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MARCH 2019
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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP
THE CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON MICHIGAN BILLIONS OF WATER GALLONS WASTED ENDNOTE: CITY COMMISSIONER SHOULD RESIGN ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM
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All Sports Orchard Lake Lakefront, Close to OLCC City of Orchard Lake | $2,650,000
Pristine Pine Lake Lakefront Paradise West Bloomfield Township | $2,499,000
Stately Home with First Floor Owner’s Suite City of Birmingham | $1,985,000
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Grand Scale Entertaining on Over an Acre Bloomfield Township | $1,279,000
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Climate change: What the latest national report says The latest federal report on the issue of climate change is out so we took the time to read through the 1,500 page tome to see what specifically should be of concern to residents and elected/appointed officials in Michigan.
LONGFORM
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Billions – yes, billions – of gallons of water are lost each year to leakage and inaccurate metering in the system that brings drinking water to the homes in southeast Michigan – tax dollars are literally and figuratively going down the drain.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
16
The State of the County address is an opportunity for Oakland Executive L. Brooks Patterson to showcase his greatest accomplishments. This year he capped it off with some dog whistle politics.
OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL
20
Woodward may make county exec run; behind the scene on hiring exstate senator; second term for Ronna Romney McDaniel; record political spending; commissioner faces the judge; plus more.
CRIME LOCATOR
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A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.
MUNICIPAL
57
Development group sues Birmingham over project bidding; annual city long-range planing session; update on financial challenges for Bloomfield Township; renovation at Maple Theater; plus more.
THE COVER The Pierce School in Birmingham. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent.
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METRO INTELLIGENCER
80
Writer/reporter Dana Casadei helps us bring back the popular feature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; now called Metro Intelligencer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that provides quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro Detroit area.
SOCIAL LIGHTS
85
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.
ENDNOTE
90
Why Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner Stuart Sherr should resign from office; our thoughts on what government leaders can be doing now to save planet Earth.
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Sabrina Must Travis Wright Aidan Altman Eddy Kay
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FROM THE PUBLISHER s a general rule I try each month to vary the topics I tackle in this column, for obvious reasons. At this writing, I had several issues I could have addressed but then along came Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson's annual State of the County address which I caught on YouTube.com the night after the invitation-only event.
A
As expected, the address really served as a “greatest hits” litany of accomplishments on the part of the Patterson administration over the nearly two and one-half decades he has held the chief executive post in Oakland. And justifiably so. As I have said on numerous occasions, I have long supported Patterson's efforts on behalf of the county, and certainly much has been accomplished, thanks in large part to the team with which he has chosen to surround himself, as he even admitted in this year's address. So, once again, I like Brooks Patterson and what he has accomplished on behalf of Oakland County residents. Where I break with Patterson in recent years is on the basic issue of politics, the topic on which he ended this year's annual State of the County address. As parting thoughts at the end of the evening, Patterson asked his audience to give consideration to what one of the country's founders, Ben Franklin, said at the time of the Constitutional Convention, where the guiding document under which we still operate was created. In answer to questions, Franklin described what was being created as a “Republic, if you can keep it.” Patterson also latched onto what James Madison – founding father, fourth President of the nation, considered the Father of the Constitution – thought at the time about “factions” in the government. Madison, in the Federalist Papers, defined a “faction as a group of citizens with interests that are adverse to the rights of other citizens or adverse of the best interests of the nation as a whole.” Madison said, “Because of the nature of man, such groups are inevitable, and moreover, in a free society, they are unavoidable. They arise from different interests and opinions that naturally exist.” Madison also wrote that in a government where the majority opinion rules, factions would not pose a problem, unless the faction occupied a place in the majority.
So what gives with Patterson's closing remarks that February evening? One the one hand, I believe he was sincere when he expressed concerns about the frailty of the representative government and what his grandchildren will face years from now. I certainly share some of the same concerns, although not necessarily for the same reasons. Unfortunately, I have to view most of his closing remarks as dog whistle politics. Dog whistle politics basically means using coded messaging that communicates a message that is understood – sometimes unconsciously – a highpitched “dog whistle.” The terminology first gained recognition in Australia in the mid-1990's during a political campaign for prime minister by John Howard who had a penchant for working into his public pronouncements such terms as “illegals,” “mainstream” and “Un-Australian.” In Patterson's case, I am not sure he consciously decides to use dog whistle phrasing or that it has just become second nature – especially as the Republican Party control of the county and state government starts slipping through the fingers of the GOP. No mention that evening of the Tea Party (a faction representing 10 percent of the population, according to pollsters). The same faction that just years ago Patterson labelled the “Taliban” of the Republican Party is now part of the state legislature and Congress where followers have their own caucus. No mention of the Trump faction that has invaded the GOP. And no disavowing of the vitriolic language and dog whistle pronouncements by the current President – an ill-informed and aspiring autocrat – despite the fact that violent behavior has become commonplace at his rallies, including his recent Texas gathering where a man in a MAGA hat broke into a contained area for the media and began physically assaulting journalists. No acknowledgement that in January you could find Antifa, an anti-fascist group, fighting in the streets of Portland, Oregon with the equally violent right-wing Patriot Prayer Group and the Proud Boys, one of whose founders is a former Republican Senate candidate from the state of Washington. Or that far-right factions of white supremacists have made their way into our government.
Patterson then proceeded to posit that some radical leftist, violence-inclined groups such as Antifa and By Any Means Necessary had already started to occupy a place in our government – quite a stretch by any definition. Antifa and By Any Means Necessary are radical far-left street-fighting groups that resort to violence at public events and political street gatherings. I have yet to hear that any of their members occupy state or national elected positions.
I also can't ignore the snide comment made by Patterson about a “complicit media” when alleging that violent leftist factions have made their way into the government – a clear – and disappointing – sign that he has drunk the Trump Kool-Aid.
Patterson also lumped in with the previous two groups the MoveOn organization, which has an estimated three million members nationwide and was first formed in 1998 when its two founders posted an online petition calling for censure, not impeachment, of then-President Bill Clinton and several hundred thousand signed it. MoveOn has grown into an organization known as one of the more effective users of the internet for petitioning the government, running virtual phone banks, expanding from online organizing to offline door-to-door field efforts on behalf of progressive causes and candidates, as well as raising millions in contributions to support their efforts. To lump them in with the street-fighting groups on the left is simply dishonest.
I expect more from a major political figure in the county and the state. And I would hope this is not a preview of what we can anticipate in local 2020 elections – dog whistle pandering rather than an honest debate of issues.
I could go on but you get my drift.
So I close this month like Patterson did on that recent evening when he asked those in attendance to give some thought to the frailty of the republic in the face of current day threats that can undermine the democracy. I ask the same. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com
PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Dana Casadei Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf Bill Seklar | Judith Harris Solomon | Julie Yolles PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Esme McClear | Laurie Tennent | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Birmingham/Bloomfield. For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.
INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes. WEBSITE downtownpublications.com
FACEBOOK facebook.com/downtownpublications TWITTER twitter.com/downtownpubs OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL oaklandconfidential.com METRO INTELLIGENCER metrointelligencer.com Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD
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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. FAT LADY HASN’T SUNG: A Republican effort to thwart environmental changes at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) into the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy by overturning an executive order issued in February by Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to play out by the end of March. But, despite having enough votes to overturn the order, which would reorganize the state’s environmental department and add extra focus on water quality and energy, Whitmer may have an ace up her sleeve with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Whitmer has asked the AG for her opinion on a set of oversight boards that essentially usurp the power of the DEQ and WHITMER allow industry to influence rules and permits – the real reason Republican legislators are in a tizzy over the departmental changes. If found to be illegal, the boards may have to be dissolved, as required by Whitmer’s order, or Michigan may have to give up its authority to enforce NESSEL federal environmental laws. The AG opinion could take several months to complete. “Never thought the day would come where I would wish that fewer people were interested in my opinion,” Nessel said in a Tweet. READY TO RUN: Whether or not Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson keeps his streak going in 2020 and runs for an unprecedented eighth (!) four-year term, Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Dave Woodward (DBerkley, Royal Oak) will be throwing his hat in the ring to run. “I am very interested in being the next county executive,” he said, setting up a potential primary throw down with fellow Democrat Andy Meisner, currently the county treasurer. Woodward, a former state representative from 1998-2004, noted his years of experience as a legislator, a county commissioner, and “now in leadership. My values are now the values of Oakland County, as WOODWARD evidenced by the 2018 election,” Woodward said. “Oakland County voters want more inclusiveness, more progressive and more regional partnersolving on the problems of our community,” singling out the issues of drinking water, roads, affordable housing and the elephant in the Oakland County room – regional transit. “One way or another, this board is going to look at how to improve transit in Oakland County, as well as the region.” Game on.
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AH THE IRONY: Before L. Brooks Patterson was Brooks, the legend, he was Oakland County prosecutor. His predecessor as Oakland County Executive was the first county executive, Daniel T. Murphy, a position he held from 1974 until 1986. Both men were Republicans, but as one Oakland County leader described the two, “Brooks is a conservative, while Murphy, now deceased, was a Milliken Republican.” Legend has it the two men hated each other, and Brooks allegedly “pushed” his foe out of office to assume it himself. Murphy did run unsuccessfully for governor in 1986, but the Republicans chose Wayne County executive William Lucas to face Democrat incumbent (and winner) Gov. Jim Blanchard. Fast forward to the 2018 election, when the district to flip the county commission board from Republican to Democrat – after over 40 years – was district 9, in Novi, when Democrat Gwen Markham beat incumbent Republican Hugh Crawford. And lo and behold, Markham – the one who turned Brooks’ commission Democrat – is Murphy’s daughter. TIME OUT: Fellow Bloomfield Hills city commissioners are not happy with the rogue behavior of fellow city commissioner Stuart Sherr after he was caught redhanded stealing election signs of a Bloomfield Hills school board candidate, was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. “He’s embarrassed the city,” one SHERR commissioner said, noting that “he has not handled this well.” While the city and commission cannot remove Sherr from the city commission DOWNTOWN
03.19
SHE FERN FREEMAN Personal Appearance Presenting her collection of fine jewelry Wednesday and Thursday March 13 and 14 Bloomfield Hills
Fall 2019 Collection Wednesday and Thursday, March 20 and 21 Bloomfield Hills
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ROCHESTER HILLS ROYAL OAK 1530 Scenic Hollow Drive | $4,300/month 350 N. Main Street, #912 | $2,550/month
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Upscale downtown living in great location! Two BRs, 2 baths. Bamboo flooring. Premium island kitchen. Master suite has jetted tub. In-unit laundry. Full access to fitness gym.
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as he is an elected official, they can censure him, which is an expression of formal disapproval of him and his behavior. There is also the possibility of urging him to resign from the commission at an open meeting. Currently, commissioners and city manager David Hendrickson are officially staying mum and waiting for the case to go through the legal process. As for Sherr? He’s in denial that he did anything wrong – and even thinks he deserves a medal for “protecting multi-million dollar properties.” WHAT NOW? Lawmakers from Oakland County are looking for new opportunities after leaving office. Former 11th district Congressman Dave Trott (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills), who opted not to run for reelection last year, said he had enough of Washington, and is done with law. “I did plenty of that for 30 years,” said Trott. He said he plans to serve as chair of his title insurance company while working on real estate and financial services investments. Said Trott: “I will continue to support people on the right path. Some will be Republicans, some won’t.” Former state Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) and former state Rep. Klint Kesto (R-West Bloomfield), who both lost primary bids for Trott’s seat, don’t have immediate plans to return to politics. “I’m going to go make some money now,” said Kowall, who has served in politics for over two decades. “I’ve had some offers, but I’ve taken all of January off so I can park all my vehicles in my garage. I’ve been fixing stuff around the house.” While Kowall has no immediate plans to return to politics, he’s not registering as a lobbyist in the state, as it essentially restricts a return to elected politics in the future. Kesto, who served three terms in the state House, is spending more time with his family and returning to his law profession. “I’ve hung up my shingle as an attorney and consultant and I’m open for business,” he said. Former state Senator Marty Knollenberg (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills) is focusing on his restaurant business, Sedona Taphouse, in Troy, with plans for a second location this year in Novi. “I like to keep busy,” he said. “We have a planned vacation for my wife’s birthday in March, that’s something we couldn’t do before.” As far as politics, Knollenberg said he’s been running since 2002 and plans to go in a new direction. “I’m going to enjoy this period of my life,” he said. Former Rep. Jim Tedder (R-Independence Twp.) said he too is catching up with family while feeling out what direction he will go. He was recently appointed to fill a vacancy on the Independence Township Board of Trustees. “That allows me to give service to at least Independence and continue to play an active role in local politics.” Meanwhile, former state Rep. Mike McCready (R-Birmingham) and former Rep. Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) have both landed new jobs. McCready is now Oakland County’s Director of Economic Development and Community Affairs, and Greimel is serving as the legislative director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 25. WAIT…THERE’S MORE: Just days after saying he was taking time off to spend with family, former state Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) accepted a contract position with Oakland County as the Economic and Legislative Liaison. “Brooks offered me the position,” Kowall said. “He called me up a couple of times and asked, ‘When are you going to come work for me.” Kowall, who served in both the House and Senate before leaving due to term limits, served on the House Economic Development Committee and as Senate Majority Floor Leader for four of his eight years there. He was also White Lake Township Supervisor for six years, and has done private economic development consulting for multiKOWALL million dollar firms throughout the globe. Since he receives benefits from the state for his time spent there, his contract offer, just shy of $125,000 per year, means he won’t be a direct county employee but will still make about $50,000 more than he did as a legislator. Kowall will be working directly with former Rep. Michael McCready, who was hired as Director of Economic Development and Community Affairs, and Deputy Oakland County Executive Tim Meyer, who oversees all economic development at the county. But MCCREADY some county commissioners smelled something fishy in Kowall’s appointment, noting the county paid a temp agency for his hiring, which never had a county job posting. The county board is now looking to make all appointments come before them for approval, for transparency sake. MONEY TALKS: Campaign spending in Michigan hit a new record during the downtownpublications.com
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2018 election cycle, with about $80 million being spent in 14 races for the U.S. House of Representatives. Of that $80 million, about $19 million was spent trying to win former Congressman Dave Trott’s 11th district seat (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills, western Oakland, parts of western Wayne County). About $28.3 million was spent for the 8th Congressional district seat, making it the fifth most expensive Congressional race in the country – and the most expensive in Michigan history. The numbers, compiled by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, include millions of dollars from independent PACs that can raise and spend unlimited funds. PACs contributed about $7.3 million to 11th District campaign, which was won by Democrat Haley Stevens, with about $4.1 million raised by Stevens, $2.6 million by Republican challenger Lena Epstein (including $1 million of self-funding). Most of the $7.3 million was spent to support Stevens, including $2.6 million from Independence USA PAC and $1.4 million from the House Majority PAC. Independent support for Epstein totaled about $1.2 million, with losing primary candidates and PACs spending about $4.7 million on the primary. Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin raised about $7.4 million in her campaign for former Congressman Mike Bishop’s (R-Rochester, Rochester Hills) 8th district, but received another $9.7 million in outside support. Bishop, who raised about $4 million, received about $6.9 million in outside support. Outside spending trends in Michigan followed a national trend, with eight of the top 10 most expensive races receiving more outside money than that raised by candidates. TRY, TRY AGAIN: Although judged DOA in multiple past legislative sessions, Michigan House Rep. Michael Webber (R-Rochester, Rochester Hills) has introduced a proposal to limit the legislature to part-time status. Under a joint resolution introduced in January, lawmakers would be limited to meeting in session just 90 days a year. The proposal, which Webber had previously introduced in 2017, has gotten a cold reception from fellow lawmakers. Former Lt. Governor Brian Calley also pitched the idea last year while running for governor. Webber said the idea is to cut down on frivolous legislation and to force lawmakers to focus more on efficient policy and budget processes. He WEBBER said the idea could also include revisiting legislative term limits. “It seems like the right thing to introduce to get the conversation going this session,” Webber said.
When was the last time you had that conversation about Life Insurance?
SECOND TIME A CHARM: Ronna McDaniel, nee Romney, chair of the Republican National Party, was re-elected for a second term, for 2019-2020, an unprecedented feat for a woman in that post. McDaniel, who lives in Northville, and was the chair of the Michigan Republican Party in 2016, helping to deliver Michigan for Trump, who insisted she dump the Romney moniker. Trump asked McDaniel to continue leading the GOP through the 2020 election, as she helped to raise “record funds, made its largest-ever ground game investment, and defied history by gaining seats in the Senate during the 2018 election cycle,” according to Trump (insert eye roll here). McDaniel, niece of Republican Utah Senator Mitt Romney, chastised her uncle when he wrote an editorial in The Washington Post stating that any president should “demonstrate the essential qualities of honesty and integrity, and elevate the national discourse with comity and mutual respect,” which he said Trump had failed to do. The bad blood between Trump and Romney traces back to 2016 to the day before the Michigan primary, when Romney urged voters to reject Trump as a “phony, a fraud.” Might not want to invite everyone to dinner. LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Reps. Elissa Slotkin (D-Rochester, Rochester Hills) and Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills) have only been in office a little over a month, but they’re already showing their more seasoned colleagues what leadership looks like. The two were among 30 Democrats who sent Speaker Nancy Pelosi a letter on Wednesday, January 23, during the government shutdown, suggesting she guarantee President Donald Trump a vote on his border wall funding request if he opened the government. The letter was not an indication of Trump support, but a good faith effort towards opening the government for workers. Slotkin was subsequently one of four freshman lawmakers to lead a group of 20 other lawmakers in introducing the Shutdown to End All Shutdowns (SEAS) Act, to protect federal employees from being used as pawns in future negotiations by transferring the financial hardship of shutdowns to the executive branch and Congress. Both Slotkin and Stevens are part of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of 101 members considered centrist Democrats. Slotkin is part of the infrastructure task force; Stevens, the co-chair of the future of work task force. downtownpublications.com
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When was the last time you had that conversation about Life Insurance? - Talk to me today about your life insurance needs. Barbara Merten-Dubensky CPCU, Agent 2028 Hazel St. Birmingham, MI 48009 Bus: 248-647-4266 barbara@barbmd.com
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CRIME LOCATOR
NORTH
Map key
Sexual assault
Assault
Murder
Robbery
Breaking/entering
Larceny
Larceny from vehicle
Vehicle theft
Vandalism
Drug offenses
Arson
These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through February 14, 2019. Placement of codes is approximate.
FACES
Sabrina Must ost people have at least some experience in dating and falling in love. But what’s it like today, when people are trying to figure out themselves and what they want, and how to create an intriguing profile for people to swipe right on? Enter Sabrina Must’s new book, “A Terrible Dater.” Must described the book – which was recently, and appropriately, dropped on Valentine’s Day – as one that follows her own love life, the good, the bad, and the conversations she’s taken screenshots of and sent to her girlfriends. It also touches on what we are taught, and not taught, as kids about dating and how that plays in our lives today. “I really want people, even those who aren’t going through it right now, to read it and relate, and go, ‘OK, I’m not the only crazy one here,’” she said. Must knows the dating terrain now can be a minefield, and that she isn’t the best dater. When asked what makes her a terrible dater, she laughed and said she doesn’t think she’s always terrible – but her friends do. “I’ve never really played the game,” Must said. “I’ve always been too up front...I just say the wrong thing, I don’t play it cool. It is what it is though and I’m OK with that. It’s funny and relatable.” The book is relatable to anyone who has dated in the last 20 years. One time, for example, she swiped right on a guy who only had group photos on his profile. When she asked which one he was, he replied the one with brown hair. They all had brown hair. Naturally, he then got offended, and said some things one would probably never say in person. Readers were able to share their own stories with Must when she came home to Michigan, where she had a book release event at Birmingham’s Dick O’ Dows on February 21. “The event more than anything is just a love fest,” she said. And one that hopefully sparked a conversation and let others know they aren’t alone, much like Must’s first book, “Must Girls Love,” a memoir she wrote as a way to process her older sister’s suicide. Anyone who read that or follows her blog – where she writes about everything from travel and wellness to grief and dating – knows Must is frank and raw and honest in her work. Must said as cheesy as it sounds, she doesn’t know how to not write that way. Plus, people relate to that far more when you humanize the experience, she notes, much like with “A Terrible Dater.” Must – a Cranbrook Kingswood grad who grew up in Bloomfield Township but who currently lives in San Diego where she not only writes but is also a public speaker and guidance coach for budding authors – hopes her honesty in her latest book leaves people feeling empowered by their own decisions, and understand they don’t have to follow all the advice they receive, especially the unsolicited. Or be on a set timeline for when they should do things like get married. “I think the takeaway more than anything is just not to feel like anything is wrong with you, we’re all going through the same thing,” Must said. “If people really just followed what works for them, I think people would have more success. “You don’t have to be aggressive about dating, but I think there’s something to be said on following your heart.”
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Story: Dana Casadei
Photo: Monni Must
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his past November, Michigan's new governor, Gretchen Whitmer, was elected, with her slogan, “Fix the damn roads,” playing a key role for both Democrats and Republicans who are sick of driving on broken, decaying roads. The line was catchy and popular in much of the state, and certainly a necessity in southeastern Michigan, where roads are crumbling faster than they are being fixed, much less patched, and “dodge the pothole” has become our number one road game as the weather has fluctuated rapidly between record sub-zero temperatures to 50-plus degrees, and then back to below freezing again. But road repairs are not the only game in town. Engineers say, “Look below.” There are a number of other infrastructure fixes that are essential to good public quality of life for residents, including having clean, safe drinking water, stormwater drainage systems, and working sewage systems. Over the last several decades, politicians have touted the mantra of cutting taxes at the cost of these “under the road infrastructure systems,” along with repeated financial slashes to the maintenances of bridges, deep gouges to the education of our children and state revenue sharing with local communities.
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“Government is what paves your roads, polices your communities, are your judges,” said Professor Charles L. Ballard, Department of Economics, Michigan State University. Yet, Ballard said, the government in many ways, has shirked that responsibility, whether notoriously in the city of Flint, where an economic decision to switch from the Detroit water system to an inferior source from that drew water from the Flint River, leading to the Flint water crisis, or by allowing roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the state to crumble before our eyes, and to not invest in police and fire, K-12 education, higher education – the basic necessities of a civilized society. “Twenty years from now, if historians can look at this with a clear eye, allowing infrastructure to crumble was a spectacular failure of leadership,” Ballard said.
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rom an economic point of view, he said, “This was really stupid. Especially in the last nine years, when the economy was growing but the percentage of the economy we spent of state and local activities on police and fire, K-12 education, higher education – economists call it the tax effort,” the index of the ratio between the share of actual tax collection in gross domestic product and taxable capacity. “This has been a 50-year effort, not just a recent one,” Ballard continued, noting it is a nationwide problem, not just an issue in Michigan, although Michigan is at the bottom of states which invest back into their infrastructure. “The way to win elections is to cut taxes. But we're paying the bill for that philosophical adventure, and we will continue to pay that bill, for decades. The elephant in the room is you can't squeeze blood from a turnip.” A key example, Ballard pointed out, is that Michigan's general fund budget in 2020 will be 35 percent smaller than it was in 2000. And that accounts for increases due to inflation. That means there hasn't just been a slow death by a thousand tiny nicks, but wholesale slashes – of programs, entitlements, services, management, upgrades and repairs. “If we had begun fixing roads, bridges, sewers, the water system for the last 20 years – we wouldn't have had all these busted water mains, sinkholes like last year in Fraser (in December 2016, at 15 Mile and Utica roads),” Ballard said. Pointing out he likely feels similarly to many others, “When I had to have two (tire) rims replaced, I would rather have paid my taxes than have to fix my rims. It's the pothole tax,” using a popular euphemism. Further, the Flint water crisis, which exposed over 100,000 residents in Flint in 2014 to lead contamination which had leached from lead water pipes into the drinking water after Flint changed its water source from treated water from Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) to water from the Flint River in an effort to save the economically depressed city money. Unfortunately, officials – acting in a hurry and trying to save money – failed to apply corrosion inhibitors to the water pipes, leading to the lead contamination and an enormous public health danger. Between 6,000 and 12,000 children are believed to have been seriously exposed to drinking water with high lead levels, and are experiencing continuous health problems. Ballard said not only were the problems and issues preventable, but should have been foreseen. “What happened in Flint wasn't a technological problem – it was a financial problem,” he said. “Their economy couldn't provide the revenues necessary, and the state hasn't provided the revenues necessary, to provide them with clean and safe drinking water. “Our obsession with tax cutting is seen all over the state – (drinking) water is just one area.” As Ballard pointed out, all of our other infrastructure has been equally neglected, which has led to not only water main breaks, but leaks – which ultimately results in lost revenue for local municipalities, which can only charge for water that is metered at a home or business, not the water that is sent from water providers to the municipality. The difference between what is sent and what is received at meters is the lost water, and lost revenue.
Water travels to each of our homes and businesses through water mains, some that have been in the ground for almost a century-and-a-half. For each of us to have drinking water, the water leaves water treatment plants from Detroit Water and Sewerage Department or Great Lakes Water Authority in Detroit, accessing water from Lake Huron, the Detroit River or Lake St. Clair, treating and purifying it, and then pumping it to local municipalities through large water mains. But along the way, some of the water is “lost” or “unaccounted” for, whether from water main breaks, leaks in the pipes that are dilapidated along the way that are unknown, or leaks that occur at transmission points, from fire department use, which is taken from fire hydrants before water can be metered, and even from inaccurate metering. All of this water is money that no one will ever see or receive – it is truly money lost down the drain, literally and figuratively. “Besides failing infrastructure, inadequate and inaccurate metering is also a part of the problem,” said Carol Miller, PhD, PE, professor, civil and environmental engineering, Wayne State University, and director, Healthy Urban Waters. “Because of that inaccuracy, you have to be careful in how you use the data acquired from water distribution centers and municipal collectors. “Water loss is an important problem in most water distribution systems, but especially in aging water systems, with aging pipes that can have leaks – especially small leaks that are difficult to pinpoint and can be hard to determine if it's even worth digging up the pipe and fixing it before they become a major problem.” Because the pipes are underground, it's a version of what is “monkey see, monkey do” – what is unseen is unknown, and therefore, until it's known as a problem, it's not a problem. Miller pointed out that the large water main breaks make the news – “where the joint is visible. That gets a lot of attention, and it should. But the smaller breaks and leaks, the ones that we don't see, are also important,” and may actually be a larger source of lost revenue.
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ccording to the National Resources Defense Council, aging water pipes in Detroit leak more than 35 billion gallons of water each year, costing residents more than $23 million each year. In response, DWSD proposed capital improvement programs for water and sewage system projects that focuses on maintaining the “quality of water provided to residents, improving water system reliability by replacing aging infrastructure to reduce the growing incidence of main breaks; ensuring environmental protection for all Detroit-area residents through upgraded treatment facilities; improving employee safety through system modifications; and increasing efficiency of services to all customers by taking advantage of new technology.” Robert Daddow, deputy Oakland County executive, represents the county and its water and sewer ratepayers on the Great Lakes Water Authority, noted that Detroit “is such an enormous entity it has over 3,000 miles of water mains.” He said the large water main which broke outside of Cobo Center in January 2019, right before the media opening of the North American International Auto Show “was built in 1875 – it was almost 150 years old, and it was a cast iron main.” Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties depend on a healthy Detroit in every sense, as its regional water provider, so when its infrastructure fails, it costs more than just the auto show and its attendant businesses money – it is a financial calamity on the entire region. It is estimated by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) that fifty-three percent of the state's economic activity occurs within 20 miles of downtown Detroit – pointing out the necessity of plugging the holes in the underground infrastructure. Bonnifer Ballard, executive director at the Michigan section of American Water Works Association, wrote a recent editorial that Gov. Whitmer's administration is “off to an encouraging start with her vow to improve Michigan’s aging infrastructure, including plans to upgrade water and sewer systems that are 50 to 100 years old,” and that while a lot of the focus has been on fixing the roads, “The delivery of clean, safe water to homes and businesses is the 'invisible infrastructure' that often
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gets short shrift in public discussions, though it gained international attention from the lead contamination of Flint’s drinking water. Just as smooth, accessible roads are essential to a state’s economy, so is a safe and reliable water supply… Gov. Whitmer’s Rebuild Michigan Plan acknowledges that the state underfunds its water and sewer systems by $800 million a year.” In the ASCE's 2013 Report Card for American Infrastructure, they gave the nation's drinking water infrastructure a grade of D, stating that “The water industry, unfortunately, has deferred asset maintenance for decades, and a high percentage of its structures are approaching the end of their service life. Now the bill is due.” The good news is that asset management plans and capital improvement plans have begun in many communities, including in Detroit. Suzanne Coffey, chief planning officer, GLWA, explained that GLWA, which was established about three years ago, “enlisted the assistance of a water audit to judge the best practices for the water system, and to judge the health of the system. Losses are a part of it. It's something that had not been part of it before, and now we're going to do it comprehensively every year.” Despite the impression there are a lot of water main breaks – especially during freeze-thaw periods – “not a lot of water is lost to breaks,” Coffey said. “It's less than half-a-percent that's lost due to breaks. For us, it's most on the connections, which is where most of the leaks occur,” referring to pipe connectors to local municipal conductors. “The audit allows us to quantify where we need to focus our attention.” Coffey explained, “Where pipes come together, where you have pipe coming off another pipe – we call it a service main, it's a bigger pipe; our pipes are called transmission mains because they transmit the water, and then the communities have water mains, which service mains to the end user. That's where there can be leaks and losses.”
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nder the auspices of GLWA, asset management programs have been developed for the region by Black & Veatch, a leader in engineering and consulting services in water infrastructure out of Kansas. Daddow said Black & Veatch had completed a phase one service study in fall of 2017, notably for three communities that are not metered – Detroit, Highland Park and most of Dearborn, which showed “how much water is being produced for those three communities, how much water is lost, and how much suburban entities have to bear to offset those losses.” They are in the midst of developing a phase 2 service study. Water loss varies greatly by community, depending upon how much capital improvements have been done. In Michigan, there is no set standard that has to be met. “Not every state has a set standard for water loss, although some states have set a standard,” said Olivia Olsztyn-Budry, director of engineering and environmental studies for Bloomfield Township. She said the average water loss for municipalities in states that have required reportage of water loss is between 10 and 15 percent, meaning that between 10 and 15 percent of the water that leaves a water treatment plant never makes it to a water meter, or is never metered – it's “lost.” Amy Ploof, chief engineer for Oakland County Water Resources Commission, confirmed that. “What most communities do is measure how much is coming from GLWA and how much is used, and the difference is the amount lost,” she said. Jim Nash, Oakland County water resources commissioner, said the Oakland County Water Resources Commission operates drinking water operations for about 19 cities and townships in Oakland County, which GLWA provides and they facilitate. “The biggest are Pontiac and Farmington Hills; the smallest are Keego Harbor and Southfield Township,” Nash said. Ploof said about 1.7 billion gallons of water per day flow into Oakland County, with each community using a different amount. “For example, the city of Farmington Hills purchased over two billion gallons of water in 2018.” She explained that each community served by GLWA has various points of connection for metering. “GLWA has transmission arms to the communities, and the Water Resources Commission operates for several
Oakland County communities as the operations arms. Each one of the connection arms has a master meter and measures how much water is going into each city and township, and then there are meters in each home that measures how much water is used.” Customers only pay for what is metered. Ploof said water loss, by and large, falls into two categories: water main breaks and leaks, and apparent loss, which she characterized as unauthorized uses or metering inaccuracies. In communities that are newer, such as Lyon Township or Commerce Township, the water mains and pipes are newer, so breaks and leaks are less frequent, Nash pointed out. “Pontiac is 80 to 120 years old. We're in the process of replacing all of those pipes. It's a 20-year program, and we're in year three, starting with the oldest, most in need areas.”
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irmingham, he noted, is just as old, but he said Oakland County does not handle their water system, with their Engineering Department handling their own replacements, such as the Old Woodward/Maple Road replacement project in the summer of 2018, which saw wood water mains likely from the late 19th century unearthed. In order to rectify metering issues, Ploof said they read meters on a set schedule for each of the communities they cover, including Bloomfield Hills, which has a water loss rate of 4 percent, she said, and Farmington Hills, with only a 1 percent water loss. “A goal for our estimated bills is 2 percent, and we typically achieve that,” Ploof said. “We're involved in a water meter replacement project in Pontiac in order to ensure that meters are accurate. Water meters are very accurate, and can measure within 1.5 percent typically.” Bloomfield Township, Olsztyn-Budry noted, is in very good shape. “We average only 5 percent loss,” which is primarily attributed to water main breaks, “which happen in every system,” she said; water use during construction, because it has to be tested and flushed; a small issues of discrepancy with meters, where there could be thefts, such as unauthorized uses, noting that “there have been past cases, though they've been pretty limited. We've seen situations where buildings have been built to bypass the meter and go directly into the building.” Fire uses are a small part of the township's water loss, as is illegal fire hydrant use. “It's illegal to use fire hydrants,” Olsztyn-Budry pointed out. “We have a permit process for when it's authorized under very specific purposes, with fees to the township and specific equipment.” As other experts have noted, it's small leaks that can be the biggest culprits to a system, and ultimately, the costliest, because they can be hidden underground and go unnoticed. “A system can leak. It's under pressure,” Olsztyn-Budry said. “They're under the surface and there may be cases where it can be a pinhole leak, and we may not be aware of it until it comes to the surface, and we see surface water, bubbling water, and have visual cues to investigate. “Not every water main is a geyser. Some are slow leaks, until they get to the surface and we can investigate.” What do those leaks, main breaks, meter thefts, and fire usage cost the township annually? Olsztyn-Budry said it varies, because water rates vary each year. Bloomfield Township purchases its water through the Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA), a 12-community member water distribution authority. In fiscal year 2018, water rates to Bloomfield Township residents paid $5.20 per 1,000 gallons, with OlsztynBudry reporting the the township's water purchase varying from 228,000 million cubit feet to up to 275 million cubic feet of water. “Assume about a five percent loss every year on that,” she said. Bloomfield Township has had a capital improvement plan since 2005, called the Water System Asset Management Plan, replacing and upgrading their water mains. “So all of this has helped minimize the loss of water and the loss of revenue out the door,” Olsztyn-Budry said. “As an older community, we've been very proactive.” Bloomfield Hills is in the midst of replacing all of its older water mains right now, city manager David Hendrickson said. “In about two years, there won't be a lot of old mains.”
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Beginning with the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget, the city replaced all of the water mains in the southwest part of the city, he said, along with some stormwater sewers, for a cost of $4 million. For their upcoming fiscal 20192020 year, he said they will spend “nearly $3 million dollars in various other areas of the city to continue our aggressive approach of significantly improving our infrastructure.” The work was done to replace six-inch mains with eight-inch water mains, “or if they were at the point where they were old enough, we needed to replace them,” Hendrickson said. “We monitor where our water breaks are, and how frequent they've been, combined with their age and size, and that's how we determined what to replace.” Austin Fletcher, Birmingham assistant city engineer, said “It is extremely difficult to quantify water loss accurately due to numerous factors that contribute to water loss,” with the city experiencing an approximate yearly water loss of seven percent, which he said equates to approximately $125,000 of lost revenue a year. Birmingham has an ongoing rolling five year capital improvement plan “that has been in effect for over 30 years. As part of that plan, the city budgets and spends between $1 million and $2 million annually on water main improvements,” Fletcher said. He said the city has replaced all residential water meters within the last five to seven years, “which has contributed to a reduction of the city's overall water loss by approximately two percent. The city also actively tests one-third of all of the fire hydrants within the city every year to ensure that they are operating correctly.” GLWA's Coffey remarked that these communities are doing excellently, especially Bloomfield Township, because they have so many connection to their water system. When they did their recent audit, GLWA's water loss was at 6 percent. “We want to drive it down even further,” Coffey said. “It varies widely, and there is no number that is a benchmark,” she said. “There is no one-size-fits-all. Having so many transmissions and connection points makes it more difficult. That's where there are difficulties.” Oakland County Water Resources Commission's Ploof acknowledged that while they seek a lower number, “Five percent of water is lost, when you include water from main breaks, firefighting, system flushing – sometimes you'll see us doing water hydrant testing to flush out the water system – which is more in a well system. Any of that meter inaccuracy would be included in that 5 percent loss. Firefighting typically is not a big water loss – it's more main breaks and leaking infrastructure.”
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akland County's Daddow said that a reasonable “estimate is between 15 to 25 percent water loss, which varies by community and how well a community has maintained their assets. It varies a lot by how much money is put into updating the water infrastructure.” At the opposite extreme from Bloomfield Township and Birmingham, Daddow noted, is Highland Park, which in 2009 had a 44 percent water loss. “They haven't put a lot of money into their water infrastructure since then,” he said. Detroit, on the other hand, has been doing condition assessments in sixyear increments, which began July 1, 2018, in conjunction with GLWA, Daddow said. For that six-year period, it is estimated that capital improvements will cost $1.888 billion. The previous condition assessment was $1.475 billion, “but they found (recently) that conditions were more egregious than expected, and in the interim they were repairing and replacing situations. “I'm fairly convinced that when they go to talk about capital improvements again, after doing repairs and improvements, they will discover the costs are even greater because their awareness of the underground problems will be greater,” Daddow said. “The condition assessments will show greater awareness of more problems.” After all, as Daddow said, there are over 3,000 miles of underground pipes. All of this has been part of a statewide Asset Management Program created in 2018 under Governor Rick Snyder, said Kelly Karll, planning
engineer, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG). The program is managed by the 21st Century Asset Management Council. “It's all under transportation because it's all under the roads,” Karll said. “The idea is we coordinate all the projects under one coordinator to reduce costs. The Water Asset Management Council is new, and the key to it is to look at water holistically.” What does that mean? Karll said, “Our improvements have not always been done thinking about other projects – and that has not always been the most effective way to do it.” Instead, with this approach, looking at drinking water, she said, “If we look at where the water main breaks are, and make decisions based on just that, but not at the water system as a whole – it's not as functional. Instead, it's better to look at the water system as a whole, with drinking water, sewer system, wastewater. If we're starting to work collaboratively, we're improving our collaborations and saving money.” “There's a big push statewide for asset management plans,” said Lance Binoniemi, vice president of government affairs, Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA). “The problem with underground infrastructure – because it's underground – municipalities don't want to invest in it enough. They don't respond to it until there is a big break, until it's a crisis. Some have invested in and worked on asset management – but those communities are few and far between. Most don't until there is a sinkhole or sewage backing up into basements, because they haven't spent the money or investigated the leaks.”
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inoniemi, whose organization represents the men and women “who are hired by the municipalities to get the roads, bridges, sewers, and water done,” meaning union workers, said most communities don't know they even have a water leak and that “they could be losing 20 to 30 percent of their water from leakage – and 20 to 30 percent of revenue they can't recoup other than by raising their water rates.” The push for asset management plans, Binoniemi said, can help communities determine the percentage of loss they are experiencing, so they can determine what they are going to fix, and what. “Certain communities can do it faster than others,” he said. He said that while there is a variety of work to be done around the state, he believes “Detroit is doing great asset management work. They're getting the resources to get that asset management plan done.” Which is excellent news to suburbanites who are part of the system. Stopping the small leaks before they become a major problem, or a major break, is part of the asset management work – with innovative technology to detect the leaks being utilized by GLWA in Oakland County, Coffey revealed. The launch of the pilot program, which initially is examining eight miles of water transmission pipe along 14 Mile Road, where a major sinkhole developed last year at Inkster Road in Bloomfield Township, impacting nearly 300,000 residents in 11 communities. Coffey said the innovations are part of GLWA's commitment to move from “preventative to a predictive maintenance and asset management strategy.” Among the new technology being piloted is the use of SmartBall, which is being utilized first, which employs acoustic technology to detect leaks and gas pockets. Then they are implementing their PipeDriver technology, which assesses pipes to detect structural weaknesses. “It tells us about the integrity of the pipe, before we have a failure, so we can predict if or where we need to do a replacement and prioritize,” Coffey explained. “We don't want to go out and just do a main replacement – it's very, very expensive. It's a smarter way to do replacement than just digging up pipes. We may just need to replace one mile of pipe. It's reliable, and much more cost effective.” In some lengths of pipe, they are able to put a fiber cable into the pipe “where we can listen to where when there are breaks,” Coffey said. “It's 24/7 monitoring. We can leave the cable in to monitor to see and listen to the condition of the pipe. “This is a pilot program, but there will be others and other areas we will use them,” she continued. “We prioritize based on where the needs have the most impact. It will take decades to the whole system, but we're beginning this year on 14 Mile, to see how much we can do each year.”
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210 NORTH OLD WOODWARD AVE. BIRMINGHAM, MI | 48009 | 248.330.9750 RKEATING@KW.COM | HTTPS://RKEATING.KW.COM
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LEGACY HILLS RESIDENCES | Bloomfield hills Exclusive 17-homesite new construction community | Starting from $995,000 Exclusive 17-homesite new construction community in Bloomfield Hills offers customizable luxury units, carefree lifestyle & one-level living. Top designers and renowned builders combined to create a perfect symphony of unparalleled quality, appointments & amenities. True open-concept ranches feature state of the art kitchens that boast custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, Thermador appliances & fully open to family & dining rooms. Master oasis w/immaculate walk in closet, spa style bath; Kensington master with private walk out loggia. Premier location in the heart of Bloomfield Hills near the areas most exclusive country clubs, Somerset Collection, Birmingham, and easy access to highways & airports.
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4 Bedrooms | 3.2 Baths | 3700 Square Feet | $1,189,000
5 Bedrooms | 4.2 Baths | 4274 Square Feet | Walk-out Lower Level | $829,000
Luxury meets location in this custom built home on one of Birmingham's most sought after streets steps from town. Open & flowing floor plan with tons of natural light, soaring ceilings, hardwoods & custom trim throughout. Kitchen with maple cabinetry, granite countertops & large island opens to breakfast room. Master suite boasts cozy fireplace, his/hers walk-in closets, bath with dual sinks, spa tub & euro glass shower. Finished lower level offers rec space, flex area , work shop, & wine cellar.
Elegant & Sophisticated custom built home perfectly set deep within a picturesque community on a private cul de sac. Relish the details from intricate trim, doors & ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, & crystal & glass touches. Kitchen with walk in pantry & large island opens to breakfast rm & family room with warm fireplace & built ins, & walks out to wrap around private deck. Indulgent master includes sitting area, private deck, walk in closet & spa bath. Walk out lower level of your dreams featuring gorgeous full size 2nd kitchen, dining area, pub style wrap around bar, large rec space, 5th bedroom, full bath, & theater room. 3 car garage.
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Suite200 200| Birmingham, | Birmingham,MIMI| 48009 | 48009| 248.310.1414 | 2 210 S. Old Woodward | Suite Each office isMI independently Suite 200 | Birmingham, | 48009 owned | 2 & operated.
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210 s. old Woodward | suite 200 | Birmingham, Mi | 48009 | 248.928.4224
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3955 Lahser Road | Bloomfield Hills Presenting a stately colonial estate overlooking prestigious Bloomfield Hills Country Club's Golf Course. This stunning home has been completely renovated and designed to perfection. This home features a custom gourmet kitchen. First floor master suite with luxurious master spa inspired bathroom. His/her walk in closets. Family room with custom builts/moldings/trim/ fireplace overlooking pool, wrap around deck, patio and golf course. Elegant spacious dinning room. First floor laundry. All bedrooms are suites. Finished lower level features a new kitchen, basketball court, gym, wine cellar. Beautifully renovated pool with flagstone patio, custom pergola. Situated on almost two acres. Designed and renovated to incorporate views of the golf course and the open layout is perfect for entertaining!
598 Abbey St. | Birmingham
1929 Hazel St. | Birmingham
Charming Brick Cape Cod located in the coveted Poppleton Park area of Birmingham! A meticulously maintained and completely updated home for todays buyer. Updates include bright/open kitchen with custom cabinets, large pantry and top of the line appliances. First floor master suite with updated bath and steam shower. Living room with gas fireplace. Beautiful Hardwood Floors throughout. Newer Pella windows with custom plantation shutters, Newer roof (2014) with 10 yr warranty, Zoned heating-Newer CA and Furnace. Office/library with bay window. Heated year round sun room overlooking scenic views of backyard. Two car attached garage walks into spacious mudroom with custom cabinets and first floor laundry. Privacy fenced yard with expansive deck off kitchen and sun room. New sump pump and outside drainage system. Sprinkler system. Nestled on a great lot location in the neighborhood!
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210 S. Old Woodward Ste. 200 | Birmingham, MI 48009
FACES
Travis Wright etroit radio personality and Groves High School alumnus Travis Wright will be hitting the airwaves again, this time on your television when he hosts "It's Your Show (I'm Just Hosting It)â&#x20AC;? on public television stations across the nation. "It started as an idea for a Detroit show. I fell in love with Detroit early in my career," said the native Canadian, who moved to Southfield and the Birmingham School District in grade school. "I've never been hesitant to go into any neighborhood and get to know it. I saw how the media ignores many areas, and thought how interesting it would be to show up on a corner with a desk, chair and microphone, and say, 'OK Detroit, it's your show and I'm just hosting it.'" From that concept, the concept grew to a statewide format and work with Arcadius Productions to get the show on public television stations in and outside of Detroit. The goal, Wright said, is to have the show fully funded by May of 2019, so he can start producing episodes. Prior to leaving WDET in early 2017, Wright hosted "Culture Shift," a Detroit-based arts and culture show he expanded from shorter segments he crafted while hosting the station's news show, "All Things Considered." Wright has covered arts, culture and music in Detroit since about 2006, including positions at Detroit Metro Times and serving as editor at Real Detroit Weekly. "It was so close to my dream job that it's hard to talk about," Wright said about his work at WDET, "except when they blew out Culture Shift. They brought in a consultant from the East Coast, who took over the show, and it became not my show." Citing artistic differences, Wright decided to part ways with the show
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that he had helped to craft. The decision, he said, was one of the two hardest decisions he had to make in his life. The other was deciding to leave a path of sports in high school. "You're quitting a team, and you're quitting a thing you love," he said. "I was working with 30 highly intelligent people who were community focused and engaged in their community in different ways. I'll probably never have an experience like that again." It was at Groves where Wright sustained a football injury in his junior year. Not wanting to walk away from the game, a teacher honed in on Wright's gift of gab and offered him a chance to do color commentary for the public access station's football coverage. The on-air experience not only helped to soften the blow of leaving sports, but proved to be a pivotal point in his education and career. "My entire career in the Birmingham school community provided an opportunity to delve into a sense of myself that they offered, and they set the table," he said. "I've been lucky to have the right people in my life, handing me the right books at the right time." It was at the end of his 8th grade year that Wright said his former teacher, Jeff Wickerham, gave him a book that would help to form his views. "He gave me a copy of Walden. It blew me away. It was really counterculture. He handed me the book and said it's 'just for you,'" Wright said. "That moment changed my life, and that teacher changed my life." Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
CLIMATE CHANGE THE LOCAL PREDICTIONS AND EVIDENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES FROM THE NATIONAL CLIMATE ASSESSMENT REPORT
BY KEVIN ELLIOTT
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xtreme weather events like the polar vortex that iced over Michigan and much of the Midwest in late January are expected to become more commonplace in the future as global temperatures trend progressively warmer, spurring major disruptions in farming, forestry, infrastructure, the environment, local economies and public health. The predictions and evidence that climate change is already impacting the way we live are included in a 1,500page, Congressionally-mandated, National Climate Assessment report released in late 2018 by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. The report, now in its fourth iteration, assesses the science of climate change and variability and its impacts across the country now and throughout this century. Further, the latest report places a greater emphasis on a dozen impacts to different regions across the country, including the Midwest, with a highlight on the Great Lakes region. “It really does a good job of taking climate change and tying it to people,” said Jenna Jorns, program manager for the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments (GLISA), who contributed to the national report. The report draws past and current research by dozens of local, state and federal scientists, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and National Forest Service, NASA, the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, national laboratories, universities and the private sector. In total, more than 300 experts contributed to the report, as well as more than a thousand individuals in over 40 cities through regional engagement workshops. Jorns, who wrote a specific case study about the Great Lakes region for the national report, said changes in lake temperatures and ice coverage have sweeping impacts to ecosystems, public health and economies. “We are seeing an increase in water temperatures, as well as a very drastic decrease in lake ice cover, and changes in water circulation in the lakes. That effects everything from fish communities to algal blooms,” she said. “In some instances, warmer temperatures could be good for growth rates for certain fish, but also good for invasive species. The sea lamprey, for instance, is now in the Great Lakes and are the target of control efforts. There is a lot of good work being done in the region, but climate change and uncertainty of future projections makes all of that complicated.” In an effort to help readers comprehend the information presented in the assessment, and further localize those findings, we have distilled key messages of the report here. Further, we spoke with current and former officials in the state to go beyond the report's findings to showcase past and current efforts to combat climate change in Michigan.
Despite increasing evidence that climate change is happening, there are many people who remain skeptical. That sentiment was illustrated in the midst of the polar vortex in a tweet by President Trump: “In the beautiful Midwest, windchill temperatures are reaching minus 60 degrees, the coldest ever recorded. In coming days, expected to get even colder. People can't last outside even for minutes. What the hell is going on with Global Warming? Please come back fast, we need you!” Politics aside, the president's tweet asks the basic question that many have: how can there be global warming while we're still suffering through record-breaking cold snaps? Scientists describe climate change as changes in average weather conditions that persist over multiple decades or longer. It includes both increases and decreases in temperature, as well as shifts in precipitation, changing risks of certain types of severe weather events and changes to other features of the climate system. Nationally, annual average temperatures have increased by 1.8 degrees across the contiguous United States since the beginning of the 20th century, according to the most recent assessment. Alaska, however, is warming faster than any other state and has warmed twice as fast as the global average since the mid-20th century. Local WDIV Meteorologist Paul Gross said warmer global temperatures contribute to weather extremes because the Earth's north and south poles warm disproportionately faster than lower latitudes. “The jet stream results largely from a contrast in temperature from far north and middle and southern latitudes. So, if we warm the poles more than we lower the lower latitudes, that weakens the jet stream. When we weaken the jet stream, that promotes peaks and valleys that result in more extreme weather,” he said. “The long-term trend is that all four seasons are warming, but here's an interesting statistic: spring, summer and fall are warming at almost the same rate; winter, however, is warming at a much faster rate than the other three seasons. “That may be hard for people to believe considering the polar vortex we just had, but remember, the polar vortex just affected the Northeastern United States. Other parts of the world are setting heat records. Australia is having day after day of 120 degree weather with all sorts of wildfires. People don't understand it's 'global' warming, not just Detroit or Michigan. It's the entire planet. Every region won't have the same weather at any given time. People have already forgotten we had a very mild December and first part of January.” In terms of local climate, Gross said a study of daily high and low records during the 1990s in the Detroit area show heat records have outpaced cold records by a ratio of three-to-one. “That by itself is unusual,” he said. “Then, in the next decade, from 2000 to 2009, the ratio jumped to six-to-one hot-to-cold. In the current decade, we think we are about three or four-to-one,” he said. “That's an undeniable signal of a warm force on our climate.” In the Great Lakes Region, average annual temperatures have increased by 2 degrees since 1900. Temperatures are expected to increase by 1.8 to 5.4 degrees by 2050, and average air temperatures are projected to increase by 3.6 to 11.2 degrees by 2100, according to the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences Assessments (GLISA), which is one of 11 NOAA-funded regional centers that studies climate change in the Great Lakes. The center, which is located in Ann Arbor, operates as a partnership between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. While milder winters and warmer overall weather may be appealing to some, the lack of an annual cold snap has consequences greater than a reduced heating bill. “We need an occasional arctic blast because that severe cold will create higher attrition for some of the pests that bother us over the summer, things like ticks and mosquitoes,” Gross said. “Temperature increases on Isle Royal has been attributed to warming winters, resulting in more ticks. Now, the moose population on the island is being affected, and that's affecting wolf population on the island.” In his own backyard, Gross said the Black-Eyed Susans at his home used to bloom in August when he moved into his home in 1993.
Now, the flowers bloom in mid-July and are finished by mid-August. “If you have a heat wave in the spring, which has happened, like getting to the 70s or 80s in March, then your fruit tree buds come out. Then, you get a hard freeze and you've destroyed the fruit crop. That's happened twice in the past 20 years.”
BIODIVERSITY & ECOSYSTEMS The ecosystems of the Midwest support many native species and provide people with essential services, such as water purification, flood control, resource provision, crop pollination and recreational opportunities. “Species and ecosystems, including important freshwater resources of the Great Lakes, are typically most at risk when climate stressors, like temperature increases, interact with land-use change, habitat loss, pollution, nutrient inputs, and non-native species,” the assessment's authors wrote. “Restoration of natural systems, increases in the use of green infrastructure, and targeted conservation efforts, especially of wetland systems, can help protect people and nature from climate change impacts.” Some species are already responding to environmental changes over the last several decades, with rapid climate change over the next century expected to cause or further amplify stress in ecological systems in the Midwest, according to the national assessment. Those changes include species range shifts, populations, size and growth rates and timing of seasonal events. As an example of shifting ranges, scientists say about 78 plant species in Wisconsin that were sampled in the 1950s and again in the 2000s, shifted in by about 30 miles over the 50-year period. The dominant direction was northwest, matching the direction of the change in climate conditions associated with the distribution of the species. “While this shift suggests the potential for successful adaptation to changing conditions, the rate of change for most species was much less than the amount of change in climate metrics over the same period, raising concern that the climate is changing too fast for species to keep up,” the report stated. Similar studies found that spring green-up, an indicator of when plant-feeding insects emerge, and the timing of migratory bird arrivals are shifting earlier in the Midwest, with birds arriving before plants emerge. Such a shift could pose a threat to birds. Scientists recommend implementing new land management strategies to help maintain or increase plant variations in key migratory and breeding habitats, such as the Great Lakes coastline. “Many species and ecosystems, especially in the upper Midwest, are best suited to survive when winter conditions are harsh and growing seasons are short. As winter warms and growing seasons extend, species from the south-central United States, as well as outside the country, are expected to increase and take advantage of these changes, increasing the rate of loss of native species,” the national assessment stated. “For insect pests, the impacts may be compounded as extended growing seasons allow additional generations to be produced in a single season.” Likewise, the Great Lakes themselves are undergoing changes as a result of climate change. Brent Lofgren, a physical scientist with NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, said water temperatures in the Great Lakes have led to a lack of turnover in the
REBECCA MEISNER
Paul Toepp
Rebecca Meisner
(508) 680-6538 ptoepp@cbwm.com ptoepp.cbwm.com
248-408-2212 rmeisner@cbwm.com rebeccameisner.com
294 E Brown Street Birmingham, MI 48009
294 E Brown Street Birmingham, MI 48009
METAMORA TOWNSHIP | $929,900 WEIR MANUEL
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water column in some areas, a phenomenon that hasn't been recorded in recent history. Turnover in the water column happens when freshwater reaches its maximum density at just below 39 degrees. When surface water reaches that point, the entire water column below the surface mixes vertically, bringing oxygen from the surface to lower depths, and nutrients from the bottom toward the top. “It's really an ordinary process, with turnover essentially happening twice a year, in fall and spring,” Lofgren said. “There were two winters – 2012 and 2017 – in which there was a large area in southern Lake Michigan and a large area throughout Lake Ontario, where the surface water never got that cold, so there was no turnover.” Lofgren said the events marked the only record that mixing of the water column didn't happen throughout the lakes. “We need to take a closer look at what might have happened to biological acidity for those years,” he said. Without proper turnover of the water column, the lack of oxygen and nutrients in some areas of the lake may lead to population declines in some species in both the upper and lower zones. For instance, algae and zooplankton that form the basis of the aquatic food web may be disrupted, leading to a chain of potential results. Warmer water may also impact coldwater fish species, such as trout and salmon, which could result in population and range shifts. However, the extent to which climate change impacts fish species also depends on other stressors, such as pollution, habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, and land uses that may impact water. Another indicator of climate change in the Great Lakes is the overall decline of ice coverage throughout the lakes over the past 40 years. Ice coverage tracked by NOAA showed the largest decreases between 1973 and 2013, while summer surface water temperatures increased the most between 1994 and 2013. The greatest decreases in seasonal ice cover were near shorelines, with less occurring in deeper central parts of Lakes Michigan and Ontario, which rarely have ice cover. Meanwhile, the greatest summer water temperatures occurred in deeper water. Lofgren said while the downward trend of ice coverage started several years ago, there was higher ice coverage in 2014 and 2015, with the potential for increases in 2019. In terms of Great Lakes projections, Lofgren said it's difficult to tie global projections to the Great Lakes basin. That, he said, may give extra emphasis to reductions in ice cover and water turnover. Likewise, he said water levels in the Great Lakes aren't tied to rising sea levels in the Earth's oceans. The difference, he said, is that the Great Lakes have an outlet or outflow, with the ultimate being Lake Ontario and the MosesSaunders Power Dam, in the St. Lawrence River. “The levels of the lakes are determined by the balance between water coming in from runoff and precipitation on the lake versus the amount taken away by evaporation and outflow,” he said. “That outflow is a self-correcting mechanism. If the lake gets lower, it decreases and restores an equilibrium. In the ocean, there's not outflow, it's really a factor of how dense the water is, which is caused by temperature, and if there is an addition of water from large ice sheets. Also, the melt of water from ice that is already floating has no effect on water levels.”
AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY Overall, the frost-free season in the Midwest has lengthened by nine days from 1958 to 2012, and may be up to one to two months
longer by 2100, according to GLISA. Still, by mid-century 2050, a longer growing season and higher carbon dioxide concentrations will likely have a positive effect on many crop yields. By 2100, the negative effects of increasing storm activity, flooding, extreme heat, summer drought risk and pests may outweigh the benefits of climate change. Annual precipitation in the Great Lakes region has increased by 10.8 percent since 1900, and is expected to increase, according to researchers. Precipitation will increase during wet seasons, but may remain stable or decrease during the summer. Further, reduced ice coverage on the Great Lakes will result in more exposed water and more opportunity for lake-effect precipitation. The amount of precipitation falling in the heaviest one percent of storms increased by 37 percent in the Midwest from 1958 through 2012. Scientists believe increases in warm-season humidity and precipitation have already eroded soils, created favorable conditions for pests and pathogens, and degraded the quality of stored grain. Projected changes in precipitation, coupled with rising extreme temperatures before mid-century, will reduce Midwest agriculture productivity to levels of the 1980s without major technical advances, according to the assessment. According to the National Climate Assessment, warm-season temperatures are projected to increase more in the Midwest than any other region in the United States. The frost-free season is projected to increase by 10 days by early this century (2019-2045), 20 days by midcentury (2036-2065), and possibly a month by the late century, compared to the period from 1976 to 2005. “There has been a lot of work for adaptation with a lot of the trends that we are seeing,” said Laura Campbell, manager of the Agricultural Ecology Department at the Michigan Farm Bureau. “There are invasive species and tests that are moving forward.” For instance, Campbell said Spotted Wing Drosophila, an East Asian fruit fly, is a major pest in the fruit industry. Likewise, species of pigweed that have typically established in warmer climates to the south are now creeping into Michigan farmlands. “We've been working at the state and national level to come up with solutions to keep outbreaks at a minimum,” Campbell said. “We've also increased our efforts on managing water. When looking at trends over the past several years, we have seen increases in springtime storm intensity. That has a big impact on water quality. If your field is flooded, it doesn't matter what you did in terms of practices, anything on the field is going into the water.” Likewise, Campbell said there is increasing uncertainty when looking at when frost will impact fruits and vegetables. “For instance, if we get a late freeze and lose the entire crop – and that has happened a number of times,” she said. “That puts a lot of uncertainty on the fruit and vegetable crop, which is incredibly important to Michigan.” In 2012, a mix of a late frost and warm spring weather killed much of Michigan's cherry and apple crops, Campbell said. Increased precipitation may also have other impacts. Increased spring precipitation and higher temperatures and humidity may lead to more fungus and disease outbreaks and the prevalence of bacterial plant disease. Increased soil moisture in warmer climates may also lead to an increased loss of soil carbon and degraded surface water. Transitions from extreme droughts to floods, in particular, may increase nitrogen levels in rivers and lead to harmful algal blooms. Scientists say the agriculture industry may adapt to climate changes by diversifying plantings and implementing soil-erosion suppression methods. Despite the undeniable impacts of climate change to agriculture, Campbell said the Farm Bureau doesn't support a hard set of specific rules to address climate change across the board. “Our members don't want to see a bunch of mandates and regulations coming through that will increase the difficulty and expense that makes it too difficult to farm,” Campbell said. “The policy our members developed talks about how they want to emphasize research and legislation, but want to make sure there's not mandatory restrictions and mandatory cap and trade programs. Trying
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to focus on requiring emissions regulations and other things that can make it unaffordable and unattainable for farmers in the United Staes.” Midwest forests provide economic and ecological benefits, yet threats from a changing climate are interacting with existing stressors, such as invasive species and pests to increase tree mortality and reduce forest productivity. “Without adaptive actions, these interactions will result in the loss of economically and culturally important tree species such as paper birch and black ash, and are expected to lead to the conversion of some forests and other forest types, or even to non-forested ecosystems by the end of the century,” the assessment stated. “Land managers are beginning to manage risk in forests by increasing diversity and selecting for tree species adapted to a range of projected conditions.” Forests cover more than 91 million acres in the Midwest, from oakhickory forests in the Ozarks to northern hardwoods in the north. Michigan itself is home to three national forests and six state forest lands. Economic output of Midwest forestry totals about $122 billion per year. While the latest national assessment found that tree growth rates and forest productivity have benefited from longer growing seasons and higher atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, continued benefits are only expected if moisture and nutrients are available to support enhanced growth rates. As growing season temperatures rise, reduced tree growth or widespread mortality is expected. “Late growing season heat and drought related to vegetation stress is projected to shift the composition and structure of forests in the region by increasing mortality of younger trees, which are sensitive to drought,” the assessment's author's said. “Warming winter will reduce snowpack that acts to insulate soil from freezing temperatures, increasing frost damage to shallow root trees and reducing tree regeneration.” Within suburban areas of Michigan, the invasion of the Emerald Ash Borer has decimated ash tree populations in the state. Insects and tree pathogens are anticipated to intensify as winters warm, increasing winter survival of pests and allowing them to expand into new regions. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been involved in the Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework since 2010. The program has executive staff at the DNR to help shape that framework as part of the Regional Coordinating Group with other states foresters and regional organizations. The DNR also is working with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science and other partners on an Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment and Synthesis for Michigan's forests, contributing both staff and information. Further, the DNR is co-leading the forest working group of the Michigan Climate Coalition to provide a forum for the statewide forestry community to learn about climate change.
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION Storm water management systems, transportation networks and other critical infrastructure are already experiencing impacts from changing precipitation patterns and elevated flood risks, according to the latest national assessment. Green infrastructure is reducing some of the negative impacts by using plants and open space to absorb stormwater. Still, the annual cost of adapting urban stormwater systems to more frequent and severe storms is projected to exceed $500 million for the Midwest by the end of the century.
Kelly Karll, an engineer with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), said infrastructure planning related to climate change mostly involves precipitation and how it will impact flooding. The largest area for updating involves design standards, requiring more capacity for water to flow through the systems. “The water resources plan for southeast Michigan has a section that discusses this topic, and we have policy and discussion really looking at infrastructure,” she said. “Which areas are most prone for flooding and where to prioritize. It also becomes a factor in deciding road infrastructure projects and long range transportation plans, but there are fewer polices in there.” Currently, she said, SEMCOG has partnered with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to look at seven counties in Michigan, including Oakland, to look at road assets, such as roads, bridges, culverts and pump stations. The study is using GIS data to develop new methodology and flooding risk to rank roadways for flooding and conditions as far as 20, 50 and 100 years out. “That's anticipated to be complete in early 2020,” she said. “It's looking at major roadways. Another part of the project is looking at areas prone to flooding, like the Southfield Freeway.”
HUMAN HEALTH Climate change is expected to worsen existing health conditions and introduce new health threats by increasing frequency and intensity of poor air quality days, extreme high temperature events, and heavy rainfalls; extending pollen seasons; and modifying the distribution of disease-carrying pests and insects. “By mid-century, the region is projected to experience substantial, yet avoidable, loss of life, worsened health conditions, and economic impacts estimated in the billions of dollars as a result of these changes,” authors of the national assessment said. “Improved basic health services and increased public health measures – including surveillance and monitoring – can prevent or reduce these impacts.” Ozone-related premature deaths in southeast Michigan over the summer months in 2050 are expected to range from 1.1 to 5, in a low scenario projection and between 5 and 10 in a high scenario, according to projections included in the national assessment that was adapted from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Those figures are expected to increase by 2090 to 5 to 10 in a low scenario and 10 to 50 in a high scenario. People suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases, particularly in children, will be at higher risk in the future due to climate change. Diseases such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease may become more widespread since carrier insects will more likely survive milder winters. Extreme heat and cold events also are expected to increase the number of weather-related deaths and illnesses. And, more storm activity and flooding will increase the risk of watershed contamination, while warmer surface waters will amplify the risk of toxic algal blooms and fish contamination. Kate Madigan, energy and climate specialist for the Michigan Environmental Council and chair of the Michigan Climate Action Network, said that global temperatures have risen 1.8 degrees warmer compared to the late 1800s, prior to when industry started emitting greenhouse gases. More recently, the past four years have been the warmest on record, with last year being the warmest. “Nationwide, heatwaves are the leading cause of weather-related
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deaths in the country, rising 3,111 from 2010 to 2014, with an average of 622 each year,” she said. “That's of concern for sure in Michigan.”
COMMUNITY VULNERABILITY & ADAPTATION At-risk communities in the Midwest are becoming more vulnerable to climate impacts such as flooding, drought and increases in urban heat islands, the latest national assessment found. Tribal nations are especially vulnerable because of their reliance on threatened natural resources for their cultural, subsistence and economic needs. “Integrating climate adaptation into planning processes offers an opportunity to better manage climate risks now,” the report's authors said. “Developing knowledge for decision-making in cooperation with vulnerable communities and tribal nations will help to build adaptive capacity and increase resilience.” Jenna Jorns, who authored the national assessment's key message on community vulnerability and adaptation in the Midwest, said existing stressors, such as deteriorating infrastructure, will be compounded by climate change, as well as economic downturns. In areas of Oakland County that are already struggling with stormwater management systems and combined sewer overflows, an increase in extreme rain events will make matters worse, impacting transportation issues and property loss. In turn, that leads to health impacts and increased mental stress. In terms of coordinating planning in the state, Jorns said mitigation and adaptation work isn't always well documented. “Implementation of climate adaptation plans remain low, but for good reason: cities and counties are very constrained,” she said. “At the local level, municipalities and counties are usually making those plans, but they might not have someone to do that job. In a lot of cities, it needs to be a priority from the top down, or a demand from citizens. In some cases, there is a lot of good work being done, but it's not well documented.” In Michigan, the Michigan Climate Action Network advocates for fully powering Michigan with renewable energy by 2050. The Network, which includes more than a dozen environmental and health organizations, and more than a handful of Michigan businesses, is also pushing for electrification of transportation; prohibiting oil pipelines; and fighting for clean energy policies. Madigan said relying on renewable energy could create 150,000 jobs, save 1,700 lives per year and save the average Michigander close to $11,000 annually in energy, health and climate costs. The Network tracks climate action plans in Michigan, with several cities and counties having plans. Those plans are listed by city, date and energy or climate goal: • Ann Arbor, 2012, to reduce greenhouse gases by 90 percent by 2050 and use 100 percent renewable energy for city operations by 2035; • Dearborn, 2012, 10 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2015; • Detroit, 2017, 80 percent greenhouse gas reduction by 2050; additional goals related to city operations; • Grand Rapids, 2013, 100 percent renewables by 2025; • Hazel Park, 2012, 50 percent greenhouse gas reduction by 2050; • Southgate, 2012, 50 percent greenhouse gas reduction by 2050; • Traverse City, 2011, 2016, 2018, 25 percent greenhouse gas reduction by 2012; 100 percent renewables for city operations by 2020; 100 percent community-wide renewables by 2040 with 40 percent renewables by 2025 interim goal; • Ypsilanti, 2012, 50 percent greenhouse gas reduction by 2050;
• Meridian, 2017, 50 percent greenhouse gas reduction by 2025, 100 percent renewables for city operations by 2035. Additionally, four cities have plans related to climate change and renewable energy, including Holland, East Lansing, Farmington Hills and Northport Village. Still, she said, Michigan doesn't have a comprehensive plan or state department overseeing climate change mitigation or adaptation. While she noted former Governor Jennifer Granholm was able to have an emissions plan drafted, it has been shelved for the past decade. “In the state legislature, we don't have a pro-climate action majority,” she said. “We still need to build more support with lawmakers.” In early February, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order to reorganize the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and have the state enter into the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors from 19 states that have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals fo the Paris Agreement. The order would, amongst other actions, restructure the DEQ as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, as well as create the Office of Climate and Energy within the new department. However, the order could be overturned by the legislature – which occurred, as the House of Representatives voted along party lines to overturn the order. The matter now goes to the Senate, where, when this was being written, it was being discussed in committee. The order is the first state-level action on climate change since 2007, when former Governor Granholm issued an executive order to create the Michigan Climate Action Council. The council, which consisted of more than two dozen members representing environmental groups, state departments, as well as the energy supply sector, residential, commercial and industrial sectors, transportation and agriculture, forestry and waste management. In 2009, the group released the state's first and only Michigan Climate Action Plan, which was coordinated with help from the Washington D.C.-based Center for Climate Strategies. At the heart of the plan were 54 policy recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent of 2005 levels by 2050. Of the 54 recommendations, 52 were unanimously agreed upon by the council's workgroup. The plan included a comprehensive inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as recommendations to update those inventories on a regular basis to determine if progress was made. Recommendations included reducing various greenhouse gases, updating building codes, increasing renewable energy use and other actions. “It was a great process. We had a great plan,” said former DEQ Director Steve Chester, who headed up the council's workgroup that developed the plan. “I left the Granholm administration in January 2010. Some of the plan may have been implemented, but after that, the Snyder administration mothballed it and it's been gathering dust.” Former Governor Rick Snyder eliminated the council, replacing it with the Michigan Agency for Energy. Nick Assendelft, spokesman for the agency, said any climate change related work or planning falls under the purview of the DEQ. DEQ spokeswoman Chelsea Lewis didn't respond to multiple requests for comment from Downtown newsmagazine.. “Someone is probably aware of the plan. I hope they pick it up and dust it off,” Chester said. “They could do a gap analysis to see what we have achieved and what we haven't, then supplement it. You can build on this knowledge base that was there, and you can build on the consensus that was there.” Chester, who now works as an attorney in Michigan and serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Center for Climate Strategies, which helped develop the state's plan, said he isn't surprised the plan was mothballed, as the administrations had very different perspectives. Still, he said he's enthused about Whitmer's plans to place energy within the DEQ, a push that had been made in the past. “As former director of the DEQ, I'm fairly disappointed that it wasn't followed through on,” he said. “If you talk to municipalities, they have a lot of concern about resiliency and protecting infrastructure. I hope they take another look at it.”
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BLOOMFIELD HILLS 1484 Inwoods Circle $2,980,000 Grand Lower Long Lake estate on 1.3 acres features spaces made for luxury living. All 3 levels take full advantage of the peaceful, private setting with breathtaking lake views and outdoor access. 9,292 Total Square Feet 6 Bedrooms 6 Full, 2 Half Baths MLS# 218112309
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BLOOMFIELD 1589 Kirkway Road $1,460,000 Spectacular setting on 1.25 acres offers 150’ of frontage and panoramic views of Island Lake. Walls of glass bathe the interior in natural light. Master suite retreat. Walkout lower level.
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5,050 Total Square Feet 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths MLS# 219006613
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MUNICIPAL Developer sues city over unchosen bid
Major Birmingham project moving ahead By Lisa Brody
By Lisa Brody
TIR Equities, a real estate development company in Birmingham, and its principal, Ara Darakjian, filed suit in federal court in late January against the city of Birmingham and two city officials, city manager Joe Valentine and city commissioner Mark Nickita, over a bid it had submitted in response to a request for proposal (RFP) issued by the city in November 2017 to redevelop the N. Old Woodward parking structure and create an extension for Bates Street. TIR Equities was one of two finalists, along with Woodward Bates Partners, to redevelop the N. Old Woodward parking lot with more parking, an extension of Bates Street, a liner of retail along the new street, a mixed use building comprising residential and office space, and a park. The city initially had four development groups submit proposals, which included parking consultants, developers, architects, designers and consultants, but only three ultimately submitted completed proposals to the city by the January 3, 2018 deadline: REDICO, TIR Equities and Waldbridge/Woodward, Bates, LLC. REDICO withdrew from consideration. Woodward, Bates, LLC consists of Victor Saroki of Saroki Architecture in Birmingham; Paul Robertson of Robertson Brothers Homes in Bloomfield Hills; John Rakolta Jr., of Walbridge in Detroit, and Ron Boji of Boji Group. The parcel of land, approximately four acres in the city’s central business district, consists of the current N. Old Woodward parking garage, an adjacent parking lot and adjacent parcels. The city’s objective had been to solicit creative and innovative development plans from qualified developers that will extend Bates Street from Willits to N. Old Woodward, connecting the north and south parts of Birmingham, to redevelop the remainder of the site by constructing a new parking structure that will provide a minimum of 380 parking spaces in addition to replacing the 770 parking spaces currently on the N. Old Woodward/Bates Street site, plus adding residential, commercial and/or mixed uses in order to create an activated, pedestrian-oriented urban streetscape while also providing public access to the Rouge River and downtownpublications.com
irmingham city commissioners on Monday, January 11, unanimously approved a non-binding pre-development agreement between the city and Walbridge/Woodward Bates Partners as well as an engagement and cost reimbursement agreement for design schematics for the parking deck and extension of Bates Street, for a cost of not more that $575,000. In June 2018, following a request for proposal (RFP) process, the city commission chose Walbridge/Woodward Bates Partners to redevelop the N. Old Woodward parking lot with more parking, an extension of Bates Street, a liner of retail along the new street, a mixed use building comprising residential and office space, and a park. Walbridge/Woodward Bates Partners consists of Victor Saroki of Saroki Architecture in Birmingham; Paul Robertson of Robertson Brothers Homes in Bloomfield Hills; John Rakolta Jr., of Walbridge in Detroit, and Ron Boji of Boji Group. On January 11, assistant city manager Tiffany Gunter said that following commission direction, the city had engaged in development counsel, done market validation, title search completion and went through two phases of environmental mitigation. “There was very minimal mitigation,” she said. Michael Fazio, development counsel with law firm Miller Canfield, informed commissioners at the meeting that the predevelopment agreement was “to negotiate a development agreement with the team, including ground lease agreement. It's merely an outline of the development agreement that will be negotiated at a later date. The predevelopment agreement allows both the city and the developer to be on the same page. Until and unless there is a development agreement, neither the city nor the developer is bound.” He said unless both parties agree to an extension, a development agreement is expected by March 10. He further assured commissioners that each phase of the development will be brought back to the commissioners for approval. In addition to the public portion, which initially includes rebuilding the N. Old Woodward parking structure and an extension of Bates Streets through to N. Old Woodward, there are four private components. The goal for the parking structure is to begin construction in fall 2019. “When the garage goes offline, we will have some 750 parking spaces that will be displaced,” Fazio said. “The parking mitigation plan needs to be a discussion. We have not yet figured that out. It will be in the development agreement.” Fazio said the engagement and cost reimbursements, for no more than $575,000, are a binding agreement between the city and developer, which the city has the right to terminate at any point, with the city retaining its rights to any and all designs. The first design schematics will be for the parking deck and extension of the road, but not for the public plaza, although it will include budget numbers “for full-blown designs,” he said, but they will not be of construction drawings at this point. Commissioners unanimously approved both the engagement and cost reimbursements, and for the predevelopment agreement.
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Booth Park to the north. The RFP stated, in part, that the city was seeking a new parking structure with a minimum of 1,150 parking spaces; new mixed use building adjacent to a parking structure facing N. Old Woodward Avenue; a service drive access to the adjacent buildings both north and south of the parking structure; a new mixed use building facing Willits Street; public park property and connection between a new city street and the existing Rouge River to the
north; and a residential building on the north end of the site, which can take advantage of the existing views in the area. TIR Equities, according to the lawsuit, contends that Saroki and Carl Walker helped Birmingham develop the city's proposal, depriving Darakjian and TIR Equities of their constitutional right to due process. “We commenced litigation a few days ago, filing this in federal court as a deprivation of our client's civil rights,” attorney Mark Rossman, of
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Rossman Saxe in Troy, said. “At the outset, it appears the city chose the architect and parking consultant which assisted in the development of the RFP and RFQ (request for qualifications). The process appears tainted. The city cannot abuse its power.” Rossman said the city, which chose Woodward, Bates LLC in June 2018, by a unanimous city commission vote, “did not conduct a thoroughly-reasoned analysis in making its final decision. They did not follow its own code, and did not reach levels of due process.” The complaint asserts that Saroki and Woodward Bates Partners should have been excluded from the bidding process “as a basic ethical complaint.” The lawsuit states that the city’s selection of the Woodward, Bates Paratners was the “culmination of an arbitrary, capricious, unfair, and unjust bidder selection process, tainted by, among other things, favoritism and conflicts of interest.” At the June city commission meeting, planning director Jana Ecker said, “TIR Equities is proposing four levels of underground parking, a 15-story building, multiple other buildings that are six-stories, an extension of Bates street, all zoned PP-public property, so you go any height, but all the other buildings in the area are max five-story.” She said that Woodward Bates Partners also included an extension of Bates Street, numerous buildings and a plaza improvement with retail which would activate the space. “Their parking is in the rear, with a couple of levels of underground,” she said. Most areas of Birmingham have zoning height requirements of fivestories. TIR Equities proposed a taxincremented financing (TIF) subsidy, which city officials said was a city subsidy, and not in compliance with the RFP. Attorney Brian Saxe said they are looking for “the consummation of the contract with Woodward Bates; we would like that process to be stopped.” According to an update reported on Saturday, January 26, at the city's long-range planning meeting, a predevelopment agreement with Woodward Bates Partners is to be finalized by early February 2019, and the development agreement is expected in March 2019. “We would defer to the court, but we would like the court to order the bidder selection process to comport to due process, to be free from favoritism 57
and fair selection process,” Saxe continued. He said they cannot say whether Darakjian's bid, designed by famed New York architect Robert A.M. Stern Architects, is better than the other, “but they needed to follow all due process.” As for city manager Joe Valentine and commissioner Mark Nickita being included in the suit, the complaint alleges that Nickita failed to recuse himself even though he has a working relationship with a member of the Woodward Bates team – market research and strategic analysis firm Zimmerman Volk. As for Valentine, Darakjian asserts that he sent the city commission a letter six days prior to their July 9, 2018, meeting, yet Valentine did not include it on their agenda, stating that he and Darakjian should sit down first for a private conversation. Birmingham spokesperson Kevin Byrnes said, “We have not been officially served. The city does not comment on pending litigation.” Nickita, who has been a city commissioner for nine years and served on the city's planning board for 10 years before that, said he had not been officially served either, and he would not comment on pending litigation.
Sherr charged with campaign sign theft By Lisa Brody and Kevin Elliott
Bloomfield Hills city commissioner Stuart Sherr, who was arrested and charged with stealing the campaign signs of a Bloomfield Hills School board candidate, Anjali Prasad, in November, has plead not guilty, even though he was caught in the act on police surveillance camera, and admitted he did steal signs. After his court appearance, Sherr asserted it was within his rights as a commissioner and “fellow property owner” to look out for the multimillion dollar interests of Bloomfield Hills property owners. According to Bloomfield Hills police reports, Prasad made a larceny report on October 28, 2018, reporting to police that she had had several campaign signs stolen. “Since this report was made we have been conducting random surveillance details,” the report stated, noting that on the evening of November 1, 2018, “at approximately 9:30 p.m….I observed a vehicle enter the eastern entrance of 74 W. Long Lake Road and stop in the parking lot. I observed an individual exit the vehicle and 58
immediate approach Prasad's campaign sign, ignoring the two campaign signs nearby. The individual returned to the vehicle, placing the campaign sign in the trunk.” Police photographs identified the other two signs as campaign signs for Lena Epstein for Congress and Shelley Taub for county commission. Sherr supported both on his Facebook page. The police report detailed how the individual repeated the action, and the officer followed the individual home, and made the police stop, with back up, where the individual was identified as Sherr. According to the police report, Sherr informed the officer he was an elected official in Bloomfield Hills, “and was conducting his duty to remove signs in violation to local ordinances. Sherr explained Prasad's campaign signs were in violation of being within 10 feet of the roadway of the curb,” and because of the rain, he couldn't remove the other two signs – although according to another officer's write up, “Sherr had to pass these signs to remove the two Prasad signs which were posted east and west of of the Epstein and Taub signs. Sherr's black Jaguar SUV has an Epstein sticker on the rear bumper.” Officers wrote that Sherr repeatedly stated that he was friends with the property owners “who asked him to take the signs down. He stated he didn't want to break any laws and stated several times that he would put them back...When asked how many times he has taken the signs in the past he admitted a couple times...He was advised that the property owner should have made contact with Prasad or the police...and it was not his (Sherr's) responsibility.” When contacted, Sherr said he had every right to do it “as a private citizen. I had full and complete authority. They were in violation of our sign ordinance and a threat to public safety,” asserting that illegal signs can lead to death. Initially, Sherr asserted that thenMayor Sarah McClure (now commissioner) had told him “she did not want any political signs posted and he was just doing what Sarah and his friends told him to do.” Police said that statement was recorded. McClure, however, said, “I never directed or suggested to him to ever remove anyone's sign. I never talk to him outside of city commission meetings or city functions, and haven't in months and months.” Sherr, vice president of Sherr
Development Company, a family real estate and management business, as well as an attorney and CPA, said that he had the implicit authority to remove the signs as a friend and fellow property manager of property owners Arkan Jonna and Arie Leibovitz. He said they wrote him letters asserting that he had their authority – but they were written months later, after the fact, in January 2019. On the other hand, Prasad, a single mother of two boys (5th and 8th grades) and a criminal defense attorney, who got into the race at the urging of her two sons, did have approval from Leibovitz to have signs on his property at 74 W. Long Lake Road, with several letters attesting to that in the police packet. Neither Sherr nor Prasad said they know one another. “I have never met him,” she said of Sherr. “I honestly think I may have voted for him, but I didn't recognize the name when they told me.” She said her signs were put up in early or mid-September and were up for about a week or two before they started disappearing. They began going missing around September 24. “I started to get upset about it when they were disappearing as quickly as I could put them up,” she said. “I might put them up on a Tuesday, and on Wednesday they would be gone. Then I would put up new ones on Wednesday, and on Thursday they would be gone. “When a couple disappeared, I didn't think too much of it. I was just annoyed. But I didn't think anyone was targeting me until my replacement signs were disappearing,” Prasad said She said she then contacted the city of Bloomfield Hills to see if she could find out what was happening. “They said, 'absolutely not,' there were no complaints about the signs, and no violations were reported,” she said. “They said they didn't remove them. I was referred to their code department, and they said they weren't removing them.” She said whoever was stealing the signs was going to the same locations almost every night. “I couldn't imagine who would care this much about this election. I'm nobody. It was my first time running, and I'm not really political,” she said. “It was my son's idea to run, and we had dealt with some issues in the district, and I saw some similarities n the district and he said I should try running. I couldn't imagine who was noticing me.” Despite the missing signs, an
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estimated 90 that went missing, Prasad said she doesn't believe it changed the outcome of the election. “I don't believe it made a difference in the race,” she said. “What it did was effect me as a citizen in Bloomfield Hills.” Bloomfield Hills City Manager David Hendrickson said Sherr was charged and arraigned at a pretrial hearing. He declined further comment until the case has progressed through the court system. It currently is undergoing a change of venue, as the three judges at the 48th District Court, which is partiallyfunded by the city of Bloomfield Hills, recused themselves. Sherr said he plead not guilty at his arraignment on January 9 for misdemeanor larceny, which is punishable with up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. He said he is not guilty “because she (Prasad) should have known better. She's a criminal defense attorney. She was continuously jeopardizing our citizens. There were lots of violations. There's no larceny. I had absolute legal authority. I've done nothing wrong. She's an attorney and should have been aware of the laws, and shouldn't have placed the signs on private property when I had authority to remove them.” The topic did not come up amongst city commissioners at the latest commission meeting, Tuesday, February 12, which was attended by all members, including Sherr.
Departments review long-range planning By Lisa Brody
On Saturday, January 26, Birmingham city commissioners met with staff department heads at their long-range planning meeting to review departmental plans for the upcoming year. The five-year financial forecast by Mark Gerber from the finance department, assisted by representation from Plante & Moran, noted a strong forecast. Water and sewer rates are expected to increase, but only the rate of inflation, with water usage down overall. In the fiveyear forecast for retiree benefits and defined benefit contributions, city manager Joe Valentine said that right now there's a schedule of liabilities to that fund. “Those costs are starting to diminish. At some point, there won't be any more people in those funds,” he said. For unfunded liabilities, Gerber said the actuaries have determined a 03.19
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20-year liability, “with the best guess, in 20 years we should be paid up.” “We are making our contributions, we are attacking that any time we can,” Valentine added. He also said that Birmingham has reinvestment opportunities, where they are looking to reinvest back into the community, and are currently looking at the best impact to the community. “Infrastructure does not age like fine wine. At some point, you have to replace it. Right now, we're looking at parks and parking structures,” he said, as well as addressing unimproved streets. “Service demands may exceed our current capacity. We are providing adult services, but we know we have an aging population – not just Birmingham, but the state and the country. We want to be able to address that.” For parks, he said, there is a master plan, and they have not bonded for a park since 2002. Of particular importance is the ice arena, which has not been improved since it was built in the 1970s. “We may be looking at a parks and recreation bond to address those needs,” Valentine said. He also said a parking bond is likely needed for the replacement and expansion of the N. Old Woodward structure, which has 750 spaces, but needs an extra 500 spaces. “We're looking at a public/private partnership. It's a key element in replacing the parking structure, through various sources, including a parking bond.” Approximately 22 miles of unimproved streets are on the agenda to be improved, and the issue is how to incorporate them into existing street maintenance, Valentine said. Currently, for adult services, the city has an arrangement with NEXT, which is funded through the city's general fund. Valentine said they are looking at collaborating with other communities, perhaps having an interlocal agreement for a senior millage. “That's where we're headed in our five-year plan,” he said. Lauren Wood, director of public services, provided a parks and recreation improvement funding update, noting they have been working on it “since your direction last March,” when a subcommittee was set up to identify 10 potential improvement projects. It would cost $5.1 million for the ice arena improvements, which would include new refrigeration infrastructure and locker room facility upgrades; $700,000 for the downtownpublications.com
implementation of the Adams Park concept plan; $680,000 for the Poppleton Park playground; $1.2 million for improvements to Kenning Park; $1.9 million to provide playground equipment and update outdated equipment at citywide playgrounds; another $500,000 to add splash pads, which Woods said is a very popular addition; phase III of Booth Park would cost $250,000, adding an entry plaza with seating and a garden; $1 million for the Rouge River Trail Corridor, providing connectivity, stone steps, retaining walls and plant materials; $525,000 for new irrigation system and cart paths at Springdale Golf Course; and $150,000 for a pickleball court. The total estimated cost, Wood said, is just over $12 million. Potential funding sources are grants, donations, private/public partnerships, and parks and recreation bonds. She said they have launched a poll for people to “pick your passion,” to rank their preference. Maple/Eton Road bridge enhancements, which is owned by CN Railroad, means they have to do the work, Wood said. “They gave us the price of $96,000 for painting, mortar patching, but nothing to the ceiling, no utility work, sidewalk repair or lighting,” she said. “Sidewalk repair would be coordinated with sidewalk repairs throughout the city,” which she estimated at $52,000. Pedestrian lighting would be another $25,000. A mural which had been discussed “is not easy to get approvals for. We would need to apply for a right of entry permit with CN,” Wood said. She said the earliest work could begin would be summer 2019. City planner Jana Ecker, who gave more of a review of planning projects in process, said they are embarking on a citywide master plan project. “It's a vision of the city's plan for the future. The last time it was done was 1980, and it was projected until 2000,” she said of the new process that chose DPZ Codesign, led by Andres Duany, who did the 2016 Plan. She said public multi-day charrettes are planed for May. Draft reports will be presented at 60 percent and 80 percent complete, before it is final. Planner Brooks Cowan said the planning board has been working on a retail frontage study, for buildings that are not suitable for first floor retail. He said they had created a request for proposal (RFP) for a downtown review plan, but only
received one applicant. Cowan also noted the city commission requested a revision, which planning had reviewed to add, from an urban design point of view, to look at increasing pedestrian activity during daytime and evenings, how to increase residential occupancy downtown, and to increase alley activation as well as how to address current buildings not suitable for retail space. “I would orient it to how it accommodates retail space, not how it impacts the demand,” said commissioner Mark Nickita. “This isn't a demand issue, this is a physical issue. This is an analysis that is very physically-oriented. It's a summary of how our zoning works. “Alleys – we can't ignore the back,” Nickita continued. “How can we activate that. Those are things that have to be added to the RFP. It's a repositioning that has to be done for land use.” Planning intern Nicholas DuPuis said they are looking to have alleyways cleaned up with improved signage, proposed amendments on dumpsters, improved code enforcement to give them more tools to perform better enforcement, inventory all allowed parking spaces and delineate areas where parking is not permitted, and paving and stormwater management in alleys. “We want to reinforce our walkable brand,” he said. Dupuis continued with the downtown parking study, noting that Nelson & Nygard had been hired to perform the study, which grew from looking at eliminating the residential parking requirement to looking at all public and private parking in the downtown. Assistant city manager Tiffany Gunter provided an update on the N. Old Woodward parking structure and Bates Street extension project, which had as its goal to solve a parking problem as well as to provide connectivity from Bates to N. Old Woodward, as recommended in the 2016 Plan. She said a proposed new structure will provide 1,150 spaces, include an extension of Bates Street, a pedestrian plaza, a pedestrian bridge to Booth Park, a five-story private mixed-use building and a mixed-use liner of retail on the outside of the new parking structure. The combined retail, residential and commercial project is projected to cost $54 million, she said. “City administration has been working to finalize a predevelopment agreement and a final development
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agreement with the developers,” Gunter said. She said the due diligence process to validate the project, along with an environmental review, has been done, with staff currently preparing a timeline for a parking mitigation plan. “The predevelopment agreement is to be finalized by early February 2019, and the development agreement is expected in March 2019,” she said. Public funding should be in place by August 2019, which project commencement planned for late fall 2019. “If these are running on time as expected, we hope we are moving forward with this project,” Gunter said. Valentine explained that the property will be owned by the city and the buildings leased to Woodward Bates, and they would be responsible for all leasing, not the city. The city will be funding the parking structure and part of the street. “The cost per space will be higher than we're used to because we'll be going three stories down, there'll be amenities on the facade, the structure will be a little higher end – it's in the center of downtown,” Valentine said. Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence said the department is looking at enhancements, including to be accredited through the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. Clemence said the department is actively working on community engagement programs, including offering a home and commercial security evaluation, “to help homeowners see how to make their homes safer.” The department's community resource officer is offering a woman's self-defense program, and continuing active shooter training with schools and businesses, including the ALICE program with schools. “We've got to get out ahead of this. We have two officers working on this,” he said. Ingrid Tighe, executive director of the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) said that with retail occupancy rates at 96 percent and office occupancy at 90 percent, “The BSD remains focused on continuing to proactively attract new businesses to town.” She said they are working to stay abreast of market retail trends, notably that while some retail is closing, those that remain open are top-notch shopping centers, like Somerset Collection. She noted that, “In addition to Somerset, Birmingham, and a few other communities, prospective retailers are also considering downtown Detroit which 61
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wasn't the case a couple of years ago.” To stay proactive for 2019-2020, the BSD is working on retail retention by offering initiatives and programs to help them thrive, including BSD gift certificates; a professional speaker series; connectivity via Oakland County Business One Stop. They are marketing in trade publications and real estate publications, utilizing targeted social media campaigns, hosting roundtable discussions, website ads to retail real estate professionals, inviting retailers from other communities, like Traverse City, to open in Birmingham, and maintaining third party assistance in retail recruiting. Tighe is also attending ICSC conferences and other real estate related conventions.
Revived development thriving in Bloomfield By Lisa Brody
The Village at Bloomfield, located along Telegraph Road north of Square Lake Road, is seeing solid progress in its redevelopment efforts, with a number of businesses under
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construction, the new Aldi open, and several new businesses – including a Planet Fitness – recently signed to open sometime this year, a representative from REDICO, the company which purchased the site, informed Bloomfield Township trustees at their meeting on Monday, January 14. Tim McCafferty, vice president of construction at REDICO, provided a building update to trustees, letting them know that Aldi, a low-frill discount grocer is now open, and “they have been doing very good business,” he said. A multi-tenant strip center located in front of Aldi's is scheduled to be completed sometime between May and July, he said, and they are currently working on securing tenants. Currently, Bliss Nails, located at Long Lake at Telegraph, will be opening a second location, and Sports Clips. McCafferty said they are looking to put in several restaurants and a Comcast customer service center. A Hampton Inn Suites, to be located behind Henry Ford Medical Center, under construction, has its
foundations going in, and is scheduled to open in January 2020. In the rear of the development, a Menards “is doing well,” McCafferty said. He said they should be done with their construction in March, and open in June. Across from Menards, they have a purchase agreement with Planet Fitness for a 35,000 square foot twostory fitness center. “We have been trying to get them in this complex for quite some time. We're really excited about them. They hope to be under construction by June and open by the end of the year.” They are still looking for a senior living facility for the area, and apartments, 430 units of which are under construction by Ed Rose.
Corrective action plan on benefits addressed By Kevin Elliott
Bloomfield Township will submit a corrective action plan to the state to indicate how it will cope with underfunded retirement benefits the township must address under a state
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law that went into effect last year. Under the Protecting Local Government Retirement and Benefits Act, or Public Act 202 of 2017, municipalities that have at least one retirement health benefit system that has determined to be underfunded must submit a corrective action plan. A retirement health system is considered underfunded if it is less than 40 percent funded, and if the annual required contribution for all of the retirement health system of the municipality is greater than 12 percent of that government's annual fund revenues. Prior to the law, which went into effect on January 1, 2018, Bloomfield Township was a “pay-as-you-go community,” meaning benefit contributions were made each year as they came due. Under that structure, amounts were limited to 12 percent of its general fund, with the township at about 6.4 percent of its general fund. Bloomfield Township Finance Director Jason Theis said at the township's board of trustees meeting on Monday, February 11, that the township had already submitted a correction action plan; however, that
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plan was denied by the state as a community survey and specific actions were not yet considered complete. The township has 60 days from the day of the denial to submit an updated plan, which trustees unanimously approved on February 11. However, Theis said it is anticipated the plan will again be denied by the state, as a full plan is still being updated. “There are some things that still need to be filled out, but we don't have that data ready,” he said. “We feel they are pushing us to make a decision that we should take our time on. We will file and expect it to be denied, but we are filing what the state is asking at this time. We had 60 days to respond once we got the denial. We will go back before the board within 60 days to review the updated form, then respond within probably 30 days, and have another 60 days if it's denied. We will probably do this a couple more times as we get into the fall.” The township said in December 2018 that it was working on ways to address about $164 million in unfunded liabilities owed by the department, and how to raise funding levels to the new requirement of 40 percent. Township Supervisor Leo Savoie said in December that a community survey would be conducted to get a pulse of the residents and what direction they would like the township to move, which could be a combination of bonds to address Other Post-Employee Benefits (OPEB), a reduction in services and increasing some fees.
Nine-story rezoning advised for hotel site By Lisa Brody
A rezoning request for the former Mountain King and Talmer Bank sites in Birmingham to permit the development of a nine-story mixed use building, which the developer said he would like to have for a highend hotel, narrowly received approval, by a vote of 4-3, from Birmingham's Planning Board on Wednesday, January 23, which will recommend it to the city commission. This was a request to reconsider the rezoning of 469-479 S. Old Woodward Avenue, as the planning board had denied the developer, Doraid Markus, previously, in September 2018. His attorney, Rick Rattner, spoke to the board on January 23, with a revised request, noting that adjacent properties downtownpublications.com
Renovations planned for Maple Theater By Lisa Brody
lans to renovate the kitchen and enclose the outdoor patio to create a fourseasons patio room at the Maple Theater received a positive recommendation on Monday, February 4, from the Bloomfield Township Planning Commission. Theater owner Jon Goldstein told the commission the changes are intended to stem losses from its current food and beverage business, which hasn't been able to achieve sales needed to cover increasing labor costs associated with running a quality food establishment. The current restaurant and cafe are dependent on theater traffic, which peaks Friday and Saturday nights, but is almost empty during other times of the week. The renovations will facilitate plans to partner with a local private chef, Nishan Andonian, who has expanding clientele, allowing the theater to offload costs with food preparation, but still benefit from sales. During slow times, the labor in the kitchen can be utilized for Andonian's private clients. Goldstein said the cafe will incorporate coffee and fast casual offerings at a coffee counter area, but will no longer be branded under the Great Lakes Coffee name. He said the food operation will center on counter service, rather than be a full service restaurant. “It's his menu,” Goldstein said of the chef. “There's not enough traffic to support a sit-down restaurant. It compares to Plum Market at the airport — most people that eat at the theater are in a rush to make a movie. We believe that getting people food faster will allow more of our theater patrons to enjoy eating at the Maple. We think having more 'grab and go' food will allow people to not only sit in the cafe, but grab food to bring into the theater to enjoy during their film.” Andonian has about a decade of experience in commercial food service in the metro Detroit area, including working as a sous chef at Bistro Joe's in Birmingham from 2010 to 2012. He later became a private chef for a family in Bloomfield Hills, and has been cooking for multiple private families in the area for the past four years. Bloomfield Township Deputy Director of Planning Andrea Bibby said the proposed patio renovations will add about 411 square-feet of floor space to the cafe area, which will be used throughout the entire year. She said the site plan doesn't call for any changes to setbacks, building footprint or parking requirements. The proposed plans will add a covered walkway with lighting, as well as a rear entrance door leading to the theater space to allow pedestrian traffic to gain access to the rear of the theater. The proposed patio addition includes a heated slab and indoor heaters for cold weather. Hard window panels, instead of canvas or plastic, will have the ability to flip upward to attach to the interior for an open-air feel in warmer conditions. The township's design review committee in January recommended the planning commission approve a recommendation to the township board to approve the proposed plans, pending conditions. Those conditions include the requirement that any future signage requests come before the review board, as well as a requirement for the owner to be responsible for maintenance of water and sewer lines located beneath the patio. Planning commissioners on February 4 voted unanimously to forward the site plan and special land use request to the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees with recommendation for approval.
P
Birmingham Place and the 555 Building were both D-5, while this site was D-4. According to the Birmingham Master Plan and 2016 Plan, in a D-4 zone, mixed use buildings can be five stories. “Consistent with the master plan, we're the only one with a problem with parking,” Rattner said, noting the site is not in the city's parking
assessment district, which only requires on-site parking for residential units. He further noted that “D-5 zones create a continuity of design and compatibility of form...Rezoning to D-5 is 'infill' zoning. It allows a building that is compatible with its context, with a building to fit the 'gap,' similar to its surrounding structures – 555,
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Birmingham Place. It's already in a mixed-use area.” Architect Chris Longe said that existing buildings, “for the size they are, if they were non-conforming, in theory, we would need to provide 55 parking spaces. The developer is proposing a hotel, which has the least amount of cars used, so that goes to a usage discussion. We know we have to go down two stories, and maybe one floor above. We get about 33 parking spaces per floor, so about 100 cars. So the discussion is, what can you get with a three-story parking structure?” Longe continued that they believe they can create a stepped-back building abutting Birmingham Place. “We're trying to develop the property reasonably, under the ordinance,” Rattner said. “Economics plays into it, but we're not talking about doing anything unreasonable. We're saying it's unreasonable to have this property in D-4 when adjacent properties are D-5.” Markus said if he were constrained to a five-story building, he could only put in a Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn, “but that is not what Birmingham requires. I need to clear the bricks of Birmingham Place, put in a mezzanine, and put in the air space for this kind of hotel.” Board members were torn as to the validity of the request. Daniel Share said, “It's an unusual zoning request. I don't see they made a rezoning case, and I don't think I'm prepared to support rezoning.” Bert Koseck agreed. “The 2016 Plan said five stories – there's no asterisk. Cities are made up of a variety of building heights. D-5 is because we had buildings that were non-compliant and we said, how do we deal with them.” Bryan Williams and board alternate Jason Emerine felt the case was made for rezoning. Stuart Jeffares noted, “This is beyond adjacent, it's sandwiched. I'm in favor.” Janelle Whipple-Boyce noted that city attorney Tim Currier had said the property was eligible for rezoning, said that convinced her after she had been against it before. However, board chair Scott Clein said he remained opposed. “Suitability for the property under existing zoning, it's still clear options that have not been presented that could work. I'm still firmly against rezoning,” Clein said. The board voted 4-3, with Clein, Koseck and Share opposing. The rezoning request will move to the Birmingham City Commission for final approval. 65
Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com
www. johnapap.com
415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009
Top Producing Agent
271 Fairfax Street
1527 N Glengarry Road
Birmingham - $2,599,900
Bloomfield Village - $2,455,000
1080 Pleasant Street
4950 Stoneleigh Road
Birmingham - $1,595,000
Bloomfield Hills -$1,499,000 ge
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856 Lakeview Avenue
379 Tilbury Road
Birmingham - $1,490,000
Bloomfield Village - $1,035,000
Lara J. Forte Senior Loan Officer NMLS # 1169665
Lara.Forte@ChemicalBank.com
Chemical Bank, Mortgage Division
248-284-5178 2301 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 525 Troy, MI 48084
Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com
www. johnapap.com 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009
Top Producing Agent
452 Suffield Avenue
893 Glengarry Circle
Birmingham - $1,990,000
Bloomfield Village - $1,650,000 r
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1219 Quarton Road
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Birmingham - $1,328,000
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2993 Heron Place
2723 Indian Mound Road South
140 Hamilton Road
Bloomfield Hills - $1,199,900
Bloomfield Village - $1,099,000 co-listor Maryclare Pulte
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559 N Cranbrook Road
275 Hamilton Road
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Bloomfield Village - $849,900
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248-912-1400 248-912-1459 (f) 39810 Grand River Ave, Suite C200 Novi, MI 48375
Ken Mascia VP/Mortgage Lender NMLS #135323
kmascia@adcaploans.com
Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com
www. johnapap.com
415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009
Top Producing Agent
695 Larchlea Drive
20115 Huron Drive
792 Foxhall Road
Birmingham
Clinton Township - $624,900
Bloomfield Hills - $424,900
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000 Baldwin Road
977 Stratford Lane
Birmingham - Sale $419,900 Lease $2500
Birmingham - $399,000 co-listor Alex Chapman
Bloomfield Hills - $359,900
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1233 Indian Mound East
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243 Berwyn Street
8943 Stonewall W
585 Golfview Blvd
Birmingham - $499,900
Clarkston - $499,900
Birmingham
Lynn Wiand
Chemical Bank, Mortgage Division
Vice President | Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS # 394920
Lynn.Wiand@ChemicalBank.com
248-228-4805 2301 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 525 Troy, MI 48084
Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com
www. johnapap.com 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009
Top Producing Agent LD
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5385 Longmeadow Road
376 Baldwin Road
Bloomfield Hills
Birmingham - Selling Agent
Extraordinary Homes LD
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1186 Westwood Drive
Birmingham - $2,795,000
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LD
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1298 Brookwood Street
885 Redding Road
887 Redding Road
Birmingham - $2,099,000
Birmingham - $1,190,000 - Price reflects one Townhome
Birmingham - $1,190,000 - Price reflects one Townhome
248-228-4805 2301 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 525 Troy, MI 48084
Chemical Bank, Mortgage Division
Lynn Wiand
Vice President | Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS # 394920
Lynn.Wiand@ChemicalBank.com
26900 CRESTWOOD - $499,000
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Eva Morrow Associate Broker 248-320-9100
415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009
eva@signaturesothebys.com | www.MichiganHomes.net
F ONE O ST THE BEIN LOTS IN! L FRANK
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Aidan Altman oncerned about health and the food system, Birmingham native Aidan Altman gave up meat and dairy in favor of heart-smart, vegan fare. That led to ultimately become the co-founder and CEO of Fora Foods, offering a vegetable-based butter substitute that may taste and act more like butter than margarine. “I have always loved food and had an affinity for food and food culture,” Altman said. “From a young age, I wanted to be involved in the food industry, somehow.” After graduating from the Frankel Jewish Academy, Altman attended the University of Michigan, earning a degree in international relations and national security. In 2016, Altman founded Departure Snacks in the Chicago area. The company focused on healthy snacks that drew upon cultural inspiration from around the world, such as chimichurri from Argentina or berbere, popular in Ethiopia. “I've always viewed food, especially at the scale we are doing, as a means to convey a message or mission. It's a visceral thing that everyone understands,” he said. “With Departure Snacks, the idea was traditional snack food bases with spices from around the world to create a cultural exchange and understanding.” After working in the food industry, Altman said he began to better understand how products are made, which in turn led to a desire to bring not only healthy foods to the market, but those that are more sustainable. “When you see how products are made and where they come from, you notice that not everything is sustainable or made the way it should be. It's probably not the best to eat these products, as they can be bad for the planet and a lot of stakeholders involved, from factory workers to animals,” he said. “I stopped eating meat and don't buy dairy products at the store. Most are made from industrial factory farms, which are a problem for the food system.”
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Embracing a vegan lifestyle himself, Altman joined forces with Grand Rapids native and friend from the University of Michigan, Andrew McClure, with the mission of developing a better butter alternative. In 2017, they formed Fora Foods, based in Brooklyn. “After the first company, and understanding how the food industry works, we knew we needed something that can compete with these industrialized dairy products on the shelf,” he said. “With butter, everyone understands the alternative – margarine – is really poor. But there's nothing really with the same texture and taste as butter.” Dubbed FabaButter, the alternative they created utilizes aquafaba, which is a byproduct in the hummus production process that is essentially the water leftover after cooking chickpeas and legumes. The soluble solids in the water act as an emulsifier to blend other ingredients. As a result, FabaButter uses a smaller carbon footprint to produce, and has a consistency and flavor more akin to butter than margarine. “We went through about 60 different iterations of the product before we got to 'butter,' with the right flavor, price and how it fits in the market place,” Altman said. “There were many trials and tribulations in the formulation process. We worked for about a year before it was market ready.” In July, the company raised about $1.4 million to launch in the United States. It has since been approved by Michelin star chefs and sold nationwide. Altman said they expect FabaButter to be available at retail outlets this summer, selling for about $7.49 a tub. “I feel really passionate about it,” Altman said. “It could have a huge global impact.” Story: Kevin Elliott
BUSINESS MATTERS Confectionary delight After 40 years of delicious, and authentic, French pastries and baked goods, Birmingham’s Le Petit Prince has closed its doors for good. The good news is that it has reopened with a new owner and a new name – Blue Canary Confections, 124 W. 14 Mile Road at Pierce Street, after Annie Dennis purchased the shop from Marcel and Yvette Didierjean. Blue Canary Confections, open Wednesdays through Sundays, is a modern bakery, Dennis said. “I’m trying to introduce new flavors, exposing customers to new things by turning everything up a notch or two to make them a little more special. People love trying new things.” Blue Canary still offers classics like croissants, “We sell out of almond croissants every morning,” she said, as well as baguettes, breads and French cookies and eclairs, but also offers chocolate chip cookies, sevenlayer bars, chocolates, pastries and candies using very high-quality ingredients. Everything is beautifully finished and designed, as well. Dennis, who grew up in the neighborhood, remembers walking to Le Petit Prince as a child, and now
that the extensive renovations are complete, hopes others do as well, with coffee on the horizon. Blue Canary works to be ethically and sustainably-sourced, and every goody is made in-house.
Calling all crafters What can be more fun than a stressfree day being creative? That’s what Deepthi Lingam decided when she gave up her private obstetrician/gynecology practice (she’s still working part-time at Beaumont Troy) to open up Hammer & Stain Bloomfield Hills, 43263 Woodward Avenue at Square Lake Road, in the Staples plaza, a do-ityourself (DIY in the parlance) art studio. Lingam said she grew up in Michigan, and “I’m a mom of two and a physician, and last year I said, I’m going to do it. It’s now or never. Crafting is therapeutic. It’s mindless and helps you destress.” Hammer & Stain invites DIYers – whether grownups or kids – to choose a wood project that they will personalize and then “you paint it and take it home,” Lingham said, with items centered around family, children and pets, among other items. Hammer & Stain
offers daytime and evening adult classes and after school and Saturday youth classes, as well as private parties, and summer camp options. On Sundays, she said, crafters can drop in and paint. “We’re also working with local artists and artisans, and will be offering a special workshop a month, such as tie dye and hand lettering for adults,” Lingam said.
Memories that last Center for Creative Studies video instructor Judi Bommarito knows her stuff – so well, she recently opened True North Camera Arts in Birmingham at 968 E. Maple Road, offering both camera workshops and video memories. The camera-based workshops range from beginner to advanced, with opportunities to study and learn camera skills and Adobe software, light room, Photoshop and Premier, a video-based software. Beginners can try the “street camera” workshop, a three-part class that focuses on “what we’d like to do, doing it, and reviewing it, where we talk about composition, then take a field trip to Eastern Market and shoot photos, and then meet back the next week and share the images,”
Bommarito said. A one-week summer camp for high school students is in the offing, where they’ll get to produce a video from beginning to end. “I’m really excited about that,” she said. A second component of True North Camera Arts is the legacy video option, where they create and produce family legacy videos. Bommarito said she and her son, a Center for Creative Studies alum, work two video cameras as they video the elders of a family “to narrate the family’s story. We then accompany the video with photos, documents, personal mementos, recipes, etc.” she said. “They’re your family memories. It’s such a beautiful opportunity for me to share.” Professional editing, music, and a transcribed book accompany the video, which has a variety of package options. “I really take pride in that portion of my business,” Bommarito said. 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.
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Eddy Kay loomfield Hills resident Eddy Kay has been writing and performing music for more than half a century, but the folk singer and songwriter breathed new life into his music career after retiring from his day job nearly four years ago. With three recently self-recorded albums under his belt, in January Kay performed his first solo concert for an audience of about 150 people at the Bloomfield Township Public Library – his first solo, stage performance since giving up the nightclub scene years ago to work a nine-to-five job and raise a his son. “I ran into an old friend who was doing libraries. He said all these libraries have concert series, and he plays them all,” he said. “I won't play bars or restaurants. At 72-years-old, if I can't play a concert, I won't play. I've been there and done that. I want a stage audience. It's a little too bad I had to wait until 72.” Kay is one of many longtime musicians in southeast Michigan who are finding success and satisfaction on the library circuit after paying their dues at bars, nightclubs and other venues in their younger years. For Kay, the concerts provide an opportunity to showcase a lifetime of songs and his own brand of comedy in a personal and intimate setting that would have been difficult in years past. “Why did the cowboy buy a dachshund?” Kay asked his audience at the start of his show. “Because someone told him to get a-long little doggie. Thank you, that concludes the comedy portion of our show.” With that, the audience was hooked, he said, as he took them on a storytelling journey of his start in music, his time in Los Angeles, Asheville, North Carolina, and back to Michigan. “There were a lot of people who played or sang better than I did, but nobody was funnier,” he said. Kay's interest in folk music started at 14 years old, when his older brother brought home a record by The Kingston Trio, exposing him to the five-string banjo sound. By high school, Bob Dylan had broken open in the folk scene, and Kay helped form the Northwest Detroit Folklore Society while attending hootenannies every Friday. In addition to banjo, Kay learned the guitar, bass, mandolin, mandola, octave and keyboard strings. By his senior year in college, he was making as much as his father each week by performing solo shows around Detroit. “From 1968 to 1978, we made cars by day and played bars by night. For at least a decade, we owned the town. I played five nights a week,” he said. “My ego said, 'Go to California and be a star.' I left in 1978, and in two years I called my dad and told him I was hungry.” Transitioning into sales was a natural fit, eventually becoming a motivational speaker and professional sales trainer. He has also written multiple trade-related books. While working his regular job, Kay purchased recording equipment and began making his own albums in a home-recording studio. Since retiring four years ago, he has recorded four additional albums, including “Bloomfield Hills” and “Detroit.” His second album, “Molasses,” is a historical tribute to the end of the Civil War. “I was vice president of sales and marketing for a multi-million dollar company, but I always thought of myself as a musician with a really good job,” he said.
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Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
PLACES TO EAT 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
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220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220.
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No Corkage Fee Tuesdays 1/2 Off Wine Wednesdays Book our Chef ’s Table for up to 20 people WWW.BISTROJOESKITCHEN.COM 34244 Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 248.594.0984 | opentable.com 76
5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607. Adachi: Asian. Dinner daily. Liquor. Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867. Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1700. China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221. Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.
DOWNTOWN
Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest: European. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. Kaku Sushi and Poke': Asian. Lunch & Dinner. Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. No Liquor. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.885.8631. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800.
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La Strada Dolci e Caffe: Italian. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492. Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor. 185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025. 248.723.7960. Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953. MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581. Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999. Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.874.1876 Red Olive: Middle Eastern/American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.7767. Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6200.
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Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.220.4167. Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300. Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.0500. Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951. Vinotecca: European. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.6600. Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964. Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH H stevesdeli.com H Go To Our Website For H H H H DELIVERY H H H H H H H H DINE-IN/CARRY-OUT/CATERING H H 6646 Telegraph Rd. (At Maple Road) H H Bloomfield Plaza H H 248.932.0800 • Fax: 248.932.1465 H The BEST Place to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! H H H H H 50%SitOff Dinner H H Down or CarryOut Buy One Dinner and 2 Drinks at Full Price, Get 2nd H H Dinner of Equal or lesser value half off. Must present printed coupon when ordering. Not valid with H H other offers. No digital coupons accepted. Exp. 4/15/19 DT H H H H $10 Off Party Trays H H or Carry Out Orders H H of $69.95 or more H H Must present printed coupon when ordering. Not valid with Specializing In other offers. No digital coupons accepted. Exp. 4/15/19 DT H H Award Winning H H Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinners H H $5 Off & Fabulous Overstuffed H H Carry Out or Dine-In Corned Beef H H of $34.95 or more Sandwiches Must present printed coupon when ordering. Not valid with H H other offers. No digital coupons accepted. Exp. 4/15/19 DT H H HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
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The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown. Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information. O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com
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Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917. Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499. Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.0082. The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.547.6699. Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675. D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.7400. Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017. 248.288.0220. The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150. GreenSpace Cafe: Vegan. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 215. W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.206.7510. Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 28028 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101. Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. 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.
DOWNTOWN
Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900. Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday - Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067. 248.607.3127. Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7300. The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444. Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.545,6750. Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711.
Troy/Rochester Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300. Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. Cantoro Italian Trattoria: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy 48083. 248.817.2424. CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700.
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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 Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.
Salvatore Scallopini reborn After much anticipation, Salvatore Scallopini at 505 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, finally re-opened the week of February 18. The newly renovated space not only has an entirely new decor – manager Doris Rumfelt said guests will be shocked by how different it looks, describing it as oldschool Italian with a trendy curve (it includes new paintings of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and gondolas, among other decor changes) – but an extended carry-out area and full-service bar, a first for the Birmingham staple. “I think it’s going to be a great addition here and make it a little bit more upscale than it was in the past,” Rumfelt said about the bar, noting that not everyone wants beer and wine. The menu also changed, with multiple additions, with new entrees, salads, and many new starters. For those who loved what they offered before, don’t worry, there are still plenty of old staples to choose from.
Ima, take two So far, so great, at Ima’s second location in Madison Heights at 32203 John R Road, which opened in late December. Those who frequent the Corktown location – 2015 Michigan Avenue, Detroit – will notice differences between the two. For starters, the new 2,500-square-foot space is all counter service. Owner/chef Mike Ransom said they did this because it’s quicker, especially for those looking to go out during lunch, compared to a full sit-down restaurant. “It’s kind of a hybrid,” he said. “It’s the ease of service with the speed of a fast food restaurant.” Ransom noted that it’s been well received by guests. The menu also has some changes, including a separate ramen menu – there are four choices, with one that is vegan, and all are popular – and a few different beverages. One new dish that was only on the Madison Heights menu, their smoked salmon potato salad, was so popular it’s now on Corktown’s menu too. They now have their liquor license in Madison Heights and offer artisan beer, sake, and wine. “The city of Madison Heights has been great to work with…it’s been a really positive welcome to the city and we’re really happy to be there,” he said.
Public House honors women “We’re half-owned and operated by women…for me, it was really important to highlight that, especially in an industry that’s typically male dominated,” said Sagen Isham, marketing and events director for Working Class Outlaws. They’ll do just that on March 8, aka International Women’s Day, at Public House in Ferndale, 241 W. Nine Mile Road, with female-empowered food and beverage specials, and records played throughout the day will be by powerhouse women like Whitney Houston, Blondie, and Beyonce. Inspired by one of the greats, Julia Child, the menu will include Chicken Liver Mousse, Quiche Lorraine, Toulouse Cassoulet, and Reine de Saba. Public House Chef Jasmine Hughes – who chose Child, one of her first influences – said the dishes selected were ones Child was well-known for, yet are still relevant today. She also stuck close to the original recipes. “You can’t get better than a Julia Child recipe,” Hughes laughed. “There’s no improving upon that.” The beverage list features three cocktails created by Audrey Saunders, Joy Perrine, and Julie Reiner, who all had significant influence on the nation’s cocktail culture. In honor of the day, Working Class Outlaws – who also own Imperial and Antihero – will donate 10 percent of sales to HAVEN Oakland County, a Michigan-based program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Isham said HAVEN hits close to home for the company, as members of their staff have used their resources. While this is the restaurant’s first time honoring women in such a way, both Isham and Hughes hope it continues. Hughes already has other chefs in mind to highlight in the future – Ina Garten and Tieghan Gerard.
Second Sedona Taphouse Twelve Oaks Mall – 27466 Novi Road, Novi – is finally putting something into the empty Max and Erma’s space – Sedona Taphouse. With plans to open in late March, this will be Sedona Taphouse’s second location, with the other in Troy at 198 E. Big Beaver Road. Owner, former state Sen. Marty Knollenberg, said the Novi demo is complete and they are currently renovating the space. So far, they’ve added a large bar and significantly expanded the patio area.
McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400. The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5371. Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084. 248.614.5390. Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306. 248.652.4500. Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.817.2980. Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291.
West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500.
The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334. 248.626.2982. The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310. Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954. Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282.
West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390. 248.360.4150. The Root Restaurant & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390. 248.698.2400. Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.
North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.6100. Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442. 248.634.5208. Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. The Fed: American. Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch, Saturday and Sunday. Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833
Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500. Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660
Detroit Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207. 313.965.3111. Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543. Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214. 313.469.0976. Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. 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, Tuesday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070. Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600. Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122. Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.5588. Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318. Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837. Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946. Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616. Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.974.7669. Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700. 1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221. 313.863.1917. Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100.
Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit, 48207. 313.567.2900. 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. Small Plates Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1521 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.963.0702. St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216. 313.962.2121. Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234. Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668. The Block: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.964.4010. Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201. 313.831.9470. 24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226. 313.964.3821. Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.831.3965. Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857. Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711. The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646. Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1411. Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.
Said patio includes fire pits and an area that will be open all year-round. Knollenberg mentioned the menu will look similar to Troy’s – steak, seafood, pastas, and chicken dishes. Even though they don’t have any Novi charities finalized yet, they will continue their weekly Steak Out for Charity specials when they open. “I think it’s going to be a great value to Novi...it’s going to be exciting to tap into that marketplace and bring something that will hopefully draw people to the area,” he said.
Cookies and ice cream Treat Dreams, owned by Scott Moloney, and D’Vine Cookies, founded by Rebecca Abel, are combining forces to open Treat Dreams Dessert Emporium at 22965 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale. “We wanted this kind of over-the-top, amazing place to go for dessert…and we thought there was a real need for it,” Abel said. They plan to do a complete gut job on the existing 4,000-square-foot space, adding booths, a full gift shop, and party space. They are also bringing in a pastry chef and partnering with local vendors Rock City Eatery and Zingerman’s. But back to those over-the-top desserts, called “dream desserts.” There’s a hot chocolate goodie covered in toasted marshmallow cream, and five-pound ice cream sandwiches. Each month will have a new featured flavor as well. Since they are shooting for a March opening, the first flavor will be something green to go with St. Patrick’s Day.
Easy reading In January, a new craft cocktail lounge opened at The Detroit Club, 712 Cass Avenue, Detroit, called The Library. Tara Jagodzinski, one of The Library’s bar consultants – along with Mitch Nigl – said since opening, people have been up to trying their unique cocktails. “To set yourself apart from everyone else in Detroit you have to have something that’s going to make people want to come in,” she said. So what makes their cocktails different? Every drink is a different texture. Examples include the mirepoix (a mix of diced vegetables cooked in clarified butter) that’s found in the gin-based Ms. Found in a Bottle, and the carrot beet puree in Great Expectations, which also includes tequila and a jalapeño rice syrup. The Library’s menu includes small plates guests can enjoy on the lounge seating without worrying about making a mess, like deviled eggs, flatbreads, and a smoked octopus salad.
New Mexican spot In Mexican culture, soups are normally made on weekends, and Peso – 2547 Bagley Avenue, Detroit, the former home to Fist of Curry – will follow that tradition. Each weekend Peso (the name of Mexican currency) will make traditional soups and offer breakfast. During the rest of the week, they’ll only be open for dinner, at least to start, said Jose Maldonado, one of the restaurant’s partners, who also include Green Dot owners InLaws Hospitality. “We don’t want to be just another Mexican restaurant – we want to do different twists to a traditional Mexican menu,” Maldonado said. The menu has over 20 items, centered around 10 Mexican-inspired dishes, the twist being that they can be ordered as a California-style burrito, torta, or on a plate. As far as their full-service bar goes, they plan to have Mexican beers on draft, Mexican-style drinks like palomas and sangria, and at least 10 different kinds of margaritas, which will rotate depending on what’s in season. Maldonado said the space – they are envisioning an early March opening – has been entirely gutted and will be filled with two-tops and a mural by local artist Freddy Diaz. This isn’t the only upcoming restaurant for Maldonado and his partners, they are also the team behind Toma Detroit, a mezcal and tequila bar shooting to open by the end of the year.
Dinner in Brooklyn The polar vortex couldn’t stop Brooklyn Street Local – 1266 Michigan Avenue, Detroit – from debuting their dinner services on January 31. “Right now, the main menu is going to stay the same, but we will have rotating dinner specials,” said Deveri Gifford, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Jason Yates. The popular Corktown brunch spot will serve dinner Thursdays and Fridays, and continue their Saturday dinner pop-ups with Irie Occasions. Now with a secured liquor license, guests can find wine, beer, and cocktails – including brunch classics like Bloody Marys – on the menu. Gifford said they also added five specialty coffees, including the Insomniac, a mix of coffee and Kahlúa topped with whipped cream, and more desserts.
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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE “Punxsutawney Phil Did Not See His Shadow” On Groundhog Day 2019, Punxsutawney Phil could not find his shadow. And as the legend goes, this means we're in for an early spring. Fortunately for The Community House, Spring 2019 planning is well underway. Scores of new spring classes, programs and events are set – a wide array of exciting and popular art, culture and enrichment opportunities now populate our spring calendar. To register or to purchase tickets, please go to The Community House website at communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832. NEW EVENT – HOPZ 2019 – BELL’S BREWERY BEER, BURGERZ & MAC EVENT The Community House is pleased to partner with Michigan's biggest craft brewery, Bell’s Brewery and seven area restaurants including Rock City Eatery, Sidecar Slider Bar, Stage Deli and The Community House to present its first-ever HOPZ 2019 – Beer, Burgerz & Mac event to Birmingham. HOPZ 2019 will bring together craft Bill Seklar beer aficionados, sliderz and mac n’ cheese connoisseurs to The Community House on Saturday, March 23. “Join the Madness” with special March Madness viewing areas, craft-made small bites, samplings of Bell’s Brewery’s yearround beers, specialty beers (and perhaps a couple surprise new releases!) live entertainment, a 50/50 raffle and a HOPZ photo booth area. Tickets are $39pp in advance, $45pp at the doors. Will sell out – buy your tickets now. SARAH SMITH YOUTH THEATRE – PRODUCTION OF GUYS and DOLLS JR. This Samuel Goldwyn Productions award-winning smash hit musical and comedy film comes to life on The Community House stage in our very own production of Guys and Dolls Jr. The show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to engage audiences of all ages! Saturday, March 9th at 10:30 am & 1:30 pm; Sunday, March 10th at 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm. Reserved Seating: $30; General Admission: $15; Children's Floor Seats: $10. EASTER BRUNCH 2019 – AT THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Let us do the cooking while you enjoy a beautiful Easter Brunch with family and friends in The Community House’s gorgeous Wallace Ballroom. Easter Brunch 2019 will take place on Sunday, April 21. Featuring a delicious buffet brunch, a special visit from the Easter Bunny and a new Easter Egg Hunt for the children – this event has something for the whole family to enjoy! Seatings at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. $40 for adults, $15 for children ages 4-12, and children ages 3 & under complimentary. Reservations required . Call us at 248.644.5832 or book online today. Seats fill up quick as a rabbit. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN SUMMER CAMPS 2019 – AT THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Almost since The Community House was established nearly a century ago, children’s classes, programs and services at The Community House have been at the center of our mission, purpose and vision. Our founders envisioned The Community House to be a place where young people from our community and surrounding region would gather for camaraderie, learning and enrichment. Over the years, The Community House has supplemented our fall, winter and spring children’s classes with a robust selection of summer camps. We believe that summer camps are a place where children get the experiences they need to bolster their range of coping strategies, build self-confidence and create new friends. So it is in that spirit that The Community House is proud to present over 40 summer camps. Summer 2019 Camps; half-day, full day, morning, afternoon with lunch optional and before and after-care opportunities available. Make sure to visit communityhouse.com to see all our camp offerings and to register. Hurry – there is limited enrollment. Exciting 2019 Summer Camps include: Young Filmmakers Camp – held at the Palladium Theatre Birmingham (Ages 10+) Kindermusik-Carnival of Music Camp (Ages 3-6) Digging for Dinosaurs Pre-School Camp (Ages 3-5) Cooking Camp (Ages 8-13)
Downtown. The only publication of its kind in Birmingham/Bloomfield. Quality editorial environment. Produced by local residents from offices in downtown Birmingham. Join the local business leaders, almost 400 of whom use Downtown on a regular basis, in our April issue. Ad deadline Friday, March 15. Contact Mark Grablowski. (O) 248.792.6464 (C) 586.549.4424
As well as All Day Camp, The Community House also offers Lunch Club and After Camp Care. 2019 summer camp catalogs available at TCH now. For more information about these and other Community House offerings, please contact us at communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832. William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com
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I look forward to working with you throughout a lifetime of homeownership. Contact me today. Jennifer Lewis Home Mortgage Consultant Office: 248-731-0560 Cell: 248-705-1888 jennifer.lewis@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/jennifer-lewis NMLSR ID 982731 Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS4684182 Expires 09/2019
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.
Detroit Historical Society Ball
Sally Gerak
Detroit Historical Society Ball Staying true to its decades-long tradition of having the formal fundraising gala in a unique Detroit venue, the DHS Ball 2018 was at the year-old Lexus Velodrome. The 80, earlyarriving VIP’s ($850-ticket) were dwarfed by the cavernous cycling track perimeter where silent auction displays ($23,000) and bars were at the ready. The toasts by board Chair Tom Buhl and new CEO / Executive Director Elana Rugh included gratitude to sponsors, committee members and the reminder that the museum had received the nation’s three most-coveted museum awards during 2018. Patrons (226 @ $500) soon joined the scene for Forte Belanger – passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails before all trekked down and up the stairs leading to the “dining room” – actually the large infield surrounded by the elevated cycling track. During the dinner program, Jason Hall received the DHS 2018 Moving Forward Award for founding Slow Roll Detroit, a weekly bike ride that promotes community among bike riders of all ages and all abilities. As professional cyclists in spandex circled the ‘drome on the banked track overhead, guests in black tie dined, pledged $54,250 for museum programs and bid $30,000 in the brief live auction topped by the winning $10,000 bid for a dinner party at Bobbi and Stephen Polk’s Highgate estate. Thanks also to two raffles ($12,800), generous sponsors and the 78 late-night partiers who danced to Ben Sharkey’s music, the annual gala raised $431,835. Its location also was a nod to the museum’s new exhibition about the history of cycling in the Motor City – “Pedal to the Metal: Detroit on Two Wheels” – which runs through August. Meadow Brook Hall Starlight Stroll Approximately 15,000 people visited Meadow Brook Hall during the 30-day Holiday Walk exhibition. Some of them were guests at one of the 150 private events booked by philanthropic hosts, but 250 got reservations ($100) for the sold-out Starlight Stroll. That evening offered self-guided tours, butler-passed hors d’oeuvres and desserts; bar service on two levels; chefattended dining stations, a strolling magician, a photo booth for keepsake pictures plus music for listening and dancing. Dave Bennet – a clarinet virtuoso who plays electric guitar, piano, drums, and vocalizes – filled the ballroom with marvelous sounds ranging from jazzy Swing to Rockabilly Rock and Roll. When the walk closed on Dec. 23, the 47th annual event had raised $275,000 to preserve the fourth largest historic house museum in the country. Irish Nite Auction Ingathering About 250 Brother Rice High School parents, alums and alumni parents, led by chairs Ron and Katie Gantner, flocked to Birmingham Country Club just before the holidays to donate goodies for the annual auction. Auction coordinators Megan Marderosian and Susan Reid were especially pleased that one donor brought two VIP tickets to “Hamilton” and dinner with the cast and crew prepared by the Food Network’s Marcus Samuelsson. The 42nd annual fundraiser is Saturday, March downtownpublications.com
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1. Chip (left) & Sarah McClure of Bloomfield, Tom Buhl of Grosse Pointe. 2. John (left) & Annette Kolon of Bloomfield, Roy & Jacqueline Wilson of Detroit. 3. Chris & Elana Rugh of Beverly Hills. 4. Larry & Nancy Bluth of Bloomfield. 5. John & Debbie Erb of Bloomfield.
Meadow Brook Hall Starlight Stroll
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1. Lothar (left) & Janice Schroeder of Rochester Hills, Suzanne & Geoff Upward of Rochester. 2. Mark (left), Nicole and Nick Ligocki of Rochester Hills. 3. Mark & Laura Pytiak of Birmingham. 4. Nancy & Chris Chaput of Bloomfield. 5. Patrick (left) & Nadine Milostan of Rochester Hills, Scott Kunselman of White Lake.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK 16, at Birmingham Country Club.
Irish Nite Auction Ingathering
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Eisenhower Dance Detroit Afterglow After the holiday performance at the Seligman Performing Arts Center, about 80 modern dance enthusiasts gathered for a benefit afterglow at the Demps-Simon handsome, Victorian-style Birmingham home which was garlanded in holiday greenery. Amid the warm hospitality of the family, (Carolyn, board member Guy and college student Celeste), dancers in the crowd accepted kudos for their work and new executive director Anne Bak Marine was meeting some EDD supporters for the first time.
3 1. Cristine Marderosian Sankbeil (left) and Mike & Megan Marderosian of Birmingham. 2. Ron (left) & Katie Gantner and Tom & Tara Reidy of Bloomfield. 3. Lisa & Peter Andoni of Bloomfield. 4. Chris (left) & Michelle Lievois of Bloomfield, Dave & Mary Beth Dixon of Troy. 5. David Black (left) and Lou & Susan Reid of Bloomfield.
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NAIAS The Gallery The Saturday night before journalists from around the world descended on the 2019 North American International Auto Show for press days, 500 luxury car lovers ($500 ticket) flocked to The Gallery at the MGM Grand for the official kickoff. Their first stop was the Topgolf Club for conversation, spirits and superb comestibles. When the Car Salon in the hotel ballroom opened, it was time to get up close and personal with the 29 ultra-luxury automobiles exhibited there. Think Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Rolls Royce, to name just a few. Just outside the ballroom was a charity auction display (55 packages). Thanks to such bids as $1,850 for two Detroit Tigers hand painted stadium seats with two autographed framed jerseys, the auction raised $30,000 for the music therapy program at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.
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Eisenhower Dance Detroit Afterglow
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1. Darlene Jackson (left) and Carolyn Demps of Birmingham. 2. Guy Simons and Celeste Demps-Simons of Birmingham. 3. Natalie Cassady (left), Cheryl Sellers and Cherie Ritter of Bloomfield. 4. Cynthia Bass of Bloomfield, Larry Glowczewski of Saline.
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NAIAS The Gallery
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1. Gwen (left) & Doug North of Bloomfield, Bill & Lynn Golling of Lake Orion. 2. Frank (left) & Gail Migliasso of Bloomfield, Feryal & Ed Joudran of Troy. 3. Rod Alberts and Melissa & Bud Denker of Bloomfield. 4. Bill & Cynthia Perkins of Franklin. 5. Don DeClercq of Bloomfield.
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The Children’s Center Auto Glow More than 900 NAIAS Charity Preview guests ($400 ticket) began and ended the evening at the Children’s Center AutoGlow ($275, $325 ticket) which Ford Motor Company presented in the Ford Field atrium. Guests savored sips and snacks before taking the shuttle to Cobo Center and returned to dance and dine at the Dream Big-theme event. AutoGlow was hosted by Lisa and Bill Ford and Kathy and Jim Hackett. The Ford family has supported The Children’s Center since it was founded in 1929 and Ford Motor Company has been AutoGlow presenting sponsor since its 03.19
inception. AutoGlow 2019 netted $240,000 for The Children’s Center to provide vital services for 7,500 families and vulnerable children. NAIAS Charity Preview “I didn’t even miss the German cars,” said Charity Preview loyalist Luisa di Lorenzo when the evening was over. The Birmingham ophthalmologist wouldn’t think of skipping the last “winter car prom” which celebrated the 30th anniversary of the auto show’s “internationality.” She and her husband Dr. Joe Skoney were in the crowd of 10,072 ($400 ticket). It raised $4 million for children’s charities. Doug North is chairing the 2020 NAIAS and the Charity Preview will be June 12, 2020. CARE House Circle of Friends The 23rd annual Circle of Friends luncheon benefiting Care House of Oakland County attracted a sold-out crowd (305 @ $125, $175) to the ballroom at The Townsend Hotel. Event chairs Lisa Bouchard and Anna Rea and executive director Blythe Spitsbergen shared the welcoming honors before Sheriff Mike Bouchard hit the reality button. He cited two recent cases of very real evil in Oakland County before he thanked the guest speaker Theresa Flores for stepping out of the shadow to advocate for victims of human sex trafficking. Her personal story of being a victim of three fellow Groves High School students in the early 1980s was incredible. But in her speech and her book, “The Slave Across the Street,” she told how to spot and help victims. She got a standing ovation when she concluded, “I left here 39 years ago broken…This is what healing looks like.” Seventy-five guests ($150) had met Flores the previous evening at the Preview Party Kris and Andy Appleby hosted in their Bloomfield home. The conversation paused briefly for the co-chairs to give Flores a gift of art by Jessie Chamberlain. Thanks also to proceeds of a Somerset Collection $1,000 gift card raffle won by Julia Girdler and generous sponsors, the event raised a record $96,000-plus. Variety Chili, Wings & Soup(er) Bowl Variety, The Children’s Charity tweaked its cold weather foodie downtownpublications.com
The Children’s Center Auto Glow
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3 1. Brad Simmons (left) and Kumar Galhotra of Birmingham. 2. Callie (left) Elena and Alessandro Ford of Birmingham. 3. Hadi Awada (left), Lisa Drody and Mike Walsh of Birmingham. 4. David (left) & Cheryl Schneider of Bloomfield and Renuka & Vikram Gokhale of Farmington Hills.
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NAIAS Charity Preview
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2 1. Drs. Joe Skoney & Luisa Di Lorenzo of Birmingham. 2. Kerry and Bill Saracino of Bloomfield Hills. 3. Lilly & Alex Stotland of Bloomfield. 4. Francoise Colpron (left) of Bloomfield, Carol Friend of Detroit. 5. Laurie Riegle (left) of Ann Arbor, Beth Gotthelf of Birmingham, Jill Reschke of Shelby Twp. Photo: David Freers.
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CARE House Circle of Friends
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1. Theresa Flores (center) of Columbus, OH, Anna Rea (left) and Lisa Bouchard of Birmingham. 2. Denise Abrash (left) of Bloomfield, Blythe Spitzbergen of Farmington Hills, Marla Feldman of Birmingham. 3. Kris Appleby (left) and Bridget & John Apap of Bloomfield. 4. Andy Appleby (left) and Jeanne Bourget of Bloomfield. 5. Candice Rich and Dan Gutfreund of Birmingham.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Variety Chili, Wings & Soup(er) Bowl
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1. David King (left) of Birmingham, Aubrey Tobin of W. Bloomfield and Dante Rosa of Macomb. 2. Annabel Cohen (left) and Kate Lawson of Bloomfield and Matt Prentice of Detroit. 3. Bruce & Kathy Broock Ballad of Orchard Lake. 4. Nathan (left) & Michele Mersereau and Felicia & Ed Shaw of Birmingham. 5. Pam Bouchard (left) of Birmingham, Kelly Shuert of Bloomfield.
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Eisenhower Dance Detroit Gallery Benefit
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1. Hon. Donald D'Amato (left) and Christopher Gerback of Bloomfield, Debbie Bernstein-Siegal and Rick Geller of Chicago. 2. Michael Simcoe (left), Wendy Halsted Beard of Franklin, Juliet Buch of Birmingham. 3. Carolyn Demps (left) of Birmingham, Hon. Donald D'Amato of Bloomfield, Alex Hlavaty of Rochester, Christopher Gerback of Bloomfield. 4. Carolyn Demps (left) of Birmingham, Kim Smith of Westland. 5. Guy Simons and Eleanor Simcoe of Birmingham.
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fundraiser just a tad and 250 flocked to it at The Townsend. One tweak was substituting soup for mac’n’cheese, but the Rugby Grille didn’t pay any attention. They still delighted many by presenting their yummy lobster mac’n’cheese. The addition of wings was very popular and the other tweak, scratching the loud dance music, was much appreciated. “One can actually have a conversation,” observed a grateful Debi Knowles. A chance raffle of 28 lots provided more diversion, but mostly the comfort food chow from 17 eateries was the big appeal on the last Friday night in January. The culinary judges – Annabel Cohen, Kate Lawson and Matt Prentice – had their work cut out for them. Thanks also to sponsors and benefactors the event, chaired by David King, Aubrey Tobin and Dante Rosa, raised more than $75,000. The next event for Variety supporters is Sunday, March 3 – the Fashion Show with models from Variety and FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation at Somerset Collection South. Eisenhower Dance Detroit Gallery Benefit After the performance of three energetic dance duets, most of those in the audience at Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s Birmingham school strolled to the neighboring Halsted Gallery to savor wine, hors d’oeuvres and the fine art photography on the gallery walls ($25 & up ticket). They were welcomed by Wendy Halsted Beard, daughter of gallery founder Tom and the late Carol Halsted, founding board president of EDD, to benefit Eisenhower’s Carol Halsted Legacy Fund for new choreography. Both Beard and board member Deborah Bernstein-Siegel toasted Carol’s creative vision and advocacy for dance education that spanned more than 40 years. “Carol was always curious about contemporary choreographers and would suggest …(those) she thought would be a good fit for Eisenhower,” noted Bernstein-Siegel. Beard told the assembled that a percent of gallery sales would benefit the fund. The current show runs through midMarch. The next EDD performance is March 23 at the Berman Center for the Performing arts. 03.19
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PINE LAKE - $1,490,000
BLOOMFIELD HILLS ESTATE - $1,725,000
Custom neW ConstruCtion. 8400 sf of luxury. 5 Bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half Baths. Walkout ll.
almost 79 f t. of prime pine lake frontage . panoramiC sunset vieWs. over half aCre .
7,000+ sf of old World Charm & modern day amenities. 6 Bedrooms, Bonus room, finished ll. on one aCre lot.
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DEER LAKE - $1,590,000
MILFORD ESTATE - $985,000
WEST BLOOMFIELD - $950,000
127' of all sports deer lake frontage on a hillside setting. infinity edge pool With a 2-tier Waterfall . 4 Br, 6.5 B aths.
magnifiCent Custom estate . finished Walkout ll. gorgeous nearly 3 aCre hilltop setting W/ pond.
Custom Built BriCk Colonial in southWyCk suB. loaded With u pgrades & C ustom d etails . f inished W alkout.
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DUCK LAKE - $699,000
PINE LAKE - $3,700,000
CASS LAKE - $539,000
stunning all-sports lakefront home W/ 90 f t, frontage in desiraBle south B ay shores suB!
lake living at its most glorious! luxury estate With Beautiful lake vieW sunsets!
158' of all sports C ass lake frontage . 83' of main lake sandy frontage + 75' of Canal frontage . r emodeled C ape C od.
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ENDNOTE
Action needed now to combat climate change espite efforts by Michigan's GOP-lead legislature to reverse the first meaningful action taken by the state in more than a decade to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is reason to be hopeful that much needed reforms are underway. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday, February 4, issued an executive order intended to address water quality and climate change in the state by restructuring the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Included in the reorganization is the creation of the Office of Climate and Energy, which would coordinate climate response activities of state departments and agencies. The new office also would provide recommendations to the state and local governments on how to mitigate climate impact and adapt to climate changes, and guide and assist efforts to address greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate adaptation. In addition, the order abolishes the Environmental Rules Review Committee and Environmental Permit Review Commission, which were created last year along partisan lines to put the DEQ's rule making and permitting authority in check. The boards, which are stacked with industry representatives, create several conflicts of interest and may negate the ability of the DEQ to enforce federal environmental laws, according to a letter to the state department from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). House Republicans seeking to overturn the
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executive order passed a resolution disapproving the action just two days later. The Senate followed suit and also voted to overturn the order. Meanwhile, the governor has asked the state attorney general to assess whether the boards are even legal. While Republican lawmakers are doing their best to stymie the governor's first shot at environmental reform, some have indicated they would allow a mulligan on the DEQ restructure – provided the oversight boards were left intact. How the issue will play out is uncertain; still, there's reason enough to believe that new players are changing the game of climate change policy. In addition to the executive order regarding the DEQ, the same day Whitmer issued an executive directive entering Michigan into the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors from 19 other states that have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The actions are the first real effort by the state's administration to address climate change since the Michigan Climate Change Action Council was formed in 2007 and drafted a Climate Action Plan in 2009. We are encouraged by the push to have a revamped DEQ act as the coordinating agency for the state on climate change – a long-absent and much needed role to steer efforts to address and combat climate change. Likewise, we recognize and applaud efforts at the federal level to push the discussion on climate change forward with the potential for meaningful reform.
In early February, freshman Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) joined forces with longtime environmental advocate Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) to introduce a Green New Deal, a plan to address climate change and economic challenges. While the rising star flubbed the introduction by apparently releasing an incomplete plan, the effort gives us hope that the issue won't be swept under the rug in light of what can be viewed as an anti-environmental administration. Likewise, we applaud Markey's joint effort with Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) on February 13 to introduce legislation to create the Climate Change Education Act. The concurrent legislation would create a grant program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to assist state and local education agencies, institutions and professional associations to improve climate literacy. The legislation not only addresses the need to clarify fact from fiction on climate change, but is a fitting nod to Dingell's late husband, John Dingell, who was considered a champion of environmental issues during his legendary 59-year career. The combined efforts at the state and federal level are encouraging at a time when GOP leaders have pulled back on efforts to address climate change, both at the state and federal level. With at least two more years of deregulation expected at the federal level, it's clear that states are now on their own to address climate change. Considering Michigan is already playing below par, it's time for obstructionists to pick up the ball and let efforts play through.
Sherr should resign following vigilante action eing a local city commissioner, council member or member of a board of trustees comes with both honors and responsibilities. As an elected official, you are always a visible member of the community, and whether up on the dais at a meeting, at a restaurant or casually driving through a neighborhood, the cloak of being a respectable elected official always rests upon your shoulders. Sometimes you're feted, and sometimes you're designated as the object of ire. Choosing to be a local vigilante never falls under the definition, however. The definition of “vigilante” is a “self-appointed citizen who undertakes law enforcement in their community without legal authority.” Unfortunately, that is exactly what occurred in a couple of bizarre incidents of stealing political signs by Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner Stuart Sherr last fall. He chose (and was caught red-handed on surveillance cameras) to repeatedly steal Bloomfield Hills School Board candidate Anjali Prasad's election
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signs, while deliberately leaving other candidate signs in place. According to Bloomfield Hills public safety reports, Sherr was stopped and arrested on November 1, 2018, for larceny of election signs, a misdemeanor. He has plead not guilty, alleging he had implied authority from the building owners because they were in the right-of-way, and “illegal signs can lead to death when signs are in the right-of-way.” Yet, police reports show Prasad actually had written approval from the building owners, who later wrote notes for Sherr in January – months after the fact. And strangely, there is photo evidence that Sherr had to step over signs for Lena Epstein, running for Congress, and Shelley Taub, running for county commission – both of whom Sherr supported on Facebook – in order to reach Prasad's signs. Prasad and Sherr both stated they do not know one another, and Prasad, who said she ran to be an example for her sons, can't figure out why Sherr
targeted her. For his part, Sherr said, “Just one evening, I got fed up. She was slamming those signs all over the place. I have every right to do it as a private citizen. They were in violation of our sign ordinance. I'm friends with all these property owners.” Problem is – friends or not – Sherr didn't have the right as a private citizen, nor as a city commissioner. Fed up? We all get sick of signs in the right of way. Each and every one of us have the opportunity to call City Hall or a police department to complain, and expect them to perform the job for us. Sherr showed not only poor judgement, but a sense of misplaced entitlement that does not belong on the city commission. This behavior negates his six previous years on the commission. The only remedy going forward is for Sherr to resign his seat as he can no longer be a representative of and for the city. No one is above the law, and no one is the law.
M I C H I G A N ’ S # 1 R E A LT O R® O F 2 0 1 8 L E A D I N G T H E S TAT E F O R N I N E C O N S E C U T I V E Y E A R S
Ka th y Broock Ballard
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275 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, MI 48009