagazine to Daunt and Rep. Barrett were not returned.

“At Voters Not Politicians we feel that these lawsuits are without merit, and those who gerrymandered Michigan in the first place don't want to give up power, and we expect them to be resolved quickly, because the Secretary of State needs to get on with the commission,” Lyons-Eddy said.

NYU Law School's Professor Pildes does not believe the new redistricting commission will face the same legal challenges as Michigan's earlier commissions.

Wayne State University Professor Sedler agrees.

“The challenges are likely to be rejected,” Sedler said.

“The grounds they are asserting are pretty unsubstantial. Nothing in the language is exclusionary.

It's not like the (constitutional) violations with other commissions. I would assume after the 2020 census the redistricting commission will do the apportionment.”

“Today the situation is quite different. Nothing in clearly established Supreme Court doctrine makes the rules about who can serve on the commission obviously unconstitutional,” Pildes said. “Moreover, Michigan can argue that those rules are justified by the policy of making the commission as non-partisan as possible. But even if the courts were to hold that these rules excluding certain people from serving are unconstitutional, it does not seem likely the courts would then hold the entire commission unconstitutional.

The easy fix for any such ruling would simply be to permit these additional figures to be eligible to serve.”

“You're trying to eliminate the drawings of lines to eliminate the advantage of one party in elections,” Wang said. “To accomplish that, you write into the Constitution, which we did, to prohibit the commission having an unfair advantage to one party or candidate over another by setting up an ethical system. You must protect that with fair procedures that must be followed. The system, the way you do it, is through utter transparency. All the maps, the data, consultants, everything – is open to the public. There are no secrets.

“Also, fundamental, central to its integrity is to kick out those actors with the greatest incentives to cheat.

Those people are the ones who benefit personally when maps are drawn one way or another. Whether professionally – because they stay in office, or financially, because they rely on that person who would benefit by the ways lines are drawn, you take the people who have a direct conflict of interest out of the equation.

Those are politicians, paid lobbyists, high ranking party officials, also their family members,” she noted. “Those are three things to prevent partisan gerrymandering.”

Political consultant Dennis Darnoi of Densar Consulting believes there are a lot of holes in the language. “If I were to say I am non-partisan, how is someone going to prove me wrong? The language says it must mirror the demographics of the state – so the state is 79 percent white, 14 percent black and the rest is split up. So then 10 of the 13 seats should be for whites, two should be blacks and one should be other – Hispanic or Asian,” he contended. “There's a lot to take into consideration, and if you haven't done this before and aren't aware, I can tell you, having done it.”

Levitt, of Loyola School of Law in Los Angeles, said there are those sorts of restrictions in place in all sorts of places. “There is no right to serve on a commission like this,” he said. In order to win, he said, it would need to be proven that other exclusions are acceptable, such as

a federal employee not being permitted to contribute to a campaign, “while Michigan's aren't. It's extremely unlikely.”

Citizen Research Council's Lupher disagrees. “I think it's a legitimate argument. You are nullifying the free speech of people. Because we deny free speech of people when we have term limits, saying they can't run again – is this any different?”

Lupher said that as for the whole commission being thrown out because of that, “there's severability. It might change the dynamic of the commission. Even if these different groups are allowed to participate on the commission, we still have to require the public's input, so I don't think the end result will be different than if these people are excluded.”

While Michigan's independent redistricting commission is modeled on California's, with similar restrictions, if those filing the lawsuit prevail, Levitt does not see cause for concern in California, although McGhee, of the Public Policy Institute of California, does in terms of possibly setting precedence for other states.

As for concerns of how ordinary citizens will be able to learn and navigate the Voting Rights Act, court decisions and other necessary voting standards, Michigan officials are already addressing the issue.

“The commission will select and hire experts to train them on whatever topics they deem relevant to their work,” Benson said.

“They need to rely on staff. The most important decision a commission makes is who they hire as staff, as well as legal counsel, because of the Voting Rights Act, and navigating those waters, and how to counsel how equal those districts need to be, as well as other legal issues,” McGhee said. “Getting this help, and making sure it's an honest broker and that the map is a vision of the commission – and not the staffers – it's always a risk.”

The standards that must be taken into account by the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission as they draw new maps are different than redistricting standards for the last several decades, which followed what are called the “Apol Standards,” created by former Michigan Director of Elections Bernard Apol. Apol established a list of standards to follow, chiefly to preserve county lines without violating equal population; compact, contiguous districts; 16.4 percent divergence between districts; respect political boundaries; and have the fewest cities and township lines broken.

“In the creation of district maps, the Apol Standards prioritize our historical political boundaries, and because they did that, they prevented communities from fairly being divided,” said Wang. “What the new Constitutional amendment does is reprioritizes what the committee has to follow, and that is not always the Apol Standards. It's actually totally different. It puts communities at the center of the district, over county and township or city lines.”

That means communities of interest, which may spread beyond city, township and/or county lines.

According to “A Commissioner's Guide to Redistricting in Michigan” by Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, “communities of interest could be legislative interests, but also “social, historic, cultural, racial, ethnic, media, transportation, or ethnic factors...The commissions role in identifying communities of interest is subject but must be based on reason and evidence...In recognizing these communities, the commission can give a voice to local groups who might otherwise have little power.”

“Apol tried to keep communities together, and that was considered important. But that lends itself to funny looking maps when you do it,” Lupher noted. “The amendment doesn't do away with it, but says it's not the

most important thing. Apol Standards often had to do funny gyrations to keep areas together.”

Federal requirements of the Voting Rights Act and districts having equal population must still be maintained for all maps drawn, including by the independent commission.

Congressional districts must be close to equal in population size. For state legislatures, the rule of thumb is the largest district can be no more than 10 percent larger than the smallest district. Consistent with this, current Michigan law encourages state legislative districts to be within five percent of the average-sized district.

The Voting Rights Act looks to evaluate if there is at least a majority of minority population voters in a district, or at least have the opportunity to elect a candidate of their preferred choice. According to Public Mapping Project, the ideal district has just the right percentage of minorities to elect a minority candidate of choice. “The percentage of minorities cannot be too low, lest cracking occurs, and cannot be too high, lest packing occurs.”

The next criteria for the redistricting commission is district contiguity, meaning that all parts of a district must be connected. According to the Princeton study, “Contiguity is understood as a traditional redistricting principle by the U.S. Supreme Court, and this idea aligns with most people's common-sense notion of what a legislative district should look like.”

THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION A COMMISSION MAKES IS WHO THEY HIRE AS STAFF, AS WELL AS LEGAL COUNSEL, BECAUSE OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT, AND NAVIGATING THOSE WATERS, AND HOW TO COUNSEL HOW EQUAL THOSE DISTRICTS NEED TO BE. GETTING THIS HELP, AND MAKING SURE IT'S AN HONEST BROKER AND THAT THE MAP IS A VISION OF THE COMMISSION – AND NOT THE STAFFERS – IT'S ALWAYS A RISK. The next criterion the commission will be directed to look at is partisan fairness, so that the outcome of the process, which is the new district maps, will not provide an unequal benefit to one party over another.

Under the new standards, incumbency and political boundaries can then be considered, but before compactness. “Compactness may have to be sacrificed to comply with other criteria, particularly in densely populated areas,” the Princeton study said. “Compact shares are not necessarily a sign of fairness...Ensuring that districts reflect communities of interest and do not provide disproportionate advantages to any political party may mean that some districts are not as compact as they otherwise could be.”

Michigan pollster Bernie Porn of EPIC MRA, said he would have the commission “take a history of the last two decades and create a database and use it. Whether for Republicans or Democrats, the computer system would be able to evaluate plans and the number of most competitive seats. There's about a half-dozen plans, at least, that make it where either party could win.

“The goal is, in a normal election, either party could win a majority of the state House, Senate or Congress. I think the commission will end up with that goal when all is said and done. They will not shirk their duty to pass a map that is drawn for either party to win.”

Luxury Real Estate. Redefined.

Magnificent Custom Built Orchard Lake Lakefront Masterpiece $4,999,000

Exceptional Elegance situated on 2.3 Acres on Lake St. Clair Shores $6,499,000

Brand New Construction in Exclusive Heron Bay $2,450,000

Magnificent, one of a kind, Wing Lake Lakefront $2,399,000

Custom Designed Masterpiece in Built by the Frankel Organization $1,799,000

Custom Estate on over 1.6 Acres in Bloomfield Hills $1,599,000

A Refreshing Take on Timeless Design Located in North Wabeek $1,499,000

Georgian Colonial Situated In An Exclusive Enclave Of Chelsea Park ~9,000 Sqft $1,299,000

~.5 an acre located in desirable Wabeek Golf Community $749,000

Custom Built Home on over Half an Acre in Wabeek's Golf Community $745,000

210 S. Old Woodward | Suite 200 | Birmingham, MI | 48009 | 248.928.4224

Luxury Real Estate. Redefined.

Modern Masterpiece designed by Award Winning AZD Architects on All Sports Cass Lake $2,499,000

New Construction to be built is Desirable Heron Bay $2,300,000

Luxurious Estate Built In 2007 Featuring Over 8,000 Sq ft $1,999,000

New Construction To Be Built By Award Winning Sapphire Luxury Homes On This ~1.5 Acre Corner Treed Lot $1,899,000

Incredible Former Frankel Model in Exclusive Heron Bay $1,399,000 or $10,000/MO

Quarton Lake Estates Incredible Newer Construction $1,399,000 or $10,000/MO

Custom Built Home Located in Prestigious Heron Bay Gated Community $1,399,000

Contemporary Home in Chambord Villas with Bloomfield Hills Schools $670,000

Stylish Turn-Key Newer Construction Home Perfectly Situated Within Walking Distance Of All That Birmingham $650,000

Gorgeous Rochester Hills Home Situated On A Private Treed Lot Overlooking The Clinton River $625,000

210 S. Old Woodward | Suite 200 | Birmingham, MI | 48009 | 248.928.4224

248.259.3544 mobile 248.590.0800 office erin@erinkdewald.com erinkdewald.com

Wishing you a HomE and HEART filled with JoY this HoLiDAY SEASon!! on

ng

i om

So

5649 mystic lane oaKland twP.

C

4 bed | 3.2 baths 4,600 sq ft a Modern estate encompassing a sleek style, Open Layout and elite amenities with Walkout basement

950 Putney Birmingham 3 bed | 2.1 bath 2,000 sq ft Nestled in desirable family friendly Poppleton Park Neighborhood

3309 Kenmore BerKley 4 bed | 3.1 bath 2,300 sq ft Uncompromising quality and details~Newer build close to downtown berkley

Prices Upon Request

210 s. Old Woodward ste. 200 | birmingham, MI 48009 | follow eKd

R enee L ossia A cho R E A L ESTAT E G RO U P

E X P E R I E N C E T H E D I F F E R E N C E B E T W E E N A N AG E N T A N D A N E X P E R T

983 Wimbleton Dr. | Birmingham 4,519 Sq.Ft. | 5 Bed | 5.2 Bath | $1,895,000

COMING SOON 1389 Pilgrim Ave. | Birmingham 6,464 Sq.Ft. | 5 Bed | 6.2 Bath | $2,995,000

1252 Fairfax Street | Birmingham 5,833 Sq.Ft. | 6 Bed | 6.2 Bath | $3,200,000

JUST LISTED

JUST LISTED

950 Satterlee Rd. | Bloomfield Hills

220 Northlawn Blvd. | Birmingham

125 E 14 MILE RD Unit#15 | Birmingham

3,169 Sq.Ft. | 4 Bed | 2.1 Bath | $575,000

1,311 Sq.Ft. | 3 Bed | 2 Bath | $399,000

656 Sq.Ft. | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | $119,000

CALL OR TEXT: 248.587.RLA1 (7521)

R

DOMAIN

L U X U R Y H O M E S I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 1 0 S . O l d Wo o d w a r d S u i t e 2 0 0 , B i r m i n g h a m , M I 4 8 0 0 9

FOLLOW US ON Social Media

FACES Rachel Sussman ony-Award nominated producer Rachel Sussman has made New York City her home for more than a decade, but her strong Michigan roots keep her close to her hometown.

A native of Bloomfield Township and a graduate of the Wylie E. Groves Performing Arts Company, Sussman headed to New York City after graduating from Groves, earning her drama degree from New York University. Since 2010, she has worked with Second Stage Theatre, RKO Stage Productions, the New York Musical Festival and most recently with Audible's Theater division. In 2012, Sussman co-founded The Indigo Theatre Project, producing highprofile readings of plays to benefit non-profit organizations. Three years later, she co-founded The MITTEN Lab, which stands for Michigan Incubator for Theatre Talent Emerging Now, a new artist residency located in Bear Lake.

"I was very involved at Groves and with the Groves Performing Arts Company. It's an amazing theater company that John Rutherford has run for years. It set me up for success in college and beyond. The program is that comprehensive that exists in our public schools.

"One of the things I say when talking about being a young person in the theater is that you think of it as on-stage where you get to be a star, and off-stage, where you have no idea what is happening. Mr. Rutherford really helped expand our minds. By the time I got to NYU, I felt I knew so much more than my classmates. When I started interning, I understood what a dramatist did. He taught us that there was so much more than what's on stage."

As producing artistic director for the New York Musical Festival, Sussman helped develop a new initiative focused on arts-based civic engagement. On Broadway, she is co-producer of Heidi Schreck's Tony award-nominated play "What the Constitution Means to Me." Some of her other producing credits include the Obie-Award-winning production of "The Woodsman," as well as "Eh Dah? Questions for My Father," "The Rug," â&#x20AC;&#x153;Talk To Me About Shame," and others.

Sussman's first experience with theater started before her teenage years, performing community theater with her entire family, including her dog.

"We did 'Fiddler on the Roof' together as a family," and I caught the bug," she said. "My sister now does comedy in Chicago and my dad is involved with the Birmingham Village Players."

Outside of the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, Sussman cofounded the MITTEN Lab with long-time friend and stage director Katherine Carter.

"We were having a conversation about what we are doing as an industry to cultivate the next generation of artists, and what we realized with residency programs is that they are catering to midlevel career, and it's difficult to be accepted into these programs," she said. "MITTEN Lab was born out of that idea â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to support early career artists that show promise."

Sussman said it's a good time to be growing the theater industry, as there seems to be new momentum, in part due to the mainstream success of "Hamilton."

"Our palate as a culture is more primed for theater," she said. "I think that's true on a national level. People are engaging and using theater to spark conversation and think about what art means to them and what it is saying about the world around us. People go to the theater to escape their lives, and to learn more about their lives. That's true in Michigan, as well."

T

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

BIRMINGHAM FOR THE HOLIDAYS

ALWAYS FIRST 2 HOIURS FREE IN PARKING DECKS â&#x20AC;¢ VALET PARKING AVAILABLE SPECIAL HOLIDAY PROMOTION OF DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE

BIRMINGHAM

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

AN EDITED BOUTIQUE 560 N. OLD WOODWARD | 248.258.1959

LORIKARBAL.COM

VOILA boutique European Clothing

Fitting all shapes and sizes for 72 years!

265 S. Old Woodward Birmingham

248.642.2555 www.harps-lingerie.com Monday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

(No appointment necessary)

VALET PARKING FOR DOWNTOWN SHOPPERS AVAILABLE

JOYEUSES FÃ&#x160;TES BIRMINGHAM 395 Hamilton | 248.385.1313 Tues. - Sat. 10:30 to 5:30pm

HOLIDAY PARTY & OPEN HOUSE FESTIVE DRINKS & NIBBLES WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11TH 10:30AM TO 7PM voilaboutiqueofficial www.voiladesigns.biz

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BIRMINGHAM

ALWAYS FIRST 2 HOURS FREE IN THE PARKING DECKS!

BIRMINGHAM HOLIDAY SALE!

Where Style Meets Your Active Life.

Steele Angel is a lifestyle brand.

Our mission is to provide great product and service while inspiring all to live with purpose, love and gratitude.

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

SUNDANCE SHOES wishes you Happy Holidays!

Big sale!

P448 Women's Sneakers E9 John Ghost

2 GREAT LOCATIONS

235 S Old Woodward Birmingham 248.385.5960

Our spe

6915 Orchard Lake Rd. West Bloomfield 248.737.9059

gift to you... y a d i l cial ho

SAVE UP TO 50% ON THE FINEST FURS, SHEARLINGS, OUTERWEAR AND ACCESSORIES

181 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009 Phone: (248) 642-1690 CeresnieandOffenFurs.com Hours:

Mon – Fri: 10 – 6, Sat: 10 – 5, Sun: 1 – 5

150 W Maple Road | Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 712-4441

Starting Dec. 10, open weeknights until 8.

FREE RESERVED PARKING: Access our parking deck behind store on Peabody Street

VALET PARKING FOR DOWNTOWN SHOPPERS AVAILABLE

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BIRMINGHAM

ALWAYS FIRST 2 HOURS FREE IN THE PARKING DECKS!

BIRMINGHAM

ARTISTS CATHY DALEY KEVIN TOLMAN BOB DYLAN DAVID BOWIE STEPHEN DUREN LINCOLN TOWNLEY BASSMI IBRAHIM DENNIS WOJTKIEWICZ IGOR ZAYTSEV BARBARA COBURN ALFREDO ROMERO JOSEPH PICCILLO KIRO URDIN

LENORE GIMPERT NANCY ROSEN NANCY THAYER RUSSELL THAYER RANA LOTFI OTTO DUECKER JEF BOURGEAU JERRY GARCIA JOHN LENNON CHLOE ROX OSCAR LAKEMAN NICO ROUSSELET MICHIEL FOLKERS JAMES RIECK JACK LIEMBURG

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

ELENA ARNAOUTOVA NAIRI BAGDASARIAN MANUCOLLAGE GERARD MARTI

ELENA ARNAOUTOVA NAIRI BAGDASARIAN GERARD MARTI LINDA SOLOMON

PHOTOGRAPHERS

SCULPTORS

BRIAN DUFFY MICK ROCK ANNIE LEIBOVITZ BOB GRUEN GERED MANKOWITZ TERRY O'NEILL HARRY BENSON JAMES RIECK JACK LIEMBURG

HARRY BERTOIA MARSHALL FREDERICKS LOIS TEICHER STEPHEN PORTER SCOTT ERICKSON RUSSELL THAYER SAUL RUBENSTEIN ERIC FREITAS MARY ADKISSON

FINE ART - POP ART - SCULPTURES - PHOTOGRAPHY - JEWELRY - GLASS ART -

Shop the Four Corners of the World... at the Best Corner in Town Introducing Kyle + Shahida

110 S. Old Woodward corner of Maple, downstairs | Birmingham Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-5:00 | Sunday and Monday by appointment only

110Couture | 248-686-3400 VALET PARKING FOR DOWNTOWN SHOPPERS AVAILABLE

ROBERTKIDDGALLERY

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BIRMINGHAM

139 WEST MAPLE ROAD H / / 2ND FLOOR BIRMINGHAM. MI 48009

FROM THE CREATIVE MIND OF MASTER TAILOR

ALI CHEAIB

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE MADE FROM THE FINEST ITALIAN AND ENGLISH FABRICS:

INQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS CALL: 248.229.9052 WWW.THEBIRMINGHAMTAILOR.COM // FIND US ON

@BHAMTAILOR

ALWAYS FIRST 2 HOURS FREE IN THE PARKING DECKS!

BIRMINGHAM

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

MADE IN

BIRMINGHAM

Mention This Ad to Receive $ Mention Ad Limit one perThis customer to Receive

10.00 Off

WOMEN’S & CHILDREN’S CLOTHING $ HANDBAGS & SHOES & ACCESSORIES

10.00 Off

Limit one per customer lyudviga.com lyudvigacouture@gmail.com CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

WOMEN’S & W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, MI 48009 HANDBAGS 168 & SHOES & ACCESSORIES 248.227.7722 lyudviga.com

l

VALET PARKING FOR DOWNTOWN SHOPPERS AVAILABLE

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BIRMINGHAM

HOLIDAY SALE! UP TO

60% off all rugs â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tis the Season to Save!

GIFTS UN

$

DE R

50

Rug s olidayigns 2â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 3â&#x20AC;&#x2122; H es riety of d Va

ava ila b le

HAGOPIA GIFT CERTIF N ICAT MAKE GRE ES AT G IF T S !

Cleaning Serv of Rugs Gift

ices or Wor ld Cer tifica te s

Avai la ble in any de nom inat ion

3 /LD 7OODWARD s &REE 0ARKING ,OT 248-646-RUGS (7847) HagopianRugs.com

ALWAYS FIRST 2 HOURS FREE IN THE PARKING DECKS!

BIRMINGHAM

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Unique & Educational Toys For All Ages GAMES - BABY TOYS DOLLS - PUZZLES STUFFED ANIMALS ARTS & CRAFTS SPORTING GOODS SCIENCE KITS WOODEN TRAINS

FREE GIFT WRAPPING Phone orders with easy back door pick-up artisanal casual-luxe jewelry & accessories 266 E. Maple Road | BarbaraBozBoutique.com HOURS: M, T, W, F, Sat: 10am-6pm | Th: 10am-7pm | Sun: 12noon-5pm

250 West Maple Downtown Birmingham

248-646-5550

Hours: Mon - Sat 10-6, Sun 11:30-5

DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM 6#56'(7.

^

6+ /'.

'55 ^

/#&' + 0 75#

Give the Finest

5 ) .

5 /5 . # # 5 /, ) 3 5 Ĺ&#x20AC;( 5 3

# & ) " < Ĺ&#x20AC;. /. ) 5 3 . ,

*

Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest sweaters Made in the USA Unsurpassed craftsmanship in exclusive designs for the perfect gift this holiday!

Mention this ad:

FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE: Cashmere scarf with $700 purchase $195 value

ÂŁ{Ă&#x2C6; 7 -/ Ä?* ,"Ä?

, Ä?

­ Ă&#x201C;{nÂŽ

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x201C;äÂ&#x2021; {Ă&#x201C;xx

ST. CROIX SHOP 268 W. Maple Birmingham, MI (248) 816-1390

999 5#4#%#/2$'. .

%1/

^

"5#4#%#/2$'. . .

6&

VALET PARKING FOR DOWNTOWN SHOPPERS AVAILABLE

birmingham@stcroixshop

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BIRMINGHAM

LUCIDOJEWELRY.COM

BIRMINGHAM

ROCHESTER

STERLING HEIGHTS

(248) 723-7880

(248) 402-0300

(586) 997-0011

ALWAYS FIRST 2 HOURS FREE IN THE PARKING DECKS!

FACES

Maxwell Leonard he secret’s out. Maxwell Leonard, who once ran an “underground bakery” from his Hamtramck home, now bakes fresh bread daily at Detroit’s Ochre Bakery. “It didn’t exist,” he says coyly of the secret bakery where he tested recipes for his coveted baked goods, which made people “want it more.”

Leonard, who grew up in Birmingham and graduated from Seaholm High School, didn’t always intend on pursuing a career as a professional baker. He grew up with “a strong food culture of quality and reverence for sitting down and having meals as a family,” making items like pickles with his father growing up, but baking was not on his radar. He studied business administration at the University of Colorado, taught in France, and worked in Chicago before making his way to the west coast. It was there, he says, that he got “really into fermented foods like sauerkraut and kombucha,” which he says provide more nutrition than raw foods.

After spending two years learning about wine production in northern California, he made his way back to Michigan, where he transitioned what he had learned about fermented grapes towards bread making.

“I had so much prior experience in other realms of the fermentation arts,” Leonard describes, that even though he has no formal training when it comes to bread, the “parallels and concepts hold over.” Derived from a sourdough starter, the bread “starts to bubble with activity.”

As he continued to tinker with his recipes, sharing loaves with family and friends and setting up shop at local farmer’s markets, he noted a desire for his product.

“Unlike wine, which you can preserve in a bottle and ship around the world, you really need to be close to where [bread] is made if you’re going to truly taste it at its freshest point, which is the day it’s made. …

It needs to be made close to you.”

And it’s not just locals who are taking note. This past September, Bon Appetit magazine named Ochre number four in it’s “The Hot 10: America’s Best New Restaurants 2019.” Acknowledging it’s slightly out of the way location in Detroit’s Core City neighborhood, Leonard calls it an “honor” to be recognized, and is bringing additional awareness to the spot. While he is still figuring out production levels with this uptick in traffic, visitors can find three staple breads: the country bread, a baguette, and the fougasse, a flatbread stuffed with olives that he says “kept the lights on over the summer.”

Expect more unique flavors to come from his kitchen soon.

“There’s an infinite number of forms that bread can take by applying different techniques and baking or shaping it in a certain way. Look at any culture. With the same dough, we can make pizza, baguettes, pita, focaccia.”

It’s also an appreciation for local purveyors and a deep understanding of flavors that demonstrates Leonard’s holistic approach, yielding bread with a “complex flavor and nutritional value” that many don’t associate with carbohydrates.

“Ultimately it’s about giving people good food so that they feel good, stuff that they can share with people they love.”

T

Story: Hillary Brody Anchill

Photo: Laurie Tennent

GRAND TRANSFORMATIONS IN HOME BUILDING AND REMODELING

SERVING HOMEOWNERS & PROFESSIONALS

KASTLERCONSTRUCTION.COM 248.655.5580

VISIONARYCABINETRY.COM 248.850.7178

Visit our 2,500+ square foot showroom at 425/429 S. Main Street in Clawson, MI

MUNICIPAL

Valentine awarded new contract

By Lisa Brody

espite an inaccurate email campaign sent by a city commission candidate alleging an inappropriate severance package as part of the employment contract extension for Birmingham City Manager Joe Valentine, at their meeting on Monday, October 28, city commissioners approved the contract extension and benefits package, with both commissioners and members of the public noting he is underpaid compared to the marketplace.

A resolution to approve the amendment to the city manager's employment agreement had been included on the agenda's consent agenda, after having been discussed in closed session, meaning approval was administrative. That was in keeping with city commission history, whether for Valentine, or previous city managers, such as Tom Markus or Bob Bruner, city commissioner Stuart Sherman pointed out.

However, because of a widely circulated email sent out by commission candidate and gadfly Clinton Baller asserting Valentine was getting a “golden parachute,” mayor pro tem Pierre Boutros, who was leading the meeting in mayor Patty Bordman's absence, wanted to table the resolution until a future meeting when there were seven commissioners in attendance. Commissioner Rackeline Hoff was also absent. Other commissioners disagreed, feeling the matter should be discussed and voted on.

The approved one-year amendment to Valentine's contract increased his compensation to $134,487.10 from $130,570, a three percent raise; a retirement contribution of deferred compensation of $5,000; and an amendment to the termination provision to 24 months, from six months. The compensation was retroactive to July 1, 2019.

“Our job is to make decisions,” Sherman pointed out, as well as noting that delaying the matter to a future meeting could be a hardship for members of the public who had come to the meeting to speak on the matter.

“Considering it's an administerial decision, it does not matter if there are five or seven commissioners,” said commissioner Mark Nickita.

Commissioner Andy Harris concurred. “This is an administerial decision, and it sets a terrible precedent.”

Sherman explained that this was not the first amendment done to the city manager's contract. “It's done almost every year,” he said.

“After having been through two searches, we know what the market is, we know that our city manager is not being compensated as much as comparable city managers. Based on Michigan Municipal League (MML) and other contracts across the state, the severance where a city manager is fired in violation of the contract – not for cause – is one to three years. We took the middle. This only applies if the city breaches the contract, not if the manager leaves.”

A golden parachute is an agreement between a company and an employee specifying that an employee will receive certain significant benefits if employment is terminated, and usually refers to an employee exit in the private business market, often the result of a takeover or merger.

“Tom Markus – his severance was very similar to this,” Nickita noted. “There is a precedence. It's something we have studied at great length, and across the state. Joe is near seven years as city manager, and many, many years with the city, and that is a tenured position according to the MML.” Valentine has been with the city of Birmingham for 23 years, having begun as an intern, and worked his way up as city manager.

Sherman said that after Markus left the city after 22 years as city manager, they changed the severance because “we didn't know what we were getting. This is bringing it back into line with where we had been.”

“I want to emphasize that this city manager is worth more than this compensation package and I wholeheartedly support this motion,” Harris said.

“Some people misplace their disapproval with policy on the city manager, instead of the city commission,” said commissioner Carroll DeWeese. “The city manager position is apolitical. If there is a political disagreement, you should have it with the city commission.”

Commissioners approved the employment contract amendment, 5-0.

D

Township addresses budget shortfalls

By Kevin Elliott

Budget cuts and cost-cutting measures being undertaken in Bloomfield Township are expected to provide an additional $3.25 million to the municipality's annual budget, but could still require the township to dip into fund balance reserves in order to cover an estimated $2.2 million deficit and provide $2 million for unfunded liabilities.

Bloomfield Township Finance Director Jason Theis on Wednesday, October 16, presented the township board of trustees with budget projections for the fiscal year 2020, which began on April 1, 2019, as well as projections for the 2021 fiscal year, which begins April 1, 2020.

The board earlier this year approved an annual budget that included a $2.2 million deficit with the intention of amending the budget following the results of the special election in August, in which voters were presented with a Special Assessment District (SAD) that would have been dedicated to public safety operations.

The tax, which was rejected by voters, would have provided a dedicated funding source for pensions and the township's other post employee benefits (OPEB) trust fund.

The SAD was proposed in response to a 2018 state law intended to ensure local retiree health care and pension plans are adequately funded. Under the law, a municipality must ensure at least 40 percent of the OPEB costs are funded within 30 years, or about $65 million in the case of the township.

Prior to the law being implemented, municipalities could pay actual costs incurred on an annual basis, or “payas-you-go.”

"If you remember, with the timing of not knowing what the board was going to do to move forward with a SAD or not, and having to have a budget approved before April 1, the beginning of the fiscal year, we knew we would have a chance to amend budgets later in the year depending on the outcome of the SAD," Theis said. "That's why we had that $2.8 million deficit at that time."

The board had originally budgeted a $2.8 million deficit in its public safety fund, yet had budgeted balances of $10,000 in the township's road fund and a balance of $590,000 in the general fund, for an overall deficit of about $2.2 million.

"That's a $2.2 million deficit with no available funds to contribute toward OPEB," Theis said.

Since the rejection of the SAD by voters, township administration has had department heads look for ways to reduce their budget and present those findings to trustees. Township administration has made moves in recent months for additional savings by moving to a self-funded health system; refinancing municipal bonds let for pensions; higher investment earnings; maintaining a hiring freeze and reducing the number of total employees through attrition; and additional measures.

Figures presented by Theis indicate the township will end the current fiscal year with a deficit of about $325,000.

That total includes a $400,000 deficit in the township's public safety fund, but offset by balances of about $25,000 in the road fund and $50,000 in the general fund.

As some proposed cuts have yet to be finalized, Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie said it isn't yet known if the township will need to dip into its general fund balance to even out the budget.

"The fund balance would get us through any deficiencies we have out there, but I believe with the cuts we made and the hiring freeze, we can get through it at this particular time without going into the fund balance – but I can't be sure, yet," Savoie said.

The fund balance of the three major funds at the beginning of the fiscal year was roughly $28 to $30 million, with estimates to end the year with a total of balance of $25 to $30 million.

Theis said while the fund balance alone could cover the originally projected deficit, it could only be used as a one-time fix that wasn't recommended by administration.

The budget estimate includes a total of $2 million in OPEB contributions, of which $1.5 million will come from the township's public safety fund and $500,000 from the general fund.

Bloomfield Township Treasurer Brian Kepes said the numbers were both "sobering" and "scary."

"What's really sobering is that we are in a good economy and this is what we are dealing with, and we are going to be dealing with a reduction in services," Kepes said. "You're assuming a 3.5-percent increase in revenue from property values, and should we come into any kind of scenario with a dip, whether it's a percent or half a percent, those are significant numbers that would be compounded on top of the cuts that we are already talking about.

Again, it's a good economy, but we know Michigan can be very cyclical and we know it's not always 'if,' but 'when.'

REAL ESTATE AGENTS: SPECIAL ALERT We have saved agents millions in taxes in recent years with our team of experts at Levy & Associates, Inc.

IRS OR STATE TAX PROBLEMS? CALL MICHIGAN’S LEADER IN TAX RESOLUTION

LEVY & ASSOCIATES, INC.

OWE THE STATE OF MICHIGAN? Owed $114,483.00 – Settled for $11,032.80 Owed $56,000.00 – Settled for $1,000.00 Owed $226,000.00 – Settled for $22,350.00 New Offer and Compromise Program. Call Now for Details.

Lawrence B. Levy Member National Society of Accountants & American Society of Tax Problem Solvers

We are a Michigan based Corporation. We have successfully represented thousands of Corporations and individuals throughout the country.

We saved our clients millions of dollars – let us help you sleep better at night.

OWE THE IRS? Owed $207,000.00 – Settled for $7,352.00 Owed $374,416.00 – Settled for $19,181.00 Owed $1,039,938.00 – Settled for $85,824.00

“DON’T FEAR A LEVY, HIRE A LEVY” 28400 Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076 248.557.4048 • Fax 248.443.1642 Toll Free 800-TAX-LEVY www.levytaxhelp.com

"As a resident living with the expectations that I used to have and what we need to adjust to based on the economic realities, it's kind of scary."

Township change in form talk delayed

By Kevin Elliott

An effort to supersede the current Bloomfield Township supervisor's position in the township's government organization was postponed on Monday, October 28, when trustee Dave Buckley requested the item be removed from the evening's agenda.

Buckley, who first pitched the idea in July of bringing on a township superintendent position to run the day-to-day operations of the township, had asked for the resolution to establish the position be removed from the agenda. Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie was absent from the meeting.

"In reviewing the last meeting, I have had a lot of time to digest the comments and considerations from the departments, and I received assurances from the supervisor that we would consider the superintendent position in the compensation study," Buckley said in requesting the item be removed from consideration until a later date.

"There's no need right now."

Bloomfield Township Treasurer Brian Kepes opposed the request to remove the item, preferring to address the matter sooner, rather than later.

"This has been brought up two meetings ago... governance and budget aren't really tied to each other," Kepes said, referencing previous discussions about the proposed superintendent position, including at a special study session of the board, where it hadn't been considered due to a lack of support to bring matter up for a vote. "I think it's worth a discussion. We have had time to think about it, but I don't see any reason not to talk about it this evening and deal with it."

The board voted 4-2 to remove the item from the agenda at Buckley's request, with Kepes and trustee Neal Barnett voting to reject the request.

Buckley in July requested the resolution be considered. Then, at the board's August 12 meeting, it was determined that trustees would discuss the proposed position at a special study session. Under the proposed resolution, a superintendent position would be created to oversee the township's budget, personnel and downtownpublications.com

other duties that are currently under the authority of the township supervisor. In return, the supervisor position would be relegated to a ceremonial title that oversees board meetings.

Buckley proposed the position in the wake of the township's August 6 election in which voters rejected a 2.3-mill special assessment district for police and fire that would have been used to pay for unfunded liabilities related to police and fire retiree benefits. Buckley has since claimed that the township is in the midst of a financial crisis, as administration works with department heads to identify cuts to fund liabilities, as required under state law.

Yet, the board in August was reluctant to entertain the proposal of a superintendent, with only Buckley and trustee Dani Walsh appearing to be in favor of the new position. At the study session, Buckley failed to garner support from any trustee to bring the resolution forward for consideration.

Heading to Birmingham?

Enjoy a Discounted Lyft Ride!

Projected EESD cuts reviewed for savings

By Kevin Elliott

Cuts within the Bloomfield Township Engineering and Environmental Services Department (EESD) could provide a savings of $2,400 to $274,000 per year from the general fund by eliminating some programs, the department's director told the township's governing body on Monday, November 11.

Engineering and Environmental Services Director Olivia OlsztynBudry presented an outline of program cuts that could be considered by the board of trustees in order to close a structural budget deficit related to other post employment benefits (OPEB) liabilities.

Bloomfield Township voters on August 6 rejected a proposed 2.3-mill special assessment district (SAD) dedicated to police and fire operations that would provide a dedicated funding source for about two-thirds of OPEB and pension liabilities owed by the township. The township must fund about $64 million in OPEB liabilities over the next three decades under a new state law that requires municipalities to prepay at least 40 percent of those costs. Township departments have since been presenting potential budget reduction options to help close the funding shortfall.

DOWNTOWN

Leave your car at home when visiting downtown Birmingham this holiday season.

Type code BHAMDAY19 from 12:00 p.m. - 5:59 p.m. to obtain $7 off a ride to downtown Birmingham.

Type code BHAMNIGHT19 from 6:00 p.m. - 11:59 p.m. to obtain $3 off a ride to downtown Birmingham.

Promotion is valid November 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019 or when promotion funds are exhausted – whichever comes first. Please note an individual rider may only utilize a maximum of four rides during the designated daytime hours and two rides during the designated evening hours throughout the duration of this specific promotion.

W W W. A L L I N B I R M I N G H A M . C O M

69

Michigan's­#1­Family­of­Real­Estate John, Bridget, Jack and Mary Clare Apap Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com www. johnapap.com

happy­

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

holidays

445 Arlington Street Birmingham - $2,275,000

3777 Orion Road

965 E Glengarry Circle

Oakland Township - $2,799,000

Bloomfield Village - $1,950,000

Lara J. Forte Senior Loan Officer NMLS # 1169665

Lara.Forte@ChemicalBank.com

Chemical Bank, Mortgage Division

248-284-5178 2301 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 525 Troy, MI 48084

Michigan's­#1­Family­of­Real­Estate John, Bridget, Jack and Mary Clare Apap Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com www. johnapap.com

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

happy­

holidays

1527 N Glengarry Road

580 Haverhill Road

Bloomfield Village - $1,795,000

Bloomfield Hills - $1,599,000

1810 Winthrop Lane

1021 Pilgrim Avenue

Birmingham - $1,499,000

Quarton Lake Estates - Birmingham - $1,299,000

603 Hupp Cross Road

450 Westwood Drive

Bloomfield Village - $1,299,000 co-listor Betsy Laboe

Bloomfield Village - $919,000

Top­producing­agent­

Michigan's­#1­Family­of­Real­Estate John, Bridget, Jack and Mary Clare Apap Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com www. johnapap.com

happy­

holidays

G

IN

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

LD

D EN

SO

P

2640 Indian Mound Road

659 Overhill Road

885 Redding Road

Bloomfield Village - $1,290,000

Bloomfield Village - $1,245,000

Birmingham - $1,095,000

887 Redding Road

856 Lakeview Avenue

1219 Quarton Road

Birmingham - $1,095,000

Birmingham - $1,195,000 co-listor Jim Remski

Birmingham - $1,174,900

999 W Glengarry Circle

2863 Chestnut Run Drive

321 N Glenhurst Drive

Bloomfield Village

Bloomfield Hills - $1,025,000

Bloomfield Village - $999,999

32224 Scenic Lane

421 Madison Street

2723 Indian Mound Road South

Franklin Village - $999,900

Birmingham - $949,000

Bloomfield Village - $899,000 co-listor Maryclare Pulte

G

IN

D EN

P

734-464-4171 734-464-1213 (f) 9Î&#x2013;&725 3$5.:$< 68Î&#x2013;7( /Î&#x2013;921Î&#x2013;$ 0Î&#x2013;

JAN SHOOK 2É?FH 0DQDJHU 734-464-4171 x1816 MDQ#LQWHUVWDWHWLWOH QHW

Michigan's­#1­Family­of­Real­Estate John, Bridget, Jack and Mary Clare Apap Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com www. johnapap.com

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

happy­

holidays

G

IN

D EN

P

740 Lone Pine Road

100 Linda Lane

559 N Cranbrook Road

Bloomfield Hills - $899,900

Bloomfield Hills - $899,000

Bloomfield Village - $895,000

275 Hamilton Road

140 Hamilton Road

1300 Sandringham Way

Bloomfield Village - $849,900

Bloomfield Village - $849,000

Bloomfield Village - $799,000

ON

G

SO

IN

OM

C

2515 Covington Place

3616 York Court

1825 Huntingwood Lane

Bloomfield Village - $785,000

Bloomfield Hills - $749,000 co-listor Jim Remski

Bloomfield Hills - $699,900

439 Roanoke Drive

1253 E Lincoln Street

4240 Sheridan Drive

Bloomfield Hills - $624,900

Birmingham - $499,000

Royal Oak - $325,000

Top­producing­agent­

Feeling Overwhelmed?

MUNICIPAL

Career • Family • Aging Parents

Let us SIMPLIFY your LIFE. GERIATRIC MEDICAL CARE MANAGEMENT • Senior Housing Evaluation & Placement • Arrange Health Care and Community Services • Oversee Daily Living Needs

CONVENIENT ~ COST EFFECTIVE Serving all of Michigan Since 1991

MANAGED REHABilitation Consultants, Inc.

39303 Country Club Drive, Suite A-50, Farmington Hills, MI www.managed-rehab.com | 877-614-6410 or 248-848-9120

Work With A Top Performer In Michigan.

With 34 years of experience, Tim Smith has been dedicated to helping his clients achieve their homeownership dreams.

As a top producer in Michigan, he can help you find the loan option to fit your needs.

Subject to approval.

Join the many homeowners who have relied on Tim’s committed service. Contact Tim today!

Tim Smith VP | Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #533266 T: 248.770.3717 Tim.Smith@ChemicalBank.com TimSmithPreApproval.com

A Division of TCF National Bank

74

"A lot of the EESD's responsibilities are mandated by regulatory requirements," Budry said.

The department, which was created in 2005, currently has five full-time employees, down from six full-time employees and one parttime employee in 2005. Budry said none of the potential cuts outlined in her presentation include the elimination of staff.

Potential cuts could include elimination of the township's gypsy moth contract, which could provide an annual savings of about $182,000.

Currently, the township is contracted with Gypsy Moth Management until 2023. Elimination of the township's West Nile virus treatment program could provide a savings of about $2,400 per year. Additionally, the township could defer flooding and draining issues related to Chapter 20 Drain issues – which includes consulting and engineering services – to the Oakland County Water Resource Commissioner's Office, which could provide a varying degree of savings.

"Chapter 20 drains are created and established by the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office," she said. "Many of the drainage channels in the township are private, and until a drainage district is established the township nor the county has any means to maintain that channel. It's essentially part of the private property owners'."

Chapter 20 drains include not only drainage pipes, but other established waterways and open drain channels.

In order to establish a drain, the township must petition Oakland County, which traditionally includes a cost estimate by the township.

"These costs typically include surveying the drainage route and identifying methodology for drainage," she said.

Budry said annual costs are based on need and response in the township, meaning the cost varies widely from year to year and is more than likely a one-time savings.

"As you can see, the only real significant savings on an annual basis would be that gypsy moth program," Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie said. "If someone wanted to cut the gypsy moth program, we would have to put it on the agenda for the next meeting.

My only caution there is that Rochester Hills stopped it a few years ago and the return was so invasive that this past year they had to go to arial spraying, and they notified residents they would do it at night to avoid any adverse effects to pets or

DOWNTOWN

people. I don't think that is where we want to go, given almost 22 year ago when we needed to do that the outcry was tremendous from the residents, and I don't think we want to go back there. Everything else is insignificant."

Trustee Neil Barnett concurred with Savoie.

"I would be totally opposed to doing anything with the gypsy moth funding," he said. "I do recall the outcry and problems we had in the township. We have come a long way and it's under control. I would hate to see us take several steps backward only to then maybe a year or two in the future having to spend significantly more than that. Part of what we are here for the safety and welfare of the residents and look out for them, and (eliminating) that I think would certainly be a poor decision."

Township police invite public assessment The Bloomfield Township Police Department is inviting members of the public to weigh in on the law enforcement agency's operations as part of its accreditation assessment process.

Bloomfield Township Police Chief Phil Langmeyer said public comments are part of the assessment overseen by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC), which will examine all aspects of the department's policies, procedures, management, operations and support services.

"Assessors will spend several days ahead of their visit electronically viewing files, and then two days at our agency on December 2 and 3 verifying that the Bloomfield Township Police Department meets every Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission 'best practice standard,'" Langmeyer said.

"The onsite assessment is a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence."

As part of the on-site assessment process, employees and members of the public are invited to provide comments to the team by telephone or email. The public may call 248.723.3580 on December 2 between 10-11:30 a.m. to speak directly to assessors. Comments may also sent via email to jmurphy@bloomfieldtwp.org or directly to the accreditation manager, Neal Rossow, at nrossow@michiganpolicechiefs.org.

12.19

46

DOWNTOWN

07.11

Committee fined for campaign violations

By Kevin Elliott

political action committee formed to support a Special Assessment District (SAD) in Bloomfield Township that was rejected by voters on August 6 has paid $2,100 in campaign finance fines for failing to file contributions in a timely manner.

The Committee To Protect Our Police And Fire was formed in June of 2019 by Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie and Treasurer Brian Kepes. On July 26, the committee filed a preelection statement showing the committee took in $30,000 from three campaign contributions. Those contributions came from Kojaian Properties, Bloomfield Township businessman James Bellinson and Mansour Companies of Birmingham. Each of the donors contributed $10,000 to the committee.

The pre-election statement covers the timeframe from June 18 to July 21. However, Oakland County Director of Elections Joe Rozell in September issued a notice to Kepes indicating the committee failed to file a late contribution report that was due on July 24 for two additional $10,000 contributions.

"Please be advised that this office is assessing the (Committee to Protect Our Police and Fire) a late filing fee for the late filing of the following statement: Late Contribution Report – 8/6/19 Primary Election," the notice stated.

The late filing fee assessed was $2,000, the maximum under state law for the violation, based on a fee of $100 per day of failing to file. The report was filed on September 23, according to campaign finance records. However, it had been due 48 hours after receiving the contributions.

Records indicate the contributions were made to the committee on July 23 and July 25 – after the established reporting period but prior to the filing deadline of July 26. The two $10,000 contributions were made by Signal Restoration Services of Troy, and Michigan Real Estate Development of Bloomfield Hills, which changed its name in 2018 from Coeus, LLC, according to state records. Both of those contributions were included in the committee's post-election finance report, filed on September 11.

Additionally, the committee was assessed a $100 fee for the late filing of its post-primary elections statement, which was due on September 5 but filed on September 11.

Campaign finance records indicate total fees of $2,100 were paid in full on September 25. The committee was dissolved on October 17.

MaryAlice LeDuc, with Better Bloomfield Township, a group formed by opponents of the SAD, took issue with the violations.

"The lack of accurate financial reporting shows the manipulation of information that Savoie and Kepes used prior to the August 6 election on the citizens of Bloomfield Townsip," she said.

Savoie, who confirmed the violations as well as dissolution of the committee, said fines were the result of a mistake caused by the confusion of whether to include the contributions during the pre-election period or post-election period.

"Basically, two checks came in after the reporting period, so we didn't think they were due until the post-election filing, but they were supposed to be reported within 48 hours of receiving them," he said. "The fine was paid. There was nothing nefarious or that I was trying to hide."

Rozell said the county mails committees instructions and notices regarding late filing reports and when they are due.

"We try to be proactive, but you have to read what we send you," he said.

While Rozell said failure to file late donation filing reports isn't a very common mistake overall, he said that violation is one that most often results in fines, which are set by the state and not left to the discretion of the elections division.

"There's a need for transparency so people know who is contributing to a campaign," he said. "You don't know if they forgot or if they are trying to hide contributions. That's why the fines are so heavy."

A

A copy of the accreditation standards is available at the police department headquarters, 4200 Telegraph Road.

"The Bloomfield Township Police Department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accredited status," Langmeyer said.

"Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy and more confidence in the agency's ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs."

The accreditation program was developed and is overseen by the Michigan Association of Police Chiefs. The assessment team includes law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies in Michigan. The assessors review written materials, interview agency members and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period, during which agencies must submit annual reports to show continued compliance.

Daxton Hotel receives city liquor license

By Lisa Brody

The Daxton Hotel, a new luxury boutique hotel already under construction at 298 S. Old Woodward at the corner of Brown Street, received unanimous approval from the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, October 28, for a special site plan and final site plan and design review, to operate a hotel with a liquor license.

Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker explained the applicant for the hotel, Daxton Hotel, Woodward Brown Ventures LLC/Aparium Hotel Group, which is currently under construction, was back for a special land use permit and final site plan and design review to operate a hotel with a liquor license.

“The applicant is requesting approval to use a new Class B – Hotel Resort Economic Development license under the new ordinance allowing a hotel or movie theater to operate with a liquor license.

Woodward Brown Ventures, LLC/Aparium Hotel Group is owned by several entities controlled by Mario Tricoci, Kevin Robinson and Howard Silverman,” Ecker said. “In addition to owning and operating the Daxton Hotel, all three are members

of the LLC that owns/operates the Detroit Foundation Hotel and the Apparatus Room restaurant in downtown Detroit.”

She said the ordinance amendment allows transfers in of liquor licenses for hotels and movie theaters, which is how the Birmingham Theatre received its license. For a hotel, the requirement is it must have at least 100 rooms, which the Daxton does. She indicated that all of the quota Class C licenses are in use or being held by property owners, so are not available to the applicant.

A liquor license will be purchased from another municipality and transferred into Birmingham.

In updated final site plans, Ecker explained that a sit down restaurant off the main lobby will be situated along the Brown side of the hotel, along with a private dining room. On the other side, in the center of the hotel, will be a long banquet hall, fronted by a women's lounge and a men's lounge for the banquet facility.

No outdoor dining is currently proposed, Ecker said.

“The hotel's assessed value will be about 11 times the value of before they purchased the property,” she stated.

She said the applicant was proposing the whole hotel under the same liquor license so they are able to operate the restaurant, banquet facilities and have room service able to serve alcohol.

First draft of master plan presented

By Lisa Brody

Matt Lambert, urban planner with DPZ in Miami, presented a look at the first draft of the Birmingham 2040 citywide master plan at the joint workshop meeting between the city commission and planning board on Thursday, October 17, which was met with both attention and critiques by board members and the public.

Lambert said they were looking for feedback on the first draft, which came in at 322 pages. “We've identified areas for work, primarily the neighborhoods,” he said. “The first thing we have to do is in the vision area, is clarifying the future language – 'This is what we're doing, these are the reasons we're doing these things.'”

He said that is the last piece of the puzzle, identifying the future of the city's resilience, determining how the city will sustain itself, whether in population density, how it will deal

1250

VAU G H A N R OA D BLOOMFIELD HILLS

6 Bedrooms | 5.2 Bathrooms | 1.61 Acres

with growth, the environment and/or sustainability.

The preamble of the master plan makes clear that “The city is not a building. Social connections have eroded, for those who have lived here for a long time and newcomers alike.”

The first draft focuses heavily on the city's neighborhoods, dividing the city into numerous neighborhood districts and focuses on the edges and seams between them, mixed use districts that can be adjacent to them, and zoning clarifications and potentials.

“The code is well thought out, but completely illegible,” Lambert pointed out. He said what is needed is identifying more clearly the boundaries where the opportunities are between neighborhoods, at their seams, as he called them.

Incorporated into the neighborhoods was the future of transportation, which in the plan is focused on bike and pedestrian transportation. He said they incorporated the city's 2013 multimodal transportation plan and its neighborhood loop concept, connecting them for pedestrians and bicycles.

Neighborhood parking would be including, but “right now they're so cumbersome they're unenforceable.”

He said they need to be simplified, but did not provide recommendations.

Lambert also said that street standards are very important, as are street trees, as they are one of the best differentiators between neighborhoods, and that small streets “create value and safety.” The issue of unimproved streets, a current hot topic at city commission meetings, was not dealt with.

Lambert said they heard a lot about new housing at charrettes and surveys, “and there is a lack of correlations between what is allowed and what is happening.” He said there is a wide variety in zoning and setbacks, which need to be clarified.

There is also a demand for lot combinations, with about eight percent of properties having seen some change, those closer to the city's core, while 92 percent of the city's properties have been retained as is.

He noted they heard a lot from residents who no longer want to maintain a large house but want to stay in the neighborhood.

“Quite a few people spoke about the desire to downsize in the community, without there being an opportunity to age in the community affordably,” Lambert noted. “Where there are opportunities there could be downtownpublications.com

School bond vote could face electorate

By Lisa Brody

bond may be requested of Bloomfield Hills Schools' voters in the future, after critical needs were identified, but first a committee comprising board members, administrators, educators and interested community members are studying whether a reconfiguration of the district's elementary and middle schools would be a future option.

A district-wide facilities and technologies assessment identified $33 million in critical needs over the next three years, board of education President Paul Kolin wrote in an email to parents, residents and stakeholders. He said there are two options to look at, one is to fund the projects and “put band-aids on our aging facilities while keeping the current configuration of our district,” which includes having elementary students in middle school buildings as they have shifted to fourth through eighth grades, and middle schools with enrollment too small to effectively offer special programs.

The second option would be to explore new and better facilities by reconfiguring the buildings.

“Do we go from three middle schools to two, or three middle schools to one?” asked Kolin. “We're just exploring, looking at what other districts are doing, looking at what are the opportunities, and the emotional advantages and/or disadvantages of going from a 400-person building to a 1,200-person building. We're at a very early stage in discussion.”

Kolin said the board would prefer to not just spend the large sum of money to update the buildings. “It would just be a band-aid,” he said.

“We want to take it to the next step.”

That next step would likely result in the board asking the community for a substantial bond initiative, Kolin said, “but we're no where near putting it on the ballot.”

Currently, two committees were formed, Focus Panels and Scope and Design Committee, representing a broad spectrum of the community and educators, which are exploring all the various options.

Kolin said more information will be provided at future board meetings, where members of the public can provide comments.

A

townhouses, duplexes, for multifamilies, those are opportunities in neighborhood seams.”

Other opportunities at the edges of neighborhoods are for small commercial developments, like at Maple and Chesterfield roads, where Mills Pharmacy + Apothecary is, as well as to create more parks and recreational locations.

On a larger scale, the plan divides the city into five mixed use districts, calling both sides of Maple and Woodward downtown; northern Old Woodward Market North; creating Haynes Square in the Triangle District; developing a S. Old Woodward/Woodward gateway; and the Rail District, which could be achieved through signage, wayfaring, parking and zoning ordinance changes.

“Every master plan since the '60s has said you need to build more parking, and you haven't done it,” Lambert said. “Just get serious. You have a parking problem. Deal with it.”

“Everything comes across as important,” noted planning board member Robin Boyle. “We need to have some that are more important.

It's (the plan) too long. It needs a vicious edit. It's a good start.”

“I agree. What's important. You have to prioritize, and it's lacking in this draft,” said mayor Patty Bordman.

“I'm tired of very few people controlling the destiny,” pointed out planning board member Bryan Williams. “We need to get the neighborhood associations involved at the beginning, or we'll have the same 'yay' or 'nay' divisiveness in this city.”

Planning board chairperson Scott Clein said he and planning director Jana Ecker intend to include a standing line item on planning board agendas to work on the master plan drafts. “As many meetings as it takes so we're providing as much input as we can to the consultants,” he said.

“It will be tempting to tackle the easy stuff, but we have to deal with the difficult stuff, and the easy stuff will follow,” said board member Janelle Whipple-Boyce.

Several residents at the meeting requested attention to the city's infrastructure as a focus to the plan.

DOWNTOWN

Discounted Lyft rides for shoppers Don't worry about parking in downtown Birmingham this holiday season. Instead, enjoy discounted Lyft rides.

“We’re excited to introduce discounted Lyft rides in Birmingham,” said Ingrid Tighe, executive director of the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD). “We’re making it easier than ever for shoppers and diners to visit Birmingham without having to park their vehicle.”

The BSD has developed a new promotion, available now through December 31, 2019, or when promotion funds run out, whichever comes first, allowing holiday shoppers to type in a discount code and head to downtown Birmingham.

An individual rider may utilize a maximum of four rides during the designated daytime hours and two rides during the designated evening hours throughout the duration of this promotion.

To take advantage of the promotion, Lyft users can just type in the code BHAMDAY19 from 12 p.m. 5:59 p.m. to obtain $7 off a ride to downtown Birmingham. In the evenings, type in BHAMNIGHT19 from 6 p.m. - 11:59 p.m. to obtain $3 off a ride to downtown Birmingham.

For more information, go to AllinBirmingham.com/Lyft.

Township approves 2020 safety paths

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Township trustees on Monday, November 11, approved the township's 2020 safety path routes and engineering work, which is expected to total more than $3.1 million for the fiscal year.

Engineering and environmental services director Olivia Olsztyn-Budry said the plans include the design and construction of two significant pathway projects, as well as engineering for a 2021 project and about $100,000 in repair and maintenance work.

The first route will be along Club Drive, from Square Lake Road to Forest Lake Country Club, which was added to the safety path master plan approved in 2018 following requests from nearby residents.

The path on Club Drive is to serve as a link to the safety path on Square Lake Road and the safety path on Franklin Road. Construction of the 79

STUNNING 11.47 ACRE ESTATE

FABULOUS FRANKLIN ESTATE

Bloomfield | 7420 Inner Circle Drive

Franklin Village | 31460 Briarcliff Road

BR 6 | BATHS 4.4 | SF 17,056 $6,499,000

BR 3 | BATHS 7.1 | SF 4,215 $1,295,000

A gated entry & private road lead to this 2005 built estate home. Unsur-

Spacious updated Ranch that is beautifully sited on 2 private acres in the

passed quality & craftsmanship combine with the finest of materials. Pic-

Heart of Franklin Village. The imposing grounds include a tennis court, pool

turesque grounds. Fully automated “Smart Home”. 6+ car garage.

& cabanas. Truly a one of a kind property!

COMPLETE RENOVATION

PRIVATE OASIS IN BIRMINGHAM

Franklin | 27740 Lakehills

Birmingham | 647 Watkins Street

BR 4 | BATHS 3.2 | SF 5,045 $899,000

BR 4 | BATHS 4.2 | SF 3,557 $1,299,000

Complete 2018 remodel elevates this fabulous Franklin home to standards

Phenomenal in-town home completely updated & loaded with charm!

of new construction while effectively preserving the stately elegance &

Fabulous open floor-plan with tons of natural light. Dream kitchen, spectacular

detailed craftsmanship of the original. Luxurious 1st floor Master Wing.

master suite, in-ground pool & waterfall. A rare find!

#1 Top Producing Team

Ã&#x152; / ( -+

2019 % ,

Birmingham

Birmingham

Birmingham

Birmingham

691 W. FRANK STREET

822 SUFFIELD AVE.

1098 FAIRFAX STREET

1492 PIERCE STREET

Birmingham

Birmingham

Birmingham

Birmingham

628 WOODLAND STREET

587 STANLEY BLVD.

1852 LATHAM STREET

544 WALLACE STREET

Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills

3959 OAKLAND DRIVE

390 WADDINGTON STREET

1265 CLUB DRIVE

4074 OVERLEA LANE

Bloomfield Hills

Southfield

Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills

1375 SCENIC COURT

22700 COVENTRY WOODS

45 VAUGHAN RIDGE ROAD

2731 RIDGEWOOD COURT

SOLD

SOLD

662 PURDY ST. - BIRMINGHAM 660 LAKESIDE - BIRMINGHAM 939 HAZEL ST. - BIRMINGHAM 297 W. BROWN ST. - BIRMINGHAM 369 N. OLD WOODWARD AVE.- BIRMINGHAM 411 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE - BIRMINGHAM 340 CHESTERFIELD RD. - BLOOMFIELD 3700 BROOKSIDE DR. - BLOOMFIELD 4430 STONELEIGH RD. - BLOOMFIELD

SOLD

4364 PINE TREE TRAIL - BLOOMFIELD 1040 PARKWAY TRAIL - BLOOMFIELD 5871 KENMOOR RD. - BLOOMIFELD 2594 COMFORT ST. - W. BLOOMFIELD TWP. 221 E. 9 MILE RD. - FERNDALE 4112 DURHAM RD.- ROYAL OAK 4321 HAMPTON BLVD. - ROYAL OAK 15956 COG HILL DR. - NORTHVILLE TWP. 16590 COUNTRY KNOLL DR. - NORTHVILLE TWP.

Since 1978

(248) 647-2228 | Kelletthomes.com

Photo by Maconochie Photography

LLS

HI D L IE

MF

M at 7 P 0 3 7: s open n

O BLO

o r Doo admissi Free

82

DOWNTOWN

The Rodney Whitaker Jazz Ensemble Christ Church Choir Ramona Collins Rockelle Fortin Kimberly Horne Shahida Nurullah Naima Shamborguer 12.19

MUNICIPAL path is to be broken into two segments, the first of which will be from Square Lake Road to Forest Lake Country Club and constructed in 2020. The first phase won't impact any wetlands or floodplains and provides for two residential developments to access the path system on Square Lake Road. The path is to be constructed on the north/south leg of Club Drive, just past the entrance to Heron Ridge Subdivision.

Budry said the second segment, from the Forest Lake Country Club to Franklin Road, will have to be studied further to determine how to construct the path in light of an existing floodplain and wetlands, and significant landscaping in the rightof-way. The second segment isn't recommended for construction in 2020.

The preliminary cost projection for the 2020 portion of the Club Drive path project is $2,020,000, with $1.7 million for construction and contingencies, and $320,000 for engineering costs.

The second project proposed is a pathway along the north side of

Maple Road, from Inkster Road to Westmoor Road. The route would provide pedestrian access to Knollwood Pointe and Apple Grove condominium complexes, as well as the Braes of Bloomfield subdivision.

"The master plan includes this going all the way to West Surrey Road, which is closer to Telegraph, but the first segment recommended for construction of 2020 is just from Westmoor to Inkster," Budry said.

"Just like Club Drive, there is a practical difficulty with this path.

There is a significant culvert between Norham and Westmoor. The Road Commission (for Oakland County) will be doing an overlay project on Maple. It's not confirmed that's for 2020 or 2021, but the road project does include replacing the culvert that runs under Maple Road right now... so we could construct a safety path without having to construct a bridge if they can incorporate extending that slightly."

The project has an estimated cost of $984,000, with about $800,000 in expected construction and contingency costs and $184,000 in engineering.

In addition to the two 2020 projects, Budry said the township will be applying for a Transportation Alternatives Program grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to help fund a pedestrian crossing at Square Lake Road at Telegraph Road. The cost estimate for the grant application is $29,700, which is included in the current budget. If approved, the project would be included in the 2021 plans; however, engineering costs of about $104,300 would be included in the 2020 plan.

In addition to the two construction projects and engineering project for the pedestrian crossing, Budry said about $100,000 in contracted repairs are expected for miscellaneous areas throughout the township in 2020.

The total cost for the 2020 program would be about $3.1 million, which includes about $2.5 million for construction and $608,300 in engineering costs.

Trustees unanimously approved the 2020 safety path routes and design work.

Road paving SAD plan fails to gain approval

By Kevin Elliott

A road paving project along the Bloomfield Township/West Bloomfield border, near Quarton and Inkster roads, may not include nearly a dozen homes on the Bloomfield Township side of the project, which is being headed up by the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), trustees determined at their board meeting on Monday, October 28.

The project, which includes a special assessment district (SAD) for paving a number of residential roads in the Herndon's Walnut Lake Estate's subdivision, was brought about by a petition from a number of West Bloomfield residents in the area. The project includes just nine parcels located on the Bloomfield Township side of the border.

Bloomfield Township Engineering and Environmental Services Director Olivia Olsztyn-Budry said the properties include two parcels on Putnam Drive; two on Sunny Crest Drive; three on Appoline Drive; and two on Lakeshire Drive.

ferndalehaus.com THE PROPERTY Ferndalehaus is comprised of studio, 1 bed, 2 beds, and penthouse homes.

You’ll enjoy coming home to open floor plans, airy 10-foot plus ceilings, gourmet modern kitchens. Come home and relax on your private patio with breathtaking views. We also love pets at Ferndalehaus.

LUXURY LIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL Luxury living is now available at Ferndalehaus — located in the heart of Downtown Ferndale. Centered on the iconic intersection of Woodward and Nine Mile, all the action is just steps away. Apartments are renting fast. Come tour our show homes.

CLOSE TO EVERYTHING-STEPS TO HEART OF FERNDALE TOWN CENTER Antihero Voyageur

Otus Supply Como’s

Imperial GreenSpace Café

Toast Anita’s Kitchen

Realtors Welcome- Competitive Referral Fees

430 West Nine Mile | 248-850-7405 | www.ferndalehaus.com downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

FEATURES 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Fithaus (State of the Art gym with Peloton, TRX, Rowing Machines, and much more.

5th floor Clubroom and Outdoor Patio overlooking downtown Ferndale Electric Car Charging Station Keyless building entry system On-site Valet trash service On-site Maintenance 83

FRANK FLYNN , ASSOCIATE BROKER JULIE FLYNN , REALTOR

CHERYL RIBACK

Frank c. +1 248 835 4150 fflynn@hallandhunter.com Julie c. +1 248 835 4222 jflynn@hallandhunter.com

ASSOCIATE BROKER ABR, SRES

c. +1 248 808 3112 criback@hallandhunter.com

ARCHITECTURALLY SOPHISTICATED CUSTOM HOME

$1,890,000

CUSTOM BUILT RETREAT IN PRIME LOCATION

$2,295,000

798 ANN STREET, BIRMINGHAM | 4BR/3.1BA | 3,157 SF

1590 TULLY COURT, BLOOMFIELD TWP. | 4BR/4.1BA | 4,610 SF

Abundance of light and high quality materials throughout. Dramatic stairway leads to great room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Euro kitchen with dining area, family area with fireplace.

Master suite with fireplace, walk-in closets, heated bathroom floors. Walkout garden level with kitchen, wine cooler, entertainment area, 2nd laundry, 2 bedrooms, full bath, access to patio. Professionally landscaped terrace with fire pit, heated drive, and garage.

Breathtaking French country estate perfectly situated on 1.27 acres of lush landscaped grounds. Timeless design built in 2005 to exacting standards with exquisite details and unsurpassed craftsmanship. First floor master suite with spa bath and his/her walk-ins.

Private library, Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen, Great room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Year round wooded privacy, saltwater pool, 3 car heated garage. Basement prepped for bath & fireplace.

H A L L A N D H U N T E R . C O M | + 1 24 8 64 4 3 5 0 0 | 4 4 2 S . O L D W O O D W A R D B I R M I N G H A M

Boutros new mayor, Longe mayor pro tem fter former mayor and city commissioner Patty Bordman passed the gavel at the city commission meeting on Monday, November 11, new city commissioners Clinton Baller, Brad Host and Therese Longe, along with current commissioner Pierre Boutros, were sworn in for a four-year term, and then the entire commission unanimously elected Boutros as the new city mayor.

The commission meeting was split in two on November 11, as the first part began with a thank you to Bordman and fellow commissioners Andy Harris and Carroll DeWeese. Harris chose not to run for another term, while Bordman and DeWeese failed in their re-election efforts on November 5.

Each served the community for one four-year term. Harris was not in attendance at the meeting.

“Mayor Bordman, we thank you for your service for the last four years.

We appreciate you,” Boutros, as mayor pro tem, said.

Bordman, addressing the city, said, “One of the pleasures of Birmingham mayors is sharing in the happiness of others' happiness, officiating at weddings. I attended many, many ribbon cuttings, signed over 50 contracts on behalf of the city… The real work of Birmingham is not achievement of one person. It requires seven commissioners working together for one goal – what is the best for the city of Birmingham. That does not always mean there were not differences of opinions. I am proud of my tenure, both as commissioner and as mayor. I am particularly proud that as mayor we maintained a cooperative atmosphere.”

“It's a great privilege in the city I love to serve on the city commission,” DeWeese said. “I'd like to thank the city manager, and all the men and women who volunteer on all the commissions and boards.

One of the jobs of the commission is to find a balance, and not for one group or interest.”

After the new commissioners were sworn in, Boutros was nominated to be the new mayor for Birmingham for the year, and all seven commissioners voted for him.

“I am honored to represent our great city as your next mayor,” Boutros said. “I promise to serve you with honesty, integrity and respect.

Communications are not about buildings or streets, but about people, and that is what will be the focus of my term.”

In an unprecedented move, Baller then nominated Longe as mayor pro tem; typically mayor pro tem is a commissioner with a minimum of a year of experience, which commissioner Mark Nickita pointed out.

“I have just one comment – mayor pro tem usually sets up for mayor.

Usually there is some experience leading up to mayor pro tem so that if they have to step in as mayor… I have some reluctance in supporting Ms. Longe,” Nickita said. “Usually, we've had someone on the commission for at least one year – that's been the case for over half a century. I support her. I just feel there needs to be a year of experience on the commission. I'm uncomfortable with that so I cannot support the motion.”

Commissioner Stuart Sherman concurred.

However, Longe was voted in as mayor pro tem by a vote of 4-3, with commissioner Rackeline Hoff joining Nickita and Sherman in opposition.

A

"The residents circulated a petition to pave the roads in Herndon's Walnut Lake Estates subdivision with the Road Commission for Oakland County," she said. "The RCOC follows PA 246 for preceding with a Special Assessment District. PA 246 requires that all streets meet the 51 percent requirement of road frontage for supporting a project. For reference, PA 188, which Bloomfield Township follows, requires 50 percent road frontage for the total proposed district. The RCOC determined that the petition was insufficient to proceed with the project."

Despite the lack of support, the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on October 8 passed a resolution to allow the RCOC to move forward with the project after receiving a request from residents to do so. The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees also is required to pass a resolution supporting the project in order to include the properties in the township in the project.

"If the Bloomfield Township board doesn't pass a resolution, the RCOC will continue with the project and end the paving at the Bloomfield Township boundary," Olsztyn-Budry said. "The project would still continue, but these properties won't get paved."

Bloomfield Township Treasurer Brian Kepes said if the same project were being undertaken by Bloomfield Township, the project wouldn't move forward because of a lack of signatures by property owners in the township to support it.

A motion to approve the resolution by the Bloomfield Township board failed by a vote of 3-3, with trustees David Buckley, Dani Walsh and treasurer Brian Kepes opposing, and supervisor Leo Savoie absent.

However, Kepes said on Thursday, October 31, that one of the properties has since responded to the township and requested to be included in the SAD, meaning that more than half of the eight property owners on the nine properties was in favor of the SAD. Kepes said he expects the resolution to be considered by the board a second time at a future meeting.

CDBG funds okayed for 2020 repairs Bloomfield Township will receive more than $50,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to assist moderate to low-income residents with minor home repairs and meals in 2020, under a proposal approved by the board of trustees on Monday, November 11.

The CDBG program provides federal funds to local municipalities to assist

qualifying residents with affordable housing, home repairs and other needs through individual grants or related programs. The objective of the program is to eliminate or prevent blight and meet urgent community needs where there is no other funding available.

Bloomfield Township Services Director Christine Tvaroha told commissioners the program expected to receive about $51,857 in funding for 2020, of which $36,300 would be dedicated to home repairs and $15,557 for the local Meals on Wheels program.

The township has partnered with Oakland County Community and Home Improvement since 2009 to provide minor home repair services to qualifying residents, and expanded offerings in 2014 to support Meals on Wheels. The program has resulted in $659,000 in funding since 2009, with about 70 percent going to minor home repair and 30 percent to meals.

The program has helped to complete 117 minor home repair projects, with the average age of the owner being 79 years old and owning the home for an average of 28 years. Tvaroha said the average annual income of recipients is $30,127.

Under the federal Housing and Urban Development Department guidelines, those qualifying for home improvement grants must be a home owner over the age of 60. Income guidelines are differ for each community and are based on 80 percent of the surrounding community's median income, which in Bloomfield Township is $42,750 for a single person household and $48,850 for a two-person household.

Trustees unanimously approved the proposed program funds.

Tvaroha said the 2020 funding would allow for home repairs of about seven to nine homes, with the annual household maximum being $5,000 and the lifetime household maximum of $15,000.

Brooklyn Pizza may expand footprint

By Lisa Brody

After receiving preliminary approval from the Birmingham City Commission on April 8, Brooklyn Pizza came before the Birmingham Planning Board on Wednesday, October 23, for a special land use permit to operate a bistro, and for final site plan and design review, where the bistro was recommended for approval.

The planning board, by a vote of 61, recommended Brooklyn Pizza receive a bistro liquor license to operate a bistro as they hope to expand their restaurant into the adjacent Birmingham Geek space at

Bloomfield Hills mayor, mayor pro tem he Bloomfield Hills City Commission on Tuesday, November 12, elected commission member William Hosler as the city's mayor and commissioner Sarah McClure as mayor pro tem.

Hosler was appointed to the city commission in November of 2017 and has served as mayor pro tem since November of 2018. McClure, who has served as mayor in the past, was elected to the commission in 2010. Both the mayor and mayor pro tem positions change on an annual basis.

Commissioners also welcomed new commissioner Bradley Baxter, who was elected on Tuesday, November 5. Baxter replaces former commissioner Stuart Sherr, who didn't run for election in November.

Commissioner Alice Buckley, who was also elected this year, was appointed to the board in September following the departure of former commissioner Michael Coakley, who resigned from the commission after moving from the city.

Baxter, Buckley, Hosler, McClure and former mayor Susan McCarthy ran unopposed in the November election.

T

the corner of Maple and Henrietta streets. Board member Dan Share voted against, as owner Sam Abdelfatah plans to continue counter service only, including at the bar, and not have table service.

“It concerns me that a bistro will be more like a McDonald's than the establishments we've been used to,” Share said. “I will not be supporting this because the plan is not consistent with the ordinance and is not consistent with my idea of service for a bistro and service for an establishment serving alcohol.”

Birmingham planner Brooks Cowan explained that Abdelfatah has proposed a renovation of his current space, 111 Henrietta, as well as the adjacent storefront at 195 W. Maple, where Birmingham Geek is, with an L-shaped bar situated in the Birmingham Geek space. There would be 50 interior dining seats, plus 10 at the bar. As they are already approved for outdoor seating, they would add 11 outdoor seats, including stools at a counter at a new bifold window. Seven stools would be moved from the indoor bar during nice weather.

86

Cowan said Brooklyn Pizza is currently open until 10 p.m., and is proposing to stay open until 11 p.m.

The elevation on both Maple and Henrietta would be changed and updated. Open since 1996, “they are looking to take it to the next level as a bistro,” Cowan said.

As for the lack of table service, attorney Patrick Howe said the service is designed to be similar to how it was at Cosi when they were in the city, “which was one of the first established in the city to get a bistro license. You order, pay and then take it to your seat. That's the plan. That's how Sam thinks it will work.”

In addition, Abdelfatah plans to make delivery to homes and businesses in Birmingham and Bloomfield of food and beverages “a big portion of the business,” Howe said.

“I'm excited about this, but...our bistro license says alcohol is only served to seated customers,” board member Janelle Whipple-Boyce said.

“How does this work?”

“The intent is for everyone who is served is seated, after they order and pick up their alcoholic drink,” Howe said.

“For the last 24 years, Brooklyn has been an easy, fun spot, and we want to keep it that way,” Abdelfatah said.

“Alcohol is a convenience for mom and dad. They order at the pizza counter or the bar and are served and pick up at the bar.”

The Birmingham City Commission will have the final approval at a later date.

Rail District eatery gets liquor license

By Lisa Brody

Lincoln Yard, a full service restaurant proposed for Birmingham's Rail District, received unanimous approval by the Birmingham City Commission meeting on Monday, October 28, to receive an economic development liquor license.

An economic development license is an economic incentive, with Birmingham originally designating underutilized properties along Woodward as areas that could use revitalization. Earlier at the meeting, commissioners approved an area in the Rail District, on the east

DOWNTOWN

side of Lincoln and Cole streets, as eligible properties for economic development licenses. To receive an economic development liquor license, where a Class C liquor license can be brought in from another municipality, the property must be zoned as qualified for it, and have at least $10 million in investments or an increase of 500 percent in value.

Lincoln Yard, 2159 E. Lincoln Road, is owned by Curt Catallo and Anne Stevenson of Union Joints, which owns Clarkston Union, Gran Castor and Vinsetta Garage, among other establishments. The Lincoln Yard plan also includes a smaller fast casual take out restaurant, to be called “Little Yard,” proposed for the former Birmingham Schools bus garage. Birmingham planner Brooks Cowan said they have applied to renovate a building greater than 6,000 square feet into a dine-in restaurant featuring American comfort food, such as roasted meats and elevated vegetarian cuisine, along with a small take out spot.

Lincoln Yard will have 135 indoor seats and 73 outdoor seats, and will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight

12.19

BIRMINGHAM

HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2019 EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM AGLOW FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Gifts • Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Fine Dining • 800,000+ lights

It’sl

W W W. A L L I N B I R M I N G H A M . C O M

BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT

@BHAMSHOPPING

VISIT • SIGN UP • SHARE INFO

OAKLANDCONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS/GOSSIP FROM DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE WRITERS

OAKLANDCONFIDENTIAL.COM

88

DOWNTOWN

12.19

daily. Little Yard will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cowan said they will create 85-95 permanent new jobs, with a total investment of about $3 million. As the property is currently assessed at $180,000, “There will be an 820 percent increase in assessed value, but actually it will go up even more after development,” he said.

“This has been a three-year process, and at each stage we've learned a lot,” Catallo said in addressing the commission. Initially, Lincoln Yard was proposed for a bistro license, but Union Joints realized the scope of the project was too large to fit into the restrictions of the bistro ordinance.

“This process is worth it because we'll deliver a product that deserves to be in Birmingham,” he said. “We work hard to come up with restaurants that are inclusive, exciting, vibrant and comforting.”

MX District approved for liquor licenses

School board picks Watson to lead district

By Lisa Brody

he Bloomfield Hills Board of Education selected Patrick Watson, currently principal of West Bloomfield High School, as the district's new superintendent, on Wednesday, November 20.

The search for a new superintendent began after former superintendent Dr. Robert Glass announced in April that he would be relocating to New York in July, after his wife accepted a job at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and he had accepted a position as superintendent at a school district in Westchester County, New York. The board appointed Christina (Tina) Kostiuk interim superintendent of the district, beginning July 1, 2019, and hired Ray & Associates to conduct a national search for a new superintendent.

Earlier in November, the board was presented with a pool of 60 candidates which they narrowed first to nine candidates, and then to three, and held public interviews for Watson, Robert Durecka, principal of West Hills Middle School, Bloomfield Hills Schools, and Dr. Matthew Outlaw, superintendent of Brandon School District. Watson and Durecka became the board's two finalists.

Watson has been principal of West Bloomfield High School since 2014, and has been with the school since 1994, having previously been athletic director and assistant principal.

“This is an exciting time for all of us, and our students are at the top of the list,” said board president Paul Kolin.

The board will announce Watson's start date soon.

T

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham City Commissioners approved expanding an area in the MX, or Rail District, allowing properties to be eligible to be considered for economic development liquor licenses at their meeting on Monday, October 28.

The properties are along Cole and the east side of Lincoln streets, with one property at 2159 E. Lincoln, the former Birmingham Schools' bus garage, having applied to receive an economic development license to convert the property into a restaurant and take out spot called Lincoln Yard and Little Yard.

An economic development license is an economic incentive, with Birmingham originally designating underutilized properties along Woodward as areas that could use revitalization. To receive an economic development liquor license, where a Class C liquor license can be brought in from another municipality, the property must be zoned as qualified for it, and have at least $10 million in investments or an increase of 500 percent in value.

To date, three economic development licenses have been issued by the city: to Hazel, Ravines and Downtown; Triple Nickel; and All Seasons of Birmingham.

City planner Brooks Cowan said that the majority of properties eligible for an economic development license are on Woodward between Oakland and Lincoln. “There are currently no downtownpublications.com

properties eligible for an economic development license east of Adams,” he said. “It constitutes a considerable economic benefit to the city and a substantial development.”

He said another factor considered in determining if the area would be eligible was the Eton Road Corridor Plan.

Commissioner Mark Nickita asked if this would be consistent with the south Rail District discussion in the master plan draft, and Cowan said he thought so.

To concerns that the whole district could be given economic development licenses, Nickita countered, “This is not a zoning ordinance that is a right – this is an allowance. It can be denied if it does not fit all the requirements.”

Commissioners voted 5-0, with mayor Patty Bordman and commissioner Rackeline Hoff absent, to approve extending the district.

Oak wilt amendment delayed by board

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Hills City Commissioners on Tuesday, November 12, stopped short of introducing an amendment to its tree and woodland protection ordinance to include protections against Oak Wilt disease in order to

critique language of the measure.

Oak Wilt is a deadly disease effecting oak trees throughout much of Michigan, including Oakland County. The disease is spread after the fungus is introduced to a tree, infecting it rapidly from the top of the tree and proceeding downward.

Total leaf loss may happen within two or three weeks, with leaves going brown from the tip to the stem, according to Michigan State University Extension.

City Commissioner Sarah McClure raised concerns in the spring about the disease and its impact on local communities, leading the city to provide informational materials on the city's website. However, city manager David Hendrickson said in October that he was contacted by a contractor who questioned whether the city had an ordinance restricting trimming and pruning activities related to Oak Wilt.

"We recently had a contractor call us from DTE asking if there was a requirement by the city," he said. "It was a suggestion to not cut an oak tree until after the first frost."

Forestry experts say mid-April through mid-July is a critical time to avoid injuring or pruning oak trees, particularly red oaks, as sap-feeding beetles have the potential to spread oak wilt spores from tree to tree.

DOWNTOWN

Wounds and open cuts should be coated with latex-based paint to stop the spread. For these reasons, forestry experts recommend refraining any cutting or pruning of oak trees until after the first frost of the season, when trees aren't as susceptible to the spread of the disease.

Hendrickson said several other communities have ordinances on the books to prohibit the cutting and pruning of oak trees during the spring and summer months when trees are particularly susceptible.

Commissioners in October approved Hendrickson's suggestion to look into the issue and return in November with a proposed ordinance. He said that language still needed additional work in order to provide a balanced ordinance.

"It still needs more work," Hendrickson said. "We want to make sure it's not overly burdensome, but we want to protect those big oaks in our city."

Birmingham receives good audit opinion Douglas Bohrer and Timothy St. Andrew from Plante and Moran presented Birmingham's audit results at the Birmingham city commission meeting on Monday, October 28, for fiscal year 2018-2019, determining that Birmingham's financial statement was at the highest level it can be at.

Birmingham Finance Director Mark Gerber said Bohrer and St. Andrew completed the city's June 30, 2019 audit. Bohrer said, “On your financial statement, you have an unmodified opinion, which is the highest you can have.”

He said each year they look to see if there is a surprise, and they did not find any.

St. Andrew said the city's taxable value has grown at a rate of five percent in each of the last five years, and “We have not typically seen that.”

While a positive trend, he noted there is a downside, “which is with all of the taxable value growth, you've had consistent Headlee rollbacks (to the city's millage rate).

That's permanent. If that continues you'll be forced to bring the actual levy down.”

He noted that the city's fund balance has been steady for four of 89

SAM KAPLUNOV | SK GROUP ASSOCIATE BROKER & OFFICE EDUCATOR 2015 - 2019 HOUR Media All-Star - Top 5% in Metro-Detroit

c. +1 248 933 0471 Sam@SamKaplunov.com

ARTFULLY UPDATED HOME PERCHED ABOVE ECHO LAKE 1249 WATER CLIFF DRIVE, BLOOMFIELD TWP | 5BR/4.2BA | 5,050 SF

KEVIN CONWAY REALTOR c. +1 248 330 3324 kconway@hallandhunter.com

$1,399,000

MASTERFULLY RENOVATED HOME OFFERS LUXURY LIVING

$1,400,000

31265 WOODSIDE STREET, FRANKLIN VLG | 4BR/4BA | 5,150 SF

2019 RENOVATED BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE ESTATE WITH 1ST FLOOR MASTER 1580 TOTTENHAM ROAD, BLOOMFIELD TWP | 4BR/4.3BA | 4,219 SF UPDATED COLONIAL IN THE HEART OF WEST BEVERLY 18861 BEDFORD ST., BEVERLY HILLS VLG | 3BR/3.1BA | 2,365 SF

$1,075,000

$539,000

UPDATED COLONIAL IN THE HEART OF WEST BEVERLY

$519,900

18861 BEDFORD STREET, BEVERLY HILLS VLG | 3BR/3.1BA | 2,365 SF

EXPANSIVELY RENOVATED NORTHWOOD CHARMER WITH 1ST FLOOR MASTER 2302 FERNCLIFF AVENUE, ROYAL OAK | 4BR/2.1BA | 2,215 SF

$550,000

SOLD BEAUTIFUL BEVERLY HILLS BRICK & STONE BUNGALOW ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORUTNIY IN ROYAL OAK 1032 IROQUOIS BOULEVARD, ROYAL OAK | 3BR/2BA | 2,126 SF

$499,000

$337,500

32222 SHERIDAN DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS | 3BR/2BA | 1,405 SF

H A L L A N D H U N T E R . C O M | + 1 24 8 64 4 3 5 00 | 442 S . O L D W O O D W A R D B I R M I N G H A M

THE LAST FARMERS IN OAKLAND WHO'S IN THE PULPITS • RESTAURANT the last five years, “which takes careful planning.”

Another positive for the city is that the retiree pension and health care funding for Birmingham is funded at 86 percent, and its other post employment benefits (OPEB) is 56 percent funded. Many other municipalities, he noted, are scrambling because they had been pay-as-you-go for retiree pension and heath care funding, and now must fund the benefits.

Marijuana ordinance introduction approved

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Hills City Commissioners on Tuesday, November 12, approved the introduction of an ordinance regarding recreational marijuana offenses by minors and conditions that fall outside of the state law permitting its use and possession.

Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Detective Lt. Jeffrey Gormley told commissioners that with the recent passage of the state's Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act that the city should develop an ordinance to assist the department with the efficient and appropriate enforcement of the new law.

Under the ordinance, which largely mimics state law, it is unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to possess, consume, purchase, grow, process, transport or sell marijuana. The ordinance sets out specific penalties for minors who violate the law, as well as adults at least 18 years old but younger than 21, by making violations a civil infraction and punishable by a fine up to $500. Minors in violation are also required to complete four hours of drug education or counseling.

The ordinance also sets local penalties for violations of the law, which restricts legal users from possessing or transporting more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana, or more than 15 grams of marijuana concentrate.

However, when in their personal residence, a person may have no more than 10 ounces of marijuana, or no more than 12 plants for personal use. Those growing marijuana are prohibited from cultivating it in a public place or any location that is visible from a public place without binoculars or other optical aids.

The ordinance also sets out downtownpublications.com

penalties for consuming marijuana while operating a vehicle and operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana, which are two different violations. Penalties for either offense is considered a misdemeanor, under the ordinance.

New advisors set to manage investments The exit of NorthPointe Capital from the market means a new investment advisor will manage about $8.8 million of Bloomfield Township's Defined Benefit Pension Plan investments in the near future.

On Wednesday, October 30, members of the township's financial sustainability committee approved bringing on Ancora advisors to manage the funds, which will target investments focusing on dividend growth.

The roughly $8.8 million is part of some $212 million that is part of the township's defined benefit pension plan, which is split into several investment funds.

Bloomfield Township Treasurer Brian Kepes, who serves on the recommendation committee, said the transition equates to very little change in the overall investment of funds. “Instead of seeing NorthPointe on that account, you'll see Ancora," he said.

The committee, which was formed in 2015 to assist the treasurer and trustees in making better informed financial decisions, is a non-decision making advisory board. The financial sustainability meeting followed a presentation earlier this year by accountants from UHY who noted in the township's annual audit that investment earnings increased by about $370,000, or 57 percent, due to a change in investment strategy.

Kepes said that strategy, which is set by the township board, has saved the township significant fees and given the township more control over how funds are invested.

The township's restructuring of a longtime contract with Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity, which holds about $148.1 million of the township's defined benefit pension plan, was done after trustees in 2014 became aware that the plan was woefully underperforming, and had done so for nearly a decade.

The committee, at the recommendation of financial advisors, chose Ancora over JP Morgan and Vanguard.

INSPECTIONS • OAKLAND ILLEGAL

LOCAL

IMMIGRANTS • CABLE TV CHANGES ILLEGAL DISCHARGES INTO LOCAL WATERS • CRISIS HOTLINES • SCHOOL Downtown.

TRUANCY ENDGAME FOR UNIONS? The leading publication GOURMET MARKET WARS • WHO'S for Birmingham/Bloomfield.

Produced by local residents TRACKING YOU CHALDEAN MIGRATION from offices in downtown Birmingham.

HISTORY • LOBBYISTS SHAPING THE Quality editorial product.

DEBATE Leadership • DOWNSIDE OF SEXTING on issues important to residents.

INNOCENCE PROJECT • ONLINE Track record of supporting EDUCATION • CONTROLLING local business as part of ourHOUSE effort to help maintain PARTIES • THE SHERIFF BOUCHARD strong communities.

INTERVIEW • KLU KLUX KLAN • SCHOOL Join local business leaders,

POLICE PERSONAL 400 of whomPROTECTION use DowntownORDERS regular basis, WATER in CHEMICALSonINa MUNICIPAL • THE our January issue.

IMMUNIZATION DEBATE • PLAN Ad deadline Friday, December 13. B

REALITY • LOCAL POLICE DETECTIVES

Contact Mark Grablowski.

Office:CARD 248.792.6464 601 REPORT ON AIRext.

QUALITY MarkGrablowski@DowntownPublications.com

SCAMMING THE VULNERABLE

MATTERS SECRET TRAIN CARGO

CAMPAIGN CASH • TESTING THE SWIMMING BEACHES •

CULTIVATING • YOUNG DONORS • THE

DOWNTOWN

STATE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA CLEANING UP TOXIC SITES 91

FACES David Lynn ever underestimate the role that chance is bound to play in your life and career. That's one of the toughest things to teach students for college English professor, author and long-time editor of the Kenyon Review, David Lynn.

"I started writing stories as a sophomore at Cranbrook, and that shaped me in a lot of ways," Lynn said. "I assumed I would go to law school, but I had an itch to write."

When Lynn didn't get accepted by his first choice law school after graduating from Kenyon College in Ohio, he moved to Washington D.C. with his wife and distinguished historian, Wendy Singer. There he wrote for an advocacy organization, writing fiction on the side. It wasn't until an old friend phoned him from Kenyon College and asked him if he would return to his alma mater as a writer-in-residency. He accepted, keeping a home in the nation's capitol and traveling back and forth.

"That's where chance comes into play," he said.

In 1989, Lynn was asked to serve as acting editor of The Kenyon Review – the college's acclaimed literary magazine, which published early works by generations of writers, such as T.S. Eliot, Flannery O'Connor, Maya Angelou, Dylan Thomas and other important writers. He was later asked to replace notable poet Marylin Hacker as the editor, who stepped down in 1994.

"That year turned into 31 years," said Lynn, the longest serving editor of the 80-year-old publication.

As an author, Lynn was given the O. Henry Award for his work, "Divergence." In 2019, Lynn wrote “Children of God: New & Selected Stories.” Additional works include "Year of Fire," "Wrestling with Gabriel," "Fortune Telling," and “Hero's Tale: Narrators in Early Modern Novel.” Lynn has also been recognized with the Glimmer Train Short Story Prize and the Ohio Library Association's Award for Editorial Excellence, and was an award finalist for the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award.

"If you want to be a writer, don't become a writer for an organization or go into publishing. Work in a bank or something totally separate," Lynn jokes about his repertoire of personal work.

"Still, I have written a fair bit over many years. I usually write over the summer when I can grab some free time. At the same time, I think of (work) as a creative endeavor, and it fills in some of the same desire as writing novels and stories I might have done."

While serving as editor, Lynn oversaw the expansion of new writers workshops, and its digital version of KROnline. The magazine went from publishing just three times a year to six. Lynn also helped to lift the magazine financially, which was at risk of closing in the 1990s.

"The standards haven't changed. We are still interested in publishing the very best creative writing from around the world," Lynn said. "But, we have expanded to include online multimedia and new programs that have been folded in and have been part of our mission and what we do."

Lynn earlier this year announced he would step down as editor of the magazine in the spring of 2020. While he will be leaving the position, he will continue to work in several capacities at the college.

"I'm not retiring, but I've been the longest serving editor ever. I think it's time for some fresh vision," he said. "Someone who is connected to the younger writers... It's been a long, wonderful ride."

N

Story: Kevin Elliott

AMY ZIMMER, ASSOCIATE BROKER TIFFANY GLIME, REALTOR Amy 248.469.6430 azimmer@hallandhunter.com Tiffany 248.930.5656 tglime@hallandhunter.com www.ZimmerGlimeRealEstate.com

LOFT LIVING WITH OUTSTANDING RIVER VIEWS

EXTENSIVELY RENOVATED WEST BEVERLY COLONIAL

200 RIVER PLACE DR. #19, DETROIT

18507 DEVONSHIRE ST., BEVERLY HILLS

2BR/2.1BA | 2,071 SF | $549,000 | 200riverplace.epropertysites.com

3BR/2.1BA | 1,974 SF | $459,000 | 18507devonshire.epropertysites.com

Wake up to views of the Detroit River, the Aretha and Canada from this outstanding 3rd floor corner unit in the iconic River Place lofts! Own one of the best condos in the building.

Close to dining and entertainment, and set along the Riverwalk. 2 spots in secure garage.

Fabulously updated West Beverly Colonial! Craftsmanship & meticulous attention to detail.

This house has tons of updates making it move-in ready! Finished lower level. Attached garage and 26x14 bonus living space with lots of possibilities! Fenced landscaped yard. A must see!

RENOVATED INTOWN COLONIAL

UPDATED ADAMS WOODS TOWNHOUSE

RENOVATED END UNIT IN GRAEFIELD

1005 STANLEY BLVD., BIRMINGHAM

1147 TIMBERVIEW TRAIL, BLOOMFIELD TWP.

1641 GRAEFIELD RD., BIRMINGHAM

3BR/3BA | 2,245SF | $659,000 | 1005stanley.epropertysites.com

3BR/2.2BA | 2,072 SF | $354,500 | 1147timberview.epropertysites.com

2BR/1BA | 906 SF | $174,000 | 1641graefield.epropertysites.com

Fabulous location and completely renovated brick colonial in the heart of Birmingham! 2014 full renovation. Move right in! Open concept design. Hardwood flooring. Two car garage. Truly walk-totown with dining, shopping and entertainment at your doorstep.

Updated & immaculate Adams Woods townhouse offers beautiful views of woods and ravine. Pinecrest floor plan. Remodeled kitchen with opened, expansive view. 3 fireplaces. Spacious walkout lower level. First floor laundry. Private courtyard. 3 balconies/decks. Priced to sell!

Updated end unit condo deep in courtyard in Graefield’s Williamsburg area! Ready for your final touches! This corner/end unit offers more windows and natural light. Hardwoods under carpet. Partially finished basement. Parking and bike racks are just steps from back door.

HALL ANDHUNTER.COM | +1 248 644 3500 | 442 S. OLD WOODWARD BIRMINGHAM

BUSINESS MATTERS Women’s store opens Birmingham has a new women’s clothing store with the recent opening of fab’rik in the former Artloft location at 123 W. Maple Road. Store manager Kayden Booker explained that fab’rik is a franchise out of Atlanta, with the Birmingham location owned by Carrie Sofikitis. “Anyone can shop here,” Booker said of the store, which features affordable women’s fashion for shoppers “from middle school to older women.” The store offers a widerange of clothing and accessories, including evening dresses, holiday outfits as well as casual outfits, sweaters, leggings, jeans, tunics, casual and dress-up jewelry, shoes and boots, belts, scarves, hats and candles. “We have a signature scent, called Red Currant,” Booker said. She loves that fab’rik is a one-stop shop at a “friendly price point.” She’s also enjoying the Birmingham/Bloomfield area – as well as the early winter weather – as a recent transplant from Louisiana. “I love this community.

Everyone is so nice,” she said.

Plant based delicacies Looking for non-dairy cheese and dessert options? Lucky for you, there is now a delicious option, with the early December opening of Planthropie, at 135 Pierce Street in downtown Birmingham, in the former James Designs Fine Jewelry location. Owner Rua Francis said Planthropie is the first of its kind worldwide, a boutique that is “consciouslybrand focused on plant-based favorites focused on cheeses and desserts. Everything is organic, all certified and made from all raw ingredients. They’re indulgent luxuries you wouldn’t even know are alternatives (to traditional desserts and cheeses).” Francis said that she began developing her unique options when she discovered her son was allergic to dairy. Planthropie first began as a popular pop-up at the Birmingham Farmers Market, then as a table at a dinner at the Detroit Foundation Hotel. Having downtownpublications.com

hit on a huge demand, Planthropie will feature a cheese and dessert bar, with a small menu for people to taste. “Most people can’t even tell the difference. I was a crazy cheese connoisseur and I poured it all into it, and it works,” she said of her specialties that are “reverseengineered.” “They have to be experienced to be enjoyed.”

LOCAL MATTERS. municipal coverage school news personality profiles

Carol Lewis Spa moves After years located in downtown Birmingham in a historic townhouse at the corner of Maple and Peabody, Carol Lewis Day Spa is making a move. Carol Lewis, owner of the day spa, announced she is moving to 1775 E. 14 Mile Road, one block east of Woodward, in early December.

Carol Lewis Day Spa will continue to offer its clients facials, hydrofacials, waxing, including Brazilians, body massages, microblading and tattooing of brows. In addition, the new location offers free parking on site.

crime map commentary business news longform stories voter guides special sections society notebook

Cuts for men Sports Clips, a haircut salon just for men and boys, opened in midNovember at 1983 S. Telegraph in Bloomfield Township. The new shop, one of 1,800 Sports Clips locations nationwide, boasts it’s like “no other place you’ve ever gotten your haircut.” Why is that?

There are sports everywhere, with TVs playing sports, as well as “guy-smart stylists who know how to give men like you the hair cut you want, and the haircut you need.” Sports Clips specializes only in haircuts for men and boys, and no appointment is ever necessary. “We’ve turned something you have to do into something you want to do,” they said. Most important, their motto is, “This is not your father’s barbershop!”

Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com.

Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

DOWNTOWN

dining guide metro intelligencer oakland confidential

WE COVER THEM BEST.

SUBSCRIBE NOW. 12 ISSUES FOR $15.

Subscribe online at downtownpublications.com

95

DEBY GANNES and LYNN BAKER Hall & Hunter Realtors 2018 Top Listors DEBY +1 248 379 3003 dgannes@hallandhunter.com

{

No home too large, no home too small, we DO sell them all!

LYNN +1 248 379 3000 lbaker@hallandhunter.com

IN-TOWN LUXURY AMAZING BOUTIQUE CONDO NEW LISTING

ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE

}

LUXURY LIVING AT ITS BEST

968 ARLINGTON STREET, BIRMINGHAM

411 S OLD WOODWARD AVENUE, BIRMINGHAM

539 GOLF VIEW BOULEVARD, BIRMINGHAM

5 Bedrooms | 5.3 Baths | 10,029 Square feet | $3,799,000

3 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | 1,956 Square feet | $975,000

4 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths | 3,373 Square feet | $899,000

W NE

NG I T LIS

Co-Listed with Kristi Hamed

ELEGANT, UPGRADED GEM

PICTURE PERFECT 5 BEDROOM HOME

OVERLOOKS 4TH FAIRWAY

3272 ROYAL BERKSHIRE LN., OAKLAND TOWNSHIP

3587 VINEYARD SPRINGS COURT, OAKLAND TWP.

2598 INVITATIONAL DRIVE, OAKLAND TOWNSHIP

4 Bedrooms | 4.1 Baths | 3,527 Square feet | $799,000

5 Bedrooms | 4.2 Baths | 3,841 Square feet | $734,900

4 Bedrooms | 4.2 Baths | 7,090 Square feet | $699,900

STUNNING DOWNTOWN ROYAL OAK HOME

ROCHESTER SCHOOL/MOVE IN READY

SPECTACULAR CONDO

631 SAINT CHARLES COURT, ROYAL OAK

2949 SHANNON DRIVE, OAKLAND TOWNSHIP

5166 BRECON COURT, OAKLAND TOWNSHIP

3 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | 2,540 Sq. Ft. | $579,900

5 Bedrooms | 4.1 Baths | 6,200 Square feet | $539,900

3 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 2,625 Square feet | $474,900

TS O L T AN C A 2V

UP NORTH COTTAGEï&#x161;ºLIKE LIVING

146 W HICKORY GROVE RD., BLOOMFIELD TWP.

2 EXCEPTIONAL VACANT LOTS 3880 & 3816 CORKWOOD DRIVE, STERLING HEIGHTS

BEAUTIFUL SCENIC 2.5 ACRES

VAC BARR ROAD, OXFORD TOWNSHIP

3 Bedrooms | 1.1 Baths | 2,073 Square feet | $350,000

3880 CORKWOOD DR. $139,900 | 3816 CORKWOOD DR. $149,900

Build your dream home with walk-out lower level | $74,900

HALL ANDHUNTER.COM | +1 248 644 3500 | 442 S. OLD WOODWARD BIRMINGHAM

FACES

Aneesa Sheikh ome women spend years training for competitions like Miss Michigan Teen USA. This year’s winner, Aneesa Sheikh, wasn’t your typical competitor.

For starters, she signed up a mere three weeks before the competition in late September.

“Honestly, I did it just for fun but winning...it took like a good week to sink in,” said Sheikh, a senior at Bloomfield Hills High School.

Since she won, Sheikh has noticed a few changes in her life, the biggest that people now treat her with a different level of respect.

With newfound respect comes, well, people asking her expertise on topics or what to do in certain situations.

“It’s so random to me that people want my opinion and care about my opinion,” she said. “And I realize it’s because now I’m viewed as an expert at Miss Michigan stuff.”

The title does come with some nice perks as well.

Not only is there a college scholarship but winners gain sponsors who will help them prepare for Miss Teen USA 2020 this spring.

“I never really got my nails done all the time, but now, they’re telling me to come in every two weeks. That’s a good perk,” she laughed.

While technically she didn’t train too much for this competition, Sheikh thinks in some ways she’s actually been training for Miss Michigan Teen USA her whole life.

Starting with her time in competitive skating, which she began at nine.

At one point she was skating eight hours a day, but now she’s at a less intense capacity. She’s currently the captain of the varsity figure skating team at her high school, where she’s also on the forensics team.

So how did this skating help her at Miss Michigan Teen USA? “Being able to zone out,” she said. “When you step on the ice you have to focus completely on yourself and what you’re doing and not what

S

other people are thinking of you if you make a mistake.”

This came in handy when she got on stage, tripped on her evening gown, and ripped it. She had to recover quickly, and not focus on what the audience may or may not have seen.

Sheikh has connected some of her other extracurriculars to the competition as well, including her love for music.

While the Miss Michigan Teen competition winners appear at events all throughout the state, a few of which are required, for the most part, winners get to play a large role in where they do things like volunteer.

“They don’t want to give us things we don’t have passion for,” said the singer/songwriter.

Sheikh plans to volunteer with children and elderly people with disabilities, and sing at retirement homes and rehabilitation centers.

Her love of music also won her awards at this summer’s International Model and Talent convention, including a scholarship to record, produce, and master one original song. Said song, “Bad Thing,” will be released in January.

Eventually, Sheikh would like to participate in a Miss USA pageant, for those who have gone through college. Right now though, she’s focused on the upcoming competition, continuing to pursue her music career, acting, modeling, being a figure skating coach, and getting ready to graduate high school, hoping to attend either University of Michigan or University of Southern California. She wants to pursue a double major in business and economics, with a minor in communications.

“It (USC) would be perfect because I could pursue my outside extracurricular as well as school,” she said.

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

BIG ROCK

www.StDunstansTheatre.com

CHOPHOUSE EAT. DRINK. BE MERRY. Celebrate the holidays in style at Big Rock Chophouse and The Reserve. Let us take care of all your holiday event planning needs so you can enjoy the holiday season.

We're now accepting reservations for holiday parties of all sizes.

Call us today at 248.647.7774 to reserve your party.

HURRY AND BOOK NOW, SPACE IS LIMITED!

$35 PRICE FIXED HOLIDAY LUNCH MENU Monday - Friday November 25, 2019 through January 3, 2020 Starter (Choice of One) Cream of Potato Soup Fried Brussels, Blue Cheese, Almonds, Scallions ~or~ Seafood Chowder Cream, Thyme, Smoked Trout Rillettes ~or~ Caesar Salad Romaine, Crouton, Parm ~or~ Winter Kale Salad Squash, Pomegranate Seeds, Red Onion, Toasted Pecans, White Balsamic Dressing

St. Dunstan’s is located at 400 Lone Pine Road in Bloomfield Hills.

1-844-DUNSTAN (1-844-386-7826)

Main Course (Choice of One) Pan Seared Salmon Creamed Leek Couscous, Haricot Vert, Grainy Mustard Sauce ~or~ Grilled Petite Ribeye Filet House Mashed, Carrots, Périgueux Sace ~or~ Vegetarian Risotto Shaved Asparagus, Mushrooms, Squash, Parm, Basil Dessert (Choice of One) Winter Raspberry Torte Raspberry Mousse, White Cake, White Chocolate Mousse ~or~ Chocolate Peppermint Devil's Food Cake, Peppermint Crema, Whipped Topping Enjoy a bottle of house wine with lunch for only $30: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon Available for any size party. Counts on each entrée will need to be provided for groups of 30 or more, 3 days prior to event. An automatic service charge of 20% and 6% sales tax will be added. Beverages not included.

Contact Jessie Miller Special Events Director | 586.944.8222 jemiller@aegpresents.com | www.romtlive.com 98

DOWNTOWN

12.19

PLACES TO EAT

TWO IMPORTANT HOLIDAYS CELEBRATE WITH FABULOUS FOOD PARTY TRAYS • HOT DINNERS • TERRIFIC HOLIDAY TREATS STEVE’S GOURMET TURKEYS & HAMS

The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607.

Adachi: Asian. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355.

Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.7078.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only.

Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.9000.

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor.

Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879.

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.258.6690.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000.

China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.758.1221.

Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer.

877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield

downtownpublications.com

Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.

Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.9766.

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135.

Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939.

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420.

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Forest: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.258.9400.

Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations.

Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American.

Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.792.9609.

Kaku Sushi and Poke': Asian. Lunch & Dinner. Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. No Liquor. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.885.8631.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.1166.

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.5800.

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian.

Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.480.0492.

DOWNTOWN

Celebrate the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Limit 1 at Dozen ff 50% O

Please present coupon when ordering. No Digital coupons accepted.

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 1/4/20

Please present coupon when ordering. No Digital coupons accepted.

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 1/4/20

Please present coupon when ordering. No Digital coupons accepted.

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 1/4/20

Please present coupon when ordering. No Digital coupons accepted.

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 1/4/20

Please present coupon when ordering. No Digital coupons accepted.

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 1/4/20

DINE-IN/CARRY-OUT/CATERING

6646 Telegraph at Maple Bloomfield Plaza 248.932.0800 | stevesdeli.com 99

Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707.

Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568.

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.647.3400.

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing.

No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051.

Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor.

185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025. 248.723.7960.

Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581.

Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500.

Original Pancake House: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5775.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.253.9877.

Pernoi: Italian/Japanese. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.940.0000.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999.

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.988.8941. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.874.1876 Red Olive: Middle Eastern/American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.481.7767.

Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270.

Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6200.

Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977.

100

Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.220.4167.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300.

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301.

248.932.0800.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.9123.

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.3887.

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830.

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.731.7066.

The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600.

The Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313.

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.7688.

The Morrie: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009.

248.940.3260.

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Wednesday-Friday.

Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.258.0500.

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.7881.

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.5241.

Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.

Vinotecca: European. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

Village Coney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams.

Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964.

Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S.

Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.566.3566.

Zao Jun: Asian. Lunch Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999.

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917.

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680.

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.0082.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069.

248.544.2675.

Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

GreenSpace Cafe: Vegan. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 215. W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.206.7510.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.543.9500.

KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500.

Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 28028 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101.

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.591.5459.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch.

DOWNTOWN

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300.

Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888.

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067.

248.607.3127.

The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112.

Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.541.1186.

Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.7300.

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444.

Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.545,6750.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

Troy/Rochester Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831.

Cantoro Italian Trattoria: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy 48083.

248.817.2424.

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.853.6600.

O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 324 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537.

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083.

248.619.9060.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American.

Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400.

Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian.

Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Somerset 12.19

food with

IMPECCABLE TASTE

Happy Holidays!

15% OFF

*

$

20

GI FT CA RD

your first online order *Carryout and delivery only

Discount can be used Sunday - Thursday dinner only. Dine in only.

Cannot be applied to the purchase of gift certificates, tax, alcohol or gratuity.

Must present original coupon. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers.

Minimum purchase of $75. One coupon per table. Excludes Holidays.

Expires 12-30-2019

— START YOUR ORDER AT —

ristorantevolare.com or text VOLARE to 33733

248 960 7771 48992 PO N T IAC T RA IL, W IXO M, MI 48 3 9 3 ristorantevolare.com

METRO INTELLIGENCER Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

Steakhouse basics For those looking for a traditional steakhouse – think white table cloths, jazz playing in the background, and prime cuts of beef – look no further than No. Six Prime, 27000 S. Karevich Drive, Novi, in the former home of No. VI Chophouse. General Manager Tony Amann said while the space’s former resident, where he also worked, featured prime steaks, over the years they moved to a more farm-to-table concept, and caused regulars to be disengaged when they couldn’t get a steak like they expected. That won’t be a problem at No. Six Prime, which had a soft opening in October and a weeklong celebration in late November. “We got back to the basics of what a steakhouse is and what the public opinion of it is,” he said. “It’s really been a rejuvenating experience seeing it come to fruition.” There’s an entirely new menu with filet mignon, ribeye steak, NY strip steak, porterhouse, and tomahawk steak. On the more creative side there’s a hot lobster appetizer, halibut, and braised short ribs.

As for drinks, they offer over 120 wines, with a focus on Napa cabernets, and cocktails that, much like the food, go back to basics, such as the original six cocktails, including classic Manhattans, Martinis, and Sidecar, among other selections.

Dinner and a movie Israeli Tal Sasson came to America with a dream: to own a restaurant and cook for friends. The first step of his journey began with the Pita Post food truck, which is often seen at festivals, during lunchtimes at office complexes and in downtown Detroit, and is often hired for catered events. Now, Sasson has realized the next step of his goal with the opening of The Pita Post as the featured kitchen in The Maple Cafe, the new restaurant in The Maple Theater in Bloomfield Township, which opened November 20. The cafe and theater are owned by Jon and Lauren Goldstein, of Cloud Nine Theater Partners, who said they are thrilled to open the doors with The Pita Post. The Pita Post, which is known for fresh, fast and healthy food, will feature pita sandwiches and salads, along with soups, sides and movie snacks. On Sundays, there will be a Mediterranean brunch which will feature specialties including Shakshuka. Great Lakes Coffee will continue to be available.

Southern Japanese cuisine In the former home of the short-lived Izakaya Katsu came a new restaurant in November with a similar concept, BASH Original Izakaya, at 5063 Trumbull Avenue near Warren in Detroit. Co-owner Harold Kim, who also co-owns Izakaya Sanpei in Canton, said the decor only needed a few changes but massive renovations were made to the kitchen – it now has two deep fryers, two larger grills, and a dishwasher – as well as the menu, with 100-150 small dishes to go with their Japanese craft beers. “Our flavors are going to be much more southern Japanese style, which is not as strong,” said Kim, who added the menu will be a mix of popular dishes from his Canton restaurant, new selections, and a few from the previous owner. Some favorite dishes include battered octopus as well as a wide variety of meats. In the spring, BASH will open a Japanese biergarten. The group has plans to expand as well, ideally in Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, and somewhere around Campus Martius. But that’s down the road.

Brunching around town The brunch menu at The Morrie Birmingham – 260 N. Old Woodward – just launched but Aaron F. Belen, of AFB Hospitality Group, already has a favorite dish – their chicken and waffles. “That dish is amazing,” he said. “I think we do that really, really well, and everybody is blown away by it.” Other items on the brunch menu – served on Saturdays and Sundays – includes staples from The Morrie Royal Oak as well as new selections, like their Chicken Taquitos and Pastrami Salmon Signature Flatbread. The drinks menu includes mimosas and seasonal cocktails.

The Morrie isn’t the only spot to recently launch a brunch menu. Eastern Market’s Anthology Coffee – 1948 Division Street, Detroit – began a weekly waffle brunch on Sundays in early November. As of November 9, guests at Laika Dog – located inside UFO Factory, 2110 Trumbull Avenue, in Detroit’s Corktown – can get brunch on Sundays, with a menu of breakfast egg rolls, corn cakes, and waffle dogs.

Blast from the past When guests go to the recently opened Hammer and Nail, 3800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, they’ll find a mid-century vibe and a cocktail menu with drinks from the

Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845.

NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.816.3424.

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.375.9200.

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.524.1944.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084.

248.816.8000.

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084.

248.614.5390.

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424.

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306.

248.652.4500.

Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.817.2980.

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.453.5291.

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334. 248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.851.8782.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine.

6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081.

Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310.

Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890.

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.

538.8954.

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.855.6622.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean.

Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor.

340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381.

248.684.4223.

It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.360.4150.

The Root Restaurant & Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390.

248.698.2400.

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.7771.

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.620.6100.

Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442.

248.634.5208.

Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346.

248.795.2077.

The Fed: American. Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch, Saturday and Sunday.

Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston,

48346. 248.297.5833 Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500.

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday.

No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660

Detroit Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207.

313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.961.2543.

Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214.

313.469.0976.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202.

313.872.5110.

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.965.4600.

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122.

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837.

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616.

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700.

1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221.

313.863.1917.

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499.

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.2100.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend

Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.438.5055.

SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 438 Selden St, Detroit 48201.

313.315.3992.

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214.

313.822.8000.

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.9828.

St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216.

313.962.2121.

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234.

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

The Block: American. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.964.4010.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.964.3821.

Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.3965.

Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American.

Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207.

313.393.1711.

The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700.

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646.

Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1411.

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.

1950s and 1960s. David Di Rita, founder of the Roxbury Group, knows these cocktails didn’t taste the best when they were originally on menus – but they’ll change your mind about them. “The team likes to say the ‘60s was an era for great drink names that tasted lousy…they’ve taken just enough artistic license to make them really wonderful drinks,” he said. There are two cocktails on draft, the Hi Ball and Nitro Russian, and eight others, including the Pink Squirrel, an Old Fashioned made with house-made citrus sorbet, and the Moonwalk. There’s also beer and wine. Hammer and Nail – the name comes from the iconic sign formerly on top of the building which now sits behind the back bar – has a food menu that fits the theme, with sandwiches, soups, and shareables like shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, and the already popular, Ruth’s Party Mix.

Time for winter As of November 1, a new winter menu rolled out at The Republic Tavern, 1942 Grand River Avenue, Detroit. Chef Matt Baldridge – who worked closely with his staff, local farmers, and artisans to create the menu – said that the roasted orata, stout braised elk, and barbecue carrots have already proven popular. What does he think has drawn guests to those? “The freshness of it and the skill with which the kitchen handles the product,” he said. “We try to be as creative as possible without making it inaccessible.” There are about 20 items on the new menu, full of hearty, slow-roasted dishes with seasonal ingredients. Be sure to try this menu ASAP. In December there are plans to change it, with several new dishes coming. Don’t worry, the elk is staying.

Success leads to dinner Open less than a year, and Saffron De Twah, 7636 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, is already expanding to dinner and longer hours.The dinner menu offers more vegan options, like Potato Beignets with Taktouka (traditionally made with eggs), and Moroccan Ratatouille, while also keeping some lunch favorites. Being the only Moroccan restaurant in Detroit, chef-owner Omar Anani said that their dinner menu has more classic Moroccan dishes compared to their lunch menu. “We’re slowly transitioning into more and more authentic things as our customer base grows so their flavor palates transition with us,” said Anani, noting their new chicken, potato, and olive dish. Another dish that made its debut is their BBQ Beef Dino Bone – smoked beef shortribs with a Moroccan coffee BBQ sauce, which Anani spoke animately about. Anani is just as excited about their menu of non-alcoholic cocktails, developed by Jaz’min Weaver, which also began in November. Breakfast hot-spot, Rose’s Fine Food, 10551 E Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, also recently extended their hours in order to accommodate their new dinner menu.

Looking for a snack If you’re looking for international flavor in a bite-sized treat, Snack Camp owners Vanessa and Michael Canich have you covered. After living in New York, the married Detroit natives – who previously owned Yummy Town in Macomb Township – were inspired by their own travels, and recently opened a shop at 464 Van Dyke, Detroit, that specializes in international food and speciality teas. “This shop is really based on our favorite things,” Vanessa said. “We’re just trying to focus on more unique things that aren’t in Detroit.” Homemade, international items like currywurst, cicchetti, tea sandwiches, and multiple vegan options grace the menu.

Most recently added is the samozza, naan topped with veggie samosa, gouda and mango chutney. For those with a sweet tooth, they offer caramel stuffed brownies and cookies, among many other colorful options.

Food and film adventure Add a movie theater, full bar, and local pop-ups and you’ve got the trifecta for Film Lab, founded by Josh Gardner and Lara Sfire at 3105 Holbrook Avenue, Hamtramck.

Since their October opening, things have been going great according to the duo.

While the movies play a large part in the experience – they have a line-up of new and classic world cinema mixed with cult classics – one can’t ignore the food and drinks offered. Gardner said there are two draft cocktails, and six more, all named after films, like the bourbon-based Dead Ringers. There’s also speciality cocktails paired with films shown, like the Bloody Mary specials during their Bloody Sundays series, and Bowie’s Bite (tequila and Campari with vampire gummy bears) they served during Davie Bowie’s “The Hunger.” Film Lab – yes, there’s movie theater popcorn — has worked with a handful of local pop-ups like Gajiza Dumplings, Spacecat V-stro, and OMNIEats, the latter which will return in December. Films for the month include a Stanley Kubrick retrospective, and holiday programming like the French film, “Dial Code Santa Claus.” Over the next year-and-a-half, Sfire said they are expanding upstairs, adding two more theaters and a fuller kitchen.

Beauty

(SALON)

by J. Lyle Ltd. 235 Willits Alley Birmingham, MI

$

25 Blow Outs

tuesday through friday

248:: 540:: 0046

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE The Season of Gratitude Over the years, I have written about gratitude as a virtue every man should cultivate. Yet gratitude means nothing if you haven’t mastered the art of expressing it. “A man should use every opportunity to express to those around him how much he appreciates their love, support, and generosity.”

As our “community” heads into the sacred season of counting our blessings and giving back to others, so too are all of us at The Community House, our leadership, staff and TCH beneficiaries counting our blessings. For it is without all our cherished supporters – our donors, corporate sponsors, class takers, child-care families, event guests, community partners, dancers, travelers, and our dedicated corps of volunteers – that our work would not be made possible.

Saying “thank you” never seems to be enough, but it’s a place to start.

As a 97-year old non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, The Community House relies solely on the kindness and generosity of others to deliver on our mission and to provide the community critical programs and services, programs and services which benefit and enrich the lives of others in our great community – some, without the ability to pay.

It is during this season of gratitude that The Community House pauses to humbly acknowledge and remember the many kindnesses and extraordinary generosity from those that have been entrusted with much...and to offer all of you, from all of us – a big “Thank You.” Happy Holidays!

Bill Seklar

END OF THE YEAR GIVING – THE COMMUNITY HOUSE ANNUAL FUND APPEAL I am often asked “What is an Annual Fund appeal and why is it so important?” In the simplest of terms, it is an annual appeal that helps non-profits cover their everyday expenses. Since other fundraising efforts (like grants and major gifts) are usually intended (restricted) for specific purposes, an annual fund allows non-profits to have restricted funds designated toward general operations.

Since the end of the calendar tax year is almost upon us, it’s our cherished donors and partners “last chance” to support our 2019 Annual Fund Appeal Drive and still take advantage of any 2019 tax-deductible write-offs allowed. By giving a tax-deductible gift to The Community House today, your vital generosity will help ensure that the historic Community House can remain the nearly century-old cultural, educational and community resource that thousands of individuals rely upon each year. For your convenience, there are several ways to make a gift to The Community House Annual Fund Appeal today – you can send a donation by mail, give online at communityhouse.com/donate or by calling The Community House Foundation at 248.594.6417. Please help us help others.

ANNOUNCING… The historic Community House is delighted to announce the grand opening of its new Rossiter Board Room. Dedicated to extraordinary business and beloved community volunteers, Pam & Bob Rossiter, the Rossiter Board Room is now open for your holiday business. The Community House unveiled this new meeting and private dining space to its collection in September. When it comes to private meetings for business, community engagements, or just about any other occasion, the Rossiter Board Room will far exceed your finest expectations. The Rossiter Board Room boasts cherry finishes, a working fireplace, state-of-the-art technology, windows overlooking Shain Park, concierge service, a customized menu and many more first-class amenities. For more information or for a tour, please contact Tim Hunt, vice president of Hospitality Operations at thunt@communityhouse.com.

That's right. By signing up to receive the email newsletters from Downtown, you will be automatically entered into a drawing for one of 10 $50 gift certificates we are giving away to The Morrie in Birmingham.

Anyone signing up for our newsletters by the end of December will automatically be entered into the drawing for the $50 gift cards. Winners will be notified by email at the end of the year.

Go to downtownpublications.com and register to receive at least one of our newsletters – weekly and breaking news updates, society notebook, metro intelligencer, oakland confidential, promotions – and you will be automatically entered into the drawing.

SAVE THE DATE – THE 2020 BATES STREET SOCIETY DINNER The Bates Street Society was created to help recognize donors who make significant charitable contributions to support the work and mission of The Community House. New members are acknowledged annually at The Bates Street Society Dinner, an extraordinary evening hosted by The Community House Association and Foundation Board of Director. In 2020, the Bates Street Society and the Bates Street Society Dinner will celebrate its fifth anniversary. To help celebrate this special milestone, Mr. Huel Perkins, iconic broadcast journalist and American news anchor, will assume the role of Master of Ceremonies. The Bates Street Society Dinner will also recognize TCH/TCHF’s annual Pillars of Vibrancy in Business, Education, Culture, Wellness and Philanthropy.

2020 Pillar of Vibrancy Honorees include: • Mary Kramer, Crain’s Communications – Business • Christine and David T. Provost, TCF Bank – Philanthropy • Hannan Lis, The WW Group Inc. / Lis Ventures LLC / GSH Group LLC – Wellness • Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D., Oakland University – Education • Keith Pomeroy, Pomeroy Living LLC / Pomeroy Family Holdings – Wellness & Philanthropy • Margaret Cooney Casey, Beaumont Foundation at Beaumont Hospitals – Philanthropy • Brian Berman, M.D., Beaumont Health System / Beaumont Children’s Hospital – Wellness • Linda Solomon, Pictures of Hope / Linda Solomon Photography – Culture & Philanthropy

The sign up area is on our home page.

Get the latest news online and delivered to your email box from the leading news organizations for the Birmingham and Bloomfield area.

And you might win a $50 gift card to The Morrie!

124 WesT Maple ROaD BiRMiNghaM 48009

2020 President’s Community Leadership Awardees: Rose & Brian Bolyard, Bolyard Lumber Company Save-the-Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020. Seating is limited. Tickets on sale now.

For reservations, tickets or more information about these and other happenings at TCH, please go to communityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.

downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

105

SOCIETY NOTEBOOK/GIGI NICHOLS

1

2

3

BBCC Vine & Dine

4

Over 380 people attended The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s Vine & Dine at the DoubleTree

by Hilton, Bloomfield Hills. Culinary samples and wine tastings were offered from 25 of the area's finest dining establishments. The Chef’s Challenge was won by Hazel Ravines & Downtown chef/partner Emmele Herrold. Funds raised from the event, including the wine pull and silent auction, totaled close to $25,000. The funds will support Gleaners Community Food Bank of SE Michigan, the Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund, and Chamber operations. 1. Joe Bauman of Livonia and Molly Swart of Birmingham. 2. Pam Audette of Chesterfield and Link Wachler of Troy.

3. Karen White and Scott Gardner of Birmingham. 4. Sherie Eschels and Janine Tourndaian of Bloomfield. 5. Tom and Val MacFarlane of Bloomfield. 6. Ginger Dixon of Bloomfield, Grace and Laurie Farr of Beverly Hills. 7. Rob Farr of Beverly Hills, Deb Schneider of Rochester Hills and Annie VanGelderen of Commerce Twp. 8. Chas Chandler of Birmingham, Steve Gross of Orchard Lake, Jim Holmes of Bloomfield and Maggie Currier of Beverly Hills.

6

7

8

1

2

3

5

Jewish Women’s Foundation, “Women Lighting the Way” Luncheon

4

6 106

The Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit is a grantmaking organization that advances social change by expanding opportunities for Jewish women, their families and community. More than 200 women gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomfield Hills for the “Women Lighting the Way” luncheon. The presentation speakers were recognized as “the women who brought down Larry Nassar.” Attendees heard tear-jerking remarks from two survivors and also from Angela Povilaitis, prosecutor of the Larry Nassar case and Lieutenant Andrea Munford, MSU lead investigator. 1. Debra Singer of W. Bloomfield, Lisa Rotter of Franklin and Mara Moss of Bloomfield 2. Susan Feldman of W. Bloomfield and Susan Roth of Bloomfield. 3. Ruthanne Pearlman of Royal Oak and Beth Davidson of Birmingham. 4. Penny Deitch of Bloomfield and Marie Burke of W. Bloomfield. 5. Standing: Allison Parr of Bloomfield, Kristin Voeffray of Birmingham. Sitting: Vicki Tarnopol, Caryn Bittker and Lisa Lopatin of W. Bloomfield. 6. Beverly Wine of Birmingham and Gail Danto of Bloomfield. 7. Suzan Jones of W. Bloomfield, Sheri Schiff of Birmingham and Beth Davidson of Birmingham. 8. Risa Brickman of Birmingham, Sherri Ketai of Franklin and Carol Craine of W. Bloomfield.

5

8

7 DOWNTOWN

12.19

GigiNichols@downtownpublications.com 248.515.6105

1

2

3

Three Cats for Cass Approximately 65 guests took the opportunity to be the first to dine at “Three Cats” in Clawson. The opening also served as a benefit for Cass Community Social Services. Mary Liz Curtin, owner of Leon and Lulu and Three Cats, teamed up with restaurateur Matt Prentice to create a unique dining experience. The guests gave the American-style cuisine rave reviews. The event raised $7,000 for Cass Community Social Services, a Detroit-based agency that works across the city in areas of concentrated poverty providing programs for food, health, housing and jobs. 1. Heidi Moussa and Margaret Herr of Birmingham.

2. Phyliss Ness and Ray Opezzo of Royal Oak. 3. Pam and Ron Williams and Lynn and Mike Sovocinski of Royal Oak. 4. Lisa and Josh Serbin of Bloomfield. 5. Matt Prentice of Detroit and Mary Liz Curtin of Royal Oak. 6. Martin Klemit of Oak Park and Jaynmarie Reddie of Royal Oak. 7. Brian Shannon and Celia

4

5

Savone of Southfield. 8. Jean Yee of Troy and Gary and Meg Nichols of Royal Oak.

6

7

8

1

2

3

12th Annual Distinguished Grand Jester’s Reception

4

6 downtownpublications.com

The Parade Company’s Distinguished Clown Corps (DCC) presented its 12th Annual Distinguished Grand Jester’s Reception at The Reserve at Big Rock Chophouse, Birmingham. This year’s event was hosted by 2019 Distinguished Grand Jester, Joe Fleck. Over 200 guests enjoyed mingling with friends, refreshments and Parade Company sparkle, compliments of Big Rock Chophouse. With over 200 members, the DCC is one of the parade’s most beloved traditions. Annual membership is $1,000 per person with all proceeds benefiting the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation. 1. Jim Gnewkowski of Bloomfield, Amelie Budny and Dave Plumey of Livonia. 2. Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield and President and CEO, The Parade Company, Tony Michaels of Rochester Hills. 3. Dolphus Hall Jr. and Dr. Regina Banks-Hall of Redford Twp. 4. Rachelle Nozero of Novi and Rebecca Sorensen of Bloomfield. 5. Judy Dunn of Union Lake and Syd Ross of Bloomfield. 6. Scott LaPage of Birmingham, Vera Day of Madison Heights and Norm LaPage of Birmingham. 7. Jane and Bill Owens of Bloomfield and Jim Hayosh of Grosse Pointe Shores.

8. John White of Rochester Hills, Gary Morgan of Clarkston and Larry Pocza of White Lake Twp.

5

8

7 DOWNTOWN

107

SOCIETY NOTEBOOK/GIGI NICHOLS

1

2

3

The Community House Oktoberfest Over 200 beer aficionados gathered on the terrace at The Community House for the first annual Oktoberfest. Guests were treated to German-inspired fare from The Community House and sampled a variety of beers from Bell’s. For those who wanted something different, Zim’s Vodka was on hand to mix seasonal craft cocktails. All funds raised will support The Community House, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization for those seeking continuity between personal, professional, philanthropic and recreational pursuits. 1. Norma and Charles Randolph of Birmingham. 2. Maureen and Dan Englehart of Birmingham. 3. Kris Barich, Jenny Shebib and Becky Gersonde of Birmingham.

4. Kathie Ninneman of Bloomfield and Anthony Marchelletta of Northville. 5. Richard and Diane

4

Aginian of Birmingham. 6. Nada and Eli Nakhleh of Birmingham. 7. Steve and Charlotte Gray of

5

Birmingham. 8. Joani Gabriel and Mike Zambricki of Bloomfield.

6

7

8

1

2

3

Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Partners Night

4

6 108

The majestic lobby of the State Savings Bank in Detroit served as the venue for The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Partners Night. Partners is a 26-year tradition recognizing research excellence and raising funds to help advance cancer research. This year, Karmanos Cancer Institute and the Partners Committee honored the LaFontaine Family for their outstanding contributions to the cancer research field. Matt Melchior and Hilary Notaro co-chaired the evening which raised more than $350,000. 1. Mike and Maureen LaFontaine of Highland and Wendi and Ryan LaFontaine of Fenton. 2. Sheri Paulik of Beverly Hills and Mandy Lark of Northville. 3. Katrina Scudvent of Southfield and Ann Hollenbeck of Ann Arbor and Beth Davidson of Birmingham. 4. Tracey and Gerold Bepler of Bloomfield. 5. Beth and Jeff Davidson of Birmingham.

6. Dr. Charles Shanley of Grosse Pointe Farms and Doug Skrzyniarz of Bloomfield. 7. Leah Rodgers and Co-chair Matt Melchior of Detroit and Kelley Saros of Grosse Pointe. 8. Dana and Becky Warg of Birmingham and Mona and Craig Schmatz of Birmingham.

5

8

7 DOWNTOWN

12.19

GigiNichols@downtownpublications.com 248.515.6105

1

2

3

Home Tour Benefiting Junior League of Birmingham

4

The Michigan Design Center held its annual Home Tour, benefiting the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB), providing tour-goers a glimpse of some of the finest homes in the Birmingham-Royal Oak area. The tour included the residences of designers Pamela Singer, Kevin Serba, Kristin Smith, and a home Katie Rodriguez designed in conjunction with Brandywine Construction for the company’s owner. Proceeds from the outing benefit the JLB – an organization teaching women to act as catalysts for lasting change while improving the community through partnerships with organizations focused on assisting women in crisis.

1. Homeowner Kevin Serba of Birmingham and John Rattray of Ferndale. 2. Sarah Knapik of Grosse Pointe, Debbie Baun of Harrison Twp. and Susan Todebush of Royal Oak. 3. Sarah Iannarino Bloomfield, Anne Nechal of Ferndale and Devon Cook of Bloomfield. 4. Homeowners Arya and Sohaila Afrakhteh of Birmingham. 5. Alaina Trivax and Abbie Swoboda of Royal Oak. 6. Meg Brophy, Deb Piquette, Carol Flajole of Lake Orion. 7. Catherine Palmisano of Shelby Twp. and Shannon Sarbo of Berkley. 8. Cheryl Jeffries of Farmington and Pamela Singer of Birmingham.

6

7

8

1

2

3

5

Cranbrook House Party

4

6 downtownpublications.com

Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research hosted “A House Party at Cranbrook: History in the Making,” a fundraiser celebration for Cranbrook Archives. The evening included behind-thescenes interpretative tours of the past, present, and future “homes” of Cranbrook Archives: Thornlea House, Cranbrook Archives at Cranbrook Art Museum, and Lyon House. Following the tours, guests enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, a live auction, dinner, and entertainment in Cranbrook House. Funds raised from the event will provide vital operational support for Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research. 1. Co-chairs Barbara Askar-Kouza of Bloomfield and Beth Lillie of Birmingham. 2. Jim Haefner of Bloomfield and Susan Skarsgard of Ann Arbor.

3. Julie Borman and Debbie Erb of Bloomfield. 4. Dominic and Erin DiMarco of Bloomfield.

5. Melissa and Tom Mark of Birmingham. 6. Roberta Lusa of Ferndale and Pat Judd of Birmingham. 7. Beth Willoughby of Birmingham, Bobbi Polk of Bloomfield and Melissa Mark of Birmingham. 8. Ann Williams of Royal Oak and Dora Apel of Pleasant Ridge, Frank Edwards of Royal Oak and Greg Wittkopp of Pleasant Ridge.

5

8

7 DOWNTOWN

109

SOCIETY NOTEBOOK/GIGI NICHOLS

1

2

3

HAVEN Tailgate

4

Over 100 supporters came to the Birmingham Athletic Club dressed in Lions gear to cheer on the team and raise funds for HAVEN. The event provided critical resources for HAVEN’s domestic and sexual violence services. HAVEN’s Tailgate featured a gourmet BBQ buffet, silent & live auctions, and an inspiring keynote from Kelly ‘Native Child Brown’ Mays, a therapist, poet and advocate. The Detroit Lions teams up with HAVEN each year to demonstrate that this issue affects everyone and to encourage men and women to be part of the solution through dialogue and awareness. Approximately $30,000 was raised. 1. Former Lion’s Kicker Eddie Murray of Waterford, Lion’s Mascot Rory of Detroit, WXYZ’s Ann Marie LaFlamme of Rochester Hills. 2. Haven President and CEO Aimee Nimeh of Farmington Hills and Bill Keller of Troy. 3. Katie and Mike Scharf of Ferndale and Tatiana Jaacks of Lake Orion. 4. Brad Simmons of Birmingham and Janice Lovchuk of Berkley. 5. Chris and Melanie Scott of Beverly Hills. 6. Jill Sklar of Birmingham and Bernadette White of Bloomfield. 7. John and Lisa Ross of Beverly Hills. 8. Diana and Bob Moak of Sylvan Lake.

6

7

8

1

2

3

5

Habitat’s Women Build Culinary Experience

4

6 110

A sold-out crowd of 75 attended the Culinary Experience fundraiser at Trevarrow, Inc. of Auburn Hills, benefiting the 2019 Habitat for Humanity-Oakland County Women Build project. The farm-to-table cooking demonstration featured 2015 MCCA Chef of the Year, Sarah Rougeau, C.E.C. of Oakland Hills Country Club. Attendees also had the chance to enter raffles to win culinary-themed baskets which were displayed throughout the 11 professionally designed gourmet kitchens. The event raised approximately $10,000 for the 2019 Women Build project. 1. Jane Lowell of Bloomfield and Johnna Struck of Waterford. 2. Gerry and Laura Durkin of Clarkston. 3. Jenny Merritt and Aimee Baker of Clarkston.

Sue Burke and Patti Gilman of Clarkston. 5. Sue Bartelt of Birmingham and Juliana Attard of Oak Park. 6.

Katie Dee of Waterford, Laura Kelleher of Ann Arbor, Molly O’Shea of Beverly Hills and Maureen Francis of Bloomfield. 7. Karen Greenwood of Troy, Jennifer Zurdus of Royal Oak and Maureen Francis of Bloomfield. 8. Chef Sarah Rougeau, of Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield.

5

8

7 DOWNTOWN

12.19

GigiNichols@downtownpublications.com 248.515.6105

1

2

3

Yad Ezra Annual Fundraising Dinner

4

This year’s annual Yad Ezra Fundraising Dinner honored Michele and Eli Saulson. Bob Aronson and Bryce Sandler served as co-chairs. The event, held at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, included a strolling supper followed by a brief program. Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase nutritious groceries, healthcare items and household goods for the organization’s 1,250 client families. Over 2,500 individuals depend on Yad Ezra every month for assistance – one in 20 members of the metro Jewish community relies on the kosher food pantry. 1. The Saulson Family of Franklin: Sophia, Issac, Fara, honorees Michele & Eli, and Laela. 2. Robbie Sherman of Bloomfield, Michele Saulson of Franklin and Jen Lewis of Birmingham. 3. Randy, Trayce and Jesse Fenton of Bloomfield. 4. Co-chairs Robert Aronson of Bloomfield and Bryce Sandler of Royal Oak. 5. Yad Ezra executive director Lea Luger and board President Alan Reiter of Huntington Woods.

6. Yisroel and Melissa Sigler of Franklin, Estie Tolwin and Rabbi Simcha of Huntington Woods.

7. Kari and Eddie Alterman of Franklin and Emery Grosinger (middle) of Bloomfield.

8. Darren and Regina Colton of Franklin and Lisa and Eric Bronstein of Huntington Woods.

6

7

8

1

2

3

5

Epilepsy Foundation Toasting Hope Tasting Event The Epilepsy Foundation’s 11th Annual Toasting Hope Tasting Event was held at The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. The event included wine, beer, and spirits tastings. Chefs of The Townsend Hotel provided custom food pairings for the strolling-style affair. The evening, which raised $152,000, featured live music from the Killer Flamingos, as well as a live and silent auction. Monies raised will fund programs and services, such as Here for You Helpline, Seizure Smart Trainings, and Camp Discovery. 1. Kevin and Danielle Kovachevich of Birmingham.

2. Andre and Laura Alexandre of Bloomfield and Karen Smith of Franklin. 3. Jack and Debby Hannigan of Birmingham. 4. Charles Wickins of Birmingham. 5. Will and Alison Forrest of Bloomfield. 6. Chris and Kelly Abraham of Rochester Hills. 7. Co-chairs Angie May of Rochester

4

6 downtownpublications.com

Hills and Lisa Pigott of Rochester. 8. Jacki and Aaron Karns of Livonia.

5

8

7 DOWNTOWN

111

SOCIETY NOTEBOOK/GIGI NICHOLS

1

2

3

Chamber Music Society of Detroit Gala About 75 patrons attended the Chamber Music Society of Detroit’s Gala which featured the Juilliard String Quartet performing in the newly-renovated ballroom of the historic Motown Mansion. Following the performance, guests enjoyed a strolling dinner, libations and mixing and mingling with members of the quartet. The Mission of the Chamber Music Society of Detroit is to bring together inspired musicians and passionate listeners for extraordinary chamber music experiences. 1. Taylor Burleson and Carol Chadwick of Beverly Hills, Robert Hicks and Suzanne Burke of Royal Oak, Howard Goldberg and Maria Etienne of Bloomfield. 2. Joyce and George Blum of Bloomfield. 3. Kathy and Ron Whitney of Bloomfield. 4. Danny DeRose and Vinnie Roberts of Huntington Woods. 5. Michael and Sara Frank

4

of W. Bloomfield. 6. Randy Schein of Bloomfield, Betty Brook of Detroit and Steve Wogaman of W. Bloomfield. 7. Harold and Cindy Daitch of Bloomfield. 8. Diane and John Kaplan of Bloomfield.

6

7

8

1

2

3

5

Forgotten Harvest’s Women’s Harvest Lunch

4

6 112

Forgotten Harvest’s Women’s Harvest Lunch brought together nearly 300 women committed to alleviating hunger and reducing food waste in metro Detroit. The event included networking opportunities and a coursed luncheon prepared by chefs MyThy Huynh, Meiko Krishok and Phoebe Zimmerman. Each course highlighted a different produce item grown on Forgotten Harvest Farms. The luncheon generated more than $80,000 for Forgotten Harvest Farms, which will help produce an estimated 250,000 pounds of fresh food to nourish families throughout metro Detroit. 1. Kristina Cherniausky of Detroit, Megan Brockett of Royal Oak and Nina Fabian of St. Clair Shores. 2. Chris Pidonato of Birmingham, Jennifer McNulty of Birmingham, Melanie Scott of Beverly Hills and Natalie Robinson of Franklin. 3. Noelle Valenti of Brighton, Rachele Lyngklip of Bloomfield and Jen Mihalich of Northville. 4. Megan Parpart of Birmingham and Sara King of Rochester. 5. Ellen Clark of Grosse Pointe and Terrah Opferman of Beverly Hills. 6. Cassie Barron of Troy, Susan Gaus of North Carolina, Patty Larson of Fenton, Julie Smith of Bloomfield and Monica Lambert of Rochester Hills. 7. Genna Young of Royal Oak and Mary Richards of Harper Woods. 8. Jenn Erickson and Arielle Helfman of Birmingham.

5

8

7 DOWNTOWN

12.19

(248) 681-8500 (248) 553-5050 All Star

NEW TREND EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

visit www.TheMichaelTeam.com

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

RE/MAX NEW TREND WALNUT LAKE - $3,990,000 spectacular Gated waterfront estate on All sports walnut lake. 5 Acres with 240 Ft. of lake Frontage. Fabulous views!

CALL

PLEASANT LAKE – $1,890,000

GILBERT LAKE - $1,500,000

UPPER LONG LAKE - $2,190,000

MIDDLE STRAITS LAKE - $1,800,000

newly remoDeleD estAte home . PrivAte , seCluDeD 2 ACres.

AmAzinG lAke views & 100 F t. FrontAGe on PleAsAnt lAke .

s PeCtACulAr l AkeFront ACre lot. 97 F t. FrontAGe ! beAutiFul G rounDs AnD FAbulous l Ake v iews !

sPeCtACulAr ContemPorAry estAte home on All sPorts lAke! eleGAnt. 7300 sq. F t. oF luxurious livinG sPACe w/5 br, 4.5 bA, FinisheD ll.

sPeCtACulAr Custom lAkeFront home w/ 110 F t. mAin lk FrontAGe on All-sPorts lAke w/ Awesome views.

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

UPPER STRAITS LAKE LOT - $1,899,000

BLOOMFIELD HILLS ESTATE - $1,700,000

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $950,000

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $1,190,000

b reAthtAkinG, e xClusive P remium 4+ ACre l AkeFront s ite !

ACross From 12 th FAirwAy oF o rChArD l Ake C ountry C lub.

7,000+ sF oF olD worlD ChArm & moDern DAy Amenities.

6 beDrooms, bonus room, FinisheD ll. on one ACre lot.

ArethA FrAnklin's Custom estAte home in DesirAble GAteD Community newly renovAteD t/o. GorGeous lot overlookinG 2 PonDs & Pool .

1+ ACre estAte sizeD lAkeFront site on PrestiGious islAnD lAke! APProx 400 F t. oF lAke FrontAGe . AmAzinG views.

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

WEST BLOOMFIELD - $635,000

FARMINGTON HILLS - $399,000

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $469,000

WEST BLOOMFIELD - $699,000

stunninG 5 beDroom w ynDhAm P ointe s oFt C ontemPorAry. F inisheD wAlkout & loADeD with u PGrADes .

beAutiFully uPDAteD ColoniAl on PArk-like settinG in DesirAble GAteD rAmblewooD sub. move in reADy!

stunninG sPACious ProPerty. mAGniFiCent 1.21 ACre wAlkout lot. surrounDeD by eleGAnt home . PerFeCt to builD DreAm home .

PrestiGious vACAnt wooDeD lot in west bloomFielD with over 5 ACres.

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

ENDNOTE

DIA tax must go on a November ballot ne thing local voters don't like, it's been shown time and time again, is when politicians and organizations resort to deception, trickery or are less than honest when they attempt to gain passage of a millage or bond by placing it on an off-time election ballot likely to have lower voter turnout. But that is exactly what the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) appears to be doing by considering to put a .2- mill property tax for all Wayne, Oakland and Macomb voters on the March 2020 presidential primary ballot. The tax would raise $26 million a year.

If this millage request sounds familiar, then you probably remember casting a ballot on this very proposal in August of 2012 when the DIA won passage of what was referred to then as a “onetime” 10-year millage to allow the institute to build up reserves, the investment interest from which would cover future budget shortfalls. We won't comment at this time on whether the art institute should be coming back to voters in the tri-county area for more money, nor will we weigh in on the issue of the request for a renewal of the “one-time” tax being made two years before it expires. Our concern now is that it must not be put on an offcycle election ballot – the Presidential Primary next March, nor for that matter on the August 2020

O

primary ballot when historically only about 18-20 percent of registered voters participate.

In early November, the DIA's board of directors voted to request that Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties place a renewal of the DIA's .2-mills on the March 10 ballot. DIA officials offer all sorts of reasons why they need to come back to voters for another round of money, but those are not the issue today. Our objection is the timing of this renewal vote for funding for the DIA or any entity for that matter.

Voter turnout numbers from the 2016 presidential election year show that in March of that year, only 40 percent of registered voters in Oakland County cast ballots. However, in November of that year, 71.59 per cent of registered Oakland voters cast ballots. One can only surmise that this year the November general election turnout will far surpass those showing up for a March presidential primary.

There is also legitimate concern that perhaps the DIA board is election date shopping based on when there might be more Democrats showing up to vote.

The reality is the March 10 presidential primary could likely have only Republican name on the ballot – Donald J. Trump. Although two members of the GOP have announced they will challenge Trump, one has already pulled out. On the same

ballot, there will likely be several Democratic names – meaning they're banking on a heavily-Democratic electorate to turn out and vote for the museum's millage renewal, as the stereotypical thinking goes.

No matter how much attention is on Michigan's primary (it's the week after the legendary Super Tuesday primary day), the reality is voter turnout will be small relative to a November general election. Some would call it a stealth election.

It would not be the first time community leaders have attempted to avoid a November election where a larger voter pool could mean the millage stands a better chance of going down. That thinking even influenced the state legislature in 2015, when it eliminated February low-turnout elections, which were sometimes used by schools to push millages or bonds.

The reality is, the DIA is a regional gem, and all voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties should have the opportunity to vote on whether they want to continue supporting it.

Oakland officials must take the lead on this issue. Insist that the DIA millage appear on a November general election ballot. Anything short of that, we'll likely recommend a “no” vote to our readership.

County must address septics if state won't he Oakland County Board of Commissioners passage on November 9 of a resolution urging the Michigan legislature and state environment officials to pass a statewide septic code is an encouraging development in a decadeslong effort to address a public health concern.

State environmental regulators estimate more than nine billion gallons of raw sewage from leaking septic systems are entering the state's surface waters each year, with roughly 10 percent of the estimated 1.3 million septic systems across the state currently failing.

Oakland County health officials say there are between 80,000 and 100,000 septic systems in the county. The majority of septic systems are located in the northern and western part of the county, including parts of Bloomfield Township. Yet, because of a lack of any statewide or local requirement to routinely inspect and inventory those systems, the exact number, location and condition of those underground septic systems aren't known.

Failing septics don't just create an unsightly mess – they pose serious health problems to drinking and surface water, including dysentery, meningitis, hepatitis, typhoid fever and other illnesses. Nitrates from failing septics pose particular threats to infants.

Of the 83 counties in Michigan, just 11 have regulations that require inspections of septic systems. Those that do typically require them only when a property is purchased. In Oakland County,

T

only newer, advanced septic systems, not the more common systems that have been used for decades are required to be inspected annually. Most problems are only found after the health department receives residential complaints, well after sewage begins pooling and migrating off of a property.

While the percentage of septic systems in Oakland County may be lower than some out-state counties, researchers with Michigan State University in 2015, looking into fecal bacteria in 64 rivers in the state, found the highest amounts in counties with more than 1,600 septic systems.

Considering the health and environmental concern that raw sewage from septic systems can pose, one might be inclined to think that most states have laws and regulations on the books to protect the public — and they would be correct. In fact, every other state in the country has statewide septic inspection laws. Michigan is the only state in the nation that doesn't have a septic code, albeit, not for trying.

Since 2001, at least eight different proposals to address septic regulations have been pitched by state lawmakers. Both former governors Jennifer Granholm and Rick Snyder included statewide septic regulations as part of their agenda, evidence the measure has traditionally had bipartisan support. In fact, late Michigan Senator Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck) sponsored four bills between 2002 and 2010 to address leaking septic systems, none of which were ever voted out of committee.

More recently, bills introduced in the state legislature have been sponsored by Democratic lawmakers. While Republicans – who traditionally had been the party of conservationists – more often have stymied efforts to protect the environment.

The trend extends to Oakland County, where all 11 Democrat county commissioners voted in favor of the resolution, with commissioner Shelly Goodman Taub (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) the sole GOP member to support the resolution pushing for a statewide septic code.

Oakland County's sanitary code was last updated in 2016, adding provisions to require advanced septic systems be inspected on an annual basis. Previous efforts by Republican and former Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John McCulloch to address septic systems didn't gain traction.

While the board of commissioner's resolution, which was introduced by freshman commissioner Penny Luebs (D-Clawson), is encouraging, we aren't exactly holding our collective breath that the Republican-controlled legislature will act. Instead, we believe commissioners should strike while the iron is hot and work to draft its own ordinance to step-up septic inspections on some regular basis.

Although we would prefer a statewide septic code, we encourage county commissioners to be proactive and work on a countywide septic ordinance that would, at a minimum, help to identify and locate failing septic systems.

S US U PP OORRTTI INNGG M GA AN N’’SS ##11 RREEAAL T LT PP MIIC CH H II G OO R ®R ® L ELAED HHE E S STTAATTEE FF O EN N CCOONNSSEECCUUT T IV A IDNI G N GT T OR T E IV E EY EYAERASR S

K AT M PA PA N Y, Y RR AA NN T ETEEDE D ATATK AT HH Y YB BRROOOOCCKK && CCOOM YO OUU W WIILLLL BBEEGGUA UA LU AT I O N AT I NI N TT LU XX UURRYYRREEPPRREESSEENNTTAT AT EEVVEERRYY PPRRI C I CEEP POO

248.318.4504 | K ATHY@MA X BROOCKHOMES.COM | K ATHYBROOCK.COM

248.318.4504 | K ATHY@MA X BROOCKHOMES.COM | K ATHYBROOCK.COM 275 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, MI 48009

275 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, MI 48009