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MASS TRANSIT IN OAKLAND ONE YEAR UPDATE ON COUNTY PROGRESS

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DOWNTOWN11.23 31 A PROGRESS REPORT ON MASS TRANSIT In November 2022 Oakland voters approved a 10-year .95 mill tax to maintain and expand transit services throughout the county. The question now is what are the advancements in public transportation in Oakland County and southeast Michigan one year after its historical passing?

18 FROM THE PUBLISHER A group of Republican state lawmakers – more concerned about preserving their own power – has filed a lawsuit in federal court to overturn the 2018 and 2022 ballot proposals that increased access to voting in Michigan, claiming that the citizen initiative petition process is unconstitutional.

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

24 OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Whitmer in Birmingham (again); Rogers-Craig mud fight; Senate bribe allegation; shifting Democratic field; James’ 15 minutes of fame; the forgotten millionaire; plus more.

47 MUNICIPAL Baldwin House parking reimbursements; city water violation notice; Triangle District rules review; township's new trustee; assistant principal honored; updating township tech; plus more.

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DOWNTOWN11.23 71 COMMUNITY HOUSE William Seklar, CEO/President of the Community House (TCH), writes about how the season of giving is upon us and the holiday-related events that are taking place in Birmingham now and at TCH in the future.

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

78 ENDNOTE Our thoughts on the candidates seeking library board positions in Birmingham and the ballot issues for city voters and those living in the Bloomfield Hills school district.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER rogress made in Michigan on the issues of expanded voting access since Proposal 3 won at the ballot box in 2018, followed by Proposal 2 in 2022, is now threatened by a federal lawsuit spearheaded by 11 Republican state lawmakers, backed by two far-right groups.

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The group of legislators challenging what voters state-wide approved in both elections includes three lawmakers from Oakland County – Michigan Senator Jim Runestad from White Lake, along with state Reps. Matt Maddock of Milford and Josh Schriver of Oxford.

I won't comment, for now, on the philosophical/political world views of the group of lawmakers, but you can draw your own conclusion when one considers that the sponsors of the lawsuit in federal district court for the Western District of Michigan include two 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations – Michigan Fair Elections and the Great Lakes Justice Center.

The Michigan Fair Elections group is one of the prominent members of the election denial movement. The group recruited and mentored election challengers the last couple of elections which one of their members framed as a “spiritual battle,” one that included a call by one member for rerunning the race for governor in Michigan when Republican Tudor Nixon flamed out. This group spent considerable energy attempting to defeat the 2022 election ballot issue. The Great Lake Justice Center drinks much of the same Kool-Aid, but with an even heavier religious bent, filing lawsuits on a broader range of social issues that are de rigueur nowadays with the far-right ideological extremists.

Just to refresh everyone's memory about the two ballot proposals, Proposal 3 of 2018, also known as the Promote The Vote Initiative, restored straight-ticket voting that Republican legislators eliminated in 2015 after being available to voters for 127 years; allows “no reason” absentee voting, something that is available in nearly 40 states; same day registration; added time for members of the military to vote; and provides for audit of all election results. The proposal was approved by 66.92 percent of Michigan voters and received the support in Oakland County of 70.35 percent of those casting ballots.

Proposal 2 from last November created a nine-day early voting period; state funded drop boxes for ballots; requires the state to fund pre-paid postage for all absentee ballots; allows local government to accept charitable and in-kind donations to run elections, which are expected to cost more; and prohibits “threatening or intimidation conduct” or laws burdening the right to vote. Proposal 2 passed by 59.99 percent statewide and by 60 percent in Oakland County.

The lawsuit filed by GOP lawmakers asks the court to declare both ballot proposals as unconstitutional based on the U.S. Constitution.

They are placing their wager on the proposals being a violation of Article I, Section 4, Clause 1, which says that “The times, places and manor of holding elections for Senators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature therein...” Following that logic, the proposals have usurped from state lawmakers in Michigan the sole power to regulate elections.

The plaintiffs' attorney, noted Minnesota attorney/disruptor and far-right sympathizer Erick Kaardal, has reportedly answered critics by saying that this lawsuit varies greatly from other cases because of the specific wording in the Constitution.

Sounds clear enough to a layman like this writer but then I came across in my research a 2015 ruling in a case involving the Arizona independent redistricting commission in which plaintiff lawmakers argued that their power was undermined by a citizen-initiated petition drive that put the issue on the ballot. The court ruled that the term “legislature” can be construed broadly enough that lawmaking could include initiative petitions to write laws because citizens are the “font of governmental power.”

Twenty-six states currently allow at least some form of initiative petitions when it come to letting the electorate write laws – 18 of those states allow for constitutional amendments to be subject to petition drives to place them on the ballot.

Initiative petitions in the legislative process is a form of direct democracy.

In its purest form, it is grassroots governing, bypassing the legislature.

As we have seen in Michigan, some of our best laws and changes to the Michigan Constitution are the direct result of action on the part of the public that has in many cases attempted to get the legislature to make the changes. Failing that, the only route remaining is the initiative petition which requires considerable work and expense. But when lawmakers ignore overwhelming sentiment from the electorate, there is no choice.

That's no doubt why the Republican controlled legislature in recent years has tried to make it more difficult for initiative petitions. It boils down to those in power attempting to restrict anything that could represent a loss of control. A good illustration of how absolute power corrupts absolutely, as the saying goes.

In the case of the lawsuit over the two voting access proposals that were on the ballot, those are a direct result of lawmakers refusing to respond to citizen requests in recent sessions or attempting to make it more difficult for voters to cast ballots. In response, an initiative petition process produced Proposal 3 and Proposal 2 which give us all increased access to voting. Better yet, they stand as amendments to the Michigan Constitution, making it hard for devious lawmakers to restrict voting in the future.

As for the Oakland County lawmakers who are part of the attempt to have Proposal 2 and 3 declared unconstitutional, they obviously have no shame. I took time to review voting results – precinct by precinct – in each of their communities. While in a few communities the 2018 and 2022 ballot questions struggled a bit, in many communities they carried overwhelmingly, which prompts the question to Oakland legislators who have signed on to this lawsuit – who do you represent, the GOP here which has an established track record in Michigan of attempting to make it more difficult to vote and self govern, or the electorate?

Your involvement in this lawsuit makes the answer clear enough.

On first reading, it sounds like this lawsuit has legs. However, the federal courts have ruled in a few cases in recent years on election law disputes at the state level that would lead one to believe that the courts will likely toss out this lawsuit.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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I SEE YOU, I HEAR YOU: Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been circulating out into communities less known as Democratic strongholds, often in smaller, more intimate gatherings. Birmingham, which as recently as a decade ago was a Republican bastion, a sure thing for any Republican politician, is now seen as a more purple area, if not solidly blue. Whitmer has held events at Hazel’s in downtown Birmingham, and a reproductive health care roundtable with faith leaders and health care professionals at Lucky Detroit Coffee Roasters & Espresso, also in Birmingham. “She is having many more intimate meetings, especially with women,” said a Whitmer staffer. “Previous Republican strongholds, such as Royal Oak, Pleasant Ridge and Birmingham are definitely more Democratic, especially on reproductive rights and issues. 2024 should be an interesting year.” The staffer credited state Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak, Birmingham, Detroit) with helping to turn those areas from bright red.

THE MUD FLIES: While the Democrats have largely coalesced behind Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) as their party’s likely nominee in Michigan’s Senate race to replace longtime Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow (D), some of the big names are just now jumping in on the Republican side. And those big dogs are leaping right into piles of mud, and slinging it.

Notably, former Congressman Mike Rogers (D-Howell) and former Detroit Police Chief James Craig are working overtime to take each other out. Craig has endorsed former President Donald Trump, stating on an interview with ROGERS The Messenger, “...I stand with him.” Trump promptly reposted the interview on Truth Social. Craig is also playing up his antivax credentials and his pro-UAW support. In 2019, Rogers criticized Trump on foreign policy and election integrity issues, and before launching his Senate campaign he said he would not support him in 2024. Craig will likely throw darts at Rogers for living in Florida for the last 10 years and for his record on privacy rights that he developed as the longtime chair of the House Intel Committee – which the MAGA crowd disdains. Michigan Republican campaign strategist John Yob said in a social media post that he hadn’t made up his mind but Rogers was “his last choice.” They’re also trying CRAIG to out-”pro-life” each other, despite Michigan voters overwhelmingly voting in 2022 to enshrine women’s reproductive rights in the Michigan Constitution. Each have still stated they would work to overturn abortion rights. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is working to pass a slate of legislative bills to repeal abortion restrictions and further protect reproductive health and access, said at a roundtable in Birmingham in mid-October she is concerned. “We have to remain vigilant. A federal ban could undermine our rights and laws.”

DANGER WARNING: According to Politico, former Detroit top cop James Craig said he received a call from a “potential top consultant” warning him to stay out of the Senate race before he announced in early October, to minimal fanfare. Craig and a top aide said that consultant Katie Walsh Shields offered financial incentives to keep the field clear. Craig claims she is part of Roger’s campaign, and that Rogers is trying to bribe him to stay out of the campaign. Shields strongly denies that account – although, both sides do agree that “It was 2:40 p.m. and Katie Walsh Shields wanted to discuss the SHIELDS difficulties of running statewide in Michigan. She said she’d love the chief to stay out and instead support her candidate, former Rep. Mike Rogers. Soon after, Shields had a similar telephone

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conversation with a consultant who plans to manage Craig’s campaign,” according to The Messenger. Craig’s advisor, August Atencio, texted another consultant, “Omg Katie Shields offered Chief money to get out of the race.” Shields denied the bribe, alleging that Craig and his campaign were “trying to get cheap media attention for Craig. Achieved. Shields is a former chief of staff of the Republican National Committee. As Rogers, Craig, and a slew of others are putting up their dukes against each other, they need to remember it’s also a money game. Slotkin raised almost $3 million in the last fundraising quarter, and $8.6 million to date.

THINGS GO BETTER WITH KOCH: One of the candidates hoping to replace Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s (D-Lansing) in the House of Representatives received a major conservative endorsement. Second-time Republican candidate Tom Barrett – who Slotkin beat in 2022, 51 percent to 47 percent in one of the country’s most expensive races that year – has received the backing of Americans for Prosperity Action, a super PAC established by the well-known Koch Brothers network, originally comprised of Charles and David Koch. David passed away in 2019. Barrett is one of five Republican candidates nationwide the super PAC has endorsed so far, according to Politico, focusing on seats that the National Republican Congressional Committee wants to flip in 2024. “Electing strong candidates to Congress is critical to advancing good policies that will improve the lives of all Americans,” AFP Action Director Nathan Nascimento said in a statement.

“AFP Action is mobilizing our grassroots network from coast to coast to help the strongest candidates win their 2024 primaries – and go on to win in the general election.”

A BRIDGE TOO FAR: Some notable Democrats, those who attend fundraisers with open wallets, have begun sharing that they are disappointed in Governor Gretchen Whitmer – while she has a Democratic administration and both houses of the state legislature for the first time in decades, many are feeling she’s gone too far this term – especially with her successful push to repeal Right to Work legislation. “I know she has the union’s backing, and she felt she had to do it, but a lot of people feel she’s gone too far. Business doesn’t like it. Look at Stellantis – they just picked Indiana over Michigan (for their second battery plant),” said one politico. Some Republicans believe the WHITMER state House will return to its Republican core in 2024 – especially with two Democratic House members running for local mayoral races this November. “We only need two (seats) to turn it,” said one top Republican. As for the state party dysfunction? He dismissed it. “Everyone is bypassing the party. The Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC) – that’s where the money is going. Ironically, Michigan had one of the most active state parties (in years past). Most state parties act like ours is now. Donations are going to the House, and they’re targeting good candidates – and they’re getting good ones.” That said, all of this sounds more like wishful thinking when you look at the solid Democrat leaning of the two House districts where the incumbents are running for local office, so any GOP gains will have to come from elsewhere.

SHIFTING PRIMARY FIELD: The line-up of Democrats hoping to survive the August 2024 primary race for a congressional House seat in the 10th District, which takes in Rochester and Rochester Hills, along with the southern portion of Macomb County, continues to change.

In early October the former director of Macomb County Health and Community Services, Rhonda Powell, threw her hat in the ring. Powell ran in the 2022 primary for this seat in Congress, coming in at 17 percent, considerably behind former Macomb Circuit Court judge and prosecutor Carl Malinga who won the primary contest but then lost in the general election by a mere 1,600 votes to now POWELL incumbent John James (R-Shelby Township). Just as Powell was jumping into the primary line for Democrats, Brian Jaye, a Rochester lawyer and small businessperson announced that he has withdrawn from the Dem primary contest, although the reasons are a bit murky. Jaye had made 26

an unsuccessful run for Congress in 2022 and has also run in the past for the Michigan State Board of Education. His withdrawal was posted on his Facebook page on October 7, along with allegations that the Republican party was circulating false information that Jaye was on a child sex predator list, which he denies. His Facebook posting also announced that he would be teaching in an unnamed school district and only practicing law in the evenings. The latest shift in the line-up leaves Marlinga; Powell; Warren financial advisor Diane Young; Oxford-based gun safety advocate Emily Busch; and state Board of Education member Tiffany Tilley of West Bloomfield. The winner of the primary will face James in November 2024 in a district that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee includes in its list of some 30 House seats they say could flip next year.

(MORE THAN) 15 MINUTES OF FAME: Speaking of John James, often labeled a “rising star” of the Republican Party, the freshman congressman has certainly mastered wringing the maximum media exposure since entering the House at the beginning of this year, starting with the January 5 televised House speech he used to nominate now-dethroned House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California) for the leadership position. James’ push on behalf of McCarthy came just prior to the seventh ballot (of 15 votes over four days). Mind you, McCarthy reportedly was among a few members of JAMES Congress who recruited James to run for his current District 10 seat, which straddles Macomb and parts of Oakland counties after two failed attempts for the U.S. Senate from Michigan. Then during the early October televised hearings to oust McCarthy, thanks to a motion by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida), James positioned himself in the MCCARTHY row and seat directly behind the podium in the GOP part of the House where party members toiled and spoke for an entire day to debate the issue of bouncing McCarthy from the leadership post – televised by many major news stations to the benefit of James. Then we learned on Wednesday, October 11, that in closed door proceedings in the House for Republicans to hammer out a vote on a new House Speaker, James was one of three Representatives to nominate Steve Scalise (R-La.) for the post, although Scalise eventually SCALISE withdrew for the past after failing to get sufficient backing in the closed-door sessions. One of several reasons Scalise failed to garner enough votes was opposition by some party members who cited that 20 years ago when he was a state Representative he once compared himself to former Grand Wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan David Duke, but “without the baggage,” and spoke at a white supremacist gathering.

THE PERENNIAL CANDIDATE: Bloomfield millionaire candidate Perry Johnson has for the past couple of years mystified the chattering class who often wonder why he keeps showing up in political contests that seem beyond his reach, despite the personal wealth he keeps throwing into the effort. But now it seems the media is ghosting Johnson in the current race for president. He did not make the first two debates after failing to meet Republican National Committee benchmarks and it appears the third debate scheduled for November in Miami will remain beyond his reach. What has to be most disheartening for “quality guru” Johnson is that fact that his name doesn’t even show up in most stories when reporters outline who has not or JOHNSON likely won’t make it to the debate stage. We could not find any mention of Johnson days before or any time after the second GOP primary debate held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in California, and he seems to be the forgotten candidate who never gets mentioned when the media focuses on the fall debate, no doubt because he currently is polling at about one percent. But that has not stopped Johnson from looking for the next possible race as word has it he is now looking at joining the Republican primary roster of those seeking to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Debbie Stabenow.

Johnson is claiming that he has been “inundated” with over 100-150 calls from people who want to seen him joining the U.S. Senate race.

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Nicole Kessler icole Kessler is motivated to help those with struggles in life. Kessler spent a decade working in the auto industry as a dealership finance manager while completing her degree in liberal arts and finance from DePaul University. She earned a scholarship to Wayne State University Law School and during her first semester she not only got married but learned she was pregnant a week before exams started.

Her son was born the following summer, yet she continued part-time until she earned her law degree.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked as a Wayne County prosecutor.

During the pandemic, Kessler connected with like-minded parents in Birmingham Public Schools and “organically formed” the Michigan Parents Alliance for Safe Schools (MiPASS) – a grassroots organization with the mission to protect and advocate for the education and well-being of all Michigan students.

“As an attorney, I went to law school to work in a career where I could make a difference. I really care for other people, especially those in groups that are most silent and need the most protection. This is my core motivation.”

MiPASS connects with parents in counties across Michigan who share the same concerns. The group hosts webinars and posts helpful resources on their website and Facebook page.

“We realized we were more effective working together. Initially we were focused on COVID precautions, but our mission has grown to advance the health and safety of Michigan schools and students to include internet safety, equality, gun reform legislation, no-cost meal programs and learning loss tutoring programs.”

Kessler said the MiPASS coalition was involved in the Michigan Red Flag Law, also known as the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, which passed earlier this year and is expected to go into effect next spring.

Kessler noted there are also other factors that involve student safety. “Equality and mental health should be considered part of school safety. For people to feel safe, they need to feel accepted. The rhetoric around book bans, curriculum, race, and gender or sexual identity needs to be addressed...All kids deserve to go to school and be protected, respected, and not discriminated against.”

She encourages parents to be involved in their children’s schools and to attend their local school board meetings, “Dig deeper. Watch and see what happens. No one is hiding stuff from parents. Teachers are not indoctrinating our students. Be involved. Pay attention to what your child is doing and reading in school. If you don’t want your child to read a particular book, contact the school library or your child’s teacher. All schools have a book approval process and while I recognize that some books may slip through the cracks, knee jerk reactions by parents and community members are not helpful. If something doesn’t sound right, stand up and speak out.”

Kessler also warns of outsiders who are a part of fringe groups that target and attend multiple school board meetings in various communities to “stir the pot about book bans and other false narratives.”

She advised, “It’s important to dig deeper when it comes to information on social media. Even if it is from a source you trust, still dig deeper. There are many groups such as Moms for Liberty (which has been designated an ‘extremist’ group by the Southern Poverty Law Center) that are affiliated with hate groups and conspiracy theories. Look closer and try to understand the core values of these types of groups and what they stand for and how they disseminate a lot of hate material. Don’t spread misinformation – and always think critically.”

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Story: Tracy Donohue

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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OAKLAND MASS TRANSIT ONE YEAR UPDATE ON COUNTY PROGRESS

BY SUSAN PECK

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akland County voters in November 2022 approved the Oakland County Public Transportation millage, a 10-year, .95 mill tax dedicated to maintaining and expanding public transit services throughout Oakland County. For residents, that translates to a millage funding of 95 cents for every $1,000 of taxable value of a home, for 10 years. With a 57.1 percent approval rate, and record-level funding for the largest expansion and improvement of public transportation, the question on behalf of those who supported the millage is what are the advancements in public transportation in Oakland County and southeast Michigan one year after its historical passing?

To better understand the state of Oakland County’s public transit today, we need to take a brief look at the preexisting challenges plaguing the region’s main transportation system, Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) with fixed routes in the suburban areas of Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties, and the smaller, scheduled, door- to- door transit systems serving the northern suburbs – the Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA), North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA), the Older Persons’ Commission OPC) and the newest People’s Express (PEX) – which are all receiving funding from the millage.

In Oakland County, two principal systemic challenges within SMART have been going on for decades, with far reaching effects. Foremost, funding has been a persistent obstacle for all of southeast Michigan, including Oakland County. SMART relies on a mix of property taxes, federal grants and passenger fares to operate, and the constant budget constraints due to a lack of funding have led to prevailing service reductions and unreliability. More recently, like many transit agencies across the country, SMART faced significant challenges during the COVID19 pandemic, including reduced ridership and no-show bus drivers that compounded financial woes. And secondly, the truncated nature of the bus routes with “opt out” provisions in 51 communities throughout metro Detroit made it impossible for officials to build a dependable and seamless transit system in Oakland County, with many referring to the gaps as “patchwork” or “swiss cheese” routing, which was inconsistent and unable to meet all of the transportation needs of the community.

Coupling these issues with the often times hostile political gridlock that surrounded them, the transit system has stagnated in the past, with limited growth across Oakland County.

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ince the approval of the transit millage in November 2022, and funds that began to arrive in February 2023, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said Oakland County has moved swiftly to address past challenges by establishing an initial foundation on which to build a better transit system for county residents.

“We have a four-pronged plan that

encompasses operating, maintaining, improving and expanding transit services in Oakland County. The positive turnaround has been made possible because the people wanted the millage, voted for it, they spoke and we listened.

Prior to having this on the ballot there were a small number of people preventing the ability of the majority of this county to vote on this issue,” Coulter said.

“Voters in former opt-out communities, as well as those already onboard with SMART, were largely in favor of the millage and its opportunities,” said Kurt Metzger, demographer and founder of Data Driven Detroit. “The highest ‘yes’ votes in the previous opt-out communities were in Novi (58.9 percent), Novi Township (57.9 percent), Rochester (57.8 percent) and Rochester Hills (57.5 percent). On the other end were the communities with the lowest, where voters were convinced that they wouldn’t get their money’s worth out of the proposal. These were led by Rose Township (23.9 percent), Groveland Township (32.2 percent), Brandon Township (33.5 percent) and Lake Angelus (34.7 percent).

“All the current opt-in communities voted strongly for the measure, with the six highest of them, Huntington Woods at 82.3 percent, and Royal Oak, Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park and Pontiac coming in at over 75 percent. At the lower end of those that said yes were Walled Lake, 56 percent and Troy, 56.9 percent.”

The 10-year millage, expected to raise $68 million in its first year, will direct $38 million toward current service, with most of that going to SMART, and more than $20 million toward new services and transit routes, and an additional $7 million towards capital improvements.

Roughly 79 percent of the millage funding will go directly to contracted transportation services – SMART, NOTA. WOTA, OPC, and PEX – the rest of the funding will go to administration and other improvements still in development, according to a plan provided by Oakland County. “State funding will also be provided in matching dollars for locally generated revenue with a 30 percent match of the public millage dollars that will allow for expansions of service, deployment of technologies, and leveraging these dollars to pull down even further federal funds for new vehicles, and infrastructure improvements, including improved sidewalks and bike paths to the bus stops, improved bus stop shelters with

lighting, heating, WiFi, and more.

Previously these funds have been left on the table, which will no longer be the case – in fact we will be working to increase the state and federal funding.

Our model of leadership includes total transparency for every nickel spent from the millage, and to account for where it goes,” said Coulter.

“A huge component of phase one of the millage goals is going as promised,” he stated. “New contracts with transit providers that put an end to the opt-outs in Oakland County will be in place by the end of the year, with the majority in place today. Moving forward, we will continue to enhance integrated mobility options between SMART and auxiliary systems – to deliver more rides, with more frequency, that travel, more distances, with the lowest fare sustainability. It’s all about the growth of these services for a growing population who needs it.

“For the first time in history we’ve created a transit division in our Economic Development Department, and named Eli Cooper our first manager to collaborate with transit riders, local communities, and businesses to enhance transit opportunities, as well as to ensure accountability of all millage proceeds,” Coulter said.

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ooper has over 35 years of transportation experience with a career that took him to both coasts and to Ann Arbor, where he was the transportation program manager for more than 17 years.

“I frankly came out of retirement when I read that there was a need for transit leadership in Oakland County after the millage,” Cooper said. “I am an Oakland County resident myself who voted to approve the millage and realized I could put my years of transit planning experience to some very good use here.

The first promise of the millage was to ensure that all of the five transit agencies providing service in Oakland County continue to receive funding for the next 10 years to maintain all of the existing services, but also to improve services like extending hours of operation, and closing up all of the gaps in the routes that serve Oakland County, even in areas that have never had fixed route transit services before. We’ve had to go through the federal process to add new routes, which includes holding public hearings regarding the new additions. Goals were for SMART service

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expansions in Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills, Keego Harbor, Novi, Orchard Lake, Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Sylvan Lake, Troy, Waterford, West Bloomfield, White Lake and Wixom. There have been 68 stops added over all of the transit lines, and all SMART buses used currently will be from the existing fleet, and not purchased by the county. The transit division will be reviewing ridership data on a quarterly basis, reviewing contracts on more than an annual basis, and strategizing together with transportation experts, that are first in their field.”

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ransit expert Cooper further noted that, “Planning is essential. SMART brought on Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services focusing on transportation issues including design, infrastructure, and climate change mitigation among others, for the SMART mobility program and we are be working with them on a technical committee with a multi-year planning process. I will be strategizing with the Oakland County Transit Ad Hoc Committee that includes vice chairman of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Marcia Gershenson (D-Bloomfield Township) and commissioners Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak); Ajay Raman (D-Novi); Phillip Weipert (R-South Lyon); Michael Gingell (R-Lake Orion); Brendan Johnson (DRochester Hills) – many from the formerly opt out cities.”

With a budget of approximately $350,000 annually, the transit division also includes transit planner Sarah Lagpacan, who specializes in technical geo spatial information and travel patterns, with a third planner to be added later this year.

While hitting the ground running since joining the department, Cooper stated the numbers speak for themselves when it comes to the success of transit efforts so far this year: “We are seeing over a 22 percent increase in ridership across all of the systems – SMART, WOTA, NOTA, OPC, PEX, and we expect that to only go up from here.”

Kim Vierner, director of WOTA, stated she has seen ridership more than double with continued expansions of services.

WOTA has gone from 150 riders a day to 250, and demand is greater than capacity, with a first-come first-serve basis for reservations, that have to be made at least two days in advance. PEX

transit was newly launched this September when the Oakland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a new $1 million contract to expand this public transportation service that includes seniors, special needs, and general riders in the southwest area of the county including South Lyon, Wixom, Milford Township, Commerce Township, South Lyon Township, the Village of Milford and the Village of Wolverine Lake.

The creation of an unfragmented transit system in Oakland County has planning and transportation experts feeling an optimism that hasn’t been present in the past. ”The ending of the archaic opt-outs is monumental and the most positive thing that’s come from the new millage,” said Joe Grengs, professor of Urban Regional Planning, University of Michigan. “The expanded services are a big move forward towards accessibility for those needing transportation to jobs, schools, medical facilities, daycare and more.” Grengs and Jonathon Levine, professor of Urban Regional Planning also at University of Michigan, coauthored the book, “From Mobility to Accessibility: Transforming Urban Transportation and Land Use.” Grengs explained, “When evaluating any transportation need, it will always be more important to be able to get to your destination than the speed or mode of getting there.”

Amanda Dedrick has special needs and lives at independent living house On My Own of Michigan in Troy. “I work five days a week at Kroger and rely on the bus to get there, but it hasn’t always worked for me in the past because sometimes it doesn’t come, or it comes at a different time and then I’m late for work. I’ve had to take an Uber ride that costs $9 or $10 dollars each way instead of the 50 cents I pay on the bus, and I can’t afford that.”

Dedrick has recently used the SMART Flex microtransit service available in Troy to take her to work, doctor appointments and the hairdresser, with success. Cooper empathized, stating, “Eliminating the opt-out areas and expanding services are the big steps we needed to establish stable and accessible public transit for all that need it. We finally have a mass transit system scheduled for all four corners of the county.”

Levine suggested championing a transportation system in southeast Michigan that moves away from focusing on the movement of cars.

“Focusing only on them

misunderstands the purpose of transportation,” he noted. “It should be about access to our destinations of choice with more options for all. We need to address the growing transit needs of southeast Michigan with planning that includes serving the entire lifecycle of a person – from their youth to senior years.”

“The aging population, from 45 years and older, is the largest demographic in Oakland County today with growing transportation needs,” said demographer Metzger. “Michigan has a quarter of its counties with median ages over 50 years, On the other end of the spectrum, younger voters, between 18 and 30, showed up at the Oakland County voting polls in relatively large numbers stating they wanted reproductive rights and transportation alternatives, so they are continuing to speak out about choices that are important to their lives, and public transportation is one of them.”

“There are specialized needs within the lifecycle that call for more nimble, flexible transit options. SMART has been a pioneer in moving forward with flexible transit options such as the calland-ride, paratransit or smaller vehicles to meet the needs of seniors and those with disabilities but (which is) also used by veterans and anyone living in the outlying areas with less fixed route options,” said Levine. SMART Flex ondemand transportation is available in Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Troy and Clawson.

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egan Owens, executive director of the Detroitbased transit advocacy organization Transportation Riders United (TRU) supports the focus on microtransit or paratransit options like Flex, “because these smaller systems have vans and smaller buses that are easier to navigate, especially for the 'silver tsunami,' or aging population, and those with disabilities that require a more specialized transit option,” she said. “They are a schedule ahead transport service, with reservations required that provide independence and connection to their community that is vital. And on the other end of transit needs, are the millennials and younger people that are moving away from owning their own vehicles because of financial and environmental reasons, and want options to get to schools, jobs and entertainment destinations.”

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Levine said that auto ownership is increasingly becoming a challenge for many because of the skyrocketing costs for not only the vehicle, but also gasoline and car insurance. “In the early 20th century, transportation didn’t even appear in the household budget, as people walked or spent very little on public transport like streetcars, but today it is the second highest item in their budget, second only to housing costs,” he pointed out.

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rban sprawl has continued to be more prominent and something to be addressed for the near and more distant future, as some of the largest industries like e-tail giant Amazon have moved into the available land spaces in the northern suburbs of Oakland County – and with that sprawl has come the necessity for reliable mass transit to those locations.

Along with 20 other fulfillment facilities in Michigan, Amazon opened a Robotics Fulfillment Center at 1200 Featherstone Road in Pontiac, in 2021, hiring more than 1,200 employees. The average pay for Amazon warehouse jobs in Michigan is approximately $17 per hour. Alicia Boler Davis, senior vice president of global customer fulfillment for Amazon stated the expansion not only allows them to better serve their customers but also enables them to boost the local economy and drive more job opportunities for job creation. They have created more than 21,000 jobs statewide so far and look forward to continued growth in Michigan. Cooper said, “The warehouse workers filing jobs like these, and others coming in the future, will have to get to and from work in our county and it’s our job to make sure they have transportation to get there.”

TRU has been hosting Transit Tuesday Talks, like the one recently held at the Baldwin Center in Pontiac, to educate and motivate the public and civic leaders on key transit issues, emphasizing a callto-action by contacting local legislators to voice opinions and give feedback.

There is a profound need to work on the most basic elements, such as normalizing mass transit and educating the public that has never, or rarely, used public transportation, on how to navigate the different transit systems, how to transfer and schedule a ride, and how to use the new apps. Owens sees it as a sign that public awareness education continues to be effective and that people are thinking in a broader

way about mass transit, evidenced by a city like Bloomfield Hills voting for the millage, and ending the opt-outs that they have had for decades in the past.

“It’s simply acknowledging that while you may not want or need to use public transportation yourself, it’s still of great benefit to the entire community, because the many people who do use it every day are people we all depend on, like hospital and nursing home staff, retail workers, restaurant servers, chefs, daycare workers, and more, who are working and benefitting the entire community, and giving everyone a better quality of life,” Owens said.

Funding issues that have historically afflicted mass transportation regionally now show an improvement, according to Dave Woodward, chairman of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, who authored and sponsored the millage proposal.“On average, there is about 50 percent more funding for the transportation service providers to expand capacity beyond what they were currently doing, primarily in the form of adding extended hours and services for NOTA, WOTA and the OPC. These are the specialized and scheduled rides that are so important for the transit dependent. We have put in place three-year contracts with annual renewals with hopes for even more growth.”

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) – the southeast Michigan agency that oversees and provides service coordination for mass transit for Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties with SMART and the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), the city of Detroit’s transit system – is lending support to Oakland County by way of creating partnerships with mass transit officials to improve infrastructures and financial support via funding and grant applications.

Theories as to why funding for mass transit has been thwarted in the past in southeast Michigan have been varied.

Aside from the political disharmony surrounding it, another theory has been the fact that it has never received ample financial support from some of the largest companies headquartered here, like Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis (Chrysler), something that has typically happened from industry leaders in other larger cities. These corporate contributors usually provide support for the construction or improvement of public transit infrastructure, the development of new transit routes, or initiatives aimed at

promoting the use of mass transit.

Explained U-M's Levine, “It hasn’t been the case here with the auto industry.

Historically they weren’t the biggest champions for mass transit, and that could be because of the auto-centric culture they wanted to support. I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a conspiracy, but you could question the amount of financial support that we’ve seen from the auto industry here.”

There has been historical mention of a conspiracy surrounding the automotive industry when it comes to public transit, notably the General Motors streetcar conspiracy in 1949. It involved the conviction of General Motors and related companies that were implicated for monopolizing the sale of buses and supplies to GM-controlled National City Lines and subsidiaries, as well as to the allegations that the defendants conspired to own or control transit systems, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

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oulter sees things differently in regards to the automotive industry’s support in the last 20 years. “The lack of support may very well have been there in the past, but in my opinion I’ve seen a positive alignment because they benefit by having the most reliable transit system in place to assure their many workers get to their jobs.”

While the majority of feedback from officials is positive since passage, for the millage, not all voters were happy about its proposed changes. Some rural communities, including Rose, Holly, Brandon, Independence and Addison townships have voiced disapproval, feeling it can be seen as a ‘money grab” for the rural constituencies. Many there feel they already have bus service offered to seniors and disabled residents at a lower cost than what the millage is levying. The issue had divided communities before the millage, particularly in areas where SMART bus service wasn’t offered, including Milford, Novi, and South Lyon. The Auburn Hills City Council voted to effectively withdraw from the bus service in 2022, before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Daniel O'Brien ruled against the city and denied the request to remove itself from the Oakland County Public Transportation Authority, or OCPTA, which oversees the millage that funds the SMART bus system in the county.

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said the city conducted due diligence to determine if the SMART system was providing for the needs of their community and concluded that the city could create a customized local transit system that would specifically cater to the needs of their residents, at an equal or lesser cost than the SMART millage.

“Our decision to want to opt-out in 2022 came as a result of learning that the SMART system had little ridership in Auburn Hills and that major employers in our city had little or no reliance on the service,” McDaniel said. “We met with the management of SMART and they acknowledged the many flaws in the system and the data they provided confirmed that Auburn Hills received very little benefit in return for the tax revenue our taxpayers were generating and providing to them. Our position was not arbitrary – it was based on a costbenefit analysis. My opinion will change when we learn that SMART has modified and improved its service levels and begins to offer substantially more ridership services that creates a greater benefit to our community. That won’t happen overnight, but I remain optimistic.”

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oters in the city of Auburn Hills were in favor of passing the mass transit millage, with 63 percent voting for it. Said McDaniel, “The taxpayers have spoken and we accept the results.”

Also contributing to voter dissent is the fact that local transit is funded via property taxes, unpopular with some of the general citizenry. Michigan ranks alone in dependency on this tax to fund public transportation. For example, in the Chicago and Cleveland areas, local transit funds necessary to keep a transit system viable are raised through a local option sales tax, and the same is in place in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Portland uses a payroll tax, and some areas combine local sales taxes, license plate fees and other methods to fund transit. Oakland County residents will not be paying an additional tax to SMART, as the county millage will cover all of its expenses.

County commissioner Woodward, a recent recipient of the National Transit Champion Award, said since the millage approval there has been a shift towards unity and collaborative leadership surrounding the issue of mass transit amongst county politicians. Some that were firmly opposed are now meeting in earnest to help make things work

smoothly. Grengs of University of Michigan said political leadership coming out of Oakland County with a prominent voice of support for mass transit is important because it’s a county with lots of jobs, reasonable levels of affluence and clout, and it can affect real positive change.

“We need to keep focused on the dramatically improved social and economic components that the transit expansions will provide our cities, and that includes the importance to align with an economic development strategy making it easy to come in and out of our area for those who work here,” explained Woodward. “The transition to countywide service will enhance mobility options to over 51,000 businesses here that employ over nearly 700,000 people working in large institutions like Beaumont Hospital, Stellantis NV, Great Lakes Crossing, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, Oakland University, and St.Joseph Mercy Hospital.”

Data guru Metzger said approximately 400,000 of those workers come to Oakland County from other areas, and particularly for those with minimum or lower paying wages, public transportation options are imperative.

Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel concurred,“We recently got word that 500 county employees will be moving to a downtown Pontiac location on Judson Street by 2025. This comes on the heels of the new transit options that will be available in Pontiac and surrounding areas and we will be needing the enhanced transportation services to make this work. We are striving to have Pontiac become a transit hub for northern Oakland County as it is intertwined with main routes including M-59, Woodward Avenue, Telegraph and Dixie Highway. There is construction designed to reconfigure the Woodward Loop portion of Woodward Avenue that goes through the downtown area, and the result will be a more pedestrian friendly road, with more accessible bus routes. Future goals are to bring back some signature events and bringing in new ones, adding a vibrancy to the city.”

Oakland University Professor Mark Rigstad, director of the Center for Ethics, believes a strong mass transportation service in a community provides justice and equal opportunity for its members. “Business locations are built around finding an educated and skilled workforce, high performing schools at all levels, and regional

transportation. There is hope that increasing transit availability will mean connecting those looking for work with employers who have been struggling to find help. Oakland University is a commuter campus, and many students can only get here by bus or other public transportation – without it their life choices would be limited. There is also a secondary ethical reason for its importance as the use of mass transit is environmentally responsible, lowering our carbon footprint, lessening traffic, and improving air quality.”

While there appears to be a generally positive outlook when it comes to the voter-approved mass transit millage in Oakland County, there are still other issues to conquer in the region.

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ther ongoing struggles for mass transit in southeast Michigan, primarily SMART, include hiring and retaining enough drivers to operate vehicles, and these loom heavily in Oakland County.

“We can have every other piece in place but if we don’t have the drivers to transport riders we hit an impasse,” said Woodward. “We are putting extreme efforts into recruiting drivers like the recent innovative initiative “Test Drive a Bus' held at M-1 Concourse test driving track in Pontiac to attract new potential drivers and provide a training program.

There was a great turnout and response and we will continue programs like that are outside of the box, to recruit.”

The other issue of noncompetitive wages for drivers has been addressed.

Bus drivers in southeast Michigan make on average $18 per hour. The pay rates have previously not been uniform across the different systems, causing conflicts with drivers leaving one system to find a higher wage at another. Plans to have a standard pay for all drivers is underway, and there is also a push for hiring more drivers for the microtransit and paratransit vehicles, and adding even more to those fleets. Woodward said the upside is that the smaller vehicle drivers aren’t required to have a commercial driver’s license, the license to operate large and heavy vehicles that transports more than 15 passengers, so hiring requirements are easier to meet.

The ongoing chip shortage that still affects the national supply chain in the automobile industry is creating a challenge regarding the availability of the public transportation vehicles.

County executive Coulter said, ”The lead

time to order specialized Americans with Disabilities Act-equipped vehicles is the longest, sometimes up to 18 months. We have the resources available to acquire the vehicles – we just need to get the green light from them, we’re ready when they are.”

There are 14 new vehicles in the fleet so far this year, and 13 more ordered but not yet received. Transit director Cooper addressed supply chain challenges at a recent ‘Transit Tuesday Talk” saying, “The expansion is a process, but we want to remain accountable to meet all goals. In regards to adding more vehicles to Oakland County, you can’t get on a bus if the buses aren’t coming out of the factory so these are the kind of things we are working on every day. Each success breeds more success.”

As part of the entire transit system in southeast Michigan, Oakland County has to align with SMART and its collaboration with DDOT to provide a seamless transit for those traveling between the city of Detroit and its suburbs. Without a reliable schedule in place, SMART will have difficulty serving the new bus routes. Cooper and the transit staff will be analyzing the gaps and limits of southeast Michigan’s transit schedules, and develop a plan to provide much more efficient transit, catering to Oakland County’s needs.

Dart, a new universal method to pay and ride on both DDOT and SMART fixed routes, allows unlimited rides within the time limit on the pass for $2 per zone, no transfer fees, reduced fees for seniors, people with disabilities, youth ages 6-18, with children under 46 inches are free – all which are easily accessed on the Dart Detroit Transit app.

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ooking to the future, there are exciting advancements already on the horizon for Oakland County.

“The rollout of the higher frequency, higher capacity, direct route Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will be further developed with goals of making transportation from Oakland County to downtown Detroit and to Metro Airport faster and more easily accessible,” said Coulter.

There is also an app being developed to geo-locate a bus and link it to a location to provide real-times, and connect riders with all options of the transit system.

There are plans to add on-board digital signage to provide route, weather, and

The new and extended SMART transit routes In Bloomfield Hills there will be new routes 450 Woodward Local and 462 FAST (express service connecting to downtown Detroit) on Woodward Avenue near Long Lake Road.; Novi and Wixom routes 305, 740, and 805 will be extended to serve those communities; Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake and Keego Harbor route 851 will receive a three mile extension to serve commuters; and the newest Pontiac and Auburn Hills 759 Highland-Oakland University, and 492 Rochester.

The new hours for SMART routes are as follows: Route 450 Woodward Local runs hourly Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and every other hour on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. with stops every quarter mile through Bloomfield Hills. 462 FAST Woodward runs hourly from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and every other hour on Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Grand River: The route was extended to Wixom and realigned to Grand River between Telegraph and 7 Mile. It operates Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The route has a 60-minute frequency with destinations such as the Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi Town Center, Wixom Meijer, Sam’s Club and Ascension Hospital; Route 740 Twelve Mile route was extended to Wixom on weekdays and Saturdays. Operating hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday with shorter trips from Royal Oak to Roseville on Sunday. New destinations include Twelve Oaks Mall, West Oaks Center, Ascension Hospital, and Wixom Meijer.

In addition to new SMART routes, NOTA, OPC and WOTA will offer a menu of mobility options that will expand access and increase efficiency. A summary of the biggest changes includes that OPC will extend its service hours to 8 p.m. with more destinations; NOTA will hire additional staff and improve the parking lot to accommodate new transit vehicles, fuel centers and electric vehicle charging centers; WOTA will extend service hours until 9 p.m. and standardize fares along with all of the transit systems to $2 per stop and make low income riders eligible.

Both WOTA and NOTA will hire mobile mechanics to keep more vehicles on the road. Initial driving boundaries for PEX are as follows: The northern boundary is M59/Highland Road, southern boundary is 7 Mile Road, the western boundary is U.S. Route 23, and the eastern boundary is Drake Road.

other information, to offer a better riding experience.”

“For instance there will be a digital display screen at the bus stop that will show real-time arrivals. There will also be further testing of the four electric vehicles already purchased, and experimenting with self-driving vehicles, and we will continue to incorporate efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles into our future fleet,” Cooper added.

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nvironmental responsibility is an important part of Oakland County’s future as officials support the transition to low/zero emissions transit vehicles and carbon neutrality. There is a State of Transit event scheduled in January 2024, where area transit leaders, including those from Oakland County, will address the climate component of mass transit.

Looking back over the first year after the millage there is evidence pointing to success regarding several issues that contributed to the transit system in Oakland County operating below commuters’ expectations in the past.

Funding issues and political deadlock that centered around what Metzger called an “L .Brooks Patterson versus Coleman Young issue that kept Oakland County isolated and segregated from expanded mass transit,” have seen a positive shift with current leadership.

With goals met by the end of the year to complete the first ever, reliable, gap-free transit system throughout Oakland County, this changes the face of businesses and people living and working here.

Said Woodward, “It is about thinking of the needs of the community as a whole, but it’s also about the importance of mass transit for each individual. We want to make sure there is never another 'Walking Man' story in Oakland County, like 56 year-old James Robertson, who for years had to walk 21 miles to work at Schain Mold &Engineering in Rochester Hills, from Detroit, having to endure snow storms, a mugging, and walking along Crooks Road in the dark because of the opt-out cities like Rochester Hills, prior to the millage. We’re proud to say we’ve made it our first priority to put a transportation route together that makes what happened to Mr. Robertson never happen again to anyone in Oakland County.”

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“My journey started at Cranbrook. I was the only Black kid in seventh and eighth grade so making friends, being funny, and exposure to art, music, literature, and theater really helped me dive into the notion that I wanted to tell stories,” Edwards said.

While at Cranbrook, Edwards had many formative experiences and his earliest writing success. He created a comic strip in the school newspaper and taught a student-led class on filmmaking. “I really just wanted to get some other kids to help me make a movie,” he laughingly said.

After graduating from Cranbrook in 1981, the Detroit native attended Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts where he spent his spare time writing fan letters and reading screenplays and biographies so he could see how others in the field shaped their careers. After his college graduation, he quickly moved to Los Angeles to get work as a writer since his physician father gave him only nine months to succeed or he was expected to return home and go to medical school.

Edwards started out working on a CBS lot in Hollywood delivering supplies and making important connections. Determination, persistence, talent, and a keen sense of humor swiftly paid off for him. “Four months after I moved to L.A. I was making a living as a professional writer when so many don’t succeed. I like to say I may not be as talented as some other writers, but I will out-hustle them.”

The Emmy-nominated writer has worked on many popular shows, including “Full House,” “A Different World,” “In Living Color,” “Roc,” “Out All Night” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." He also wrote for Disney animated feature films “Treasure Planet” and “The Princess and the Frog,” both of which were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

For his meeting with the creator of “The Fresh Price of Bel-Air," Edwards noted, “I went in wearing my preppiest outfit and told stories of my time at Cranbrook – as someone who understands both sides of the two main characters. They knew that I ‘got it’ and I was hired.” Edwards also took photos of Cranbrook to the set design department and “with minor changes,” Cranbrook became the design inspiration for Bel-Air Academy, the private school in the show which main characters Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) and Will (Will Smith) attended.

Currently, Edwards is working on a series of graphic novels centered around Robert Smalls, a formerly enslaved South Carolina Civil War hero who freed himself, his crew, and their families by commandeering a Confederate ship and sailing it through Charleston Harbor to a Union-controlled area where it was put in service as a Union warship. His heroic actions helped convince President Abraham Lincoln to accept Black soldiers into the Union Army.

“I love the research and am a nerd at heart. I’ve been able to uncover some things that make a good story even better...Within his story are some truly inspirational stories of people doing the right thing for the right reasons. Robert Smalls was a real live action superhero.”

The California writer continues to be involved with his former schools by teaching a screenwriting course for graduate students at Syracuse University and serving on the Board of Governors for Cranbrook Schools. He and his wife of 33 years have two adult sons.

“As a writer, I start every day fresh by asking myself ‘How can I make this better?'” he explained. “Cranbrook’s motto is ‘Aim High’ and I still carry that with me. If I come short of perfect, it’s still really, really good.”

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MUNICIPAL City says water quality violation not a problem

By Lisa Brody

Routine water sample testing done for the city of Birmingham by Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA) revealed one noncompliant sample, from a sink which had not been in use for months at Whole Foods, and per state law, the city was required to mail a notice of the violation to all Birmingham residents.

Complicating the situation even further, a technician preparing the report to the state had miscalculated averages in the report.

City attorney Mary Kucharek explained that since the Flint Water Crisis in 2014, the state of Michigan has re-enacted many points of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act of 1976 through the state's Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) department. Michigan's act exceeds the standards of the federal requirements, Kucharek said.

The city partners with SOCWA in order to procure the routine water testing at 10 different sites around Birmingham, as well as a number of their other communities, which is done quarterly.

“Every test since the act has been enacted, we've (Birmingham) been perfect,” Kucharek said. She noted the water in Birmingham is safe to use and drink, and does not need to be boiled.

Kucharek explained the water quality testing tests for lead and phosphates. However, she noted, one of the things in city water is orthophosphate which is added to water to prevent pipe corrosion – and is what was missing from the Flint water system. “It's a phosphate that creates a film that prevents lead from leaching into the water. It's important to understand the importance of these good phosphates to keep lead out of our water.”

Yet, if water is not run in a source regularly, that phosphate film can create a false positive test.

In June 2023, a sample taken at a utility sink at Whole Foods at 2100 E. Maple Road in Birmingham, in its former bistro area which was being reconstructed as an Amazon return site, came back non-compliant. The sink had not been used in a while and the individual doing the sample failed to run the water from the sink, Kucharek noted.

“The city and Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA) believe the non-compliant downtownpublications.com

Ethics board rules on foundations

By Grace Lovins

irmingham’s Ethics Board issued an advisory opinion, discussed during the city commission meeting on Monday, October 2, that stated elected officials, appointed officials and city employees are not barred from establishing or being involved in the administration of private nonprofit foundations.

City commissioner Clinton Baller had raised the question and brought the issue before the ethics board, seeking an advisory opinion to determine after asking if commissioners were able to establish a community foundation during one of the commission’s regular meetings.

While the recently approved 2040 Master Plan recommends establishing a community foundation, city attorney Mary Kucharek advised commissioners that it should be left to the private sector.

Baller then made a request with the city’s ethics board for an advisory opinion on the matter.

At the ethics board meeting on Friday, June 23, Baller asked three specific questions which were addressed in the board’s opinion; What are the ethical considerations if an elected official, appointed official or city employee is involved in the establishment and administration of the foundation? He also asked if there is an ethical concern if he, Baller, donates or loans under $5,000 to establish the foundation, and if the board had any other considerations or advice related to city personnel establishing or serving in the administration of a community foundation.

The ethics board wrote that a city official donating or raising funds on behalf of a community foundation is allowed, but the official has to be careful about recognizing conflicts of interest.

In the advisory opinion, the board also said that the code of ethics doesn’t bar an elected official from involvement in the establishment or in the administration of a foundation. The board also emphasized that the responsibility of Baller and any other commissioner is to the city, and they need to be on alert for conflicts of interest. He would have to recuse himself from any city commission discussion and voting related to the foundation.

The board cited several parts of the ethics ordinance in a section of the opinion that dealt with potential conflicts of interest. Commissioners are not prevented from establishing a foundation, but they are barred from participating in discussions of that organization at the commission level.

Commissioners reviewed the opinion during the regular meeting, but no formal action was needed or taken.

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sample produced a false low WQP (water quality parameters) due to it being inadvertently collected from a utility sink that was no longer in use and had been sitting stagnant awaiting demolition. Standing water should not be used for water sampling. A subsequent sample collected at the same site from an active sink in July of 2023 was found to meet all EGLE requirements,” the city stated in a release.

“The sample at issue from the Whole Foods food court sink should be disregarded because that source was not in active service and the results are not representative of the site,” said SOCWA General Manager Jeffrey McKeen.

Kucharek said she appealed the non-compliance citing to EGLE, and while they considered the situation,

they still noted it as a violation.

“EGLE will not even think about something in a logical way because they are compelled to follow the strictest language of the act,” Kucharek said. “They did say we presented the best possible facts and evidence that this was not a violation of the act.

Whole Foods' attorney sent documentation that the sink hadn't been used since May. This (redesign) plan was already in place.”

“We consider the health, safety and welfare of our residents and water consumers in the city of Birmingham to be of paramount importance,” said Birmingham City Manager Jana Ecker. “It is important for residents to know this is a potential treatment issue, and the sample in question and all water delivered to residents is safe to consume.”

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Due to the non-compliance citing, the city was required to send a notice to all Birmingham residents. The city has also announced that it will now increase both the number of water sampling locations and frequency of testing in the future.

Grant to address Lot No. 6 flooding issue

By Grace Lovins

Municipal Parking Lot No. 6, located at 592 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham, will potentially be getting a new floodwall thanks to a grant that was accepted on Monday, October 2, by city commissioners.

Back in June of 2022, city staff applied for a $1.29 million FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant for the floodwall at the parking lot. The grant is run through the Michigan Department of State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and will be used for a specific portion of the area near commercial businesses.

Parking Lot No. 6 sees frequent flooding from the River Rouge, and each time the city uses temporary flood measures to help with the issue. Right now, if a flood takes place the city’s department of public services and fire department must come to the parking lot to deploy a temporary floodwall.

One of the problems with this, according to city engineer Melissa Coatta, is that the measures take personnel away from both departments. The grant will help the city install a measure that would require minimal personnel.

According to Coatta, the project will consist of two phases. The first will include a hydrologic and hydraulic study to analyze the area and planning.

The second phase involves construction. Coatta said that the design option will include a reinforced concrete floodwall with openings to keep building access. Flood plates will also be stored on site to be installed during an emergency, she said.

The grant awarded is for $1.29 million, but the total cost of the project is anticipated at $1.43 million, leaving the city to pay the $215,945 difference.

The city’s portion will come from the capital projects funds, according to Coatta.

Commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the grant agreement, authorizing mayor Therese Longe to sign. The commission also adopted a resolution to charge the cost of the project and approve an amendment to the capital project funds for streambank improvements.

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Township safety paths continue to expand

By Dana Casadei and Lisa Brody

roposed routes for the 2023 Jan Roncelli Safety Path program in Bloomfield Township were unanimously approved by the board of trustees at their meeting on Monday, September 26, along with approvals to award the contract to build the safety paths, as well as approving a grant for the safety path at the intersection at Franklin, Telegraph and Square Lake.

The board of trustees had previously approved the proposed routes for the 2023 Jan Roncelli Safety Path program at the board of trustees meeting on February 13, 2023. At that meeting, staff presented the selected routes for the 2023 program, which included the west side of Lahser Road from Maple Road to Quarton Road; along the east side of Franklin Road between Kendry Avenue and Fremont Street; and also along the west side of Telegraph from Humphrey Avenue to Orchard Lake Road, tying into the Clinton River Bike Trail.

Since gaining the approval in February, the engineering and environmental services division decided to take another look at the third route proposed, ultimately deciding to revise that option, specifically the wooded area within the “paper road” wooded lot that leads onto Lafayette Avenue, due to concerns about pedestrian safety. Board members inquired into easements, the route and pedestrian safety, but ultimately unanimously approved the route as proposed.

The engineering and environmental services division then met with members of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and with Hubbell, Roth and Clark, Inc. (HRC) in September, coming to the board of trustees on September 26 with the three route options that will connect pedestrian access to the Clinton River Trail.

While there was no official motion, trustees eliminated two of the proposed options due to the proximity to adjacent homes, as well as the impact and conflict it would have on existing topography, determining the best option was to go with the “paper road” wooded lot route, noting the lower cost and construction.

“It’s the least expensive by about 60 percent and the first option just isn’t very attractive,” trustee Neal Barnett said. “I think option two would be a more pleasant walkway.”

The selected route will have LEED lighting added to the area, some tree clearing to not only address the safety concerns but also open up the area without taking away any character of the neighborhood.

“I appreciate the concern about going through the wooded area but personally, I would definitely favor that,” said trustee Valerie Murray. “I think it would be aesthetically pleasing. I think it would be safer, it would certainly be less expensive, but by widening that path and with the lights, it would certainly improve safety. I’d be curious to go walk it sometime because it sounds like it would be a pretty area to walk through.”

The selected option’s estimated cost is $953,000, and will need temporary grading or permanent easements along Telegraph Road, north of Humphrey Avenue and along Lafayette Avenue and Maward Avenue.

Approval will come to the board at a later meeting.

Trustees did award a contract to Italia Construction Inc., for the 2023 Jan Roncelli Safety Path Program, for a total of $1,277,425.62. Italia is currently the contractor for the 2022 Jan Roncelli Safety Path construction, the 2023 Safety Path Repair Program, and the 2023 Safety Path ADA Ramp Improvements, and has worked on many other safety path construction projects in the past.

Trustees also approved an easement for a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant for the safety path intersection of Telegraph and Square Lake. The TAP grant had previously been approved by trustees at their August 23, 2021 meeting. Trustees were informed by Corey Almas, director of ngineering and environmental services, that over the past two years staff have worked with HRC to complete the necessary right-ofway acquisition services to facilitate project construction.

“At this time all 10 easement acquisition agreements have been signed for a total fee owed of $515,942 to the property owners in order to secure the easements,” Almas said. “The easements were reviewed by HRC, EESD staff and our legal department. However, until the funds have been distributed, regardless of the signed agreement, the easements are not considered final.”

The board unanimously approved the easement acquisition and disbursement.

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Federal ARPA funds for new phone system

By Dana Casadei

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds Bloomfield Township had received were unanimously approved to be used to purchase an Avaya phone system through Teoma Systems at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees’ meeting on Monday, October 9, replacing the current phone system.

The new on-premise phone system will cost $151,053.98 in total, and consist of two phone systems, one on campus and another in a co-location.

This new phone system will include redundancy, interactive voice response menus and mobile options.

“We have the ability, if we go to a co-location, to provide cell phones and direct access to the phone systems for 30 people,” said Wil Babinchak, township director of Information Technology, about this new phone system.

A co-location would be vital if there was any sort of disaster and would give those 30 individuals – who would primarily be elected officials and department heads – access to the phone system to stay in contact without having to go through their personal cell phone lines.

Babinchak spoke highly about the references they received from cities of Troy and Sterling Heights, who both work with Tecoma Systems, a Troybased business.

The quote is priced off of a National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance through an Omnia Partners contract. Bloomfield Township has been a part of the Omnia contract since 2012.

If the township had decided to stick with their current company, they would have to pay nearly $10,000 for their yearly support renewal. That looming upcoming deadline is part of the reason why Babinchak wanted to be sure to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later on this purchase.

Township officials say they hope to implement the phone system before the 2024 election season.

Chicken coop ruling goes to high court

By Lisa Brody

A decision in 2021 by the Bloomfield Township Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) against a resident requesting a chicken coop in their

yard which was affirmed by Oakland County Circuit Court but reversed on appeal is being appealed by the township to the Michigan Supreme Court as a potential infringement on local municipal control.

In 2021, Lindsey Dezman and Jon Geiger came before the township BZA requesting permission to keep a chicken coop on their property after receiving a citation. The couple, who live in a single-family residential zoned area on nearly two acres at Telegraph and Hickory Grove roads, told the BZA, according to court documents, they kept chickens as their pets to provide an educational experience for their children and in order to provide eggs for their family.

The township said its ordinances do not specifically permit a chicken coop under single family residential R1 zoning, so it means it is prohibited.

The couple argued that since there was no ordinance that forbade the coop, it should be allowed. They appealed the BZA ruling to Oakland County Circuit Court, which concurred with the township.

However, when Dezman and Geiger appealed the ruling to the Michigan Court of Appeals, the appeals court overturned the ruling, agreeing with them.

Now, Bloomfield Township is asking the Michigan Supreme Court to reconsider the appeals court decision.

The Michigan Supreme Court does not take every case it is asked to consider. However, it is believed there is a strong chance they will take this case because local communities should be able to determine local control, according to officials.

“It flies in the face of decades of zoning laws and it would impact local zoning laws and the ability of local communities to determine what happens in our communities, and what works best in our local communities,” said one official.

Numerous other Oakland County communities have been dealing with the same issue of residents keeping chickens and coops in their backyards. Some, such as Royal Oak, Rochester Hills, Berkley, Ferndale and Hazel Park, permit them. Others prohibit them.

Supervisor Dani Walsh declined to comment, stating she could not discuss current litigation.

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MUNICIPAL Kolinski appointed to fill trustee seat

By Dana Casadei

Chris Kolinski was officially appointed to the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at their meeting on Tuesday, September 26, filling the vacancy left by the appointment of Michael Schostak to the treasurer position.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, as well as continue to serve Bloomfield Township,” Kolinski told the board during his three-minute presentation.

During the board of trustees meeting, eight applicants – nine were listed in the board packet but one applicant did not show – spoke for three minutes to the board, on whatever they choose to, which ranged from why they decided to apply to criticism of the board’s work and personal stories about why Bloomfield Township means so much to them.

Many of those who spoke to the board made it clear that they were not coming to this open position with any kind of agenda but as residents who truly wanted to help the township, no matter whether they had lived their decades or only a few years.

Those new to the township, such as Margo Cargill and Czara Venegas, may not have had the decades of familiarity with the area that others did, but both spoke with passion about moving the township forward, bringing backgrounds that have taken them all over the world and using what they’ve learned to do just that.

While a few trustees did mention that they could see the value in getting someone new, others noted they wanted someone familiar with the township and the role to fill Schostak’s seat, with an added bonus for anyone who had prior experience on Bloomfield Township boards and committees.

“For me, when we’re appointing somebody… I’m looking for their connection and involvement with the township, those experiences are important to me,” said trustee Neal Barnett.

Schostak agreed, mentioning that he wanted someone who had lived in the township and understood its nuances, someone who truly understood the issues and all it would take to be a public servant for the township, an area of work Kolinski is no stranger to.

Public service is something that Kolinski has been drawn to, and he mentioned the need he felt to serve 52

Lupone named Assistant Principal of Year loomfield Hills High School (BHHS) has a lot to crow about – Jessica Lupone, associate principal of BHHS, has been named Michigan’s 2024 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies.

Lupone has spent all 23 years of her career in education at Bloomfield Hills Schools, from a teacher to a student leadership adviser to her current role as a building leader since 2019.

"We are so proud of Jessica and she is so deserving of this recognition.

Jessica is admired and loved by everyone she comes in contact with, and known as an outstanding leader who can get things done,” said Randy Liepa, Bloomfield Hills Schools Interim Superintendent. “We are so happy she is receiving this acknowledgement as she represents the many fine and caring administrators in our district."

Lupone was nominated by a previous co-student adviser, along with her student advisory groups, and received numerous support from superiors, coworkers and the community.

Throughout Lupone’s nomination she is described as a friend, mentor, loving caretaker, charismatic personality, champion for excellence, having a meticulous work ethic and great attention to detail, the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals said.

To be eligible for this prestigious award, an individual must show work to progress student activity groups, school leaders and their building culture.

"She constantly goes out of her way to accommodate student endeavors, fostering an inspiring, inclusive and positive environment.

Her positive attitude gives every student the confidence to take risks in new situations, which in the end, makes our school community a better place," said Michael Dillon, 2022-23 Student Director of Equity and Inclusion for the association.

Lupone will represent Michigan as the state’s nominee for the National Association of Secondary School Principals Assistant Principal of the Year competition, which will be awarded in April during Trailblazing Leadership Weekend at the 2024 State APOY Celebration in Washington, D.C. “Lupone has dedicated her career to serving the Bloomfield Hills community as a high school teacher, instructional coach, leadership advisor, and associate principal,” explained Dan Hartley, BHHS principal.

“She works tirelessly to build strong relationships with students, staff and families in order to make our school the best it can be. She is an instructional leader, problem solver, and fierce advocate for our students and school community.”

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while working at Ernst & Young was too strong to ignore. He would soon leave the world of finance – which he majored in at Oakland University – in favor of night school to become a paramedic before becoming a career firefighter, a career he’s now worked in for over a decade.

Kolinski also comes from a family of public servants and grew up in Oakland County. His father was not only a Vietnam veteran but also was a firefighter for over 27 years, and his mother was an elementary school special education teacher.

His former career in finance, as well as a treasurer position with the union executive committee, puts him in a unique position for upcoming negotiations for when many of the

township’s union contracts expire in the next few years.

“So I think somebody who sits on our board, who has sat in a room during negotiations, and has actually sat on the other side of the table, would not only be a strategic advantage for our township, for our board, but for our unions as well,” he said.

The board of trustees agreed that he would make an excellent asset, taking over for Schostak, who was sworn in at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting as treasurer on Monday, August 14, after the resignation of now former treasurer Brian Kepes, was officially, and unanimously, accepted by the board.

The board unanimously voted to

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appoint Schostak to replace him.

After the applicants’ presentations, the board used a ranking system similar to one they’ve used in the past, with each board member ranking their top four candidates, giving a four for their favorite, a three for their second, and so fourth.

There was close to zero debate about their selections once they were revealed into the record, with many noting they were quite encouraged by not only the sheer number of applicants, but the diversity among them.

“This is a really good position to be in,” supervisor Dani Walsh said about how many applicants there were.

Trustee Valerie Murray noted when she ran in 2020 there were nine candidates for four positions, so this type of turnout was great to see.

After totaling their rankings, Kolinski was the favorite for four board members, earning him 21 points in total. Ed Ford followed with 12, then Paul Stoychoff and Venegas each earned seven points, respectively.

There was discussion about doing another round of voting to eliminate anyone who wasn’t one of the four above, but Barnett said that given the spread by which Kolinski had won, there didn’t seem like much point in another round – their new trustee had clearly already been selected.

While only one spot was available to be filled on the board of trustees, multiple board members encouraged those who had applied for the trustee position to apply for other boards within the township, including the two roles that will now be vacant with Kolinksi officially joining the board of trustees.

He formally served as chairman on the township's board of review and was a member of the financial sustainability committee, two positions which are now vacant.

ARPA funds upgrade to wireless network

By Dana Casadei

A very necessary upgrade will soon be coming to Bloomfield Township’s campus after the board of trustees voted 7-0 on Monday, October 9, to use part of the $4.5 million awarded to the township through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) towards the purchase of replacing their campus wireless network.

The new campus wireless system is set to cost $45,108.12, and will be purchased through AmeriNet, Inc., which is a current township vendor.

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This purchase will entirely replace the existing wireless network infrastructure, a replacement that was already on the docket for this December. Now, instead of taking the wireless network down twice, the township will only have to do it this one time with this complete replacement and refresh.

Wil Babinchak, township director of information technology, said this update will have a massive increase in security compared to what they’re currently using.

“It’ll increase our security ten-fold from where we’re at now to where we’ll be…it’s just incomparable,” he said.

While the board didn’t have any questions for him about the purchase, clerk Martin Brook brought up a comment to Babinchak from a township citizen who spoke during the evening’s public comment section, expressing concern about sensitive voter data being on the wireless network.

“The sensitive voter data doesn’t reside on our network here, it resides on a state network that is also very secure, and this has nothing to do with that,” Brook said.

Babinchak confirmed the comment is inaccurate, and that the wireless system does not connect in any way to voter information.

“In fact, all of our voting equipment – laptops, voting machines – it never touches our network… it’s never plugged into the wireless network. It’s all standalone,” Babinchak said.

Trustees voted unanimously to approve using ARPA funds towards the campus wireless system.

ARPA funds directed at township IT storage

By Dana Casadei

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expenditure of $75,568.91 to purchase a Storage Area Network (SAN) replacement through Abtech Technologies, Inc. at their Monday, October 9, meeting, to update and house their servers and protect their technology.

Abtech Technologies, Inc. was recommended for this project from the township’s department of information technology, led by Wil Babinchak, who gave the evening’s presentation.

“SAN is really where we house every single piece of data that we have in the township, including all our servers, even the laptop I’m connected to,” Babinchak said.

54

City early voting partnership approved

By Grace Lovins

n preparation for the 2024 election cycle, Birmingham will partner with Oakland County and two local townships to provide early voting after city commissioners on Monday, September 18, authorized the city clerk to enter an agreement.

After the November 2022 general election, voters approved ballot Proposal 2, known as the “Promote the Vote” petition. The proposal ushered in several new voting rights that were added to the Michigan Constitution.

Voters now have the option to vote early, either with early mail-in ballots or in-person at early voting sites prior to state and federal elections.

Municipalities are required to have at least one early voting site for state and federal elections. Voters will get 10 days to cast their ballots early.

Birmingham Clerk Alexandria Bingham said she has been working with other groups to get early voting squared away by next year’s deadline.

“What we’re doing right now is – the clerks, legislators, the bureau of elections with the state, the county – we are all working together right now to get all the parts in place to do what that proposal said to do in time, which we have to have all of this in place by March of 2024,” she said.

The new option for voters also came with new options for municipalities to partner with their county and other municipalities to conduct early voting. Bingham presented an agreement between the city, Oakland County, Bloomfield Township and Southfield Township to partner together for early voting. Bingham said the partnership will help with costs and workload.

“We’re going to be working with Oakland County, Bloomfield Township, Southfield Township and the city. That means instead of having one clerk having to find all the people, staff all the people, get the equipment for themselves, the partnership is kind of a ‘divide and conquer,’” Bingham said.

Jurisdictions that partner with the county or other groups can get roughly 80 percent of their costs reimbursed through grants from the state, said Bingham. Municipalities that opt to work alone to provide early voting will only receive about 40 percent of their costs reimbursed.

Voters will get to see the partnership in action as early as this November during the state general election. Early voting will take place at the Bloomfield Township Public Library, said Bingham, which allows the city to split the cost with the township.

According to Bingham, Oakland County emphasizes consistency for voters, which is reflected in the agreement. There will be a statutory timeframe in which the municipalities and the county will evaluate the process and decide if the process worked, or if changes need to be made.

Commissioners voted 7-0 to authorize Bingham to enter into the agreement and partnership with Oakland County, Bloomfield Township and Southfield Township.

I

Bloomfield Township’s current SAN is Dell, a partner-first company for data center purchases. Once the opportunity is registered with Dell, no value-added reseller could be added to the quoting process.

This SAN is also a sole-source purchase, meaning there is only one vendor capable of providing the service, causing it to not be possible for the township to obtain competitive bids on the project.

The current SAN being used by the township is set to expire in November, with a warranty and support renewal

cost of $32,566.73. If renewed, this SAN would not have expired for another three years.

The newly approved SAN from Abtech Technologies, Inc. will have a five-year warranty and support contract.

The IT department also took advantage of Dell’s buyback program, negotiating to not only receive the $15,000 from their buyback program but to keep their current SAN too, which is not typical with this sort of program. Usually one has to return the SAN.

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Babinchak said they’ll be able to use their current SAN at a co-location for their upcoming disaster recovery plan.

The board’s newest trustee, Chris Kolinksi, made the motion for approval, which was awarded, passing 7-0.

Sanitary sewer rehab project pact awarded

By Dana Casadei

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to award the 2023 sanitary sewer rehab program to D.V.M. Utilities at their meeting on Tuesday, September 26.

The bid from D.V.M. Utilities (DVM) was not only the lowest of the five bids that came in at $429,288.50 – bids topped at $545,723.00 – but also came in under the engineer’s estimate from Hubbell, Roth & Clark (HRC) at $515,528.93.

While Bloomfield Township has never worked with DVM before, HRC has on prior projects, and received positive reviews from others who had previously worked with them.

Corey Almas, P.E., director of engineering & environmental services for Bloomfield Township, addressed this program’s focus areas for reducing inflow and infiltration in Section 2, which includes part of Fox Hills subdivision and Fox Hills condos; as well as Section 30, which includes part of the Kirkwood subdivision.

The project was put out to bid with three divisions of work as it had in years prior.

Division 1 is in the Fox Hills Subdivision; division 2, the Fox Hills Condos; and division 3’s focus in the Kirkwood Subdivision.

The 2023 sanitary sewer rehab program is part of Bloomfield Township’s continuous effort to inspect, repair, and rehabilitate portions of the township’s sanitary sewer to reduce inflow and infiltration, taking a proactive approach to the township’s sewers before something disastrous, and costly, happens such as a sink hole.

Elimination of inflow and infiltration into the township’s sanitary sewer system also helps lower the cost paid

by Bloomfield Township to the Oakland County Water Resource Commissioner for collection and treatment.

This program is done in part under an administrative consent order and final order of abatement by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy.

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Mixed-use building rules review continues

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The Birmingham Planning Board held a third study session on Wednesday, October 11, to continue their review of the current requirements for mixed-use buildings in the city’s Triangle District.

According to planning director Nick Dupuis, the increasing number of applications for the Triangle District raised concern over the current standards for allowing additional stories if the building meets certain criteria.

The board and city staff have also looked into the proportions of mixed-use buildings.

During the board’s first and second study sessions, city staff gave the board a revised ordinance to look over that added a percentage requirement for commercial uses and the LEED certification incentive that can allow buildings additional stories.

Dupuis said that from his findings, the LEED certification has essentially become the industry standard. He also stated that there are multiple levels of the LEED certification – LEED certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold and LEED Platinum. Dupuis suggested requiring developers to get one of the higher level certifications to qualify for additional stories.

The planning board discussed removing the additional stories for LEED certification from the building requirements since they don’t have a feasible way to enforce it. Multiple members said the certification is given to the buildings after they are built, and if a developer doesn’t follow through with the LEED certification, the city doesn’t have a way to penalize them.

Chairperson Scott Clein later on said that he’s also in favor of removing the additional stories for LEED certified buildings, noting that builders who follow the Michigan Building Code and other modern building codes will likely all be LEED certified.

Board members also visited the idea of a percentage requirement for the frontage of mixed-use buildings.

There was a consensus that the board was hoping to have a use that activates the frontage, but had different ideas of how to do so.

Eventually, board members concurred that they want a use that activates the area, is accessible to the public and follows one of the listed retail and commercial uses provided to the board from city staff, but they

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weren't exactly sure what the percentage requirement should be.

Clein offered that the roads causing the concern over activated, accessible first floor usage were Haynes Street, Adams Road, Woodward Avenue and Bowers Street. He asked Dupuis to add language to the ordinance that would put a percentage use requirement on the first floor of those specific streets, which the rest of the board agreed with.

“It has to be interactive, not transactional, and it has to be one of the commercial uses listed here,” Clein said.

Residential use would not be allowed on the first floor of those specific streets, Clein said.

Board members asked Dupuis to look into adding a percentage requirement for Bowers, Adams, Haynes and Woodward streets. Dupuis also said he would be doing more research into the LEED certification to bring back to the board for one last lookover. Board member Bert Koseck was absent from the meeting, and Naseem Ramin took his place.

FEMA grant used for emergency center

By Dana Casadei

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Monday, October 9, approved the spending of $155,572.43 to purchase new audio/video equipment, laptops, and a charging cart for the township’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), using money from the $240,000 Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA) 2023 EOC Grant Fund the township received.

Previously, the laptops used in the EOC were provided from older, recycled equipment, but Will Babinchak, township director of information technology, commented the emergency center is just too important to keep going that route.

“If we deem a computer not good enough to use in the treasury or the IT department, it really shouldn’t be in the EOC,” he pointed out.

The charging cart will hold 24 laptops, which will all be located in the EOC, and be taken out for tabletop exercises and monitored by IT to make sure all are running as they should.

The laptops that will be used in the EOC will come preprogrammed with important websites, and be turn-key, which means they’re built, supplied, or installed complete and ready to operate. This way, if there is 11.23

LOCAL ISSUES CAN'T BE TACKLED WITHOUT LOCAL JOURNALISM The pandemic that gripped the area and the nation in 2020 took its toll in many ways, including on the local business community, along with the field of journalism. One local newspaper temporarily suspended its publication schedule and another ultimately stopped publishing.

Thanks to the generosity of those listed on this page and the support from our partners in the local business community, Downtown Newsmagazine was able to withstand the challenge.

Aside from our monthly newsmagazine, we post regularly to our website (downtownpublications.com) and we send out a Weekly News Update newsletter every Friday along with special email alerts when there is breaking news of interest. During the month we also send out our political gossip newsletter (Oakland Confidential) and each month we also send out our restaurant news column (Metro Intelligencer). During the pandemic, we launched The COVID-19 Diary, a daily/weekly curation of articles from over several dozen news and government sources, to keep local residents up-to-date on the crisis we were all facing. In June of this year we launched an environmental newsletter/website – ThreatenedPlanet.com.

We started strong and have remained strong. But to continue offering our product at no charge, and continue to grow in terms of what we offer to readers, we continue to this day to ask local residents for community support in the form of donations.

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an actual emergency where people would be needed in the EOC – such as severe weather events or an active shooter scenario – there would be no set up needed, as personnel would be able to jump right in and start working. No time would be wasted in trying to remember passwords or going back to their office because they forgot their laptop.

Fire Chief John LeRoy – who spoke over audio but was not physically in attendance at the meeting – added that during the six months they were working in the EOC during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic they found a significant amount of inefficiencies. They were unable to complete conferences calls and FaceTimes, and could not get that information on to a TV. “We learned a lot during that and we built what we learned then into these proposals to rectify that,” he said.

These new laptops are going to be able to increase efficiency in the EOC across the board, according to LeRoy. The motion for approval of the spending passed 7-0.

58

Cell tower lease renewed for AT&T

By Dana Casadei

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees approved the renewal of the cell tower lease with AT&T at their meeting on Monday, October 9, thereby allowing the authorization of supervisor Dani Walsh and clerk Martin Brook to execute the lease.

The lease renewal will come after the township receives the receipt of a signed copy from AT&T, who, according to treasurer Michael Schostak, are fully on board with all of the economic terms, and have no intentions of making changes before signing.

The township will also require a structural analysis of the tower to make sure it can support and manage the wind resistance with added needed equipment before moving forward.

They’re currently waiting for AT&T to procure a structural analysis and provide a final exhibit, which is the equipment list for what they want to add to the tower.

Over the last year, the township has been working with AT&T to renew its

lease, with negotiations being lead by former treasurer Brian Kepes before his retirement.

“I’m going to give the credit to where it’s due to my predecessor, who was able to negotiate a lease where we collect double the rent,” Schostak said.

This contract will now have the township collecting $78,000 a year in rent from the tower. It includes a monthly rent increase from $3,290.23 to nearly twice that at $6,500; an upfront capital contribution of $160,000; $30,000 of which may be used for future engineering reviews; and an increase in the amount of equipment allowed to 18 antennae and radioheads instead of just 15. Said increase was able to happen due to Sprint removing their equipment after merging with T-Mobile.

This contract with AT&T would have four extension options, each being five years long, with the initial contract also being for five years.

“It was very hard fought but everybody involved did a great job… thank you all for all you did,” said Walsh.

The tower, located behind the DPW building on the township campus, was built in 1992 and the township has been

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leasing space out of the tower to various telecommunications companies like AT&T and Verizon – the latter of which the township approved a renewal lease last December.

City issues checks to Baldwin residents

By Grace Lovins

Residents living at Birmingham’s Baldwin House, located at 200 Chester Street, who paid for parking at an adjacent parking structure in violation of an agreement between the city and the facility, will be getting their money back after city commissioners authorized the city attorney and finance director on Monday, October 16, to issue checks.

Last year, the city discovered that a number of residents living at Baldwin House between 2009 and 2022 had been charged for parking at the Chester Street parking structure that they should have received at no cost per a parking agreement between the senior living facility and the city.

According to city attorney Mary Kucharek, the city and Baldwin House

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entered into an agreement back in March of 1990 that provided Baldwin House with 69 parking spaces in the Chester Street parking garage for tenants and their guests, with parking to be provided free of charge to residents. Per the city manager’s report written by former city manager Tom Markus in July 2022, residents were being charged by Baldwin House at almost double what the public paid.

“What we were able to uncover and what made this so complicated was that there were many different fact scenarios. There was not a one scenario fitting each person,” said Kucharek.

“We discovered that there were persons who paid directly to Baldwin House for various times of various amounts of money. There were persons who paid directly to our third-party management company, SP Plus, for parking of different times and of different amounts. We also uncovered that there were likely some employees who used those spots without paying for them and who were not entitled to use them,” she continued.

The city worked with Baldwin House to crossmatch data and determine the final numbers from residents who paid the parking fee, per Kucharek, and who will soon be receiving their money back. She also noted that the data was compiled from

records kept by SP Plus of people who paid directly to them and Baldwin House’s records of residents who paid directly to them. The city also used a resident survey.

Residents who paid directly to Baldwin House were reimbursed by the company directly. The city was also able to negotiate the cost for the employees who may have parked in the garage during that period, Kucharek said, which equated to $12,000. Ultimately, Baldwin House paid $25,000 as a “measure of good will,” per Kucharek.

Kucharek said the money being issued to the residents, amounting to roughly $66,800, is coming from the city’s parking fund. About 37 Baldwin House residents will be receiving a check. The city is reportedly communicating with self-appointed leaders of the residential community to discuss the process and the administration of the checks.

Commissioners voted 7-0 to authorize Kucharek and finance director Mark Gerber to issues the checks to Baldwin House residents that had unnecessarily paid for parking. Kucharek emphasized that if any Baldwin House resident who paid but has not been in touch with either Baldwin House or the city to reach out to city administration.

Commissioners look at sustainability effort

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham city commissioners reviewed the city’s current sustainable landscaping efforts at their meeting on Monday, October 16, focusing on the importance of sustainability and biodiversity throughout the city.

Director of public services Scott Zielinski provided a detailed presentation about the city’s current efforts to increase sustainable and biodiverse landscaping. According to Zielinski, Birmingham currently has 13 areas where they have been focusing on restoration, native growth and fighting invasive species.

Currently, there are rain gardens, bioswales, stormwater capture beds and native perennials found throughout Birmingham. On top of this, multiple areas also have riparian zones which help to control erosion and provide solar protection to the plants and animals living there.

Zielinski additionally said that Birmingham is home to native, no-mow spaces where native plants species can thrive. These areas increase the prevalence of native species that encourage pollinators from the insect population, like bees.

The department is aiming to slowly work into developing more locations, said Zielinski, but since some areas require extensive upkeep in the first three to five years, it can be a challenge with a smaller staff. Zielinski said they are also waiting to plan out details of future projects until the Parks and Recreation Master Plan has been completed.

Commissioners Clinton Baller and Brad Host each offered up the idea of recruiting volunteers to help maintain the city’s efforts in light of the department’s slim staff. Commissioner Andrew Haig also suggested getting in contact with schools, places of worship and other large property owners to inform of the city’s goals and collaborate to accomplish them.

The department of public services isn’t the only department focusing on sustainability, according to city manager Jana Ecker. Since the commission laid out sustainability as a goal during strategic planning, all city departments have looked at ways to increase sustainability.

“We’ve all started talking together internally to look at what we can do across all departments. In the 2040 Plan, one of the large elements was sustainability, something that we heard from our residents loud and clear that this is something they want to do,” Ecker said.

The item did not require any formal action from the commission.

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Zoe Granger efore she was even a teenager, Zoe Granger, currently a senior at Seaholm High School, turned her creativity and compassion into a way to help others.

When she and her family lived in Sacramento, California, she had a moment that would spark an idea. “My mom has always been very involved in charity; that’s how I got into it in the first place,” said Granger. “We were driving around and I saw a homeless man and I wanted to give him money.”

Her mom, Jennifer, told her the money would be used very quickly, so it would be better to provide them with something that would help for a longer period of time. “Somehow my 11-year-old brain came up with this concept to give the homeless socks, water, granola bars, a toothbrush and toothpaste,” said Granger.

“We created these kits and we would keep them in the car. I drew a little drawing of it in my notebook and that’s how it came to be.”

Since that time, they’ve made thousands of kits, said Granger, who recently received the Shining Star Award from the Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan (GSSEM), who also helped with the kits.

“That was a cool experience,” said Granger. “This was something I made when I was so little. Obviously, I didn’t start it to get recognition; I just wanted to help people out.” She even received a proclamation from Congresswoman Haley Stevens for her “Caring Kids Kits.”

Granger has experienced many special moments along the way, including reactions from some of the recipients. “I think one that stood out the most to me was this man who told me how much the kit mattered to him,” she said. “Some people won’t make eye contact with him and this made him feel like he was not invisible.”

Though the kits keep her busy, Granger also plays volleyball and she is an active member of student government at school, which involves community projects as well.

Granger plans to attend college next fall, where she wants to major in sports management. Her father, Chris, who is currently the CEO of OVG360, was previously group president, Sports and Entertainment, for Ilitch Holdings. Before that, he was president of the Sacramento Kings when they lived in California.

Granger credits her parents for all the inspiration they provide. “My dad inspired me for my major, but both my parents inspired me because I want to be on the community impact side of sports and that came from my mom,” she said.

Family and friends also help assemble and distribute the kits that are already making an impact in Michigan. “We partnered with other organizations, like the Empowerment Project to put in their coats, and the Ann Arbor Police Department contacted us to partner with them to get the kits to homeless shelters,” said Granger.

The fact that her original idea and continued efforts spread to the Girl Scouts showed Granger what girl power can do.

“I’m really excited that something I started when I was that age can help the next generation going to college. It’s being expanded to help a wide array of people,” she said.

“Even if you’re little and you have this idea, if you really put work into it, you can do anything. This proves that.”

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Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Join us for three intimate performances by many of Metro Detroit’s renowned musicians.

Fourth Annual

Tickets are $40 per person or $100 for the entire series.

Ticket includes desserts and refreshments. Cash bar available.

Doors Open at 6:30pm, Performance at 7:00pm

Wednesday, Dec 6 THE BROTHER RICE JAZZ BAND AND THE MARIAN MELODIES

Wednesday, Dec 13 ANDREW WU Musical Quartet

Wednesday, Dec 20

THE JOSHUA CHORALE Community Chorus

Matinee Performance – Doors open at 12 noon

To purchase tickets, scan the QR Code or call 248.644.5832

Sponsored By

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FACES Chava Appiah rofessional cellist and West Bloomfield Township native, Chava Appiah, was inspired to learn to play the cello as a young child by watching famed musician Yo-Yo Ma play the cello on “Sesame Street.” After watching one of her older brothers play and practice the violin, Appiah says the appeal of the cello was heightened for her as it was an instrument that could be played while sitting down.

After attending Cranbrook Schools, Appiah graduated from Oberlin College & Conservatory in Ohio, where she earned bachelor's degrees in neuroscience and cello performance. It was while working on a research project at Vanderbilt University during her junior year that she decided to pursue a career in music rather than pre-med.

“My performance drive really picked up in college. I was trying to be excited about research, but I couldn’t wait to practice cello during my time off work.”

Appiah adds, “I grew up in a home of musical enthusiasts. Both my parents are doctors and treasure academics – that’s why I went to Cranbrook – but they didn’t push me towards medicine. Growing up, we were busy with sports, music, and school. My parents regularly took us to the symphony and DIA.” She also played with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Symphony Orchestra.

After Oberlin, Appiah furthered her musical education by earning a master’s degree in cello performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. She then moved to Miami, where she performed for four years with the New World Symphony, an orchestra academy which prepares gifted graduates of music programs for leadership roles in orchestras and ensembles.

During this time, she also performed with Miami’s Flamenco Sephardit, a “very Miami” fusion program that celebrates the transcendent and historic musical connection of Flamenco blended with the Jewish Ladino traditions of Spain.

“I’ve done concerts around identity, music, and expression and finding a way to tie together different aspects of life. For me, my dad is from Ghana, so I’m the child of an immigrant and my mom is Jewish and White. It’s really an open-ended question,” she explained. “There aren’t many Black Jewish people and there aren’t many Black people in classical music, but there has been a stronger push to change representation in the classical music world since the murder of George Floyd in 2020.”

Most recently, Appiah left the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra where she spent a year as assistant principal cello in order to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music. While in Cincinnati, she will be playing with the Louisville Orchestra. “Ultimately, I want an orchestra job and need a structure to practice and prepare for auditions,” she said.

When she is not playing or studying music, Appiah enjoys time in nature, reading, listening to podcasts and history.

Over the years, she has taken her passion for orchestra and chamber music to performance halls and venues worldwide. She has even had the thrill of meeting and collaborating with her original cello inspiration, Yo-Yo Ma. For aspiring professional musicians and enthusiasts, Appiah offers this advice: “Remember you are allowed to have more than one interest in life. If you don’t pursue music as a career, you can always have it as an interest by playing, attending concerts or being a donor. You are never too old to take lessons. Also, don’t ever be afraid to ask big people in the field for advice.”

P

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Kelly Hicks

ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON! When buying, building, or refinancing a home, choosing the right mortgage lender is one of the most important decisions you can make. As a top-ranked lender with nearly 40 years of experience and a commitment to being attentive to my clients, I can make the mortgage process smooth and stress-free while saving you valuable time and money. Contact me and see the difference the right lender can make.

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BUSINESS MATTERS 100 years of theater While first proposed as a community dramatic group in 1922 by high school student John W. Gafill, The Village Players was officially founded in 1923 by 16 charter members as a nonprofit theater club.

Their first performance was “The Maker of Dreams,” at The Community House in downtown Birmingham, itself celebrating its centenary. The Village Players was later reorganized as a community theater and a 501(c)(3) organization.

Today, located at 34660 Woodward Avenue in its own theatrical playhouse, it is the third oldest community theater in Michigan and ranks among the 50 oldest theater groups in the United States. This season, its 101st, will feature tbe plays, “Raisin In the Sun,” “Jersey Boys,” “The Mousetrap,” “The Cemetery Club,” “The Prom,” and at a special benefit event, “Miscast Cabaret.” The Village Players also hosts and Village Youth Theater.

Safe ear piercing shop A new ear piercing location has opened in downtown Birmingham staffed by licensed nurses. Rowan has opened at 122 W. Maple Road in the former Stem & Stone location.

The national store said they offer a fun, celebratory and safe ear piercing experience using only hypoallergenic jewelry. They utilize nurses because “Our nurses are experts in skin integrity, infection prevention, and easing patients nerves. They’re trained to pierce all ages – from one year olds to over a hundred year olds. Rowan nurses have extensive experience in creating a stress-free environment, are experts in the use of PPE and maintaining sterility, and always put their clients first. Rowan nurses use a gentle, hand-pressured device with pre-sterilized 14k gold or stainless steel earrings to pierce. Our piercing jewelry has safety backs and long posts to ensure sufficient air flow and optimal healing. We never use piercing guns, which are spring loaded and can damage the ear tissue.” Rowan only pierces ears, they note, and take all safety precautions.

F&M bank branch opens Looking for a community bank to service your needs? F&M Bank has opened at 220 Park Street in Birmingham. F&M offers personal banking, small business banking, commercial lending and financial downtownpublications.com

education. Founded in 1897, they note they are “proud bootstrap pullers, sleeve roller-uppers and dream makers.” They have been partnering with families, farmers and business owners to nurture lasting relationships and helping people live their best lives. “That’s the mission and vision that define and drive us.”

New salon in town Salon TORO has opened in downtown Birmingham at 470 N. Old Woodward, above the popular restaurants EM and Market North End. Co-owners Crissy Battaglia and Marc Danyal and best friends, Battaglia and Danyal combined their expertise to conceptualize a salon inspired by their shared passion for confidence and personal style. With Battaglia’s decade-long experience in the hair industry and knack for client connection, and Danyal’s passion for leading startups as well as supporting business operations, they have been able to create a true haven for clients to unwind and leave feeling transformed. They state that the name Salon TORO was chosen “as a nod to their Taurus roots. The bull symbolizes strength, stability, and reliability – qualities they strive to embody in their business and inspire in their clients.

The salon’s inclusive plus supportive culture, family of masterful stylists, select services, and premium products draw clients old and new.”

They offer haircuts, color, highlights, blowouts, ombre, balayage, color correction, Keratin, extension, injectables and bridal services.

50 years of mental care Birmingham Maple Clinic, a nationally accredited, private outpatient mental health clinic with a team of highly experienced and specialized therapists, is marking its 50th anniversary of helping people.

It was founded in 1973 as The Maple Clinic by John Vanderlind, and at that time, it was one of the first outpatient psychiatric clinics (OPCs) in Michigan. Current owner Lori Kanat Edelson, LMSW, ACSW, BCD, LMFT, purchased the clinic in 1997, with another colleague from Vanderlind, and renamed it Birmingham Maple Clinic; she became the sole owner in 2004.

Edelson’s specializations include anxiety and panic, chronic illness, couples counseling, family issues, gender orientation issues, LGBTQA, mood disorders. Today, Birmingham

Maple Clinic has 40 therapists.

Edelson’s vision has been to offer every mental health specialty under one roof and she expanded the list of providers to include marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and master’s level psychologists. In 2016, two psychologists were added to the staff for psychological testing. Three therapists were trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and began accepting referrals for this specific type of trauma treatment. In 2017, training was supported to begin meeting criteria for certification as specialist with the transgendered population.

The clinic serves individuals, couples, children, adolescents, families and groups and takes most major insurances.

Financial services Integrated Fiduciary Advisory Services opened their new location offering specialized fiduciary services at 40950 Woodward Avenue, Suite 350 in Bloomfield Hills.

Integrated Fiduciary Advisory Services was founded on the belief that to fulfill their fiduciary duty they must operate in an unbiased and objective manner. They work closely with clients and their key advisors on both the institutional and individual level to provide solutions for complex financial situations supporting the creation and preservation of wealth. They provide investment management consulting services entrepreneurs and families; institutions; and nonprofits. Chris Forte and Todd Wagenberg are cofounders and managing partners of Integrated Fiduciary Advisory Services. Forte is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm, as well as maintaining direct advisory and advocacy relationships with their valued clients including business owners, family offices, foundations, endowments, as well as public and private retirement plans.

Wagenberg is responsible for direct advisory and advocacy relationships with our clients, including affluent families, organizations and nonprofits. He specializes in risk assessment, portfolio development, and performance monitoring.

SIGN UP TODAY Get the latest news online from the leading news organization for the Birmingham and Bloomfield area.

Go to downtownpublications.com and register to receive our weekly and breaking news updates, oakland confidential, metro intelligencer, and the threatened planet newsletter from the local area's best website.

970 E MaplE Road / StE. 3 BiRMinghaM 48009 248.792.6464

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CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM! • Local Shopping • Visits with Santa • Carriage Rides • Holiday Events 2 Hours Free Parking in Structures

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE THE SEASON OF GRATITUDE Happy Thanksgiving!

Over the years, I have written about gratitude as a virtue every man should cultivate. Yet gratitude means nothing if you haven’t mastered the art of expressing it. “A man should use every opportunity to express to those around him how much he appreciates their love, support, and generosity.”

As our “community” heads into the sacred season of counting our blessings and giving back to others, so too are all of us at The Community House; our leadership, staff and TCH beneficiaries – counting our blessings.

For it is without all of our cherished supporters; our donors, corporate sponsors, class takers, child-care families, event guests, community partners, dancers, seniors and our dedicated corps of volunteers – that our work would not be possible. Saying “thank you” never seems to be enough, but it is a place to start.

and enjoy gourmet brunch offerings. After the performance, the musicians will engage with audience members to further enhance the experience. We express our sincere appreciation to our generous sponsors: Gwen and Richard Bowlby, Hagopian World of Rugs, and long-time partners, WRCJ 90.9 FM, for their leadership, support, and generosity. Note: The October event sold out fast - so hurry and purchase your November tickets now. Tickets are $55 per person and reservations can be made at communityhouse.com/event/classical-brunch/.

Winter Markt 2023: We’re back. We are proud to join fellow community members at the annual Birmingham Winter Markt in Shain Park, on our Van Deusen Terrace, December 1–3. Experience the charm of the holidays with displays from local artists and vendors, thousands of holiday lights, ice sculptures, live entertainment, complimentary carriage rides and more. The Community House will be serving authentic German favorites including gluhwein, beer, brats, pretzels, and other tantalizing treats under our big tent at the corner of Bates & Merrill Streets.

Bill Seklar

As a 100-year-old non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, The Community House relies solely on the kindness and generosity of others – to deliver on our mission – and to provide the community critical programs and services, programs and experiences which benefit and enrich the lives of others in our great community – some, without the ability to pay. As we celebrate our important Centennial Year, it is fitting that we have expanded our century-old mission and community outreach to include Life, Health & Wellness to our core values.

It is during this time of thanksgiving and continued uncertainty that The Community House pauses to humbly acknowledge and remember the many kindnesses and extraordinary generosity from those that have been entrusted with much...and to offer all of you, from all of us - a big “Thank You.” Be safe, stay well! Happy Holidays!

END OF THE YEAR GIVING – THE COMMUNITY HOUSE ANNUAL FUND 2023 The end of the year is almost here and the last chance to support our critical 2023 Annual Fund Drive is upon us. We humbly ask for your support. By making an end of the year tax-deductible gift to The Community House, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charitable organization, now, your gift will ensure that we continue to navigate through economic challenges, world unrest, strife at home and related health and mental challenges - so that we remain the important educational, philanthropic and community resource that thousands of individuals have relied upon for nearly a century. To make an end of the year gift now, you can send your donation 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.

IMPORTANT CENTENNIAL MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The 100-year-old mission of our beloved Community House is to serve. Nothing less, nothing more. Short of an unexpected lifeline (or two or three…) we will continue to struggle financially. Unlike so many historical institutions, universities, medical centers, noble causes – many donors do not think of The Community House as a place to make large transformational gifts to. But we pray that everyone takes a second look – we’re worth it. Community Houses across our nation are rare, cultural, educational, and philanthropic gems. And all are self-supporting, none receiving tax dollars. Yet, they fill a critical need; they fill a gap that so many depend upon. PreCOVID, over 200,000 people entered through our doors annually. We’re on our way back. After nearly a century of service we must have been doing something right.

Please, please, please consider an estate gift or include us in your legacy plans. It’s painless and can help build a life-saving foundation upon which the Community House can serve the community, and those in need for another 100 years! In humble gratitude. Bill Seklar SAVE THE DATE. TICKETS ON SALE NOW. 2023 Classical Brunch Series: Be part of an unforgettable experience on November 19th at the grand finale concert of the 2023 Classical Brunch Series to be held in the acoustically exquisite Wallace Ballroom at The Community House.

Witness the riveting performance by the talented musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as they perform classical melodies in an intimate setting

Storytime with Santa 2023: He’s back. Bring your loved ones together for an experience filled with heartwarming holiday spirit at Storytime with Santa on December 9th (9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m). Jolly ole Santa himself will be the star, captivating young and old and creating magical moments. The enchantment continues at the craft stations, where little hands can create their own holiday memories. Guests of all ages can treat themselves to a variety of cookies and cups of hot chocolate (and the adults can add a touch of extra holiday cheer from the hot chocolate bar). Learn more at communityhouse.com/event/storytime-with-santa/ The Bates Street Society was created to help recognize donors who make significant charitable contributions to support the work and mission of The Community House. New members are acknowledged annually at The Bates Street Society Dinner, an extraordinary evening hosted by The Community House Association and Foundation Board of Directors. The Bates Street Society Dinner and Awards Ceremony 2024 will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, in the Wallace Ballroom of The Community House. To help lead this extraordinary gathering, Mr. Huel Perkins, and Ms. Lila Lazarus, will assume the role of Master & Mistress of Ceremonies. The Bates Street Society Dinner will also recognize The Community House Foundation’s Annual Pillars of Vibrancy in Business, Education, Culture, Health & Wellness and Philanthropy.

2024 Pillars of Vibrancy Honorees include: • Ms. Florine Mark (posthumously) — Business, Culture, Education, Health & Wellness & Philanthropy • Dr. Lewis H. Rosenbaum, MD — Health & Wellness and Education • Ms. Diana Lewis — Culture & Philanthropy • Ms. Michelle Saroki — Business & Philanthropy • Ms. Glenda Lewis — Culture & Philanthropy • Mr. Michael Bickers — Business & Philanthropy • Mr. Salvador Salort-Pons — Business & Culture • Mr. Paul Gross — Business & Philanthropy Save-the-Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024. Seating is limited. Tickets (reservations) on sale now.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Christopher Smude, Senior Vice President, CMO, The Community House Foundation at csmude@communityhousefoundation.org.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS Volunteers have been involved in the everyday life of The Community House for over 100 years. They give the “House” a face, a voice, helping hands, and a heart.

The Community House invites you to consider joining our esteemed volunteer team - and by doing so, you can be assured that your precious donation of time and talent will be greatly appreciated and will positively impact the lives of those we serve.

For more information about volunteering at The Community House. please visit our website at communityhouse.com to download a Volunteer Application or call Kathie Ninneman at 248.594.6403.

For reservations, sponsorships or more information about booking gathering and meeting space for the Holidays 2023 and beyond - please go to communityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of the Community House Association and Board Chair, President & CEO of the Community House Foundation in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com

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PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 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. Lunch, WednesdaySunday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. beverlyhillsgrill.com Beyond Juicery + Eatery: Contemporary.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 270 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009; 221 Cole Street, Birmingham, 48009; 3645 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301; 4065 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301; 1987 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. beyondjuiceryeatery.com Bill’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Lunch, Thursday & Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.9000. billsbloomfieldhills.com Birmingham Pub: American. 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 Dax: American. Breakfast, daily, Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. cafeml.com Casa Pernoi: Italian. Lunch, Wednesday-Friday, 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

downtownpublications.com

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.Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily.

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. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Tuesday- 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, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.480.0492. lastradaitaliankitchen.com

LIVE on stage at Birmingham Village Players October 27 - November 12, 2023 For tickets, please visit birminghamvillageplayers.com or call (248) 644-2075

34660 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, MI 48009 Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Music by Bob Gaudio, Lyrics by Bob Crewe

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

New brunches, happy hours & more Bar Pigalle, offering playfully modern French fare and cocktails in Detroit’s Brush Park, now hosts brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The new brunch menu features French classics such as shallot tarte tatin, croque madam, mushroom and leek quiche, French omelet, and cinnamon brioche French toast.

MEX in Bloomfield has also recently added a weekend brunch. The menu includes Mexican inspired dishes such as chorizo brunch skillet, breakfast burrito and tres leche French toast. In addition, MEX also offers “Wine Wednesdays” with half-off all wine bottles all day and “Thirsty Thursdays,” featuring half-off draft and bottled beers. The Geode Bar & Lounge, located inside the lobby of Daxton Hotel now has an oyster happy hour. The oysters are mainly sourced from the west coast and the type will vary each week. The oysters pair perfectly with the bar’s seasonal fall cocktails or champagne. Lastly, the Daxton Delights walk up window has partnered with Bakehouse 46 to offer cider and donuts alongside house-made seasonal ice cream flavors, including the cider house sundae – a donut tossed with cider-roasted apples and topped with one scoop of ice cream, candied pecans and cider caramel. barpigalle.com mexbloomfield.com daxtonhotel.com

Thai street food in Royal Oak Authentic ingredients and recipes that emphasize the vibrant flavors of Thai street-food culture are the draw at newcomer Kacha Thai Market in Royal Oak. To ensure that the restaurant’s food matches her homeland’s, owner Siriwan Pipatsattayanuwong (Siri Pipat) developed the menu with Chef Cheodchai Daengdi, who moved to the U.S. this summer following more than 35 years of experience working in kitchens in both the Central and northeast regions of Thailand. “In Thailand street markets are a vibrant part of our culture where we can eat delicious food 24 hours a day,” said Pipat. “I love Thai street food and am passionate about sharing the precise flavors and hard-to-find ingredients only found in Thailand. Royal Oak and its surrounding community are filled with adventurous food lovers, and the city is the perfect location for Kacha Thai Market.” Kacha Thai’s menu features appetizers such as Hat Yai street chicken prepared with garlic, soy sauce, salt, and sugar. Among the lighter fare are som-tum (papaya salad) and tom yum kung soup, which is loaded with shrimp, mussels, squid, mushrooms and tomatoes and flavored with lemongrass and cilantro. Entrees and platters include fried noodle dishes, curries, noodle soups and dozens of vegetarian and vegan choices, among them pad see ew, pineapple fried rice, and drunken noodles. 205 S. Main in Royal Oak kachathaimarket.com

Almalfi cuisine comes to West Bloomfield Prime Concepts Detroit, the restaurant group behind Prime29 Steakhouse, NARA Sushi & Hibachi Lounge, PAO in downtown Detroit, Tribu Mediterranean, Nara Miami, and Wabeek Club, has officially opened the doors of its latest concept, Aurora Italiana, bringing a fresh taste of Italy to Oakland County. Located near the corner of Maple and Orchard Lake roads in West Bloomfield, Aurora Italiana highlights the vibrant essence and fresh flavors of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with a menu curated by the Prime Concepts Detroit corporate culinary team. “Our guests are going to enjoy an elaborate dining experience, paired with striking and unique décor, exceptional entertainment and, of course, our shareable moments,” said Joe Barbat, chairman and CEO of Barbat Holdings. “We aim to provide an unforgettable experience that is high-energy and memorable for all.” The menu features dishes inspired by the island of Capri, including tableside Caesar salad, tableside tiramisu, veal chop Milanese and whole roasted Dover sole. The 8,500square-foot space has recently undergone a complete renovation, led by Art Harrison Interiors, the Royal Oak-based design team behind all of Prime Concepts Detroit’s other restaurants. Unique design features include custom murals by The Detroit Wallpaper Co., and commissioned artwork. 6199 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp auroraitaliana.com

In the national spotlight The hits keep coming for Detroit’s Ladder 4 Wine Bar. The establishment was recently recognized by The New York Times as one of the “50 places in

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. Brunch, weekends. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com Mare Mediterranean: Seafood. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham,48009. 248.940.5525. maremediterranean.com Market North End: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.712.4953. marketnorthend.com MEX: Mexican. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.723.0800. mexbloomfield.com Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2079 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581. nipponsushibar.com Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. olgas.com Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5775. oph-mi.com Phoenicia: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, 48009. phoeniciabirmingham.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, daily. 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 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

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

248.268.1917. alemarysbeer.com Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

No reservations. Liquor. 22651 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. anitaskitchen.com Beppé: New American. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor.

703 N. S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

224.607.7030. 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-Monday. Reservations. Liquor.

418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749.

cafemuseroyaloak.com Coeur: New American Small Plates. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.466.3010. coeurferndale.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, Wednesday-Sunday. 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

Troy/Rochester Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Road, Troy, 48084.

248.280.1831. cafesushimi.com Capital Grill: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. ckdiggs.com Firebird Tavern: American. 4845 Rochester Rd, Troy, MI 48085. firebirdtavern.com Grand Castor: Latin American. Dinner, daily. 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-Sunday. 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 NM Café: American. Lunch, Monday-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

America we are most excited about right now.” In addition, Bon Appétit has listed Ladder 4 Wine Bar as one of its “24 Best New Restaurants.” No other Michigan restaurants were recognized on either list. “When it opened, Ladder 4 was so focused on serving natural wine that John Yelinek, one of Detroit’s gifted young chefs, took a job pouring drinks, never expecting to cook,” writes Brett Anderson, NYT Food desk as a contributor. “His move to the kitchen, later last year, is when the erudite bar, built in a converted firehouse by the brothers James and Patrick Cadariu, became an alluring restaurant as well. You’ll leave raving about charred leeks crowned with gribiche and trout roe, or pork schnitzel escorted by a salad of fresh peas and mint, in the same breath as Sipon, the Slovene skin-contact wine recommended for its “funky-kampucha-dried-apricot vibes.”. And, Kate Kassin, editorial operations manager at Bon Appétit, said in her article that “Ladder 4, which is housed in a century-old firehouse, feels like so much more than a wine bar. The food isn’t just delicious; it’s exciting and even a little cheeky. While all the plates are wonderful – the sweet potatoes cloaked in soft cheese and pumpkin seed dukkah, for instance, or the juicy, lavish pork chop schnitzel – more technical dishes like that sausage, along with the stellar setting, add up to a truly memorable meal.” 3396 Vinewood Street, Detroit ladder4winebar.com

Back in Business!

The Hammer & Nail, located at The Plaza in Midtown Detroit, has officially reopened. The sleek cocktail bar, initially opened in October of 2019, has been mostly closed since COVID. The bar has also added Detroit Sushi to its mix, offering wide range of inventive sushi offerings to compliment the bar’s signature cocktails and mid-century vibe. “As we were looking to relaunch the Hammer & Nail, we wanted to offer patrons a destination level experience that is unique in the market,” said David Di Rita of the Roxbury Group, owners of the Plaza. “We had the opportunity to experience some of Chef Hirakawa’s incredible selections and wanted to bring his remarkable talent and offerings to our establishments in Detroit. We are excited to introduce this experience to our loyal and new customers, not only at the Hammer & Nail, but on a to-go basis at our hotels in downtown and Midtown.” Along with the new Detroit Sushi comes a new management team to run the operation. Azul Hospitality has been tapped to manage Hammer & Nail. Culinary veteran Gabriel Vera has recently joined Azul as area director of Food and Beverage, and is overseeing the re-launch of Hammer & Nail as well as the launch of Detroit Sushi. “We think the melding of these two operations within the Hammer & Nail is a perfect fit for this incredible venue, as well as a great addition to the lower Midtown neighborhood,” said Vera. 3800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit hammerandnaildetroit.com

New steakhouse opens Sullivan’s Steakhouse, a lively neighborhood steakhouse chain with a modern twist, has opened its doors in Detroit. The restaurant is located in the space formerly occupied by Michael Symon’s Roast, which closed in January of 2022. The 9,300 square-foot restaurant is inside the Westin Book Cadillac and is the brand’s first location in Michigan and 15th in the United States.

The steakhouse offers guests bone-in and hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and signature cocktails with the sounds of live, local jazz music in a friendly, familiar atmosphere. “Detroit is such a unique city with rich traditions and a storied history. It cannot be matched and we are excited to be a part of this community,” said Nishant Machado, president and chief executive officer of Dividend Restaurant Group. “When it came time to decide on where to open our newest Sullivan’s Steakhouse, the choice was simple. We look forward to serving up our world-class dining experience to the fine people of the Motor City for years to come.” Sullivan’s Steakhouse seats more than 285 guests and features main, patio and private dining areas that set the stage for Sullivan’s menu of classic cuisine, which includes appetizers such as the steakhouse’s iconic cheesesteak egg rolls, made with tender filet mignon, and an array of decadent cuts of steak, cooked to order, including an A5 wagyu strip, the rarest of all beef. An expansive indoor bar serves as the backdrop for live jazz music and Sullivan’s happy hour that offers guests a menu of bar bites that pair perfectly with an array of signature cocktails, such as the knockout martini which is inspired by the steakhouse’s namesake, boxer John Sullivan. 1128 Washington Boulevard sullivanssteakhouse.com

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 RH Social: Pizza/Sports Bar. Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6870 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.248.759.4858. rochesterhillssocial.com Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084.

248.269.8424. ruthschris.com Sedona Taphouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 198 Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083.

248.422.6167. sedonataphouse.co Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306.

248.652.4500. silverspoonristorante.com Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. tooraloorochester.com

West Bloomfield/Southfield Aurora Italiana: Italian. Dinner, WednesdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor. 6199 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.782.3000. auroraitaliana.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, Tuesday-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,

76

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 Stage Deli: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. stagedeli.com Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282. yotsuba-restaurant.com

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday – Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. gravityrestaurant.com Volare Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771. ristorantevolare.com

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Breakfast, Sunday, Lunch, & 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, Lunch, Saturday, 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

Detroit Ash-Bar: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1509 Broadway Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.277.4736. ash.world/hotels/the-siren.com Bar Pigalle: French. Brunch, weekends, 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 and Dinner, Wednesday-Monday.

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 Leila: Lebanese. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1245 Griswold Street Detroit, MI. 48226. 313.816.8100. leiladetroit.com Le Supreme: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1265 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, 48226. 313.597.7734. lesupremedetroit.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 Mezcal: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 51 W Forest Avenue, Detroit, 48202. 313.974.7441. mezcaldetroit.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, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499. greektowncasino.com

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

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 Apparatus Room: New American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 W. Larned Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.800.5600 detroitfoundationhotel.com The Block: American. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. 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, 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 Selden Standard: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3921 Second Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. seldenstandard.com Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Steakhouse. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1128 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226.

313.591.2495. sullivanssteakhouse.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 Vigilante Kitchen + Bar: Asian/French influenced cuisine. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 644 Selden St, Detroit, 48201. 313.638.1695. vigilantekitchen.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 Zuzu: Asian Fusion. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 511 Woodward Ave suite 100, Detroit, 48226. 313.464.7777. experiencezuzu.com

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ENDNOTE

Our recommendations for November ballot esidents in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills are being asked to choose candidates to fill seats on their city commissions, as well as for the Baldwin Library board this election day, Tuesday, November 7. In Bloomfield Hills, there are five candidates to fill five open seats. In Birmingham, four candidates are seeking to fill four open seats. There are four candidates seeking three open seats on the Baldwin Library board.

Downtown Newsmagazine normally invites all candidates to answer questions we feel are important and relevant to the job of city commissioner to help voters and us to decide who to support. However, we do not do that for uncontested races.

In a first for us, recognizing the importance of library boards in maintaining access to communication materials, meeting places and many other services for the community, in this election we have sent out questionnaires to the four candidates seeking three seats on the Baldwin Library board. Their answers are available on our website, downtownpublications.com.

In addition, we weigh in on two important issues facing Birmingham voters – the senior millage proposition and an ordinance amending the prohibition on marijuana sales. For those living in the Bloomfield Hills Schools district, voters are asked to renew a building and site sinking fund millage.

We offer our endorsements on this page, reached after thorough, thoughtful and careful deliberation with the acknowledgement that we are just one voice in the community, although one backed up by an inordinate amount of time covering local government issues.

R

BIRMINGHAM Baldwin Library Board There are three open seats on the six-member Baldwin Library board. Baldwin Public Library, while located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, adjacent to Shain Park, serves not only Birmingham but also Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Bloomfield Hills. This is a strong field seeking the board positions.

Two incumbents, board president JENNIFER WHEELER and board vice president KAREN ROCK are both running for re-election, and each warrant a return to the board. Each has been involved with the library's construction project, which has refashioned both the Youth Services and Adult Services to function in a 21st century world.

Both Wheeler and Rock have been integral parts of the process as the library undergoes its third and final reconstruction, from planning and working with staff to financial management and community collaboration. They each have the skills, talent and perspective, including appreciating that a community's library should reflect the values and interests of everyone in the community and work to defeat public censorship of library materials. They also recognize that a board member's job is to support and not undercut the library director, and conduct all board decisions in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. For the third open seat, we were most impressed with WENDY FRIEDMAN, an active community

volunteer who is also involved in several notable non-profits. Her understanding and appreciation for Baldwin Library, where she has long been an active visitor, the city of Birmingham, and her experience as a board member with other organizations should allow her to hit the ground running with a clear understanding of the board's role and the importance of adhering to the Open Meetings Act. Next Senior Services Millage Birmingham Next, a non-profit whose goal is enriching the lives of the 50-plus population of Birmingham, Bingham Farms, Beverly Hills and Franklin since it was created in 1978, has been sharing or renting limited space from Birmingham Public Schools, until earlier this year, when after eight years of searching for a home, the city of Birmingham coordinated the purchase of the Birmingham YMCA building on E. Lincoln Street in Birmingham as a combined future site for Next and the Y. This is a huge win for both Next and the Y. The Y has been looking to expand its operations into neighboring communities, and this will allow it to reduce its footprint while allowing Next to utilize 30,000 square feet of the current 40,000 square foot building – tripling its current space. Some of that square footage will also include shared spaces.

However, there is a cost to both update the infrastructure and contemporize the space, as well to support the new senior center. It's an important cost to bear.

Recent census data reveal that about half of Birmingham's population – just as in neighboring Bloomfield Township – is over 50, and will continue to grow older as residents age in place. In reality, there are many more in this demographic than in our school age population.

Birmingham is requesting a new .33-mill levy, which will collect a little over $1 million a year for a three-year term. Birmingham voters should vote YES on the senior services millage, which is long overdue.

Cannabis Dispensary Sales Years ago the city commission voted to opt out of allowing dispensaries in Birmingham, as did a majority of communities across the state, after recreational cannabis use and sale for those over 21 years of age was approved by state voters.

Back in February of this year, Birmingham officials began discussing how to approach the question of allowing a marijuana dispensary within the city limits as a proactive move to guard against a petition effort by citizens – but more likely from outside commercial marijuana entities – wanting to anchor in the local market.

A growing number of municipalities in Michigan and in Oakland County have been subject to socalled “citizen” petition drives to put the issue on the ballot to overturn the current ban on dispensaries. In a number of cases these petitions were driven by the same outside group. Equally disconcerting is the number of local governments that have become embroiled in lawsuits when simply trying to set the approach best suited for their local community.

Birmingham officials figured it was logical to control the nature of an ordinance that would allow

for a limited number (one each) of recreational and medical marijuana dispensaries and their location in the city to thwart such a petition drive where outside forces would dictate the number of sales outlets and their placement.

Made sense to us at the time. But over the past months we realize that the city could still – or more likely will – face a future petition drive that would overrule what the city had adopted. And now the city commission has decided to leave the decision up to residents with the ballot question in November.

Unfortunately, no matter what residents decide, the city could still face a petition drive, most likely from cannabis interests, who could get on some future ballot with a completely different direction for the city on this issue.

Yes, 62 percent of those voting in Birmingham favored legalizing recreational use of marijuana, which we supported on this editorial page. But that does not necessarily mean that the majority of residents want dispensaries in the community, especially when sales of cannabis are as near as 14 Mile on the city's border, a short drive to any number of neighboring communities where multiple dispensaries flourish, or you can order flower and other cannabis products online and have them delivered. Additionally, the amount of tax revenues from just two dispensaries will be negligible. Approving dispensaries holds the potential of a legal mess for the city in the years ahead, not to mention when other illegal street drugs, such as psychedelics, may be decriminalized like they have been already in Ann Arbor and Detroit, for example.

The solution? City voters need to send a strong message that there will be NO cannabis or other drug dispensaries in Birmingham by voting NO on the ballot question in this election. Present a united front to discourage anyone or any group that may want to force a future vote, no doubt funded by outside special interests. Voters need to send a clear message: Birmingham is our community, and we will determine its future.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS Renewal of sinking fund millage Voters living in the Bloomfield Hills School district are being asked to approve a three-year, $3.38 million a year sinking fund millage, to replace the expiring current tax, enacted in 2018, at a slight decrease, .6976 mills, down from .7165 mills, for the school years 2024 through 2026, inclusive.

Sinking fund millage dollars are to be used for safety, security and technology upgrades, which the district is planning to continue to use for improvements, construction or repair of school buildings, school security improvements, the acquisition or upgrading of technology, the acquisition of student transportation vehicles and equipment, and other pertinent needs.

Sinking funds cannot be used for faculty, administrator or employee salaries, nor for other operating expenses, per Michigan law. We recommend Bloomfield Hills Schools district voters vote YES to continue supporting this millage renewal.