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37 SAFE ROADS BUT AT A COST Michigan highway officials, county road commissions and local communities work hard to provide safe winter travel but the use of salt to clear pavement is having a hidden impact on surface and groundwater quality.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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EDUCATION

The recent move by the House and Senate to place a term limit and financial disclosure amendment to the Michigan Constitution before voters in the fall is disappointing given the gutting of a much better proposal that was placed before them.

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

Maddock reality show gone bad; Epstein pays for star power; ongoing convention fallout; GOP co-chair losing focus; DeVos family anoints Dixon ; the Levin-Stevens cage match heats up; planning for Birmingham in 2023; plus more.

Photo by Cornelius20 | Dreamstime

The Cranbrook educational community facing new charges, this time from a past graduate who is now a well-known film star; The Roeper School finds itself in the headlines, nationally and locally, for a racist upper school assigment; plus more.

DOWNTOWN06.22 53 MUNICIPAL BSD director resigns; retail recruiter contract extension finalized; RH and city coordinate major construction projects; more possible pay for commissioners; no go on city outdoor dining; Stacked Deli closing; plus more.

85 COMMUNITY HOUSE William D. Seklar brings the community up to date on a year long study and analysis of the future of The Community House on the eve of its centennial celebration in 2023.

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

94 ENDNOTE Our thoughts on the inordinate time Birmingham officials are taking to develop revised guidelines for outdoor dining in the city; and a tip of our hat to Bloomfield Hills officials for clamping down on outdoor burning in the city.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER isappointment. That probably captures best my reaction to what took place in mid-May when state lawmakers voted to place on the November ballot a revised amendment to the Michigan Constitution to change our current term limitations, along with a requirement for financial disclosure for elected state leaders.

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Just two months earlier I used this space to sing the praises of a bipartisan group that had written a voterworthy proposed amendment. The group called Voters For Transparency & Term Limits included Democrat Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, former Republican House Speaker Jase Bulger, Richard Studley, retired CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, as well as members of organized labor.

We all know that the two proposals were wrapped together in one ballot issue to help push through changes to term limits, which polling suggests are still popular in this state.

The original ballot proposal did not eliminate term limitations for House and Senate members, along with the offices of Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State. It offered a necessary revision to what voters had approved in November of 1992 – extending to 12 years in office for members of the House and Senate, to be served in either chamber or a combination of both. Proposal B from 1992 restricted House members to three two-year terms and members of the Senate to two four-year terms.

Those who have followed the machinations in Lansing over the past 30 years recognize that the term limitations – considered the strictest in the nation – did not allow sufficient time for lawmakers to master their jobs, let alone develop relationships across the aisle, as the saying goes, an important factor when attempting to get bipartisan agreement on legislation.

Equally important, the bi-partisan group pushing for a November vote on constitutional changes also included a provision to force elected state leaders to provide financial disclosure which has been completely lacking in Michigan and one other state.

The language on this second item was simple, as the petition said: “Require members of legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general to file annual public financial disclosure and transaction reports after 2023; require legislature to enact laws with disclosure rules at least as stringent as those required for members of Congress under federal law.”

But facing a July 11 deadline to submit 425,059 signatures on their petition to get the issue on the fall ballot, the bi-partisan group announced in mid-May that they would also be asking state lawmakers to simply place the proposal on the ballot.

Understandable when one considers the steep climb the petitioners would face, especially in a year when petition labor, in particular, paid help, is scarce due to the volume of competing petitions being circulated for the November 2022 election.

The day after the group signaled that they would approach the legislature, House and Senate members – without any public discussion – voted to place the constitution amendment on the ballot, but only after severely watering down the financial disclosure portion of the proposal. Talk about backroom deals which fail to pass the smell test.

I am told members of the bi-partisan group agreed to the changes, as did the twothirds of both chambers which was required to get this on the ballot, and caucus leaders in both parties issued marching orders. Just for the record, our local members of the House and the Senate supported the watered down amendment for the ballot, although a couple of lawmakers from other parts of Oakland County voted against it.

The logic that a watered down disclosure requirement is better than what we have – i.e. no requirements – what some lawmakers and editorial writers at other media outlets are using as a defense for this amendment, is a cop out. Period. This is a proposal hammered out by current GOP legislative leaders in the Senate who

have for years held up any disclosure legislation because they simply don't support the concept. Over in the House, bills have been adopted but they were weak in terms of allowing public access to financial information about lawmakers, so I have to question the sincerity of the efforts in that chamber.

Here's what voters will decide in November as approved by lawmakers: “Require members of the legislature, the governor, the lieutenant governor, the secretary of state, and the attorney general to file annual public financial disclosure reports after 2023, reporting assets, liabilities, income, positions held, future employment agreements, gifts, travel reimbursements, and other payments. Require the legislature to implement but not limit or restrict the reporting requirements.” A considerable difference from what the bi-partisan group first proposed – disclosure “at least as stringent as those required for members of Congress under federal law.”

In Congress, members must report annually, and in some instances more frequently, all of the items that would be required in the newly proposed Michigan amendment to the Constitution but must also report certain information on spouses and dependent children.

If we are going to achieve total transparency, to avoid conflicts of interest and possible payoffs to lawmakers – then spousal and dependent children incomes and holdings must be part of the bargain. Also concerning is the loose term “assets” in the proposed November ballot issue. Does this include real estate holdings? Members of Congress are required to report all real estate holdings as well as sales and purchases – including those by spouses and dependent children.

Some reports have suggested that the requirement to match or exceed what is required from members of Congress was dropped because U.S. House and Senate members must also report on stock holdings and votes by state lawmakers don't influence the value of stocks. Not buying that argument either.

Bottom line: what lawmakers have agreed to put on the ballot leaves too much up to the whims of future state legislators who will write the rules for statements of economic interests so the public can view possible transgressions by those elected to state office.

The track record of the current and immediate past members of the Michigan House and Senate has not been very impressive when it comes requiring financial disclosure in Lansing. So why would we trust lawmakers to write the rules of the game now?

My research shows that about two dozen states now have financial disclosure requirements that approximate what members of Congress face. As a result, I am also not willing to accept the argument that too stringent of financial disclosure rules will discourage some from running for office. Put simply, if you don't like the rules of the game, then don't run for state office.

Will I be voting for this amendment come November? No, despite prior indications to those involved with the original proposal that our publication could be counted on for passage support.

The term limits problem needs to be addressed but let someone come back with a proposal to do just that. We have already lived with current term limits for three decades so waiting until another election year can’t do much more damage.

Then return with a separate, legitimate financial disclosure requirement that demands at least what members of Congress must disclose each year.

Next time around, backers also need to put true financial disclosure directly before the voters who will no doubt back tough requirements. Skip going to lawmakers who – time and again – have shown they can't be trusted to regulate themselves.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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offiCe 124 W. Maple, Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE GOALS/MISSION The personnel at Downtown Newsmagazine bring a special commitment to the publishing effort, reinvesting in the local communities and working to make sure the Birmingham/Bloomfield area reaches its highest potential. Our mission dictates that we strive each month to provide a solid news and advertising product that local residents look forward to reading. Our goal is to build a community of informed citizens through the efforts of our passionate team. We are innovators producing products that go well beyond what others offer.

DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

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

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community.

Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

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Upcast by Clement Meadmore (b.1929 - 2005), Bronze, 1987, at the intersection of Southfield Road and Maple.

Part of the city of Birmingham’s public outdoor art effort. Donated by Frederick A & Barbara M. Erb, 2007.

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CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

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Sexual assault

Assault

Murder/Homicide

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

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Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through May 26, 2022.

Placement of codes is approximate.

INCOMING Deja vu all over again Will the Republicans ever learn?

That's the question being raised following the recent Republican convention endorsing Matt DePerno for attorney general.

I think back to 1996 when Frank Kelly was no longer running for attorney general and the Republican convention nominated John Smietanka, instead of Scott Romney, to run against a virtual unknown lawyer by the name of Jennifer Granholm.

The final result was predictable and gave rise to Granholm's career, ultimately elevating her to become governor.

Fast forward to 2022, and the Republicans have a great chance to unseat Dana Nessel, who has become very unpopular with her support of the prosecution of former Governor Snyder, as well as her efforts to close Line 5, among other things.

Instead of nominating a relatively moderate/conservative Tom Leonard, the convention chose DePerno, who I predict will probably get defeated 52 to 48 margin in November, the same margin of Granholm's victory.

The Republicans have blown a perfect opportunity to elect an Attorney General and they have just not learned from past mistakes.

William P. Hampton Bloomfield Hills (Hampton was legal counsel for Bloomfield Township, a former Republican State Representative and Oakland County Circuit Court Judge.)

Fossil fuels, national security As Putin’s heavy hand uses Russia’s power over oil and natural gas as a weapon against Europe and the people of Ukraine, it’s impossible not to wonder how we can mitigate the damages he’s causing.

Simultaneously, it’s a devastating reminder of the freedom we so often take for granted and a warning to increase our energy independence as a nation. There are many ways we can, but one of the best is to follow the lead of the European Union and quicken our transition to green and renewable energies.

We’ve known it for a long time: our reliance on fossil fuels is a national security risk. Volatile prices coupled with our extreme demand mean that concerns over fossil fuel access have driven foreign policy decisions. We’ve seen it happen countless times – most downtownpublications.com

notably during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – and it’s played out again in Ukraine. Concerned by Russia’s power over the oil and natural gas market, the US and Europe were quite reluctant to impose the harshest, most recent sanctions because doing so will hurt their citizens’ pocketbooks.

As homeowners, we know how much decisions like these can hurt, especially with gas prices being historically high. However, the solution to this problem isn’t to drill

more, as some well-funded oil and gas interest groups have claimed. Doing so likely won’t even provide a short-term solution to the problem as it takes six months to a year at minimum to build a new well with all its associated infrastructure.

The best long-term solution is to declare our independence from the global oil market and invest in American-made clean energy. We need to electrify our vehicles, appliances, and infrastructure, and make America fully energy

Downtown staff wins SPJ awards owntown Newsmagazine garnered awards in eight categories of journalism competition sponsored by the Detroit chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), with contest entries judged by members of SPJ in Florida.

The contest entries were all from 2021 efforts and Downtown Newsmagazine competed in the class of publications with 50,000 circulation or less.

News editor Lisa Brody took two awards, a first place for Education Reporting with her August 2021 longform story on the increasing controversy, both nationally and locally, over the issue of Critical Race Theory, as well as a second place in the Health Reporting category for her longform April story on teen suicides.

Reporter Stacy Gittleman captured awards in three categories, including Environment Reporting, Racial Justice Reporting and Explanatory Story. In the Environment Reporting category she took a second place for a November longform piece on the threat of microplastic pollution moving from the land and water to the atmosphere.

Gittleman took a first place in the Environmental justice category for an October longform report detailing how lower income areas of Michigan are most often the locales with the highest environmental challenges due to government policy decisions.

In the Explanatory Story competition, Gittleman took first place for her August 2021 story on how PFAS are showing up in local food supplies, with one judge calling the story “stellar reporting.”

Christopher Grammer, graphics and IT manager for Downtown Newsmagazine, took a first place in Cover Design competition with his December 2021 issue cover designed around the concept of the redrawing of political districts for the 2022 election. One of the judges commented that the cover design showed “good concept and eyecatching illustrative graphic that showcases the redrawing of districts story.”

Grammer also took a second place award in the competition category of Magazine Spread Deign with his layout in the July 2021 issue of Downtown Newsmagazine on the topic of rising temperatures in the Great Lakes due to global warming.

Publisher David Hohendorf took first place in the General Column Writing category for a series of columns from last summer that included commentary on the failure of state lawmakers to develop and pass financial disclosure legislation for themselves and other state officials; Republican state lawmakers' abuse of the initiative petition process in their effort to restrict voting rights; and the need to continue battling systemic racism. On this last topic, a judge said the following: “I enjoyed reading these columns because they touched on various issues that have led to many heartfelt conversations concerning race and inequality in the U.S. Nice job by the writer who seems to understand how the injustices faced by Blacks ultimately affects all of us.”

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independent. This will save families thousands of dollars a year, make our country more self-sufficient, and provide hundreds of thousands of quality jobs here in the Midwest.

Already, over 600,000 Midwesterners are employed in cleanenergy professions, and they make 25 percent more than the national median wage. Nationally, clean energy is the biggest job creator in our country’s energy sector, employing almost three times as many workers as the fossil fuel industry.

As we employ our own citizens, we will defund Putin’s Russia, which has long been funded by his powerful oil and gas industry. Instead of diversifying his economy during the oil boom of the 2010s, Putin doubled down on petroleum. We should exploit his weakness by leading a global movement to abandon the very resource that funds his warmongering. Doing so will further destabilize his economy and protect the citizens of Ukraine.

We can start doing this as everyday consumers by seeking electric options like stoves, cars, or other appliances.

Congress should help Americans afford these changes by providing tax credits for everyday Americans and innovators in electric vehicle and green energy industries. Doing so will spur innovation in the industry, further reducing the cost to consumers. We should also ensure that our semiconductors, solar panels, wind turbines, and other technology needed for a green future are manufactured and assembled in America. This will ensure that our energy industry is safe from price or supply shocks caused by an international crisis like the invasion of Ukraine.

In many ways, our next steps as a country can define world history for generations to come. Will we continue our reliance on oil and its tacit support of Putin’s economy? Or will we intensify our shift to green energies and make our country more selfsufficient and secure? The global spotlight is on us once again to lead.

We hope our country will honor the lives of its veterans and the soldiers fighting in Ukraine and transition towards green energy.

Bob Krzewinski Ypsilanti Alec Timmerman St. Paul, Minnesota Keavin Shlling Greenfield, Iowa (Editor's note: All three are military veterans with 6-24 years of service) 23

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

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

MADDOCK REALTY SHOW: Late April had all the makings of a reality show gone bad for Milford-based Republican Michigan House member Matt “Mad Dog” Maddock, coming off the GOP state early nomination convention where the MAGA forces (Mad Dog among them) officially took over the state party, with Trump-backed candidates securing ballot spots for secretary of state and attorney general. That was on Saturday, April 23, as the party schism between traditional party members and 2020 election-deniers played out.

Three days later Maddock was officially bounced out of MADDOCK the House Republican caucus. Yep. No official reasoning was provided because caucus proceedings are secret, or they are supposed to be. Oakland Confidential was able to break the secrecy veil back in March with word that at least one member of the House Republican caucus had filed a formal complaint with the caucus chair against Maddock for visiting (unannounced) the districts of other party members where he spent time criticizing the incumbents and promoting primary challengers. One of the reasons making the gossip rounds was the Maddock expulsion reportedly had to do with him publicly sharing information from caucus sessions. We are now told that on that fateful day, when the Maddock decision was announced, there was a ”standing ovation” in the caucus supporting the expulsion. So much for thoughts of Maddock becoming House Speaker if Republicans hold the majority after the voting this November in which he seeking a third term, this time in the newly drawn 51st district that takes in Milford, Highland, White Lake and a sizable portion of Springfield and Commerce townships. As to the November race, Maddock took 59.5 percent of the vote in 2020 and slightly under that when first elected in 2018. His Democratic opponent this year is Sarah May-Seward of White Lake, a local bartender whose husband is a firefighter. Seward ran unsuccessfully for White Lake Township Trustee in the 2020 election.

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I WANT TO BE A STAR: Word is still trickling out of the Michigan GOP convention in April, where the former “mainstream” Republicans discovered there was a “No Longer Welcome” sign out.

Besides MAGA-base convention-goers choosing Matt DePerno on the general election ballot for attorney general and Kristina Karamo for secretary of state, they eschewed more establishment candidates for trustee for University of Michigan and Michigan State University, notably former trustees Andrea (Andi) Fischer Newman (U-M) and Melanie Foster (MSU). Both are considered EPSTEIN moderate Republicans, and despite Newman’s attempts to “embrace” the faithful, she still failed to receive the nomination. Instead, Trump-endorsed Bloomfield Township oil heiress Lena Epstein, along with Sevag Vartanian of Novi, will be the Republican candidates for U-M trustee. Epstein said from the stage, “In 15 years, I will be POTUS (president of the United States)!” As one GOP insider remarked, she has yet to win GIULIANI an election. Former New York Mayor and Trump attorney/acolyte Rudy Giuliani, was seen keeping close company with Epstein. Rumors were circulating that hizzhoner was paid $250,000 by Epstein to attend, according to a top Republican honcho.

MORE CONVENTION FALLOUT: Just days after the GOP nomination brawl at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, there were more signs of the growing division in the state Republican party with the resignation of Tony Daunt from the 100-member Republican State Committee, which is generally charged with helping set the future course of the party in downtownpublications.com

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Michigan. Daunt, one of two GOP members of the Michigan Board of State Canvassers, is considered one of the titans for the state Republican party.

Props to reporter Craig Mauger of The Detroit News, who got his hands on the resignation announcement email in which Daunt called Donald Trump an “undisciplined loser” and criticized “cowardly party ‘leaders’” who have allowed the election this year to be a “test of who is most cravenly loyal to Donald Trump,” rather than a contest against Democrats. One former Republican state lawmaker sized up the party divide as creating a problem DAUNT come November when the re-litigation of the 2020 election may drive some Republicans to just stay home or to jump to the Democrat column on the ballot, not to mention turning off independent voters.

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ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL: The takeover by the “MAGA” wing of the Michigan Republican party is being blamed by many in the party on state GOP co-chair Ron Weiser, a wealthy Ann Arbor real estate owner, former Ambassador to Slovakia under President George W. Bush and University of Michigan regent. This is Weiser’s third gig as party chair, but it seems he is not currently as focused on matters at hand, more concentrated on health issues and a new girlfriend after getting divorced, letting co-chair Meshawn Maddock (wife of renegade state House member Matt “Mad Dog” Maddock (R-Milford), a rabid Trump devotee, run with it. Even staunch WEISER Republican Detroit News editorialist Nolan Finley wrote after the state convention, “The view among convention delegates was that he’s checked out, focusing instead on changes in his personal life and no longer actively directing the party. That leaves Maddock with free rein to run things, and she seems intent on running them into the ground.” “A lot of people are pissed with Weiser because he’s not focused and he’s just letting Meshawn MADDOCK run with it,” said one insider, noting that voting at the convention “was just messed up and wrong. A lot of cheating was going on.” As one party stalwart observed: “That’s what you get when you elect a millionaire, aloof chairman who spends more time out of the state” than in the state.

SEAL OF APPROVAL: Michigan’s noted Devos family has placed their hand on the tiller for the Republican gubernatorial primary, endorsing candidate Tudor Dixon of Norton Shores, a radio host on the west side of the state. Former GOP Michigan chair (and one-time unsuccessful candidate for governor) Dick Devos, husband of Trump’s Education Secretary Betsy Devos, said the endorsement came from the entire family, and “the family intends to support her financially.” So far, Dixon has not been a top GOP gubernatorial fundraiser, nor at the top of the polls, but with the Devos’ assistance, that could definitely help. “She presents very well,” said one top Republican leader who was personally assured by Dixon that she would never say former President Trump won. “But she did, and lied to me, so we’re done.” As to why the Devos’ would choose Dixon over other candidates, the GOP prognosticator said one reason is higher polling Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Township, likely no longer on the ballot, is working with political strategist and consultant John Yob – “and the Devoses hate Yob, so they would never support Johnson.”

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MAJOR OOPS: As of press time, five of 10 – half the GOP gubernatorial field – were found to have not submitted enough valid ballot signatures, include two of the top candidates, former Detroit Police Chief James Craig and Perry Johnson, meaning they will not appear on the August primary ballot. According to reports, hired petition circulators (working for a firm with a possible criminal past) submitted pages of fraudulently filled out petitions with invalid signatures. In a classy move, Michigan State Police Captain Michael Brown withdrew from the race. One top supporter of Craig, upon CRAIG hearing the news, said he was glad it was over. While he

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still felt the former chief was a good man, he acknowledged he hadn’t put a lot of effort into the campaign. Fellow Republican observers had noted that Craig seemed more comfortable on his home turf, rather than traveling the state, and he was notably absent from the first candidate debate. As for Johnson, word is that state GOP chair Ron Weiser and political strategist and consultant John Yob – who at the time was working with former candidate Craig – were looking for someone else to throw their support behind and JOHNSON talked Johnson into running. He admitted to a Republican honcho, “It’s highly unlikely I’ll win.” “So why would you spend your own money,” the Republican rhetorically questioned.

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DEMOCRATIC TAKEDOWNS: The Democratic primary contest between Reps. Andy Levin and Haley Stevens has gotten downright nasty with two months still to go before the August primary. And while his campaign asserted way back in February they had no intention of going down that road, Levin’s peeps have been throwing most of the poison darts. A lot of it stems to Stevens receipt of a $300,000 donation from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, known as AIPAC, a bipartisan American organization that advocates for a strong U.S.-Israel LEVIN relationship. Levin, a progressive, has railed against the donation to Stevens, stating, “Special interests like AIPAC have made Andy Levin their number one target and are funding his opponent. Yes, the same AIPAC who has doubled down on Trumpism and endorsed 109 insurrectionists is supporting our Democratic opponent here in Michigan.” AIPAC has STEVENS historically backed both Republicans and Democrats, which it has done again this election cycle. Adding another stake to Levin’s heart, it seems, are endorsements for Stevens, not a Jew, from the Jewish Democratic Council of America and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), over Levin, who is Jewish and a former synagogue president. But, as Abraham Foxman, former director of ADL said, “It is my belief that Stevens and her like-minded colleagues promote a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and meaningfully combat anti-Semitism while Levin and his fellow travelers do not,” asserting that Levin and some of his fellow colleagues offer “a paternalistic and sometimes hostile view.” Levin has been a frequent critic of Israeli policy and has the endorsement of the liberal Jewish organization J Street. There’s also a matter of fundraising.

According to the latest reports on file, Stevens is flat out beating the pants off Levin in money she has raised so far in every category – from total contributions, where she has collected $3.6 million this election cycle to his $2 million, with $2.8 million cash-on-hand to his $1.5 million cash-on-hand. Stevens has received $2.64 million from individual contributions, while Levin received $1.42 million; and she received $952,100 from committees, to his $408,562. Levin has tried to grab headlines by now claiming he will not be taking corporate PAC money but many observers are writing that move off as too little coming too late in this race. If you are losing the contributions race, big time, then you better have more boots on the ground, one observer noted.

BIRMINGHAM 2023: The municipal election for city commission is over a year off but rumblings are starting to surface that at least one Birmingham board member could be the target of a concerted effort for change come next November. First elected in 2019, the term of commissioner Brad Host is up in November of 2023. A polarizing figure even before he last sought office, the performance of Host on the city commission has done little to improve his reputation with what appears to be a growing chorus of critics who are already speculating about possible candidates to take his HOST place. Host was elected along with Clinton Baller and Therese Longe, along with Pierre Boutros who is also the topic of speculation as another possible replacement target. Stay tuned.

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Julianne Smith mbassador Julianne Smith, a public service advocate from metro Detroit, assumed her current position as the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO in November. Before that, she served as a Senior Advisor to Secretary Blinken at the Department of State.

Spending time as an exchange student in France while in high school enlightened her. “One summer really changed my perspective and helped me understand these countries that are so close to us and so valuable,” she said.

Smith has also served as the Director of the Asia and Geopolitics Programs at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Director of the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and the Acting National Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor to the Vice President of the United States.

Before her post at the White House, she served as the Principal Director for European and NATO Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon. In 2012, she was awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.

In December, Smith arrived in Brussels, Belgium, with her husband and their two sons. The residence of the Ambassador, Truman Hall, will soon feature the work of Michigan artists through Art in Embassies, a U.S. Department of State program that creates cross-cultural dialogue and fosters mutual understanding through the visual arts.

“I wanted to show what Michigan has to offer, both in terms of talent and what the state really is all about, like the beautiful landscape up north.

Europeans know a lot about the eastern part of the country, but so much beauty exists in the Midwest.”

Birmingham photographer and artist Laurie Tennent will provide two botanical works. “I watched her transform from portrait photography to beautiful photographs of Michigan flowers,” said Ambassador Smith. “I absolutely love her work.”

Another featured artist will be Ann Loveless from Frankfort, an award-winning quilter known for her nature-inspired creations. “We asked her if she was interested in loaning us one of her quilts and she suggested beginning work on a new one,” said Smith. Her triptych textile depicting the Michigan lakeshore will grace the dining room of the residence.

Landscape paintings by David Westerfield and Philip Joseph will be among the other works that will all be installed later this year.

So far, the most rewarding part of her position has been working with NATO members in a united response to the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. “All 30 allies came together and stand united in an unprecedented moment. It is the only land war in Europe since World War II,” she noted.

The most challenging aspect has been simply finding enough time in the day.

In June, NATO will hold a summit in Spain to lay out new policies and initiatives to be fit for the future. The organization must be prepared to deal with critical issues like cyber-attacks and disinformation.

She admires the strength of the alliance and their ability to come together and address challenges. Though the Ambassador could not have predicted her impressive career path, she said it all came together after earning a master’s degree in international relations.

As a young girl, Smith explored Birmingham and Bloomfield with family and friends. She then relished her study abroad opportunity in France.

“I firmly believe in young people seeking out opportunities to live abroad, even if it’s for a few weeks to get out in the world and learn from countries with different cultures and perspectives,” she said.

She also encourages students to consider public service or foreign policy.

“There are many roads to get there and those opportunities are available to everyone. It can be incredibly rewarding and a great way to give back to your country.”

A

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HIDDEN IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY THE TRADE-OFF WHEN SALTING ROADS FOR SAFE WINTER TRAVEL

BY STACY GITTLEMAN uring a white-knuckled highway trek through a Michigan snowstorm, nothing is more assuring to a driver than the sight of a salt truck. Michigan’s winter road conditions can be brutal, and no one wants to suffer through a car accident on icy roads while driving or slip and possibly break a bone while traversing a treacherous sidewalk or parking lot.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 40 percent of the country’s salt production is used to spread on our roads and highways in the winter months. But safer roads have a trade-off, mainly impact on the surface and groundwater quality where road salt runoff ends up.

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Rock salt on the roadways can reduce accidents by up to 80 percent. According to the most recent state environmental reports, instate road salt use has doubled since 1975, although road agencies in Michigan have reduced salt application rates per lane mile in recent years. Even with these reductions, when snow and ice melt, the salt that was applied to paved surfaces washes into wetlands, lakes and streams through stormwater conveyance systems. The salt from managing winter storm events combines with other sources of salt from water softening backwash and industrial discharges and drains into ground and surface water, resulting in concentrations that eventually will adversely impact the quality of Michigan’s waters.

High sodium levels in drinking water can affect people with high blood pressure, and high chloride levels in surface waters are toxic to some fish, bugs and amphibians.

As we head into the summer, a time when we enjoy the state's water natural resources for fishing, swimming, canoeing and other recreational activities, it's important to keep in mind that the quality of that water in the summer, and year-round, has a lot to do with how the thousands of miles of roads are winterized.

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ccording to environmentalists, academics and government officials interviewed, the Great Lakes states sit on 20 percent of all of the world's freshwater. Added to that, Michigan possesses some of the greatest salt deposits in the world, thanks to the remains of a vast, prehistoric subterranean sea. According to the Detroit Salt Company, rock salt in Detroit was discovered in 1895, and by 1914, the mine was hauling up 8,000 tons of rock salt per month through a 1,160-foot shaft, an engineering marvel at the time. The salt was mainly used for the leather and food processing industries. Today, the mine still exists at 12841 Sanders Street in Detroit. The mine spreads out over more than 1,500 acres and has over 100 miles of underground roads and is a major producer of ice melting products for North America.

Because of this natural resource, Detroit was one of the first large cities to use rock salt to winterize its roads. By 1966, Michigan used 150,000 tons of salt per year, and by the 1990s, that amount tripled. Currently, Michigan uses nearly 500,000 tons of rock salt each winter, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Beyond Detroit, the dried-up sea, known geologically as the Michigan Basin, stretches in an underground landmass larger than the state’s Lower Peninsula. Because of these vast underground salt deposits, what is happening now is that when the underground aquifers are over-pumped, salty briny water comes to the top and infiltrates some drinking water, getting into the state’s tributaries that feed into Lake Michigan, according to researchers.

A joint study from Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison examined chloride levels from 235 of the 300 tributaries that feed into Lake Michigan from samples taken July 10-15, 2018. Traditionally, Lake Michigan naturally contains one milligram of chloride – a mineral which makes up 60 percent of the

molecular mass of sodium chloride (NaCl) per liter.

Researchers concluded that because of decades of using rock salt to winterize roads, among other sources of use the mineral, that level of chloride has steadily but gradually climbed up to 15 milligrams per liter. Comparatively, oceans contain 35 grams of salt per liter. The study stated it would take one million metric tons of salt to raise the salinity of the lake by one milligram per liter. Since the 1800s, chloride concentrations in Lake Michigan have been rising from around one to two milligrams per liter to over 15 milligrams per liter by 2020. The study demonstrated that Lake Michigan’s tributaries are dumping 1.08 million metric tons of chloride into Lake Michigan, and estimated that it would take about five million metric tons of salt to raise the lake’s salinity by one mg per liter, which could happen in one to three years from the time the study was conducted.

Anthony Kendall, associate professor at MSU’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and one of the authors of the study, said while this increase in salinity is troubling, it is not happening fast enough to make Lake Michigan’s 4.918 trillion gallons of water as salty as the oceans.

"This study was not intended to be like a 'barn-burning threealarm fire warning,'" cautioned Kendall. “We are not putting enough salt on our landscape that will make the Great Lakes as salty as the oceans, because the volume of Lake Michigan is just so huge. The Great Lakes are fresh and will remain fresh, but they will continue to get saltier because we are using salt at a far faster rate than can be flushed out of the Great Lakes system. It is accumulating in our groundwater and our streams and wetlands – everywhere that water is stored. Salt, and how we use it, is something that we need to get a handle on now because our actions have a very long legacy.”

Kendall continued: “Increased levels of salt will in time cause disruptions and problem hotspots in fragile ecosystems which depend on low salt levels to thrive. What’s needed is to further understand local conditions in certain areas along Lake Michigan’s lakeshore that are being negatively impacted by increased chloride in the water.”

Looking forward, Kendall’s graduate students are now compiling data from water samples taken from Lake Superior.

Kendall explained that half of the water that flows into the Great Lakes comes from groundwater streamflow and the other half percolates into the ground from stormwater runoff, eventually getting discharged into surface waters such as streams and rivers.

When water from Michigan’s underground aquifers is over-pumped, it pulls salty water to the surface, which will discharge into surface waters like streams and eventually rivers. But that too will take a long time to reach the Great Lakes.

“It’s hard to visualize, but groundwater flows at a very slow rate,” Kendall explained. “For instance, it can take 30 years for groundwater located 1,000 feet from a stream to reach that stream due to the thickness of our aquifers. Whatever salt we put on our roads or comes out of our septic tanks is going to be in the groundwater for a very long time. Salt readily dissolves into water.

It takes expensive, energy-intensive methods like reverse osmosis to remove it. So, there is cause for concern as salt levels in our groundwater gradually build up. We need to take action now to do a better job using this vital mineral, so we don’t cause ourselves more trouble in cleaning it up in the future.”

The Michigan Environment Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) Water Resources Division has been monitoring chloride and sulfate

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levels in the state’s surface waters since 2005. In 2019, EGLE developed water quality standards that quantified acceptable and dangerous levels of chloride in surface waters. Numerical values vary and reflect the amount of time wildlife could be exposed to effluents of chloride or sulfide before severe harm could occur.

Acute chloride levels (over 640,000 parts per billion) pose threats to the mobility and survival of aquatic flora and fauna, and chronic chloride levels (150,000 parts per billion) are more optimal for species survival, growth and reproduction. Respectively, EGLE has set acute sulfate levels at 1,200,000 parts per billion and chronic levels at 370,000 parts per billion.

In February 2021, EGLE enacted its Chloride and Sulfate Water Quality Values Implementation Plan and added the requirement of municipalities and other entities to incorporate documentation of chloride and sulfate values in its surface waters as part of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program. According to the plan, these numeric values for chloride and sulfate provide a long-overdue benchmark for the continued protection of aquatic life. With the inclusion of chloride and sulfate in its water quality assessment management, all municipalities applying for an NPDES permit must now include measurements and reports of these substances. The permit will specify the sample type, analytical method, and quantification level that shall be used for the collection and analysis of chloride and sulfate.

In managing levels of chloride and sulfate, new additions to NPDES permits include requirements such as implementing best management and good housekeeping practices, source reduction practices, dilution of higher concentrations under USEPA regulations listed in the Clean Water Act, and employee education.

"Developing those water quality values was truly the jumping-off point for us in the state to educate the public and county and local governments as to what salt applications were doing to impact our environment, aquatic life and water quality,” said Kevin Goodwin, an aquatic biology specialist within EGLE’s Water Resources Division that leads EGLE’s biennial water quality reports. “These are quantifiable values that states like Minnesota and Wisconsin have already had in place. Once we developed these values, which are based on years of toxicological information, they provided concrete thresholds that EGLE could better understand where there might be problems around the state. We could also help our current NPDES permittees in the state understand what their water quality is like and whether additional actions are needed.”

The NDPES also regulates the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) program, managed by EGLE environmental quality specialist Christie Alwin. MS4 includes examining stormwater and snowmelt runoff in urbanized areas.

Alwin explained that under this program, before any municipality can apply any deicing application on its roads, EGLE requires municipalities to report its strategies for salt application, storage, and after-season requirements such as equipment cleaning and maintenance as well as street sweeping to remove residual salt from the roads. EGLE requires any municipalities which owns and operate roads, as well as county road commissions and MDOT, must hold a permit under this program.

As it is difficult or next to impossible to remove salt once it is dissolved in waterways, programs such as the MS4 are a way for EGLE to focus its efforts at the beginning of the salt application cycle.

“Michigan is unique in that we have a statute that specifically addresses salt as a polluting material,” said Alwin. “We begin

regulating a salt storage capacity at five tons or more, which if you are a road agency, or even own a shopping mall, you reach this threshold very quickly. EGLE has specific self-storage requirements. Careful salt application begins with properly calibrated equipment and moves forward from there to avoid excessive salting. If there was an accidental release of excessive salt, it is easier to clean it up if the municipality can pinpoint the spill to a particular location on a road. Once the salt has moved on from its location on the road, there can be no remediation efforts at that time. That’s why we are focused on the beginning of the salt application process.”

Out in the field and reporting her findings back to EGLE’s Goodwin is Sally Petrella, a longtime monitoring manager with Friends of the River Rouge. A trained biologist, over the last three years Petrella and a team of citizen scientists have been working off chloride benchmarks set by EGLE to measure the mineral’s levels in different sections of the Rouge watershed to see how they correlate with populations of wildlife such as the mayfly, the rare red side minnow, which makes it's home exclusively in the Rouge watershed, and especially the humble stonefly.

Overall, Petrella said the most important indicator of the health of the Rouge River watershed – which in part comprises the inland lakes tributaries and streams in Bloomfield Township and Birmingham – is the quality populations of aquatic and amphibious and native plant species.

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eginning in the winter of 2020, Petrella said the Friends of the Rouge participated in a national winter saltwater program run by the Izaak Walton League, one of America’s oldest conservation organizations, to understand how chloride levels were impacting the water. They collected water samples from 30 locations along the Rouge using test kits provided by the Walton League and measured the water quality based on EGLE’s new standards, but quantified findings in parts per million, rather than parts per billion. They coupled this data with their work monitoring populations of the stonefly, which lays its eggs in the water in January, at the height of winter salting season.

The citizen scientists first tested for chloride levels in the winter of 2020, and then again in the winter of 2021. Many of the 2021 samples came back at levels exceeding 320 parts per million, and others showed readings of over 150 parts per million of chloride, a level considered to have a chronic long-term impact on freshwater aquatic life. Areas of concern included Tonquish Creek in Wayne County, the main branch of the Rouge that runs in Firefighters Park in Troy, and Murphy Creek, which runs along the property of The Roeper School in Bloomfield Hills.

"We developed a score for bug count and also kept numbers of salt levels on these sites, and what we observed that there was a clear correlation that sites with higher salt levels had lower scores for numbers of stoneflies, as well as mayflies,” said Petrella.

Petrella also remarked that after the dry winter and spring of 2021, “In the winter of 2021, there was a drought, so there was not

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much flushing of the waterways with rain or snowfall,” she recalled. “We did see elevated salt levels and low counts of stonefly, which we thought would dissipate over time. When we came back to monitor levels in the spring, we were surprised to find continued elevated chloride levels.”

Dry conditions continued into the spring of 2021 until the deluges of that summer. When her volunteers returned to the same sites in the fall of 2021, they expected that all the heavy rain events from that summer would have flushed the Rouge of some of its chloride levels.

“We went back to these sites in the fall and were surprised that we still saw elevated salt levels at these sites. We found elevated levels around Farmington Hills that we were surprised to see because we were way past winter salting season. We also found some hot spots in and around Washtenaw County. We're wondering if there's something else going on, as there could be salt contributions from groundwater because groundwater can have historic salt levels from less recent salt applications, or it could be the fact we have naturally occurring levels of salt where groundwater flows. And that is where we turned to (EGLE), and we are looking into this with them.”

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hris Bobryk, watershed manager for the Clinton River Watershed Council, said his organization has also participated in the Izaak Walton League’s winter salt study. Bobryk said that he and his citizen scientist volunteers also noticed that fluctuating levels of chloride correlate with stonefly populations. Other observations they have noticed include an influx of invasive non-native aquatic plant species such Eurasian watermilfoil which can tolerate saltier water. Bobryk said that in addition to limiting the amount of salt on roads, sidewalks and parking lots, average citizens can work to abate this problem by helping to build a greener infrastructure by capturing stormwater runoff and holding it in place with rain barrels or rain gardens.

“When increasing chloride levels begin to impact the health of wildlife, that is a good indicator that human health will also be affected,” said Bobryk. “This is why studying the health of these rivers is so important. When we begin to lose species of invertebrates whose habitats are being crowded out by invasive species, that is going to negatively affect the quality of our drinking water. And what happens in the winter in terms of how we put down salt on our roads will eventually affect our bodies of water in summer that we count on for enjoyment and recreation.

So we have to keep this issue in the forefront of our minds year round."

Ellen Foley, a researcher and associate professor at Grand Valley State University, is hoping that her efforts of studying one small lake in Kent County can serve as a wakeup call for safeguarding the rest of the state’s some 35,000 inland lakes and ponds. In Oakland County alone, there are 1,200 such bodies of freshwater, according to county officials.

In April 2022, Foley drew her last water sample from Church

Lake, a 20-acre private kettle glacier lake in Grand Rapids that teems with fish, turtles and other aquatic life. But just below the surface, Foley said are "concerningly" high levels of chloride that have created a dead zone that chokes the lake of needed oxygen.

“Church Lake takes runoff water from a nearby highway, and I’ve taken some chloride levels in the winter as high as 1,000 milligrams per liter. In spring and summer samplings, we still saw lingering effects of chloride concentrations when the road had not been salted for months. Chloride gets stuck in the environment, and it is very difficult to remove. Though the numbers have fluctuated some, the high levels in the lake are consistent. The high levels of chloride lead to higher nutrients at the lake bottom via a process called internal phosphorus loading. This is an area that up until now has had little research but demands further examination if we are to understand how rock salt is affecting Michigan’s inland lakes.”

Foley said that local officials and others are paying attention to her research findings but are questioning if there is anything that can be done to sacrifice less safe winter driving for the sake of the health of the lake. She said that road salt is somewhat of an “out of sight, out of mind problem” in lakes. But she hopes that through her research on one lake in the state, people will become more aware or think about how salt put out on the roads may be impacting a body of water where they live or enjoy visiting.

“Church Lake’s chloride levels are an extreme version, and in general I do not think people are aware. But if you live on a lake and it is located near a road where salt is applied, chances are the runoff is causing problems there too.”

Another way of measuring salt levels in freshwater lakes is to monitor how well it conducts electricity. Just like certain metals, water can carry an electrical current. The higher the salt level, the more conductive the water, which may indicate that conditions for aquatic life that depend on salt-free water may be declining. A healthy lake system may have conductivity rates of zero to 200 micro Siemens per centimeter – a measure of electrical conductivity.

Jennifer L. Jermalowicz-Jones is the founder of Restorative Lakes Sciences, a 10-year-old consulting firm whose clients range from municipalities to private lake development associations who are looking to remediate the quality of their lakes through better sustainability and conservation practices outlined in laws such as Public Act 451 of 1994, the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), and under federal law from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the federal Clean Water Act. Jones said her company has been monitoring the conductivity of Wing Lake and Upper Long Lake in Bloomfield Township, and Lake Angelus, between Rochester and Auburn Hills, where conductivity levels have reached between 800-1000 micro Siemens per centimeter.

“We typically like to see conductivity between 200-500, which is ideal for an inland lake,” explained Jones. “We get concerned when we see conductivity numbers over 800. That's when levels have a negative impact on aquatic flora and fauna and once it reaches 1,000, levels are toxic."

To remediate these levels, Restorative Lakes Sciences takes several data sets at certain times of the year and graphs the changes over time to detect what events cause a spike in lake conductivity. Certain events and parameters – like a heavy rainstorm or an uptick in phosphorus – causes conductivity levels

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to rise. Once they present these numbers to lake association boards, together they look for the source of the problems. Faulty septic and storm drain systems are usually the biggest culprits.

Jones said that with this knowledge, the lake and homeowner associations around these lakes have worked to reduce the amount of salt they use on roads in their development, and look towards alternatives such as sand brining or even beet juice. Slowly, the salt levels in these lakes are coming down.

“Our clients have been mitigating the amount of road salt they have been using with alternatives to reduce runoff, and that has made a difference,” said Jones. “And they've been changing out some of the road salt with other remedies to decrease that runoff and that has made a difference. Even though using beet juice has its problems because of its sugar content, it has less of an impact than salt, but there is no magic bullet here. So, we're hoping over time with these numbers that were superficially high for a couple of years will start to trend downward.”

Large-scale deicing operations needed to keep Michigan’s 122,040 miles of the public road at optimal safety levels in the winter call for a lot of salt – nearly a half-million tons of the stuff.

Michigan’s Gregg Brunner, director of field services for MDOT, explained that MDOT has adopted the state’s best practices plan for minimizing the discharge of chloride and sulfate into surface waters.

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ne remedy that is continually expanding is a process known as brining. Rather than dispense dry rock salt onto a road, a slurry of sodium chloride mixed with water is created. It has a freezing point lower than pure water and, as such, is a useful tool in reducing the adhesion of snow and ice to road surfaces and it also stretches out salt supplies and saves money. MDOT uses pre-wetted salt and brines and applies these substances to roads ahead of a storm, depending on the weather conditions.

“MDOT is piloting three brine-only programs, one in partnership with Montcalm County, and the others are at MDOT-owned facilities in Mount Pleasant and Grand Ledge,” Brunner said.

“Using salt brine exclusively has the potential to decrease salt usage by 40 percent based on data from other states.”

In other best management practices, MDOT deploys advanced GPS and weather monitoring systems onboard its vehicles to give its highly trained drivers the best real-time decision-making data to determine when and how much salt should be applied to the roads.

Brunner said, “The vehicles are regularly calibrated to not dispense too much salt and are equipped with wing plows that more efficiently push away snow and reduce the need for salting, among other deicing techniques. The adoption of snow plows to cover more area faster and potentially reduce the need for salting.”

The speed of a salting truck is also a crucial factor in proper salt application. MDOT in 2012, released results from its salt bounce and scatter study, demonstrating the correlation between a salt truck’s speed and wasted improperly distributed salt. Waste

increased dramatically the faster the trucks traveled. Based on an annual $3.96 million budget on seasonal salt expenses, salt trucks going 45 mph wasted 45 percent, or $1,762,200, but trucks traveling at 25 mph lost nine percent, or $355,080 worth of salt.

Brunner said this led to adjusting truck speeds whenever possible to keep more salt on the roads and less scattering into medians.

Brunner said MDOT adheres to EGLE’s salt storage guidelines and has improved storage facilities with regular repairs and necessary replacements.

“MDOT encourages our contract agencies to do the same and will only participate in the cost of their salt and brine storage if they are built to meet these requirements,” explained Brunner.

While there are alternatives to salt, Brunner said cost and limited availability of alternative deicing substances are the main reasons for sticking with salt to treat winter roads.

“Chloride plays a key role in lowering the freezing point of water which melts the snow and prevents the bonding of snow/ice to the pavement,” explained Brunner. “Once that bond is broken, snow and ice can be plowed from the pavement relatively easily. There are other chloride-based products that perform a similar function, such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, but they are more expensive. Agricultural by-products, such as beet juice, can also be added to chloride-based deicers. These byproducts contain sugars that can combine with the chlorides to help with lowering the freezing point of the active ingredient.”

Brunner said the only non-chloride deicer available – calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) – is used sparingly because it costs 40 times more per ton than salt and is not as effective at melting snow and ice.

With all this said, Brunner stressed that when it comes to road safety, nothing beats salt.

“The idea of ending the use of salt is not currently practical. Salt is by far the most abundant and least expensive effective option for de-icing and anti-icing roadways and bridges. MDOT supports using road salts in a way that best avoids negative environmental impacts and pursues ways to reduce its use.”

On a smaller, local scale, municipalities have also adopted deicing alternatives such as brining. Bloomfield Township Department of Public Works Superintendent Noah Mehalski said the township’s annual salt and salt equipment budget has averaged $200,000, and Mehalski said this is proof that the township has adapted best salt application practices even though the cost of salt has shot up since around 2008. He noted that Bloomfield Township was one of the first municipalities to voluntarily apply for an NDPES permit back in the 1990’s.

The township has 12 vehicles to deice the roads. When a truck is fully outfitted with the most advanced plowing deicing methods, Mehalski said a vehicle can cost upwards of $400,000. Bloomfield Township has been shipping in brine made in Farmington Hills for 15 years, stored in a 11,979-gallon tank, in addition to using rock salt kept in a domed concrete structure on the township’s main campus on Telegraph, which can store up to 3,500 tons. Keeping in compliance with NDPES, the facility is not located within 50 feet of a lakeshore, stream bank, or wetland, nor is it located in a 100-year floodplain.

Mehalski said none of the operations or safety measures of storing or deployment of salt or brine comes cheap, and the township did have some budget reductions in its snow operations in the last several years.

"But diluting salt through pre-wetting or brining makes most

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economic sense for municipalities staring down harsh Michigan winters,” he said. “Outfitting a truck to disseminate brine is more expensive than conventional salting trucks, but I am grateful that the township board recognized and made the approvals to purchase this equipment. It is certainly more cost-effective to put salt down in a solution. Even before the environmental factor came up, the expense was really the big push that sent municipalities looking to how they can save money on treating the roads in the winter. “

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auren Wood, director of public services for the city of Birmingham, said in the last 20 years, the city has taken proactive steps looking for alternatives to rock salt, including at one point using a mixture of beet juice and brine and pre-wetting rock salt. Seven years ago, the city began to make its own brine, which is spread on the roads ahead of a snow or icing event for more efficient snow and ice removal. Wood said in the event of a large snowfall, snow is removed from streets and is trucked to designated sites as approved by their NDPES permit, including the parking lot at the Ice Arena on Lincoln Street. They never dump snow into Rouge River tributaries, she said, as not only do they not have access to it, but it does not comply with their NDEPS permit.

Wood said that with fluctuating salt prices and a high variability in snowfall each year, it is hard to gauge just how much money the city saves in the long term by brining as opposed to just relying on rock salt. But over the years, Wood said overall, the city has had to order less salt since it began creating brine and they have decreased its salt usage by 35 percent.

“In addition to being more environmentally friendly, pretreating the streets ahead of a major winter event with a brining solution is the most economic and environmentally viable solution.

Pretreating the roads with brine minimizes the amount of rock salt needed to go on the roads on a second sweep.”

Much of the strides that EGLE is beginning to take in terms of mitigating levels of chloride in the state’s freshwaters come from looking to other Great Lakes states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin. Through public education and best practice implementation strategies, the two states have demonstrated that they are successfully reducing the amount of salt spread on their roadways.

In its 2020-2021 Annual Winter Maintenance Report, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported that its use of salt dropped to its lowest level in 30 years thanks to advanced deicing techniques. The report said that the state used disproportionately more salt during more severe winters. Because of a mild winter last season, coupled with better salting practices, salt use in Wisconsin decreased 23.8 percent from the previous year, at 324,265 tons. In comparison, Michigan uses on average about 450,000 tons of salt each winter. If MDOT migrates to a 23 percent brine solution instead of rock salt, it can reduce the amount of salt going onto the roads by 40 percent, claims the agency.

In its 2021 Sulfate and Chloride Water Values Implementation

Plan report, EGLE stated that much of the problems with increased chloride levels in freshwater are due to public demands to more widely and frequently salt roads in the name of public safety.

As a response, EGLE officials state in the report that they have taken cues from Minnesota to educate the public on when salting is effective, and when people need to accept it is ineffective. The Minnesota Department of Transportation was able to adjust its practice of maintaining bare pavement during a storm to maintaining bare lanes after surveying the public. In turn, MDOT developed a public education outreach campaign using the phrase “More salt...not always the cure for slippery road.” The goal is to educate the public that normal winter conditions are considered between 20-30 degrees. When temperatures decrease below 20 degrees, salt becomes less effective, so no matter how much is applied as the pavement will still quickly refreeze.

Some municipalities have communicated their adjusted salt application approaches with residents through social media and email distribution lists. A municipality may communicate a focused strategy of salting intersections and hills as a priority versus ineffectively salting.

Wisconsin Salt Wise, a nonprofit coalition of organizations from across the Badger State created and staffed by one alumni and a half-dozen student volunteers from the University of Wisconsin that trains the state’s municipality professionals on best practice salt management techniques, offers the most pragmatic instructions to the private home or property owner visiting its website. For example, all that is needed to deice a 20-foot-long driveway or 10 average-sized sidewalk squares is one 12-ounce coffee cup's worth of rock salt.

Allison Madison, a science and sustainability educator by training, is the sustainability and development coordinator for Wisconsin Salt Wise. Madison explained that public health officials in Dane County, Wisconsin, since the 1960s have been aware of the adverse effects of salt pollution through monitoring changes and chloride concentrations on the Yahara Chain of Lakes.

“Softening water, coupled with deicing winter roads with rock salt, led to a widespread problem of increased chloride that could not be extracted from the wastewater stream that flows into Madison’s wastewater treatment plant, which serves up to 14 municipalities throughout the county,” said Madison. “For guidance, Wisconsin looked across the border to environmental authorities in Minnesota, which developed a training program for municipalities on how to properly manage winter salt applications to minimize impacts to waterways. Since 2018, Salt Wise has rolled out its own training workshop, emphasizing proper equipment calibration, using brine instead of pure rock salt, and educating municipalities on how they can restrict winter salting by limiting the practice on residential streets and saving heavier applications for main arteries and highways."

Above all, Madison said a cultural shift is needed in the winter.

Unless it is for emergency purposes, the expectation that every road and surface should be cleared of snow to the pavement is not a sustainable solution. It's a practice Michigan can certainly, and easily, adopt.

CHRIS

PERO

A s s o c i a t e B r o k e r

cgpero@yahoo.com 248.797.0784

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

OveR $73 MilliOn SOld in 2021

If you need any real estate assistance in 2022, please call, text or email me anytime. I work as both a buyers agent and as a listing agent and can assure you my best effort, honesty and integrity with 22 plus years of experience in the local market. If you choose to work with me, I will be your only point of contact, not a team of others.

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200 S Chester – Birmingham - $3700-$4700/mo Baldwin House in the heart of downtown Birmingham has availability for the 55+ community. One and two bedroom units available. Independent living with numerous amenities, activities and additional options offered.

EDUCATION Sexual assault while at Cranbrook Schools

By Lisa Brody

Speaking first to anchor Savannah Guthrie on the Today show on Wednesday, May 11, and then in a People cover story, actress and activist Selma Blair alleged she was the victim of sexual assault by a faculty member when she was a student of Cranbrook Kingswood High School in the late 1980s.

Blair, class of Cranbrook Kingswood 1990, has written a memoir, Mean Baby, in which, according to an excerpt in People, she shared the pain and trauma she endured after a trusted authority figure at the school allegedly assaulted her.

"I counted on him for everything," Blair says of her relationship with one of the deans of Cranbrook boarding school she attended in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, according to the magazine. "I really couldn't believe my good fortune in having such a wonderful mentor and friend. What hurt me from this was that he would make such a mistake. That was it."

According to the memoir, “I thought he was the greatest man I had ever met," she writes. "Handsome.

Tall. So generous. I'm sure you can see where this is all going. But at that time, I couldn't have predicted it. I trusted authority. I was just a teenager.

"We embraced. It felt too long and too still and too quiet," she writes. "His hand went to the small of my back, tracing the space just above my tailbone. His lips were on my mouth.

Please, I thought. Please don't go under my pants, my dress-codeapproved Ralph Lauren khakis into which I'd carefully tucked a plaid shirt. Please. You are a grown-up and I love you; please do not put your hand inside my pants. But he did. It was a simple thing. He didn't rape me. He didn't threaten me. But he broke me.

Nothing ever happened again, but I never felt safe."

Blair, who graduated Cranbrook as Blair Beitner, said she told her mother, who said, “You must not tell anybody.

He's beloved at that school. And you'll just be a troubled girl.”

Clay Matthews, director of communications for Cranbrook Schools, acknowledged the school learned late yesterday about the People article and her memoir, “and an incident of sexual misconduct, and from what we saw in People magazine, it was a dean. We will not speculate who it was. Deans can 48

BHS asking to restore operating millage

By Lisa Brody

n August 2, voters living in the Bloomfield Hills Schools district will be asked to consider a proposal to restore the operating millage, a proposal which if passed would restore and increase the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be levied by the Bloomfield Hills Schools for general operating purposes by 2 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempt by law.

According to the district, this millage restoration proposal is only for non-homestead taxpayers, not for primary households. It would not affect the tax rate of primary residential homeowners.

This authority, if approved and combined with the school district’s other unexpired authorization, would allow the district to continue to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempt by law, in the event of future Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment rollbacks.

The district's board of education unanimously approved a motion to place an operating restoration proposal millage on the August 2 ballot at their meeting on Thursday, April 28. The money will be used for day-today operating expenditures of the district which includes classroom instruction, instructional support, co-curricular activities, instructional and other supplies.

The current millage rate expires in 2025, and the district's financial team estimates the district is projected to only levy 16.8490 mills.

According to Karen Huyghe, director of communications, “The Headlee Amendment requires local governments, including schools, to reduce their millage rates if taxable values rise higher than the rate of inflation. This typically happens when properties are sold and reassessed. This is known as a Headlee rollback, and that has occurred in our district since 2016, after the voters approved the last nonhomestead operating millage in 2015. It is an annual calculation, and it has reduced our authorized millage from 20 to 18.0838 mills over the past seven years.”

Rollbacks are expected over the next three years, 2023 to 2025, Huyghe said.

Without the restoration of this operating millage, Bloomfield Hills Schools is projected to lose $256,138 in 2023, $579,712 in 2024, and $908,548 in 2025 for a total impact of $1,744,398 in lost revenue.

“Rollbacks mean a permanent reduction in revenue that directly and negatively impacts student learning and the district’s ability to continue the level of educational programming the community has expected of Bloomfield Hills Schools,” Huyghe said.

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mean a lot of different things at Cranbrook Kingswood,” noting in the late 1980s, as Cranbrook and Kingswood were combining into one high school, there were two sets of deans at various levels. So far, Blair had not contacted the school about the sexual assault.

“We do not have reason to believe that individual is still employed at Cranbrook,” Matthews emphasized.

Matthews said this incident, like one from April 12 this year when a Cranbrook graduate had informed the schools that he had experienced, while a student at the school, sexual misconduct involving a former faculty member (1946-1961), or any other such allegations, are being referred to Linda Burwell, an independent investigator conducting a completely independent

examination of any and all purported sexual misconduct in the schools.

“We do not know what Ms. Burwell has uncovered. It's an independent investigation,” Matthews said.

Cranbrook Schools officials have said that anyone who wants to provide information or report similar sexual assault claims at the school can reach out directly to Linda Burwell at 800.954.1766 or by email at linda@nationalinvestigationcounsel.com.

Racist assignment given out at Roeper

By Lisa Brody

A biology teacher gave out an assignment earlier this month to

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students at The Roeper School's Upper School titled 'introduction to primates,' which included a photograph of former President Barack Obama.

According to a report by Fox-2 News Detroit on Wednesday, May 18, at the private high school, located at 1051 Oakland Avenue in Birmingham, an assignment that was part of the biology class' curriculum instructed students to pick from a gallery of photos labeled apes, monkeys and lemurs. Included in the second row is a photo of former President Barack Obama.

FOX 2 said it obtained a photo of the school assignment, which was made by a teacher, from someone who was appalled at the racist messaging.

According to its website, The Roeper School, is a private, independent preschool through 12th grade school for gifted students. It says its mission it “Educating and inspiring gifted students to think as individuals and to engage as a community with compassion for each other and the world. Diversity, inclusion, equity and justice are not standalone concepts that pay lip service to current trends in contemporary culture. Rather these values are integral to everything we do at and for the school.”

The worksheet was from a “highly regarded university website,” according to a letter sent to parents.

According to Deadline Detroit, the source of the material is Duke University. Roeper's black-and-white version was printed or photocopied from Page 12 of this "Introduction to Primates" course plan "intended to increase motivation for learning."

The school's letter to parents also said the teacher was taking responsibility for not properly vetting the material. The school announced the teacher was placed on leave.

“Many of you may be aware of a very upsetting lesson taught last week during an upper school biology class,” wrote head of school David H. Feldman in his letter to parents. “A member of our faculty shared a worksheet from a program posted on a highly regarded university website on evolutionary anthropology. The choice to use this piece of the curriculum was completely inconsistent with our school's philosophy and mission. While the teacher has taken responsibility and admits the mistake of not properly vetting the resource, we know that is not enough. On behalf of Roeper School's leadership, I would like to 06.22

FACES:BUSINESS LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY PROFILES 2022

SPECIAL SECTION | DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE

INDEX This special advertorial section is designed to provide readers of Downtown Newsmagazine with added insight into the people behind the businesses serving residents of this area.

With the exception of the photos on pages 11, 14 and 16, all photography is the work of Laurie Tennent of the Laurie Tennent Studio in Birmingham.

Stories are the work of Lisa Brody, Dana Casadei and Tracy Donohue.

Page 3: Kathy Broock & Co. | Max Broock Realtors | Kathy Broock Page 4: The Community House Foundation | Christopher Smude Page 5: Meredith Colburn Real Estate | The Agency Hall & Hunter | Meredith Colburn Page 6: Hagopian World of Rugs | Suzanne Hagopian Page 7: The Birmingham Tailor | Ali Cheaib Page 8: Optik Birmingham | Dr. Joseph Ales, OD Page 9: Team of Lynn Baker and Deby Gannes | Lynn Baker and Deby Gannes Page 10: Roma Sposa Bridal Atelier | Anna Castaldi Page 11: The Agency Hall & Hunter | Cindy Kahn Page 12: College Choice Counseling | Barbara Connolly, J.D. CEP Page 13: Matthildur X Mark Keller | Mark Keller Page 14: Kastler Construction Inc | Rick Kastler, Paul Kozicki Page 15: Famiglia Wealth | Jason M. Geisz Page 16: KW Domain Luxury Homes | Erin Keating DeWald

Downtown Newsmagazine | 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham 48009 | 248.792.6464

FACES:BUSINESS

KATHY BROOCK & CO. Kathy Broock Max Broock Realtors 275 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham | 248.318.4504 kathy@maxbroockhomes.com | www.kathybroock.com | Facebook: @kathybroockrealtor | Instagram: @kathybroockrealtor

athy Broock, Michigan's number one REALTOR® for 12 consecutive years, grew up in the business as a fourth-generation realtor. Kathy understands the cyclical nature of the business and can navigate the current competitive market with finesse. “It’s important that we all breathe, practice patience, and seek expert guidance.”

Broock has perspective, noting, “You need the tools to navigate today’s market successfully. While the present seller’s market is advantageous for sellers, it can also be overwhelming with multiple offer situations. It requires compassion, negotiating savvy, and a thorough knowledge of the industry – past, present, and future.”

That’s where it's beneficial to rely upon the expertise of Broock and her team of five women: Helen Reasoner, Associate Broker; Cheryl Bournias, Director of Operations; Marjorie Goldman, Listing Director; and Allie Betz, Marketing and Media Director. “All the women aid in each other’s success. They genuinely

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respect one another’s talents. They are rock stars.” Broock feels blessed every day she goes to work and is proud to be one of the “elders” in the real estate community. “I genuinely love what I do – I love selling real estate.”

Broock also noted the market changes due to the infusion of millennials buying homes, which make up 35 percent of the market. “Young people previously preferred to rent. It was the social norm,” she said. “Now, many have substantive financial situations due to the job market and the transference of generational wealth. Baby boomers only make up seven percent of the market.

The low inventory in today’s market results from the buyer’s demand to upgrade and baby boomers downsizing.”

Broock and her team know their clients. They build relationships by discerning the needs of both buyers and sellers. Guiding them through the process takes a team. Negotiating for the client’s best interest is paramount and that is what Broock does best.

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE FOUNDATION Christopher Smude 380 S. Bates Street, Birmingham | 248.644.5832 communityhouse.com | communityfoundation.org | Facebook: @thecommunityhouse

ounded in Birmingham nearly a century ago as a place where all would be welcome, The Community House has stood the test of time by providing a community home for high quality programs and events. In 2017, The Community House Foundation, a separate nonprofit organization, was established to assist The Community House with sustaining and enhancing quality programming and services through philanthropic means.

Chris Smude, vice president of The Community House Foundation, explains, “At the grassroots level, people still want to come together, connect, and enjoy exceptional experiences. The foundation wants to ensure that The Community House continues to be an important community resource for current and future generations of people of all ages.”

While situated in the heart of Birmingham, Smude emphasizes that programming and events offered through The Community House are not limited to Birmingham residents. In fact, The Community House serves people in over 200 zip codes with

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social and corporate events, in-person and virtual classes as well as childcare and summer camp programs.

The foundation recently started a more formalized giving program for those wishing to be part of the remarkable legacy planned giving. Smude notes that the organization is not affiliated with the city of Birmingham, which means it does not receive tax dollars towards its operation, programming, or the upkeep of its historic building.

“We’re grateful for the many amazing donors who have supported The Community House for years and hope to attract more with our planned giving options to ensure the future of this community gem,” Smude says.

“The organization has been through a lot in 99 years. The challenge of COVID-19 over the past two years has caused us to reevaluate in-person versus virtual events and how we do things. We continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community and challenge ourselves to bring more value to people in the community,” Smude says. “Stay tuned. Exciting things are coming.”

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MEREDITH COLBURN REAL ESTATE Meredith Colburn The Agency Hall & Hunter 442 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009 | 248.762.5319 www.meredithcolburn.com | Facebook: MeredithColburnRealEstate | Instagram: MeredithColburnRealEstate

ssociate Broker Meredith Colburn treasures teamwork, collaboration and legacy, which is why she is thrilled Hall & Hunter, the real estate firm she has been associated with for years, recently became part of The Agency – an international, boutique brokerage.

“Both Hall & Hunter and The Agency take a collaborative approach to real estate,” Colburn said. “It's like a great marriage, with the addition of outstanding marketing and cutting edge technology. Of course, the highest priority is always providing a remarkable service experience to our clients.”

Teamwork, with both her clients and colleagues, is a key aspect to Colburn's long-term success in the competitive real estate marketplace. Colburn began her real estate career 29 years ago, joining her mother and mentor, Nanci J. Rands, in the industry. Colburn’s current team – which includes Nanci – has grown into a collaboration of “incredibly capable, professional women who I trust completely to jump in and do an impeccable job when I am otherwise obligated.”

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Part of the team’s success is having an unfaltering commitment to their client’s best outcome. Colburn serves as a mentor for “a new generation of Realtor,” which includes team member Jessica Weisman, who Colburn says “has embraced my business model, my philosophy, and platform of client service excellence, and has become such a phenomenal extension and representation of my business.” The team is further enhanced by savvy and experienced Realtors, Adriane Dundon and Caroline Johnson. Brooke Goodstein, their newest addition, seamlessly handles daily operations.

“At this point in my career, nearly everything is relationship-driven,” Colburn said.

“Our reputation for being effective, extremely responsive, and easy to work with gets transactions to the closing table. It's tremendously rewarding! Our clients benefit from the strength of my relationships throughout the industry – it's what elevates my business and truly sets me apart.”

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HAGOPIAN WORLD OF RUGS Suzanne Hagopian 850 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham | 248.646.7847 www.originalhagopian.com

hile Hagopian World of Rugs has been around since 1939 – and much has changed – the core of who they are hasn’t.

“Our philosophy remains the same… ‘Honesty and Integrity in all we do,’” said Suzanne Hagopian, who now owns Hagopian World of Rugs, along with her siblings, Edmond Hagopian and Angela Hagopian Snow. “This has worked for us for 80-plus years. This is the commitment we work towards every day. When you have mentors like we do, it challenges us to live these ideals every day.”

This philosophy is why customers keep returning to them again and again, and have for decades.

Originally opened in 1939 by their grandfather, Harutun, and then run by Edgar, Suzanne’s father, Hagopian World of Rugs has expanded to two showrooms – one in Novi, the other in Birmingham – where they offer everything from the buying and selling of antique rugs, carpeting, and flooring, to the Hagopian Cleaning Services.

One of their most unique offerings is a free in-home trial policy, which allows

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people to try a few rugs in their home before they buy, something they’ve offered for over 30 years.

The business itself isn’t the only way Suzanne and her siblings honor their father and grandfather.

“Our team in Birmingham has a combined wealth of shared knowledge and experience,” Suzanne said. “We have a passion to provide our customers with the best selection and best values.”

They’ve continued the work in the community both men started decades ago, including with the College for Creative Studies – which they collaborate with for an annual Student Rug Design Competition – and the Detroit Chamber Winds Nightnotes Concert series.

“It has been a privilege as third-generation owners to build on my grandfather’s and fathers’ ideals,” Suzanne said. “I’m so proud of what they built, and what my brother, sister and I continue to do everyday.”

From left: Kashif Khawja, Suzanne Hagopian, Carlos Tovar

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THE BIRMINGHAM TAILOR Ali Cheaib 139 W. Maple Road STE H, Birmingham | 248.433.3703 Instagram: @bhamtailor

li Cheaib first picked up a needle and thread at the age of 13 in Beirut, Lebanon, where his family owned a small manufacturing business.

After emigrating to the United States, he worked at various tailor shops, eventually opening The Birmingham Tailor in 2002, where he quickly become a household name for his honesty in fitting and skilled craft tailoring.

Cheaib expanded his business to offer custom made-to-measure clothing for men and women, focusing on suits, sport coats, dress coats and shirts, many with unique linings. Clients are able to choose fabric from fine Italian, French and English mills, including Loro Piana, Scabal, Zegna, Gladson, Holland & Sherry, among others.

“Always, always, we focus on the quality,” Cheaib said. “We're tailors and clothiers. We make a big impact because we understand tailoring and how suits are supposed to fit, and focus on the current fashions of Europe.”

A wide variety of spectacular linings are available to choose from to

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completely personalize the suits and jackets. Many custom suits are clients' wedding suits or designed – and monogrammed – for special events.

While those special events were on hold during the coronavirus pandemic, Cheaib said business is busy once again as weddings and other special occasions are planned for this year. During the pandemic, he stayed busy by focusing on giving back to the community which has given so much to him and his family. He made masks for essential workers from leftover and available fabric – and soon, for his many clients, who clamored for them.

Quality and fit are watchwords for Cheaib and his staff, who want everyone to walk out looking and feeling their best, because he views every client as a friend or neighbor since Cheaib and his wife Lisa, who often works alongside him, have lived, shopped and dined in Birmingham for over 20 years, along with daughter Jenna, 16, and son Hadi, 12.

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FACES:BUSINESS

OPTIK BIRMINGHAM Dr. Joseph Ales, OD 247 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009 | 248.646.6699 www.Optikbirmingham.com | Facebook: ShopOptik | Instagram: Shop_Optik

or a mix of top notch eye care and high fashion eyewear, one needs to look no further than downtown Birmingham’s OPTIK. The store boasts several collections of glasses designed in Europe that are scarcely found in the U.S., as well as the largest selection of original, unused vintage frames.

Owner and optometrist Dr. Joseph Ales, OD, says that “very few people in the country offer a selection like that,” which includes frames made of vinyl, wood, buffalo horn, leather, and a variety of metals. He typically finds these frames through his travels across Europe; recently, he did a collaboration with a line from Budapest that uses vinyl records as the final layer of the glasses for the Motown Museum in honor of its 60th anniversary.

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Of course, before picking out a pair of glasses comes the eye exam. “This is a retail environment, but I’ve got instrumentation that goes beyond a standard of care. I’ve invested in some of the latest instrumentation for diagnosing even though I’m in a boutique. Patients really appreciate that,” notes Ales.

Something else customers are thankful for? “As a boutique optical, we take vision insurance. Most do not. It’s kind of a big deal. People get a luxury type frame using their insurance that saves hundreds of dollars, but they still have something unique and special.”

It is Dr. Ales’ artistic sensibility and attention to patient care that has made OPTIK a Birmingham staple for nearly two decades.

FACES:BUSINESS

TEAM OF LYNN BAKER AND DEBY GANNES Lynn Baker and Deby Gannes Signature/Sotheby’s INTERNATIONAL REALTY 415 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham | Deby Gannes 248-379-3003 | Lynn Baker 248-379-3000 eby Gannes and Lynn Baker, formerly of The Agency Hall & Hunter, have just joined Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Deby and Lynn are two of the top Luxury Real Estate Agents in southeastern Michigan. “Signature Sotheby’s was a natural evolution in our quest to offer our clients the best marketing, tools and technology in the local market,” says Lynn.

Deby adds, “Our clients, without exception, welcomed our change to Sotheby’s. We can truly offer them exposure and marketing that no other brokerage offers.”

The world of real estate has evolved exponentially since Lynn Baker and Deby Gannes first got their real estate licenses, in 1979 and 1984, respectively. While staying up-to-date professionally, the two also rely on timeless style and skills to help their clients.

Their client-first philosophy of always doing an in-person interview with the client as well as a home visit before putting together a presentation has been very effective. The duo has worked together for decades, making them the top listing agents for 21 years out of their 22-year partnership selling homes in Oakland,

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Macomb, Wayne and Livingston Counties.

Lynn reflects on the growth of their business, saying that “adding sales and office staff has been part of our natural expansion. Jean Sanders multi-tasks between office manager, marketing director and closing coordinator. Donna Rousseau is our go-to in the field for buyer and seller public relations. Our expansion has kept us ahead of the curve and on top.”

Lynn and Deby are much more than successful listing agents. They agreed, as they became successful, they wanted to give back to the community. Every year they choose local organizations to support, such as the Older Persons Commission (OPC) and Rochester Community Schools. They regularly donate school items to underprivileged schools in Detroit. Since both have teaching backgrounds, helping schools hits close to home. It has also played a role in their real estate career.

“The view we have is to take our years of success, add the new technology and latest social media, giving our buyers and sellers the most updated, hands on professional experience.”

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FACES:BUSINESS

ROMA SPOSA BRIDAL ATELIER Anna Castaldi 708 N. Old Woodard Avenue, Birmingham | 248.723.4300 www.romasposa.com

or over two decades, Anna Castaldi has been the stylist and adviser to countless brides and women looking for a very special, glamorous look for their special event.

It would be accurate to say Castaldi delivered a little piece of Italy to Birmingham with her upscale, chic bridal boutique.

With an enviable European flair and fashion expertise due to her upbringing in Rome, Castaldi specializes in revealing her client's inner radiance and personality through the perfect gown.She has been called a genius for her ability to transform and translate the dreams of every bride, mothers of the wedding and clients with a special occasion to attend.

Walking into Roma Sposa Bridal Atelier is not only about purchasing a gown,” Castaldi said. “It is about an interpersonal experience with the dress you are going to wear and the confidence it gives you. Sometimes I have to introduce a vision perhaps never considered before. We bring in stylists and experts who

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specialize in accessories and jewelry to add glamour and panache.”

Castaldi travels the globe, from Paris to Barcelona, Milan, Rome and New York, to find the dazzling range of gowns that can be found at Roma Sposa Bridal Atelier.

Roma Sposa is dedicated to consistently providing the highest quality of customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service while representing couture designer collections that are exclusive in Michigan, while maintaining a lovely atmosphere which respects diversity and ideas. The boutique provides an eminent selection of high fashion bridal and even gowns from the best worldwide fashion designers.

From weddings to black tie, or any special occasion events and parties, Anna Castaldi can complete your look with style and fashion while making sure it is an enjoyable and memorable experience.

FACES:BUSINESS

THE AGENCY HALL & HUNTER Cindy Kahn 442 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham | 248.568.7309 www.cindykahn.com | Facebook: @cindykahnrealestate | Instagram: @cindykahnrealestate

indy Kahn, The Agency Hall & Hunter’s number one top producer for the past six years, didn’t originally plan on a career in real estate. She owned a very successful children’s clothing store, Kiddlywinks, in downtown Birmingham.

When she decided she wanted to be more involved in her two daughters, Jennifer and Emily’s lives, she planned on being full-time mother. Then, she and her husband Marc bought a home and “something sparked. After being in the retail business, I had a nice reputation in the community, enjoyed sales and people and I love everything about homes – design, architecture, interior design.

It was a perfect fit.”

That was 18 years ago, and it has been quite a journey. Kahn and her twoperson team consist of her daughter Emily, “who is building her own business, and it's so exciting to watch and have her by my side,” along with her assistant of 10 years, Elaina Ryder, “who I couldn't do this without. I love real estate.

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Whether it’s finding people their dream homes or selling their home that they’ve been in for years, it’s thrilling either way.”

Kahn said, “We always want to do the best job for our clients. Luxury is not a price point, it’s an experience.” Kahn has always believed this but it really hits home with her new brokerage partnership.

She is excited about Hall & Hunter’s new affiliation with The Agency, a luxury boutique brokerage out of California, a partnership she said is a great fit both for Hall & Hunter as well as for her and her clients.

“Hall & Hunter was the last family-owned boutique brand in southeast Michigan. What is great about The Agency is it has a boutique approach – they're in the trenches, they know their markets. They have a hands-on, familyoriented approach, with cutting-edge technology, and unforgettable service, and that is how I have built my business.”

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COLLEGE CHOICE COUNSELING Barbara Connolly, J.D. CEP 950 E. Maple Road, Suite 208, Birmingham, 48009 | 248.294.0099 www.collegecc.com | Twitter: CCCConnolly

arbara Connolly’s clients come to her at one of the most stressful times of their lives: when they’re applying to college.

As a parent of four children she helped through high school and college, Connolly knows what an intense process it is for both students and parents.

That’s partly why she started College Choice Counseling in 2002.

“I really didn’t understand what the school’s counselors were telling us...I thought there was a need to do self-help,” Connolly said. “Once I started doing self-help...I became very expert at it.”

What began as a kitchen-based, referral business has grown into a full-scale company, with a team of 30 professional tutors and college counselors. Her students have been accepted to schools like Michigan, Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, among many others.

CollegeCC offers tutors for numerous academic subjects, SAT/ACT prep,

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essay writing, resume preparation, and college applications. To stay on top of curriculum and campus changes Connolly visits schools throughout the year.

She said her holistic approach makes her unique in the field.

Her qualifications do, too. Connolly is not only a lawyer, professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, and former admissions reader at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, she’s also the only Certified Educational Planner in the Bloomfield/Birmingham area.

She’s an advocate for her students, and watching them succeed and grow is a pretty rewarding thing to witness.

“When they genuinely, independently, come to me with excitement to tell me, ‘Look what I’ve done, look what I’ve achieved,’ that’s very, very gratifying,” Connolly said.

FACES:business

MATTHILDUR X MARK KELLER Mark Keller 929 S. Eton Street, Birmingham | 248.550.1008 www.matthildur.com | Facebook: Matthildur.official | Instagram: @matthildur.official

ark Keller is the self described “OG Birmingham clothing retailer,” having opened his eponymous Maple Road store in 1975 at 26 years old. “I opened the store as I had a clear vision as a counter-culture child of Woodstock.

Birmingham was very 'buttoned up' and I saw an opportunity – it was a fashion wasteland.”

Keller relied on his eye for the next great products and following trips to New York, Los Angeles, Paris and London and embracing street style, rather than packaged fashion, he established himself as a beacon in Birmingham. Stussy, Paul Smith, Ghost, Girbaud and Suzen were but a few of the labels he introduced.

“My taste mirrors that of my customers and for every new brand I brought into the shops, there was a genuine adrenalin rush from the excitement. My customers do not NEED clothing, but they always WANT to look and feel great and I remain cognizant of that.”

Transitioning into the wholesale business led Mark to discover and champion the

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brand MATTHILDUR, acting as its director and confidant to Matthildur Halldorsdottir, the Icelandic born designer, for the last 22 years. Manufacturing in Peru, home of the world's best cotton, has enabled the business to sell to over 100 independent retailers in the U.S. The MATTHILDUR customer is a woman with “modern taste, not influenced by trends who embraces her own style and above all is confident when she gets dressed,” Keller says. The Japanese design aesthetic of MATTHILDUR is architectural and the workmanship is exceptional, bringing both quality and style to the customer.

The MATTHILDUR x MARK KELLER flagship store has reintroduced Keller to many of his longtime and loyal customers, along with new converts. “When you walk into the shop you feel loved and at home. There is no pressure. It has the feeling of family. Every purchase is personal and everyone walks out the door looking and feeling great. That is the reason I still love what I do.”

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KASTLER CONSTRUCTION INC. Rick Kastler and Paul Kozicki 425 S. Main Street, Clawson, 48017 | 248.655.5580 www.kastlerconstruction.com | Facebook: kastlerconstruction | Instagram: @kastlerconstruction

wenty-five years in business is quite an achievement and a reason for any business to celebrate. As the last couple years were stay-at-home years, Rick Kastler, president, and Paul Kozicki, vice president, will now celebrate the special achievement of 26 years of enhancing and building metro Detroiters' living spaces.

They don't just construct houses – Kastler and Kozicki create homes.

Kastler Construction is beloved by their clients in metro Detroit, with many, some on their second, third and even fourth Kastler project, looking to Kastler and Kozicki to enhance their current living environment instead of moving from their cherished neighborhood.

Kastler’s primary focus is building custom homes, cohesive home additions, whole house renovations, gourmet kitchens, and bathroom remodeling. While many homeowners still prefer a home with open floor plans, as more people work from home or in a hybrid situation, many residents are looking for more defined rooms and dedicated work spaces, with about 50 percent of customers choosing each option.

They're also staying busy with new builds for clients who are looking for custom

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homes, not cookie-cutter planned communities. The team works to provide better floor plan layouts, many with dedicated spaces such as large kitchens, home office space, mudrooms, wine cellars and expanded garages.

Their use of technology has been a huge asset as customers traveled to second homes or met over Zoom, allowing the team and clients to stay up-to-date on selections, quotes, and decisions. “Previously those meetings were in person, but by using technology that everyone is now more comfortable with using we can move things along quicker,” Kastler noted.

A new development, Gaslight Estates, featuring four beautiful custom homes in Saugatuck, MI, is an exciting adventure for the company, as they branch out to an area they love.

“For us, it’s about helping clients create a space they’ll enjoy for many years and working through the details to give them the finished product that they are expecting,” Kozicki said.

Above: Rick Kastler, Paul Kozicki

FACES:BUSINESS

FAMIGLIA WEALTH Jason M. Geisz 40900 Woodward Avenue, #302, Bloomfield Hills | 248.341.0600 www.famigliawealth.net | LinkedIn: Company 7015582

hen Jason Geisz, CEO and Founder of Famiglia Wealth, meets with a client, he likes to include the collective experience and expertise of the company’s wealth management team.

“Our team-client meetings allow us to surround the client with over 150 years of combined industry experience. We place a large emphasis on communication, listening, and high energy. Clients get a feel for this when they meet with our team because each of us has specific strengths and expertise,” Geisz says. “Ultimately, it benefits the client when our team fully understands their circumstances and goals before developing customized recommendations.”

Founded by an experienced team of wealth management professionals, the independent Bloomfield Hills-based firm is focused on helping successful individuals and families simplify and improve the financial decisions that affect their future, legacy, and well-being. The company’s cohesive team approach provides objective advice, customized solutions, and insights into beneficial habits that are designed to help clients meet their financial objectives.

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“Famiglia Wealth works with many clients who are successful, strategic, big picture thinkers who put their trust in our people, process, and expertise. We have a wealth of resources and a large network to help our clients achieve their goals,” Geisz says.

He notes that Famiglia Wealth’s planning-based service cultivates a deep personal relationship with each client that is particularly helpful when making tough decisions, especially in areas like generational business and wealth transfer as well as Advanced Planning – that is, the skillful leveraging of legal, regulatory, tax code, and financial expertise to protect and increase one’s net worth.

“Wealth management is not just about managing investments. Advanced Planning is critical to the industry and our clients – it requires specific knowledge that often is not addressed by the typical financial planner. We have this expertise and are here to help individuals, families, and their future generations,” Geisz explains. “After all, wealth is always about the family.”

Top left: Adam Biswanger, Robyn Crewdson, Jason Geisz and Wyatt Dennis.

Bottom left: Suzanne Minster, Robert Alati and Elizabeth Silver.

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KW DOMAIN LUXURY HOMES Erin Keating DeWald 210 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Suite 200, Birmingham | 248.259.7544 erinkdewald.com | Facebook: Erin Keating Dewald – KW Domain Luxury | Instagram: ekd.domain

rin Keating DeWald is a fourth generation offspring of local developers and top producing area realtors. She lives, works and sells in Metro Detroit.

DeWald originally entered into the corporate world after college but naturally kept coming back to houses, design and her love of working with people.

"For me, it was a natural progression,” said DeWald, realtor and co-owner at KW Domain-Luxury Homes in Birmingham.

DeWald, who grew up in the Birmingham/Bloomfield Hills area, has helped people find their dream homes for over 20 years, and helped launch KW Domain-Luxury Homes in 2016. She has worked across various price points and all across metro Detroit.

DeWald said since the market is much smaller for luxury homes, one needs

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to really stay on top of what’s selling, who is buying, networking with the top real estate professionals and creatively marketing those properties.

“You have to be good at telling the story of your own personal properties to make sure they stand out,” she noted, mentioning that communication, market knowledge and persistence is a key to being successful.

Clearly, whatever she is doing is working. DeWald said they are the number one office in Michigan, and she is one of the top producing agents.

“My goal for my career and success is built on honesty, loyalty, integrity. An ethical agent...that people can trust. I’m going to guide and educate my clients to make the best real estate decision for their needs.”

acknowledge the disturbing racial offense contained in this worksheet and sincerely regret its use and the harm it has caused. And our adults will continue to model how to listen when a community member hurts, apologize when necessary, and take action to make sure it does not happen again.”

Classes for students were reportedly cancelled and local police were stationed at the school following online threats that were made.

Through a spokesperson, the school provided a written response to calls and emails: “The Roeper School was founded in 1941 by educational pioneers George and Annemarie Roeper, who after fleeing Germany to escape Nazi persecution, established our school with the goal of educating children to become thoughtful, humane adults. As a school with a deep commitment to social justice for over 80 years, we must demonstrate greater care in the selection of content designed to guide our students. We remain committed to doing the important work of educating ourselves and the community in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and yet on this occasion, we did not live up to those core values. We know that our work in cultural competencies is vital and must be ongoing to ensure an inclusive learning environment for our students.”

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (DBirmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Troy) and State Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township), sent out a joint statement denouncing racism in the lesson.

“Today, we learned that the racist materials presented in a classroom at Roeper came from a lesson plan produced by Duke University. This incident is an ugly reminder that racism and damaging racist tropes are still very present today, even among prestigious institutions. As a community and a country, we should be far beyond such commonplace racist, ignorant tropes being used in our schools. Sadly, and disturbingly, we are not. We must all be vigilant in calling out racism, condemning it, and ultimately – resolving to do better. Racism has no place in the classroom and no place in our community.” downtownpublications.com

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FACES Liz Larin s a self-taught musician coming up during Detroit’s rich, eclectic music scene in the 1970s and 1980s, Liz Larin related to music by picking up an instrument, hearing the music in her head, then finding the sounds.

Larin says, “I’ve always known it’s the way I sense the world and others’ emotions. As a kid, I was a stutterer, so I gave up on language and everything became about music and sound.” Eventually she was able to overcome her stutter in high school through anger and speaking slowly in rhythm. While her stutter (and the anger associated with it) went away, her love of rhythm remained.

The talented musician made her way to Los Angeles, where her tech-oriented band, Rebel Heels, signed with Atlantic Records. Through the ebb and flow of the tumultuous music industry, she eventually found her way back to the Detroit area – a move that allowed her to be in control of her own artistic freedom and start her second independent record label, Bona Dea Music, specializing in world and ambient music and electronic pop/rock.

Ambient music is an atmospheric musical genre that resonates with Larin.

“Ambient music can change a room and a mind. It involves science, math, spirituality, and unseen geometry. It can be used to access a world or alter a state.”

The acclaimed musician was recently presented with two awards in the Electronic/Dance category at the 2022 Detroit Music Awards, bringing her award total to 46 over the past two decades. “The Detroit Music Awards is a special way to recognize local music. There’s a lot of talent here. We’re really lucky – not every city has recognition like this.”

Released in late 2021, Larin’s “The Expedition” received the Outstanding Electronic/Dance Recording award. Larin explains, “It’s a celebration of diversity and finding strength – music you would hear at a futuristic dance party.”

After spending years in the music industry as a composer, songwriter, recording artist, producer, and vocalist, the Birmingham-based musician is focused on her passion for composing. In addition to her own music, she is creating music for various independent films and special projects, including Lifetime network. To enhance her musical talents, Larin is studying orchestration (“the secret ingredient”), classical greats, and the relationship between world music and culture. She also offers a “master class” in music artistry for the next generation of aspiring musicians.

“I spend the bulk of my time creating music,” Larin says. “I think the most exciting music right now is associated with film. The composer takes the filmmaker’s ideas and gives emotional depth to a scene with music…There are some incredible composers working in this industry. Soundtracks represent a collective effort and can be so diverse.”

When she’s not creating in her Birmingham studio, Larin spends time gardening and traveling for both work and to meet up with her husband, who is a touring musician. She finds inspiration and positive energy along the way.

“I’m constantly inspired by the courageous acts of other people, such as poets, philosophers, and, especially these days, scientists – people who step out and are real explorers of the world and mind,” Larin muses. “They create and, as the final push, put it out for others to experience. How other people experience it is the true magic.”

She adds, “The future is incredibly bright – especially for the roles of women who are really breaking through. While lots of music has been done, there’s still room for a woman’s point of view. Women still have a lot to say…I try to be inspiring to others and fight negativity by bringing positivity – and always focusing on what’s possible.”

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Story: Tracy Donahue

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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MUNICIPAL BSD director resigns and criticizes board

By David Hohendorf

Sean Kammer, the executive director of the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD), resigned on Tuesday, May 3, just shy of one year into his tenure with the city, citing problems with some members of the governing board of the business group.

Kammer had been chosen by the city in mid-May of last year from a field of over 40 applicants following the early December 2020 resignation of former BSD executive director Ingrid Tighe, who was hired as the economic development director for Oakland County.

The Birmingham BSD is funded through a special assessment on all commercial, non-residential property in areas of downtown and other business districts of Birmingham. The executive director works with merchants, business owners, retailers, landlords, and commercial real estate brokers.

Prior to taking the Birmingham position, Kammer had spent four years as the manager of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in Royal Oak and, prior to that, as assistant city administrator and executive director of the DDA in Lathrup Village.

In his resignation letter, Kammer said he was “no longer comfortable” with “dishonesty and questionable ethics” of some members of the BSD governing board, according to Birmingham City Manager and BSD board member Tom Markus, who read from the resignation letter at the BSD board meeting on Thursday, May 5. Kammer was also frustrated with “losing support of the board,” according to Markus.

Markus addressed the charges made

by Kammer in a half hour discussion at the BSD meeting, basically conceding that the “strong comments” in the resignation letter were probably accurate in most respects.

Markus conceded that there has been friction among members of the BSD and Kammer, which he attributed to the period in 2020 and early 2021 when there was no interim director named as a search for an executive director was underway. As a result, Markus speculated, various committee members, members of the board, BSD employees and the retail recruitment firm under contract with the BSD started to treat more loosely the lines of communication and management authority, which complicated the job of Kammer when he came on board as executive director.

Addressing complaints that some meetings of board and committee members in the past may have bordered on violating the state's open meeting act, downtownpublications.com

Retail recruiter pact renewed after changes

By David Hohendorf

one-year extension of the contract with CC Consulting of Bloomfield Hills for retail recruitment to fill vacant store space in downtown Birmingham was approved by the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) board on Thursday, May 5, following implementation of pact verbiage changes suggested last month by board member and city manager Tom Markus.

The contract with CC Consulting, represented by Cindy Ciura, was put on hold by the board in early April after Markus highlighted a number of deficiencies in the agreement, among them the lack of a detailed chain of command when it came to the retail consultant communicating with the BSD on her efforts to bring new businesses to the city's downtown area.

The contract, a one-year agreement, basically follows the pay structure of past agreements with CC Consulting, with a base annual pay amount of $28,000, with bonus amounts for signing leases for space in Birmingham buildings. In the most recent past agreements, the pact carried an annual overall cap of $75,000 in compensation while the new agreement sets the limit at $77,000.

At the meeting in May Markus reminded the board that the new contract defines more clearly the role of both parties in the agreement, noting that the “major change” was the chain of communication and management spelling out that the retail consultant reports to the BSD executive director. In the past there had been communication problems with the retail consultant not always reporting directly to the executive director, instead reporting to members of the business development committee of the BSD or to department employees or other BSD board members, leaving the executive director in the dark on progress being made by the retail consultant.

Also included in the new contract is a section noting that the retail consultant will pursue commercial tenants based on recruiting priorities determined by the executive director and the BSD board, relying on a business mix analysis of the business community that is now underway.

The new contract also spells out that the BSD executive director can bring to the governing board possible future requests for exceeding the annual pay cap for the consultant, an issue that arose in the last year when added leases were signed after the limitation had been reached.

The board vote to renew the contract was unanimous, “subject to legal review” by the city attorney who was out of town prior to the May BSD board meeting.

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Markus advised BSD board members to avoid meetings to orchestrate voting outcomes on issues in advance of future board meetings, adding that debate at open meetings is part of the process of determining the outcome on issues, even if it meant meetings became a bit more contentious.

Kammer reportedly raised some of these issues in recent months with members of the board, and Markus conceded at the BSD meeting this week that officials “did not react as quickly as we should” to the complaints, although he shared with the board that at a meeting with the business development committee on Tuesday of this week he thought that most of the problems has been addressed.

The city manager also noted that developing a relationship between the BSD board and the executive director is “a two-way street.”

In a unanimous vote to accept the

Kammer resignation, the board also accepted as interim executive director Jana Ecker, who now serves as assistant city manager under Markus while a search is launched for a permanent executive director.

Meanwhile, Kammer has already been hired as the executive director of Main Street Pontiac, a private non-profit group working as part of a public/private partnership to revitalize downtown Pontiac. Main Street Pontiac has reportedly been trying to court Kammer in recent weeks for the position.

City opposes paying Highland Park debt

By Lisa Rose Hook

The Birmingham City Commission voted unanimously to oppose the resolution for Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) to continue to pick up

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the tab for the city of Highland Park's $54 million water debt at their meeting on Monday, May 9.

Mayor Therese Long asserted that the residents of Birmingham should not be responsible for repaying the city of Highland Park's arrearage of $54 million, which that city has refused to pay. It has been documented that nearly half of the GLWA's 2.4 sewage rate increase was influenced by this debt, which is instituted as a pass through to other communities.

The city of Highland Park’s debt resulted in a lawsuit which uncovered that Highland Park indeed collected water fees from local residents and business owners, but did not pay GLWA, an independent regional water and wastewater authority, providing drinking water and sewer services to communities in southeast Michigan, including those in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties. Residents of member communities pay for GLWA services through a portion of their water and sewer rates. Among its numerous member communities are Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township.

A problem arose with one of its member communities in July 2021, when GLWA revealed it had sued the state of Michigan seeking payment for nine years of water service to GLWA as well as to DWSD that had been provided to the city of Highland Park – and had not been paid, after the state shuttered the city's potable water facility in 2012 after years of operational problems.

The water provider states that GLWA is in violation of an ancient law which disallows another community to provide water to the municipality. The case has been on the back burner for nearly a decade, but in March 2022, GLWA aggressively went after the debt by tacking fees onto other cities in Wayne and Macomb County.

Birmingham, along with Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, receive water from The Southeast Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA) and the Oakland County Resources Commission for waste services.

A very brief and pointed conversation took place between commission members, and a unanimous agreement to leave Highland Park to its own devices concerning its water debt was the resounding consensus.

City Manager Tom Markus will forward copies of the resolution to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan state legislators and GLWA. The Highland Park water debt issue was the subject of a court ruling this week but the issue is due to be before the court again in the next two weeks. A judge ordered this week that Highland Park must resume payments on the debt.

53

Planners stall on outdoor dining rules

By Lisa Brody

fter almost a year of study and discussions, the Birmingham Planning Board failed to come to an consensus on a newly-written ordinance on extended year-round outdoor dining standards at their meeting on Wednesday, May 11, with a motion failing 3-4, and board chair Scott Clein declaring the item closed until it can be successfully brought back.

Of primary issue to some members of the board were disagreements over awnings versus umbrellas; whether and where tables, plantings, heaters and umbrellas on public property should be stored during the months of January, February and March; and if all restaurateurs and other property owners had been personally sent letters alerting them of the public hearing they were having, as only the owner of Commonwealth attended.

Outdoor dining has been in flux in Birmingham since the COVID-19 pandemic began, when on December 7, 2020, the city commission discussed amending the zoning ordinance to consider allowing the enclosure of outdoor dining areas during the winter months. During the pandemic, special ordinance provisions were created to allow enclosures, which were later prohibited when the governor's emergency orders lapsed. The commission then asked the planning board to consider this issue, and any regulations they may recommend should outdoor dining enclosures be permitted. The planning board held almost a year of study sessions on the topic.

The proposed ordinance included provisions that would allow outdoor dining facilities on public property with a valid license upon compliance with all city codes; they must be responsible for all snow and ice removal consistent with the city's DPW standards; all outdoor dining facility elements such as railings, planters, tables, chairs, heaters, umbrellas, and the like must be stored indoors each night between January 1 and March 31 to allow for complete snow and ice removal; outdoor dining in a via or alley is only permitted April 1 through December 31; and an ADA-compliant patio may be built in front of an establishment.

Among the other requirements are that table umbrellas cannot impede sight lines into a retail establishment; obstruct pedestrian flow within the outdoor dining facility; obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow outside the outdoor dining facility or extend beyond the limits of the facility; or contain signage or advertising.

In addition, fixed or freestanding awnings are not permitted within outdoor dining platforms.

Board member Stuart Jeffares said he was not in favor of umbrellas, and disagreed with fixed or freestanding awnings. He also had issues with the lack of established restaurateurs to be grandfathered in. “Next time they open their SLUPs, they'll have to make changes,” he said.

Board member Janelle Boyce voiced similar concerns.

Jeffares and Boyce, along with board member Bryan Williams, were concerned about possible lack of noticing for the public hearing.

“It doesn't feel right to me to not have people who know exactly what was going or would have been here or would have written letters,” Jeffares said.

Williams concurred. “I'm troubled by our notice provisions. I conclude I'm going to vote no because we should have reached out to every restaurateur over the last year, and we didn't. We need to get this right.”

“The timing and urgency to wrap this up because we've been working on this for a year doesn't matter so much at this point in the game because everybody's got their outdoor dining,” said Boyce. “I think if it took us another few months to get this right it would let us do this better and we'd have the opportunity to talk to all these people that it'll affect. I'd like to know how many existing platforms this'll affect, and I'd like to know what we're doing to all these people who've invested tens of thousands of dollars into their platforms. I'm still really uncomfortable with 'fixed or free-standing awnings.'”

“The self-loathing is a little much,” Clein castigated. “We've noticed per our ordinances, these meetings are not held in secret, they've been held monthly for the last 10 months. I understand people are busy, but so are we… Frankly, it's a horrible precedent to say we have to reach out to individual property owners every time a public body wants to look at an ordinance. The moment we don't, we forget somebody – we're headed to court. I'm in support of moving this forward to the city commission with the understanding it's not perfect.”

Clein and board members Robin Boyle and Dan Share voted in favor of the ordinance, while Jeffares, Williams, Boyce and board member Bert Koseck voted in opposition, and the motion failed.

A

Markus to helm new city manager search

By Lisa Brody

The Birmingham City Commission unanimously agreed to have current city manager Tom Markus perform a local, regional and national search for a new city manager at their meeting on Monday, May 9, as his contract with the city will expire in July 2023.

Both Markus and commissioners agreed to include internal candidates for consideration, notably assistant city manager Jana Ecker, who Markus emphasized is an excellent, and perhaps the best, candidate for the city.

At the meeting, the commission was presented with three different options for the selection of the next city manager, including to continue working with Ecker, to prepare her to assume Markus' duties at the end of his appointment on June 30, 2023; to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to hire a national search firm to conduct a national search for a new city manager; or to direct Markus to perform a local, regional and national search for a new city manager.

“When I was hired, initially I offered to come here for four to five years, thinking you would want someone to commit for that long a period of time,” Markus said. “There was then the accusation that I was demanding five years, and of course I wasn't, and I acceded to a much lower term, and got it down to twoand-a-half years, and it is fleeting away quickly.

“The discussion when we went to that shorter term was of me hiring an assistant – and that was advertised nationally,” he continued. “Like many processes nowadays, we ended up with an internal candidate that was clearly the best choice, and that person was appointed. The concept when I was brought back was perhaps I could train that person into the city manager's position – that was all by design. I didn't come up with that. It was the city commission at the time. Personally, I thought it was a really smart idea, knowing what I know, the dearth of really qualified candidates out there – you're going to search far and wide to find them. The community has its own culture. The advantage Jana has is that she understands this culture, which will take any person coming in from the outside a substantial amount of time just to understand, much less how we operate.”

“The likelihood that someone is going to come along who can do this

job better than Jana, to me, is really slim,” said commissioner Clinton Baller. “I support this candidate.”

“I feel really strongly we have to go through a search. I think the public is going to want a formal process and I am comfortable asking our city manager, who has been here twice and seen what's happened in the interim, in his experience, to do the search,” said commissioner Elaine McLain.

Markus explained he could do the search in the same way as a national search firm. He noted there is a feeling that people would die to come to Birmingham. “They're dying to come here to be residents,” he pointed out. “You will have the challenge of some candidates who could even afford to live here based on the salary structure.”

Mayor Therese Longe said she has been involved in several national searches professionally, “and I think you've glossed over how much work for the city and commission a manager option is. Once one of these outside search firms come in, they spend an enormous amount of time conducting interviews with city staff and commissioners to learn who you are, what do you want, and what your values are.

I like Ms. Ecker and have full faith in her. I also agree with commissioner McLain that the community would expect some process, and having gone through the process would give Ms. Ecker full credibility in the community to govern and to manage, which is important.”

Commissioners approved the option have Markus begin a search in the beginning of 2023, 6-0 with commissioner Brad Host absent.

Hotel dining platform set with reservations

By Kevin Elliott

Plans to construct an outdoor dining platform at the Rugby Grille, 100 Townsend, were approved by the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, April 25, but a forthcoming ordinance change may require changes to the platform this summer.

Commissioners approved the special land use permit to allow for a covered, 16-seat outdoor dining deck, which is partially on public and partially on private property. The deck is in addition to an existing sidewalk dining deck, with a five-foot walkway on the sidewalk between the two platforms for pedestrians.

Commissioners voted 5-2 to approve the special land use permit, with

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MUNICIPAL commissioners Clinton Baller and Andrew Haig voting against the approval.

Baller said he had several concerns with the proposed platform, including the amount of public space – including parking spots and portions of the sidewalk – that the additional platform would utilize, as well as a list of unknown variables that the city should solidify in terms of policy.

“My recollection is that we agreed to put these decks in the street to accommodate outdoor dining when there wasn’t room on the site for outdoor dining. Where there wasn’t private property or room on the sidewalk, so we said ‘let’s give them some space in the street,’” Baller said.

“I see this would double the amount of space that The Townsend has for outdoor dining, and the existing outdoor dining encroaches onto public property. They also take up a certain amount of street for valet parking, at least two spaces on Townsend and Merrill… so we are giving a significant amount of public property to The Townshend already, and this would increase that, for a purpose that the public seems to like and want: outdoor dining. Yet, I note there is a restaurant across the street that doesn’t have any existing outdoor dining, and took full advantage last year and put out a large deck and is likely to come before us again. How many parking spaces are on that street?”

Baller, who was referring to Bella Piatti, said there are still other restaurants that will likely want outdoor dining, with dining decks taking up much of the parking.

Haig, who also opposed approval of the dining platform, said he would like to see restaurants remain within the approval criteria, after approval is given by the commission.

“If you go one inch outside that line, I expect code enforcement to write some nasty fines,” Haig said. “I’m going to give some advice to future applicants: we are going to give you parameters. Stay within them, don’t step outside. Let’s enjoy within that but don’t encroach upon others because a five-foot clearance is a pain if you have a stroller or especially a wheelchair to try to jam through a gap.

They don’t shrink just because you decided to grow. You can’t get through.”

Baller also questioned how long the approval of the special use permit would be in effect, particularly in relation to a revised outdoor dining ordinance the city is contemplating, which isn’t expected to allow covered dining platforms.

Birmingham City Manage Tom 60

Police begin to address car noise

By Lisa Brody

irmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence wants residents to know his department, along with Bloomfield Township and Royal Oak police departments, are working on the continued noise issues on Woodward Avenue, chiefly those caused by car enthusiasts and individuals who have modified the exhaust systems on their vehicles.

The problem is, he explained, currently there isn't a lot they can do, as “Enforcing regulations regarding excessive vehicle noise would require changes to the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code laws, which were written long before after-market exhaust systems existed,” he said, which requires changes to state laws, not local ordinances, which police departments enforce.

“The police department cannot enforce local noise ordinances on public roadways because local ordinances cannot supersede the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code,” said Clemence. “The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code controls all laws pertaining to public roadways.”

While it's not unusual for car enthusiasts to cruise along Woodward during spring and summer months, loud exhaust systems and modified mufflers contribute to concerns regarding excessive noise levels, he explained. Given that Woodward Avenue is a state of Michigan roadway, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) controls all signs, traffic signals, roadway markings and speed limits. “Current motor vehicle codes make noise enforcement problematic for officers to enforce,” he said.

Therefore, he noted, it's up to state legislators to change the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code.

Clemence said Birmingham and surrounding communities “have asked state representatives to clarify language that will help further enforce noise level regulations pertaining to modified exhaust systems.”

In addition, the police department sent a letter to the Michigan Attorney General's Office seeking clarification on a possible noise enforcement mechanism, but the response received did not clarify or assist law enforcement in addressing the issue.

Both Birmingham and Bloomfield Township police departments report they have stepped up patrols on Woodward to enforce all sections of the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code for violations, have enlisted assistance from neighboring communities of Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak to coordinate efforts on enforcement, and have periodically invited the traffic unit of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and the Michigan State Police to assist in these efforts.

Officers are issuing tickets to drivers engaging in illegal activities such as speeding and drag racing, and will continue to provide enforcement along Woodward to ensure public safety.

“The police department has worked very hard on behalf of our residents to assist with the noise problem,” said Clemence. “We encourage the community to join us in reaching out to our state representatives to request changes that will address these concerns and improve the atmosphere along Woodward.”

B

Markus said the special land use permit language before the commission would require the Rugby Grille to remove the covered portion of the platform if the new ordinance doesn’t permit awning or roofs covers.

Birmingham City Attorney Mary Kucharek concurred, saying the applicant would have to conform to any amendment or changes to the law.

Markus questioned why the planning board would approve a site plan for covered outdoor dining when the proposed ordinance doesn’t allow for roofs.

Planning Director Nick Dupuis said

the current ordinance “doesn’t preclude roof structures,” but the draft ordinance being considered by the city doesn’t allow for structures with roofs.

Markus explained that the special land use permit being considered includes language that would require the Rugby Grille to be in compliance of the new outdoor dining ordinance when approved, meaning it’s likely the roof would need to be removed.

Representatives with the Rugby Grille said they weren’t aware of the condition in the special land use permit. Further, the roof structure of the platform is likely to cost about $30,000.

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

To accommodate the applicant, the city agreed to allow them to use umbrellas instead of a roof, as is proposed in the ordinance being considered by the city.

Mayor Therese Longe questioned how many parking spaces would be used by the platform and existing valet areas, to which staff was unsure. Staff also noted that The Townsend/Rugby Grille doesn’t have a current lease agreement with the city for all the spaces. Updating the number of spaces and lease agreement for those spaces was included as a special condition of the permit.

Birmingham resident Paul Regan said he agreed with Baller’s interest in delaying or opposing the approval until unknown variables could be determined.

“You’re setting policy on sensitive issues in a one-off manner,” Regan said.

Stacked Deli forced to close, loses lease Stacked Deli, 233 N. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham, served it's last bowl of chicken soup and it's last corned beef sandwich on Friday, May 13, after its lease was not renewed after 10 years in the same location.

Owner/manager Tommy Gjonia was informed by landord Bedros Artesian, who bought the building Stacked Deli is located in a couple of years ago, that he wanted to do some renovations to the space, and they would need to close their doors for six to eight months. Gjonia was told at the time that he could leave all of the deli's equipment in place.

Stacked Deli's lease expired May 31.

Dennis Boatman, deli man at Stacked, said they seriously considered resigning the lease and doing that, but when Gjonia contacted Artesian, he said he had reconsidered and he wanted to do a more thorough renovation, which would take over a year. Further, Gjonia would have to remove all the equipment from the space.

“We can't be closed for over a year,” Boatman said, noting that removing the equipment really sunk the deal.

Boatman said Gjonia has been looking for another location in Birmingham to open up at, but he is not sure if there will be a spot that will work out.

“This wasn't a voluntary thing,” Boatman and Gjonia emphasized.

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Pickleball courts coming to Crestview

By David Hohendorf

The city of Birmingham will begin working on providing temporary pickleball courts at Crestview Park following action by the city commission on Monday, May 23.

Director of public services Lauren Wood reminded commissioners that pickleball courts have been part of the most recent parks and recreation bond issue.

The city parks and reaction board has discussed the issue of pickleball courts since March of 2021. The parks board looked at five potential locations for the courts and the choices were narrowed to three locations, including Crestview Park, Kenning Park and St. James Park.

Two surveys on Engage Birmingham were conducted, with Kenning Park being the location supported the most by survey participants.

Wood told commissioners that parks board members have recommended converting existing tennis courts, of which there are now 16 in the city,

higher than the national recommendation on the number of courts based on population.

Although the Kenning Park location ranked the highest in the Engage Birmingham surveys, and was the recommendation of the parks board, Wood told commissioners that the Kenning site may well be part of a future storm sewer retention pond project, which has yet to be engineered by the city. It was noted that eventually, depending on whether a detention pond was constructed underground, Kenning could still be a future site for pickleball courts.

City mayor Therese Longe, a former long-time member of the parks board, told commissioners that it would be “fiscally irresponsible” to move forward on creating courts at the Kenning location at this time.

Discussion then focused on a number of options, including Crestview Park courts being re-striped to allow for both tennis and pickleball, which was eventually rejected by the commissioners.

Ultimately the commission gave unanimous support to a motion providing for replacement of the tennis courts at the Crestview Park with six

pickleball courts, with Pierre Boutros not at the meeting. The effort would include establishing the new courts on a temporary basis with painting over existing tennis court striping and making adjustments for pickleball so that the courts could be put to a more immediate use this summer. At the same time, the city was requested to seek bids on a more permanent pickleball court situation at Crestwood so that a budget for the project could be established.

Birmingham, RH coordinate plans Conflicting construction schedules involving the planned four-story RH building on S. Old Woodward, between Brown and Daines streets, has led to a construction coordination agreement with Birmingham.

Plans to break ground on the destination shopping location are scheduled for this summer, with a completion date in the fall of 2024.

However, the city of Birmingham plans to complete its third and final phase of its S. Old Woodward construction plan – which calls for a rebuilt roadway, streetscape, sidewalks, utilities and

pedestrian enhancements – during the same time.

Birmingham Assistant City Manager Jana Ecker said the city and RH reached an agreement to allow for the coordination of construction.

“In order to construct the RH building, it is necessary for RH and Sachse (Construction) to secure a construction staging area for storage and staging during construction, which will include the RH parcel and a portion of the S. Old Woodward, E. Brown Street and Daines street rights of way,” Ecker said. “In order to construct the city’s S. Old Woodward project, it will be necessary for the city to use Daines Street as a city staging area.

“As RH and/or Sachse will be occupying a portion of the S. Old Woodward right of way during the city’s construction period, it will be necessary for RH to perform a complete reconstruction of the roadway and streetscape being used as a construction staging area at their cost, once construction of the RH building is complete,” she said.

Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement at their meeting on Monday, April 25.

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Whole Foods bistro gets green light Maple Road Taproom, located within Whole Roods at 2100 E. Maple Road in Birmingham, was permitted to reopen as a bistro after it closed temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic, and no action was required by city commissioners at their meeting on Monday, May 9.

A public hearing to review provisions of the bistro's special land use ordinance had been placed on the commission agenda as the restaurant space had been observed being used as a storage and employee break room, which is not permitted with a bistro license. The commission moved to renew the Maple Road Taproom's liquor license on March 28 and set a special meeting to review the special land use permit on the May 9.

The establishment has been open since May 1 for full service. It was reported that city staff paid a visit to the location to ensure that they were indeed open for regular service, and returned to the commission with a package, including a photo of the

Taproom and the hours of operation, although Whole Foods did not have specific hours listed in the original subcontract.

Staff noted that "they are open for business, we saw patrons enjoying food and the restaurant was set up as in the final site plans.” There were no building violations, however there were fire code violations which have been reportedly resolved.

The consensus was that based on recommendation from city manager Tom Markus, there was no need to take action.

Kelly Allen, the attorney representing Whole Foods, was present for the Zoom meeting, which was open to the public.

Marcus said, as a “memo” to Allen, "I think it would be appropriate that a representative from Whole Foods be present at these meetings. It seems like almost every other license holder would have a representative here because something usually gets lost in translation," he noted. He requested that she convey to management that they be physically present at the next opportunity.

Allen assured Marcus that there were indeed members of Whole Foods

Management attending the Zoom meeting and that she didn't think it was necessary to have management present at the meeting, as they were included on the call list. She called it an "oversight" on her part and stated that she would make Whole Foods management aware of his recommendation.

Hunter House site dispute delays lease The long court-ensnared development at one of the gateway entrances to the city of Birmingham was back before the city commission on Monday, May 23, but once again city officials selected not to take any action on what is called The Maple development until legal issues between two warring parties are resolved.

The Maple, a proposed five story development is surrounded by Maple, Park, Hamilton Row and Woodward, facing the Greenleaf Trust building.

The property at 35001 and 35075 Woodward, is currently home to Hunter House restaurant, as well as a cityowned parking lot and a vacant parking lot leased to the city for public

parking. The Birmingham Planning Board had previously approved the proposal An agreement for the owners, Hesham Gayer of Grand Blanc, to lease city-owned land for $60,000 a year was before the commission. But city commissioners were reluctant to deal with the lease given the fact that the property owners and the owner of the Hunter House are tied up in court.

Kelly Cobb, Hunter House owner, maintains that deed restrictions give the restaurant oversight on any development of the land and supposedly any development would have to include a new version of the Hunter House.

When the land lease item on the agenda came up, several commissioners expressed a reluctance to move forward on the property lease issue.

Further, commissioner Clinton Baller raised issues relative to the development, the walkability reputation of the city and the adjacent Park Street which he said should be part of future discussions, alluding to the possible vacation of Park Street.

No action was taken on the proposed lease of city land.

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MUNICIPAL Rezoning request denied next to condos

By Kevin Elliott

Hopes to develop a vacant lot next to the Westbrown Condominiums, 695 W. Brown Street in Birmingham, appears to have been thwarted on Wednesday, April 27, as the Birmingham Planning Board and neighboring residents largely opposed a rezoning request by the developer.

The 10,507-square-foot lot is on the west side of Watkins Street, south of the eight-unit Westbrown townhome development, owned by LB Land, LLC. The lot was rezoned in 2018 as part of the Westbrown development from R2 single-family to R8 multi-family zoning classification to accommodate the townhome development.

At the time, the former developer/landowner indicated to the city the desire to construct a singlefamily home on the site, as the property doesn’t meet requirements for additional multi-family development. The owner subsequently listed the land as a “general common area” for the townhome residents, according to deed documentation reviewed by city staff.

“In order to build anything, they need to rezone, then get a lot split approval from the city commission,” said Birmingham City Planner Brooks Cowan.

Anthony Palleschi with LB Land, LLC, said the city indicated the only way to build on the site is to have it rezoned from multi-family to singlefamily residential zoning, which LB Land is pursuing. Further, he said plans to construct a single-family home at the site was expressed in planning board minutes from 2018.

“We made it clear to the city from the beginning what we intended to do,” Palleschi said.

Townhome residents challenged the applicant’s request, as it was their understanding the land would be saved as green space, as it can’t be developed under its current zoning. Further, residents cited concerns about traffic, congestion and safety.

“We were told when we bought it would be preserved for green space for the residents and condo association,” said resident Brian Gordon, a townhome owner.

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Office building on Telegraph receives okay

By Lisa Brody

site plan for a new two-story office building on Telegraph north of Square Lake Road, proposed by Jim Evola, owner of Evola Music, and Kalabat Entity LLC, received approval from the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at their meeting on Monday, April 25.

Andrea Bibby, deputy director of planning, building and ordinance, explained that in 2019, Evola and Kalabat had filed a joint site plan which included a request to rezone the vacant subject parcels from B-1 local business district to B-3 general business district and construct a three story building. At the time, when they went before the zoning board of appeals (ZBA), variances were denied. To questions from trustees, Bibby explained the differences from B-1 to B-3 include the type of tenants, from local businesses to national, which can be leased.

Evola and Kalabat submitted a new site plan to develop two vacant parcels just south of Bloomfield Place Drive for a two-story 14,120-square foot office building, adjacent to Evola Music, 2184 Telegraph, with site improvements, including overflow parking for Evola and shared parking and access agreement for both property users. Bibby said 52 parking spots are required, and 64 spots are provided. There would be two access drives to the new building from southbound Telegraph.

The building is proposed to be built of brick with metal sconces.

She said the applicants went before the ZBA on March 8, 2022, and requested and were granted variances for temporarily encroaching into the natural features setback for the construction of the parking lot and a retaining wall near the northerly parking area, and for the installation of trees within the natural features setback.

Iden Kalabat, president of Kalabat Engineering, said the first floor of the building would be leased out as rental space, possibly as medical space, and they would occupy the second floor.

“It's a nice building and I wish you well,” said treasurer Brian Kepes.

A

Birmingham resident Michael Tyranski, who lives down the street from the townhomes, said Watkins is already congested with traffic, and adding another home would be a detriment.

“Residents come and go on that narrow street, and it’s hard to pass and gets congested with the number of residents there,” he said. “The north end of the street is impossible to navigate, sometimes…I think the city has maximized the corner, and adding another residence will deflate brownstone values, overpopulate the corner and hurt the integrity and character of the neighborhood. I sympathize that the lot has value and are willing to come up with a solution that is a win for everyone.”

Tyranski said the residents and neighbors are willing to make the landowner an offer to purchase the vacant lot based on the market value under its current R-8 multi-family zoning.

Planning board members discussed the criteria prescribed by the zoning ordinance when considering a zoning request, and how the history of the land impacts

their decision. Under the ordinance, the board must consider: if the land meets the objectives of the 2016 Master Plan; whether it matches existing uses in the surrounding properties; the zoning class of the general area; the suitability of uses proposed; and zoning trends of the general surrounding properties.

“Suppose that we find a rezoning is necessary to enable something to be built on that land, so it can be productive for the landowner,” said board member Daniel Share.”If we find that, but we also find there are some detriments that occur to surrounding properties as a result of rezoning. Is that something we are allowed to factor into our decision, or is that background information that may inform our thinking but we are tied to the five standards?

“The tricky part is that because of the nature of the Westbrown development, there is ambiguity whether we view this as part of the existing condominium development or look at it on its own. Whether or not it can be separated isn’t in our control.”

Share said the matter is

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ultimately a land-use issue, and should be determined as such. He said it’s true that the landowner can’t develop the property as currently zoned, and that it would match the surrounding single-family properties of the neighborhood, excluding the condo development, and that a single-family home would be more suitable than a multi-family home.

“I think it’s a land-use matter, not a neighborhood building or a lot split, and that rezoning is appropriate,” Share said. “That doesn’t mean a single-family development is appropriate, and I wouldn’t want anyone to or the city commission to think this is a very close case, nor that I would recommend a lot split to enable construction on the site.”

Board member Robin Boyle, who served on the planning board in 2018 when this was before them, said he recalls the original development and the discussion of the parcel in question, to which there was no final agreement. Rather than overcrowding the neighborhood, Boyle said the leftover land could be developed as a pocket park for the neighborhood. Further, he said the board should consider both the history and future of the land.

“It’s not simply an issue of land use. It’s an issue of the future land use of this area. That’s what we are talking about. We are a planning board, not a zoning board,” Boyle said. “There was a case made by residents and the board that this part of the parcel should have been considered as part of the whole wraparound of the building, and they didn’t do it and are left with this. The appropriate land use would be an organized open space.”

Board chair Scott Clein said it appears the developer made a mistake when initially developing the property not to utilize the parcel or have it rezoned at that time.

“I don’t know if it’s our job to help fix mistakes,” he said.

Board member J. Bryan Williams recommended the planning board forward the issue to the Birmingham City Commission with a recommendation to reject the rezoning request. Board members approved 5-1 with members Boyle, Clein, Share, Janelle Boyce and Bert Koseck voting in favor of recommending rejection and Share voting against rejection.

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Phoenicia planning for small expansion

By Kevin Elliott

Popular Birmingham restaurant Phoenicia, 588 S. Old Woodward, is planning a small expansion this year to accommodate additional kitchen space and private dining, as wells as a new outdoor dining area along S. Old Woodward.

Opened in 1982, Phoenicia is seeking to add about 1,381 square feet of space to the rear of the building to update the original construction and bring the building up to current city code requirements.

The addition will replace a small wooden outbuilding constructed in the 1970's that has been used for storage.

At the planning board meeting on Wednesday, April 27, Birmingham City Planner Brooks Cowan said Phoenicia is seeking to rearrange some indoor seating to add 14 additional seats in the expanded area, which will include a skylight above the table in a 494-square foot dining area. Two additional indoor

bathrooms, kitchen space and an employee locker room are also proposed in the area.

“The rear expansion appears to clean up what is now an unorganized and aesthetically unappealing rear storage area with unscreened dumpsters and a wooden shack in close proximity to a residential area,” Cowan said.

Additionally, Phoenicia is seeking to add a 36-seat outdoor dining patio in front of the establishment. Cowan said the design incorporates approved streetscape plans for S. Old Woodward Phase 3 construction. The dining deck wouldn’t be on the street or use on street parking, as the parking spaces must be eliminated during road construction to comply with current traffic standards.

The expansion requires Phoenicia to obtain an updated parking agreement to accommodate 20 additional parking spots, which was included as a condition for approval to city commission.

Planning board members voted unanimously to approve the site plan and associated special land use permit.

Stipulations set for 220 outdoor deck The popular 220 Merrill restaurant, located at 220 Merrill Street in downtown Birmingham, requested to build an outdoor dining platform to accommodate their patrons, with approval by the city commission at their meeting on Monday, May 9.

A public hearing took place covering the special land use permit amendment, final site plan and design review for the request of the new dining deck, and the resolution passed with the condition that the business return in July to review concerns brought up by citizens and city officials in attendance. Their current outdoor dining patio includes seating for 78 at 23 tables.

During the pandemic, the restaurant was approved for expanded outdoor dining pursuant to the temporary outdoor dining expansion, involving the addition of a 480 square foot platform taking up three metered parking spaces in front of the restaurant. 220 submitted the SLUP application seeking permanent approval of this area.

The conditions set forth by the commission included removal of all existing planter boxes and hanging planters proposed on the new fence, which are on public property, and relocation to private property. The establishment must also install standard city grates over existing tree boxes along the right-of-way adjacent to the building.

There was considerable debate over the final decor planned for the outdoor platform, as well as the amount of space being taken away from street parking by the platform and valet stand. Initially, pink chairs and yellow umbrellas were designed for the location, a decision that met with some opposition from mayor pro tem Pierre Boutros, who suggested that, "The city should consider a historic committee opinion about color palette."

Other objections were raised during public comment by Birmingham resident Rick Gould, a long-time resident of the Merrillwood apartments across the street at 211 E. Merrill. Gould stated that he is opposed to the proposed valet parking in the alley behind the restaurant.

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"The alley behind Merrill and Pierce is a disaster," he asserted.

"When it rains, it's like Quarton Lake.

It [valet parking] is bad for the vendors, people making deliveries and the people who live here."

Gould also noted that he was concerned the platform would draw more traffic and noise.

"People come down with their new fancy cars and revved up engines ... and the motorcycles with big radios – you can hear them in Shain Park. We put up with noise, noise, noise," he said.

Birmingham resident and attorney David Potts stated, "It is a problem ... it is very nosy [but] frankly I don't know what you can do.”

Zaid Elia, owner of 220 Merrill Restaurant, shared that his goal is to work with everyone, including the city's advisory parking committee. He agreed to a change of colors for the tables and umbrellas to be consistent with the city's historic guidelines. He said that the platform could be built within two days.

Boutros pointed out that residing in a vibrant and lively city such as Birmingham is accompanied by noise, to a reasonable degree, but encouraged the approval of the platform, noting that 220 Merrill has been a strong and successful business, contributing to the aesthetic of the city and commending its longevity and the commerce it brings to the city.

Commissioners voted 5-1, with commissioner Andrew Haig voting against and Mayor Therese Longe recused, to approve the final site plan, design review and the amendment for the special land use permit, with a review set for July.

Township police chief retires after 30 years

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Township Police Chief Phil Langmeyer announced his retirement after 30 years with the department at the board of trustees meeting on Monday, May 23, and trustees reluctantly accepted it.

“After 30 years of service to Bloomfield Township and over 32 years in law enforcement I have decided to retire from my position as chief of police, effective July 1, 2022. It has been a pleasure serving the people of Bloomfield Township and the men and women of this department,” Langmeyer said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Bloomfield Township Police Department and thank you for your support.”

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Commissioners opt to not pursue pay hike irmingham commissioners on Monday, May 23, opted not to request putting before voters this year a possible city charter change that would have increased their pay, which now totals $5 per meeting which occur generally twice each month.

City staff presented a Michigan Municipal League comparison of commissioner pay levels in other communities for review by Birmingham commissioners in case there was support for requesting a change to the city charter in which the current pay level is specified. But there seemed to be little or no support for seeking change to the current charter which would have been subject to state level review before being placed on the ballot for voter approval this November. The current pay level has been in effect since 1991 or perhaps earlier, according to officials.

Commissioner Andrew Haig noted that by using past inflation rates, the $5 per meeting pay would in today's terms equate to $40 for each meeting but he pointed out that he was “not doing (the city commission) for the money,” a sentiment echoed by other members of the commission.

Commissioner Clinton Baller questioned the value of the pay comparison presented to commission members, noting that it lacked detail in terms of the number of meetings attended in other communities and suggested that the commission may want to “get rid of it (pay) entirely” because it most likely “costs us more to cut the checks.”

Following a brief discussion, mayor Therese Longe noted that it did not appear there were the necessary five votes to begin the charter amendment process so no action was taken.

B

Langmeyer was moved as he thanked his fellow officers. “I would like to take a moment to thank the men and women of the Bloomfield Township Police Department. They are some of the best. This department sets a high bar for other police departments to achieve and we could not do that without these people. We often hear departments talk about being a family. We are a family and I will miss you all.”

Former supervisor Leo Savoie, who appointed Langmeyer, attended the meeting and said, “In the 16 years I was with the township, we saw a lot of great chiefs. We heard time and time again as we had promotions that other communities wish they had our talent pool.”

“We have always known you to be fierce, loyal and hardworking,” said treasurer Brian Kepes. “You continued to build on our department's reputation of excellence. While we are sad to see you retire, we are appreciative of all you have done for our community.”

“You took over during a pandemic, social unrest, a change in leadership,” supervisor Dani Walsh said. “I'm thankful you brought the CoRE program to us. We now have our own weigh station for trucks here.

There are significant fines and it saves our roads. You showed a kindness for this team and a kindness and compassion for the residents.”

Gallagher named new township police chief Captain James Gallagher was unanimously named the new chief of the Bloomfield Township Police Department at the board of trustees meeting on Monday, May 23, following the announcement of chief Phil Langmeyer's retirement.

Both become effective July 1, 2022.

In introducing his replacement, Langmeyer said that Gallagher, with the department since 2000, “was a field training officer for a lot of our officers.”

Another distinction that Gallagher holds, Langmeyer said, is that Gallagher was – and still is – a dispatcher for the department. “He still puts on a headset when he's needed. That's Jim,” said Langmeyer.

Gallagher has a distinctive resume, Langmeyer pointed out, as a highly decorated officer. In 2006, he was detailed to the Oakland County Narcotics Team, promoted to sergeant in 2014 and captain in 2019, was the township's “Covid czar,” and is founding member of the Bloomfield Township Benevolence Society, with which he continues to be involved.

“His drive and work ethic are second-to-none,” Langmeyer said.

“He'll show up, always to help. Jim sets high expectations for himself but always get the work done to get there.”

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Also receiving promotions were sergeant Matt Hill, who was promoted to lieutenant, and officers Jim Shoemaker and Tony Woycehoski to sergeant.

Sheriff's marine patrol on Upper Long Lake

By Lisa Brody

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees approved an agreement between the township and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for marine patrol services on township lakes at their meeting on Monday, May 23, with a contract then approved for Upper Long Lake.

Township clerk Martin Brook explained the Oakland County Sheriff's Office offers its marine patrol services to homeowner's associations on lakes for a fee. The agreement, which he said had already been approved for the sheriff's office by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, is for 2022-2024, for its marine patrols, and pertains to all marine laws.

According to the agreement, the sheriff's office shall assign to the municipality the number and rank of sheriff's deputies to perform all of the marine patrol services determined necessary under the agreement.

Further, it is the “Sheriff's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules, regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment, policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any activity.”

Trustees voted 6-0, with trustee Michael Schostak not in attendance, to approve the agreement between them for all township lakes. However, Brook noted that only one lake, Upper Long Lake, currently contracts for the service.

Trustees voted 6-0 to approve the contract for Upper Long Lake patrol services from May 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024.

“Lake owners all collect funds to pay into funding it,” noted trustee Val Murray. “That's how we do it on Walnut Lake.”

It was noted that if any other lake is interested in sheriff's marine patrols, township clerk Martin Brook would be the contact person.

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La Strada expansion gets planners’ nod

By Kevin Elliott

Plans to expand La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar, 243 Merrill Street in Birmingham, into a neighboring space inside the Merrillwood Building and add additional outdoor dining were recommended to be forwarded to the Birmingham City Commission by the city planning board on Wednesday, April 27.

La Strada opened in 2015 as La Strada Dolci e Caffee, and quickly become a popular European-style bistro known for VIP service, ambiance and thoughtfully created rustic Italian offerings. Owner Zharko Palushaj, former operating partner with Tre Monti Ristorante in Troy, re-branded the bistro in late 2019 as La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar, and announced a “no-tip” policy, moving all employees to annual salaries.

Plans to expand the restaurant into the vacant Adore Nails and Spa, 241 Merrill Street, were reviewed by the Birmingham Planning Board on April 27, which unanimously recommended to the city commission to approve the site plan and special land use permit.

“La Strada was given the opportunity to expand and give it a little more breathing room,” Birmingham attorney John Henke said on behalf of La Strada.

“This will give a little more elbow room for servers and diners, and provide a retail opportunity in an indoor space. It’s a little bigger expansion than they wanted … we are likely to return with a kitchen redo, and hopefully grab-and-go lunch.”

The expansion request includes a reconfiguration of the dining room to provide additional window seating in the former spa space, as well as an additional 16 outdoor dining seats. The restaurant has already reached the maximum of 65 interior seats as allowed under Birmingham’s bistro ordinance.

The ordinance, which was designed to activate the city’s business districts and sidewalks, makes available additional liquor licenses in the city outside of limited Class C liquor licenses and costly economic development liquor licenses.

Because bistros are considered a special use, they also must obtain a special land use permit from the city, which allows the city to place specific requirements on permit holders. Permit amendments and site plans are reviewed by the city’s planning board, which can recommend the city commission either approve or deny the application.

Planning board member Janelle Boyce said she hopes the expansion and additional outdoor dining platform would make it easier for patrons to get a table – one, if not the 74

Luxury apartment building on Adams set

By Lisa Brody

he Birmingham Planning Board approved the final site plan and design review for a 157-unit luxury apartment building reaching up to six floors at 770 S. Adams in Birmingham’s Triangle District at their meeting on Wednesday, May 11.

The site includes three parcels that are currently home to a two-story office building, Citizens Bank, parking lots and streetscape elements along Haynes and S. Adams.

The 235,475-square-foot building planned by developers from the Forbes Group, Hunter Pasteur and Soave Enterprises, designed by Birmingham architect Chris Longe, had previously been approved by the city's planning board for a community impact study and preliminary site plan and design review, contingent upon certain conditions, including providing $20,000 to the city for a future pedestrian crossing on S. Adams, as well as $100,000 for the future development of Worth Plaza.

Planning Director Nick Dupuis said FHS, as the development group is now referred to, “has engaged with city staff on Worth Plaza, so that condition has been met, and talks have begun on the sidewalk.”

Dupuis explained that due to site conditions, in some places the building will be four stories, and other locations, stepping up to six stories. He said they are utilizing the additional hight due to meeting LEED building design accreditation.

“The materials are all high quality and meet the architectural standards for the Triangle District,” Dupuis said. He said there are a lot of benches and bike racks proposed along with the streetscaping.

A rooftop pool, along with pool seating, grill and entertainment area are all permitted uses in the Triangle District, Dupuis said. Upon questioning of the applicant's representative, it was determined there will be no fully enclosed structures on the rooftop, only umbrellas and cabanas.

A concern to the planning board, the use of a non-permitted material, artificial turf grass, was explained by Nico Schultz of FHS Birmingham, who explained that it is only planned to be used within a center first level enclosed courtyard which will have other natural plantings as well as a tall, natural buffered screened wall.

“The turf was proposed because, if it is natural grass, will it it turn into a mud pit? It would,” Schultz said. “It is very high end turf.”

The planning board voted 4-1 to approve, with Stuart Jeffares opposed due to the placement of first floor apartments and the lack of first floor retail. Planning board chair Scott Clein and board members Burt Koseck and Jason Emerine recused themselves due to potential conflicts of interest with the developers.

T

only complaint, raised by patrons.

Under the permit request, La Strada plans to add an outdoor dining deck along Merrill, doubling the total number of outdoor seats. The platform would eliminate the use of two metered public parking spaces.

The concern about the loss of onstreet parking along Merrill, between S. Old Woodward and Pierce Street, raised at the April 25 city commission meeting by commissioner Clinton Baller, was discussed by the planning board on April 27. An April 20 memo from the city noted a total of 19 on street spaces along Merrill.

Birmingham Planning Director Nicholas Dupuis said 220 Merrill is expected to request three parking spaces in front of its building for a parking deck.

He said 220 Merrill said it won’t seek

additional parking spaces to host a valet stand.

Planning board vice chair, J. Bryan Williams, said the traffic calming benefit of the La Strada dining deck and another at 220 Merrill is a fair trade off for the parking spots “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to take five spots to slow the traffic down there,” he said.

Planning department provides 2021 update

By Lisa Brody

In its annual report, Patti Voelker, Bloomfield Township's Planning, Building and Ordinance Department Director, showed to trustees at their meeting on Monday, April 25, that

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“2021 was a very busy year.”

The township's planning division is comprised of Voelker, who has been director of the department for 19 years; Andrea Bibby, with the township for eight years, and is assistant director; planning/ordinance administrative assistant Kelly Jacobson, with the township for 16 years; and planning/building administrative assistant Kristi Thompson, 18 years of service.

Voelker said the mission of their department is provide their services “in a fair and consistent approach with the highest level of professionalism. We are dedicated to upholding the township adopted plans, codes, ordinances to ensure a safe, sustainable and enjoyable community for present and future residents.”

The department works with the design review board, planning commission and zoning board of appeals.

In 2021, the building department issued 1,537 permits, collecting $2,546,771 in fees. There were 85 new residential building permits, 1,204 permits for residential additions, and 512 commercial permits issued, up from 350 commercial permits in 2020.

Voelker said in the fall of 2021, Bloomfield Township entered into an agreement to perform inspections, plan review and permitting services for Sylvan Lake, for which they collected $72,222.

“Building division permit, plan review and general fees were updated for the first time since 2005,” Voelker said. “An in-depth study was conducted to ensure that the building division was recuperating operating costs consistent with current market standards. The updated fees and forms went into effect July 5, 2021.”

Goals for the building division for 2022 include providing technical information and application requirements at the counter, over the phone and by email; promote and encourage the use of the website to increase efficiency and added convenience for customers; and collaborate with the clerks office to develop a plan to convert hard copy issued permit applications to an electronic copy.

“Overall, we had a very busy year, a very productive year, and we expect that to continue,” Voelker said.

Trustees accepted the report, 6-0, with supervisor Dani Walsh absent.

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Police calls up but not back to pre-COVID

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Township Police Community Relations Officer Nick Soley presented the police department's 2021 annual report to the board of trustees at their meeting on Monday, May 9, reporting calls for service were up in 2021, but have not returned to 2019 levels, with complaints and crimes in almost all categories down.

Soley said in 2021 there were 26,970 calls for service, which is a record of any police activity. In 2020, there were 23,778 calls for service, and in 2019, the police department received 33,690 calls for service. As of later 2021, when the U.S. Census reported the township's latest population report, there are 44,153 people living in Bloomfield Township.

“Calls remained low due to the COVID-19 pandemic but moved upward toward the later part of the year,” he said. “I expect they'll be back to normal this year.”

The police department divides the calls for service into three categories.

Part 'A' crimes are the most serious crimes, Soley explained, including criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, robbery, assaults, intimidation/stalking, burglary, larceny from building and auto, motor vehicle theft, forgery/counterfeiting, fraud and identity theft, embezzlement, retail fraud, drug and weapons violations.

In 2021, there were 716 Part 'A' crimes, compared to 671 in 2020, and 793 in 2019. Of those, only criminal sexual conduct I & III increased and larceny from auto, with eight criminal sexual conduct complaints in 2021, compared to four in 2020 and two in 2019. There were 70 calls for larceny from auto in 2021; 43 in 2020; and 58 in 2019. For larceny from a building, there were 82 calls for service in 2021, 98 in 2020, and 130 in 2019.

There were 25 reports of burglary/home invasion in 2021, 13 in 2020, and 40 in 2019.

There were 57 reports of assaults in 2021, 49 in 2020, and 69 in 2019. In 2021, there were 228 reports of fraud, including identity theft, compared to 250 in 2020 and 257 in 2019.

Retail fraud continued to drop, from 92 in 2019, to 50 in 2020, to 31 in 2021.

There were 38 weapons violations in 2021, compared to 24 in 2020 and 20 in 2019.

Other crimes stayed stable.

Part 'B' crimes are typically 76

New building with roof pool gets go ahead

By Kevin Elliott

Plans for a four-story, mixed-use building at 294 E. Brown Street, across a courtyard from the future RH development, were forwarded by the Birmingham Planning Board to the city commission on Wednesday, April 27, for final consideration.

The planning board recommended the city commission approve the plans, which include two floors of residential units, first floor retail shops, space for second-story offices, and a public courtyard connecting to the future RH site. The plans call for 34 residential units topped with a rooftop courtyard and plans for an infinity edge pool. Site plans also call for an underground parking garage for residents and office workers.

Architect Victor Saroki said the goal is to have construction of the shell of the building done while the RH development project is finishing.

Additionally, construction would include an improved pedestrian crosswalk to the E. Brown and Pierce parking structure.

“It has always been our intention that this would fit very comfortably in this city and on this block with the buildings around it, as it relates to scale.

The massing, and certainly the materials, are meant to be very timeless so that it has the longevity we really want for our city,” Saroki said.

The planning board and staff review of the plans were slightly modified since receiving preliminary approval from the board in March. Board members voted to allow the development to use some variations of synthetic plantings that don’t directly comply with city landscaping requirements, instead allowing for an “innovative plantings” waiver. Revised plans also reduced the number of residential units from 36 to 34.

Birmingham Planning Director Nicholas Dupuis said the plans generally meet city requirements, with the exception to a planned rooftop swimming pool, which doesn’t meet the five-foot setback requirement for rooftop amenities as prescribed by city ordinance.

“Really, the only issue is the swimming pool, which is an infinity edge swimming pool that goes right up to the eye line, where the horizontal wall meets the vertical wall,” he said. “I think the spirit of the ordinance was to keep things away from the outside of the building, and there is no flexibility we have in the ordinance. If they want to pursue this, they are going to have to acquire a variance (from the zoning board of appeals).”

Saroki said the nature of the edgeless pool essentially requires it to be at the edge of the roof for its visual effect. Moving the pool, he said, would likely result in a different pool style. Rather, he said, the developers would pursue approval from the zoning board of appeals.

Planning board members voted unanimously to recommend approval of final site plans by the city commission, with board chair Scott Clein recused and member Stuart Jeffares absent. The recommendation included several conditions, including requiring the pool plans to be amended by the developer or receive approval by the zoning board of appeals and the granting of an innovative plantings waiver.

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misdemeanors carrying a penalty of less than a year in jail, Soley said, including liquor law violations, hit and run accidents, operating while intoxicated, trespassing, vagrancy, and other offenses. There were 309 calls for service in 2021, compared to 389 in 2020, and 381 in 2019.

Part 'C' complaints are typically minor misdemeanors, including warrant arrests, calls for medical emergencies, alarms, animal complaints, property damage crashes, and all other complaints. Soley said there were 23,499 calls for service in 2021, compared to 22,770 in 2020, and 27,605 in 2019.

Soley said there were 13 use of force instances in 2021, accounting for “.0482 percent of incidents involving force. In all 13 incidents, the force used was within department policy, procedure, and Michigan State Law. Furthermore, out of 26,970 calls for service, 1,212 resulted in arrests.”

He said the department is active in community involvement, giving back to the community, from the CoRE mental health co-response team, Special Olympics, Operation Secret Santa, adding a therapy canine, Officer Maggie, and starting a First Responders Food Drive, “which collected huge watermelon

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containers for the needy. We want to be part of the community. We are part of the community.”

Chief Phil Langmeyer stated in the annual report there are currently 63 sworn police officers, 13 dispatchers, two records clerks, one property clerk, five Bloomfield Village police officers and one administrative assistant.

Birmingham crime stats show decline

By Kevin Elliott

Overall crime in Birmingham dropped by 16 percent from 2020 to 2021, with parking violations being the hottest ticket in town, according to the Birmingham Police Department’s 2021 Annual Crime Report.

Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence said the city had a 16 percent decrease in total crimes from 2020 to 2021. However, Clemence noted that crime statistics for 2020 were skewed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an artificially lowering of statistics that year. Still, he said 2021 was still 1.5-percent below the three-year average of criminal offenses.

“While any crime is unacceptable to the police department, the citizens of Birmingham should be very proud of a crime rate that has been consistently low over the course of the past several years,” Clemence said.

The police department responded to 20,022 calls for service in 2021, down about five percent from the previous year. Calls included 356 violent crimes and crimes against property, leading to 49 arrests; 126 calls related to operating under the influence and nonviolent crimes, leading to 77 arrests; and 19,569 calls related to traffic offenses, arrest warrants and general patrol activity, leading to 71 arrests.

The police department recorded 47 vandalism incidents; 98 thefts; 44 DUI; 72 fraud (including retail fraud/shoplifting); 18 vehicle thefts; and eight burglaries.

The greatest department activity in 2021 came by way of parking violations, with the department recording 35,825 violations, up more than 27 percent from 2020, with 28,052 violations. Parking violations in 2019 totaled 45,691.

In addition to a dip in crime, Clemence pointed out some of the department’s highlights in 2021, including the accreditation of the department by the Michigan Association of Police Chiefs – a twoyear process attained by less than six percent of agencies in the state.

The department also made 06.22

significant considerations for serving the public in 2021, particularly those that may be suffering a mental health crisis when interacting with police.

With the help of a $75,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, the department launched a co-response program that contracts with a social worker to assist officers on calls that may need help outside the black-and-white rules of law. The program includes the Bloomfield Township and Auburn Hills police departments, as well as the Oakland County Health Network.

“In addition to the co-response, our social worker also follows-up on cases that have a mental health component, connecting individuals and families with available resources and services to assist with their mental health needs,” Clemence said.

Additionally, he said 20 percent of the department’s 33 sworn officers have had at least 40 hours of advanced crisis intervention training.

“Crisis intervention training is a community partnership of law enforcement, mental health and addiction professionals, individuals who live with mental illness and/or addiction disorders, their families and

other advocates,” Clemence said. “It is an innovative first responder model of police-based crisis intervention training to help persons with mental disorders and/or addictions access medical treatment, rather than place them in the criminal justice system due to illness related behaviors. It also promotes officer safety of the individual in crisis. The police department is committed to training 20 percent of the department each year until all officers have received the advanced CIT training.”

Upcoming fiscal year city budget approved

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Hills city commissioners unanimously approved the proposed fiscal year 2022-2023 budget, projected at $11.8 million, at their meeting on Tuesday, May 10.

Bloomfield Hills Finance Director/Treasurer Sandra Barlass presented the budget, which she said was presented in the format required by the city charter and the state of

Michigan Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act. The city's budget has six funds, of which the general fund is the largest.

The total proposed revenues for the general fund for fiscal year 2023, which begins July 1, 2022, is $11.8 million, of which $10.3 million comes from property taxes. Other projected revenues are $562,224 in licenses and permits; $443,443 in federal and state sources, including state revenue sharing; and $267,008, for charges for services.

Projected expenditures for the city's general fund for fiscal year 2023 are $11.63 million. The largest expenditure in the general fund is public safety, at $5.3 million. The department of public works is projected to cost $1 million, with transfers to other funds at $2 million.

Other expenses include the building and planning department, $424,374; general administration, $424,374; and payment for use of Birmingham's Baldwin Public Library, $329,378.

Bloomfield Hills anticipates receiving $404,588 in state revenue sharing for the city's major street fund; expenditures are transfers of $200,000 to local roads; $71,576 in

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routine maintenance; and $48,000 in winter maintenance.

The local street fund sees $204,613 in state revenue sharing; $200,000 in transfer from the city's major street fund; and $15,767 in grant revenue.

The water and sewer fund has projected revenue for fiscal 2023 of $6.5 million, $3.5 million from operations, $2.2 million from capital, and the remainder from investments and other revenue. Projected expenses for the fiscal year are $6.15 million, with $2.53 million coming from water payments, $1.45 million from sewer payments, $760,000 from depreciation and $750,000 from routine maintenance.

In addition, commissioners unanimously approved the millage levy of 10.96 mills on all real and personal property within the city.

“We've been able to have a pretty smooth budget process the last five or six years,” said city manager David Hendrickson. “Our approach is to be thorough, give the city commissioners all the information to help them make their decisions.”

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Request for drain extension tabled

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Township trustees tabled a possible petition for a Chapter 20 drainage project at their meeting on Monday, April 25, for the Maple and Lahser area which came about following a request from a Bloomfield Township homeowner for drainage relief after heavy rains last summer.

Township director of engineering and environmental services Olivia Olsztyn-Budry explained the Luz Relief Drain was established and constructed in the early 1970's as an intra-county drain. It starts at 14 Mile Road where it connects to the Nichols Drain, and runs north along Lahser Road, then behind the commercial development on the southeast comer of Maple Road and Lahser Road, and across Maple Road into Bloomfield Village along Tuckahoe Drive, ending at Bradway Boulevard and Roland Drive.

“The Luz Relief Drain is operated and maintained by the Oakland County Water Resource Commissioner's office as a Chapter 20 Drain,” she said.

Last summer, a resident living on Red Maple Lane contacted the township about a pipe discharging onto private property.

“A large land area on the north side of Maple Road and west side of Lahser Road drains through a pipe under Maple Road and discharges onto private property,” OlsztynBudry said, explaining an existing orphaned storm pipe that eventually connects to a storm drain in the right of way of Lahser Road where it connects to the Luz Relief Drain.

Her recommendation was for the township to petition Oakland County under the drain code to establish a Chapter 20 drain, designed and operated by the Oakland County Water Resources Commission, which would be partially paid for by Bloomfield Township. Preliminary costs were estimated at $447,407, with the township potentially responsible for up to 81 percent of it as that is the apportionment of responsibility.

Trustees felt they did not have enough information on the project to move forward, and it could potentially set a bad precedent.

“So many others had that experience, with water in the yards and in basements last year,” said trustee Michael Schostak. “Do we 80

Bloomfield Hills prohibits burning yard waste

By Lisa Brody

fter examining other local communities' policies toward outside burning of leaves, waste and refuse and with an eye toward environmental concerns, at their meeting on Tuesday, May 10, Bloomfield Hills City Commissioners unanimously approved eliminating residential burning practices.

However, commissioners determined they would still allow homeowners to have fire pits on their property.

Director of Public Safety Chief Noel Clason first provided commissioners with background on the use of burning practices in the city.

“Burning refuse and natural waste such as leaves, grass and wood has been an option to this community since it was established in 1932,” Clason said. “It has been a topic of debate during the city's history as well,” noting he found concerns dating back to 1956 as he researched the topic. The first time any restrictions were made was in 1991, with a permit and within a 24-hour time period, based on weather.

“Composting and recycling was also made available at the same time,” he noted.

In 2019, 80 burn pit permits were issued at 26 different addresses; in 2020, 62 burn pit permits were issued at 30 different addresses; in 2021, 54 burn pit permits were issued at 24 different addresses; and so far in 2022, Clason said, 13 burn pit permits have been issued at nine different addresses. During that period, he said, there were 10 known complaints.

In other local communities, Royal Oak and Bloomfield Township do not permit any open burning of yard waste and refuse, Clason reported.

Birmingham permits it with approval of the fire marshal, from sunrise to 4:30 p.m. Franklin and Bingham Farms allow it, 25-feet from any structure, sunrise to sunset. In Auburn Hills, there are limits and restrictions during spring and fall. In Troy, a small fire is permitted 25-feet from a structure.

Clason said he also spoke with GFL, the city's waste disposal provider, which confirmed that residents have the option to have refuse and yard waste picked up every week with their trash.

“All this waste is composted and recycled,” he said.

“Finally, I did research through the EPA regarding the hazards to health from inhalation of smoke derived from burning yard waste and refuse,” Clason said. “Burning wood does create a particulate matter that creates toxic air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and polycyclic hydrocarbons. These are hazardous to everyone but especially older adults, people with lung disease and children due to their ongoing development.”

“There are a lot of health problems from open burning. Since the city offers yard waste pick up, the city commission decided to eliminate the burning practice for everyone's health and safety, but to continue allowing for the use of fire pits within the city,” said city manager David Hendrickson.

Staff has been instructed to create a new ordinance to present to the commission.

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have a policy to prioritize these?”

“I'm not aware of a policy,” answered Olsztyn-Budry. “This had historically been the way we have handled things in the past,” while noting she has not seen a Chapter 20 drain in the township since 2010 or 2011.

“It was a bad year last year,” concurred trustee Neal Barnett.

“Are we setting a precedent?” asked trustee Val Murray.

“I agree with Val. I may agree with this, but not tonight,” said Barnett. “Has enough been done to mitigate the property when it rains?

It's a lot of money if it only impacts

one homeowner. I just need more information.”

Trustees voted 6-0, with supervisor Dani Walsh absent, to table the petition.

ADA compliance for township safety paths Following acceptance of the ADA Compliance Master Plan for the Jan Roncelli Safety Path, Bloomfield Township trustees approved budget allocations the next several years to the program in order to bring intersections and ramps into compliance at their meeting on Monday, April 25.

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Olivia Olsztyn-Budry, director of engineering and environmental services, explained that on October 11, 2021, the board of trustees directed the development of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Master Plan for the Jan Roncelli Safety Path System, which was completed by the township's engineering consultant Hubbell, Roth & Clark.

Olsztyn-Budry said the ADA was passed in 1990 by the federal government. Construction guidance was not issued until 2010. Residents of Bloomfield Township approved the original safety path millage in 1998, and have supported the millage renewal since then. “The original master plan for new routes was completed in 1998, and updated in 2008 and 2018.

Presently, there are over 70 miles of safety paths, 82,000 square feet of retaining walls and 25,000 feet of fencing and several pedestrian crossings to provide safe, walkable and accessible paths for nonmotorized users across the township,” she said.

There currently are 1,180 ADA ramps at public intersections with in the township. Of those, 515 ramps comply with ADA requirements; of the other 665, HRC did a field review and said 199 comply and 466 do not.

She explained that several are within Bloomfield Village, “which is a system in and of itself, and is a lower priority. The Bloomfield Village manager has a team going through and replacing roads through an SAD process.”

Based on the results of the master plan, the preliminary cost to bring intersections into compliance with ADA guidance is $1,439,370 for non-signalized intersections, and $2,561,630 for signalized intersections. The cost to bring Bloomfield Village intersections into compliance is $1,014,523, for a total cost of $5,015,523, in 2022 dollars.

“The township has $200,000 for this year, which we would recommend to begin repairs in the southwest corner of the township,” Olsztyn-Budry said. “The goal after fiscal year 23, this year, is to recommend budgeting $500,000 a year to complete replacement in eight years.”

Trustee Michael Schostak pointed out that would only be a little over $4 million. He also asked 06.22

if there was a way to get it all done in less than eight years with costs going up, and Olsztyn-Budry did not think so, based on preliminary construction schedules for safety paths.

Treasurer Brian Kepes asked if the township was grandfathered in to not comply with the ADA requirements, as he noted some older residents do not like the raised metal inserts into concrete. OlsztynBudry said she did not believe the township was.

Trustees voted 5-1 to approve the program, with Kepes opposed and supervisor Dani Walsh not in attendance.

County grant to help Adams Park project The city of Birmingham has been approved for a $100,000 grant from the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Grant Program to assist with the development of Adams Park, the city commission was informed at their meeting on Monday, April 11.

The grant, which the city qualified for due to the city’s parks and recreation bond passed by voters in 2020, is designed to assist with planning, preliminary engineering/design and construction costs related to park improvement and trail projects. The city applied for the grant specifically for the Adams Park development project.

Plans to develop the park, which is shared in part with The Roeper School, had been stalled. However, city commissioners in November of 2021 approved a new concept plan for the park, which includes the addition of new play areas, playground equipment, fencing, landscaping and improved track and field facilities.

Lauren Wood, public services director for Birmingham, said in November that the plan was initially developed and approved in 2016, but it had languished until voters approved the parks millage. The concept plan was then updated by Michael J. Dul and Associates, and approved by the city commission.

The updated plan includes a cost estimate of about $1 million, not including professional fees. However, final design of the plan will impact the end cost. downtownpublications.com

City recognized for efforts by eCities Once again, the city of Birmingham has received recognition for its successful work and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research.

The eCities project is an annual study done which collects and analyzes data across Michigan communities as it relates to entrepreneurship, economic development and job growth.

The 2021 eCities study analyzed publicly available data, focusing on 11 key data points relating to community growth and investment metrics, from 277 communities in 54 counties across Michigan.

Researchers examined fiveyears of publicly available data to analyze trends surrounding business and economic cycles focused on changes in property values, community assets and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community.

“The city is pleased to be named among the best communities for fostering economic development in Michigan. Over the years, the city has strived to create an environment where businesses can thrive by providing outstanding governmental services and reinvestment in the city’s infrastructure,” said Mark Gerber, Birmingham Finance Director.

“During the five-year period of the study from 2016-2020, the city of Birmingham has seen an average annual increase in taxable values of six percent. The city has used these resources to re-invest in its infrastructure by an average of 4.25 percent per year, while at the same time decreasing its total property tax rate by an average of .6 percent per year. It is this kind of re-investment in roads, sidewalks, water, sewer and parking system that makes Birmingham a premier place to do business,” said Gerber.

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Schwartz & Co., with offices in Bloomfield Township and Naples, Florida, has relaunched its investment banking group, servicing both private and public corporations as well as private equity clients. The firm, located at 4707 W. Maple Road, Suite 3212, has a 46-year distinguished history in advisory and capital markets transactions. The new investment banking group will be directed by Matt Miller, who brings a background of mergers and acquisitions, leveraged finance and direct investing, after starting his career on Wall Street, and more recently having worked at another metro Detroit firm. “Schwartz & Co. historically has had a rich history in M&A activity, but that area of our business had gone dormant as we focused on other growth opportunities. However, based on favorable market conditions and rising demand, we have decided to refocus our efforts and capitalize on Matt and the team’s expertise,” said Walter Schwartz, principal of Schwartz & Co. “The team is constantly educating our clients and using our process to increase value, certainty to close and fit – all to optimize outcome.” “Our clients have the benefit of working with a small, experienced team, with resources and support that match larger firms,” said Miller. “We are proud of our track record of outlier results, and we anticipate a continued increase in activity as our team grows.”

New eye center opens A former yoga center in Bloomfield Township has found new life as Maple Eye Care & Eyewear, 3683 W. Maple Road at Lahser, next to Plum Market. Maple Eye Care & Eyewear is an optometry practice where Dr. Kevin Semma has created an aesthetically and sensory-pleasing practice in a distinct and uniquely designed environment. His practice offers a warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff and attentive service, and the latest, top-of-theline equipment. The patient-

centered practice endeavors to deliver the highest level of specialized eye care and eyewear services in Michigan for those with healthy eyes or ocular challenges, for pediatrics to adults, including seniors. Semma said a love of healthcare and helping others, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, inspired him to bring his very unique vision to life via Maple Eye Care & Eyewear. Born and raised in southeastern Michigan, Semma is a proud alumnus of Brother Rice High School and Wayne State University.

A century of child welfare Oakland Family Services, a notfor-profit, accredited child welfare agency, is celebrating its 100-year anniversary of providing critical services to Michigan’s children and families. Oakland Family Services offers a continuum of prevention, education and treatment services that span the human life cycle, enrich the lives of children, strengthen families and rebuild lives. For the last century, Oakland Family Services has helped ensure children have safe and loving homes free from abuse and neglect. The agency also helps children cope with trauma, mental health issues and substance abuse, and provides foster care and adoption services, education and child development programs and treatment. The agency builds brighter futures in the community through adoption, foster care, parenting and child development programs, free preschool for at-risk youth, and counseling services for those of all ages dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use issues, and severe emotional disturbance in youth. “We are truly thankful for the communities, families and people across Michigan for their support for the past 100 years,” said Jaimie Clayton, president and CEO of Oakland Family Services. “For 100 years, we have taken great pride in our mission to serve and provide critical resources to Michigan children and families and we will continue to advocate for those in need for the next 100 years.

doWnTOWN neWsMagazine

Oakland Family Services has three locations across Oakland County, one in Pontiac, one in Berkley and one in Walled Lake.

New pet store in township We all will do anything for our favorite furbabies. A new place to purchase pet products has opened in Bloomfield Township. PetSmart opened near Costco at 2197 S. Telegraph Road, ironically right next door to Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Blooming.

PetSmart is the leading North American pet company, according to its website, selling pet products, foods, toys, services and even small pets. They offer 15 percent off on same day delivery. At various times, they offer pet adoptions through Oakland County Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center and Animal House of South East Michigan.

New massage location If you are looking for relaxation or rejuvenation, MassageLuXe’s licensed, experienced massage therapists and estheticians are waiting to serve you in their latest spa location, 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township.

MassageLuXe is a nationwide spa franchise offering best-in-class massages, facials, and waxing services. Their licensed massage therapists and estheticians apply their expertise to help clients find relief for chronic pain and improve skin conditions in a relaxing environment. This luxurious location offers clients microdermabrasion, a wide range of facials, face and body waxing, as well as expert massages, including Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, hot stone, reflexology, sports, trigger point, and couples massages. Memberships are available as well as gift certificates.

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

Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

06.22

FACES Anita Pazner ith a lifelong passion for learning, Anita Pazner now has the chance to enlighten others with her new children’s book, “The Topsy-Turvy Bus,” based on the real eco-friendly vehicle with an upside-down, right-side-up design originally created by Ben Cohen, of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream fame. The first bus was donated to Hazon, the largest Jewish environmental organization in North America. The Detroit version was commissioned by Hazon-Detroit.

Pazner, a mother of four who recently earned an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, never expected this would be her breakout story. The well-educated author, with a journalism degree from Oakland University, previously worked as a freelance writer. Before having kids, she even earned a master’s degree in gardening from Michigan State University so she could write a column on the topic for a local paper.

Currently, Pazner has more stories in the works. “I always wanted to write novels and I read constantly,” said the author who has a penchant for historical and young adult narratives.

Born in Germany, she currently lives in West Bloomfield with her husband, where their children went to Bloomfield Hills Schools.

When she was four, she demanded a journal, which was more like a diary back then. But she hesitated to fill the pages.

“I wanted to wait until my words were perfect,” she said.

“Spelling and punctuation scared me. But as every writer knows, nothing is ever perfect. Everything takes revision.”

Upon earning her MFA, she gave herself a weekly goal. “When I graduated, there were so many political issues in the world, we were at a standstill,” she said. “It was too hard to look at the news every day.”

She decided to write a picture book a week. “Not that they’re easy by any means,” said Pazner. “I would start on a Monday and send it out on Friday.”

But it wasn’t until a friend, Wren Hack, the former director of Hazon, was taking the Topsy-Turvy Bus to Channel 4 to be interviewed for a story and asked her to tag along, did she find the right fit. “It runs on veggie oil and the exhaust smells like donuts,” she said. “I am a firm believer in recycling and sustainability.”

When it clicked that this should be a picture book, Hack encouraged Pazner to write it. She submitted it on a Friday and heard from her publisher in a matter of days.

The educational tale shows kids how to protect the planet. “I had been writing for decades and it was all about opportunity and being in the right place at the right time, making the world a better place one tiny idea at a time, which is at the heart of the book really,” she said.

Illustrated by Carolina Farías, the picture book can be found online and at independent bookstores like McLean and Eakin in Petoskey and Book Beat in Oak Park.

Pazner, who has presented lectures and coordinated conferences for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, enjoys speaking to elementary schools. Her upcoming book launch will feature the Topsy-Turvy Bus, and local bookstores will have signed copies with free bookmarks printed on post-consumer waste paper.

She wants children to know they can make the world a better place. “I want to give them hope,” said Pazner. “I want them to read my book and say, ‘Wow. There is something I can do.’ I want my message to be: Just the little things you do can make a difference and they might lead to something big.”

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Story: Jeanine Matlow

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Mental Health Month “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, more unashamed conversation” Glenn Close May is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience.

Nearly 450 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental illness, yet nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek treatment. Beaumont Hospital, like so many other premier health care institutions in Michigan, is dedicated to helping those living with anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders and their loved ones find treatment, Bill Seklar support, and resources.

Our country faces an unprecedented mental health crisis among people of all ages. Two out of five adults report symptoms of anxiety or depression.

As a normal course of aging, older adults experience changes to their physical health, mental health, and cognitions. Interactions among these age-related factors can result in a “spiral” or “cascade” of decline in physical, cognitive, and psychological health. The figures that we have from the U.S. suggest that “almost two-thirds of the young adults have some symptoms of anxiety or depression or other psychological problems."

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including: • Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry • Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse • Family history of mental health problems Before the COVID-19 pandemic, about one in five adults had a mental illness. Without a doubt, the pandemic has affected the state of mental health in our country and made mental illness even more common. It is rare that a family is not touched by a mental health condition, one that can interfere with your or a loved one’s ability to work, sleep, eat and enjoy life.

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, many schools and childcare centers across the U. S., including the Early Childhood Center at The Community House, closed and transitioned to virtual instruction for at least some time. With these closures, children and their parents experienced ongoing disruption and changes to their daily routines. Local health care institutions informed us the research during the pandemic highlighted concerns around poor mental health and well-being for children and their parents. We are told that many parents with schoolaged children are now more concerned about their children’s emotional well-being than prior to the pandemic. Both parents and their children have experienced worsening mental health since the start of the downtownpublications.com

pandemic, and women with children are more likely than their male counterparts to report worsening mental health.

We learned that mental health disorders include anxiety, depression, seasonal affective disorder, or more serious illnesses as bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. To our dismay, most people with mental illness do not receive mental health services that they need.

Our friends and partners at Beaumont have informed us that people with mental illness can have symptoms that include a range of feelings, emotions, or experiences, including: • Shifts in mood sadness • Anxiety • Irritability • Low energy • Sleep problems Mental illness is not always easy to detect. Someone does not need to have all these symptoms, perhaps just one or two.

Upon further research we learned how the pandemic was/is a "perfect storm" to give rise to uncertainty, stemming from anxiety and loss, possibly leading to depression. Many young adults have lost quite a bit, especially when it comes to educational and professional opportunities.

"For the people between the ages of 21 and 25, this is a time of expansion in their life, with new connections and new things. That is all being halted. I think this is a hard time for parts of life to stand still when there is normally just this fast-paced developmental time where so much is happening socially and professionally."

Mental Health America found that between April and September of last year, 70 percent of people reported that loneliness or isolation was the top contributing factor to mental health issues. Isolation is the actual separation from others, and loneliness is the accompanying feeling.

"One can be lonely in spite of being with others. Both loneliness and self-isolation give rise to major health impacts, and the communication around the need for distancing in the pandemic has been very unfortunate," according to Mental Health America.

We learned that “social distancing really should have been called physical distancing, separate from social connectedness. People are forced to do that because there are rules put in place, however, the attempt should be to be as connected as possible."

Given this national mental health crisis severely impacting our neighborhoods, schools, work and social settings, The Community House believes it is also our responsibility to help our families, children and adults navigating through this crippling crisis in any way we can. Our work to partner with local health and wellness organizations – to offer those in need – access to professional mental and behavioral health care workers, support groups, resources and education in a safe and non-threatening setting (regardless of a person’s ability to pay) is now underway.

Rising from COVID and now battling the economy, we have taken the time to reflect on where our limited nonprofit resources should be allocated/reallocated to make the biggest impact on the community today. Consistent with our nearly century old nonprofit, charitable mission – we have determined health and wellness education, social connectedness, exercise and movement, and healthy eating and food preparation, for children and adults – must now take center stage. We are in a crisis. It will take a village. If not now, when? if not us, who?

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

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FACES

Christina Parrott and Adam Meldrum hristina Parrott and her husband Adam Meldrum had a new vision for Strauss Brothers, a historic Detroit business that had been in her family for more than 50 years. Originally a butchery in Eastern Market founded in 1954, where her dad worked before owning it with her grandfather until it closed in 2005, the company has been revitalized by the couple, who own it with her three sisters.

“The restart gave us an opportunity to rebrand in our own way,” said Meldrum.

“We relaunched as a food product business and a food experience brand.”

After living in Washington, DC, the couple returned to metro Detroit last year.

They are both from the east side, and currently live in Birmingham with their young son. The newly-minted entrepreneurs kept their day jobs. Parrott works for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Meldrum owns a media buying business for political campaigns and does political consulting.

Before returning to the area, they came to Michigan for Christmas in December 2020. Parrott’s grandfather was also in town, and they all went to Eastern Market to buy meat for their holiday dinner. When Jim Klein, vice president of Wigleys Corned Beef Co. gave them a tour of the facility, it all clicked.

“It got me thinking how cool it was that Eastern Market is tied to the family and the history of the company,” said Meldrum. “Christina and I always wanted to do something together. She had worked in the restaurant industry and our business is tied to food and family. It all made sense and everything came together.”

Strauss Brothers offers three small batch seasoning blends: Eastern Market Heat, Eastern Market Bold Beef and Eastern Market GPS (Garlic, Pepper, Salt).

The products were launched at the Lipari Food Show in Novi in March, and are now available in 11 states. Local retailers include Papa Joe’s, Westborn Market, Randazzo Fresh Market and Village Market. Initial sales and customer feedback have been encouraging.

The goal is to expand the product line and have a brick-and-mortar side to the business. Parrott and Meldrum also plan to establish The Tommy Fund in memory of her father to benefit other local charities and support those in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.

Their strong bond offers a solid foundation. “It’s really about our family and the love we have for each other,” said Meldrum, who has also taken some good business advice along the way. “We wanted to figure out how to do what you like and figure out how to make money doing it.”

This is definitely a family affair. “Our dad is no longer with us, but I think he would have loved to continue if he could, and our grandfather is so proud,” said Parrott. “The recipes we make with the seasonings are derived from the meals my grandmother cooked. We made them more adaptable for everyone today, but they came from her kitchen and our Sunday dinners.”

Despite the fact that they are just getting started, Parrott and Meldrum are already looking ahead. “It’s been a really positive experience, from the reaction to the support,” she said. “We are hoping it will carry on with our children and my sisters’ children. We all eat together and test out recipes. We’re really looking forward for the family.”

C

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Mackenzie O'Brien

Open Doors Open Minds The Community House Early Childhood Center preschool is enrolling now! Limited availability!

Take an in-person tour today and see the magic that starts a lifetime of learning happens.

Our implementation of the internationally respected HighScope Curriculum develops problem solving and critical thinking skills through activities that children truly enjoy.

Our facilities are professionally cleaned and sanitized regularly, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your young ones are learning in a safe environment.

Contact Director Ms. Honilynn Hendricks today at HHendricks@communityhouse.com or 248.594.6411.

380 South Bates Street, Birmingham, Michigan 48009 communityhouse.com

PLACES TO EAT

Go To Our Website For

DELIVERY

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, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.494.7110. bellapiattirestaurant.com Beverly Hills Grill: American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. 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, Tuesday-Friday, 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, Tuesday-Sunday. 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 downtownpublications.com

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Reservations. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township.

248.642.4000. cafeml.com Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. 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, Monday-Saturday. 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, Tuesday-Sunday. 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 Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli.

Breakfast & Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Friday. 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, TuesdaySaturday. 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, Tuesday-Sunday. 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

SCAN FOR

OPEN Mon-Sat 9am-7pm Sunday 9am-3pm

DINE-IN/CARRY-OUT/CATERING

MENU Celebrate Father’s Day With Our Red Bag Specials Accepting Father’s Day Orders thru Thur., June 16

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! Go to our Website for Dinner Entree Specials Every Night!

Closing Early Father’s Day at 3pm

$99

$99

Serves up to 6

Choice of 6 Bagels Cream Cheese Tomato & Onion Capers, Nova Lox Seasoned Fruit Bowl Jar of Cookies Valid June 18 & 19 Only Steve’s Famous Caramel Corn No Substitutions

Serves up to 6

Lean Corned Beef & Turkey American & Swiss Russian Dressing Rye Bread • Mixed Dills Coleslaw & Potatoe Salad Jar of Cookies Valid June 18 & 19 Only Steve’s Famous Caramel Corn No Substitutions

Red Bag Brunch with Dad

Red Bag Deli with Dad DT

DT

6646 Telegraph at Maple Bloomfield Plaza 248.932.0800 | stevesdeli.com

St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild of Cranbrook presents the Musical Comedy

Outdoors in the Greek Theatre!

June 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 2022 Tickets: $24 regular | $22 seniors/students

www.StDunstansTheatre.com

or call 1-844-DUNSTAN (1-844-386-7826) 4WKI\ML WV 4WVM 8QVM :L QV *TWWUÅMTL 0QTT[ WVM UQTM _M[\ WN ?WWL_IZL )^M

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METRO INTELLIGENCER Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Gigi Nichols who can be reached at GigiNichols@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

Let’s do brunch!

Exciting news for brunchers – Sylvan Table has added brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays. The restaurant, which opened in the summer of 2021, sits on five acres with three acres dedicated to farming 100 different crop varieties that are incorporated into their seasonal food and drink menus. The menu features rustic, artisan and vegetable forward food along with high quality meats, freshly made pastas and sustainable seafoods. The modern cozy dining experience is achieved in a 300-year-old barn which owners Tim and Nicole Ryan acquired from Maine. “Our brunch menu follows the same principles as our dinner service, embracing the slow food movement, keeping local and sustainable. We offer menu items ranging from rhubarb Dutch Baby and Ploughman’s platter to house made granola and yogurt and a delicious lamb burger. Everything, from our variety of bacons, sausages, and condiments, including our ketchup, is made fresh, in-house. We have plenty of sweet and savory options for everyone,” said Nicole Ryan. Brunch hours are on Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m., for walk-ins only. 1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake sylvantable.com

Ferndale Mexican cultural experience A new Mexican bar and restaurant dedicated to mezcal has opened in Ferndale.

The aptly named Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen is owned and operated by brother and sister team Jose Granados and Sandra Haro. Neither Granados nor Haro hail from restaurant/bar backgrounds, yet Haro says their inspiration to open Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen came from their many trips to Mexico. “We strive to have our customers experience the modern art, flavors and culture of a country that plays such an important role in our story,” she said. The interior of the eatery is decorated with vibrant murals from artist Elton Monroy Duran, whose murals of Mexican life also grace many buildings in southwest Detroit.

Haro and Granados commissioned Duran to portray Luchadores, which Haro describes as the Mexican superhero wrestlers from the 1980’s. A full Mexican menu offers everything from specialty tacos and tostadas to southwest salads and soups. The real stars of this show, however, are the mezcals, with over 40 types of mezcal on the menu. You can also order flights of mezcal served up in authentic Mexican-style with oranges and worm salt – ground chiles, salt and toasted larvae from the agave plant. Haro claims that they may indeed be the only place in the Detroit area to offer mezcal flights. 201 E. 9 Mile Road, Fernadale mezcalferndale.com

It’s Opa time again!

On March 3, a hood fire started in the kitchen of Birmingham’s beloved Greek Islands Coney Restaurant. Owner John Kostogiannis said he got the call as he was vacationing in the Bahamas. “Fortunately, the Birmingham Fire Marshal happened to be down the street when the fire happened. It took just five minutes for the fire truck to arrive and another five minutes to put out the fire,” he said.

Thankfully, nobody was injured and the blaze was contained quickly. Also fortuitously, Greek Islands happens to be a favorite lunch spot for BELFOR team members whose world headquarters is just one block away. BELFOR is the world’s largest disaster recovery and property restoration company. After frequenting the restaurant on a near-daily basis for years, the BELFOR team felt especially called to help the restaurant, whose employees they consider an extended part of the BELFOR family. Sheldon Yellen, CEO of BELFOR, and Kotsogiannis cut a ribbon on May 4 to signify the restaurant has reopened for business and to thank the Birmingham first responders who were called into action during the fire. Customers returning to Greek Islands can expect the same quality service and food as in the past. Opa! 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham greekislandsconey.com

Naked means clean Brandon Gorgies and Goran Dimic have added a new location for their Naked Burger Kitchen + Craft Bar in Rochester Hills after opening their flagship restaurant in Clinton Township in 2019. And what’s with the name “Naked Burger”? Gorgies explains that in this case, the word naked means clean. “There wasn’t really anyone else doing this and we weren’t thrilled with the burger

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, Monday-Friday & 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 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, MondayFriday, Brunch, weekends. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com Mad Hatter Bistro, Bar & Tea Room: Global. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Thursday-Sunday, Dinner, Friday & Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.185 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. madhatterbistro.com Mare Mediterranean: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. 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, Monday-Friday, 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, Monday-Friday; 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, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

32760 Franklin Road, Franklin, 48025.

248.865.6600. thefranklingrill.com The French Lady: French. Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. 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. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.566.3566. whistlestopdiners.com Zao Jun: Asian. Dinner and Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999. zaojunnewasian.com

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917.

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680.

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main

Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069.

248.544.2675.

Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017. 248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.543.9500.

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

Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 28028 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101.

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.591.5459.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300.

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

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067.

248.607.3127.

The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112.

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

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

248.541.1186.

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner,

scene. Our hamburger is better quality, from grass fed, dry-aged Piedmontese beef,” said Gorgies. The menu offers eight signature burgers including the “Big Tex” with smoked gouda, slaw, onion crisp, bacon, jalapeño and BBQ sauce on a pretzel bun, and “The Hangover” with aged white cheddar, caramelized onion, candied bacon, avocado, sunny side up egg, tomato jam and garlic aioli. There are also two choices of chicken sandwiches, a vegetarian ‘shroom burger and an Atlantic cod sandwich. Inside, Gorgies and Dimic have completely transformed the space, which was formerly the home of Rochester Taproom, with industrial pendant lighting and modern artwork. A large rectangular bar with white quartz countertops seats 24, while the bartenders are kept busy serving up an extensive list of handcrafted cocktails, local and domestic beers and a surprising selection of fine wines. An Italian bottle of Podere la Vigna for $130 will certainly pair well with any gourmet burger on the menu! 6870 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills nakedburgerdetroit.com

Clawson’s Weiss Distilling Co. Weiss Distillery Company claims they are bringing the wow factor to the metro Detroit spirits scene. Using an innovative scientific grain to glass distilling process, this distillery produces four spirits including Vanishing Vodka, Straightjacket Gin, Royal Rum and Weiss Lighting – a corn whiskey powered moonshine. Owned by Dennis Weiss, this establishment’s low-lit interior transports customers back to the time of speakeasies. There are 20 seats at the horseshoe-shaped bar and seating for an additional 20 at intimate tables. The menu boasts over 30 specialty cocktails and five spiritless nonalcoholic options.

Manager Shane Bang says the best-selling cocktails include the “Cardi Parti,” made with vodka, pineapple, ginger, citric, cardamom bitters and soda and the “Shorechaser,” concocted with rum, orange liqueur, chai, coconut milk, egg white, grated nutmeg and orange. Presently, the only food options on the menu are caviar service, however charcuterie plates will be added soon. According to Bang, an upper-level event space with seating for 30 is being designed to host ticketed events and guest chefs. 34 E. 14 Mile Road, Clawson thewdc.com

Lunch back at Townhouse Detroit Heirloom Hospitality Group opened Townhouse Detroit in 2015, and celebrated an official grand re-opening in December 2021. The former concept was elevated with an entire revamping and redesigning of their interior and menu. Townhouse Detroit has currently been open for dinner only but has just announced the addition of lunchtime hours, Thursday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The menu features small plates, salads and sandwiches. “Guests will enjoy a sophisticated culinary journey filled with both shared and main moments, all made from scratch in our kitchen. Our lunch experience is filled with foods and beverages, enhanced to the high expectations our clientele have come to expect,” said Jeremy Sasson, president of Heirloom Hospitality Group. Lunch selections include a schnitzel sandwich with red cabbage, kosho mayo, pickle; a kale salad with lemon citronette, tahini, radish, chicken confit; toro hamachi with pomegranate, serrano, strawberry, and black pepper; and a dry aged burger on onion brioche with white cheddar and a choice of hand cut curly fries or fresh cucumber. 500 Woodward Avenue, Detroit townhousedetroit.com

Pasta Slam “The Hometown Pasta Slam” is a ticketed event at Ferndale’s Pop’s for Italia, showcasing the talents of six chefs from Ferndale restaurants from 2-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 26. Each of the chefs will bring their own unique twist to Pop’s for Italian’s homemade pastas. The cooking competition will feature individual pasta stations for each of the chefs, all who must incorporate one of Pop’s handmade pastas in their dish. Chefs competing in Pasta Slam include One-Eyed Betty’s head chef, Bethany Aubuchon; Hometown Restaurant Group culinary director, Christian Borden; Public House head chef, Richard Downing; Pop’s for Italian head chef, Jeremy Echols; One-Eyed Betty’s kitchen guru, Dustin Schuler; and Hometown Restaurant Group executive chef, Vincent Strolis. Each dish will be judged on taste, presentation and creativity/originality by a special guest panel of judges who will vote for their favorite creations. The dishes will be paired with a hand-selected wine, Pop’s favorite appetizers and sides. Attendees can also vote on their favorites to determine the People’s Choice Award, earning the top dish a spot on the Pop’s for Italian menu for six months. General admission tickets for this event are $100, with $25 from each ticket sold will be donated to Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center in downtown Ferndale.

280 W. 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale popsforitalian.com

Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444.

Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.545,6750.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711.

Troy/Rochester Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.280.1831.

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.853.6600.

O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 324 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537.

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083.

248.619.9060.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American.

Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400.

Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian.

Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845.

NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.816.3424.

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

248.375.9200.

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.524.1944.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084.

248.816.8000.

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084.

248.614.5390.

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, 92

daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

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

Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424.

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

248.422.6167. sedonataphouse.com Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306.

248.652.4500.

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.453.5291.

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.851.8782.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine.

6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.538.7081.

Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310.

Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890.

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248. 538.8954.

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.855.6622.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean.

Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor.

340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381.

248.684.4223.

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.7771.

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.620.6100.

Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442.

248.634.5208.

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

248.795.2077.

The Fed: American. Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch, Saturday and Sunday.

Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833 Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346.

248.620.8500.

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.625.5660

Detroit Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207. 313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202.

313.872.5110.

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.965.4600.

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217.

313.841.0122.

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243.

313.567.6837.

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616.

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave.,

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

Detroit, 48201. 313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700.

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499.

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.2100.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.438.5055.

SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian.

Dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 438 Selden St, Detroit 48201. 313.315.3992.

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000.

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.9828.

Tap at MGM Grand: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1234.

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

The Block: American. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.964.4010.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

24grille: American. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226. 313.964.3821.

Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.3965.

Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American.

Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207.

313.393.1711.

The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday.

Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700.

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226.

313.962.7711.

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ENDNOTE

Where is the guidance on outdoor dining? fter nearly a year of studying and analyzing outdoor dining standards, it was startling that when it came time for a public hearing, the Birmingham Planning Board wasn't ready for prime time.

We weren't the only ones positively stunned by their inability to come to a consensus on this decision, which impacts not only the livelihood of the majority of the dining establishments in the city of Birmingham, but the adjacent retailers and businesses, as well. Restaurants are an enormous economic catalyst for the city, bringing in residents and visitors, and are a key reason the city's tag line is “A Walkable City,” and they are desperate for clarity.

Walkability, and enlivening Birmingham's streetscape, was the reason for the development of Birmingham's unique and extremely successful bistro liquor ordinance 15 years ago – one of the requirements is to have outdoor dining along the sidewalk or on a raised dining platform. Since its inception in 2007, the bistro ordinance has been a huge success, doing just what it was intended – it has revitalized the downtown retail area of Birmingham, and the outdoor dining patios are a destination for the metro area.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in an effort to assist businesses and residents who could only eat outdoors, city commissioners wisely approved temporarily allowing restaurants to modify their outdoor dining to allow for greater social distancing, as well as waiving for

A

restaurateurs the outdoor dining fees and annual liquor license renewal fees, permitting them to stay open outdoors during the winter months, with off-season outdoor enclosures. Several establishments spent thousands of dollars expanding their dining platforms to adjacent storefronts and parking spaces, adding temporary roofing and windows, igloos, heaters and other off-season complements.

And then Birmingham leaders pulled the rug out from restaurants in the middle of their busy outdoor dining season – ending their emergency dining extension on June 30, 2021, forcing restaurants back to their original outdoor dining standards, and instructing the planning board to come up with new outdoor dining standards, including for the “off months” between November and April.

In the meantime, restaurants – from Class C liquor license establishments to bistros and coffee shops – have been requesting added outdoor dining space as the planning board has held study session after study session. And this is all before the city commission reviews the proposed ordinance and gives the final go ahead, or not.

On May 11, the planning board finally held a public hearing, with a vote after, on new proposed outdoor dining rules– and board members could not come to consensus on the details of the ordinance or their last minute concerns that no restaurateurs had attended the sessions, despite proper noticing for all the

meetings. Board chair Scott Clein rightly castigated his board for its “self-loathing,” and noted that “I understand people are busy, but so are we.”

We are also troubled that city staff put forth an ordinance with which the board had great issues. Among the concerns, awnings over outdoor dining platforms rather than table umbrellas, which several board members had significant complaints about, along with specifications surrounding the platforms themselves. We expect staff to respond to a board's concerns and interests, as well as to prepare them for ordinance language – particularly after almost a year of review. To have a vote fail, as this one did, is not only disappointing, but should be embarrassing for the city's planning department staff. They either weren't listening at previous meetings, or weren't reading the tea leaves.

The biggest losers, however, moving forward, are the restaurants, who are desperately seeking clarity as to how they should invest in their outdoor dining areas. Outdoor dining is a desirable commodity in downtown Birmingham, and it has the potential to benefit a majority of businesses in the city. It's long overdue to create rules that strengthen the ability of restaurants to survive and thrive, while at the same time respecting neighboring businesses, rather than to just leave the city in a state of confusion.

Wise move to ban burning of yard waste e were very pleased to hear that the Bloomfield Hills City Commission recently approved a policy to prohibit the outside burning of leaves, waste and refuse, putting them in line with a majority of its neighboring municipalities.

Director of Public Safety Chief Noel Clason noted it had been an option in the pastoral community since it was established in 1932 – and that it had been a subject of debate since at least 1956. Now, with recycling and composting available for all residents by GFL, the city's waste disposal provider which can pick up refuse and yard waste every week, it's a nobrainer. Especially since burning yard waste is a huge environmental hazard.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), backyard burning practices can produce various compounds toxic to the environment, including nitrogen oxides, volatile

W

organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide and particle pollution. Nitrogen oxide is a cause of acid rain; VOCs and the compounds they form in the atmosphere, such as ozone, contribute to the formation of smog; carbon monoxide reacts with sunlight to create harmful ozone, can significantly impact harmful ambient air quality and the ability to meet air quality standards.

Burning garbage, according to the EPA, can produce more carbon dioxide than decomposition in a landfill, and carbon dioxide is also a significant greenhouse gas.

All of that makes for difficulty breathing, whether for those with asthma, COPD or other lung issues, older residents and children undergoing development – or the rest of us.

Especially since in 2019, there were 80 burn pit permits issued; in 2020, 60 burn pit permits issued; in 2021, 54 burn pit permits issued; and so far in 2022, 13 burn pit permits issued.

The good news is for Bloomfield Hills residents, fire pits are welcome on residential properties, just as they are in Birmingham and Bloomfield Township.

Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Troy and Royal Oak do not allow any form of waste burning by residents, and none allow any large bonfires. As Birmingham Fire Chief Pete Wells said, “We don't allow any leaves, grass, branches or trash to be burned. It's a nuisance, they can smolder, and they're bad for the environment.”

Small residential fire pits are permitted in all of the communities, ideal if you're looking to warm up on a cool evening or want to toast a s'more.

We're glad Bloomfield Hills is catching up.

Because while some may think it's only on their property, when it comes to the air we breathe and the water we drink, we all know the reach affects us all.

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