A lot has changed since the 1970 when Michigan became the first in the nation with a new law imposing a return fee system on carbonated drinks in bottles and cans to help clean up the environment. Michigan lawmakers are now looking at extending that system to cover non-carbonated drink containers, as well as other changes.
Michigan lawmakers have finally passed some measures to regulate more thoroughly gun possession and other bills are still pending. But in the continual wake of school shootings, the most relevant local question is how do schools fortify buildings and campuses without becoming fortresses and scare the very students they invite in each day?
Michigan GOP leaders say they now are on a mission to reinvent the state political party but there are a number of hurdles that must be overcome before Republicans can have more of an impact at the voting booths of the future, and it won't happen in time for the 2024 balloting.
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.
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Bloomfield supervisor Walsh preps for election run; Stevens' journey to Simi Valley; Whitmer second only to Biden in polling; clearing the field for Slotkin's Senate campaign; Craig and Rinke rumors about 2024; John James reelection challenges.
Photo by Yurok | Dreamstime
The Community House looks to expand; Ecker's contract finalized; city environment panel named; Host criticized by ethics board; new development for Woodward/Maple site; Bloomfield Township water/sewer rates; ad hoc senior services committee eyed; plus more.
Birmingham Next Executive Director Cris Braun draws on her personal family experiences as she manages the programs for seniors in the community.
The CEO/President of The Community House, William Seklar, looks at upcoming events at the iconic facility which is celebrating 100 years.
Gigi Nichols provides readers with quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro area.
State lawmakers should consider raising the 10 cent deposit on bottles and cans as they look to expand the program to noncarbonated drink containers. And finally state lawmakers have started to address regulations relative to guns in Michigan.
Who would have thought that the state Republican Party, known since its 1854 founding in Jackson, Michigan as representing moderate conservatives opposing slavery and supporting individual liberties, would find itself in its current state where recently chosen state party leaders are now talking about having to recreate the political organization.
They will have to do so in the face of the loss of votes from suburban women, independents and more moderate members, as well as a growing base of youth voters who are not buying into what the GOP has been selling of late.
The more recent story of the Michigan GOP is about a political party that refused to listen to its seasoned leaders or elders, if you will, decades ago, hurtling itself on a path of self destruction that could take another decade or more before the party can resurrect itself.
The tale begins with Brooks Patterson, the long-time Republican Oakland County Executive. Like him or not, he saw the shifting of the political winds in this county well over a decade before his passing in 2019.
The public perception of Patterson that developed over his many years as both county prosecutor and then at the helm as county executive was that of an often glib commentator, one that at times lacked a filter, but an astute visionary who surrounded himself with a top notch team of government managers who developed a strong position for Oakland County that allowed it to weather economic downturns and prosper greatly when the economy cooperates.
Overlooked by many was Patterson's innate ability to anticipate changes in the political landscape that might challenge the Republican grip on the county.
Patterson was after all one of the first to raise a cautionary flag when the Tea Party started in 2010 to get a foothold in the county. Long before that, Patterson pushed the concept of the “big tent” for the county GOP to keep the local party from fracturing as warring divisions within the ranks reared their heads. Hence, his warning as early as 2004 that the Republicans were starting to lose the women's vote due to extreme positions that local, state and national party members were taking on issues of the day. Then along came QAnon and Donald Trump. A further turn to the hard-right and the party was lost.
Few in the Republican party in Michigan listened back then. Today, at the state level, those who have taken control of the GOP apparatus remain tone deaf.
It came as no surprise that county political Red/Blue demographics have changed dramatically since Oakland voters elected their first county executive back in the 1970s. Oakland is an attractive place in which to live so part of the political change was due to migration from neighboring counties – persons who were drawn to the place that was considered the driving force or center of all things good in the state. Some say change in more recent years may well have been hastened by Patterson's own programs, like Automation Alley, which helped draw a younger, and more diverse workforce, often college educated. Newcomers arriving here had political leanings of a different persuasion.
Fast forward to 2020 – the hardened conservative positions on personal issues have driven more moderate and independent voters from the
GOP, without doubt. One just need look at the turmoil gripping the Michigan party following the election that year. Infighting among the conservative factions themselves. An ongoing attempted takeover by evangelicals or Christian nationalists and election deniers. A rejection of traditional Republicans within the organization, including the donor class that helped underwrite the state party machinery and elections of the past. A monolith – hardly welcoming to all.
But the GOP has problems beyond just the loss of votes from suburban women and the moderate class – it is already losing the battle over youth votes – from the 18-29 years old set. This doesn't portend well even in Oakland where the new Republican party leadership is making a valiant effort to attract and energize a young set of voters through its youth wing.
Most political pollsters agree that the group collectively known as the “youth vote” often cast ballots the least out of all voting groups. But as a general rule of late, youth vote turnout is the highest it has been in several decades. Turnout took a noticeable increase in the 2018 election when 31 percent of this group showed at the polls. The group's turnout declined a bit in the 2022, according to the Tisch College of Civic Life of Tufts University. But in Michigan 37 percent of this group turned out, far outpacing the national average.
Studies there show that nationally 67 percent of the youth vote backed Democrats in 2018. Similar numbers in other studies have shown that 62 percent of this voting group in Michigan favored Democrats in the last couple of elections.
Granted, those who follow the nitty gritty of politics know that as a general rule younger voters may skew more liberal and then become more conservative as they age. But that may also be changing.
The non-partisan Center for American Progress notes that current youth groups are more diverse than those of the past so some of the past trends may not hold. And that independent institute projects that the youth vote turnout will continue to increase in coming years, making it an even more potent factor in election outcomes.
Bottom line, according to a number of studies, the youth vote in 2022 basically cancelled out the votes of those over 65 years of age, thereby blocking any gains the GOP had sought from older voters.
In terms of what concerns members of the youth voting group, inflation ranks at the top of the list, followed closely by the abortion issue, gun violence, environmental concerns and loss of personal freedoms, including for those part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Michigan GOP leaders should – but probably won't – take note that members of the youth vote group are particularly turned off by extreme positions on many of these issues.
All of this points to a tougher time for Michigan GOP leaders as they set out to improve the party's fortune at the polling places in the coming years. Any hope a revival can take place in time for the 2024 elections is simply wishful thinking, unless the newly chosen party leaders tack toward the middle on critical issues. Fat chance.
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PUTTING ON HER AIR JORDANS: Bloomfield Township Supervisor
Dani Walsh has telegraphed that she plans to run for re-election in 2024. Walsh, who was expected to earn her Masters in Public Policy as well as her Masters in Public Administration from American University at the end of April, said she has learned so much in her first two-and-a-half years on the job, and many improvements implemented are bearing fruition. Chief among them are “getting rid of a lot of the ‘we’ve always done them that way,’” she said. A fresh perspective and a new way of approaching everything from the budget to infrastructure has ultimately invigorated much of the staff, empowering them to find new solutions to old problems. New budget planning and creation with the aid of finance director Jason Theis, as well as excellent investment management by treasurer Brian Kepes, has revealed unexpected surpluses. Walsh said she particularly is enjoying the treasured bond between new Bloomfield Township Police Chief Jimmy Gallagher and Fire Chief John LeRoy. Walsh, a Democrat, said she heard from several local Republicans when word got out that former state Rep. Mike McReady is considering running for township supervisor. McReady, who was a former Bloomfield Hills commissioner and mayor but currently lives in Bloomfield Township, is “too Bloomfield Hills,” they allegedly said. Another plus was the addition of a very seasoned Democratic campaign manager joining her team – one who previously has only run statewide campaigns. As for former township treasurer Dan Devine running again? She noted that Devine, former candidate for treasurer Mark Antakli, township gadfly Marcia Robovitsky, and a few others seem to talk far right conspiracy theories to one another on social media, with little traction beyond themselves. See ya in ‘24.
BOTH SIDES NOW: Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, most of Oakland County) has long emphasized her focus on manufacturing and her former position as chief of staff of President Barack Obama’s Auto Task Force, returning to the district to hold her signature “Manufacturing Mondays.” She’s very proud to have recently been placed on the Congressional Select Committee on Competitiveness on China, with its focus on industrialization. “It’s not a permanent committee. It’s a bright light of this session,” Stevens said, noting they could come up with solutions and ideas that could – and will – “have a great impact with a complicated country. China is more advanced than Russia, and we’re more entangled with China in manufacturing. There are definitely areas where the Community Party has not been fair with us, but what I’ve heard from all sectors of our manufacturing base it to ‘lower the rhetoric. We’re entangled.’” She emphasized that with the narrow Republican majority in the House of Representatives and strong partisanship, “it pushes us towards collaboration.” When we spoke, she was looking forward to joining Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers traveling to Simi Valley to meet Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. “I’m going in with open eyes. I’m going to see what the downtownpublications.com
Taiwanese president has to say,” Stevens said, noting that there is a Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in West Bloomfield. “Because of the supply chain, it’s an important relationship for us.”
SISTER ACT: The calendar may still read 2023, but political wonks and aspiring candidates are reading 2024. At the presidential level, a majority of Washington Democrats – 69 percent – now say President Joe Biden is the party’s best option to win the 2024 presidential election, according to Punchbowl News. Their second choice? None other than our own governor. Despite the fact that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has stated repeatedly that she is not planning to run, 49 percent of Dems responding to the poll picked Whitmer, with Vice President Kamala Harris coming in third with 35 percent. California Governor Gavin Newsom narrowly trailed her with 34 percent of the respondents’ support. Progressive candidates found no favor amongst Democrats at this point, with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) only getting one percent of support while Senator Elizabeth Warren (DMass.) received two percent. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) got zero. Another Whitmer is gaining attention as well – for a battleground Westchester, New York congressional district. Word is Big Gretch’s sister, Liz Whitmer Gereghty, is eyeing a run for this seat, currently held by GOP Rep. Mike Lawler, who surprisingly flipped the seat in 2022.
CLEARING THE FIELD: We’ve always heard about back room deals. If we’re to believe the folks at Politico – and there’s no reason to not –Democratic leaders helped clear the field of high-profile primary competitors to Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) in her quest to become Michigan’s next Democratic senatorial candidate. Where at first it looked like several state Democratic lawmakers were going to throw their hat in the ring to fill retiring Senator Debbie Stabenow’s shoes, according to Politico, Stabenow herself, along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) worked to convey that Slotkin was the one. “Stabenow explained that she directed other ambitious Democrats who might have been interested in replacing her toward alternative statewide offices, from the governor’s office on down, that will open up in 2026 due to term limits.” The two Democratic leaders let potential candidates know that Slotkin is a major fundraising force, and it would hurt her – and the party – if she’s forced to spend big in the primary, rather than saving it for the general election. While many Dems (and Republicans) believe Slotkin will be the one to beat in November 2024, as she is a moderate who considers herself a “common sense Democrat” with a CIA and military background, there are some voicing concerns that she has never represented a district with a significant Black constituency. And her voting record has at times diverged from Black Michiganders’ priorities. Of note, while she voted yes, she was not one of the 114 Democratic sponsors of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2021, to repair how Blacks were disproportionately targeted prior to marijuana legalization. Yet, since launching her Senate campaign, she has been visible at numerous events in Detroit and Flint – which together represent a majority of African Americans in the state.
GOP POSSIBILITIES: Word in some Republican circles is that failed (as in, not enough valid signatures) gubernatorial candidate and former Detroit Police Chief James Craig is considering running for the open Senate seat on the Republican side. Craig has no previous political experience, and has said he is giving serious thought to it after being encouraged by supporters and party members around the state. “Consultants call you and talk you into it. They need a name and put you on Fox TV,” said one top Republican honcho, who admitted he hasn’t spoken to Craig despite being one who encouraged him in 2022 to run for governor. “Craig has nothing to offer. He arrested some people a while ago.” As to who really will run, this observer believes former Grand Rapids congressman Peter Meijer will, “And he could give (Elissa) Slotkin a run for her money. He’s the real deal, and he voted to impeach Trump.” However, he said, in a primary, Meijer would need to be one of three candidates, because he would be trounced by a MAGA Trumpster. The politico said he has heard that Bloomfield Township former auto dealer and former gubernatorial candidate Kevin Rinke is definitely looking at running, but doesn’t think he has a shot at the trophy. “He’s an egomaniac. He blew a million last time –and if you’re putting up all your own money, it means no one else will. He’s not getting the DeVos’ money. (Late Senator) Carl Levin worked his way up; Slotkin worked her way up from the CIA in Iraq; (Senator Gary) Peters worked his way up. What has Rinke done?”
JOHN JAMES A TARGET: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is wasting no time in attacking U.S. Rep. John James from the 10th District which includes Rochester, Rochester Hills and southern Macomb County now that the group has named his district as a target in the party’s effort to regain the House. The Democratic group, along with some GOP observers, are ranking James as vulnerable after winning this seat in 2022 by a slim margin of only 1,600 votes. The DCCC is issuing press releases painting James as a model MAGA candidate based on some of his votes in Congress, including against a women’s right to choose, and has even dredged up an incident from the James’ 2020 failed U.S. Senate run (one of two failed attempts) when members of the Proud Boys bought tickets and volunteered to help at a campaign event of his. Meanwhile, James in early April picked up his first formal Democrat challenger, Diane Young, a financial planner from Warren with a business in Rochester Hills. Young had previously failed by a very wide margin in 2016 when she ran for the state House against state Rep. Peter Lucido, now the Macomb County Prosecutor. She is not expected to be the only Democrat jumping into the 2024 contest to take on James who is expected this summer to move into the Shelby part of the 10th District. Also throwing her hat in the ring is Democrat is Emily Busch of Oxford, mother of one of the survivors of the Oxford school shooting incident. In making her announcement, Busch noted the Oxford shooting as one of the life experiences which crystallized her thinking about running for office, criticizing James on the issue. Busch, who recently lost a run for a state House seat, does not not live in the 10th District but members of U.S. House are not required to reside in the district which they represent, reminiscent of when James first ran for his current post.
Bloomfield Hills resident Tim McGrane grew up in southeast England and studied mechanical engineering in college. After college, he took a life-changing threeweek vacation to California – and decided to move to Palm Springs. He initially worked in the hospitality field, and through new connections began a long term, successful career in the world of classic and collection cars.
McGrane's interesting career has included a variety of car, racing, and events management positions, including CEO of the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California, and executive director at Blackhawk Automotive Museum in Danville, California, where he oversaw management of their significant collection of rare, vintage, and classic automobiles.
Two years ago, McGrane moved to Michigan from Arizona with his wife to work as CEO of M1 Concourse, an 87-acre property in Pontiac which provides a vibrant place where automotive enthusiasts can keep, show, exercise and enjoy their vehicles with other likeminded enthusiasts.
Despite previous travel to the Detroit area, McGrane’s perspective has changed since he moved here. “The car culture here is significantly deeper and broader than I knew. It goes well beyond domestic cars and includes all manner of domestic and foreign cars, such as exotic cars.”
The M1 Concourse property is located along iconic Woodward Avenue, also known as Michigan highway M-1. For nearly 120 years, the property has been home to a series of auto manufacturing facilities from the Rapid Motor Company in 1905 to General Motors most recently. M1 Concourse continued the site’s automotive legacy when it opened in 2016.
M1 Concourse features 255 privately owned garages that overlook a 1.5-mile track. The garages are varied sizes and range from functional to luxurious. The property has an event center and Motorsports Club, and it regularly hosts signature events and shows. Current plans include construction of a Performance Center and X-Center, an experience center that will include simulators and other exciting features for automobile fans.
According to McGrane, M1 Concourse believes in being a good community partner and that includes being supportive of the local Pontiac community.
As part of the inaugural American Speed Festival Checkered Flag Ball last year, M1 Mobility raised funds to assist Pontiac residents with the identified need for transportation by purchasing several vans that provide transportation services to local seniors, children, and other residents. Additionally, discounted tickets to many M1 events are also available to Pontiac residents.
An ongoing popular community event hosted onsite is “Cars and Coffee,” held the first Saturday of each month. This morning event is open to the public and provides a way for owners of classic, collector or special interest cars to showcase their vehicles while sipping complimentary coffee.
“In the summer, we’ve had up to 1,400 cars show up. It’s a fun opportunity to reach out to the car community...Visiting the property gives you a very different experience,” McGrane says.
So far, McGrane is enjoying Michigan’s four seasons and the Motor City’s heritage as the global center of the automotive industry.
“There is a vibrancy here in business, food, and culture. People are as passionate about Detroit as any big city. There is a wonderful transformation happening in Detroit and Pontiac. Oakland County has been so supportive and is a wonderful place to live and work. It’s nice to be part of the transformation as a gateway property for the city of Pontiac. M1 is making progress carving an identity on the national calendar. It’s exciting.”
Story: Tracy Donohue Photo: Laurie TennentWhen Michigan’s bottle return bill was fully enacted in 1978, the world had just seen the birth of the first “test tube” baby, the U.S. dollar was at its lowest value in decades, and President Jimmy Carter was working to make peace in the Middle East. Polyester suits became the hot fashion trend when John Travolta sported a white one in the movie “Saturday Night Fever,” back when people still went to the theaters to see a movie.
Back then, environmentalists and conservationists in Michigan were upset about how beverage consumers were trashing the state's parks, trails and waterways with tossed pop and beer containers. So they worked at the grassroots level to create what is the nation’s first – and most successful – can and bottle redemption and recycling program. Instead of littering, Michiganders were incentivized by that 10-cent redemption deposit to return glass and metal containers used for carbonated beverage consumption.
At 10 cents, Michigan is tied with Oregon for the highest bottle deposit law in the country – and it promotes recycling. In 2019, before the disruption of COVID-19, Michiganders brought back about 89 percent of returnable containers. Though Michigan’s rate of return has been in a slight decline, it’s still higher than any of the other nine states that have deposit laws.
But a lot has changed since the 1970s. We now consume 57 percent of our beverages in single-use plastic containers, and most of these drinks are non-carbonated. There’s no deposit incentive for noncarbonated drinks, as evidenced by the amount of tossed plastic bottles that we encounter every time we step out for a walk.
While conservationists, environmentalists and advocates of recycling say it’s time for a change, beverage industry leaders say they need to be better compensated in order to build the needed expansions in the deposit/redemption recycling infrastructure before any expansion of the bottle bill can happen.
One of the organizations that spearheaded grassroots efforts to get the original bottle bill enacted in the late 1970s as an initiative on the statewide ballot was the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC).
Amy Trotter, MUCC’s executive director, said back in the 1970s, hunters and anglers grew tired of the number of aluminum cans and glass bottles strewn in the state's parks and natural lands. Now, they are seeing the same with plastic.
“For a while now, we have been saying we need to take the bubbles out of the bottle bill,” Trotter said. “As it stands now, the bottle bill mostly takes care of carbonated beverages, but most of the waste we see now is from water bottles. Michigan was the first in the nation to have a bottle bill, and this is largely due in part because MUCC led the charge with a petition to get it on the ballot. We put it before the voters. Now, we would like to see an expansion to the bill. And if we have to take it to the voters again with a ballot proposal, we are willing to go that route.”
BY STACY GITTLEMAN
One would assume that seeing fewer plastic water bottles strewn around the environment and creating new revenue streams and incentives to recycle them would be a bipartisan issue everyone could get behind. But Trotter stresses that the recycling component is not the sticking point.
“What is being questioned is the process of how we get our containers recycled and where consumers can bring their containers,” Trotter explained. “Retailers have a problem with the way the law currently stands because they do not know how they would deal with the expansion inside their properties. But from the hunter-angler perspective, we were motivated by the litter we saw on public lands and roadways that got into our streams and rivers. We made a difference back then, but the consumer products and materials that hold beverages have changed and now we'd like to see the same change for all the plastic we see.”
Under Michigan’s current bottle law, distributors must charge a 10-cent deposit per returnable container when they sell their products to retailers. Retailers then pass the charge onto customers and refund it when containers are returned. Retailers get refunded when distributors pick up the empties, and any unclaimed deposits remaining are split between retailers and environmental cleanup in a 25-75 split. But there was a time when beverage retailers and distributors were collecting all those dimes, and that has been their long-standing point of contention with the current bill. In 1995, former Governor John Engler gutted the polluter pay law which made industry and manufacturers responsible for footing the bill to clean up contaminated sites.
The bottle bill was amended in 1996 and specified how the state must distribute its share of the unclaimed deposits as determined by the state's escheat law, which passed in 1989. That law required 75 percent of the unclaimed deposits to be transferred into the Cleanup and Redevelopment Trust Fund, overseen by the Michigan Department of Treasury, while the remaining 25 percent is to be distributed by the treasury to retailers to offset their handling costs.
According to department of treasury spokesperson Ron Leix, 25 percent of unclaimed bottle deposit escheat revenues are distributed to retailers and 75 percent is retained by the state. Of that 75 percent, the first $1 million is deposited in a Michigan State Police fund to support bottle bill enforcement. The rest of the revenue comes to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). Ten percent is retained in the Cleanup and Redevelopment Trust Fund until the balance reached $200 million. Another 10 percent is deposited in the Community Pollution Prevention Fund, where $250,000 of the fund’s interest earnings are appropriated each year for pollution prevention grants to local communities. The remaining 80 percent is deposited in the Cleanup and Redevelopment Fund to support contaminated site cleanups.That portion of the Cleanup and Redevelopment Trust Fund is immediately available for appropriation for municipal landfill cost-share grants, matching federal Superfund dollars, response activities addressing public health and environmental problems, redevelopment facilitation or emergency response actions.
However, environmentalists point out the fact that the list of contaminated sites in the state since 1996 has ballooned and has outpaced the money in the fund allocated to clean them up. Currently, there are more than 16,000 sites where EGLE knows hazardous substances have been released. In addition, there are more than 6,800 sites with underground storage tanks that have had more than 8,700 confirmed releases. Ensuring that sites have adequate funding to both complete the remedial activities and maintain a protective remedy is essential to both the protection of human health and the environment and the eventual safe reuse of these properties.
In 2019, unclaimed bottle deposits amounted to $43 million. In 2020, that figure ballooned to $108 million after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a months-long disruption in bottle deposit service.
Environmentalists say the wide fluctuations in this fund is not something the state should bank on to deal with the complexities of environmental cleanups.
To understand the drawbacks of relying on this fund to clean up contaminated sites, Conan Smith, president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Environmental Council (MEC), uses the analogy of thinking of the fund as a nonprofit organization’s endowment. Such organizations configure a threshold dollar amount of how big they want their endowment to be – say $200 million. A well-run nonprofit, Smith said, does not spend the money of the endowment but instead uses the accrued interest to fund its mission and programming.
Instead, the state depends on whatever deposits go unclaimed from year to year.
“The fund can vary from $75 million one year, and then it ballooned in the pandemic (because of the halting of bottle and can redemptions) to over $100 million,” Smith explained. “There is no public policy that states what the next phase of this fund should be. There is no threshold number designated because they are allowed to spend the principal. And that's part of the public policy we want to change. Updates to the bottle bill need to make sure that the principal grows to a substantial threshold level, to the point of where it is consistently throwing off enough money to fund the cleanup and redevelopment of the state’s contaminated sites.”
Overall, Smith said Michigan can boast that it has one of the best can and bottle recycling programs in the world. At an average 90 percent redemption rate, it is the best in the nation, tied with Oregon. Only the Scandinavian countries are doing it better, he noted.
"Our bottles and cans can get recycled up to six times in a given year, making it an incredibly effective program," said Smith. "But since the 1970s, the kinds of bottles that we use for beverages have changed. We are barely covering half of the containers that the bottle bill could be recycling. So that's really the challenges we are seeing.”
Smith added that compounding the problem is that these days, even wine can be sold in a can, and these cans are not accepted for a recycling deposit. Also, if you purchase a beverage product that is the brand product of a retailer, say a Kroger or Costco's Kirkland brand, redemption centers at these retailers do not have a reciprocal agreement to take in each other’s containers.
He explained: “Because it is not carbonated, wine in a can is not covered. Our bottle bill needs some modernization and expanding, so we are capturing as much of those recyclable materials as possible.”
Smith said if retailers were being honest, they would not mind if the whole bill went away. That is because most of the burden to the public, of returning all those bottles and cans and getting those deposits in the form of a receipt, falls on the retail stores and their staff.
“Retailers don't like the burden of the cost of providing this public service, but the MEC sees it as a tradeoff for doing business in Michigan,” said Smith. “There are lots of ways that they could address those challenges that they face in their stores and with their workers, but they choose not to make those. So, I think that's a little bit of a red herring.”
Andrea Bitely, vice president of marketing and communications for the Michigan Retailers Association said the drawbacks of bringing back dirty bottles and cans to a redemption center which is often located in the back of a store is the potential to contaminate areas in the store where people buy fresh produce, fish or meats.
To be blunt, Bitely said, there is a huge “ick” factor when it comes to store employees having to handle dirty containers. Fear of the spread of disease from these recyclables reached its height when Governor Gretchen Whitmer, under emergency orders at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, halted operations at all redemption centers.
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“While we completely understand the environmental concern that folks have when it comes to seeing cans and bottles and the like on the side of the road, we also have other concerns, and one of them is the health and safety of employees and customers that come through grocery stores every day,” Bitely said. “During the early days of the pandemic, we did not understand how COVID was spread and we were all wiping down every grocery item before it came into our home. So, imagine the horror of grocery store employees who were going to have to sort cans and bottles.”
Even with the pandemic subsiding, Bitely pointed out the issue of stores needing to have the space to stockpile these cans and bottles safely away from fresh produce somewhere in the back warehouse section of the store until they are shipped off for recycling.
“Unwashed pop and beer cans are sticky with sugary residues and that can attract rodents and insects. Our retailers take pride in the sanitary conditions of their stores and collecting dirty bottles adds to this challenge,” she noted.
Bitely continued: "Often, customers in these smaller stores in rural areas come to the service desk, used by other customers to purchase their food, with a case or a six-pack of unwashed cans or bottles for the store clerk to redeem by hand. It's unsanitary, frankly. And even if those return centers are in front of a grocery store, you still have a grocery clerk, a bottle return clerk, that is tasked with handling those items. That's just plain gross. Our retailers then must provide employees with gloves, aprons and other safety equipment at their expense. There must be a better way to do this.”
Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, said on average, his association members spend over $60 million a year in the collection and processing of returned bottle and can deposits and fears that number will go even higher if the bottle bill expands to include plastics. Nevins said for an expansion to work, his industry will need a bigger cut from the unreturned deposits.
Nevins said when the bottle bill was first adopted by the voters, his association members kept all the unreturned deposit money. But after the funding shift in the 1990s, the beverage and retail industry saw themselves at a disadvantage to keep up. Nevins said it is his industry that has been saddled with upholding and executing the bottle bill and hopes any revisions to it will give them more support.
“Beer distributors are responsible for implementing the vast majority of the bottle bill,” claimed Nevins. “We have to initiate the deposit when the containers are sold to the retailers. When the retailer gets the container back from the consumer, we have to give that seller back their deposit. It is our responsibility to create all the steps necessary to recycle those cans and bottles.”
Nevins continued: “When the bottle bill was adopted, when people didn’t bring back their containers, all those leftover dimes stayed with the distributors to be reinvested in building the (collection and distribution) infrastructure. When that bill passed, that infrastructure did not exist. No one had the equipment like those collection machines at the retail level, the necessary trucks or the bottle washing equipment. In the beginning of the enactment of the bottle bill, we were given nothing to finance all this infrastructure.”
Nevins said when the funding shifted, beverage distributors and retailers had less money to maintain or expand this infrastructure. There was a brief window in Governor Jennifer Granholm's administration when distributors received a 33 percent tax credit for all their bottle bill costs, but this business tax credit was repealed during Rick Snyder's administration.
“So, except for that brief period of time, the state has never put money into the infrastructure of the bottle bill, but the state did take money away from us in the 1990s.”
Nevins said all the money from unclaimed deposits – not just 25 percent – should go to retailers and distributors, and not to EGLE.
“All those unclaimed deposits should be divided up between the beverage distributors and retailers to invest in and build an expanded
infrastructure for the bottle bill,” argued Nevins. “Instead, most of the money gets sent to EGLE and it’s very difficult to figure out what EGLE is doing with that money. It is supposed to help them hire more full time employees, but it seems like an exorbitant amount of money.”
According to EGLE spokesperson Hugh McDiarmid Jr., in fiscal year 2023, EGLE was appropriated $68,649,100 for cleanup and redevelopment funding. It used $64,722,700 for contaminated site cleanups, including $10 million for one-time funding for Buffalo Reef, a 2,200-acre natural cobble feature in Lake Superior which is vital for lake trout and lake whitefish spawning, which is still suffering the adverse effect of milling operations that ceased in the area in 1932. The rest of the money went towards a $1.046 million recycling initiative, and $2.8 million for EGLE departmentwide operations. The Michigan Department of Treasury is anticipated to have its 2022 bottle information available to the public in May.
“Mr. Nevins’ should be well aware that the money from uncollected deposits is deployed directly on sites of environmental contamination – all of which goes to assessment, cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites in Michigan, as well as pollution prevention efforts,” said McDiarmid. “In the current year, the funding supports 130 staff who are responsible for working on more than 100 sites across the state. The money also helps leverage federal funding that requires matching dollars.”
McDiarmid said examples of contaminated sites EGLE is working on include the Electro Plating Services site in Madison Heights, where hexavalent chromium was found leaking onto I-696 in December 2019; the Allied Paper site in Kalamazoo where 80 miles of river are contaminated with PCBs; and contamination from activities at the Camp Grayling National Guard training facility in Grayling.
He continued: “Michigan has approximately 24,000 contaminated sites, and resources to fully address only a small percentage of them. The loss of unclaimed deposit dollars will further diminish the state’s ability to protect the environment and keep Michiganders healthy.”
Nevins with the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association has testified in Lansing several times in favor of reforms to the bottle bill – just so long as the state makes it easier and more convenient to return plastic bottles by providing his industry with more financial backing and create regional recycling centers that operate independently from the ones found on-site at local retailers and supermarkets.
Introduced by Michigan state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) and Michigan state Rep.Christine Morse (D-Kalamazoo), Senate Bill 167 and House Bill 4331 propose to expand the state’s current 10cent deposit to include all other non-carbonated beverages, except for milk containers.
Among other reforms, the bills would permit universal redemption, allowing consumers to take any recyclable bottle to a large store while allowing smaller stores to maintain smaller takebacks; create a bottle handling fund to reimburse distributors and dealers on a perbottle-basis; make funding available for audits and fraud enforcement. The proposed legislation also includes language to set a baseline of $25 million each year to address cleanup of the state’s contaminated sites.
That expansion to put a deposit fee on bottled water has raised concerns that this will place a financial burden on residents in some communities which completely rely on bottled water. Keeping equity in mind, Morse said in those communities, such as Flint and Benton Harbor, there are emergency funds that provide bottled water at no cost to those residents. These communities would therefore not bear the extra burden of paying that dime deposit per liter of water if the bill passes, she said.
Morse said she and McCann are in the process of reworking the wording of the pieces of legislation before bringing it to the floor in hopes of it passing with three-quarters vote to move it forward.
“The key factor of this proposed legislation is that it includes all single-use plastic beverage containers under a gallon – from water, tea, wine and spirits and everything excluding milk – will be included in deposits,” said Morse.
“Overall, Michigan's bottle bill has been very successful over the years and typically – outside of 2020 and the onset of the COVID pandemic – the return rate has hovered at 90 percent. However, there has been an explosion in the use of plastic containers, and those should be redeemable as well. Frankly, our curbside recycling efforts have not performed as well as we do with bottle return.”
Responding to concerns of retailers and distributors, Morse said in addition to revving up the bottle bill, Michigan needs to reinstate polluter pay laws to address environmental cleanup.
“The issue with those laws at the time was it put municipalities in a tough spot holding the bag (in managing cleanup),” said Morse. “So, we must find a way to make polluters pay when they damage the environment. Typically, the fund draws about $25 million a year, but we saw a windfall of $100 million after the pandemic. In most years, however, that $25 million is not enough to keep up with the cleanup in Michigan’s many contaminated sites.”
When it comes to sectioning off portions of the funds between environmental needs and that of expanding the collecting and recycling infrastructure, Morse believes retailers are well funded to handle it.
“With every proposed bill, you are going to have negotiations and getting more support for infrastructure is something retailers can bring to the table,” said Morse. “But in the bill we introduced last year, retailers will get .005 percent off the top of every deposit. That is different than the current bottle bill, where they only get a percentage of the escheats. So that’s already a different system. Whether that's enough for them to be able to invest in an expanded, infrastructure, we'd have to have a conversation. That's something that they can bring to the table, and we can try to work it out.”
Susan Collins, president of the Container Recycling Institute based in California, a national nonprofit recycling industry authority, said that based on data from July of 2022, beverage container redemption rates in most U.S. states with container deposit laws did not rebound in 2021 after dramatic drops exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. And of the 10 states with active bottle deposit programs, Michigan saw the steepest drop at 16 percent during this time.
Collins explained: “Michigan’s bottle bill was deeply impacted by the pandemic as the single state that lost the largest percentage of its redemption rate. It went from 89 percent in 2019 to 73 percent in 2020. Other states saw drops, but not as dramatic. And while other states are recovering in their redemption percentages, Michigan hasn't bounced back as much.”
Collins is also hearing complaints from consumers who are trying to return bottles to retailers – but some retailers never resumed their bottle collections, even after Whitmer lifted the restrictions. Collins said Attorney General Dana Nessel is investigating the issue.
“If retailers in Michigan are not resuming their collection of bottles, they are breaking the law,” said Collins. “If people are finding that they are getting turned away at their local retailer, they have a right to file a complaint about that with Nessel’s office.”
By completely depending on private retailers to be the point source for bottle collection and deposit redemption, Collins said the state is at a disadvantage. She explained, “Michigan is the only deposit state that solely uses return-to-retail, with no redemption centers. Because of this, the state’s suspension of the retailer beverage container takeback requirement from late March to midJune 2020 meant a complete shutdown of the deposit program, leaving consumers with no options to redeem their bottles and cans.”
Collins noted that Michigan was the only state to activate such a draconian restriction during the height of the pandemic. The state reestablished the program in phases, and a requirement for full
resumption of retailer collection activities went into effect in October 2020, with some restrictions permitted to comply with health and safety protocols.
By 2021, a year that saw strong economic growth in the U.S., in nearly all cases deposit states had reinstated policies requiring full retailer redemption activities. However, most of them did not see a marked increase in redemption rates. Collins said, "Reports from organizations in deposit states indicate that many retail establishments simply ignored the requirement to resume taking back bottles and cans and provide consumers with the deposit fee they paid upon purchase. With spotty enforcement, regulators can only rely on consumer complaints and respond on a case-by-case basis."
The two states with the largest redemption rate drop from 2019 through 2021 – Michigan, at 14 percent, and Massachusetts, 12 percent – rely solely and heavily, respectively, on return-to-retail for deposit refunds. In late June 2021, the Container Recycling Institute reported that the Michigan Department of Treasury issued a reminder to retailers with bottle return facilities of the requirement to take back beverage containers, with no COVID-related restrictions – suggesting concern over compliance.
In Massachusetts, it is estimated that currently only one-quarter of the retailers required to accept back bottles and cans are doing so. Collins indicated that the uptick in redemption rates in New York and Oregon demonstrates the importance of robust bottle bill infrastructure that includes multiple, convenient ways to return beverage containers. They include returning them to retail outlets with and without machines; redemption centers; and bag drops, which proved popular even during 2020 due to their user-friendly and no-contact nature.
Collins said there are 60 programs worldwide that are taking back plastic bottles through the incentive of redeeming deposits, and Michigan needs to catch up.
“Michigan is one of only four states (with bottle bills) in the United States that doesn't cover water and other non-carbonated beverages in its bottle deposit program,” she said.
Collins pushed back on the notion that an expansion into plastic collection would put a strain on retailers who do not have the way to finance expansions of collection infrastructure.
“Retailers are getting 25 percent of the money from unclaimed deposits, and that number is not a trivial amount,” Collins said. “In 2020, they got $27 million; in 2021, retailers in Michigan got $25 million; in 2018 they got $10.7 million; and in 2019, $10.8 million. So, I think they could afford to purchase some new or additional equipment.”
Conan Smith of the Michigan Environmental Council said that incentivizing consumers to return bottles needs to be increased and not decreased. In his town of Ann Arbor, for example, Smith said he can walk to about eight retailers to redeem his bottles.
“If people have to drive miles to a retailer, especially in rural areas, to redeem their beverage containers, there is less of a chance that Michigan will maintain a high rate of return.”
Smith said it would be beneficial in a revised bill to create a mechanism for retailers to pool their resources – the employees and people power it takes to sort and process the containers after the consumer passes them through the machines – but right now, there is nothing in the present legislation to support it.
“There is no creative thinking, and so the various factions end up fighting. I get it, the retailers do not like taking all these messy bottles and cans back, and they want to know where the funding is going to come from to finance the manpower needed to handle it. So, let’s get rid of the fight. Let’s create the funding to let that creativity and innovation emerge.”
Nashville. Oxford. Michigan State University. Uvalde. Parkland. Newtown. Columbine.
The list is long, as are our memories, of youths who have been victims of school shootings. And as the public cries for a solution become deafening, it is left to school districts and law enforcement to fortify schools with what amounts to bandaids as prevention as lawmakers at the national and state level tussle over gun control.
If the last 50 years is any predictor – if 2023 continues as it has begun, there will be approximately 400 school shootings this year, up considerably from 2022's record high of 273, so says David Reidman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database, which is updated daily, Reidman began his data collection in 1970 and has observed an increase of gun violence since 2018. His data shows that there “have already been more shootings, with more victims, so far in the first three months of 2023 than during the same time frame last year.”
opposed. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), House Judiciary chair, said he planned to make the case for a Republican bill to outlaw the 2022 gun violence law. He told congressional reporters on the day of the Nashville school shooting, “Democrats are going to turn this tragic event into a political event.”
In late March, in light of the shooting at Michigan State University, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing), along with Congressmen Ed Markey (D-MA), reintroduced legislation that would fund research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand and address the nation’s ongoing gun violence epidemic. The Gun Violence Prevention Research Act would authorize $50 million each fiscal year over the next five years to boost the CDC’s firearms safety and gun violence prevention research.
he Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit group that catalogs incidents of gun violence in the United States, defines mass shootings as having four or more victims – either injured or killed – other than the shooter. As we know, schools are not the only target of this form of gun violence. Angry and disgruntled former employees shoot up banks, factories, concerts, malls, department stores, grocers. Racially-motivated shootings have forever marked churches, synagogues, mosques, as well as grocery stores, malls and anywhere disturbed and irate individuals decide to take out their grievances – with firearms, almost always legally purchased. And often times the weapon involved was an AR-15, an assault rifle designed to be used by U.S. soldiers – one that has been used in every conflict our country has been in since Vietnam.
Between 2009 and 2018, there were 288 school shootings in the United States, according to the Washington Post .Since the Columbine High School massacre, more than 349,000 children have been exposed to gun violence during school hours, and children commit more than half of the country's school shootings. When the shooter has been found to be a juvenile, 86 percent of the weapons were found in the homes of friends, relatives or parents.
“We're at a watershed moment right now,” noted Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, most of Oakland County). “We're running up against a culture that's changed even since the last century, that was tied to guns. I'm going to be black and white – I'm against assault weapons. We have rights – but we also have responsibilities.”
Stevens noted that she is a firm believer in our elected Congress and the “435 people who get elected to make it work. But what I have seen as a federal lawmaker – I have seen a culture that refuses to do something as simple as background checks, safe storage laws, red flag laws – it is refusing to reinstate the assault weapons bans, which expired at the end of last century. We did do a simple gun law around around mental health and a loophole. But where Washington fails to act is we're not finding creative solutions to this problem.
“The last two years has been the deadliest for young people,” Stevens continued. “Gun violence is the leading cause of death for those 21 and younger. Why? It's a psychological reason. Someone has an axe to grind and they use a gun to settle scores.”
President Joe Biden and Democrats are pushing for funding for a gun agency. In Biden's proposed budget increase for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for fiscal year 2024, he is seeking $71 million to implement a 2022 law to address gun violence, passed in response to the shooting in Uvalde. The law requires more thorough background checks for gun purchasers who are younger than 21, and helps implement “red flag” laws, which are a tool law enforcement and others can use when someone has shown they are at high risk of doing something dangerous with a firearm, but cannot be arrested because no crime has yet been committed, explained Amy Barnhorst, a psychiatrist and violence prevention expert at University of California Davis Health.
Republicans, citing defense of the Second Amendment, are fiercely
Slotkin also introduced the No Crime Left Behind Act, which would prohibit the transfer of a firearm to a person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor in which a firearm was used, carried, or possessed, for three years following conviction; and the Pause for Safety Act, which would require a one-week waiting or “cooling off” period before a person may receive a firearm.
“Gun violence is now the leading cause of death among American children, and in Oxford and at MSU, I’ve seen the long-term pain and trauma these tragedies inflict on entire communities,” Slotkin said. “These bills take concrete actions to make it harder for people to commit acts of violence with a gun. As elected officials, our most basic responsibility is to protect our children from the things that are truly harming them, and this package of legislation will help us save lives by addressing some of the root causes of the gun violence epidemic.”
Stevens pointed out that the rest of the civilized world does not have the same kind of gun violence, notably in schools, that the United States has.
“It's not acceptable collateral damage because of a doctrine (the Bill of Rights) that was written when there were powder guns,” Stevens said. She said many of her views have been informed by talking to parents and others in her districts who say “that those who want to do harm cannot have access to guns. We have to have restrictions. I still want people to exercise a version of the Second Amendment – but we're being oppressed by constant instances of gun violence because we choose not to have gun safety. I know too many people who have survived school shootings.”
ichigan lawmakers have finally passed some measures to regulate more thoroughly gun possession and other bills are still pending. But in the continual wake of school shootings, the most relevant local question is how do schools fortify buildings and campuses without becoming fortresses and scare the very students they invite in each day?
Both Birmingham Public Schools and Bloomfield Hills Schools have hired full time security directors in the last year to assist police liaison officers as they transition from COVID-19 protocols to create safer environments in light of the Oxford High School shooting on November 30, 2021.
Downtown Newsmagazine also queried local private and parochial schools for their safety and security protocols. There was no response to numerous inquiries to Detroit Country Day School, Brother Rice High School or The Roeper School.
“Cranbrook Schools takes the safety of all of our community members – students, families, faculty, staff, and visitors – very seriously. We continue to work closely and on an ongoing basis with our law enforcement partners at the local, county, state, and federal level to
ensure we are meeting and exceeding all established best practices. However, we refrain from public comment regarding our physical security infrastructure and practices in order to safeguard such vital information from being used to circumvent our overall goal of providing a safe and welcoming environment for all,” responded Clay Matthews, director of communications, Cranbrook Schools.
“Sacred Heart Emergency Preparedness is a priority. The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is comprehensive and is reviewed by third-party partners regularly. Our EOP plan provides tactical responses in the following areas: systems, training, and relationships with our community’s first response partners. A risk assessment is routinely performed and the Emergency Operations Plan is updated accordingly and then implemented and managed daily by Sacred Heart security personnel,” said Augostino Visocchi, director of community outreach, Academy of the Sacred Heart.
security, working with us and acting as a point of contact for us.”
He said the Birmingham Police Department also provides assistance to various local private and parochial schools – “but it's more of assistance. We do active training for anyone. Every school or business in the area. Some request that we look at their emergency operation plans, and we'll review those with them, to see what they should focus on and improve. It's up to the schools to provide the security – we just review the plans.”
Whether public, private or parochial school, “We're here to assist the school, parents, students and district, and we'll do anything we can to make sure schools are safe,” he said.
Huyghe said BHS has a school security officer, Officer Marisa Miller, and a school liaison officer, Officer Kelly McGraw, from the Bloomfield Township Police Department who work collaboratively with local police departments, staff and administration. “Officers Miller and McGraw routinely visit our schools and outdoor properties. They are particularly active in school functions engaging both staff and students. It is through these interactions that meaningful and proactive relationships are established,” Huyghe said.
McGraw said in addition to ALICE training, if there any criminal issues or any juvenile complaints outside of school, she often handles them. She gives presentations at the high school and middle school on social media and minor in possession. To younger students, she talks about school safety, not only drills but walking to school, bus safety and stranger danger, which can include dealing with non-custodial parents.
Karen Huyghe, director of communications for Bloomfield Hills Schools, said “BHS hired an Administrator of Public Safety, Patrick Sidge, who is a retired police sergeant with an extensive law enforcement background and as a school liaison officer. Sidge will work in collaboration with district and school administration to review and establish appropriate guidelines, procedures, and plans to ensure safe and secure schools. Among other responsibilities, Sidge will regularly review and update the district’s Emergency Operations Plans (EOP), work with our technology team to manage security camera systems, and serve as the district’s liaison to work collaboratively with local law enforcement partners.”
She said Sidge has extensive training as a school resource officer, training in non-violent crisis intervention, Safe Schools, FEMA preparedness for educational facilities, critical incident preparedness/response for K-12 students, and ALICE training. Both Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham Schools utilize ALICE – Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate – in conjunction with Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, West Bloomfield and Beverly Hills police. Huyghe said all staff and students have been trained to the ALICE protocols over the course of the 2022-23 school year.
“The lesson we learned from Columbine is don't wait to go in. The lesson we learned from Sandy Hook was don't hide in bathrooms, because there's no escape route, and we're sitting ducks. Oxford – we learned that the ALICE protocols worked,” said Aaron Morandini, district director of security for Birmingham Public Schools. “We saw the classroom lockdowns worked, students escaped through windows – it prevented him (the shooter) from getting other students or teachers.
“I've been around a long time and done a lot of training, and you never know what works, and hopefully you never need to use your training, but we saw it really worked,” Morandini noted.
Morandini said his position in Birmingham is a new one, created last year out of a recommendation from a security audit to be a liaison between local law enforcement and the district. Previously, he worked for the Dearborn Police Department, most recently as a school liaison officer, where his specialty was in training. “ALICE is very well known –I'm a big proponent of it. ALICE offers a lot of options for student and teachers. Unlike in a fire, each situation is different. It's difficult as adults, because lockdowns are new to us and it causes anxiety. But it's not as hard on students.”
“What has changed for us, there is someone who is focused on the security of the schools,” said Birmingham Police Chief Scott Grewe. “From our standpoint, it's nice to see the schools are focusing on
McGraw noted that ALICE training includes principles and training that can be taken into private life, and they do training for office buildings, “and can be used for grocery stores, hotels, religious institutions, as well.
“The biggest battle we fight is overcoming the sensitivity of feelings it brings up,” McGraw said of the school training, which the closer incidents have gotten to home, as in the Oxford and now MSU shootings, “We have to be very careful about whatever traumas these trainings can bring up, for both a student or a teacher. We're doing more due diligence for both staff, students or parents – if they lash out in an email, things we'd push aside, now with OK2SAY coming in, where we're encouraging student and staff to report things anonymously – now we're doing threat assessments as a team, law enforcement and schools together – to do assessments.”
She said currently with threats, “You never know what could be real or just anger.”
“Schools are a reflection of society, so if you don't like your school –look at your society and your family and all the other things in your society which infiltrate the schools,” noted Dr. Amy Klinger, director of programs and co-founder, Educator's School Safety Network, and professor and director of educational leadership program, Ashland University. “The breakdown of accountability and responsibility today – it's much easier to perpetrate it with a gun and say it's someone else's fault.”
cGraw concurs. “The biggest thing is the words people use that contains a violent threat – they may just be spouting out. The person hearing doesn't know the full context, and the person spouting doesn't think about the full consequences. So we're always going to investigate. Better to do our due diligence and be on the side of caution. That's a change – at one point it was blown off. I've been an officer for 20 years. Our reality is not what we thought it was 20 years ago, and we're getting more training. As a department, we're getting more mental health training.”
Bloomfield Hills Schools is addressing the mental health crisis, adding social workers in all of their schools. They said they hired two additional school social workers in fall 2021 to further “enhance the district’s commitment to health and safety providing full time social workers in each school. Two programs, Mental Health First Aid and SafeTalk, have been introduced to Bloomfield Hills Schools staff members to share potential warning signs of a student in emotional distress and provide ways to provide additional support or immediate intervention. We are also continuing with the PrepareU mental health program in all grade 9 health classes,” Huyghe said. In 2020, a health and wellness nurse was hired for the district, providing staff education and guidance on issues related to school health, follows-up on health concerns, supporting students with emergency plans for medical needs and addressing student specific health concerns.
BHS also utilizes therapy dogs, and intends to have one therapy dog for each school building. “The research around therapy dog programs indicate changes in self-esteem, self-confidence and decreased levels of anxiety. Studies also show children’s attitudes toward attendance, school work, and overall sense of belonging at school improves,” Huyghe said.
hours. Video security systems provide interior and exterior coverage and will improve live and forensic monitoring of the buildings. Within the 2020 bond program, BHS will be upgrading door hardware and safety capabilities and our secure vestibules will include security glass.”
In Birmingham Schools, Morandini said all schools have locked doors and entrance cameras to view visitors in order to allow them in – or to prevent them from entering. He said the district is currently updating and adding more cameras to all schools.
“Since I arrived in October, we've applied for and received a grant from the state for critical incident mapping,” Morandini said. “With this, we can have updated maps to the buildings shared electronically with our police and fire departments. It provides a 360-degree view, in real time, of the buildings they're entering. It would be very useful for us for evacuations.”
He said they are also upgrading their visitor management system, which is practically in the horse and buggy era.
“Right now, when visitors come in, they sign in with paper and pencil,” he chuckled. With the new technology, “We will be able to scan their ID, run a quick background check and print out a visitor badge with their picture on it, all electronically. It will let the school know who is in their building in real time.”
Birmingham Police Chief Grewe noted that most Birmingham schools “were built long before active shooters were a consideration. They have more open spaces and common areas. As these schools are doing renovations, they're looking at how to improve their security issues.”
akland Community Health Network has launched the Youth & Family Care Connection (YFCC) program designed to meet the mental health needs of youth 17 and younger. Services include triage for a behavioral health crisis, resources, and care coordination. Oakland Community Health Network said local youth can receive services on the unit for up to 72 hours as determined by a mental health screening and based on capacity.
Klinger noted gun violence “doesn't just happen spontaneously, when they go from being fine and normal to being an active school shooter. Ninety-eight percent of past shooters had at least three adults who were concerned about them before the shooting. When we only focus (training) on active shooting drills, you're making them less the same because you're not focusing on all the other issues of violence. You're not preparing students for the 95 percent of other problems of violence, medical emergencies, non-custodial parents, accidents, suicides, drug overdoses” that occur in and around schools. She said students are not being trained for the things they are most likely to encounter.
“Systematically, I don't see a lot of changes. Schools, in the wake of the pandemic, have taken their eyes off the ball because there are so many demands on them,” Klinger said. “As long as it is only a gun conversation, with one group being 'right' and another group being 'wrong,' we'll never make progress, and as a community right now it's more important to show that the other group is wrong. It's impacted governance, family relations, interpersonal interactions. School violence is just a mirror of what's happening in our society.”
In the last few years, both districts have come to voters for sizable bonds, which were approved, each of which included security and technology upgrades. In 2019, residents in the Birmingham School District approved a $195 million bond proposal to address facility needs and funding enhancements through 2026. Included in the bond were security system and technology enhancements.
In 2020, those living in the Bloomfield Hills Schools District approved a $200 million bond proposal to support school renovation, additions, security and the movement of some school populations. The $200 million bond included safety and security upgrades at all schools.
What physical upgrades have been implemented in the two districts to provide greater security to prevent the possibility of a school shooter? Huyghe said in BHS, “Our secure entry systems include video door access and remote door lock capabilities. The system improves the management of access to our facilities before, during and after school
Another addition with Moradini is Birmingham Public Schools joining OAKTAC – the Oakland County Tactical Response Consortium, a group of 40 member law enforcement agencies first established in 2009 to prepare Oakland County in the event of a major incident requiring a mutual-agency response. OakTac law enforcement consortium uniformly trains and exercises using shared resources to strengthen overall preparedness capabilities.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard works and coordinates with all the departments in the county via OakTac. “We all train together. If something happens in Birmingham or Beverly Hills – they're small, but they're near Royal Oak or Southfield or Troy – whoever gets there first can work together seamless without creating a plan. They have all trained together and know exactly what to do.
“Time means death, and every second counts,” he noted. “If an officer from one department arrives at the same time as an officer from another department, they can work together seamlessly because they've trained together. We have to be on the same page to go after the threat without waiting.”
ouchard acknowledged that today, there are more threats to all kinds of institutions than ever before.
“We're averaging one to five threats against a school a day,” Bouchard said. “There are so many layers to that onion, from the breakdown of the family, parenting, mental health. Once schools were safe – maybe kids had a fist fight instead of weapons. Now, there's a desensitivity to violence, a lack of guardrails to behavior when they're kids, as well as greater mental health needs. We need training and policies and resources that match today's security risk.”
Among those are new gun bill laws, said Bouchard, a Republican former state legislator.
The new Democratic state legislature has passed new gun laws in March, motivated by the shooting in February at Michigan State Univeristy, focused on safe storage of guns, universal background checks and emergency risk protection orders (red flag laws).
The safe storage law would require gun owners to keep weapons locked or unloaded around minor children. The emergency risk
.protection order would allow loved ones or law enforcement to ask a court to temporarily order the removal of guns from an individual who is at risk of harming themselves or others.
“Extreme Risk Protection Orders are proven to save lives by giving family, law enforcement officers, and judges a tool to temporarily seize firearms from those who are an immediate risk to others, or to themselves,” Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Birmingham, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods) said in a release. “By enacting ERPO laws in Michigan, we can save lives and protect people from that pain and grief."
niversal background legislation, part of the 11-bill gun safety package passed by the Michigan Senate and expected to be signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, would require anyone purchasing a rifle or shotgun to undergo a background check, which is currently only required for handgun purchases, and to register for any firearm purchase.
“Enough is enough; our legislature should have taken action decades ago to prevent gun violence. Now is the time to tackle the issue. These bills will help prevent gun violence by implementing universal background checks on all gun sales, mandating the secure storage of firearms and allowing citizens to file extreme risk protection orders. These bills are a first step toward ending gun violence in our state,” said state Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Birmingham, Troy) in a release.
“The legislation that has been voted on – polling shows that the vast majority of Michiganders support safe storage, background checks and extreme risk protection order,” said Birmingham resident Kelly Dillaha, state program director, Red, Wine & Blue, an organization which empowers women at the grassroots level. “Our coalition is made up of gun owners, faith leaders, educators, students, parents, physicians – all fighting for the same thing because we've all seen it from different vantage points. We keep saying we want change – we can make changes to buildings that are reactionary, but if we can intervene before something happens, it gives professionals a change so it doesn't happen in the first place. The aftereffects of gun violence are traumatic – not just for the person shot, but for everyone in the vicinity.
“Today what makes a building safe is that we have passed the gun violence prevention legislation that matches what we want to have happen in the schools,” she said.
Rudy Patros, president of Securatech, a locally-owned full service security firm, said his company can provide another layer of physical and electronic security in schools – and he believes schools have unused bond money to purchase it.
“There are no local districts that can lock all the doors of a school down – but we absolutely could provide it, as well as a lot of other features,” Patros said. “They'll lock all all the doors manually and leave the door or doors that has that feature to be locked automatically. The goal is to keep the kids as safe as possible.”
He said they are working on trials for school districts right now, and offering it to local districts. The new technology has software which can detect a gun on someone, or even in their pants. The software technology has shot detection capability, he said, “if there is a gunshot nearby the school, it can trigger a lockdown, it can notify the authorities, depending on the protocols, that we would work out.”
Another innovation Patros said bulletproof film on doors and windows, which Securatech is partnering with the manufacturer, which he said will “stop or slow down the person from kicking in a door and allow time to get law enforcement there. If a shooter does get in, it slows them down.”
Some law enforcement were not in favor of it because students could have difficulty kicking in windows if they had to evacuate.
“The way to prevent a school from being a fortress is technology,” said Patros. “If there is technology, it's best to utilize it. Nothing is ever perfect, but if we can prevent one school shooting, we're succeeding.”
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Groves High School student-teacher duo Erika Rice and Geoff Wickersham were recently selected to be part of the Albert H. Small Normandy Institute program, which offers an intensive program for approximately 15 student-teacher teams to learn and deepen their understanding of the WWII D-Day Campaign of 1944 and the sacrifices made by young Americans to defeat tyranny.
Since last December, when they learned they had been selected for the 2023 program, Rice and Wickersham have been intensely studying and researching WWII materials as well as choosing a local WWII soldier to research and honor.
This summer they will travel to George Washington University in Washington D.C. for a series of extensive lectures and activities, then will visit historical sites in France that played vital roles in the D-Day Campaign and the liberation of Paris. Since students will stay with other students and teachers with other teachers, it also provides Rice and Wickersham with the chance to connect with contemporaries who share their passion for history.
Wickersham, a longtime history teacher, explains, “When I saw this opportunity, I knew it would be great for the right student. I had Erika as a student in AP U.S. History and Women’s History classes. She has an insatiable knowledge and passion for history. She is amazingly articulate and bright, and I knew she could handle the different types of high-level research required for the program.”
As a capstone project, each team selects a soldier with ties to their local area who participated in the Normandy Campaign and gave their life to help liberate France and defeat Nazi Germany. They learn about the service member’s life and write a biography and eulogy, which will become part of the cemetery’s archives. Rice will read the eulogy at their soldier’s graveside in the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer. About 500 Michigan soldiers are buried at the cemetery.
With assistance from the Birmingham Historical Society, Wickersham and Rice selected Lieutenant Carlton Thompson as their hometown hero. According to Rice, Thompson was born in Jamaica and moved to Birmingham as a young child, where his parents ran a general store. He died in France during a reconnaissance mission when his plane crashed and he was ambushed. Amazingly, Wickersham and Rice were able to locate and meet surviving family members who helped them more fully understand him as a person. To add extra meaning to the experience, one of Lt. Thompson’s relatives may be joining them at the cemetery for the reading of his eulogy.
“This work is an important and lasting way to personalize and honor the sacrifice of all who gave their lives to help liberate Europe from fascism,” Wickersham said. Rice is looking forward to experiencing history come alive during the trip. “Being there and experiencing the history of it all and standing at the beach where it all happened will be super impactful. It will also be special to work in the archives in D.C. and do the work of a real historian.”
Wickersham puts the study of history in context: “It’s important for everyone to know history and how our government works – some types of ignorance are borderline dangerous. History sometimes echos and has similar patterns that we can learn from.”
After high school, Rice plans to study history and multimedia journalism in college, hoping to one day make history documentaries. The Bloomfield Hills junior’s desire to continue her studies in history is not a surprise. “It’s my passion. My dad fostered my love of history and my parents have always encouraged me.
“It’s important to learn about history such as D-Day invasion and Operation Overlord [the codename for the Battle of Normandy] in depth so it doesn’t happen again.”
Story: Tracy Donohue Photo: Laurie Tennent
The decision to approve the preliminary site plan and community impact study for a new six- to ninestory building, to be located at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Maple Road, was postponed by the Birmingham Planning Board on Monday, April 17, to resolve outstanding traffic and access issues.
Ryan Companies, a national construction, development and architecture firm, submitted plans for a nine-story, mixed-use building to be approximately 406,000 square feet. According to city planner Leah Bublitz, the development will consist of 210 residential spaces and a large retail area on the main level. Plans also show a three-level parking structure with a surplus of 67 spaces, Bublitz said, and an additional five spaces intended for compact car parking.
Plans for the building show there will also be amenity decks available for the residents living in the building. Matt Stevens, architect and project designer with Ryan Companies, shared that the decks will possibly house a fitness center, club room and potential sky lounge on the upper deck, and the lobby amenity space will likely have seating, a mailroom and leasing space, and a bike room.
Because the proposed development is over 20,000 square feet, a community impact study is required. Bublitz said that the community impact study had no significant issues to highlight, but the applicant will need to submit details for certain elements — the location of bike racks, how they’re going to mitigate noise and debris during construction — before the board is able to approve the final site plan and design.
Although most of the study showed no major areas of concern, the city’s traffic consultant, Brad Strader, noted that the transportation impact study needs revisions. Strader said the developers need to submit new simulated traffic models, or synchro models, and will have to provide an answer to the problem with traffic exiting on to Maple.
Currently, the plans show both an entrance and exit on Maple, but Strader argued that the exit wouldn’t be feasible given the street’s traffic. He suggested an entrance only or
By Dana Casadei
Increases in both water and sewer rates for the 2023-2024 fiscal year were introduced by Noah Mehalski, township director of public works, at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, April 10, along with recommendations to use cash surpluses for emergency repairs.
Mehalski presented three key recommendations for the board to consider: a 2.5 percent increase to water rates; a 3.5 percent increase to sewer rates, and the implementation of no fixed fee for secondary meter program participants, both those with existing secondary water meters, and those who plan to participate in the future.
He also recommended the utilization of the township’s $7 million in surplus cash reserves in the water and sewer fund to fund $4.4 million in emergency sewer projects, such as the Forest Lake sewer repair and Club Drive sewer repair, among others.
Mehalski discussed using an additional $3 million from the cash reserves to fund year-one of the meter replacement program as well, which is a three-year program based on the ability of the contractor to do the work.
This program would help replace the 52 percent of meters in the township that are over 15 years old, and would take advantage of the technological updates to meters, giving the township the data to better accurately reflect the amount of water passing through the pipes. This new data will be used to improve customer service and drive future rate considerations.
“I believe we have a very strong proposal,” he said. “It’s not perfect, by any means, but it’s our first step towards fairness and there’s more to come.”
Residents currently pay a fixed quarterly charge based on meter equivalent units (MEUs) and a volumetric charge based on the amount of water used, and Bloomfield Township has historically experienced a decline in water usage per customer account. Billing would be changed to a monthly charge.
The clock is ticking for this to be approved, as new water and sewer rates became effective April 1, and will be first applied to billing by the end of April.
Mehalski will be back at the next board of trustees meeting on Monday, April 24, for the approval of the recommendations of water and sewer rate approval, as well as public comment.
creating an exit that would only allow cars to turn right onto Maple.
Developers will also have to meet with MDOT and SMART given that they are planning to relocate the bus stops on both Woodward and Maple. According to Strader, the applicant also needs to provide the SEMCOG Crash Analysis in the final site plan, given the number of accidents on Woodward and Maple, and also the pros and cons of relocating the bus stops.
Chair Scott Clein and board member Bryan Williams explained they were also concerned with the traffic leaving on to Maple and are uneasy about accepting the plan and study without an answer as to what the developers are planning on doing. Other board members also shared their concerns over a
The Community House, located at 380 S. Bates in Birmingham, has submitted plans for a large expansion of its current 100-year-old facility, which was reviewed by the city’s planning board as a pre-application discussion on Wednesday, March 22, sparking worry from the board about the design’s possible infringement on neighboring townhomes.
Board members will see the application and designs again on Wednesday, April 26, but wanted feedback on the plans before preliminary review. The expansion and new facilities will support The Community House’s expanded mission, explained architect Victor Saroki, which was recently changed to encompass life, health and wellness.
Bill Seklar, president and CEO of The Community House, stated that the organization has conducted surveys asking what residents want The Community House to be. From those surveys, Seklar said the organization identified critical needs of the community they hope to address, such as helping senior citizens and making the organization more relevant to those aged 20-40 years old. The Community House is proposing to expand services and collaborations with other organizations in the area, and an expanded campus is needed to meet the mission, said Seklar.
proposed drop-off area on Maple, noting the traffic on the street wouldn’t make this concept a good idea.
Stevens explained that the dropoff was partly intended to help ease the flow of deliveries from freelance drivers like Grubhub and Uber. He says it may also help with bigger delivery companies like Amazon or FedEx, given the size of the public alley way in the rear of the building.
Planning board members voted 70 to postpone a decision both for accepting the community impact study as well as approving the preliminary site plan and design because of the concerns with traffic and vehicle access. The applicant will be returning with the necessary information at the meeting on Wednesday, May 10.
Part of the proposal includes having a piece of their campus rezoned from R7, single family residential, to C, for community use, which according to Saroki, would be consistent with The Community House’s uses. The expansion includes a new wellness center on the second floor. where there would also be a teaching facility for a partnering healthcare institution to hold classes.
They will also be redoing the kitchen, said Saroki, and there will be a demonstration kitchen constructed. An outdoor garden will be found on its rooftop, also intended for educational purposes to teach individuals how to grow their own food. The rooftop area will also have a glass observatory. The fourth level will largely be a terrace with a conservatory, said Saroki.
Multiple board members were confused about the use of The Community House. Given the number of uses being proposed in the extension, they said they don’t really understand the mission of the organization.
By Grace Lovins
Birmingham city commissioners selected nine members for the city’s newly formed ad hoc environmental sustainability committee at their meeting on Monday, March 27, who will work to develope the city’s sustainability goals and climate action plan for the next 18 months.
The committee was to be comprised of members with a knowledge of sustainability with areas of expertise in either energy, equity, civil construction or engineering, water quality, environmental engineering, consulting or law, recycling and solid waste. Commissioners reviewed applications from 15 individuals and heard from 13 candidates during the meeting.
Selected candidates include: Joseph Mercurio, a Birmingham native for nearly 34 years, is an automotive engineer with experience in electric and fuel cell vehicle programs for trucks, buses, construction equipment and locomotives. Mercurio spent his career at GM and holds a PhD in Biological and Environmental Engineering. He was selected to fill the energy and electric vehicles focused position.
Jess Newman, a two-year resident of the city, is currently senior director of agriculture and sustainability at McCain Foods. She has experience working on sustainability strategies for municipalities, per her application, and was previously the senior director of agronomy and sustainability at Anheuser-Busch. Newman was selected as a residentat-large.
Rachna Gulati, a startup COO, was selected to serve as a regular member with a waster focus. A five-year resident of Birmingham, Gulati had previously served on the environmental board of Royal Oak supporting sustainability initiatives. She also served as a product director at Recyclebank for two years.
Lois DeBacker, who has lived in Birmingham for 15 years, was selected as a regular member with a focus on environmental law and consulting. Currently a philanthropic program manager, DeBacker has spent years in environmental philanthropy with an expertise in environmental justice, climate mitigation and adaptation, and water quality. She previously worked in the state government on environmental policy.
Debra Horner, a researcher at University of Michigan, will serve as a regular member with a focus on water and stormwater. She has conducted research on the state’s local governments, including community sustainability, recycling efforts, and energy policy. She has lived in Birmingham for 30 years.
Lara Edwards, development director of Friends of the Rouge, will serve as a regular member, also with a focus on water and stormwater. A 15-year resident of Birmingham, Edwards has previously served on the multimodal transportation board and an ad hoc traffic calming committee. She also has experience with program development and familiarity with sustainability, per her application.
Daniella Torcolacci will be serving as a regular member with a focus on energy. She has been a resident of Birmingham for nine years. Torcolacci holds a degree in sustainable development from University of Michigan and has worked for roughly 15 years in renewable energy and sustainable development.
Danielle Todd will serve as a regular member. Her background includes time as an executive with an environmental nonprofit with experience in food waste reduction.
Albert Harvey Bell, IV, currently a professor in the College of Engineering at University of Michigan, worked at GM for nearly four decades, part of which his job involved reducing exhaust emissions. He has been a resident of Birmingham for 75 years. Bell was selected to serve as a regular member with a focus on building and construction.
Four members of the committee will also be staff from the manager’s office, planning and engineering departments and the department of public services, serving as ex-officio members. All appointed members will serve an 18-month term, expected to conclude on September 27, 2024.
Chairperson Scott Clein and board member Bryan Williams each stated they had concerns over the potential impact the expansion may have on its neighbors, considering the building will border townhomes without a buffer. Saroki and Rick Rassel, attorney with Williams, Williams, Rattner and Plunkett, P.C., stated they had not talked to the neighbors in the townhomes yet but do plan to do so.
“We live in a reality where we’re bound by ordinances and there are a lot of concerns here just from a process perspective in addition, to me, some from just a basic land planning perspective,” chairperson Scott Clein said.
“As you said, you’ve got a lot of uses you’re trying to fit into a very small space, a space which the entire block is currently two stories, all single family residential except for the library across the street which is two stories. … I worry that this is completely out of proportion with the block. I worry about its impact on the surrounding community, on the residents, particularly those townhomes,” he continued.
A member of the association for the townhouses, attending the meeting by Zoom, told members of the planning board that owners of the townhomes objected to the proposed height of the proposed expansion of The Community House and that the group would be retaining an attorney to oppose the project.
Final site plans, special land use permit approval and a lot combination for the new Lavery Porsche dealership, which would replace the current building located at 34350 Woodward Avenue, were once again postponed by the Birmingham city commission at their meeting on Monday, April 3.
City staff and developers reportedly have yet to reach an agreement on who will be paying for the improvements to Elm Street and Haynes Street, where the dealership is located.
Designs for Fred Lavery’s new dealership were first reviewed by the city planning board in October 2022. The board eventually moved forward with recommended approval to the city commission in February, with most members agreeing they didn’t want to stall plans over the intersection issue that still need to be addressed by multiple parties.
At the February site plan and design
review, the planning board was presented with a few options on how the intersection between Haynes Street and Elm Street could be reconfigured based on the dealership designs, including a vehicle exit onto Elm. The multi-modal transportation board proposed a design that would reduce Elm Street to one southbound lane with a new bump-out extending across Elm to Woodward.
Lavery proposed a different idea, where Elm would remain two lanes and a larger bump-out would be added to the proposed service drive so cars could still turn right on to Elm. Board members voted on a motion that requires Lavery to work with city staff when the reconfiguration is finally addressed.
The city will also have to work with MDOT and SMART to ensure the reconfiguration meets all of their requirements.
The new development will require a lot-combination to connect the two land parcels purchased, along with updated plans with specifications of a utility pole placement, lighting and landscaping specifications before coming to the commission.
Plans for the development were originally supposed to be presented to the commission on March 13, but was postponed so the commission could review the lot combination and special land use permit requests during the same meeting. At the commission meeting on Monday, April 3, the requests were again postponed at the request of the applicant.
According to planning director Nick Dupuis, the applicant was hoping for more time before coming to the commission. City manager Tom Markus indicated that the developers seem to have concerns over the city’s expectations that the developer will be required to pay for the changes to the intersection.
“The language of the SLUP is somewhat being discussed and we are taking a pretty consistent position on what that language should be as to who pays for improvements. There is some discussion regarding that and that’s why it’s being continued,” Markus said.
“When we deal with a development that creates an impact on the right-ofway or the improvements of a right-ofway, the expectation is that the development will pay for those changes and the improvements that are necessary,” he later continued.
Commissioners voted 7-0 to table the discussion and will review the plans, lot-combination and special land use permit at a date to be determined.
After 16 years with Green for Life (GFL) Services as Bloomfield Township's trash and recycling provider, Bloomfield Township trustees voted 5-2 at their meeting on Monday, April 10, to make a change and awarded Priority Waste, Inc. the township’s new solid waste program contract.
The contract term will end June 30, 2031.
There was nearly two hours of discussion among board members after Bloomfield Township Director of Public Works Noah Mehalski stated that Green for Life Services – which currently has the contract and has for the last 16 years – had done an excellent job for the township, his ultimate recommendation was for the move to Priority Waste.
Not only was Priority Waste the lowest bidder out of the two companies – coming in at $34 million – but has stated they will better address keys issues in regards to
response times that Bloomfield Township residents, including those on the board, have had in the past with GFL.
Customer service was a huge part of the vetting process performed by the solid waste contract evaluation committee, which was made up of township staff and three board of trustees representatives, including trustee Stephanie Fakih, supervisor Dani Walsh and treasurer Brian Kepes. Over several weeks, the committee met with both companies, conducted interviews and performed site visits.
Priority Waste uses logistics driver coordinator, the first of its kind in the industry, which the company said will provide a high level of customer service to residents, and monitor each truck in real time with cameras that are mounted on it and are in constant communication with each driver. This way, when a resident calls, a logistics driver coordinator will connect to the driver of that route to solve issues in a more timely fashion than GFL. They said the general response time is immediate.
While Priority Waste’s proposal
sounded strong, some board members worried that this kind of change could come with too many hiccups, and that there would be too many risks for the 16,149 residential units that they’ll have to do pick-up for, questioning the fact that they haven’t been around as long as GFL.
Trustee Neal Barnett didn’t see a reason for such a change, stating that GFL does a great job already, and the bells and whistles that Priority Waste offer were unnecessary. He did acknowledge that if they had gone with GFL, the customer service needed to be stronger.
Others on the board were excited for the change, especially with a company like Priority Waste, which consider itself a tech company in the waste industry, and have employees who live in Bloomfield Township. Walsh said expectations are high in the township and said that ultimately, GFL simply isn’t evolving as quick as its competitors.
The township had originally planned to extend GFL’s current contract, but after extensive negotiations the township ultimately decided to solicit bids for the solid
waste contract. A request for proposals was then released in January 2023 via the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network and the township’s website, and was followed by a pre-bid meeting in February.
While four bids came in from that request, only two – Priority Waste and GFL – were further evaluated, due to the other two companies having too high of a cost or did not have enough experience with any current municipal contracts.
Trustees voted 5-2 to approve the Priority Waste contract, with Barnett and trustee Michael Schostak voting against.
After approving the liquor license renewals of most of the Birmingham’s restaurants at the end of February, the city commission held a public hearing for four establishments found in violation of the city’s liquor code or the special land use permit
The Birmingham Ethics Board on Tuesday, April 18, reviewed a draft advisory opinion on the actions taken by city commissioner Brad Host towards the end of 2022 relative to the city's pending 2040 Master Plan and decided to reconvene to discuss a new draft at the panel's next meeting.
In November of 2022, Host had used social media, paper flyers and other methods in regards to the city’s draft of the 2040 Master Plan and the ethics board previously acknowledged that he was perpetuating misinformation outside of the proper communication channels. City manager Tom Markus requested the advisory opinion from the board in March.
At the meeting on April 18, the board reviewed the circulated draft opinion written by chair James Robb. Because the matter was not a formal complaint against Host but a request for advisory opinion, the opinion is meant to be educational. The opinion states that Host’s actions appeared to the board as though he attempted to influence, used improper channels of communication and, ultimately, his actions fell short of the code of ethics.
At an earlier meeting prior to the draft opinion, board members were generally critical of Host's actions, citing issues of truthfulness, lack of acknowledgement in his correspondence with the pubic that he is a city commissioner, undermining public confidence in city government and failure to disclose ownership of property in one area of the city that could be impacted by part of the 2040 Master Plan.
Robb and John Schrot agreed with the opinions stated in the draft, but Sophie Fierro-Share disagreed on a few matters about Host’s intentions.
“I’ve come to understand that the ethics ordinance has two parts to it. One is a specific requirement of Section 2324, and the other is a more hopeful expression that city officials will behave so well they will never give any citizen cause for concern. The latter part is found in section 2321 where the ethics ordinance says, ‘City officials are bound to observe the high standards of ethical conduct and that their official conduct should be above reproach, avoiding conduct which may tend to undermine respect for city officials, employees and for the city as an institution,” Fierro-Share said.
“I don’t think the city commission adopted an ordinance that makes minimum standards for city officials and highest possible ethical standards, the standards which are in fact not measurable or workable. All sorts of conduct might cause a citizen to lose respect for city government. Not everything that causes a citizen to lose respect for their government is an ethical issue,” she continued.
Fierro-Share explained that she believes Host wasn’t intending to cause problems and was instead encouraging public engagement. She says that she doesn’t see anything wrong with encouraging people to make their views known to the planning board and that he wasn’t trying to influence anybody. She also disagreed with Robb’s opinion that Host intended to hinder the work of the planning board or influence any decisions.
“While there is a danger that advocacy can be perceived by some as crossing the line into improper attempts to influence the decision-making process, commissioner Host did not cross the line, but he should be mindful that his actions have consequences and that some citizens could draw conclusions from his actions that he did not intend. He should recognize the possibility and be certain that he is encouraging respectful civic dialogue,” said Fierro-Share.
Robb disagreed, noting that Host’s actions looked to him as if it was an attempt to influence because the board knows that many of the communications weren’t entirely true.
“Host corrected [the inaccurate communications] in large, but they were already out there. It already stirred the pot and what concerned me is the very reason why city commissioners should not be at the meetings of advisory committees. It may tend to hinder the work that they are obligated to do with independence, the very same standard that we have to do our job here. For whatever reason, if they feel reluctant to explain their views, feel reluctant to act on a certain matter, that’s hindering the work and that is outside of city channels because here the city commission is ultimately going to vote on the matter,” Robb said.
Schrot also noted that the board’s task is not to determine whether there was a breach of the ordinance but if the conduct conformed to the code. He noted that Fierro-Share will need to formulate a dissent if she disagrees with the opinions written in the revised draft after it is circulated. The board will reconvene to discuss a revised draft at a later date.
conditions, approving the renewal of three businesses.
In February, Birmingham Police Chief Scott Grewe informed the commission that some of the establishments were caught selling alcohol to a minor that had been working with the department. These establishments were issued citations and informed they needed to take corrective action. A public hearing was set at the meeting to hear comments from the businesses.
At the meeting on Monday, March 27, Kelly Allen, representing Papa Joe’s Bistro and Whole Foods, stated that both establishments provided additional training for their staff members to prevent the issue from reoccurring. Allen also explained that the employee from Whole Foods who sold the liquor was terminated on the spot per the company’s policy.
Whole Foods and Allen also made the commission aware that they intend to relinquish their special land use permit. According to Allen, Whole Foods will no longer allow for the consumption of alcohol within the store since “they can’t position it within the store because of the ecommerce merger with Amazon.” They are still asking for the license to be renewed since construction plans have not gone through to the planning department yet, but the license will be put into escrow.
The decision to renew Whole Foods’ license was postponed to the following meeting so the business has times to finalize construction plans and submit them for preliminary review.
Allen explained that the incident at Papa Joe’s occurred in the store, not the actual bistro, and the employee who sold the liquor completely blew off the store’s procedures for alcohol sale. Papa Joe’s scheduled additional training for employees and provided a written letter proving the training was held. Commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the renewal of Papa Joe’s liquor license.
Casa Pernoi and Toast, said planning director Nick Dupuis, were found in violation of their special land use permit agreement. When city staff visited Toast to take a seat count, they had an additional 29 seats. Allen said they believed the restaurant was only over 10 seats, however Toast has surpassed the seat count for the past three years, which, according to commissioner Andrew Haig, indicates a pattern of behavior.
“When somebody breaks the rules, it’s not us that broke them. We break
the rules if we don’t follow them. My concern right now is the 65 seats, which was also in the December 13, 2021, package with a copy signed by the single owner it says very clearly 65 indoor seats, 52 outdoor seats –pattern of behavior; three times failed on exactly this,” Haig said.
Toast’s owner, manager and another staff member were present and offered that they wouldn’t let the issue happen again and it was a mistake. Allen, the manager and staff member also mentioned the counting method could be off and weren’t sure how many seats a booth, for instance, may count for. Allen also said the restaurant will be removing all excess chairs from the building so the situation doesn’t repeat itself.
Commissioners voted 6-1, with Brad Host voting against the motion, to approve the liquor license renewal. Allen and Toast will have to provide the commission with a written understanding of the city’s liquor code and compliance with the approved site plans.
Prior to the vote on Toast, commissioners voted 7-0 to approve Casa Pernoi’s liquor license renewal.
The Birmingham Planning Board held its third study session on a zoning amendment request during a special meeting on Monday, April 17, that would add several uses to buildings zoned in the B1 Neighborhood Business District. Planners created definitions for most of the uses, but the board wants to continue working on the language of the definitions before pushing the amendment forward.
The owner of the former Grapevine Market, located at 100 West 14 Mile at Pierce Street in Birmingham, applied for the ordinance amendment requesting the new uses be added to the zoning district. B1 uses are for the convenience of shopping for persons in adjacent residential areas to permit only such uses as are necessary to satisfy limited basic shopping and/or service needs, which are not related to the shopping pattern of the general business district.
Additional uses proposed under the amendment include health club/studio, specialty food store, boutique, bank, food and beverage, and fast casual/café. Banks are already allowed in B1 zones but do
not have a definition and have not been explicitly stated in the ordinance.
Planners developed a permitted use and definition for a café use, eliminating the fast casual use aspect of the proposed amendment according to senior planner Brooks Cowan, which would allow establishments to serve food and drinks for either dine-in or carry-out services. The definition would not allow for full table service and wait staff.
A category for indoor dining was also created as an accessory permitted use, said Cowan, for businesses like bakeries, food stores, grocery stores and cafés. Indoor dining would be subject to specific standards and the space for tables, seats and circulation could not be greater than 750 square feet. The parking requirements would follow the typical one-per-75 concept—one parking space for every 75 square feet — but only the assembly area would count towards the requirement as opposed to the gross square footage.
Stuart Jeffares and Bert Koseck offered that they could potentially
expand the parking requirements to be 1-per-100, or one space per every 100 square feet, but three other board members disagreed. Chair Scott Clein said expanding the requirements to 1per-100 might be too much right now considering the requirement has already been minimized to only the assembly area.
Reviewing the proposed health club/studio use, many board members said they still weren’t confident with what to do about the particular use in the zoning district. At the previous study sessions, the board was concerned that a health club/studio could become a destination for the rest of the city instead of only meeting the needs of the surrounding neighborhood.
Cowan suggested that the city could potentially allow a smaller health club use for a limited number of patrons. For example, they could allow a personal trainer to operate a studio with no more than five individuals or clients in the building at a time. Some of the board said this might be a good fix, but Williams noted it might create an extra regulatory burden for the city.
Williams raised the issue that the city would have to find a way to regulate who shows up and how many people are in the building at all times.
Board members also asked planners to create a definition, or potentially two, for a bank use in the zoning district. The use is currently allowed in B1 zones under ‘office,’ but does not stand alone as a use in the ordinance. Jeffares said they should make sure if there is a bank use, it has to be a bank that services the public, being teller focused and transaction focused, as opposed to being an office space with little functional use for the public.
“If there’s a definition of financial transactions, teller-based, transactional, what have you, it sounds like [the board is] a bit more comfortable with that in the whole of B1 whereas if you’re talking about things like the credit union where there are offices and other things it sounds like there’s concern that perhaps that should be a special land use itself because location is a little more significant,” Clein said.
The board directed planners to
work on creating definitions for bank and tightening the language and method of measuring parking for indoor dining compared to the other uses for board members to review at the next study session.
By Grace Lovins
Whole Foods Market, 2100 East Maple Road in Birmingham, has relinquished their liquor license and special land use permit, and is beginning the process of changing the current bistro inside the store to an ecommerce area.
The city commission approved the termination of the special land use permit at their meeting on Monday, April 3, and with it the store's liquor license.
The market was originally tagged for violating the city’s liquor code after the city’s police department caught the establishment selling alcohol to a minor. When representatives attended the public hearing in March for the city commission to decide if they would
recommend renewal of the license, Whole Foods attorney Kelly Allen said the employee responsible had been terminated on the spot and additional training was given to the staff.
Allen also informed the commission at the public hearing that Whole Foods was intending to relinquish their special land use permit, and said the store will no longer allow for the consumption of alcohol within the store. According to Allen, the bistro couldn’t be positioned within the store because of the e-commerce merger with Amazon.
At the meeting on April 3, Allen said she and Whole Foods management agree with the city’s recommendation to approve the SLUP termination and are ready to move forward. The plans for the new ecommerce area were submitted to city staff on Friday, March 21.
With little discussion, commissioners voted 7-0 to accept the termination of Whole Foods’ special land use permit either at the start of construction, violation of the special land use permit, or 90 days from the meeting, whichever happens first
Birmingham city commissioners voted to move the process for establishing an ad hoc senior services committee to a formal meeting agenda on Monday, April 3, inthe next step of establishing further assistance and services for seniors in the community.
The committee will undertake a survey of Birmingham residents related to senior needs, explained mayor Therese Longe, review work done by previous boards, a look at Oakland County’s offerings for seniors to decide which elements are relevant to the city, and will analyze current demands, trends and demographics.
According to Longe, this committee will help the municipality conduct matters that are potentially beyond the scope of NEXT – the city’s current model of providing senior services – to gather information that the city can offer on its websites and identify where they can work more efficiently with the nonprofit.
City manager Tom Markus, noting
that the city’s current NEXT model has been a good financial model for the city, urged that the director of NEXT, Cris Braun, be involved in the committee in some way, given her knowledge and understanding of the demographic.
Similar to the city’s recent development of an ad hoc environmental sustainability board, the senior services committee with be made up of a number of residents with appropriate, applicable experience to be outlined by city staff. Members of the committee will be Birmingham residents.
Commissioners voted 7-0 to bring the development of an ad hoc committee to a formal agenda item at a future meeting.
members approved the final site plan and design review of a proposed fivestory, mixed use building to be located at. 469 and 479 S. Old
Woodward Avenue, on Wednesday, March 22.
The property owner, Doraid Markus, has been working on plans to construct a new building on the lots for about three years, but has run into several issues with parking. Back in 2020, Markus received site plan approval for the original design with two levels of underground parking and retail, restaurant and residential uses. The underground parking ended up a miss, which Markus has attributed to engineers being uncomfortable with the structural integrity being so close to the foundation of Birmingham Place.
Last year, Markus petitioned for an ordinance amendment that would allow D4 zoned properties outside of the former parking assessment district to request a parking waiver from the city commission subject to a special land use permit. The amendment was adopted in December 2022, and in January, Markus returned to the planning board with a new design. Board members asked Markus to revise the plan, considering the building would still be short over 50 parking spaces.
Markus returned on March 22, with a new design featuring similar elements to the plan proposed in 2020. The building will again have two levels of underground parking for a total of 64 spaces. There is additional ground level parking and lifts, as well as one floor of retail with a small restaurant, office space on the second and third floors, and residential uses on the fourth and fifth floors.
According to city planner Brooks Cowan, the proposed plan would only be short 11 parking spaces – the plan provides 87 out of the required 98 spaces. Markus could also request two parking spaces located on the street from the city commission to count towards his requirement. With the change in the design, the building no longer needs to obtain a special land use permit, Cowan noted.
While Markus’ ordinance amendment request was approved, he told the board he did not want to put it to use yet. Cowan and Markus both noted that the first choice is to return to the board of zoning appeals to request a waiver of the 11 spaces,
which board members stated they were in favor of. If the BZA does not approve the variance, Markus could also be able to enter a shared parking agreement with Birmingham Place or the 555 Building to make up for the spaces. If both choices were to fall through, he said he would then pursue a waiver from the city commission under a special land use permit provision.
Board members were all in agreement that the lack of 11 spaces was something they were comfortable recommending to the BZA to provide a variance. They each noted their appreciation to the owner, designers and staff for working to minimize the number of spaces so the plan could finally move forward.
“Wonderful project, I’m happy to support it and I appreciate the work to get it here on all parts,” chairperson Scott Clein said. “As far as the variance goes, I think it’s a small number [of parking spaces] and while I’m not on the board of zoning appeals, to me, I don’t see it as being an issue of land use that would cause dogs and cats to live together.”
The board voted unanimously, 7-0,
to recommend approval of the final site plan and design review. Jason Emerine voted in place of Daniel Share.
The employment contract with Birmingham’s newly selected city manager, Jana Ecker, was finalized and approved by the city commission at their meeting on Monday, March 27, setting Ecker’s term limit for five years from her start date of July 1, 2023.
Ecker will be receiving a $175,000 salary, which city attorney Mary Kucharek noted was settled on in negotiations as she provided salary rates of other city managers in communities with viable downtowns and residents similar to Birmingham. Kucharek said that while Ecker initially demanded a much higher rate, a compromised was fashioned involving salary, severance pay and vacation time.
Part of Ecker’s benefits include a
nine-month severance pay if she is terminated; $15,000 to cover relocation expenses if she decides to move to Birmingham; and 30 days of vacation per year. She will also receive a defined benefit plan as opposed to a defined contribution plan, carrying over the plan she’s had throughout her time as a city employee.
Kucharek explained that the fiveyear term limit is modeled from past managers and intended for stability given turnover in the past. Ecker will also be subject to annual evaluations and will also have one shortly after her start date so expectations are clear from the beginning, said Kucharek.
Referencing the profile that was published to begin the application process, commissioner Andrew Haig brought up that Ecker’s negotiated salary is 10 percent more than what was advertised in the job posting. The profile just provided a range, said city manager Tom Markus, but that doesn’t mean the pay is going to end up there.
Commissioner Brad Host questioned the negotiated salary, saying that he feels the pay is too high given Ecker has no previous city manager experience. He said that the
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cities Kucharek referenced as a comparison for other city manager salaries have populations much greater than Birmingham and potentially have city managers with much more experience than Ecker is bringing.
“In the art of negotiation, one party starts at one place, another party starts at another place, and you try to find a compromise in the middle, and if you’re not compromising in the middle on that particular area, you’re compromising somewhere else. For instance, severance, Jana wanted actually to be paid a great deal more and in getting that number down, we compromised on adding some vacation days,” Kucharek said.
“I did the best I could for the city without insulting the candidate to the point where she said, ‘Forget this. I’m not going to take the job.’ All of you were unanimous in wanting to appoint her as city manager so there is a delicate dance to be had between getting the best numbers for the city yet promoting longevity and mutual respect and commitment between the city and the city manager,” she continued.
Host offered he was pleased Ecker was going to be the city manager but was not convinced that she should be getting the negotiated salary. Other commissioners disagreed, saying the contract was fair and negotiated in good faith.
Commissioners voted 6-1 to approve Ecker’s contract with the city, with Host voted against the motion.
The planning, building, and ordinance department did a similar analysis to what they had done in years' prior, when the ordinance was last amended in 2019, to allow items like gas fires, kitchenettes, and grills on a patio immediately adjacent to the home or the front of the home, depending on the location.
The second proposed ordinance amendment would remove groundmounted mechanical or electrical equipment from the accessory structures provisions, and add it to site standards to allow units in compliance to be permitted by right and not need ZBA approval.
Much like the fountain and pergola ordinance proposal, this would drastically improve wait time for residents to get started, according to Voelker. Those hoping to go ahead with this type of project would only need a building permit.
Voelker also proposed adding wall mounted mechanical equipment to the site standards ordinance for residential and nonresidential districts. Currently, there are no requirements for such equipment.
Multiple members of the board discussed that these changes would free up a lot of time for multiple departments and the township’s residents, all agreeing this was an excellent idea.
A rough estimate was given that the ZBA sees requests like these three to four times a month for approval.
“It’s just a more efficient use of everyone’s time,” said trustee Neal Barnett, who also complimented the department on its in-depth research.
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Bloomfield Township
Directorof Planning, Building and Ordinance Patti Voelker recommended consideration of two ordinance amendments to permit pergolas, fountains and certain electrical equipment as they relate to zoning ordinances to the board of trustees on Monday, March 27.
Voelker introduced proposed amendments that would affect the zoning ordinance for pergolas and fountains under the township’s general exceptions, as well as ground or wall mechanical and electrical equipment under site standards.
The first ordinance amendment change related to pergolas and fountains, where if certain criteria is met by homeowners, those hoping to build would no longer need to go in front of the township's zoning board of appeals for approval.
So far, these provisions have been discussed with the township’s planning commission, with a public hearing held on February 20, during which time it was recommended unanimously for the township board to consider final approval of the ordinance language they were presented.
The zoning board of appeals also had the opportunity to review this draft ordinance and strongly supported the provisions as they were presented.
After a brief discussion about a small language change to the amendments, the board of trustees voted unanimously to accept the introduction of the ordinance and place it on the April 24 agenda for final approval.
W hen Shannon Lazovski started her fashion and beauty blog Glamorous Moms 20 years ago, she had no idea it would take her on such an amazing journey that continues today.
“Glamorous Moms started as a hobby and quickly became a business within the first year.” she said. "After a few years working in the blogging world, I noticed a big hole in the Michigan fashion community. There was nobody out there creating content highlighting the who's who of Michigan fashion. That's when I started Detroit Fashion News. And then a few years later, I purchased Detroit Mommies from a friend.
“I simply took what I learned as a product specialist and applied it in the digital space,” said Lazovski. She and her husband have a son in high school and a daughter in college. “It has been such a wonderful journey; it’s been so much fun.” She still runs all three blogs today and has earned a large number of followers with her digital presence and philanthropic work. “I have such a loving and supportive audience.”
Lazovski, who ran The Lazov Agency, a boutique social media management agency, now works as a freelance digital creator, branding strategist and consultant. Shortly before the pandemic, she launched the Glamorous Moms Foundation (GMF), a nonprofit that helps women who are either rebuilding their lives or currently suffering from poverty, homelessness, human trafficking and/or domestic violence by supplying life necessities crucial to good health and survival.
GMF community outreach programs include New Mom Baskets that bring hope, love and joy to expectant mothers in vulnerable situations.
“I don’t have the power to completely change a woman’s situation, but we all have the power to brighten someone’s day,” she said. “The baskets are filled with necessities to promote good health, safety and proper hygiene. Nursing supplies and other products can be costly. Even if a mom does have the money, most put their own needs aside to make sure their family has what they need first. If they have $10 to either buy hygiene products or feed their children, they will buy the food to feed their children.”
She receives feedback from hospital workers to determine what products are needed for the baskets that help the staff bond with new moms, while making them feel loved. “We are making an impact,” she said.
Lazovski tailors the contents to various community partners and coordinates the baskets with delivery nurses and social workers. “During COVID when women in labor would test positive, their babies were immediately taken away from them for a 14day quarantine period,” she said. “There were tears and depression when it was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives.”
She also facilitates weekly peer-to-peer virtual support groups called “The Mom Squad” and "Surviving Domestic Violence & Abuse." Both are free and held via Zoom. Women are invited to listen to stories, have supportive, judgement-free girltalk and receive recommendations for helpful podcasts, books and professional resources.
To help support these programs, Lazovski donates a percentage of the proceeds from her lipstick brand, Glameselle. The colors are named after strong and wonderful women she has met along her journey (first names only). “It’s about women supporting women,” she said.
The Glamorous Moms Foundation will host its third annual Glamorous Luncheon fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 20 at the Townsend Hotel. Tickets are $125 per person. Go to glamorousmomsfoundation.com.
Story: Jeanine Matlow Photo: Laurie Tennent
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My preconceptions about aging went out the window long ago. Even before I started working at Next, Birmingham’s 50+ Community Center, I would witness my own parents and in-laws embrace all that their lives offered.
My father was a polymath and perennial student, with a powerful memory and a thirst for knowledge. My father-in-law would proudly tag along to his three grandchildren’s hockey games, sometimes 10 games in a week. He never wanted to miss the fun. My mom, at 94 is still up for a good happy hour.
That was my anecdotal evidence that aging is far different today then with previous generations. Many of us have preconceived ideas about aging –but after working at Next almost nine years, studying this generation through vast amount of available research, and taking the time to understand and appreciate what makes this demographic unique, I have learned there is definitely a bright side to aging, and much to celebrate.
Next is home to more than 2,300 active adults — and continuously growing. I have the privilege of speaking with many of our members and I continue to get a better understanding of what their daily lives are like, and how Next can serve them better. The thing about Next, like many other transitional times in our lives – going to college, a new job, relocating to a new town — is the chance to reinvent yourself. Our members have had illustrious careers, made important contributions to society and raised families to be proud of. But come to Next and you will see a humbled sense of a shared background and an understanding that members come here because of the comfort and ease in being with others who are also actively enjoying their best days.
Those best days look different for different members. That is an important reason why we changed our name to Next more than eight years ago. What is “Next” is personal for each member based on their own life, no comparisons and no benchmarks on what society expects. Instead, Next inspires each member to lead an enriched life.
Our members are busy, engaged, curious and explorative. They participate in a wide variety of activities such as our Health & Wellness partnership with Henry Ford Health, lifelong learning opportunities showcasing exceptional speakers, meaningful social enrichment, art, fitness, travel and live entertainment.
The lesson I have learned is now is the time. The time to learn, to make new friends, to share interests, to challenge one’s thinking, simply put— to be involved.
Next has been a long standing fixture in the community offering a safe and welcoming place to gather for 45 years, and continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s active adults. We provide high quality programming and reliable services, but our members provide the vitality, energy and sense of belonging that makes Next the unique and wonderful place it is.
Detailed information can be found on our website, BirminghamNext.org, or stop-in. Next is located at 2121 Midvale Rd. Birmingham, (248)203-5270.
Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next
Happy 100th Birthday Community House! We can’t share it enough. A century ago – April 1923 - visionaries and founders of The Community House assembled on the corner of Maple Road and Bates Street to establish the first Community House (TCH) in Birmingham. Humbling and inspiring, dirt roads, horses, buggies, and all. What a rare gift it was/is In January 2023, briming with great pride, hope and optimism, The Community House began its Centennial Anniversary year - of celebrations, reflection, and grand moments of gratitude – a rare and almost extinct milestone.
In reflection of the last “three” years and looking forward to the promise of the next century of service at The Community House, we take comfort and joy in the timeless phrase “Hope Springs Eternal.”
This age-old proverb reminds us that it is human nature to always find a fresh cause for optimism. Alexander Pope wrote in “An Essay on Man” that even in the darkest of times - people always hope for the best - even in the face of adversity. And hope means looking towards the future with confidence. With great reason for optimism - all of us at the historic Community House look towards the future –a bright new future post-COVID, post-Delta, post-Omicron and (hopefully) post-economic periods of financial instability – looking ahead towards a new millennium with renewed optimism, confidence, and excitement.
With confidence, we have begun the process of rebuilding our historic nonprofit, charitable organization safely, fiscally, and responsibly. We have already welcomed back – post-pandemic- ten (10) new and old friends like DOJO, The Birmingham Optimist Club, The Junior League of Birmingham, FAR Therapeutic Arts & Education, The Birmingham Shopping District, Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, Communicare Michigan, Birmingham Bloomfield Arts Center, Birmingham Bloomfield Newcomer’s Club and Project2 to rediscover synergy, friendship, support and respect for one another. While the road ahead remains unpredictable, we are optimistic that we can rediscover new ways to reinvent ourselves, new ways to serve the community, new ways of meeting our stewardship responsibilities and new ways to hand-off the baton of leadership to the next generation. Happy Birthday TCH.
Speaking of serving the community, some of the favorite events returning to The Community House this spring include:
Time to Pamper Mom. Reservations now open. Join us for Mother’s Day Brunch 2023 on Sunday, May 14, in the elegant Wallace Ballroom of the historic Community House. Seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1p.m. Guests will enjoy an extravagant (best in class) Mother’s Day Feast, including Sliced Beef Tenderloin w/Lavender Butter, Chocolate Waffles w/Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup, Quiche w/Caramelized Onions, Arugula and Feta, Latkes, Scrambled Eggs, Wild Mushroom Roasted Chicken, Banana Pancakes and so much more. A complimentary pitcher of Mimosas for Mom, with fine wine, and Bloody Mary’s available for purchase for anyone wishing to deliver a special toast to mom. $75pp Adult - $30pp Children (ages 4-12 years) – Children 3 and under free. Reservations required. Hurry - seats are limited. For more information or to reserve your seat, please go to communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832.
Back by popular demand. Our showstopper 90 & Beyond event, celebrating those in our community who have reached 90 years-old (and
beyond.) is once again returning to the historic Community House. Our community’s 90+ year-old treasures are warmly welcomed to TCH to attend the 2023 90 & Beyond Celebration as our guests - a special tribute luncheon customized just for them - full of heartfelt memories, music and good cheer with friends and family. Tickets for those under 90 years young are available for $40pp to help join the honorees in the celebration. All guests will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by The Community House’s award-winning Corporate Executive Chef, Ryan Friedrich, and Sous Chef Robert Coran, live musical entertainment presented by Kerry Price, featuring familiar music from decades past. In addition, a photo presentation entitled, “then and now” capturing the honorees in “earlier” years and a “current” photo will be featured on screen. Each honoree will also have their photo taken by a professional photographer as a keepsake of the celebration. 90 & Beyond made possible via the generous corporate support of Chief Financial Credit Union and Aly Darin Photography. Sponsorships and advertising opportunities are still available. Tickets are available online (communityhouse.com) or by calling The Community House at 248.644.5832.
Also back by popular demand. The Community House’s “Classical Brunch Series” is returning to TCH in partnership with our dear friends at 90.9 WRCJ. This up close and personal three-part concert series will be held on June 11, October 15, and November 19, and will feature outstanding classical music performed by members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and friends. A lovely brunch begins at 11:45 a.m. (each concert) followed by the performance at 12:30 p.m. Reservations are $55 per concert, $150 for the series. Audience members will enjoy printed musical notes in the program book for each concert prepared by a professional musicologist. For reservations and ticket information, please visit our website, communityhouse.com. Early reservations are encouraged.
The Community House Association is pleased to announce that the 2024 Bates Street Society Dinner will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the historic Community House. 2024 Pillars of Vibrancy candidates to be honored during this special evening of recognition and inspiration (to date) include Dr. Ben Schwartz, Salvador Salort-Pons, Paul Gross and Michael Bickers. 2024 committed sponsors to date include Founding Sponsors PNC Bank and Corewell Health, and Lead Sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield, DeRoy & Devereaux, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Emerson-Prew, Oakland University, Metalbuilt and The Agency Hall & Hunter Realtors. 2024 Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are open and now available. For more information about the 8th Annual Bates Street Society Dinner, please contact William D. Seklar at wseklar@communityhouse.com. Save the date now.
The 2023 “SPRING” Annual Fund Drive is upon us. Given COVID, it is hard to overestimate how important our quarterly annual fund appeals are to the operations at the historic Community House. For the last three years (and counting) we have found ourselves, like so many charities, continuing to navigate through a perfect storm – COVID, supply chain issues, inflation, wage pressures, a faltering economy.
By making a 2023 Spring Annual Fund Drive tax-deductible gift to The Community House, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charitable organization now, your gift will ensure that we continue to navigate through these challenges so that we may remain the important educational, philanthropic and community resource that thousands of individuals have relied upon for 100 years, To make a Spring 2023 Annual Fund gift now, you can send your donation in by mail at: TCH 380 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, Michigan 48009; give online at communityhouse.com/donate' or by calling The Community House Foundation at 248.594.6417. Hope really does spring eternal.
From buying her first 45 vinyl record at Harmony House to roller-skating at Bonaventure and skiing at Pine Knob, many of Kathy Rivkin Daum’s best childhood memories while growing up in Southfield, Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham involved music. This musical backdrop proved to be formative in her future career in Los Angeles as an award-winning documentary film producer combining her love of music and film.
“Detroit is an incredible music city – it always has been. Just like LA, Detroit is also a car town where you spend a lot of time in your car. My earliest memories as a music consumer were of driving around listening to music.” explains Rivkin Daum. “I had a great childhood.”
The Cranbrook Kingswood high school graduate relished the art and music scene in the Detroit area and credits “mind-expanding exhibitions at Cranbrook and the DIA for showing me a broader world.” She also acknowledges that her parents were a formative creative influence in her life. “My mom always had her hand on the pulse of new things.”
Rivkin Daum earned a BA in cultural anthropology at the University of Michigan and took the advice of her older brother, Billy Rivkin, and worked for WCBN-FM, the university’s radio station.
“Working at WCBN as a DJ and program director was the best training for what I’ve gone on to do as a career. It’s a freeform radio station, so I learned about all types of music as a student.”
Later, Rivkin Daum earned her MBA in marketing at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School in California.
During her Michigan college years, Rivkin Daum spent a summer in LA living with her older sister and working at the former landmark record store, Aaron’s Records. After finishing her undergraduate degree, she returned to California, and again worked for Aaron’s, but this time as the store’s indie music buyer. She credits her Midwest work ethic and integrity with helping her secure this job. “The entertainment industry is a relationship business. The story of my life is opportunity and hard work.”
In the late 1990s, Rivkin Daum became friends with an influential customer and mentor, Cameron Crowe, who hired her to read scripts and rehired her later to help create a print anthology of his rock’n’roll journalism career as a companion to his 2000 autobiographical film, “Almost Famous”.
A second important mentor to Rivkin Daum was John Beug, longtime Warner Brothers Records executive and pioneer in the music documentary and video industries, who recently died. “John was from Chicago, and we connected as Midwesterners. For over 20 years, he meant a lot to me and my career.”
Rivkin Daum has achieved remarkable success combining her love of music and film.
From 2016-2022, she worked for BMG – The New Music Company, most recently as Vice President of Films. She worked on many original musicbased film and TV projects including “David Crosby: Remember My Name,” “Bad Reputation” (Joan Jett), and most recently “Moonage Daydream” – a documentary about icon David Bowie. The film had its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, was nominated for a BAFTA Award and became the highest grossing documentary of 2022.
Recently, Rivkin Daum capitalized on “25 years of building relationships and working on great projects,” by launching her own company, Now Unlimited, as an independent producer.
The former Michigander lives in the Hancock Park neighborhood of LA with her husband and son Billy, but still regularly visits her home state. In fact, her son (who is named after her late brother) will be attending camp in Michigan this summer.
“I’m proud to be from Michigan and the Detroit area. Being from the Midwest has been an advantage for me in LA – I’m from Detroit, I know how to get stuff done and figure things out.”
Story: Tracy Donohue
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.
220: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. 220restaurant.com
5th Tavern: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607. 5thtavern.com
Adachi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor. Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900. adachirestaurant.com
Andiamo: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. andiamoitalia.com
Beau’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. beausbloomfield.com
Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. bellapiattirestaurant.com
Beverly Hills Grill: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. beverlyhillsgrill.com
Beyond Juicery + Eatery: Contemporary. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 270 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009; 221 Cole Street, Birmingham, 48009; 3645 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301; 4065 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301; 1987 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. beyondjuiceryeatery.com
Bill’s: American. Breakfast, Saturday, Lunch, Thursday-Saturday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. billsbloomfieldhills.com
Birmingham Pub: American. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham. thebirminghampub.com
Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. birminghamsushi.com
Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. bistrojoeskitchen.com
Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. bloomfielddeli.com
Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. thebrooklynpizza.com
Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. cafeml.com
Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.940.0000. casapernoi.com
Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. churchillscigarbar.com
Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.
248.540.7220. cityscapedeli.com
Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. gocommonwealth.com
Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. dickodowspub.com
Eddie Merlot’s: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. eddiemerlots.com
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. einsteinbros.com
Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. eliesgrill.com
EM: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 470 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 947.234.0819. embirmingham.com
Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner, TuesdayFriday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. embersdeli1.com
Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. flemingssteakhouse.com
Forest: European. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. forestbirmingham.com
Greek Islands Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. greekislandsconey.com
Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Lunch, Friday-Sunday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. griffinclawbrewingcompany.com
Hazel’s: Seafood. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham. 248.671.1714. eatathazels.com
Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. honeytreegrille.com
Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. hunterhousehamburgers.com
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. hydeparkrestaurants.com
IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Ihop.com
Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. joemuer.com
Kaku Sushi and Poke’: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday & Dinner daily. No reservations. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.885.8631. kakusushipoke.com
Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. kerbyskoneyisland.com
La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. lamarsacuisine.com
La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian. Dinner,
Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Gigi Nichols who can be reached at GigiNichols@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.
Several Birmingham restaurants have announced new happy hours, new lunch service and updates to their dinner menus. ZANA will offer happy hour at the bar Tuesday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. A few of their options include oysters with cocktail sauce and mignonette; fried squid with diavolo sauce and charred lemon; bacon with black garlic shoyu glaze, pickled apple, sesame and scallion; and fritto misto with lemon and remoulade. ZANA’s happy hour features a selection of wine by the glass for $7 and a seasonal specialty handcrafted cocktail for $7. ZANA, 210 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham zanabham.com
Casa Pernoi has also launched a happy hour, Wednesday–Friday, 3 – 6 p.m. and a new lunch service, Wednesday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. The happy hour menu is available at the bar and includes tomato braised meatballs with marinara, parmigiano and parsley; sausage & peppers with house made sausage and hot banana peppers; cacio e pepe featuring spaghetti, parmigiana, percorino and black pepper; rigatoni spicy Palomino with chili, tomato and cream; and the casa burger with pancetta, provolone, arugula and Calabrian ailoi. Weekly drink specials are also available during happy hour. Casa Pernoi’s lunch menu has appetizers, salads, pasta and entrees like the Casa burger, roasted branzino and veal parm. Casa Pernoi, 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham casapernoi.com
Hazel’s has kicked off its seasonal “Eastern Shore” menu introducing many new items, including fresh caught blue crab. Blue crabs at Hazel’s are served up just as you’d find them on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay – sold by the half dozen or dozen, and ranging in size from medium to jumbo – depending on what’s available each day. The fried soft shell crab sandwiches features a whole crab with a light crunchy texture that gives way to sweet, buttery crab meat. Perfect for sharing, the fresh seafood tower is assembled with peel-and-eat-shrimp, crab legs, tinned fish and available in varying sizes.Hazel’s Eastern Shore menu is available through the end of June. Hazel’s, 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham, eatathazels.com
And last but not least, there’s also new dinner options at the Greek Islands Coney. New Greek-inspired dinner specials are available after 4 p.m. and include chicken oregano presented with a lemon and herb roasted chicken which is served Greek-style with roasted potatoes and rice; a braised lamb shank with homemade sauce; baked ground beef stuffed green peppers with tomato sauce; and spaghetti with Greek meatballs and homemade marinara or meat sauce. Greek Islands, 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham
Barbat Holdings, a West Bloomfield-based real estate investment and management company, has announced the acquisition of the historic Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) in Detroit. Constructed in 1899 as a place for Civil War veterans to gather, the 30,000-square-foot, five-story GAR Building – one of Detroit’s most recognizable landmarks – is set to be brought back to its original use as a gathering space, with Barbat’s hospitality division, Prime Concepts Detroit, opening a new steakhouse restaurant and event space later this spring that will span the building’s five floors. “The community has consistently welcomed our residential developments and dining concepts over the years, and our goal with the GAR Building revitalization project is to continue attracting more people to live, work and dine in the city,” said Joe Barbat, chairman & CEO of Barbat Holdings. “The new steakhouse concept and event space has been in the works for more than three years,” added Stolion Liti, director of operations at Prime Concepts Detroit. “We look forward to sharing this concept with Detroit and the surrounding community.” Alec Kanno, general manager and operating partner, will lead the team at the GAR Building, along with executive chef Alex Farhat. Farhat also leads the talented culinary team at PAO Detroit. 1942 Grand River Avenue, Detroit barbatholdings.com
Andiamo’s Passport to Wine Series continues in May with an exploration of the wines of theLoire Valley, France. Attendees will learn about the wine, the
Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492. lastradaitaliankitchen.com
Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. leosconeyisland.com
Little Daddy’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400. littledaddys.com
Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. luxebarandgrill.com
Madam: American. Breakfast, Monday-Friday, Brunch, weekends. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com
Mare Mediterranean: Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.5525. maremediterranean.com
Market North End: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953. marketnorthend.com
Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581. nipponsushibar.com
Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. olgas.com
Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. oph-mi.com
Planthropie: Vegan. Dessert and Cheese. Tuesday-Sunday. 135 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.839.5640. planthropie.com
Roadside B & G: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. roadsidebandg.com
Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. salsbirmingham.com
Shift Kitchen & Cocktails: Small plates. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. shiftbirmingham.com
Sidecar: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. sidecarsliderbar.com
Slice Pizza Kitchen: Pizza. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.3475. slicepizzakitchen.com
Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. socialkitchenandbar.com
Stateside Deli & Restaurant Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.550.0455. statesidedeli.com
Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Breakfast and Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. stevesdeli.com
Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Thursday & Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. streetsideseafood.com
Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. sushihanabloomfield.com
Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday and Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations. 315
Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. sythaibirmingham.com
Sylvan Table: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake, 48320. 248.369.3360. sylvantable.com
Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. tallulahwine.com
Thai Street Kitchen: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867 thaistreetkitchen.com
The Franklin Grill: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Road, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. thefranklingrill.com
The French Lady: French. Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 768 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480. 0571. zefrenchlady.com
The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. galleryrestaurant2.com
The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. moosepreserve.com
The Morrie: American. Dinner, ThursdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.3260. themorrie.com
The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. rugbygrille.com
Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. eatattoast.com
Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.0500. tomatoesapizza.com
Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. thetouchofindia.com
Townhouse: American. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. eatattownhouse.com
Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Liquor. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.566.3566. whistlestopdiners.com
ZANA: Modern American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.800.6568. zanabham.com
Zao Jun: Asian. Dinner and Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999. zaojunnewasian.com
Ale Mary’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917. alemarysbeer.com
Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22651 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. anitaskitchen.com
Beppé: New American. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 703 N. Main Street in Royal Oak, 48067. 248.607.7030. eatbeppe.com
Bigalora: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.2442 bigalora.com
Bohemia: Mediterranean. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.2883. eatatbohemia.com
Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. cafemuseroyaloak.com
Como’s: Pizza. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 22812 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.677.4439. comosrestaurant.com
Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria: Italian. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 28939 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.591.3300. crispellis.com
The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale 48220. 248.399.5150. theflytrapferndale.com
HopCat: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 430 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.744.2544. HopCat.com
Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. howesbayouferndale.net
Imperial: Mexican. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22848 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. imperialferndale.com
Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. inyorestaurant.com
KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. gokouzina.com
Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 28028 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. lilysseafood.com
Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. lockhartsbbq.com
Masala: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 106 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.850.8284. food.orders.co/royaloakmasala
Mezcal: Brunch, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 201 East 9 Mile Road Ferndale, 48220. 248.268.3915. mezcalferndale.com
Pastaio: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 208 W. 5th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.565.8722. eatpastaio.com
Pearl’s Deep Dive: Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor.100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.2875. pearlsdeepdive.com
Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. oakcitygrille.com
One-Eyed Betty’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. oneeyedbettys.com
Pop’s for Italian: Italian. Brunch and Lunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 280 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale,48220. 248.268.4806. popsforitalian.com
Public House: American. Lunch & Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. publichouseferndale.com
Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. redcoat-tavern.com
Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. roninsushi.com
Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. royaloakbrewery.com
Sozai: Japanese.Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 449 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson,48017. 248.677-3232. sozairestaurant.com
The Morrie: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. themorrie.com
Three Cats Cafe: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 116 W 14 Mile Road, Clawson, 48017. 248.900.2287. threecatscafe.com
Tigerlily: Japanese. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 231 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.733.4905. tigerlilyferndale.com
Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. eatattoast.com
Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. tomsoysterbar.com
Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444. trattoriadaluigi.business.site.com
Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch, TuesdaySaturday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711. vinsettagarage.com
Voyager: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 600 Vester Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.658.4999. voyagerferndale.com
Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Road, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. cafesushimi.com
CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. ckdiggs.com
Grand Castor: Latin American. Lunch, Thursday-Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy, 48083. 248.278.7777. grancastor.com
Kona Grille: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. konagrill.com
Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700. loccino.com
The Meeting House: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. themeetinghouserochester.com
Mon Jin Lau: Nu Asian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. monjinlau.com
Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. mortons.com
Naked Burger: American. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6870 N Rochester
land and the culture of the Loire Valley while they enjoy four small plates with wine pairings. Showcased wines for this Passport to Wine event include: Couly Dutheil René Couly Rosé; Domaine Durand Pouilly Fumé; Couly Dutheil ‘Les Gravières’; and Maison Darragon, Sparkling Vouvray, Demi-Sec ‘Le Haut des Ruettes’. The small plate menu features: rillets de tours with mango ketchup; fried oyster with goat cheese; braised duck with smoked apple Cointreau relish; and tart tatin. Price per person is $65 plus tax and gratuity. The Loire Valley wine tasting takes place on different evenings at all five Andiamo locations. The event will be held at Andiamo Warren, Thursday May 11; Andiamo Bloomfield, Thursday May 18; Andiamo Fenton, Tuesday, May 23: Andiamo Livonia, Thursday, May 25; and Andiamo Detroit Riverfront, Friday, May 26. Check Andiamo’s website for more tasting events in June as they explore legendary vintners that blazed the way for the Napa Valley wine industry that we know today. andiamoitalia.com
The celebrated restaurant Slows Bar BQ, founded in Detroit’s Historic Corktown, has shifted ownership to newly formed Slows Holdings. Slows Holdings is owned by its founding chef, Brian Perrone, along with its managing director, Terry Perrone and catering director, Josh Keillor. The three partners in the ownership group have also signed Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, a leader in New York’s fast casual BBQ dining space, as a strategic partner and investor. The Cooley family, Ron, Ryan and Phillip, the original owners, have sold their shares to Slows Holdings, but remain property owners and landlords in the space at 2138 Michigan Avenue, and at Slows To Go, located at 4107 Cass in Midtown. Slows Bar BQ opened on a mostly abandoned commercial block in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, in September 2005. Founded by native Detroiter, Chef Perrone and Phillip Cooley, Slows won over fans with a chefdriven spin on barbecue cooked fresh every day, a love of craft beer and a dedication to community. “When we started Slows, our goal was to create a fun restaurant that would be kind of a neighborhood joint with great food. We built an iconic Detroit brand with an incredible base of loyal supporters and frequent guests. Our goal is to continue to grow that community throughout Michigan and build on our reputation and tradition of great barbecue and fun experiences,” said Chef Perrone. 2138 Michigan Avenue, Detroit slowsbarbq.com
Alison Heeres and Gwen Meyer, the dynamic duo and co-ownersof Coriander Kitchen and Farm closed the restaurant for the winter season due to the seasonality of being located directly on the Jefferson Chalmers canals in Detroit. While the restaurant has been closed, the team at Coriander has been working hard on locally-infused menu items, prepping for the 2023 growing season at their sister farm, and renovating their space to include more retail options, new hours and more days, as well as being open for full service on evenings and weekends, live local music, and opening their doors for private and community-based events. The uniquely-modern-old-quirky-bold-functional aesthetic is embraced throughout every aspect of the space, with a recent shift to use the space upstairs for private events, which can hold up to 100 seated guests. A new mini retail market filled with house-made salads and sandwiches, as well as other locally made goods, can be enjoyed by guests on the canal for weekday lunch, and/or grab and go (by land or boat). The new spring menu features a variety of dishes that embrace Coriander’s farm-to-table dining experience, including a veggie mezza board; corn jalapeño hushpuppies; a spring soba bowl; smoked Michigan potato and broccoli salad; lentil and kale Caesar; and fresh smoked salmon dip. 14601 Riverside Boulevard, Detroit corianderkitchenandfarm.com
There are changes at the venerated Townsend Hotel. The hotel has announced that Adrienne Cousins has been promoted to general manager. In her new role, Cousins will oversee day-to-day management and operations while continuing to provide exceptional guest experiences. “Adrienne has always been a leader in her tenure with The Townsend Hotel,” said Sheldon Yellen, managing partner. “Her natural ability to connect with people will continue to flourish as she continues to build the beloved property into its next chapter of excellence.”
Cousins has been with The Townsend Hotel for 11 years, starting first as the property’s business travel sales manager, quickly growing the transient and extended stay business segments until she was promoted to director of revenue in 2015. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham townsendhotel.com
Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.759.4858. nakedburgerdetroit.com
NM Café: American. Lunch, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. neimanmarcus.com/restaurants
Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. oceaniainnrochesterhills.com
Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Highway, Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. ocean-prime.com
O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. oconnorsrochester.com
Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Road., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. orchid-cafe.com
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. pfchangs.com
Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084. 248.614.5390. recipesinc.com
RH House: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch and Dinner, daily. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. No reservations. Liquor. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.586.1000. rh.house.com
Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. ruthschris.com
Sedona Taphouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 198 Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.422.6167. sedonataphouse.co
Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.652.4500. silverspoonristorante.com
Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. tooraloorochester.com
Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. baccoristorante.com
Cornbread Restaurant & Bar: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, Thursday-Tuesday. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. cornbreadsoulfood.com
Bigalora: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. 248.544.2442. bigalora.com
The Fiddler: Russian. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. fiddlerrestaurant.com
Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. menesususi.com
Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield,
48323. 248.851.2500. nonamariasbistro.com
Pickles & Rye: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. picklesandryedeli.com
Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. prime29steakhouse.com
Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. redcoat-tavern.com
Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. dineshangrila.com
Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.8954. spositas-restorante.com
Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. stagedeli.com
Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282. yotsuba-restaurant.com
West Oakland
Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday – Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. gravityrestaurant.com
Volare Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771. ristorantevolare.com
North Oakland
Clarkston Union: American. Lunch, WednesdaySunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.6100. clarkstonunion.com
Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
The Fed: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833. thefedcommunity.com
Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.8500. joebologna.com
Union Woodshop: BBQ. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660. unionwoodshop.com
Bar Pigalle: French. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 John R Street, Detroit, 48201 313.497.9200. barpigalle.com
Barda: Argentinian. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, 48208. 313.952.5182. bardadetroit.com
Basan: Asian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2703 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.481.2703. basandetroit.com
Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, 48207.
313.965.3111. bucharestgrill.com
Cash Only Supper Club: American. Dinner, Friday & Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold Street, Detroit, 48226. 248.636.2300. cashonlydetroit.com
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails: Seasonal American. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 15 E Kirby Street, Detroit, 48202. 313. 818-3915. chartreusekc.com
Cliff Bell’s: American. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2030 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543. cliffbells.com
Coriander Kitchen and Farm: Farm to table. Lunch, grab and go, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday with hot menu on Saturday and Sunday, Dinner, WednesdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor.14601 Riverside Boulevard, Detroit, 48215. 313.338.9466. corianderkitchenandfarm.com
Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Road, Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110. cuisinerestaurantdetroit.com
El Barzon: Mexican. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction Street, Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070. elbarzonrestaurant.com
Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600. fishbonesusa.com
Freya: Price fixed. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations, Liquor. 2929 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.351.5544. freyadetroit.com
Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122. giovannisrestaurante.com
Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.5588. greendotstables.com
Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837. joemuer.com
Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort Street, Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946. johnnynoodleking.com
Mad Nice: Coastal Italian/American. Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4120 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201.313.558.8000. madnicedetroit.com
Mario’s: Italian. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616. mariosdetroit.com
Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.974.7669. midtownshangril-la.com
Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700. motorcitybeer.com
Oak & Reel: Italian Seafood. Dinner, ThursdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor. 2921 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.270.9600. oakandreel.com
PAO Detroit: Asian Fusion/Pan Asian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 114 W. Adams, Detroit, 48226. 313.816.0000. paodetroit.com
Parc: New American. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48226. 313.922.7272. parcdetroit.com
Prime + Proper: Steak House. Brunch, Weekends. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold St, Detroit, 48226. 313.636.3100. primeandproperdetroit.com
Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-
Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. greektowncasino.com
Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100.
Selden Standard: American. Dinner, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. 3921 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. seldenstandard.com
SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 438 Selden Street, Detroit 48201. 313.315.3992. shewolfdetroit.com
Sinbad’s: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 St. Clair Street, Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000. sindbads.com
Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.9828. slowsbarbq.com/locations/corktown
Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.462.4133. supergeildetroit.com
Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234. mgmgranddetroit.com
The Block: American. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. theblockdet.com
The Dime Store: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Thursday-Tuesday. No reservations. Liquor. 719 Griswold Street #180, Detroit, 48226.313. 962.9106. eatdimestore.com
The Peterboro: Chinese American. Dinner, Friday-Sunday. Take-out, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 420 Peterboro Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.462.8106. thepeterboro.com
The Statler: French. Brunch, Sunday. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 313 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.463.7111. statlerdetroit.com
Townhouse Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 500 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 48226. 313.723.1000. townhousedetroit.com
Smith & Co: American. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 644 Selden Street, Detroit, 313.638.1695. smithandcodetroit.com
Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.462.4133. supergeildetroit.com
Symposia: Mediterranean. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor.1000 Brush Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.9366. atheneumsuites.com/symposia
Vertical Detroit: Small Plates & Wine Bar. Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1538 Centre Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.732.WINE. verticaldetroit.com
Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market Street, Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711. viviosdetroit.net
The Whitney: American. Tea Service, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.4421 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. thewhitney.com
Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Avenue, Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711. wrightdetroit.com
Michigan's 1976 bottle bill law, which provides for return of containers for carbonated drinks, could be on the verge of being updated to include non-carbonated drinks, like water and juices, updates long overdue to the voter approved initiative 46 years later. Hopefully lawmakers will consider further changes to now pending bills in both the state House and Senate before they are brought to a vote in Lansing to address the many long-standing issues surrounding the bottle bill program.
The law was first enacted by citizen initiative petition, with considerable support from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, as a way to address bottle and can litter in the environment at the time. For the most part the goal was achieved, but in the ensuing years litter from containers for non-carbonated drinks (i.e. water) – estimated at 57 percent of total beverage containers today – have become the new problem.
As it stands now, the Michigan law providing for bottle and can deposits to incentivize consumers to return containers to retail outlets places a 10-cent deposit for such containers, one of the highest in the nation among the 10 states which now operate such programs. About 90 percent of containers get returned most years, except during the COVID-19 pandemic when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, for a short period of time, suspended returns out of virus transmission concerns.
Deposits paid on containers that are never returned to stores are controlled by the state, where 25 percent of bottle deposit escheat revenues are distributed to retailers and 75 percent go to the state. Of the state total take each year, the first $1 million go to the Michigan State Police fund to support bottle bill enforcement. The remainder goes to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). Ten percent is retained in the
Cleanup and Redevelopment Trust Fund until the balance reaches $200 million. Another 10 percent is deposited in the Community Pollution Prevention Fund, where $250,000 of the fund’s interest earnings are appropriated each year for pollution prevention grants to local communities. The remaining 80 percent is deposited in the Cleanup and Redevelopment Fund to support contaminated site cleanups. While the amount of escheat revenues varies from year to year, in 2019, for example, unclaimed deposits totaled $43 million.
As background, from day one there have been concerns expressed by retailers and distributors about the cost they incur by bearing the brunt of being the essential party to enact this environmental law. When the bottle return law was first enacted, retailers and distributors received 100 percent of the unclaimed deposits, but the act was amended in 1996 to provide for the current escheats split. Further, there was a time during the Gov. Jennifer Granholm administration that retailers and distributors were allowed a 33 percent tax credit for costs of handling enactment of the return law. But that tax credit was eliminated under the Gov. Rick Snyder administration.
Under the most recent bills proposed to change the bottle return law, introduced by Michigan state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) and Michigan state Rep.Christine Morse (D-Kalamazoo), Senate Bill 167 and House Bill 4331 propose to expand the state’s current 10-cent deposit to include all other non-carbonated beverages, except for milk containers.
Among other reforms, the bills would permit universal redemption, allowing consumers to take any recyclable bottle to a large store while allowing smaller stores to maintain smaller take-backs; create a bottle handling fund to reimburse distributors and dealers on a per-bottle-basis; make
funding available for audits and fraud enforcement. The proposed legislation also includes language to set a baseline of $25 million each year to address cleanup of the state’s contaminated sites.
Bill sponsors say they expect to continue negotiations with both retailers and distributors and environmental groups before they bring the proposed changes for floor votes in the House and Senate. That said, there are a few things that we think the new legislation should address as the law is expanded to include containers for noncarbonated drinks.
Most people would agree that 46 years after voter approval the 10-cent deposit amount has not kept pace with inflation. We say, raise the rate to 15 cents, both to reflect the inflationary considerations and as an added incentive to quickly change public behavior when it comes to the added requirement to return the new class of drink containers.
Second, take a serious look at the percentage split between the state and the retailers and distributors. After all, the success of this program relies on this group which should be more fairly compensated for the costs of added space required, added equipment that will be needed and the labor to keep the return system functioning.
As part of that review, consider – with increased revenue from a higher container deposits –imposing some environmental trust fund requirements to create protected endowments, the annual proceeds from which could be used for clean up projects.
Next, return the tax credit on new equipment that will be purchased to handle the expanded bottle return law.
We have one chance to update this important legislation so some added considerations and negotiations now will serve the state well into the future.
As we note in our story on improvements local school are making towards school security in the wake of unprecedented school shootings and gun violence, if 2023 continues as it has begun, there will be approximately 400 school shootings this year, up considerably from 2022's record high of 273. And that, quite frankly, is 400 too many. Schools are not the only venues which are targets for mass shootings. In the last several years, banks, factories, concerts, malls, department stores, grocery stores, churches, synagogues, mosques, movie theaters...the list goes on and on, have all been prey for those with a grudge and the ability to gain access to firearms. That is why we are so pleased that the Michigan state legislature has passed and the governor has signed into law, with others in the works, at least a few significant gun bills.
On the two-month anniversary of the Michigan State University shooting, where three students were gunned down and others were injured,
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed six gun reform bills into law. Of primary note are Senate Bill 79, which requires a person to keep a firearm stored or left unattended on a premises unloaded and locked, either with a locking device or stored in a locked container. We all saw the dire consequences of the failure to do this when the Oxford shooter reportedly gained access to an unlocked gun at his home, much less numerous children in homes across the state who accidentally shoot someone when a gun is left unlocked. Companion Senate Bills 80, 81 and 82 lower the costs of gun safety devices in an effort to allow easier access to materials needed to safely store firearms and updates Michigan’s criminal code for safe firearm storage as it relates to “child access protection.”
Also signed into law were House Bills 4138 and 4142, which expand universal background checks to purchases of all firearms. This is a common sense expansion of gun reform, and one 90 percent of all Americans support, including 88 percent of all
Michiganders, according to polls. In light of the continued increase in school shootings, the Pew Research Institute noted that over half – 53 percent of all Americans – favor stricter gun laws, with 85 percent of Republicans and 90 percent of Democrats supporting preventing those with mental illnesses from purchasing guns. After all, no where in the Second Amendment does it say the right to a gun is immediate, or the right extends to those planning massacres against their fellow citizens, or for those who have mental illness.
Currently in process are efforts to reconcile legislative bills to move forward “red flag” bills, which are meant to protect a gun owner or others around them if that owner is considered dangerous. Whitmer has said she is eager to sign the bill
The moves by those in Lansing finally offer leadership on starting to address the scourge of gun violence. While not an end-all to the problem, continuing do nothing is not an option.
Two of the area’s most recognized real estate brokers have joined forces to pioneer a groundbreaking partnership.
Renee Lossia Acho and Tushar Vakhariya are set to transform the real estate process as we know it. With combined experience of over 40 years, the top performing brokers are bringing their expertise and resources together to provide an unparalleled level of service to their clients.
With united strengths, Renee and Tushar are able to offer their clients a wider range of properties to choose from, access to exclusive listings, and a larger network of buyers and sellers. In a highly competitive industry like real estate, where demand often outstrips supply in desirable areas, having access to the best deals and the latest market information makes all the difference for clients.
Renee and Tushar together have a unique competitive edge that sets them apart and ultimately provides their clients with the best possible outcomes in their real estate transactions.
Together, backed by an unmatched team, Renee and Tushar are poised to set new standards for customer service and satisfaction. With their collective knowledge and expertise, they are able to stay ahead of the curve and provide their clients with the insight and strategies they need to succeed in any market.
