Downtown Newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

DOWNTOWN12.22

ASSURING THAT EVOLVING AIR STANDARDS ARE MET

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The recent November 8 general election marked a radical change when it came to elections of local school board members, thanks to the growing injection of politics and the increasing campaign donations that have entered the picture.

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

Push to change GOP state leadership; the James-Marlinga race; courting Stevens for caucus support; rising rep of McMorrow; blowback on Bouchard school board endorsement; possible second chance at supreme court position for Bolden; plus more.

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MUNICIPAL

Conrad gains lease at Baldwin House; BSD assessment district renewed; Kingsley name is back; S. Old Woodward lawsuit likely to drag into late 2023; Townsend ownership transfer; Serena & Lily opens downtown; Beverly Hills Grill sold; plus more

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COMMUNITY ASSETS

With this issue Downtown Newsmagazine introduces two new columns focused on what local communities offer their older residents in terms of programs and activities.

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COMMUNITY HOUSE

In January 2023, The Community House will have turned the page on its first century of service and begin an exciting new chapter. Befitting of the “Grande Dame” of Birmingham, The Community House will play host to a variety of celebrations and functions to recognize its humble beginnings.

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METRO INTELLIGENCER

Gigi Nichols provides readers with quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro area.

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ENDNOTE

City commissioners in Birmingham should consider a renters lease protection ordinance, and city residents need to make their voices heard on the pending new mater plan.

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Design by Chris Grammer from original photos by Naiauss | Dreamstime, Tartilastock | Dreamstime

Let me set the stage for my take on how school board contests, here and across the country with the 2022 general election, have now evolved far from what this essential part of the public education system used to be just a matter of two-four years ago. In many respects, it's a story of innocence lost as the world of politics has finally taken total control of school board elections.

Public education and governance of local schools has changed considerably since the first public school – Boston Latin School –was opened in 1635, to be followed in 1647 with the first law requiring compulsory education in the Bay Colony of Massachusetts. Early school management fell to leaders of each town until 1826 when legislation in the state of Massachusetts mandated that each town had to select a separate school committee. It wasn't long after that charges/complaints about bias and graft in the operations of schools led to the solution of having a chief executive running local schools, answerable to the members of the school committee. Hence, the system we now have of a superintendent answering to a school board.

Up until the school board elections of this year, contests to be elected to a local board of education were mainly low key affairs, mostly of interest to those with children still in the education system, which partially explains the drop off in voter participation when school elections were held in the spring of each year. Michigan's move of school board elections to the fall as part of the general election helped to start addressing that issue somewhat.

I took time to look at spending reports of a few past school board elections to make sure my recollections were relatively accurate and here's what I found – most campaigns entailed the spending of $2,000 or less to gain a seat on the local board of education, a far cry from what a number of candidates spent in the 2022 contests, based on preelection campaign reports which were due before November 8 balloting. Expect possibly higher donation/expenditure totals when final reports are filed.

Am I shocked? Not really – this is not my first rodeo, as the saying goes. My career dates back far enough to recall in the mid-1980s as the political establishment was aghast when an Oakland County state legislative race for the state House broke the $250,000 barrier, heretofore the maximum that it took to get a spot in the legislature. How quaint that seems now.

Increased spending to gain a seat at the table of the local school board just completes the advance of politics into a realm of local governance that prior to now had been immune to such forces.

The first telltale signs that non-partisan school board contests were susceptible to politics were a number of email urgings from the Oakland County Republican Party in the last couple of years to its membership asking them to attend school board meetings in the Farmington Hills and Bloomfield Hills districts to lobby on the issue of reopening the schools during the pandemic, which helped fuel the slide into the social war issues that have now become the topics de jour. Trust me, the skirts of the Democrats are not much cleaner.

But the political line in the sand was crossed this year when it came to campaign contributions to school board candidates. Of the 16

candidates seeking spots on local school boards in the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills districts, a half dozen broke the longstanding general spending limits of past elections, ranging this year from $4,000 to as high as in the neighborhood of $15,000.

Count among them from the Birmingham school district race, Art Jack, $4,050; Nicole Spencer, $5,160; Colleen Zammit, $14,747. In the race for the Bloomfield Hills district board of education, there's Lindsay Baker, $5,184; Meagan Hill, $5,779; Paul Kolin, $5,734; and Harris Ng, $14,509, which includes a personal loan of $10,000. In this district election, four candidates –Lindsay Baker, Meagan Hill, Paul Kolin, Harris Ng –ran as a slate and it would appear they shared in joint expenditures. No problem – as a group they had at their disposal slightly over $31,000. Large sums of campaign dollars did not guarantee a candidate a seat at the table, although along with heavy spending by outside conservative groups, it did help propel culture warrior Colleen Zammit to a spot on the Birmingham board of education.

Equally interesting was the handful of would-be kingmakers who weighed in on the races when you look at the individual contributions, from a thousand to several thousand dollars made to the candidate committees and education and/or culture war PACs. Remember, the vast majority of campaign donations now and in the past hover around the $50-$100 level.

The last sign that local school board races have planted both feet in the world of politics was the unheralded involvement of outside advocacy groups and PACs, both national and Michigan-based, either in the form of endorsements, in-kind contributions or donations to promote candidates and get them across the finish line. The list is probably larger but here is what I could cobble together from reports and mailings received prior to the election: Equality Michigan Action Network; South Oakland MEA PAC; Red Wine & Blue; Get Kids Back To School; Moms For Liberty; Progress Michigan Political Action Fund; Great Lakes Education Project; and the Advancing Michigan PAC.

Add to that attempt to influence the outcome of the election the endorsements by both the local Republican and Democratic parties in the most recent election. It makes one wonder whether we may in the future actually go the route of what took place in Florida this election, where the state's governor actually issued a list of his personal endorsements for all school board races in the sunshine state. Certainly the involvement of the two major parties says, loud and clear, that leading Republicans and Democrats are viewing school boards as the latest training ground to feed the party machine for other elections in the future, much like a minor league team farm system.

There's no way to put the genie back in the bottle. Future races will involve even higher campaign spending and even greater involvement by outside players. Unfortunately, the die has been cast.

The only remaining question to be answered is whether the concept of local control of the schools will be lost in the process as outside influencers continue to take on an increasing role in determining who gets elected to the decision-making boards for local districts. The most recent school contests may have already given us a partial answer.

David Hohendorf Publisher

DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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INCOMING

Mining dilemma article

I can't thank Stacy Gittleman enough for her article (October/Downtown) on the mining dilemma Michigan is facing. The scope, depth and understanding of her research and resultant article was impressive.

Incredible piece of research detailing all the problems of Senate Bills 429-431. One of the Metamora Land Preservation Alliance board members commented that it was one of the best written summarizing the current state of affairs in Lansing that they have seen. I will keep it and use it to help the MLPA explain the issues to other groups.

I also want to thank you for making me come off better than I actually did. As a new citizen activist, I sometimes have trouble expressing all my concerns for my much beloved community succinctly. Michele Joliat Metamora

account of the parking situation impacting our older citizens living in Baldwin House and the subsequent actions against former mayor Dorothy Conrad for bringing this issue to the city’s attention. She is once again advocating for her neighbors.

Our older citizens should never fear they will be told to pack and move if they express a complaint .

Thank you for informing our community.

Name withheld upon request Birmingham

‘Don’t Say Gay’ piece

Great Job on the (threats to LGBTQ+) article (November/Downtown). Very thorough and very informative.

Jay Kaplan ACLU Michigan Staff Attorney LGBT Project

Big Foot housing

I am interested to read that the City of Birmingham is going to set up a Sustainability Board (November/Downtown).

Is it possible to do something about the proliferation of Big Foot housing along our neighborhood streets? One block from me, Pleasant Street used to be full of various sized homes, many small ranches, the larger ones (two stories) nestled in nicely cultivated gardens amid a lovely canopy of trees.

Story of Dorothy Conrad

Thanks for the recent story (Former mayor under attack). I appreciate your take and the new information

Regardless of what happens with Dorothy Conrad (assuming her lease will be renewed), there's still the matter of landlords being able to evict without just cause, the particular vulnerability of seniors on short-term leases, and the question of whether Birmingham shouldn't consider a "Right to Renew" law like Ann Arbor just adopted. Cyndi Summers Birmingham

Informing our community

Thank you. Downtown has provided the history, a detailed

After more than ten years of nightmare construction while houses were built to the edges of the lots and lawns and gardens asphalted over for driveways, patios and swimming pools, Pleasant Street is far less pleasant. There are only a few modest houses left that young families in the sub-millionaire set can afford. Structurally, neighborhood drainage is threatened by all that concrete and asphalt, which cannot absorb our heavy recent rains as well as the vanished lawns and gardens could.

Environmental sustainability seeks an ecological balance in a community for the sake of those of us who live here now and those will come after us. With that in mind, could Birmingham’s new Sustainability Board consider devising zoning regulations to balance out the number of larger and smaller houses per street, according to anticipated drainage patterns?

Well-trained? Great with people? The Villa At The District is now pet friendly and we’re looking for furry friends to feature in our new Dogs of the District ad campaign.

It’s easy and FREE. Here’s what you need to do:

• Take 1 or 2 digital photos of your pet

• E-mail the photos and include your pet’s name, breed, approximate weight and age, and anything unique about your pet you would like us to know

• Include your name, cell number and e-mail address

• E-mail to info@TheVillaAtTheDistrict.com We will contact you if your dog is selected. All pets must be well trained and be able to take simple directions.

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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 via email.

BURN BABY BURN: Could MAGA-fever finally be breaking in Michigan? A post-election observation is that just about anyone associated with former President Donald Trump got torched, among themhis anointed candidates Tudor Dixon, Matt DePerno, Kristina Karamo, John Gibbs,and others who were straight-up whupped by Democrats, even turning both houses of the state legislature blue for the first time since 1984. A leaked memo to seemingly all the media from chief of staff to the GOP party chairs, Paul Cordes, laid the blame for the historic losses at Dixon’s feet, but she fought back, tweeting, (party chairs) “Ron Weiser, Meshawn Maddock and Cordes all refuse to take ownership for their failures.” Former Michigan GOP party co-chair Jeff Sakwa (along with Ronna “don’t call me Romney” McDaniel) agrees. “First, if you’re a party chair or chief, you don’t put anything in writing. Second, Tudor got more votes than any other Republican in history,” he noted, while acknowledging that Democrats, and many Republicans, did not vote for her, something he predicted in this column a couple of months ago, noting that Maddock in particular chose her and brought her to Trump to endorse, leading to the election debacle.

LEADER OF THE PACK: Rumors are running rampant over who will get to play kingmaker in the Grand Old Party, or what is left of it in Michigan, come the February convention, when delegates elect their new chairs for a two-year cycle. According to sources, a chair can be chosen among any candidate – they don’t have to be a convention delegate. Word is that current chair Ron Weiser has no interest in continuing in the role, and co-chair Meshawn Maddock is on the outs with Trump, who will not give her his ring to kiss this go-round. While failed Republican attorney general candidate Matt DePerno has announced that he would like to run the party, former party co-chair Jeff Sakwa laughs at the idea of that, noting the primary function is massive fundraising. “The guy who raised the least amount of money for his campaign and lost wants to be the party chair – whose job is to raise money. I assume (Democrat attorney general) Dana Nessel supports that effort,” he said. Failed gubernatorial candidate and former Detroit police chief James Craig has also thought about running for party chair, but a top Republican source said he’s been talked out of it. “He didn’t raise any money when he was running, and he didn’t spend any time promoting Tudor,” it was noted. Even gubernatorial loser Tudor Dixon put her name in contention via Twitter, which drew a round of guffaws from some observers. Serious names being bandied about – who are old-time Republican stalwarts who can raise serious bucks? Former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and former Congressman Pete Hoekstra, who served as U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands under President Trump.

NOT EVERYONE’S A FAN: One bright spot on the Republican Bingo card was twice-failed Senate candidate John James of Farmington Hills who is the newly-elected congressman for Macomb County’s ( and part of Oakland’s) 10th District. James barely squeaked in a win – as in only 1,600 votes – against Macomb-institution Democrat Carl Malinga, who word is took off his judicial robes for the party when the newly drawn seat was originally left vacant. James raised and had cash on hand of over $6 million to Marlinga’s $736,000, and the national party appeared

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to throw in some bucks, if ads were an indication, to flip that seat. A good part of the district had been part of Rep. Andy Levin’s 9th District. One reason it might have been a squeaker is a vile and heinous racist email making the rounds on the East Side, coming from a Republican named Lucille Wellington, saying “This is the first time in my life I’ll be voting against a Republican. Husband was a card carrying member of the GOP and NRA, he’d be shouting at ya’ll with much fiercer language than I’m using. Bunch of braindead darkie lovers,” amongst much, much worse language regarding James. Post-election, there is much musing amongst Dems as to whether the district could have remained in their hands if Levin had recognized his strength in Macomb, rather than running –and getting trounced – in the primary against fellow Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens in the 11th.

POWER CENTER: Congratulations to Rep. Haley Stevens (DBirmingham) on her very successful third run for Congress in the newly-minted 11th District. How solid and influential is her position viewed amongst her congressional peers? According to Politico, it seems in the waning days of the election, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), as of this writing the fifth-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives, but who is seeking to coalesce a contingent to make him Speaker of the House if/when Speaker NancyPelosi retires, quietly flew into metro Detroit and met with Stevens over tacos at an Oakland eatery. The purpose? To gain her support for his candidacy, which is likely to be against Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA). Jeffries, at 62, is 30 years younger than Pelosi and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, also 82, and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, 83 of Maryland. According to Politico, Stevens told Jeffries she was on board with him, although it may all be for naught because it looks like Republicans will take over the House.

RISING NATIONAL REP: Another local Democratic woman clearly on the rise is state Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak, Birmingham, Clawson, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, northwest Detroit), who won reelection by almost 70,000 votes while barely breaking a sweat – at least for herself. Her biggest lift was in raising around $2.35 million this campaign cycle with supporters from all 50 states – an unheard of amount for a state Senate campaign, especially one that was not really competitive. And it was all because she spoke up for herself – and other women and other Democrats, –back in April, in a now-viral speech on the Senate floor after Republican state Senator Lana Theis foolishly – and falsely – sent a fundraising letter, followed up by a speech in the Senate – accusing McMorrow and other Democrats of wanting to “groom and sexualize children.” McMorrow rightly called her and other Republicans out –noting she wanted “every child in this state to feel seen, heard and supported and not marginalized and targeted because they are not straight, White and Christian.” She’s also ridden the fame train, from television appearances on CNN, MSNBC, and others – and the day after election day, Frank Bruni, contributing columnist at The New York Times, included McMorrow as one of two experts in his column helping him analyze the election. She noted that the decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade, “It changed everything — and Democrats who leaned in fared well. Especially Democratic women.”

also emphasized (at least in the column) that Governor Gretchen Whitmer, “Big Gretch,” as she called her, would not be a 2024

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presidential candidate. Adding to her list of accomplishments, McMorrow in mid-November was named Majority Whip in the Michigan Senate Democrats for 2023-2027.

PLEADING IGNORANCE: Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, the only Republican still holding a top spot in the county government, found himself the subject of criticism for his endorsement of a far right (think Moms For Liberty type) candidate for the Bloomfield Hills school district board of education. The sheriff lent his name to candidate Lauren Wilson, who proudly strutted the endorsement during her unsuccessful run for a seat at the local board of ed table. Bouchard’s backing became the topic of Twitter where one participant claimed she called the sheriff to question his thinking with the Wilson support. Supposedly Bouchard admitted that he had not vetted the candidate but said she was the sister of one of his deputies so when asked, he agreed that his name could be used. Wonder what the logic was of other GOP officials who showed up on Wilson’s campaign website – Republican county commissioners Chuck Moss (Birmingham/Bloomfield), Christine Long (Commerce), and Mike Gingell (northern reaches of the county), as well as Lena Epstein, queen of election losses.

SECOND CHANCE: Democrat state Representative Kyra Bolden of Southfield may get another shot at the Michigan Supreme Court after landing in third place in the recent general election balloting. Bolden was nominated to the court position on the ballot by state Democrats, along with incumbent (blind) justice Richard Bernstein, who won reelection, as did Republican nominated incumbent justice Brian Zahra. For the two court seats on the ballot, Bernstein led the field with 34 percent of the vote, followed by Zahra with 24 percent. Right behind Zahra was Bolden with 22 percent of the vote, some 122,000 votes behind second place. Her thirdplace finish, some observers speculate, could leave her in contention for an appointment by the governor to the high court later this year when Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack leaves the court. McCormack announced her resignation months ago after 10 years on the court, four of which were spent as chief justice. She is scheduled to take the position of president and chief executive of the New York City-based American Arbitration International Center for Dispute Resolution in February. The chattering class says a Bolden appointment would allow Gov. Whitmer to diversify the court with the first Black female to take a spot on the bench. Some say that Bolden’s resume as an attorney is thin, but her supporters say her time in the Michigan House would add legislative perspective to the bench. Still others suggest that Whitmer may also be looking for geographic diversity on the bench with the appointment of someone from the Upper Peninsula. Whoever gets the governor’s nod will have to run in 2024 for the remaining years on the McCormack term.

DO AS I SAY: Speaking of Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra, in the final days of the general election he – or better yet, his exwife – made headlines when his recent vote on the bench not to place on the ballot the Reproductive Freedom For All proposal, which passed handily on November 8, came crashing into his history of having supported an abortion for his ex when she was still his girlfriend during college. As his ex-wife told NBC News, the two were dating in their 20’s and she became pregnant. Zahra paid for her to have an abortion. The ex slammed as contradictory his recent vote not to place the abortion amendment on the ballot when the Michigan Board of State Canvassers became deadlocked on the issue due to controversy about spacing of words on the ballot petition. Zahra confirmed the news of the past abortion but downplayed his personal history having anything to do with his current decision. The justice was joined in his dissent by GOPnominated justice DavidViviano. Zahra, by the way, was endorsed in this election for a new eight-year term by Right To Life of Michigan.

WILSON

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Kaitlyn Buss

Kaitlyn Buss first became interested in journalism as a career when she saw the impact of journalism after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“My dad is a journalist, so I’ve always had an interest in journalism. I’ve also always loved politics and writing but seeing the impact that journalists and reporters had during these two events motivated me to move in that career direction,” she says.

Buss grew up in Rochester Hills and graduated from Notre Dame Prep in Pontiac. She attended Oakland University as a vocal music major before transferring to Hillsdale College, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science, music, and journalism.

After college, Buss moved to Washington D.C. and worked in various roles in the communications field, where she gained a broad range of experience that led her back to the Detroit area eight years ago. From 2014 to 2018, she was a member of The Detroit News editorial board, where she worked as a writer, editor, and columnist. She then resumed working in communications and public relations until this past spring, when she returned to The Detroit News as assistant editorial page editor.

Buss sees her role in media as one with important duties and responsibilities.

“When it comes to writing, editing, debating thoughts, civil dialogue – it’s a challenging environment right now. Many people don’t understand the difference between editorial and straight objective news writing. There’s great power and responsibility in media, especially in the social media age,” she says. “With regards to critical thinking and decency – media is in a weird place right now.”

Following the latest elections, Buss says, “I’m really proud of the work we did at The Detroit News during the recent endorsement season. People are clearly desperate for information they can trust and sources they can rely on when analyzing information. I’m grateful we get to share information and persuade.”

While both are Michigan natives, Buss and her husband met in Washington, D.C. They currently live in Birmingham and share the challenges, juggles, and joy of raising four children ages seven years and younger. She acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic was a particularly difficult period for her and her family.

“It was such a hard, lonely time being a parent during the pandemic – I learned a lot and value community more than ever before. I’ve embraced that I need help and I need other people.”

With four young children, Buss likes to decompress by getting outside as a family, especially going on hikes. In her sparse spare time, she loves gardening. She is also appreciative of having her parents and family nearby. “I’m growing my roots in Michigan and feeling invested,” she said.

As for advice for aspiring journalists, especially during these turbulent times, Buss offers, “Commit to critical thinking and finding answers rather than getting caught up in social media. Look for faults in arguments, ask questions, and demand answers from people in authority. Debating differences has made the U.S. great – we can’t stop. We need to challenge ourselves, ‘How can we do better?’ Be skeptical. Many people with money and power have hidden agendas – things aren’t always as they seem.”

Story: Tracy Donohue

Photo: Chris Ward

In Michigan, Black residents make up around 14 percent of the state’s population, yet account for 37 percent of the state’s jail population, and 53 percent of the state’s prison population. Nationally, about 38 percent of prison inmates are Black, yet account for less than 14 percent of the country’s population.

Significant disparities don’t just exist in correctional facilities. A recent study done by researchers at Michigan State University found that Black drivers are more likely to be stopped, searched and arrested by police, regardless of the community the traffic stop occurs in.

While Black residents account for about 14 percent of Michigan residents, Black drivers accounted for 21 percent of all Michigan State Police (MSP) traffic stops in 2020, according to the MSU study. Researchers, led by MSU criminal justice professor Scott Wolfe, compared traffic stop data with census and traffic crash information, as well as night and day traffic stops. In nearly all cases, Black drivers were disproportionately stopped in most regions of the state, and were more likely to be searched and arrested.

In looking at total traffic stops conducted by the MSP in 2020, researchers found 74.5 percent of stops involved White drivers; 22.1 percent of drivers were Black; 2.3 percent were Hispanic; and less than one percent were Asian. White people account for about 75 percent of the state’s population of 9,965,265 residents, with 13.6 percent Black; 5.1 percent Hispanic; and 3.1 percent are Asian. About 3.1 percent of residents identify as 'other race or ethnic group.'

Researchers found Black drivers as a whole are about 80 percent more likely to be stopped by troopers than would be expected based upon their population. The MSU study, which did not look at local police departments but only Michigan State Police, found similar patterns for most of the MSP’s districts. In MSP’s District 2, which includes Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties, with about 63 percent of residents identifying as White; 24.4 percent Black; 4.6 percent Hispanic; and 4.8 percent Asian, the study found Black drivers accounted for 47.9 percent of stops in the district – almost half of all stops – with 1.7 percent of stops involving Hispanic drivers; and .8 percent involving Asian drivers.

Wolfe and his team also compared traffic stop data to traffic-crash benchmarks to provide a reasonable estimate of the driving population, as well as those that drive in a particular community but don’t live in that community. The data again found that Black drivers were more likely to be stopped by troopers, which is sometimes referred to colloquially as “driving while Black.”

Researchers also looked at whether stops were conducted during the day or night, as it is more difficult for police officers to determine the race of a driver prior to making a stop when it is dark outside. The analysis found daylight stops were 33 percent more likely to involve drivers who are Black. However, researchers said accounting for seasonal differences in driving patterns rendered the connection between daylight and Black traffic stops not significant. At the same time, the analysis (which took place from February 7- April 6, 2020) was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which dramatically changed all traffic patterns.

The study also calculated violent crime rates in each of the MSP’s districts, because racial disparities in trooper behavior may be partially accounted for in violent crime rates in each area. District 2 has the highest violent crime rate in the state, with a rate of 623.1 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Wayne County (1,095.7 crimes per 100,000 residents) has the highest violent crime rate, and is nearly three times greater than the national average (366.7 crimes per 100,000 residents). Oakland County is significantly lower, at 193.7 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Releasing the report in January this year, Wolfe pointed out the differences between racial disparities and discrimination.

BY

THE

NUMBERS: POLICE TRAFFIC STOPS

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

“Disparity is an observed difference in the proportion of traffic stops involving a specific group of people compared to that group's representation in another source of data,” he wrote. “Discrimination, on the other hand, involves a police officer intentionally targeting and stopping racial or ethnic minorities solely because of their group status (i.e., racially profiling people and engaging in biased stop behavior). In this way, discrimination involves intent, whereas observed disparity cannot speak to whether an officer acted with intent. This report and its findings can speak only to the extent of racial/ethnic disparity in MSP traffic stops. The data cannot ascertain whether racially discriminatory practices are occurring within the MSP.”

Mark Fancher, staff attorney for the Racial Justice Project of the ACLU of Michigan, said disparities and suspected discrimination of Black drivers has been a point of interest with the MSP for years. In June 2021, the ACLU filed a lawsuit against Michigan State Police for racially profiling a Black couple during an MSP stop in Oak Park.

“In 2016, we were contacted by several separate Black motorists stopped by the Michigan State Police,” Fancher said. “All of the stops were almost identical, where they were stopped for following too closely to a truck or a perceived violation. In each instance, they were asked to exit their vehicles and searched, a K-9 was summoned and the interior was searched and they were made to stay on the side of the highway for extended times before they were allowed to go without any citation or warning.”

Fancher said the ACLU obtained the police records from each stop and found inconsistent recording of racial identities of those stopped. That, he said, revealed MSP wasn’t collecting any racial data from traffic stops. In response to an ACLU request, Fancher said the MSP then started collecting racial data, which in turn revealed patterns that suggested racial profiling was definitely taking place.

“We asked the MSP to engage an expert to come in and determine if there was racial profiling happening, and what would be done to remedy it if there was,” he said “They resisted. They did their own study, and they came back with their own study that found Black drivers constituted 14 percent of the population, and 14 percent of stops were Black – so there was no racial profiling. I pushed back because that doesn’t account for many things, such as large stretches of the state that are white and pockets of the state that are racially diverse.”

MSP then engaged Wolfe and his group at Michigan State University, commissioning them to conduct an independent study to determine racial disparities and potential discrimination.

“We asked again for them to engage an expert to find out why this is happening, and they resisted,” Fancher said. “When I heard about Mr. Sankofa and Ms. Thomas, it wasn’t an identical situation, but it was close enough that we wanted to challenge it with litigation, if necessary.”

According to court records, Camara Sankofa and Shanelle Thomas, both Black educators, were driving home when they were stopped by a Michigan State trooper near Southfield and 8 Mile roads. Troopers claimed they stopped Sankofa for running a red light, which he denies and for which he never received a citation.

Fancher said the law requires officers to detain people in a vehicle no longer than the time needed to issue a warning or a ticket. However, he said Sankofa and Thomas were detained for nearly two hours while troopers and K-9s searched and ravaged their vehicle without probable cause. They were never ticketed as a result of the stop.

Growing up on Detroit’s East Side, Sankofa said he was familiar with police in his neighborhood who had violent – and sometimes fatal encounters – with Black men in the community.

“I knew from a young age that in order to travel or live in a community, I had to be on the right side of the law. I knew I would have to have my paperwork in order and everything would have to be straight because any encounter with police can go wayward. It could possibly go wrong. So, from growing up and knowing this, I always knew I had to be law abiding; stop at stop signs, red lights and obey the law because I didn’t want any unnecessary encounters with the police because I wouldn’t want to be a victim of police brutality, or even murder.”

Dash-cam video of the incident shows both Sankofa and Thomas being cooperative with troopers as questioned and searched them. Thomas said she purposely masked any frustration during the incident in order to prevent it from escalating.

hen troopers asked to search the vehicle, the couple declined. Troopers then brought two K-9 units to the scene and proceeded to search the vehicle anyway. The subsequent treatment, Sankofa said, was insulting and embarrassing. After the search, no ticket or apology was issued by troopers.

The event has left both Sankofa and Thomas unnerved and traumatized by the fear they could be stopped and have their rights violated anytime they are driving, without cause.

“These kind of occurrences leave long-lasting effects on peoples' lives, and you wouldn’t understand it unless you experienced it,” Sankofa said.

For Sankofa, his experience with troopers and other racially motivated incidents he believes are enabled by the systemic racism that exists in law enforcement organizations.

“In my opinion, police officers should be the cream of the crop of society because they uphold, support and reinforce the law,” Sankofa said. “If they don’t follow the law themselves, then the entire society is lawless.”

In October, the couple and the ACLU settled the lawsuit with the MSP. Under the settlement, MSP agreed to pay the ACLU $200,000, of which $150,000 will go to Sankofa and Thomas. Additionally, MSP has agreed to engage CNA to conduct a Traffic Enforcement Policy and Program Analysis, to be followed by reports and possible recommendations to the MSP.

Fancher said while there are no guarantees for change, the settlement provides that the ACLU has direct access to CNA’s consultants.

“The approach they are taking – if I were using common sense – they are doing the things I would do: ride alongs with troopers, reviewing the video footage of stops. They are tasked with providing a report with recommendations. If we receive those things, it makes it easier for us to follow up. As long as we know what is available, we are in a position to encourage them,” Fancher said.

In response to the study conducted by Wolfe and his team, MSP in January 2022, unveiled a five-point plan to address racial disparities and potential sources. The plan includes hiring an independent consulting firm to review MSP policies; launching a BLUE Citizen Advisory Council, where MSP leadership will engage in open and honest conversation with leaders from communities of color; creating a Professional Development Bureau within MSP to provide training and development for enforcement members; ramping up educational opportunities, including cultural competency; and implicit bias training.

Implicit bias, or unconscious bias, refers to automatic associations people make between groups of people and stereotypes about those groups. While explicit bias is a conscious bias, implicit biases can cause people to act on racial prejudices, in spite of good intentions and nondiscriminatory policies.

“Implicit bias is in everything you do, and everyone has it,” said Michigan State Police Public Information Officer Lt. Mike Shaw. “There was nothing in the report that showed troopers were racially profiling anybody.”

Shaw said the MSP has already issued 1,600 body cams to troopers and any staff that has contact with the public in enforcement matters. Additionally, MSP has implemented a dashboard for troopers that allows them and supervisors to view traffic stop-related information in real time. The system is intended to learn and identify and adjust their actions.

“The MSP is looking at that to see if there is anything that can be done in training procedures to address disparities,” Shaw said. “The disparities exist, and the reason why isn’t clear. It could be something we

can change in training or procedure, or it could be something outside the scope of law enforcement.

“First, we need to find out why they exist, and if there is something we can do to fix it. It could be other things. It may involve looking at what the public wants enforced. Patrols in Birmingham are probably very different than that in Detroit. That looks different in each community.”

Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence said his department doesn’t track race for traffic stops. In fact, none of the police departments Downtown Newsmagazine spoke with record race in traffic stops. Police departments in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak record the race of a driver only when a citation is issued. These local communities have the main thoroughfares of Woodward and Telegraph traversing through their communities.

According to citation data provided by the Birmingham Police Department, the department issued 3,689 traffic tickets in 2021, with about 17 percent issued to Black motorists. The department issued only 2,680 traffic tickets in 2020, with about 16 percent issued to Black drivers. Pre-pandemic figures show little change in the distribution of tickets, with 18 percent of the 7,104 tickets issued in the city in 2019 to Black drivers.

Clemence said the population of the city swells during the work week, with residents from the larger metropolitan area visiting or traveling through Birmingham. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 3.2 percent of Birmingham's 21,755 residents are Black.

“That’s the barometer we use,” Clemence said, in comparing population to tickets. “If you look at the makeup of those counties, its about 70 percent White and 21 percent of people of color and others. Our numbers are right at or below those numbers.”

Clemence said all 34 officers in the department are equipped with body cameras. He said the department also uses an early-warning system to identify issues internally. Further, he said the department takes complaints seriously.

In Bloomfield Hills, the percentage of traffic citations issued in the city to Black motorists was about 20 percent in 2021; 18 percent in 2020; 20 percent in 2019; 16 percent in 2018; and 15 percent in 2017. According to the 2020 Census, Bloomfield Hills has 3.45 percent Black residents out of its 4.578 residents.

Bloomfield Hills Police Captain Jeff Gormley said the department focuses on enforcement throughout the city, as well as “trouble” spots, typically near schools, residential areas, construction or anywhere police notice problems or complaints are made by residents.

“We do implicit bias training and cultural diversity training every year,” he said. “We have an outside trainer come in. It’s part of our accreditation process and best operating procedures. That training didn’t exist in the past, but it has evolved and become part of basic training. It’s part of law enforcement culture, and culture changes over time, and becomes more effective over time.”

Police in Bloomfield Township and Royal Oak provided total citations issued, as well as a breakdown of each type of citation issued. The type of violation may be of particular concern for analysts, as many believe some stops are more prone to bias. Bloomfield Township has a Black population of 7.7 percent, according to the census, out of a 2020 population of 43,983; and Royal Oak's Black population is 4.7 percent of its 57,953 residents.

Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon announced this summer that her office will scrutinize cases where motorists are stopped for “non-public safety” violations. Those include a single defective taillight, tinted windows, defective equipment and similar violations. The move is one reform Siemon is implementing to attempt to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Similarly, she said her office is limiting felony possession firearms charges that carry a mandatory two-year prison sentence when not used in the commission of a crime.

The actions are part of a broader effort by the Vera Institute of Justice, an advocacy group working to end racial disparities and mass incarceration. Advocates of such changes say non-public safety stops reflect a racial bias that contribute to people of color being stopped and searched more than white people.

In Ramsey County, Minnesota, district attorney John Choi

Christmas Services

announced similar reforms, saying non-public safety stops, also referred to as pretext traffic stops, occur when a person is pulled over for a minor infraction while law enforcement seeks evidence of a more serious crime. Drivers of color, and those who are under-resourced who may not be able to afford to make needed repairs, are disproportionally subject to such stops, eroding trust and confidence in the justice system, and among law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Many of the new national efforts follow the death of George Floyd, and numerous others, at the hands of police.

“Anytime something happens at the national level, we look at it and try to learn, and have some takeaways,” said Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore. “We have a very tough job to do, and any time something happens nationally, there is a spotlight put on us.”

In 2018, a Royal Oak police officer shot and killed 28-year-old Antonio Gordon, a Black man, during a pursuit and altercation ending in a White Castle drive through at 13 Mile Road and Coolidge. Police said Gordon was driving recklessly and endangering other motorists before an officer blocked his car at the restaurant. Police said Gordon rammed the patrol car and another vehicle before driving at the officer on the street and being shot. Investigators determined the shooting was justifiable self-defense.

“It’s a tragedy anytime anyone loses their life, but in that instance the case was investigated by an outside agency, then investigated and reviewed by the prosecutor’s office, and then we looked at it internally to make sure there were no violations or anything done out of bounds,” Moore said. “It was found to be justified, but it was an unfortunate and terrible outcome for those involved.”

Moore said traffic is a priority in the city, with an eye on dangerous driving. The department’s training committee seeks out needed and valued training that is current with the needs of the community and its visitors.

“The more options you give someone, the better the outcome will be,” he said. “The men and women of our agency are constantly earning that community trust, day in and day out.”

raffic citations issued by the Royal Oak Police Department totaled 7,278 in 2021, 8,251 in 2020, nearly half as many as pre-pandemic years in 2019 (15,329) and 2018 (15,822). In 2021, about 20 percent of all citations were issued to motorists identified as Black; 34 percent as White; and 44 percent unknown. Overall, the largest group represented in nearly all categories in every year from 2018-2021 were “unknown.”

In comparing moving violations from “non-public safety” stops, Royal Oak issued 604 speeding tickets (1-5 mph over) in 2021, with 34 percent issued to White drivers; 20 percent to Black drivers; and 44 percent where race was unknown. Citations written for no proof of insurance – a $25 fine with no points when proof is shown within 30 days – totaled 460. Of those, 28 percent involved White drivers; 30 percent involved Black drivers; and 40 percent unknown.

The same speeding citations issued in 2018 by Royal Oak police totaled 897, with White drivers accounting for 44 percent of violations; Black drivers 16 percent; and unknown accounting for 37 percent.

In Bloomfield Township, the percent of drivers identified as “unknown race” was significantly lower than Royal Oak, with less than four percent each year from 2021 to 2018. But, as with Royal Oak citations, the percentage of Black drivers receiving citations was lower for nearly all moving violation and higher for non-public safety offenses, where stops can be questioned.

In 2021, Bloomfield Township police issued 6,445 citations, with 63 percent to White drivers; 30 percent to Black drivers; two percent to Asian drivers; and three percent to unknown races. Speeding tickets (1-5 mph over) totaled 1,089, with Black drives accounting for 22 percent; white drivers 70 percent; Asian drivers two percent; and unknown race three percent.

However, Black drivers made up the highest percent of those cited for no proof of insurance, making up 42 percent of those citations while White drivers made up 35 percent. Margins were also closer for defective equipment citations, with Black drivers cited for 41 percent of violations compared to 55 percent for white drivers.

Bloomfield Township Police Chief James Gallagher said officers target high crime and high crash areas, with much officer discretion. In terms of pretext traffic stops, he said all officers must be able to articulate why a stop was made.

“Part of enforcement is targeting high crime and high crash areas. If an officer is in a high-end neighborhood, late at night, and sees a vehicle that doesn’t look like it belongs there, you may make a traffic stop on that – especially if it is in a neighborhood that has had a run of larcenies,” he said. “An officer must be able to articulate the reason for a stop based on facts, not bias or race. The stop could lead to other investigations, but you can’t base the initial stop on that.”

More so, Gallagher said, pretext stops have an advantage in targeted crime areas. As with an out-ofplace vehicle in a high-end neighborhood, he said a White driver in a high-crime, urban community is likely to be stopped where neighbors are complaining of suburban kids looking to purchase drugs.

“With most pretext stops, the community hasn’t explained what the problem is, so there is a lack of transparency of what we are doing and what we are looking for,” Gallagher said. “Cars carrying certain things tend to drive perfect, so if you stop that car, that’s where we often fail in saying we have a target in the area.”

Gallagher defended the right to continue pretext stops as part of good police work. He acknowledged officers may need to use better discretion when issuing citations for what others describe as non-public safety infractions.

“If someone is stopped for defective equipment, that is where officers have discretion. Sometimes a person may not have the money to fix the car, or something else may be happening,” he said. “That is where we have to be better at recognizing people’s situations. At what part of their story are we entering their lives?”

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said what some people feel are petty infractions often lead to much more important cases. He cited the April 19, 1995, traffic stop for a license plate violation in Oklahoma that resulted in the ultimate capture of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.

“There’s a big push on the national level to nationalize policing, and it’s wrong,” Bouchard said. “A lot of people pushing these things have no clue what they are talking about in terms of what actually happens in policing – they should ride two full shifts. Everyone seems to be an expert because they have access to the internet.”

Rather than remove tools available to officers, Bouchard said there is a need for increased training, and ensuring agencies are in tune with community needs and desires.

“You must be very in tune and sensitive to community needs and localization,” he said. “Everyone deserves to feel served and protected, and how you do that may vary. We understand there are historic reasons that many communities feel police aren’t there for them, and you go out of your way to help them understand that you are.”

Watoii Rabii, an assistant professor of criminal justice at Oakland University, said addressing the history of racism and oppression from the beginning of slavery in America is an important step to addressing racial disparities in criminal justice and society as a whole.

“Think historically as police as an agent of the state and of racial social control. You can’t understand the police today without understanding slave patrols and the Texas Rangers,” Rabii noted. “Whether it was slavery or breaking up and suppressing certain forms of unions or surveilling immigrant communities, there is a history of social policing in marginalized neighborhoods.

“The disparities we see are all the consequence of the same problem: systemic and structural racial inequality,” Rabii said. “With racially-just policing, you would see more community trust.”

However, Rabii said police alone cannot fix the larger societal issue of inequality and racism.

“There isn’t one fix,” he said. “One thing that helps is really good training that gets to the core of racism and policing, as well as implicit bias. … Outside of the culture of policing, and going back to how communities are segregated, we have to ask how we can invest in communities in terms of social services and education, (and) neighborhood reinvestment. We have to think about community investment.”

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FACES

Ava Jacobs

Ava Jacobs found her passion in 2018, when she joined Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Bloomfield Hills. Since then, the 18-year-old high school senior at Cranbrook Kingswood has won major awards in ballroom dancing competitions around the country in American Rhythm, International Latin, cha cha, mambo and more.

“When I was little, my mom took me to preschooler ballet classes, and I did ballet and hip hop on and off until around the age of 14,” she said. “That is when I started doing ballroom.”

Her inspiration came from a movie.

“In middle school, I saw ‘Hairspray’ with Zac Efron and John Travolta, and I thought that was so cool. I researched ballroom dancing and I kept asking my mom to do it, so she signed me up and I’ve been doing it ever since,” said Jacobs, who began competing nationally after the COVID lockdowns.

“The pandemic definitely makes things more complicated, because it’s fully a contact sport.”

Her opportunities to compete can expand around the country. “It is not as popular with people my age in this area, which is why you can find a lot more competition in national competitions than in the region.”

The art of ballroom has clearly earned a place in her heart. “It’s my favorite form of dance and it’s my top priority. I practice every day after school and I love competition,” said Jacobs, who lives in Bloomfield Hills.

“I like to consider myself a creative person, and dance is a form of art. I’m also a very competitive person. I’m very big on challenges and I like working toward them. The competitions are fierce, and it’s a great source of exercise. I also really like the culture, and my dance teachers who are mostly from Eastern Europe.” Her dancing partner and coach is Tamerlan Gadirov.

Jacobs will continue to dance while in college, where she plans to double major in Spanish and Russian and also hopes to study abroad.

High school has inspired her pursuits. “Cranbrook has an influence on my creative ability and it has a really great arts program for performing and fine arts,” she said. “It really lets me grow in my creative and artistic abilities.” Jacobs especially enjoys studio honors painting and being in the fall play, “Alice in Wonderland.”

She also appreciates the love and support she receives from her family. “My mom is my biggest cheerleader, and my dad and grandparents do a lot for me,” said Jacobs. “My nana watches videos of me dancing before she goes to sleep.”

While Jacobs has won first place in other national competitions, perhaps the most significant is the time she was selected and sponsored to represent all Fred Astaire Dance Studios at the 2022 United States Dance Championships, the largest and most prestigious ballroom competition in the U.S., where she was thrilled to win the bronze medal.

“I knew it would be really tough, and I thought I might get fifth or sixth, so I was very excited to make it to the finals and get third,” she said. “When it was my first time, that was probably the best outcome that could have happened.”

With her determination and talent, there will likely be more awards to come. “Ballroom showed me how competitive I am. It’s a great outlet and I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to something this much. It’s become my whole personality and I feel very motivated to work hard.”

As to what her future may hold, she said, “I plan to focus on school and do well in dance and it will unravel from there.”

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Mackenzie O'Brien

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Breathe in. Breathe out. The purity of the air we breathe is an ever-changing target, as toxins are emitted into the environment, corporations test chemicals, and the environment degrades. Those of us living in Michigan depend not only on federal standards to protect our air quality, but on evolving state standards of industry and nature, and for agencies to stay current on all of changes and to provide permits and to communicate them to the appropriate parties in a timely fashion.

Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is gearing up for a productive 2023. After years of being criticized for underfunding the state agency charged with protecting the state’s air, water, land and other natural resources, the state legislature on July 1, 2022, approved a bipartisan budget for the fiscal year that began October 1, 2022, slating $729 million for EGLE. That's a 31 percent increase over last year’s budget, and the increased funding allows EGLE to hire 53 new full-time employees.

That’s good news for EGLE’s Air Quality Division (AQD), which has been allocated $4.4 million and the go-ahead to hire 15 employees within its ranks for air quality permitting. Among the many tasks and departments of AQD include emissions monitoring, modeling and reporting, enforcing compliance of state and federal air regulations as outlined within the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Act, lies a tiny group of four toxicologists who make up the Toxics Unit.

The Toxics Unit, assigned the task of regulating sources of air pollutants to protect human health, is charged with creating and updating heath-based screening levels of hundreds of chemicals which are utilized by thousands of businesses in the state that operate within the AQD’s permits to install regulatory programs for the assessment of toxic air contaminant emissions. It is the Toxics Unit’s task to maintain, update and monitor an ever-growing database of what is known as the List of Screening Levels. Created in 1988, the List of Screening Levels now stands at 1,269 toxic air contaminants. The unit in 2021 added 26 new screening levels to the list as they relate to human health exposure risks.

The open-ended list is readily available on EGLE’s website. Chemicals under review for consideration of altering screening levels are also up for public comment. In the early years of the screening program, memos describing the justification for the screening levels were only available upon request. While the public always had the ability to informally comment on the screening levels, as of December 2016, to provide further transparency, the division formalized the comment process and provides a 30-day formal public comment period on all health-based screening levels and their justifications.

AIR QUALITY PROTECTING WHAT MICHIGANDERS BREATHE

BY STACY GITTLEMAN

Toxicologists develop screening levels by reviewing existing toxicology literature and evaluating health-based limits published by other environmental agencies to create screening levels which are the most appropriate and defensible values. The division prefers large human studies of sensitive toxicology endpoints over animal tests.

The health risks of chemicals are measured in screening levels designed to provide a level of protection to the public from inhalation exposure and are measured in micrograms per cubic meter. An Initial Threshold Screening Level indicates no cancer effects, and Initial Risk Screening Levels means a one in million risk of a cancer effect. A Secondary Risk Screening Level indicates a one in a hundred thousand risk of a cancer effect.

As of October 2022, the Toxics Unit currently lists 21 chemicals which are under review for reevaluation of their screening levels. They range from chemicals in the alcohol family; chemicals used for mold control or insecticides; paint solvents; degreasers; pharmaceuticals; perfumes; fossil fuel additives; and a host of other industrial applications. This review is being undertaken to either develop a screening level where one does not currently exist, or to evaluate an existing screening level to determine if new scientific data is available that would indicate a revision is needed. The screening levels are used in the implementation of Michigan’s air toxic rules that apply to new or modified sources that emit a toxic air contaminant, and are required to obtain a permit to install. Under these rules, the emission of a toxic air contaminant cannot result in a maximum ambient concentration that exceeds the applicable health-based screening level.

“Michigan’s air toxics program is unique,” said Chris Ethridge, assistant division director of EGLE’s Air Quality Division. “Most state environmental departments do not have a specific dedicated air toxics program. The work of the AQD’s Toxics Unit goes above and beyond what the Clean Air Act requires. It gives Michigan the ability to be able to evaluate and regulate many toxic air pollutants that aren't necessarily covered under the Clean Air Act.”

Ethridge has worked within AQD for 23 years, starting out as a field inspector and then as a supervisor for field operations. Recently, he stepped into his new executive position where he is responsible for permit oversights and compliance, field operations and indirectly the Toxics Unit.

Regarding a boost to the 2023 budget, Ethridge said that the AQD will greatly benefit from the funding boost and will be able to hire 15 new employees, including four new permit engineers and one more toxicologist. This will help the agency better respond and process permit applications, a complaint heard from the state’s manufacturing sector, he added.

“We have heard loud and clear from industry that getting those permits to install issued promptly is critical. As part of the Clean Air Act, a manufacturer cannot start construction or add a piece of equipment until that air permit has been issued. So, it’s obviously critical to industry to have those permits in hand within a reasonable time. And with one more toxicologist on staff, we will have a broader bandwidth to perform toxics reviews.”

According to Ethridge, the Toxics Unit embarks on reviews of chemicals being used by industries in Michigan as it relates to the air permitting program. The screening levels are then used across the permitting system for permit holders for a variety applications. Under these rules, the emission of a toxic air contaminant cannot result in a maximum ambient concentration that exceeds the applicable healthbased screening level.

A permit is required for projects that involve installing, constructing, reconstructing, relocating or modifying most processes or process equipment that emit, or may emit, air contaminants.

According to AQD’s 2021 annual report, in the last five years the division received an average 400 permits to install applications and approved on average 341of them.

“Sources requiring a permit to install will undergo a thorough review of their air emissions,” explained Jill Greenberg, EGLE public information officer. “If applicable, stack testing will be required as part of the permit conditions. Sources not needing a permit have been determined to have minimal emissions and impacts to the environment, so testing is typically not required in that case. Air

quality division, however, always reserves the right to request a stack test from a facility – even in situations where it has not been specifically required as part of a permit.”

Greenberg said companies applying for a permit to install are responsible for identifying all emissions of air pollution from their equipment. EGLE is also aware of the different types of pollutants that are expected from different types of industries, and verifies that the information provided is accurate.

From a federal standpoint, Greenberg explained that EGLE works closely with the EPA on documenting and monitoring the main pollutants regulated, known as the six criteria pollutants – which are nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, photochemical oxidants (including ozone), and lead. EGLE compares its results to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which are the health-protective standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Comparisons of data to the NAAQS are often done over a three-year time span, depending on the pollutant. The purpose of ambient air monitoring is to provide air quality data for regions and areas where people live, work, and play.

While Ethridge explained many states mimic regulations of the 1990 Clean Air Act to monitor air pollutants, Michigan deemed that the EPA’s finite list of 187 Hazardous Air Pollutants is an insufficient list if human health is to be protected compared to Michigan’s more openended inventory of toxic air pollutants.

“Outside of the list of main pollutants listed in the federal Clean Air Act, there are many potentially toxic air pollutants that may pose a health threat to humans. But unless the EPA specifically passes a specific regulation on that chemical or process, a state may not have the ability to regulate it. Under Michigan’s permit to install program, we can evaluate and set limits for any aero toxin of concern that we encounter when we go through our permitting process. This gives us wider breadth and ability to be able to address and regulate toxic air pollutants,” Ethridge said.

Ethridge explained that facilities are required to apply for a permit for any new processes they are introducing to their facility. AQD’s permit engineers will evaluate the different chemicals of concern that may be potentially used and what air pollutants could be emitted.

"If the industry identifies the toxic chemicals that need to be evaluated, because of the significant level of how much toxins could be emitted from the process, we have one of two options," explained Ethridge. "We can either look at existing data that we have on that chemical and use the health screening levels that have already been developed. Or, if a permit applicant proposes that they wish to use a chemical that we have not examined before, and if no screening levels have been developed, we will share this chemical with our Toxics Unit. The Toxics Unit will then evaluate the chemical and create a set of screening levels for it. Those screening levels will then be utilized as criteria when the time comes for reissuing a permit as specific emission limits on that chemical will be set."

To develop screening levels for chemicals, Ethridge said air quality division toxicologists do not perform their own tests but delve into the body of already-published scientific and medical literature on the chemical.

“We're not testing the chemical as we are looking towards already existing data to determine whether screening levels need to be set or not,” Ethridge explained. “Testing happens within other facets of our program. If a facility is issued an air permit and has specific emission limits in that permit, it may be required to do chemical testing at its own cost to show compliance with those emission limits. Testing typically is something that occurs after a permit has been issued to the facility and it's done at the company's expense with our oversight to assure everything complies with their permit.”

The task of testing new and emerging chemicals before they emerge on the commercial market rests with the EPA. That role falls under the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976. Under the TSCA, the EPA's New Chemicals program helps manage the potential risk to human health and the environment from chemicals new to the marketplace. The program functions as a "gatekeeper" that can identify conditions and if needed, can ban the production of a chemical before it even enters the marketplace.

According to the EPA, chemicals are categorized either as an “existing chemical” – something that was on the market before the enactment of the TSCA – or a “new” chemical, which is any substance that is not yet on the TSCA inventory. Prior to the manufacturing and importing of a new chemical for general commercial use, a notice must be filed with EPA.

The inventory contains 86,631 chemicals, of which 42,039 are active.

When it comes to setting screening levels, there are instances when the federal government takes the lead and EGLE follows suit. Ethridge said if the EPA changes its screening levels for certain chemicals, EGLE will adhere to these changes across its permits even if the standing permit was using a previously set screening level.

That's exactly what occurred with the chemical ethylene oxide (EtO), a gas used in the large-scale sterilization of medical equipment. EtO is a toxin that has been regulated by the state of Michigan since 1982, and has been listed on the EPA's Hazardous Pollutant List beginning in 2016. That year, the EPA updated EtO’s hazard level from a “probable human carcinogen” to a “human carcinogen,” and increased its lifetime inhalation cancer risk estimate. The studies in which the EPA adjusted its screening levels revealed that cumulative exposure over many years increases one's risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma, lymphocytic leukemia, and breast cancer.

Such testing operations have taken place at companies such as Valiant in Grand Rapids and Centurion Medical, Inc., in Howell.

EGLE’s previous Initial Risk Screening Level for EtO of .03 micrograms established in 1982 was updated in January 2017 to .0002 micrograms – which is 150 times lower than the previous initial risk screening level. As a result of this change, the AQD put Valiant and Centurion under new scrutiny – even as they operated within the limits of their current permit, and permit re-issuances depended upon the stipulation that the facilities adhered to the new lower screening levels for compliance.

Ethridge said that harmful exposure to EtO was most acute around Valiant in Grand Rapids, which was working off an air quality permit first issued in 2005.

“Valiant was the state’s largest emitter of EtO,” explained Ethridge. “In 2018, EGLE concluded after a lengthy investigation that cancer rates in a neighborhood near the plant were higher than the national average.”

After this modeling study conducted under Ethridge’s supervision, the impacted area at the time demonstrated an average level of .3 micrograms per cubic meter of ethylene oxide in the outdoor air, far over the limit of the EPA’s new limit of .0062 micrograms per cubic meter in outdoor air.

In December 2019, Valiant signed a consent order to stop sterilizing medical devices using EtO by December 31, 2020. The company stopped all operations by January 2020, and paid a penalty of $110,000 to EGLE to conduct monthly air sampling for several months after the plant closed.

As far as the case with Centurion, the air quality division of EGLE issued the company a permit to install in 2017, using the previous screening level of .03 micrograms to determine compliance with Michigan’s air toxics rules. In April 2021, EGLE issued an air quality violation notice to the company for unsafe EtO emissions.

Following a request in January 2021 by the EPA to review EtO information submitted by Centurion, EGLE conducted an initial round of air sampling to further evaluate EtO emissions in Centurion's facility. The samples, collected over a 24-hour period from March 29-30, conducted through a private lab at Centurion’s expense, revealed EtO concentrations above acceptable health screening levels for long-term exposure. By August 2021, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) also required more testing and by November of that year, all sterilization operations had ceased and AQD voided the company's permit.

In another case of toxic emissions, the Toxics Unit this time applied its own screening levels – rather than using those set by the EPA.

In another example, complaints about the smell of hydrogen sulfide in neighborhoods in and around Kalamazoo were increasing. In 2018, the Toxics Division reevaluated acceptable threshold levels of hydrogen sulfide, a flammable, colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs. Though

proven to be noncancerous in humans by federal health departments, exposure to low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can cause respiratory irritation and may more severely affect breathing for asthmatics. Prolonged exposure to the gas can also cause headaches, poor memory, tiredness, and balance problems.

Denise Trabbic-Pointer, a volunteer toxics and remediation specialist with the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club, was evaluating the effects of the gas in Kalamazoo when residents complained of the odor from gas emissions emanating from the city’s wastewater system. It was determined the city of Kalamazoo was using 20 parts per billion (.02 microgram/gram) – as set by the EPA, instead of the state level, which had changed from 2 ppb to 10 ppb (.01microgram/gram).

The main source of the emissions was traced to Graphic Packaging International paper mill. On October 24, EGLE ordered Graphic Packaging International to pay a $99,270 fine after it violated its permit to install for 37 hours of noncompliance for releasing excessive amounts of another toxin – oxides of nitrogen. It will also be required to make process changes at its paper factory over alleged air quality violations.

“In the case of (hydrogen sulfide), the use of Michigan’s Air Quality Divisions’ threshold was more appropriate to the situation in Kalamazoo because it is based on chronic exposure to hydrogen sulfide, while the EPA’s minimal risk levels were based on an intermediate duration,” said Trabbic-Pointer.

“The neighborhood in Kalamazoo is breathing these emissions every day and the levels have been measured for over two years, some above 20 parts per billion. I value the screening levels of Michigan’s Air Toxics Division because they are health-based and because they use toxicological human or animal studies to come to a consensus regarding safe guidelines for people, including consideration for the most vulnerable populations,” she said.

Nick Leonard, executive director for Great Lakes Environmental Law Center, said AQDs’ method of issuing air quality permits and listing screening levels for chemicals on a case-by-case basis does not weigh into account that oftentimes, the allowable emissions from one company’s permit do not take into account that another nearby company is also allowed to emit the same amounts of toxins into the air, creating a cumulative effect for residents living in the area. That is why Leonard said his organization have been petitioning EGLE to determine their screening levels for what is acceptable for a company to emit into the air even lower.

“On the whole, Michigan is a unique state for toxics emissions as we have established an inventory of health-based screening levels for air toxics,” Leonard said. “This is not something that is required of states under the federal Clean Air Act. Those screening levels give parameters to companies on what is the maximum amount it can impact a community for any single toxic they are about to emit. We do appreciate the open public comment periods when the Toxics Division is considering changing screening levels of certain chemicals, though we have had little success convincing them to set even lower threshold rates of emission.”

However, he continued, the way the air permitting program is organized does not reflect the reality of the communities living near industrial areas. Even if an air permit focuses on the emission threshold of one chemical, it may not take into account that another nearby facility is also emitting that same chemical at the same rate, or a nearby company may be emitting another permit-approved toxin that when combined with another substance can cause adverse health effects.

“Let’s say that one facility is emitting benzene, and there is another company emitting magnesium oxide, but both are operating within the parameters of their air permits. How do these pollutants interact with one another? Do they magnify harm to that community?” Leonard asked. “There is a regulation within EGLE that accounts for these situations, and to take some action that is more protective for human health and that looks at pollution from a more cumulative standpoint. EGLE does have the authority to look at circumstances like this, but this is something they have done infrequently.”

Co-Response Team

expanding locally

By Grace Lovins and Kevin Elliot

Both the Birmingham City Commission and the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees voted on Monday, November 14, to expand the Mental Health Co-Response Team (CoRe), allowing the program to hire a second full-time mental health clinician and spread its reach and involvement to include the city of Rochester.

The Mental Health Co-Response Team, called CoRE, is a partnership between law enforcement and mental health professionals in order to better serve the people in the community suffering from a mental health crisis, Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence explained in May to the Birmingham City Commission in a memo, noting that law enforcement “has and continues to be the primary first responders to people in crisis. With CoRE, a mental health clinician co-responds to crisis calls for service in the field with police officers.”

The team is a shared resource among Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Auburn Hills that partners law enforcement and mental health professionals to better serve people in the community suffering from mental health crisis. The program is overseen by the Oakland Community Health Network, which is the Community Mental Health Service Program and Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan responsible for providing behavioral health services to more than 23,000 individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance abuse in Oakland County.

In June of this year, the commission passed a resolution to approve gap funding for the CoRe program while the “Community Projects” federal grant was being processed, as well as passed a letter of commitment that stated resources would be dedicated to the continuation and expansion of the program including a second clinician and expanding to Rochester. Currently, the three original communities have shared social worker Hilary Nusbaum, who has managed the program on her own along with officers. The addition of Rochester will permit the addition of a second trained program clinician.

Since its creation in September of 2022, the team has conducted 624 referrals, of which 221 were located

Township confirms master plan update

By Kevin Elliott

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Monday, November 14, approved the confirmation of the township’s 20-year-master plan, through 2027.

The master plan serves as the guide for all future growth and development in the township. Ultimately, the master plan is the document that guides all zoning maps and zoning ordinances in the township to meet stated goals and objectives. The current master plan was approved in 2007, and is expected to be updated again in 2027.

“It is a 20-year master plan, so when it was adopted in 2007, it was an update to the 1991 Master Plan,” said Bloomfield Township Director of Planning Patti Voelker. “The reference to the date is just the date of adoption. We are charged with this whole process of reaffirming and reevaluating those goals and objectives every five years to make sure they are current and relevant.

“At the end of this next five years, that will be a discussion that the township board will have in wanting to proceed with a course of action to be able to proceed with a master plan study, which we would likely be hiring a planning consultant to assist us with the process. It is a 12 to 14-month process, where you’re engaging the community with a variety of topics and opportunities for meetings with the various stakeholders, all culminating into a final document.”

The current update to the master plan essentially reaffirms the current plan, and its goals and objectives are in alignment with the township’s long-range vision.

Voelker said a review of the plan shows it has been and remains consistent. The last update, in 2018, called for some minor amendments regarding housing and commercial development at Squirrel Road and South Boulevard, which has since been developed in accordance with the master plan. Overall, she said zoning changes and developments have supported the spirit of the master plan.

Voelker said the township planning board reviewed the master plan update, as well as the 14 zoning requests that were made over the past five years since the last update. She said all of the requests have been consistent with the plan.

The update and plan was unanimously approved by the board, with treasurer Brian Kepes and trustee Neal Barnett absent.

in Bloomfield Township, said Police Chief James Gallagher said. Of those cases, he said about 30 were volunteer referrals, and 47 were left under family care.

Federal pandemic relief funds have been received and will be used to help fund the program, he said.

“That’s a big deal,” Gallagher said of the family-care referrals. “If we can leave them home with family and not tie up the jail or hospital, then (the clinician) follows up with them.”

The Birmingham city commission held little discussion over the resolution, but commissioner Andrew Haig questioned if the program had metrics that showed improvements or the success rates of those who go through the program.

“Is there anything that can actually show where we see reductions in reoccurrences or how do we measure

success?” Haig asked.

Chris Cook, CoRe coordinator and investigative captain with the Birmingham Police Department, said the program keeps track of all the forms and creates a quarterly report that shows what their numbers are. Cook also noted that they have partnered with Wayne State University in Detroit, and they are taking all the numbers from the inception of the program in December and following the individuals through the process of treatment. The university is also using the numbers from 2021 to see if there were any reductions.

Mayor pro tem Elaine McLain asked how the referral process, if there is one, worked. Cook explained that if someone were seeking help for an individual with mental health issues called the Birmingham Police Department, the co-responder on

duty will respond to the scene with the officer. He notes that, if there was an individual that may be dealing with a mental health issue, they can be reached at the police department’s dispatch number.

The Birmingham commission voted unanimously to approve the second interlocal agreement for CoRE, expanding the program to include the city of Rochester and create a new full-time clinician position. In Bloomfield Township, trustees voted unanimously to approve the agreement with treasurer Brian Kepes and tustee Neal Barnett absent.

Oh sanctioned by city commission

By Grace Lovins

After the Birmingham Ethics Board issued a preliminary advisory opinion against Samuel Oh this August, the city commission voted at their meeting on Monday, November 14, to sanction Oh with a written reprimand and required education.

Oh, a member of the city’s Triangle District Corridor Improvement Authority, was accused of misusing his title on a Change.org petition which asked residents to sign for changes to the Triangle District’s master plan as well as disseminating disinformation even after he was provided with the correct information multiple times by city staff. The ethics board advisory opinion, given on August 16, was issued at the request of city manager Tom Markus, who observed some conflict between Oh and city staff.

During the ethics board meeting at which the opinion was handed down, Oh maintained his innocence and challenged city staff saying that the city was overreaching in their interpretation of official documents. He additionally stated that, although it violated the ethics code, he would have still included his title in the petition because it would have been unethical not to.

The commission collectively agreed that Oh should be sanctioned, but opinions on what the sanction should look like varied.

Mary Kucharek, city attorney, informed the commission that the ordinance doesn’t specify what response would be appropriate, but the sanction could range from a written notice to removal from the board. Commissioner Andrew Haig felt that removal may be too severe in this circumstance, but a message

did need to be sent that officials have expectations to uphold.

“We don’t want to give the wrong message in one direction or the other direction. Mistakes happen…My feeling is that a formal notification of reprimand would be appropriate. I don’t feel at this time removal would be appropriate because it may send too harsh of a message for volunteers, but the message needs to be passed that there are expectations to be met,” Haig said.

Commissioner Clinton Baller emphasized throughout the discussion that Oh demonstrated a reckless disregard for the truth, and as such he feels Oh should be removed from his position.

“I’m compelled to remark upon reckless disregard for the truth. That is willful, there was intent, and our First Amendment guarantees the right to free speech, and it goes so far as to say that you can say almost anything about a public official and get away with it unless there was reckless disregard for the truth,” Baller stated.

Mayor Therese Longe concurred with Haig, saying that if Oh were to

be removed it could have a chilling effect on city volunteers. A proposed solution in line with Haig and Longe’s comments recommended that Oh receive a written reprimand and is required to watch a video presentation of the ethics board explaining the meaning and purpose of the ethics code, and confirm that he watched it in full. If he doesn’t comply, he will be given the option to voluntarily resign, or the city would move forward with the removal process.

Commissioners voted 7-0 to sanction Oh for nonconformity with the ethics ordinance and issue a written reprimand telling him to cease the actions that brought him to the ethics board. Oh will also have to watch the video of the ethics board’s explanation and sign that the meeting was watched in full.

New storm water standards adopted

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham’s City Commission voted on Monday, October 24, to

adopt an ordinance amendment that will change the city’s current stormwater standards to include post-construction water quality standards.

The proposed ordinance amendment will apply to the development or redevelopment of non-residential parcels, only, that are greater than one acre and discharges to the city’s separated storm sewer system.

The decision comes after the Oakland County Water Resource Commission (OCWRC) adopted new stormwater standards in May of 2021, with the aim that local communities would adopt the commission’s state approved regional standards to meet the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm System) permit requirements of postconstruction stormwater standards for water quality. According to Melissa Coatta, city engineer, the city’s current ordinance does not include information about postconstruction standards.

On top of continuing compliance for the city’s MS4 permit, adopting the OCRWC’s new stormwater

standards would include best management practices and low impact design, preserve natural swales and channels, and references to the city’s site plan review and process requirements. The standards would also provide information on the criteria for potential waivers, and include a maintenance agreement between a property owner and the city so the property owner is able to maintain their constructed stormwater items.

Adopting the amendment, says Coatta, would also adopt the OCRWC’s standards for channel protection rate control and channel protection volume control. In response to a question raised by commissioner Andrew Haig, Coatta noted that the amendment would affect 41 land parcels, 50 percent of which are owned by the city, including parks and trail systems.

Commissioners voted 7-0 to adopt the ordinance to amend city code to include post-construction stormwater standards for water quality.

Hunter House given ultimatum for lease

By Grace Lovins

A tri-party ground lease agreement between Birmingham, Hunter House Hamburgers and Select Commercial Assets Hospitality for the city-owned property on the corner of Woodward Avenue and Maple Road finally moved forward at the city commission meeting on Monday, November 14, effectively giving Hunter House an ultimatum to sign the agreement or lose the lease.

Kelly Cobb, owner of Hunter House Hamburgers, and Hesham Gayar, property owner of Select Commercial Assets Hospitality, have been in a dispute over the development of 35001 and 35075 Woodward Avenue for nearly six years. Gayar has proposed a fivestory mixed used building that would occupy the two land parcels in addition to the city-owned lot, which was approved by the planning board back in 2021.

During the process, Cobb and Gayar appeared before the commission at multiple meetings laying their outside disputes in front of the board. Cobb and Gayar have both attempted to enter lease agreements separately with the city in the past but have been denied given the conflict between the two. The city opted to deny the leases in the hopes that Cobb and Gayar would reconcile, but that hasn’t been the case.

City attorney Mary Kucharek explained to the commission that the ground lease agreement between the city and two other parties was created from two previous agreements that went before the commission but were shot down. The key difference with the new lease is that it will allow Hunter House to continue to use the city’s lot for parking up until construction for the new development begins. Once all permits are in place and construction begins, the lease for the city’s lot will transfer over to Gayar.

While it is typically expected that a lease presented to the commission would be signed by whichever parties' necessary, Cobb had declined to sign the agreement. Cobb’s counsel, David Harden, explained that Cobb would not sign the agreement because the city attorney would not accept an invitation to meet about the contract she said was non-negotiable, the language in the agreement suggests Gayar could give no notice to Cobb before he boots him out of the restaurant to begin construction, and he was sent different versions of the agreement that,

Wing Stop gets late night approval

By Kevin Elliott

Chicken wings, fresh-cut fries and cajun corn-on-the-cob will be available until midnight in Bloomfield Township, following the approval of a special land use permit on Monday, November 14, at the board of trustees meeting, for Wing Stop at 1981 Telegraph Road.

Township ordinances require that any restaurant operating before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. needs to receive a special land use permit from the board of trustees. The restriction is to ensure late-night operations don’t disrupt neighboring residents or businesses, said Bloomfield Township Deputy Planning Director Andrea Bibby.

“We don’t believe it would impact traffic patterns or parking, and there are no impacts of noise or odor to the adjacent properties,” she said.

While Bibby said the midnight closure isn’t expected to cause any disruptions, Ryan LaPointe, who represented Wing Stop in the matter, is planning to disrupt the tastebuds of customers looking for meals later in the evening.

With Wing Stop offerings appealing to athletic enthusiasts and the post-event crowds, LaPointe said stores typically do 20 percent of their daily sales between 9 p.m. and midnight. As to whether the store could close earlier on weekdays – don’t count on it.

“If we close at 9 p.m. on a weekday, and there are high school athletic games that don’t end until around then, people can’t get there after the game,” he said.

LaPointe said the same for larger events, such as Monday or Thursday night football on television, which is often accompanied by offerings from Wing Stop. By maintaining late night hours, customers come to depend on the carryout restaurant for food when many others are closed.

“That’s something we do across the country,” he said.

Trustees were generally accepting of the extended evening hours, as the business is carryout and delivery only, doesn’t disrupt parking or traffic in the area, and isn’t likely to be problematic for adjacent residents or businesses.

Trustees voted unanimously to approve the special land use permit for Wing Stop’s location at 1981 Telegraph Road, with treasurer Brian Kepes and trustee Neal Barnett not in attendance.

sense of it, and I think it’s been clear tonight that none of this seems to make any sense. There’s a lot of smoke going into the room, and I don’t know what the right answer is.”

After lengthy discussion, other commissioners felt that it was appropriate to move forward, and the new tri-party lease agreement made the best use of the city-owned property.

Commissioner Pierre Boutros shared that he felt this was in the best interest of the city, and if the commission didn’t decide to act it could be another 10 years before Gayar’s proposed development comes to fruition.

The commission voted 5-2 to move forward with the tri-party lease agreement, giving Hunter House until Friday, November 18, at noon to sign or the lease will automatically be given to Gayar. Schafer and Host both voted against the motion.

Village police and fire tax rate okayed

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Township trustees on Monday, October 24, unanimously approved 2022-2023 assessment rates at a combined total of 1.55 mills for the Bloomfield Village Police Department and Volunteer Fire Department.

according to Harden, allowed Gayar to make changes although Kucharek said it was non-negotiable.

Harden also took issue with the fact that Gayar is not obligated to complete the project and could displace Cobb and leave him without a new building to operate in. In response, Kucharek thoroughly explained that the lease makes it clear Gayar must give written notice, at the very least, and Hunter House won’t lose the city’s lot for parking until construction of the new development begins. Gayar's new development provides a space for a new Hunter House operation.

“This has been going on for years and years and years. At some point something has to give. The purpose of the tri-party agreement was that time to give. The reason I was not interested in sitting down and negotiating was because we’ve already done that on two separate leases,” Kucharek said. “Both of their contracts that they agreed to are part and parcel in this

agreement. The lease transfers upon construction. Construction only occurs with all the proper permits, approvals and with the building official saying, ‘You may proceed.’ … It’s up to the two of them to make any further agreements, which they can’t seem to do, which they keep dumping on [the commission’s] lap.”

Commissioners Katie Schafer and Brad Host both told the board they weren’t comfortable with entering a lease agreement with either party given that the commission has asked Gayar and Cobb to resolve their issues outside of the city meetings but have yet to do so.

“It’s been my observation over the last several years as an observer, and now on the commission, that what has been requested by the city commission is that these two parties come to some agreement,” Schafer said. “It seems to me over the last few months that this keeps coming in front of us with a different wig on it to try and make

Bloomfield Township Finance Director Jason Theis, who assisted the village with the department budgets, said special assessment rates for the village services are based on the budget and estimated taxable value of properties.

The assessment rate for the village’s police department is 1.18 mills, which is expected to generate $500,000 in revenue; the assessment for the volunteer fire department is 0.37 mills and is expected to generate $155,000 in revenues.

The Bloomfield Village Police Department budget approved in March 2022 of $500,000 is about $25,000 less than the previous year. The volunteer fire department has an approved budget of $155,000 – down about $15,000 from the previous year.

Bloomfield Village’s police and fire services are funded through a special assessment district that is paid for by property owners within the village, a part of Bloomfield Township. The majority of the police and fire division members are retired public safety workers from the township and other neighboring communities.

New owner takes over at Beverly Hills Grill

By Lisa Brody

Beverly Hills Grill, which first opened in 1988 as a contemporary California dining experience by noted local restaurateur Bill Roberts, has been sold to Raphael Michael.

Michael, a graduate of Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Township and a West Bloomfield native, previously had a Happy's pizzeria in Kalamazoo for over a decade, and worked briefly under chef Anthony Lombardo at SheWolf in Detroit. “I did a crash course with chef Anthony,” Michael said.

Beverly Hills Grill, 31471 Southfield Road in Beverly Hills, has long been known for its classic but innovative cuisine focusing on fresh fish, salads, steaks and vegetables, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, had been open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. The restaurant was a destination for its Saturday and Sunday brunches. Since reopening following pandemic closures, Beverly Hills Grill has only served dinners, and

is still closed on Sundays.

Roberts, of Roberts Restaurant Group, also owns Streetside Seafood in downtown Birmingham, ML Cafe and Roadside B&G in Bloomfield Township, and Bill's in Bloomfield Hills. None of those establishments were included in the sale. Another restaurant, Town Tavern, in Royal Oak, closed in April 2020. He previously also owned 220 Merrill in Birmingham.

Michael said he only wanted this restaurant right now “to carry on the legacy.”

“I want the employees to keep me,” he said when asked if staff, many of whom have been with the restaurant for decades, will remain. When asked, several servers said they intend to stay with the new owner.

Chef Ryan Zagor, who has been at the helm of the kitchen at Beverly Hills Grill for the last 11 years, is a definite keeper, Michael said. “I told him he can fly.”

Michael said he wants to add new and special steaks to the menu, more fish, and allow Zagor to experiment. “I want to keep the old and build on the new for adventurous eaters,” he said,

as well as focus on cocktails at the popular bar area.

As for bringing back that popular brunch, Michael said it's definitely a goal. “I used to come to brunch with my wife after we got married,” he said.

DoubleTree to be called The Kingsley

Everything old is new again – the former Kingsley Inn on Woodward in Bloomfield Hills, which reopened in 2018 as Double Tree by Hilton Bloomfield Hills, will once again be known as The Kingsley.

According to a press release, “A boutique hotel with stories to tell, The Kingsley radiates mid-century cool, accented by modern public and private spaces which spark memorable connections that are simply beyond ordinary. Each of the contemporary-style guest rooms includes a spacious sitting area, plush bedding, and high-speed internet access.”

The hotel, first opened in 1959, underwent a complete renovation over a year and nine months in 2018. Renovation costs were in excess of $20

million for the 144-room hotel, which has a new two-story atrium lobby, business center, luxury suites. Each of the contemporary-style guest rooms includes a spacious sitting area, plush bedding, and high-speed internet access.

Among the amenities is a cocktail lounge in the lobby called The Duke Lounge, named for John Wayne. It offers premier bourbon, whiskey, and tequila, and serves up hand-crafted cocktails and superior wines. The Kingsley also features Zalman’s on Woodward, an upscale, trendy 50’s style diner designed for the modern day.

State-of-the-art facilities include a beautiful courtyard with fire pits and Bloomfield Hills’ only indoor saltwater pool and spa oasis. The hotel also features a picture-perfect environment with “creative and vibrant style celebrating today's ideas of stay, work, and play,” wrapped in an “Instagrammable atmosphere” that's energized by edgy original artworks by Yigal Ozeri and Peter Tunney.

Joe Muer's Seafood, which has been open on the property for almost six years, is a leased restaurant, and there is an entrance from the hotel.

S. Old Woodward open, lawsuit lingers

By David Hohendorf

While Birmingham officials and local businesses are celebrating the reopening of S. Old Woodward with the completion of the months-long road and infrastructure project, the federal court case against the city over the road's final design, filed in May of this year, looks like it will continue to drag until the fall of 2023.

The lawsuit, based on alleged violations of the American Disabilities Act (ADA), was filed May 18 by John Reinhart, managing partner of the 555 Building on S. Old Woodward, along with Anthony Wenzel, who said he frequents an exercise studio in the building, and architect Robert Ziegelman, who has an office in the building. The case was assigned to Federal District Court Judge Mark A. Goldsmith.

All three plaintiffs claim physical disabilities and that the final design for the completed road project will make it difficult for handicapped persons to access the 555 Building due to the loss of 60 parking spaces in the overall project area as well as the relocation of a bus stop, now on Bowers Street, to the front of the 555 Building.

In its answer to the lawsuit, the city of Birmingham raised a number of points, including the fact that the final design of the road reconstruction project provides for two ADA-compliant parking spaces which the city said replaced one non-compliant space at the 555 Building. Further, the city's response said that the completed project provides 19 parking spaces between Hazel and Haynes streets, noting that the ADA guidelines do not require on-street parking, only that ADA compliant parking spaces must be provided, which they are.

The city's response to the original lawsuit also suggested that the 555 Building managing partner, plaintiff Reinhart, is most concerned about the bus stop being relocated in front of the building, based on comments he has made to city officials about potential riders of the bus, which some have categorized as elitist, if not racist, in nature.

Plaintiffs in the case had requested that the court stop the project by granting injunctive relief and the city of Birmingham had filed a motion to have the case dismissed.

On September 28 of this year, the judge issued a formal ruling which denied both the request for injunctive relief and Birmingham's request to

Commission renews BSD assessment

By Grace Lovins

The Birmingham Shopping District’s (BSD) assessment district has officially been renewed following unanimous approval by the city commission on Monday, October 24, extending the district’s primary revenue source for another four years.

The BSD’s assessment district has been in effect since 1993, according to assistant city manager Jana Ecker, and is currently in its final year of the last four-year assessment renewal period, leaving the BSD board to return to the commission to request another four-year renewal. The assessment only applies to commercial properties in Districts 1 and 1A of the BSD.

Ecker noted that the assessment will increase for the next renewal period – which hasn’t happened since 2008 for first floor properties of the district, and 2019 for second floor properties. A $.59 per square foot increase for the first floor of all commercial buildings and a $.42 increase for all other floors in District 1 will boost the district’s new annual revenue to just over $1 million.

Ecker explained that the BSD was designed to attract people to the downtown area, and works to promote an active, attractive and pedestrian-oriented district within the city. On top of attracting people to the area, the BSD provides resources to businesses in the district, including marketing and promotions through websites, TV and social media, merchant meetings, and monthly newsletters. Funds from the BSD also allow the board to provide hanging planters and planter boxes, holiday lighting in downtown, events, sidewalk and window washing, plus clearing of sidewalks in winter.

Following public comment on the renewal of the assessment, Amy Pohlod, who was re-appointed to the BSD’s board earlier in the meeting and now serves as chairperson of the board, noted that the assessment increase comes from cost increases and new layout for certain services like snow removal on sidewalks and hanging floral baskets.

“As I look at it, for my 7,015 square foot building, my property assessment is going to go up a couple hundred dollars and I really feel that I get that couple hundred dollars,” Pohlod said. “If we didn’t have [snow removal] people aren’t coming into town. If we don’t have all those flowers, people aren’t coming into town. If we don’t keep a clean city, people aren’t coming into town.”

She also stated to the commission and public that the BSD board encourages business owners in the district to attend meetings and provide suggestions on how the BSD can better the services that are provided and provide feedback on what they feel has worked for their businesses.

The commission voted 7-0 to approve the renewal of the BSD’s assessment district, and will meet again on Monday, November 14, to conduct the confirmation of the assessment roll.

have the case dismissed.

In the ruling as it applied to the city's request that the court throw out the lawsuit, the judge said “plaintiffs here stated a plausible ADA claim,” although Judge Goldsmith cast doubt about the likelihood plaintiffs would win their case.

“Overall, the balance of preliminary injunction factors here does not favor the plaintiffs, who bear the 'heavy burden' of establishing an entitlement to preliminary relief,” according to the ruling. Further, after considering claims of irreparable harm and intentional discrimination against physicallychallenged visitors to the city, the

judge said that “plaintiffs are not likely to succeed on their ADA claims.”

Following the judge's ruling on the two motions, attorneys for both parties on November 3 filed with the court a joint discovery plan for further actions required for the upcoming jury trial on the lawsuit, basically outlining a calendar that stretches to midSeptember of 2023, and most likely beyond that date.

With the recent reopening of this section of S. Old Woodward on Friday, November 4, the judge did note in his ruling on the two motions that if during the trial that some necessity for relief is established, the “court has the ability

to fashion relief…, such as requiring the city to designate additional ADA parking spaces.”

Grant targets spread of invasive moths

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Township will receive nearly $15,000 next year to help control the spread of an invasive moth species known for decimating countless trees and costing millions of dollars in damage across Michigan and the eastern United States.

Spongy moths (formerly known as Gypsy moths) received a new name in July from the Entomological Society of America, but the moths have long been established in Michigan and Oakland County. Named for their spongy egg masses, the familiar moths emerge as hairy caterpillars in the early spring and feed on leaves throughout the summer, defoliating oak, birch and other trees. The damage leaves trees vulnerable to diseases and other pests. Outbreaks also result in debris, frass, which is fine powdery refuse or fragile perforated wood produced by the activity of boring insects, and excrement that may disrupt outdoor activities.

To suppress local populations, the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Monday, October 24, approved the township’s participation in the 2023 Oakland County Invasive Spongy Moth Suppression Grant, which will provide $14,952.50 in funding for a fall egg mass survey and treatment. The grant requires the township to pay for the activities, with the county reimbursing half of the costs budgeted.

Olivia Olsztyn-Budry, director of engineering and environmental services for Bloomfield Township, said an egg mass survey will be conducted by Davey Resource Group, which will also conduct treatment services next year. OlsztynBudry said the county amended the language of the grant to ensure the survey would be included as a reimbursable expense. The total cost for the survey and treatment is $29,905.

Trustees unanimously approved the grant application. Funds for the work has already been budgeted and approved in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 budgets.

Spongy moths came to the United States in the 1860s, when the Civil War affected the availability of cotton and a new silk moth was being sought. In Michigan, spongy moths were particularly problematic in the 1990s. The current outbreak began in a few regions of the state in 2019, and has spread to most of the state, according to Michigan State University Extension.

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Tamer Aguilar’s friendly approach and attention to detail make jewelry shopping easy for her Woodward Jewelers clients – and also saves them money.

Wendy Klein Birmingham

Serena & Lily opens in Birmingham

By Lisa Brody

Serena & Lily, a furniture and design store that combines a casual and coastal California style with a relaxed yet refined elegance, has opened a Birmingham Design Shop in the former Linda Dresner location, 299 W. Maple Road.

The Birmingham Design Shop will showcase the design-driven luxury home brand’s polished coastal aesthetic, offering a relaxed yet refined approach to furniture, bedding, home accessories and interior design.

“With its variety of architectural styles and proximity to Michigan’s beautiful lakefronts, we’re thrilled to have found a home in the community of Birmingham,” said Lori Greeley, chief executive officer of Serena & Lily. She added, “As we transition to the season of holiday celebration, we look forward to sharing inspiration for inviting interiors with our neighbors.”

The approximately 6,000-square-foot Birmingham Design Shop of Serena & Lily features vignette showpieces, from outdoor areas to living areas and bedrooms. “Our design rooms are treated as inspiration,” said a marketing team leader. All of their furniture can be custom ordered in one of their many upholstery options, with all of their fabric and upholstery made in North Carolina. An extensive swatch display features more than 300 original Serena & Lily textile and wallpaper designs, many in their iconic blue and white palette. “We treat blue as a neutral,” they noted.

The store presents thoughtful displays of Serena & Lily’s signature bedding, wallpaper, rug collections and a curated assortment of the brand’s original furniture, lighting, upholstery, accessories and expanded custom furniture options.

“Bedding is so important,” said the marketing executive, noting they sell an “extremely comfortable mattress.

Price points for furniture and furnishings are “we consider ourselves an affordable aspirational brand,” executives said, noting that because they appreciate that furniture is so expensive, many pieces are multi-functional.

The Design Studio, located on the upper level, provides a collaborative, complimentary in-person or virtual design services for customers seeking a personalized experience to bring decorating visions to life – including comprehensive customization options for upholstered furniture. Serena & Lily also partners with local interior designers. “All of the tools are here in the design shop,” said Greeley. A dedicated creative workspace in the Design Studio available for interior designers that is open for private appointments, client meetings and presentations during and outside of regular business hours.

Because all of their products are custom-made in the United States, in North Carolina, most items are received by customers in six to eight weeks, or less, and bedding can ship immediately.

Throughout the interior of the store is a rotating gallery of art by Michigan artists, all for sale. Current offerings include pieces by Grand Rapids-based Stephanie Schlatter, Ann Arbor-based Beth Billups, and Detroit-based Martyna Alexander.

Their outdoor collection, they noted, is perfect for Michigan weathers as they are not only comfortable, but functional for all weather conditions, and they partner with Sunbrella and other fabric manufacturers that provide colorfast and weather sustainable fabric. Hours of operation for the Birmingham location be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Founded in 2003, Serena & Lily is a design-driven luxury interiors brand inspiring discerning customers with timeless original products and high levels of personalized service to create homes of their own. There are 17 design shops located in Atlanta, GA, Bethesda, MD, Birmingham, MI, Boston, MA, Del Mar, CA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, East Hampton, NY, Newport Beach, CA, Pacific Palisades, CA, Palm Beach, FL, Philadelphia, PA, Summit, NJ, San Francisco, CA, West Hollywood, CA, Westport, CT, and Winnetka, IL. The company is headquartered in Sausalito, California.

MUNICIPAL

Public hearing for outdoor dining

By Grace Lovins

The Birmingham Planning Board continued to work on its draft of the new outdoor dining ordinance at their meeting on Wednesday, November 9, concluding a 14th study session by setting a public hearing for the board’s next meeting on Wednesday, December 14.

Planners have been working on the ordinance since December 2020, marking nearly two years of study sessions and drafting. Most board members agreed that the draft is ready for a public hearing following a couple changes. Planning director Nick Dupuis explained the updates to the draft following the previous study session on Wednesday, September 14, which included height requirements of overhead weather protection and a revamp of the grandfathering section.

The bulk of the study session focused on the grandfathering section, which had left the board weary over the past few meetings. Previously, planners expressed concern over the language used in the section, specifically the term “grandfathering” that some felt was inappropriate given the permanency grandfathering entails. Dupuis noted that, after reviewing the ordinance with city attorney Mary Kucharek, the term was removed completely and replaced with “nonconforming outdoor dining facilities.”

Dupuis also added that a subpoint of the section, which included a sunset date for compliance, was changed to apply only to outdoor dining facilities on public property. Kucharek was able to provide insight into the legal aspect of the point and explained to the board that the city has limited rights to limit facilities on private property, but businesses on public property do not enjoy the same property rights as private owners.

Bryan Williams, the acting chairperson for the meeting, repeated a past concern over the sunset date set for December of 2028 – if all the bistros need to come into compliance after one date, the board is going to potentially need tp review a dozen bistros at once. Kucharek affirmed that a fixed date is far more equitable than Williams' proposal to change from a fixed date to a 10-year period from the date the special land use permit was initially granted. Williams changed his position to say that, if that’s the case, he feels 2028 is too soon.

Board member Stuart Jeffares remained adamant throughout the session that he feels a sunset clause is unfair to the restauranteurs who have helped make the city livelier.

“One of the things that causes all of us to have an increased property value over bedroom communities around us is that fact that we have got a huge number of people who hang it out on the line and risk considerable sums to do these incredible businesses that give us life in our town,” Jeffares said.

Kucharek reminded the board that the ordinance will apply only to public property, where business owners are given the privilege as a favor from the city to use public property to further their business. She also stated it’s clear in current special use land permits that the business will have to comply with an ordinance, whether it is a new ordinance or amended ordinance.

Two local restauranteurs and two individuals representing multiple restaurant owners in the city spoke to the board, each expressing concern over the idea of a sunset date.

Williams, Bert Koseck and Janelle Boyce leaned towards agreement with Jeffares saying that a sunset date would raise challenges for existing business owners who modeled their restaurants around the current ordinance. Daniel Share reminded planners that the goal is to achieve uniformity among outdoor dining platforms, and restaurateurs aren’t the only factor in this decision. Uniformity is for the benefit of the residents, downtown and other merchants too, according to Share.

After much back and forth between board members, Boyce, Jeffares and Williams all agreed that they would be more comfortable sending the ordinance draft to a public hearing if the sunset date was completely removed from the proposal.

Planners voted 6-1 to set a public hearing for the draft of the ordinance excluding the sunset date, with board member Daniel Share voting against the motion. Alternate board member Nasseem Ramin, acting as a regular member, voted in place of chairperson Scott Clein who was absent.

Protest leads to rent resolution for Conrad

By Lisa Brody

After approximately 65 concerned citizens marched outside Birmingham's Baldwin House just before noon on Thursday, November 3, to protest the treatment of longtime city resident and former mayor Dorothy Conrad, who was on the verge of being forced to vacate the facility, the retirement home's attorney settled with her attorney, presenting an updated lease agreement to which she has agreed.

“I'm happy for Dorothy. I'm happy an 88-year-old can stay in her home for the holidays,” said Conrad's attorney, Joe Wloszek of Hirzel Law, PLC.

Conrad, 88, has been in a twomonth long standoff with the senior living facility, located at 200 Chester Street in downtown Birmingham, after a September lease renewal was pulled when she questioned a lease section on parking which had been “blurred out,” and on September 17, she received a letter notifying her Baldwin House was not renewing her lease and she had 30 days to vacate. After publicity on her case, Conrad received a new lease agreement, but Wloszek said it included language and a “special provision” which he considered objectionable – and which was not included in other tenant's leases.

“I have a copy of another tenant's lease which was signed just two week's ago, and it was not included,” he said.

The lease which Baldwin House tried to have her sign had a standard non-solicitation clause of, “Baldwin House does not allow solicitation on its premises.” Wloszek said he had no issues there, “but the way they drafted the rest, the language, is the issue.”

Conrad's lease included: “This includes but is not limited to, in person or written communication with Baldwin House residents and/or their family members, including the distribution of written materials in resident mailboxes or under doors.”

While Baldwin House likely wanted Conrad to not form any resident groups, Wloszek noted that the language could prevent her from inviting any neighbors to a Christmas gathering, forming a book club or knitting group, or any other social gathering, which is part of living in a senior living facility.

Mort Meisner, spokesperson for

New city standards adopted for windows

By Grace Lovins

The Birmingham City Commission voted Monday, October 24, to adopt an amendment to the zoning ordinance that will revise the city’s window standards and adjust the definition of clear window glazing.

In November of 2019, the city’s planning board discussed the potential for an ordinance amendment that would alter window standards and directed city staff to research possible differences in visual light transmittance (VLT) figures between different manufacturers and research what VLT figures are used in other cities.

In July of 2021, the commission reviewed the proposed ordinance amendment, ultimately taking no action and redirecting the planning board to clarify certain aspects of the proposed ordinance language.

The planning board voted in August of this year to recommend approval of the new ordinance proposal after adjustments were made between two discussions in May and July. Planning director Nick Dupuis noted that in addition to VLT, city staff also looked out for light reflectance back into the environment.

Dupuis continued to note that a recurring issue that has been brought up with previous developments in the city's downtown, including the phase two construction of the Baldwin Library, was the energy code. He stated that it is simpler to incorporate VLT glass into a new development where HVAC can be centered around the VLT requirement because the whole energy system works together. Retrofitting an existing building, says Dupuis, is much more difficult because it is hard to put 80 percent VLT glass because other adjustments may be needed for HVAC or insulation.

On top of the VLT requirement, Dupuis mentioned that low-E coating on windows was an additional factor that city staff looked at. Low-E coating is a microscopically thin layer of coating on a window that is transparent and reflects heat. According to Dupuis and the research conducted by the city, the best VLT that can be achieved with a low-E window coating is around 66 to 68 percent.

Mayor Therese Longe noted that the ordinance amendment, with lowE coating in mind, is the most environmentally sustainable option at this point. “This change will help all of our offices and new construction in town to have reduced energy usage going forward,” Longe said.

The commission voted 7-0 to adopt the ordinance amendment revising window standards, adjusting the definition of clear glazing and eliminating lightly tinted glazing.

Baldwin House, said in a statement, “Baldwin House Management is perplexed as to why demonstrators were out here this morning. The fact is that Ms. Conrad has had, through her attorney, a lease to sign. A lease that has identical terms as the lease that all other Baldwin House residents are asked to sign. A lease that she was initially presented with back in September. If Ms. Conrad is willing to sign this lease and abide by Baldwin House rules, we encourage her to do so.”

Wloszek said Meisner's statement was factually inaccurate, in that the lease was not identical, it's not the lease she was presented in September, and “Baldwin House counsel admitted to me that Baldwin House does not have any posted rules and regulations at this location,

after demanding to be shown them. She only has to abide by her lease terms. It's the only thing she has to abide by.”

By 5:15 p.m., the dispute was settled, with Baldwin House's attorney presenting an updated version of her current lease with a rental rate increase, which Conrad had never disputed. All Baldwin House leases are month-to month. Wloszek said Conrad has signed the agreement.

Earlier, protesters lined up along Martin Street which wound around to Chester Street and around Baldwin House, holding handwritten signs up stating, “Renew her lease,” “No evictions without just cause,” “We stand with Dorothy,” “Mayors for Dorothy,” even two dogs with a sign attached, “Canines for Conrad.”

Conrad came out onto her third floor balcony several times to see the protesters which included some past and current local officials.

Cyndi Summers, who said she had been a 20-year neighbor of Conrad's when she lived on the east side of the city in her own home, said she is an admirer of Conrad, and participated in the protest to show her support for Conrad, as well as to “encourage Baldwin House to make amends with Dorothy, residents and Birmingham and to address the mistakes they made with parking, and to fix them, and to promote the idea of adopting a 'right to renew' law in Birmingham for all city renters, like Ann Arbor recently adopted.”

Of concern to Summers and others attending the protest is the month-to-month nature of the leases residents at Baldwin House are made to sign.

In early October, the Ann Arbor City Council adopted a “Right to Renew” ordinance, outlining that landlords will not be permitted to deny a tenant to renew their lease without cause. If they do, they will have to pay the tenant up to two times the current rent to cover the cost of moving.

Conrad has a long history with Baldwin House, having been part of the city commission that worked to established the facility, even facing a recall as mayor in the early 1980's as Birmingham faced charges of racism as there was backlash against its establishment. In 1982, in United States v. City of Birmingham, the Department of Justice sued the city alleging Birmingham had violated the Fair Housing Act by intentional and purposeful racial discrimination. The court case lasted 26 months, with numerous residents, including Conrad, testifying. She remained a longtime city activist.

Fast forward to present day, and after moving into Baldwin House, she and management have continued to spar, notably over her attempts to form a resident's group. Further, Conrad alerted the city of Birmingham to violation of a 1994 agreement between the city and Baldwin House. In his city manager's report included in the city commission packet for Monday, July 25, Tom Markus wrote, “In 1990, the city and Baldwin House entered into an agreement that provided 69 parking spaces free of charge in the Chester structure for the exclusive use of Baldwin House tenants and their guests. Complaints were made

that Baldwin House was not only charging residents directly for the use of these City provided parking spaces, but were charging residents almost double ($90) the rate that members of the public pay ($50) for monthly parking permits. In addition, complaints were also made indicating that Baldwin House was allowing employees and contract workers to use the parking spaces for free, which is not what the agreement provided for.”

Markus has directed attorney Mary Kucharek to review the 1990 parking agreement and determine if there has been a breach of contract by Baldwin House, and if so, if legal action is required.

Baldwin House is owned by the Schwartz family of Bloomfield Hills, in a partnership of five brothers and their father, Gregory Schwartz.

Gregory Schwartz is chairman of Schwartz Financial Group, a real estate investment company with significant holdings in American House Senior Residences and other real estate assets. Son Joe Schwartz is listed as chief investment officer of American House Senior Living Residences. They also own Gregory Schwartz & Co. Investment Advisors in Bloomfield Township, and their website notes the firm is a major investor in American House, which has senior living facilities in five states. Attempts to reach both members of the Schwartz family directly for comment were unsuccessful.

Lavery to replace current buildings

By Grace Lovins

Fred Lavery Porsche, at 34350 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, was given a thumbs-up from the Birmingham Planning Board on Wednesday, October 26, to move forward with a site plan for a new three-story development following a review of a community impact study and preliminary site plan.

The current dealership development occupies two land parcels in the city’s Triangle District where Elm Street meets Haynes Street next to Woodward Avenue. Fred Lavery, the owner of the dealership, is proposing to demolish the existing dealership, which currently occupies two buildings, and construct a new three-story structure.

Birmingham Senior Planner Brooks Cowan noted the planning department had concerns over traffic and circulation in the area, namely an issue

E. Brown Street becomes one lane

By Grace Lovins

Areconfiguration of E. Brown Street in downtown Birmingham was unanimously approved by the city commission on Monday, October 24, finalizing the decision to reduce the street to one lane to accommodate a traffic signal on Woodward Avenue.

After two fatal pedestrian accidents on Woodward Avenue within the last two years, the city began working with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to have a traffic signal installed on Forest Avenue intersection of northbound Woodward Avenue in the hopes of increasing safety.

MDOT also informed the city that a crosswalk connecting Brown Street to the Woodward Avenue median could also be added if Brown Street were to be reduced to one lane with a turn lane at the Woodward intersection. The city commission voted in June to approve the reduction of lanes on E. Brown Street, between Peabody Street and Woodward, and directed the multi-modal transportation board (MMTB) to evaluate permanent road designs to recommend to the commission.

The MMTB recommended a plan to the commission that includes an extended curb on Brown, reducing eastbound traffic to one lane from Peabody Street to Woodward Avenue, a center median and pedestrian crossing connecting to the Peabody parking structure, and two rightturn-only curb cuts leading to Jax Kar Wash.

This new configuration will reduce the lanes on E. Brown Street to one lane for westbound traffic, create extra landscaping on E. Brown in front of Birmingham Roast and Lady Jane’s Haircuts, and allow for the placement of a pedestrian crosswalk connecting the south side of Brown to the median on Woodward Avenue.

While creating a recommended plan for the reconfiguration, an alternate version of the recommended plan by the MMTB included two parallel parking spaces on E. Brown Street in front of the storefront currently occupied by Birmingham Roast. Staff tossed around the idea of making the parking spaces limited to roughly a 15-minute period, but ultimately any parking in front of the business was decided against. Two members of the board were in favor of keeping the spaces in the recommended plan for the commission, however the majority voted to extend the landscaping on the street instead.

The plan that would have created two additional parking spaces in front of the coffee shop could be seen as the city favoring a particular business, according to city manager Tom Markus and commissioner Andrew Haig.

with the placement of a pedestrian crossing on Elm Street in relation to the site’s proposed service drive. The service drive in the site plan would face the Elm Street crosswalk. A revised plan was submitted that showed the crosswalk moved to the south, which would be out of the way of the service drive, however Cowan noted that moving the crosswalk closer to Woodward may not be the best option.

Cowan and the planning department suggested the issue with the Elm Street crosswalk should be reviewed by the city's multi-modal transportation board, which could provide recommendations on how to adjust the layout of the plan to enhance vehicular and pedestrian safety. He also said that no issues were found in the community impact study

related to noise, air, refuse, geotechnical and environmental impact.

Chairperson Scott Clein noted that, with plans to have the multi-modal transportation board take a look at the issue with the Elm Street crosswalk, he is comfortable accepting the community impact study.

“We’ve identified the issues and we’ve heard from [Julie Kroll] that the development itself is not going to generate trips that are going to cause issues,” Clein said. “I’m far more comfortable moving forward with accepting [the study] without the final traffic because of that fact.”

Following the acceptance of the community impact study, the board reviewed the preliminary site plan which satisfied the requirements, according to Cowan, with the Elm

Street crossing still the main subject of concern. Cowan also noted that a power line and streetlamp will need to be relocated, and the service drive will need to be pushed back from the property line to meet the requirements for sidewalk length.

Details about the building materials and location of entrances for the development were looked at but will be more closely reviewed during the final site plan and design review.

While the preliminary site plan met requirements aside from the issue around placement of the Elm Street crosswalk, the board and Lavery noted that the plan has an excess of parking, with 155 total spaces provided. Lavery told the board that The Porsche Company requires him to maintain a certain number of parking spaces, although he said he would be terminating surface parking he currently leases from the 555 Building and the lot to the north of the property where a test-track used to be, which would allow for more public parking in the area.

Board members voted 6-0 to accept the community impact study and voted 5-1 to approve the preliminary site plan with certain conditions to be met before the final site plan and design review, with Daniel Share voting against the approval of the site plan.

Alternate board member Jason Emerine took the place of board member Bert Koseck, and Janelle Boyce left the meeting before a motion was made.

Past well sites to be designated as parks

Two well sites in Birmingham's southern area will be designated as mini-parks following the city commission’s decision on Monday, October 24, and the city manager will begin further research into the history of the city’s other well sites in relation to their potential future designation.

Carrie Laird, parks and recreation manager, was asked by city manager Tom Markus and the department of public services to provide the history of the properties in question, which were originally intended as well sites. The two properties on Southfield Road – one at Southlawn and the other just south of Wakefield – were originally conveyed to be used as well sites in 1941. The wells no longer exist on the property, but the properties are still owned by the city.

Laird noted that the commission was presented with the option to develop the well sites in 1980, but no action was ever taken in order to preserve the sites as green space, based on comments

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City looks at funding for local court

By Grace Lovins

The Birmingham City Commission hosted a workshop on Monday, November 14, continuing to analyze possible solutions to the current funding agreement for the 48th District Court, located in Bloomfield Township.

The 48th District Court is classified as a third-class district court covering specific local jurisdictions within a county. Currently, the court extends to Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, and Orchard Lake. A third-class district court is also meant to be funded by the communities it serves. When the court was first established by legislation passed in the 1960’s, the seven communities created a funding agreement in which Birmingham and the three Bloomfield communities were the four primary funding units.

In late 2021, the Bloomfield Hills city commission announced the city no longer wished to be part of the funding agreement and pulled out without providing the proper timeframe of 12 months for notice.

Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and West Bloomfield let Bloomfield Hills exit the agreement after two months despite this. Realizing that the court’s primary funding now falls only on three of the seven communities, Birmingham commissioners contemplated withdrawing from the agreement as well, but voted in January of this year to remain.

Bloomfield Township and West Bloomfield both informed the city that if Birmingham were to opt out of the agreement, they would follow suit. Bloomfield Township also suggested that they would potentially terminate the lease agreement they have with the court if the funding agreement falls through. Bloomfield Hills has also indicated that they will not opt back into the agreement because of Bloomfield Township’s lease with the court.

Birmingham Assistant City Manager Jana Ecker updated the commission on the expenses the city is currently paying to the court, noting that court costs, totaling roughly $4.5 million, falls on the three main funding units. She also explained that the current funding agreement is causing the city to lose money out of its budget whereas the smaller units, called political subdivisions, are having money added back into their budgets.

With how the court funding is set up, the major funding units receive the majority of the revenue from their respective jurisdictional caseload and receive two-thirds of the revenue from the four political subdivisions. The political subdivisions receive one-third of the revenue from their respective jurisdictional caseload, however, because the funding units are covering most of the cost, the political subdivisions are receiving more money back than they put in while the funding units are seeing a cost deficit.

Ecker noted that the city has been working to sort out a different agreement between the seven communities where each would essentially pay the percentage of their court usage. While that option seems relatively simple, some communities aren’t completely on board with Birmingham’s proposal, and one community, Sylvan Lake, has declined to even meet with city staff.

According to Ecker, Keego Harbor and Orchard Lake “may be amenable” to paying their share of the court’s expenses based on the percent of the community’s caseload and dependent on certain revenue factors, however, Sylvan Lake is not willing to enter an agreement for equitable share. They claim that they didn’t have a say in the creation of the court or the terms of the funding agreement, which Ecker notes that none of the communities had a say in which district they were put in.

Ecker also provided the commission with the hypothetical details if the city were to decide to opt out of the funding agreement for the next year. Birmingham would still be responsible for the 2023 court funding and will continue to be responsible for at least a portion of the future funding, but it is unclear how much that portion would be. If Bloomfield Township and West Bloomfield decide to opt out along with Birmingham and the agreement completely fails, the court has stated it will go to litigation right away.

Ecker clarified at the end of the workshop that the session was intended to be a status report, and that city staff are doing what they can to craft an equitable solution between the communities, and they don’t currently require additional commission direction.

made by the commission during that meeting. The commission, however, did not officially designate the sites as parks at that time or at any point since.

According to Laird, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan from 2000-2005 lists the former well sites as part of the park inventory and are classified as mini-parks based on the National Recreation and Park Association guidelines.

The parks and recreation board voted on September 13, 2022, to recommend the city commission review all well sites to have them be considered mini parks as part of the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan inventory. At that meeting, the board also hoped to expand the recommendation to all well sites found in the board’s master plan at some point in the future, which includes the Baldwin well, Derby well and Redding well sites.

The commission voted unanimously to designate the two south well sites as mini-parks, further directing Markus to conduct research on the city’s additional well sites and prepare recommendations for the parks and recreation board and city commission for future deliberations.

Townsend ownership officially transfered

By Grace Lovins

The ownership and special land use permit of Birmingham’s classic Townsend Hotel has officially been transferred to its new owner, Sheldon Yellen, following a decision by the city commission at their meeting on Monday, October 24.

The Townsend Hotel, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Birmingham, was purchased by BELFOR USA Chief Executive Officer Sheldon Yellen in July of this year. Yellen is a resident of Bloomfield Hills and owns other properties in the community, including the Tam-OShanter Country Club in West Bloomfield.

Since opening in 1988, the Townsend Hotel has become renowned for its exceptional service and amenities, including an award-winning upscale contemporary restaurant, Rugby Grille, classic afternoon tea, and a variety of catering and wedding services, as well as luxe accommodations.

Kelly Allen, Bloomfield Hills attorney and Yellen’s counsel, told the commission that the Townsend will be a family-run business as Sheldon Yellen purchased the hotel alongside his

brother, Michael Yellen. Yellen noted that the Townsend will remain a hotel and he does not have plans to make any major changes to the existing function and design of the hotel.

“We’ve been here for a lot of years, and we plan on being here for 100 more,” Sheldon Yellen said. “I’m very excited about the city of Birmingham. You men and women have done an incredible job of creating a great community. The Townsend, to me, is something I’ve always had my eye on and just loved since the day I walked in there, and I’m proud to be able to be a part of it, and I want to make it as good as it’s been.”

With no questions or discussion from both the commission and the public, a motion to allow the transfer of ownership and existing special land use permit for the Townsend Hotel was unanimously approved in a 7-0 vote.

Township grant to update animal shelter

By Kevin Elliott

The Bloomfield Township Animal Shelter will receive cosmetic upgrades to its lobby at 4200 Telegraph Road with the help of a private foundation grant made available to the township, trustees learned at their meeting on Monday, October 24.

Bloomfield Township Police Officer Nick Soley said the township has worked with the foundation in the past, which recently reached out to the township to assist with the shelter project.

“We want to take a crack at fixing up the front lobby of the animal shelter, including taking out the old flooring, desks and cabinets that have been there since the early 1980's,” he said.

Soley said the work is estimated to cost a total of $33,445, with the private foundation reimbursing $29,941.59 of the cost. The additional cost, he said, is to include higher quality countertops that will have a longer lifespan.

Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dani Walsh said the 501(c)(3) organization providing the grant requested the foundation remain private, as not to be inundated with funding requests from various municipalities.

“It’s a really great foundation, and they really like working with Nick and Bloomfield Township,” she said.

American House opens

American House Senior Living Communities, along with REDICO, is celebrating the opening of its latest senior living community, American House Village at Bloomfield, located within the Village at Bloomfield, a mixed-use development on Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township north of Square Lake Road. American House Village at Bloomfield features 150 units, offering independent living in a modern, but cozy community setting. Amenities and services include restaurant-style dining, salon, fitness and wellness center, game lounge, activities center and much more. “From inception, REDICO envisioned a development that would serve the broader community in every conceivable way. The Village at Bloomfield includes multifamily housing, fitness, medical, hotel rooms, grocery, convenience retail, home goods and office. And now, we are pleased to complete our development with housing for seniors,” said Dale Watchowski, CEO, American House Senior Living Communities and president and CEO, REDICO.

American House Senior Living Communities were founded in 1979, and provide high-quality independent living, assisted living and memory care housing for seniors in the Midwest, New England, and Southeast. “We are excited to welcome the larger Bloomfield/Pontiac community and have the ability to bring American House’s well-respected brand of senior living to more seniors and families in southeast Michigan,” Watchowski said.

Revive yourself

Bloomfield Hills resident Leslie Czarnecki has opened a “boutiquetype of spa,” she said, in Birmingham, at 1010 Bowers Road, Suite B. Revive Wellness and Skin Spa, across the street from the Adams Road

Birmingham Fire Station, offers free parking for clients coming in for personalized treatments. “We offer facials, and have a special hydrofacial machine, which incorporates exfoliation into the facial along with a chemical peel, and then pumps medical grade serums into your skin.

It’s really good for all ages,” Czarnecki said. “It clears the skin, and the bad is pumped out, and we finish off with antioxidants that are pumped into your clean skin.” Revive Wellness and Skin Spa also offers lymphatic drainage treatments, dermaplaning, body waxing, brows and lashes, and makeup treatments. “I am a certified makeup artist,” she said.

No more computer help

Need computer, iPhone or iPad repairs? For those in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, they’ll need to seek assistance a little farther away as the uBreakiFix location at 3941 Telegraph Road just north of Long Lake in Bloomfield Township has shuttered its doors. uBreakiFix stores offer quick phone, tablet, laptop, and other device repairs for an economical price. “Don’t let a broken device ruin your plans. Bring it into your local uBreakiFix and we’ll get you back on track in no time,” they say. There are other locations in Southfield, at 12 Mile and Telegraph roads, in West Bloomfield, on Orchard Lake Road near 14 Mile Road, and in

Royal Oak, on Woodward south of 13 Mile Road.

Henry Ford care opens

For those seeking an urgent care facility affiliated with the Henry Ford Health system, Go Health Henry Ford Urgent Care has opened at 3580 W. Maple Road in Bloomfield Township, in the former PNC Bank branch. Along with standard urgent care services, the location offers COVID-19 PCR and rapid antigen tests, COVID-19 antiviral treatments for those 12 and older, flu shots, STD testing and treatment, sports clearance exams and X-rays. “We are in-network with most major Michigan and national insurance plans, and provide affordable same-day pricing for patients without insurance,” their website states.

Business Matters for the BirminghamBloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com.

Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

We are excited to have the opportunity in Downtown Newsmagazine to share information about Next and help our community discover all that Next has to offer. Next is the 50+ plus community center serving Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Franklin, Bingham Farms and the surrounding area.

Active adults have enjoyed the programs and support services offered at Next for more than 44 years. We continue to evolve to meet diverse interests, and exceed the expectations of our members and local community residents. Armed with a dynamic approach and entrepreneurial spirit, Next members enjoy a unique array of classes, programs and seminars.

Reflecting our community’s profile, we offer lifelong learning through day and evening educational and enriching programs, bringing great minds to Next. Our members are introduced to or take a deeper look into timely and important topics, challenging us to think critically about issues of local and global significance. These topics cover regional, national and international interests presented by leading experts ranging from area professors, authors, musicians, business leaders, physicians, organizational directors and entrepreneurs.

A sample of a few December highlights cover Gandhi’s Salt March presented by Gail Presbey, U of D Mercy professor of philosophy; Detroit Sports History with local historian Robert Sullivan, professor at Macomb Community College and former planning board commissioner in Detroit; The Political Crisis of the Gilded Age with the popular Oakland University History Professor Bruce Zellers; and the Role of India in Today's World with Gus Mondalek, religious and international scholar. There are plenty of opportunities to sit in on a presentation with more than eight – 12 speaking engagements each month.

And just down the hall from these great presentations, there are creative arts classes, fitness programs, book clubs, discussion groups, card games, a well-stocked library, a monthly entertainment series such as October’s sold out Birmingham's Big Night Out event, and so many ways to connect and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow members –now 2,200 strong. There are more than 230 offerings each month with something for just about everyone to explore and enjoy.

Next is relaxed, warm and welcoming, as confirmed in a recent survey where over 95 percent of respondents would recommend Next to a friend. What is paramount to the mission of Next is our commitment to our community. We create a caring culture within the Next building, and provide a sense of connection and compassion to those residents who need a little extra assistance to live independently. Through Meals on Wheels, reliable transportation to important appointments, yard and snow maintenance, minor home repair and guidance through our Support Service Department, we are humbled to provide service to our community.

We invite you to find more information about Next on our website, www.BirminghamNext.org. There you can see the extensive programs and services Next offers and view a current newsletter. We also encourage you to stop in to Next and see for yourself what makes Next a special place to belong. Next is located at 2121 Midvale Street, tucked in the quiet neighborhood right behind Seaholm High School. For more information, call Next at 248.203.5270.

How do you define vitality? Energetic, good physical strength, mental rigor, full of life, functional ability, power to endure, live and grow – what about a meaningful or purposeful existence? There really is no wrong answer. Regardless of outside circumstances or current health status, we all can invest in our vitality, however defined. Our mission – Enrich Lives, Support Independence and Build Community – produces vital living.

Our state-of-the-art senior center is designed for active adults. This unique community focal point is known for strong customer satisfaction and a welcoming atmosphere for three generations. Active customers include people in their 50's through their 90's and 50 percent – or about 20,000 township residents are eligible. Over 15,000 people have been involved in programs or services since we opened in 2009. Attendance peaked at 70,000 visits in 2019; with rebuilding underway since the pandemic, attendance is on pace to hit 30,000 visits for 2022. Growth is also demonstrated by 30 new customers each month.

The center includes a warm water pool, indoor walking track, fitness studio, fitness equipment and multipurpose spaces for enrichment and social programs. Over 50 fitness programs are offered weekly as a la carte choices. It may be yoga, stretch, dance, mind-body, aerobics, core, mobility, balance, seated, small group or individual personal training and aquatics. Many programs have virtual options, too. The benefits of exercise are broad and impact emotions, cognition and future abilities. Let’s be honest, to keep moving, you have to keep moving.

Enrichment entails presentations, day trips, clubs and special events. Unique topics cover literature, nature, history, travel, art and science. Day travelers visit the DIA, DSO, regional theaters, museums, galleries, as well as farmers’ markets, botanical gardens and unique sites like the National Weather Station and Federal Reserve. Engagement in any of the 45 programs occurring monthly strengthens social connections and learning while building community.

Services like transportation to the center and medical appointments, Grab & Go Meals or Meals on Wheels, Minor Home Repair, Friendly Caller and Support Groups contribute to independence, health and safety. In 2019, we responded to 26,000 requests for supportive services that gave people greater ability to remain in their own homes – a clear preference for most. We are striving to regain that peak service goal in the near future.

We are uniquely funded as township departments go, with the Senior Service millage covering 52 percent of operations. Earned income such as program fees, service co-pays, grants, donations and sponsorships account for the balance. Styled like an enterprise fund, your participation is essential to our service levels and financial stability. People benefitting from programs and services contribute over and above their taxes unless they have financial need. Of note, we are deeply grateful for the support showed by 15,999 residents in affirming our millage on November 8, 2022. We are committed to turning that support into vital living.

We invite to you visit, call or find more information on https://bit.ly/BTSeniorServicesServices.

Wellness is influenced by social connections, engaging your brain and moving your body. Only the fortunate have the privilege of aging. Let’s do it well.

Cris Braun

Christine Tvaroha

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next Christine Tvaraha is Director of Senior Services for Bloomfield Township

THE END OF AN ERA

The 2022 Holiday Season is upon us, and the New Year is quickly approaching. During this sacred time of giving, we reflect on the extraordinary events of prior years, and how blessed and fortunate The Community House is to have had loyal and caring supporters like you. Our ability to remain open, and our ability to impact others –was and remains –only possible by the kindness, dedication, and generosity of others like you.

Holiday Season 2022 also signifies the grandest of milestones for the historic Community House – the end of our first century of service. Incredible, Amazing, Unbelievable!.100 years – doing business and delivering services to all who enter our doors, in the same location, on the same corner (Townsend and Bates Street) for a century.

To reach 100 years in existence, The Community House has certainly mastered resilience. It has overcome a World War, the Great Depression, 9/11 and more. The Community House has seen times of boom and bust, sometimes as part of the greater economy and sometimes specific to its own market. It has witnessed new competitors entering the scene and older competitors seeking an edge. In the last year, it has survived a global pandemic and navigated through historic economic challenges. However, throughout it all, The Community House has remained resilient. We continue to serve, we remain optimistic, full of hope, and look to an even brighter, more impactful future.

In January 2023, The Community House will have turned the page on its first century of service and begins an exciting new chapter. Befitting of the “Grande Dame” of Birmingham, The Community House will play host to a variety of celebrations and functions to recognize its humble beginnings, commemorate this once in a lifetime milestone and look forward towards a new and exciting future. Blessed are we, blessed are you – fortunate enough to witness the turning of a page on one century, and witnessing the opening of the page on our second century.

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 and our dedicated corps of volunteers – that our work would not be possible. Saying “thank you” never seems to be enough, but it is a place to start.

As a nearly 100-year-old non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, The Community House relies solely on the kindness and generosity of others, especially our annual fund appeal – to deliver on our mission – and to provide the community critical programs and services, education and experiences which benefit and enrich the lives of others in our great community – many, without the ability to pay.

It is during this sacred time of giving that The Community House asks for your vital support while we also pause to humbly acknowledge and remember the many kindnesses already shared, and the extraordinary generosity from those that have been entrusted with little or much...and to offer all of you, from all of us –a big “Thank You.” Be safe, stay well! Happy Holidays!

END OF THE YEAR CENTURY GIVING – THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

in by mail at: TCH 380 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, Michigan 48009, give online at communityhouse.com/donate or by calling The Community House Foundation at 248.594.6417. Perhaps some of you might consider placing TCH in their estate plans. It is simple, and painless. For more information, please contact Christopher Smude, SVP, CMO, TCH Foundation at csmude@communityhousefoundation.org.

SAVE THE DATE - STORYTIME WITH SANTA IS BACK

Saturday, December 10. Delight in the magic of the season at Storytime with Santa 2022. Enjoy holiday cheer while listening to a story read by Santa, crafting a holiday memory, and exploring the extravagant hot chocolate stations. Sit with Santa to share your wish list and snap a picture to help make these memories last a lifetime. Already have your list written? Santa will have his mailbox ready to bring your letter back to the North Pole. Three sessions: Session 1: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.; Session 2: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. and Session 3: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.. Special thanks to our first-time Presenting Sponsor, the award-winning California Closets – Wixom. For reservations or for more information about Storytime with Santa, please go to communityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832.

HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES 2022 IS BACK

Holiday Concert Series, December 8, 14 and 21. Bask in the beautiful sound of the symphony this season. Experience a rare opportunity to sit up close and personal with internationally renowned musicians performing seasonal selections for you and your friends in the historic Community House Wallace Ballroom. Enjoy outstanding desserts and cash bar throughout the evening. After the performance, musicians will join the audience for the remainder of the evening. Please bring a toy to donate to the Toys for Tots toy drive as you enter this extraordinary experience. Reservations required – seating is limited, and tickets are first come, first serve.

Series of three sessions:

• Session 1: December 8 from 6 – 9 p.m. featuring The Christa Grix Jazz Harp Trio

• Session 2: December 14 from 6 – 9 p.m. featuring The Baldwin Ensemble

• Session 3: December 21 from 6 – 9 p.m. featuring The Joshua Chorale

$40 per concert session; $100 for entire series – includes admission to musical performance, coffee and tea stations, homemade holiday cookies, desserts, and access to cash bar. For reservations or for more information about the Holiday Concert Series 2022, please go to communityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832.

THE 2023 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 Directors. In 2023, the Bates Street Society and the Bates Street Society Dinner will be moved to Saturday, February 11, 2023. To help lead this extraordinary gathering, Lila Lazarus 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.

2023 Pillars of Vibrancy Honorees include:

• Jim Berline — Business & Philanthropy

• Dr. Linda Gillum — Health & Wellness and Education

• Nancy Susick, RN — Health & Wellness and Business

• Priscilla & Huel Perkins — Culture & Philanthropy

• Matthew Rizik — Business & Philanthropy

• Greg Schwartz — Business

• Nada & Sam Simon — Business & Philanthropy

ANNUAL FUND

The end of the year century is almost here and the last chance to support our critical 2022 Annual Fund Drive is upon us. Given COVID and the faltering economy, it is hard to overestimate how important this year’s end of the year century Annual Fund Appeal is to the historic Community House. For the last three years (and counting) we have found ourselves, like so many, continuing to navigate through a perfect storm –COVID, supply chain issues, inflation, wage pressures, the economy, and ongoing repairs to an aging building.

By making an end of the year tax-deductible gift to The Community House, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charitable organization now, your gift will ensure that we continue to navigate through these challenges so that we remain the important educational, philanthropic and community resource that thousands of individuals have relied upon for nearly a century. To make an end of the year gift now, you can send your donation

• Gary Van Elslander — Business & Philanthropy

Save-the-Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023. Seating is limited. Tickets (reservations) on sale now.

Our gratitude and special thanks to founding sponsor, PNC Wealth Management, Beaumont Health, Cranbrook, Oakland University, Metalbuilt and The Agency Hall & Hunter Realtors for their lead sponsorships of the 2023 Bates Street Society Dinner as well. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Christopher Smude, Senior Vice President, CMO, The Community House Foundation at csmude@communityhousefoundation.org.

For reservations, sponsorships or more information about booking gathering and meeting space for the holidays 2022 and beyond, please go to communityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832.

Bill Seklar

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.

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. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. 220restaurant.com

5th Tavern: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607. 5thtavern.com

Adachi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor. Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900. adachirestaurant.com

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. andiamoitalia.com

Beau’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. beausbloomfield.com

Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. bellapiattirestaurant.com

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. beverlyhillsgrill.com

Beyond Juicery + Eatery: Contemporary. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 270 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009; 221 Cole Street, Birmingham, 48009; 3645 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301; 4065 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301; 1987 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. beyondjuiceryeatery.com

Bill’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Lunch, Thursday & Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. billsbloomfieldhills.com

Birmingham Pub: American. Lunch, TuesdayFriday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham. thebirminghampub.com

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. birminghamsushi.com

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. bistrojoeskitchen.com

Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. bloomfielddeli.com

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. thebrooklynpizza.com

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. cafeml.com

Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.940.0000. casapernoi.com

Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. churchillscigarbar.com

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. cityscapedeli.com

Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. gocommonwealth.com

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. dickodowspub.com

Eddie Merlot’s: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. eddiemerlots.com

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. einsteinbros.com

Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. eliesgrill.com

EM: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 470 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 947.234.0819. embirmingham.com

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner, TuesdayFriday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. embersdeli1.com

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. flemingssteakhouse.com

Forest: European. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. forestbirmingham.com

Greek Islands Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. greekislandsconey.com

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Lunch, Friday-Sunday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. griffinclawbrewingcompany.com

Hazel’s: Seafood. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham. 248.671.1714. eatathazels.com

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. honeytreegrille.com

Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. hunterhousehamburgers.com

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. hydeparkrestaurants.com

IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Ihop.com

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. joemuer.com

Kaku Sushi and Poke’: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday & Dinner daily. No reservations. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.885.8631. kakusushipoke.com

Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160

New menu for 25 years of Andiamo Bloomfield

The Joe Vicari Restaurant Group has announced that they will be revamping the menu at their five Andiamo restaurant locations. The revitalization is inspired by the arrival of Certified Master Chef Daniel Scannell, the 25th Anniversary of Andiamo Bloomfield Hills, and the evolving trends over the years. The menu changes can be seen now at Andiamo Bloomfield Hills and will roll out at the remaining four Andiamo locations in metro Detroit over the next six months. The new menu has been crafted by Certified Master Chef Daniel Scannell, with the collaboration of Andiamo Bloomfield’s Executive Chef Marc Casadei. Scannell is one of 72 master chefs in the country. “Chef Scannell has been an essential part of our group. He has helped create the menus at Birmingham Pub, The Bronze Door and The Statler, all which opened in the last year and a half, so I had no doubt he would be able to pull off something amazing to celebrate Andiamo,” stated Joe Vicari, founder and CEO of Joe Vicari Restaurant Group. The new menu is a modern re-invention of Italian cuisine while holding true to authentic ingredients, cooking techniques and regional preparation and will keep true to the roots of the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group existence, buying the freshest seasonal ingredients and preparing them from scratch each day. While maintaining approximately 50 percent of their current dishes, it will leave room for a variety of uniform changes to all Andiamo menus that will soon become new favorites. “The menu includes a lot of new items that people in metro Detroit haven’t seen before – from the taste to the presentation, we are giving them something new and different,” stated Vicari. Guests will be presented with a more modern interpretation of the classics with attention to the finer points of cooking, roasting, sautéing, braising, seasoning, and plating, all while using local meats, fishes, and seasonal produce. They can expect to experience a twist on the traditional Bolognese, typically made with a red meat sauce, with the Braised White Veal Bolognese. The Strauss freeraised veal is braised overnight in olive oil, then blended into a white fontina cheese fonduta with seasonal mushroom varieties and root vegetables, and serves it “open faced” over perfectly cooked mafaldine pasta. The dish is a classic Bolognese with modern interpretation and plating. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield andiamoitalia.com

Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door

Birmingham’s Daxton Hotel has announced a partnership with Heaven’s Door, a collection of handcrafted American Whiskeys co-created with esteemed singersongwriter-artist, Bob Dylan. Pulling from the art-filled boutique hotel as inspiration, Heaven’s Door crafted a unique bourbon exclusively available at Daxton, named Heaven’s Door Daxton Single Barrel. This bespoke spirit will be available to enjoy at Daxton’s Geode Bar and Lounge, as well as flagship restaurant Madam. Distilled with a custom Heaven’s Door mash bill and aged for five years, Master Blender Ryan Perry selected this cask strength single barrel for its robust flavors and rich color. With notes of creamed corn, clover honey, and hand toasted oak, there is an inherent sweetness and strong barrel extraction on both the nose and palate. “Daxton Hotel has an intentional vision, and it was an honor to work alongside their amazing team,” said Ryan Perry, Heaven’s Door master blender. “As a Michigan native, I took tremendous pride in this project. I refused to select anything but the best, and we landed on a true gem with this barrel select.” 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham daxtonhotel.com

New ownership for Assagi Bistro in Ferndale

The casual and elegant Italian-inspired bistro, Assagi Bistro has changed hands. George Gize and Josie Knapp owned the Ferndale establishment for over 20 years. The pair have retired and Jordan Smith, along with several investors, including his parents Karen and Doug Smith of Beverly Hills, are the new owners. Karen and Doug Smith are also assisting in day-to-day operations. Jordan Smith is originally from the local area, but since 2008, he has spent time honing his front and back of house restaurant skills in New York and San Francisco. “We retained all the staff who make this place what it is today,” said Smith. The long-standing chef, Dave Ha, remains on staff. Smith notes that many of their customers are regulars who visit Assagi each and every week. House favorites include house made gnocchi with wild mushroom cream sauce, and truffle oil; perch featuring cannellini beans, Tuscan kale, lemon and caper beurre blanc; pan seared day boat scallops with roasted parsnip risotto and parmesan; and veal scallopini

N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. kerbyskoneyisland.com

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. lamarsacuisine.com

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492. lastradaitaliankitchen.com

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. leosconeyisland.com

Little Daddy’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400. littledaddys.com

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. luxebarandgrill.com

Madam: American. Breakfast, Monday-Friday, Brunch, weekends. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com

Mare Mediterranean: Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.5525. maremediterranean.com

Market North End: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953. marketnorthend.com

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. mex-restaurants.com

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581. nipponsushibar.com

Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. olgas.com

Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. oph-mi.com

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. phoeniciabirmingham.com

Planthropie: Vegan. Dessert and Cheese. Tuesday-Sunday. 135 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.839.5640. planthropie.com

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.874.1876. qdoba.com

Roadside B & G: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. roadsidebandg.com

Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. salsbirmingham.com

Shift Kitchen & Cocktails: Small plates. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. shiftbirmingham.com

Sidecar: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. sidecarsliderbar.com

Slice Pizza Kitchen: Pizza. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham,

48009. 248.792.3475.

slicepizzakitchen.com

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. socialkitchenandbar.com

Stateside Deli & Restaurant Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.550.0455. statesidedeli.com

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Breakfast and Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. stevesdeli.com

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Dinner, daily. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123.

streetsideseafood.com

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. sushihanabloomfield.com

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday and Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. sythaibirmingham.com

Sylvan Table: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake, 48320. 248.369.3360. sylvantable.com

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. tallulahwine.com

Thai Street Kitchen: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867 thaistreetkitchen.com

The Franklin Grill: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Road, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. thefranklingrill.com

The French Lady: French. Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 768 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480. 0571. zefrenchlady.com

The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. galleryrestaurant2.com

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. moosepreserve.com

The Morrie: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.3260. themorrie.com

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. rugbygrille.com

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. eatattoast.com

Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.0500. tomatoesapizza.com

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. thetouchofindia.com

Townhouse: American. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. eatattownhouse.com

Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Liquor. No reservations. 501 S.

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 Gigi Nichols who can be reached at GigiNichols@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

accompanied by house made gnocchi, artichokes, tomatoes, capers, and lemon white wine sauce. Inside, Assagi accommodates 100 people with seating available on their outdoor patio for 75 guests. 330 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale assaggibistro.com

EM opens in Birmingham

The wait is over! The outdoor seating at Birmingham’s EM was set to go in May and tempted customers all summer long – yet the eatery didn’t officially open its doors until late October. The establishment is the newest addition to the Bongiovanni family’s restaurant portfolio which includes Sal’s, (formerly known as Salvatore Scallopini) and Market North End in Birmingham; Luxe Bar & Grill, in Birmingham and Grosse Pointe Farms; and O.W.L. in Royal Oak. The initialism “EM” stands for employee meal and represents the fact that, next door at Market North End, the kitchen staff prepared an employee meal twice daily for staff. According to EM’s website, “For an employee meal, anything goes… but throughout the years, the consistent highlight amongst our staff has been the Mexican cooking. When the kitchen cooks from their hearts and shares the items that they grew up on – the items their moms taught them how to make.” The menu is eclectic Mexican, inspired by the coast, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Popular dishes include grilled fresh fish of the day or whole fish, fried crispy with pickled onions & cilantro; chicken quarters chargrilled with Morita salsa; lamb ribs which are dry rubbed with lemon & garlic; and an array of tacos, tortas and tostadas. EM is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. 470 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham embirmingham.com

Back to lunch

As of November 15, Hazel’s, Birmingham’s seafood destination, has brought back lunch to downtown Birmingham, and will introduce a Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m., Tuesdays to Sunday for Happy Hour specials. Owners Beth Hussey and Emmele Herrold are offering seasonal dishes, inspired by their trips along the Pacific Coast. That means plenty of dishes perfect for lunch, including our California Crab Salad, Walla Walla Onion Soup, choice of Fish Taco or Torta, Token Burger and more. During lunch, guests can also order a soup and salad combo or choose a half-order of Hazel’s fried chicken. With the addition of lunch, Hazel’s hours are extending too. Hazel’s will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham eatathazels.com

Festive pop-up tavern opens in Detroit

Blitzen’s on Bagley, located in Southwest Detroit, opened on November 10 for the holiday season. Blitzen’s will feature select seasonal libations and plenty of tasty feasting fare from neighbors, Shell Shock’d Tacos and Goblin Sushi. Delectable Christmas cookies are being prepared by Anna Bolz, former pastry chef of per se and a baker at Warda. “For the next two months, when you want to meet someone for a holiday hello, Blitzen’s will be the place to be,” said Nick Austin, popular WDET music host and manager of the pop-up. “We’ll have special holiday-themed drinks, over-the-top decorations, and the coolest seasonal music around. Mistletoe is optional.” InLaws Hospitality, owner of Green Dot Stables, Johnny Noodle King,Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts and Goblin, is behind the project. “We want every Cindy Lou Who or Kris Kringle with a need to celebrate to feel welcome here,” said InLaws owner Christine Driscoll. “Detroiters deserve to cut loose this season in an environment complete with twinkling lights, Christmas cookies and the best holiday music. We’ll be all that and more.” Hours for the tavern are Thursday-Sunday 5pm -12am, with the addition of Wednesday, November 23 for Thanksgiving Eve. 2545 Bagley Street instagram.com/blitzensonbagley

Shoulda called ahead

An old ad campaign that ran decades ago for the Yellow Pages was “Shoulda Called Ahead.” It featured customers arriving at their favorite restaurant or store only to find it closed. The staying power of the Yellow Pages is long gone but the phrase “shoulda called ahead” couldn’t ring more true in today’s times. Examples of local restaurants that were once mainstays for the lunch crowd and are no longer offering lunch include Beverly Hills Grill in Beverly Hills, as well as Streetside Seafood and Joe’s Bistro in Birmingham. You may also discover some restaurants are only open for dinner from Thursday to Saturday, rather than nightly. This situation is forever evolving –just when you think you know the new hours, it might change again due to lack of staffing, supply chain or other obstacles.

Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.566.3566. whistlestopdiners.com

ZANA: Modern American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.800.6568. zanabham.com

Zao Jun: Asian. Dinner and Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999. zaojunnewasian.com

Royal Oak/Ferndale

Ale Mary’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917. alemarysbeer.com

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22651 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. anitaskitchen.com

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Dinner, WednesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Road., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499. assaggibistro.com

Bigalora: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.2442 bigalora.com

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, ThursdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.547.6699. bluenileferndale.com

Bohemia: Mediterranean. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.2883. eatatbohemia.com

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. cafemuseroyaloak.com

Como’s: Pizza. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 22812 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.677.4439. comosrestaurant.com

Cork Wine Pub: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Avenue, Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675. corkwinepub.org

Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria: Italian. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 28939 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.591.3300. crispellis.com

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Avenue, 48220. 248.399.5150. theflytrapferndale.com

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. howesbayouferndale.net

Imperial: Mexican. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22848 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. imperialferndale.com

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. inyorestaurant.com

KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. gokouzina.com

Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 28028 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. lilysseafood.com

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No

reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. lockhartsbbq.com

Mezcal: Brunch, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 201 East 9 Mile Road Ferndale, 48220. 248.268.3915. mezcalferndale.com

Pearl’s Deep Dive: Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor.100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.2875. pearlsdeepdive.com

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. oakcitygrille.com

One-Eyed Betty’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. oneeyedbettys.com

Otus Supply: American. Breakfast, FridaySunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 345 E. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.291.6160. otussupply.com

Pop’s for Italian: Italian. Brunch and Lunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 280 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale,48220. 248.268.4806.

popsforitalian.com

Public House: American. Lunch & Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. publichouseferndale.com

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. redcoat-tavern.com

Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. roninsushi.com

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141.

royaloakbrewery.com

Sozai: Japanese.Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 449 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson,48017. 248.677-3232. sozairestaurant.com

The Morrie: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. themorrie.com

Three Cats Cafe: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 116 W 14 Mile Road, Clawson, 48017. 248.900.2287. threecatscafe.com

Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. eatattoast.com

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. tomsoysterbar.com

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444.

trattoriadaluigi.business.site.com

Vinsetta Garage: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711. vinsettagarage.com

Voyager: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 600 Vester Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.658.4999. voyagerferndale.com

Troy/Rochester

Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800

West Big Beaver Road, Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300. thecapitalgrille.com

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Road, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. cafesushimi.com

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. ckdiggs.com

Grand Castor: Latin American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy, 48083. 248.278.7777. grancastor.com

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. konagrill.com

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700. loccino.com

The Meeting House: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. themeetinghouserochester.com

Mon Jin Lau: Nu Asian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. monjinlau.com

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. mortons.com

Naked Burger: American. Lunch, TuesdaySunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6870 N Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.759.4858. nakedburgerdetroit.com

NM Café: American. Lunch, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. neimanmarcus.com/restaurants

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. oceaniainnrochesterhills.com

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Highway, Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. ocean-prime.com

O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. oconnorsrochester.com

Orchid Café: Thai. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Road., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. orchid-cafe.com

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. pfchangs.com

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. recipesinc.com

RH House: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch and Dinner, daily. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. No reservations. Liquor. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.586.1000. rh.house.com

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W.

Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. ruthschris.com

Sedona Taphouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 198 Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.422.6167. sedonataphouse.co

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.652.4500. silverspoonristorante.com

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. tooraloorochester.com

West Bloomfield/Southfield

Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. baccoristorante.com

Cornbread Restaurant & Bar: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, Thursday-Tuesday. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. cornbreadsoulfood.com

Bigalora: Italian. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. 248.544.2442. bigalora.com

The Fiddler: Russian. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. fiddlerrestaurant.com

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. menesususi.com

Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500. nonamariasbistro.com

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. picklesandryedeli.com

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. prime29steakhouse.com

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. redcoat-tavern.com

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. dineshangrila.com

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.8954. spositas-restorante.com

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. stagedeli.com

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282. yotsuba-restaurant.com

West Oakland

Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday – Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. gravityrestaurant.com

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail,

Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771. ristorantevolare.com

North Oakland

Clarkston Union: American. Breakfast, Sunday, Lunch, Wednesday-Saturday, Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.6100. clarkstonunion.com

Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

The Fed: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833. thefedcommunity.com

Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500. joebologna.com

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660. unionwoodshop.com

Detroit

Bar Pigalle: French. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 John R Street, Detroit, 48201 313.497.9200. barpigalle.com

Barda: Argentinian. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, 48208. 313.952.5182. bardadetroit.com

Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, 48207. 313.965.3111. bucharestgrill.com

Cash Only Supper Club: American. Dinner, Friday & Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold Street, Detroit, 48226. 248.636.2300. cashonlydetroit.com

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails: Seasonal American. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 15 E Kirby Street, Detroit, 48202. 313. 818-3915. chartreusekc.com

Cliff Bell’s: American. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2030 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543. cliffbells.com

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Road, Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110. cuisinerestaurantdetroit.com

El Barzon: Mexican. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction Street, Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070. elbarzonrestaurant.com

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600. fishbonesusa.com

Freya: Price fixed. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations, Liquor. 2929 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.351.5544. freyadetroit.com

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122. giovannisrestaurante.com

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.5588. greendotstables.com

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837. joemuer.com

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort Street, Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946. johnnynoodleking.com

Karl’s: Retro-diner. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1509 Broadway Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.855-2757. karlsdetroit.com

Mario’s: Italian. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616. mariosdetroit.com

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Avenue, Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669. midtownshangril-la.com

Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700. motorcitybeer.com

Oak & Reel: Italian Seafood. Dinner, ThursdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor. 2921 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.270.9600. oakandreel.com

Parc: New American. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48226. 313.922.7272. parcdetroit.com

Prime + Proper: Steak House. Brunch, Weekends. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold St, Detroit, 48226. 313.636.3100. primeandproperdetroit.com

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. greektowncasino.com

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100.

Selden Standard: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 3921 Second Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. seldenstandard.com

SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 438 Selden Street, Detroit 48201. 313.315.3992. shewolfdetroit.com

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 St. Clair Street, Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000. sindbads.com

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.9828. slowsbarbq.com/locations/corktown

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234. mgmgranddetroit.com

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Highway, Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

taquerianuestrafamilia.wordpress.com

The Block: American. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. theblockdet.com

The Statler: French. Brunch, Sunday. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 313 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.463.7111. statlerdetroit.com

Townhouse Detroit: American. Lunch, ThursdaySunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 500 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 48226.

313.723.1000. townhousedetroit.com

Smith & Co: American. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 644 Selden Street, Detroit, 313.638.1695. smithandcodetroit.com

Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.462.4133. supergeildetroit.com

Vertical Detroit: Small Plates & Wine Bar. Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1538 Centre Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.732.WINE. verticaldetroit.com

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market Street, Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711. viviosdetroit.net

The Whitney: American. Tea Service, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.4421 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. thewhitney.com

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Avenue, Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711. wrightdetroit.com

Rent ordinance worth commission review

The power of the press and civil protest were fully on display recently over a two-month rental standoff between former Birmingham mayor Dorothy Conrad, 88, and the owners of Baldwin House, the senior living facility that, in a stroke of irony only real life can bring, she helped bring to the community almost 40 years ago.

Conrad, by her own admission, is very outspoken, whether in keeping city staff and elected officials to task after she left office –or what she described as a “few run-ins” she had with Tina Marzoff, the manager of Baldwin House. Key problems between her and Marzoff seemed to be about her attempts to organize a residents' group – particularly problematic to management after Conrad noticed, and informed Birmingham officials, of a violation of a 1994 agreement between the city and Baldwin House, in which the city would provide the senior living facility with 69 parking spaces in the Chester parking structure free of charge to give to residents for their use. Instead, Baldwin has been charging those residents $90 a month for years – when the spots go for $50 to the public, and has been using the free monthly passes for employees and contractors. It's believed there are hundreds of thousands of dollars that may have been fleeced from the city by violating the contract. The city is reviewing the parking agreement and determining whether legal

action will be taken.

But, Conrad was shocked, as was Birmingham officials and numerous residents, when Baldwin House officials pulled her initial lease renewal in September, after she questioned a mark on her new lease, and informed her she had 30 days to vacate the premises. Conrad hired an attorney, and despite her age, showed she is still a fighter.

Word rapidly spread – a senior living facility in the center of the downtown, designed to allow our elderly to age with grace and dignity, was instead acting like a bully. Its owners, members of the Gregory J. Schwartz & Co. family, were not outside owners, but from Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. The “retaliatory eviction,” as Conrad's attorney phrased it, looked like it was going to put an 88-year-old widow out right before the holidays for speaking up about herself and others.

After news articles and a protest of about 65 people outside the facility, attorneys on both sides worked things out, and Conrad was presented with the same lease as all other tenants. She is staying put.

The incident exposed two things: for those in the workplace or who have served on philanthropic boards, it appeared as a glaring misstep by Baldwin House management to not co-opt Conrad to their side. When there is a squeaky wheel who offers to organize to

make things better, wise managers invite them to help form an “executive committee” on their side, to help them do the work. Before the rabble-rouser realizes it, they're working together.

But even more glaring was the community discovery that Baldwin House – and many other local senior living facilities – only provide month-to-month leases.

To prevent similar situations from continuing to happen, in early October, the Ann Arbor City Council adopted a “Right to Renew” ordinance, where landlords will not be permitted to deny a tenant to renew their lease without cause. If they do, they will have to pay the tenant up to two times the current rent to cover the cost of moving. The new ordinance states that landlords must make a “good faith” renewal effort no later than 180 days before the end of the lease.

It's time for the Birmingham City Commission to take this issue up and have staff create a right to renew rental ordinance that fits this community. In Ann Arbor, their rental ordinance pertains to the number of college students, which does not fit this community. It should be tailored to respecting and protecting those who need it: seniors, disabled, youth and those who are seeking to live a good life in a beautiful city.

Speak up on new Birmingham Master Plan

Master plans for cities are documents and policy guides that are designed to help the community, their elected leaders and staff create a long term vision of what everyone wants it to look like in the future. It is a living, breathing guide – a road map that helps planners and city officials determine land use, development, reinvestment, transportation, housing and infrastructure renovation for the next 20 to 30 years. And right now, the residents of Birmingham have the opportunity to have their say on how they'd like to see the future of Birmingham grow and thrive.

The city of Birmingham began its new master plan process in 2018, when Birmingham city commissioners approved a contract of DPZ Partners, LLC, to provide professional services to prepare an update to the city's comprehensive master plan, seeking to focus on the neighborhoods, residents, and how they work with one another, parks, downtown, transportation and other issues, as the widely followed 2016 Plan focused on the

downtown area. It's all about managed growth for the city for the next generation. A master plan does not dictate what will occur, but provides guidance for development and ordinances.

This new master plan is the first citywide master plan since 1980. A series of public surveys, roundtables and charrettes were held for DPZ to learn how to craft the 2040 Master Plan, and then drafts were presented to the city's planning board and city commission.

After over four years, the arduous work is almost done, with the Birmingham City Commission set to hold a public hearing at their meeting on January 11, of the final draft, and in February, the plan could be approved.

It's now residents' turn to comment – and it's an important part of the process.

On October 3, the city commission authorized a mandatory 63-day public distribution period for the city’s final draft of the 2040 Master Plan in order for residents and businesses to comment and provide their opinions and insights into the proposed plan

before it is finalized and approved. In addition to those in Birmingham getting to speak out on the plan, the draft will be sent to surrounding municipalities, Oakland County, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), CN North America, public utilities and SMART for review as well, as is customary.

Why does it matter what you think? For perspective, the city's 2016 Plan, which was adopted in 1996, was designed to address the city's downtown. It is a comprehensive document, microscopically focusing on streetscapes, architectural guidelines, retail, strategic sites throughout downtown Birmingham, as well as circulation. In 2022, it continues to influence development, planning and ordinance adoption and maintenance.

Read through the Master Plan 2040 on the city's website – engage.bhamgov.org/2040master-plan – and comment if you are so inclined. The city of Birmingham will benefit from the feedback.

TUSHAR VAKHARIYA & ASSOCIATES

AVA SHARRAK CATHY LOCHIRCO