Birmingham/Bloomfield

PLACES TO EAT: 200 RESTAURANTS • GERAK: SOCIAL LIGHTS 114

SEPTEMBER 2017

PLUS

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP

BEHIND THE CURTAINS: TWO TALES OF SPOUSAL ABUSE SHIFTING POWER: CHANGING INFLUENCE CENTERS ENDNOTE: SOMETHING AMISS AT CITY HALL ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

DOWNTOWNPUBLICATIONS.COM

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

2017 NEW YEAR. NEW HOME. SAME #1 REALTOR. Max Broock Birmingham congratulates Michigan’s #1 Realtor on selling over $125 million in 2016.

K a t h y B r o o c k B a l l a r d MICHIGAN’S #1 REALTOR

2010, 2012 , 2013, 2014 , 2015, 2016

248.318.4504 | Kathybroock.com k at h y @ m a x b r o o c k h o m e s . c o m ®

®

275 S OLD WOODWARD AVE BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

K A T H Y B R O O C K B A L L A R D

#1 Lakefront Specialist #1 in Oakland County

Michigan’s #1 Realtor:

2010| 2012| 2013| 2014| 2015| 2016

#1 in Michigan

275 S. Old Woodward Ave. | 248.318.4504 Kathy@maxbroockhomes.com | www.Kathybrook.com WIng Lake Lakefront

Vhay Lake Lakefront

Bloomfield Twp $4,295,000

Bloomfield Hills $4,075,000

Golf Community

Upper Straits Lake Lakefront

Highland Twp $3,399,000

Orchard Lake $2,949,000

Square Lake Lakefront

Bloomfield Twp $2,350,000 145 Feet on Wing Lake

Bloomfield Twp $1,190,000

Island Lake Lakefront

Bloomfield Twp $1,599,000 Kirk in the Hills Community

Blooomfield Twp $874,000

Designed By Lou Desrosier

Bioomfield Twp $3,995,000 Entry Level Master Suite

Birmingham $2,475,000 Pool & Basketball Court

Franklin VIllage $1,479,000 2+ Acres of Property

Bloomfield Hills $769,000

DOWNTOWN09.17

30

Behind the curtains at women’ s correctional facility Karen Kantzler and Nancy Seaman, both from Oakland, are serving life sentences for having killed their husbands after suffering years of spousal abuses. Here’s the story of their fight to be paroled or pardoned.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

18

While state lawmakers and officials are celebrating the possibility of a manufacturing plant(s) for the Foxconn Taiwan-based company, history may be repeating itself as Michigan faces a $2 to $5 billion budget shortfall in the coming years.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

24

Congressman Trott could be breaking with President Trump on some issues; Rochester state rep may run for Michigan attorney general; John Engler’s thoughts on part-time legislature; plus more.

CRIME LOCATOR

27

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

MUNICIPAL

83

Birmingham planners toss first floor rental issue back to commissioners; new logos back to drawing board; blowback on building planned for Peabody site; new hotel clears hurdle; plus more.

THE COVER The dome of the Hulbert Observatory at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, first installed in the 1930s and replaced in 2012.

Downtown photo.

Express Y ourself SHOW US YOUR

SHYSIDE

Come See the New Fall Collection by Shy Creation 14kt Rose, White, Yellow Gold and Diamond Jewelry Prices Starting at $359

C H R I S

PERO

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

248.797.0784 | cgPero@yahoo.com | over $30 million Sold or Pending yTd in 2017

2956 Turtle Pond Bloomfield Hills $1,499,900

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

2006 built home by Thomas Sebold & Associates and designed by Victor Saroki in prestigious Turtle Lake. Gorgeous detail and high end finishes throughout. 4 bedrooms, 3.3 baths. Three car attached garage. Cedar roof, copper gutters, elevator, bluestone patios, multiple fireplaces and much more.

455 Aspen Birmingham $1,399,900

Wonderful newer build home designed by Ron Rea, with a spacious open floor plan and soaring two story living room with fireplace.

Gorgeous eat-in kitchen includes large island, premium appls, and custom cabinetry. Spectacular master suite. Finished basement. 4 car garage.

201 Dourdan Bloomfield Hills $999,900

To be built home by Cranbrook Custom Homes in desirable Dourdan Place Sub, a neighborhood of 18 custom homes. Stone and brick elevation. Standard features will include granite counters throughout, custom cabinets, nook and great room with wide plank wood flooring.

4 bedrooms upstairs plus an additional loft/play room.

2640 Bradway Bloomfield Village $849,900

Move in ready 4 bedroom colonial in Bloomfield Village on a beautiful lot of almost a 1/2 acre. Renovated eat-in kitchen with granite counters and center island, updated baths, finished basement. Two car attached garage. Newer roof, windows, driveway and central air.

Professionally landscaped with a nice back patio and pergola.

120 Canterbury Bloomfield Hills $720,000

Amazing 2.5 acre property in the city of Bloomfield Hills. Four bedroom colonial home with a finished walk out lower level. Four car attached garage.

Multiple outdoor spaces. Tennis court. Spacious kitchen with granite counters. Three fireplaces. Endless possibilities. Bloomfield schools.

590 Riverside Birmingham $449,900

Unique opportunity for land purchase in a secluded detached condo development. Tucked away site yet just blocks away from town.

Lot price only.

g

in

e

l Sa

d en

P

g

in

e

l Sa

2700 Warwick Bloomfield Hills $374,900

Four bedroom, 2 1/2 bath colonial in Hugo Hills sub. Newer kitchen with center island, SS appliances and granite counters. Hardwood floors, two fireplaces, finished rec room in basement. Newer roof and replacement windows. Screened porch leading to back deck. Bloomfield schools.

d en

P

731 Coolidge Birmingham $254,999

Updated brick bungalow in the Pembrook Manor sub. Beautiful updates including a gorgeous new kitchen and two new full baths including a master bath up. Two car detached garage. Living room with fireplace.

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

C H R I S

PERO

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

248.797.0784 | cgPero@yahoo.com | over $30 million Sold or Pending yTd in 2017

495 Stoneridge Bloomfield Hills $1,199,900

Updated Chestnut Run Colonial at the end of the cul-de-sac on a beautiful .77 acre lot. Gorgeous newer kitchen. Master suite with remodeled bath and a large WIC. Finished walk out lower level.

Pool. 4 car garage.

648 Dewey Birmingham $1,100,000

Spacious colonial home on a great street originally built in the early 1900s and recently expanded and remodeled. Tons of charm and character. Four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. Large 223 feet deep lot and just blocks from downtown Birmingham. Finished basement.

Covered front porch and two patio areas.

4307 Creedmore Commerce Twp $797,000

Gorgeous lakefront home on all sports Commerce Lake. Three bedroom, three full bath colonial built in 2006. Lake views throughout the home. First floor laundry. 3 car side entry garage.

Trex deck and paver patio. Western exposure with sunset views.

623 Bloomfield Court Birmingham $749,900

Nicely tucked away on a quiet street but just blocks from downtown Birmingham. Original home expanded to include a large main floor family room with a great master suite above. 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. Two car garage. Private lot. Birmingham schools.

3045 S. Westview Ct Bloomfield Hills $439,900

Spacious home on a beautiful cul-de-sac lot of almost one acre in Bloomfield.

Remodeled kitchen with granite counters, hardwood floors and SS appls.

Heated Florida room overlooking backyard. Four bedrooms upstairs. Lower level includes laundry, office or 5th bedroom, huge family room and a patio right outside. 2 car attached side entrance garage. New driveway 2016.

7425 Pinehurst Bloomfield Hills $424,900

Two bedroom condo with a first floor master suite in Pinehurst - a complex of only 12 units. Nicely situated at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Vaulted ceiling in great room with a fireplace. Two car attached garage. First floor laundry. Eat-in kitchen with granite counters.

Finished basement.

g

in

e

l Sa

235 Barden Bloomfield Hills $235,000

3 bedroom condo located in a great neighborhood in the city of Bloomfield Hills. Spacious second floor unit. Newer kitchen with granite counters. 2 car garage. Laundry in unit. Updated baths.

d en

P

1789 Southfield Birmingham $189,900

Three bedroom townhouse condo at a great price. Private entry and private finished basement. Three bedrooms upstairs with a full bath. Main level includes an eat-in kitchen, half bath and living room with a doorwall to a back patio. Two parking spaces. Birmingham schools.

56

Jason Carr

SOCIAL LIGHTS

114

Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.

ENDNOTE

122

Changes that need to be made in handling the issue of spousal abuse in the courts; our take on some problems inside city hall in Birmingham that is costing taxpayers.

FACES

28 41 56 74 105

Alexandra Silber Matthew Dowd Jason Carr Eli Zaret Suzanne Lossia

PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody | Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak Austen Hohendorf | Lisa Rose Hook | Bill Seklar Joyce Wiswell | Dawn Wolfe Wierauch | Julie Yolles PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in downtown Birmingham.

For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication.

Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.

If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

WEBSITE downtownpublications.com

FACEBOOK facebook.com/downtownpublications TWITTER twitter.com/downtownpubs OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL oaklandconfidential.com Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS

CALL THE LOCAL EXPERTS FOR PHYSICIAN, JUMBO, VACANT LOT AND CONSTRUCTION FINANCING OPTIONS

Ted Edginton ted.edginton@usbank.com ted.edginton@usbank.com 248-866-9460 248-866-9460 NMLS NMLS #502442 #502442

Mark Webberly mark.webberly@usbank.com 248-882-2535 NMLS #139326 #139326 NMLS

usbank.com Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage and Home Equity Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association, Member FDIC. Š2014 U.S. Bank

FROM THE PUBLISHER he old adage that ‘those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it’ is now playing out in grand fashion as the Michigan legislature and the administration of Gov. Snyder celebrate the possible arrival of the Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group that will supposedly create jobs dedicated to assembling liquid-crystal display screens now used for Apple iPhone and computer products, along with the defense, automotive and aviation industries.

T

I am not certain what the Snyder Administration is projecting in terms of a return on investment, but here’s a lesson from the state of Wisconsin, where tax incentives will cost $3 billion in exchange for a $10 billion manufacturing plant providing 13,000 jobs. The legislative service bureau in that state projects that it will be at least 2043 before Wisconsin recoups its investment. In more simple terms, the state’s incentives equate to $15,000 – $19,000 annually for each job provided in the plant.

Michigan is among a handful of states that have been chasing what Foxconn officials suggested a year ago would be $7 billion in investments creating anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 jobs in the U.S. Officials here were crestfallen when in July it was announced that the state of Wisconsin would get a plant to serve the Apple phone supplier (more on that later), but were buoyed by the suggestion that Michigan could still get a major investment with a second plant specifically focused on serving the auto industry demand for liquidcrystal display screens.

To add to the questionable nature of the Wisconsin proposal, Foxconn is going to be allowed to skirt or ignore a number of state environmental regulations to bring the plant to realization quicker.

So Snyder went about pushing through a set of bills (dubbed ‘Good Jobs for Michigan’ legislation) – which had died in the state house last year – that supposedly would provide incentives for Foxconn to locate a plant here while Snyder and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan flew off for a weekend in Taiwan to reportedly hammer out details of bringing the investment to Michigan.

Lost in all the celebration was a report being issued by the respected non-partisan policy study group Citizens Research Council, which lays out a pretty dark short-term and long-term future for the state’s budget thanks to the same poor public policy being followed to grab the shiny object dangled by the Foxconn Technology Group.

Let’s start by looking at what Foxconn is offering to Michigan officials.

The Taiwan-based company, which has a messy history when it comes to treatment of workers, has reportedly told Michigan officials they would invest $4 billion in a plant in southeast Michigan that would employ 5,000 workers. But in return they expect consideration of tax incentives. Some reports say that Foxconn is looking for 300-500-acre parcels in metro Detroit, including in Oakland County’s Lyon Township To avoid having readers eyes glaze over, here’s some pretty general terms of what companies like Foxconn could receive under the ‘Good Jobs for Michigan’ proposal that has now been signed into law.

Michigan would offer to allow the company to capture a portion of income taxes for the new jobs that reached a specific pay level. Foxconn and other companies – a limit of 15 agreements at any point in time – would be capped at $250 million in annual paybacks for placing a plant here. Any company with such an agreement with the state could lose the incentive for any year in which they failed to provide or retain the agreed upon number of jobs. The new economic incentive law provides for a variety of abatement percentages tied to providing jobs: 100 percent abatement for up to 10 years if 3,000 jobs are created at a pay level equal to the average in the region; 50 percent abatement for up to five years if 500 jobs with only average wages are created; or up to a 10year abatement of 100 percent if 250 jobs are created that pay over 125 percent of the average prevailing wage in the region.

Color me unimpressed, both by what is happening in the neighboring state and in Michigan’s chase of the Foxconn investment.

We have seen unfulfilled promises based on tax incentives exchanged for job creation in the past and it has seldom proved to be the blessing that backers would have us believe.

And then there’s the Citizens Research Council (CRC) recent report on the looming budget disaster in Michigan.

Here’s the Cliff’s Notes version of what CRC is projecting for Michigan in a report entitled “Challenges Ahead in Balancing the State Budget.”

The state general fund will likely see minimal growth of current revenues and they project “no future significant general fund revenue” increases. Add to that, possible federal cuts in state revenues are just around the corner. And then there’s the much-expected possible state recession in which personal income tax revenue for the general fund could fall anywhere from 5 to 25 percent.

Against a general fund that will likely show no real growth, tax credits and promises by previous legislatures and the current House/Senate/ Governor are now coming due, including $600 million that is going to be siphoned off the general fund each year for roads; school funding that is expected to be tapped to fulfill other promises; and the loss of personal property tax on office and manufacturing equipment and the cost of making good to local communities the lost funding from this tax break, just to highlight a few of the realities we are facing.

The list of tax cuts for business could go on and will amount to about $2 billion annually for the state of Michigan. Overall, according to the analysis, the diversions from the general fund to pay for past promises could reach $5 billion by fiscal year 2022 – as the CRC puts it, “equal to 20 to 45 percent of the current general fund budget.”

Bottom line – residents should expect to pay more taxes in the years ahead to make up for poor policy decisions, with no end in sight.

So by all means, let’s cast history to the winds and celebrate the possible gain of a Foxconn plant coming to southeast Michigan. But color me very nervous.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

A Touch of Lace 4036 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302 (Located at the Southwest Corner of Long Lake Road & Telegraph Road) Phone: 248-645-5223 | Fax: 248-645-5227 Email: Sales@atouchoflace.net | www.atouchoflace.com Monday - Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm Evenings and Weekends available upon request

INCOMING Show senator respect It is very difficult to get unbiased reporting in these divided times.

We ordinary people have no way to access what is true and what is biased in favor of one party or another.

I was disappointed to see (David Hohendorf’s opinion column) in the August 2017 edition of your (newsmagazine). While what (he) says may be true, I have no way of assessing, but (his) very biased and disrespectful comments concerning (Michigan Senator) Meekhoff did not impress. I do not know him or anything about him but feel that you should, publicly, at least, show respect.

I do, however, totally support the need for public transparency in all of our government’s dealings.

Please leave your personal politics out of what is otherwise a very good and helpful publication.

Merton Wreford Rochester Hills

Publisher’s divisiveness While I enjoy reading Downtown, I would enjoy it more without the politicizing by the publisher. With as polarized as this country is, it is sad a local paper feels the need to join in the divisiveness.

Media today seems more interested in forming public opinion than presenting facts. One of the most effective tools is to present only the side they support.

In (his July column), Mr. Hohendorf follows this pattern. This is clear by his comments on the Paris Accord and global warming. He calls on Brooks Patterson to uphold the Paris Accord and ignore the negative effects on business. What he fails to add is that if everything (extremely unlikely) works perfectly, if everyone follows the accord to the letter (with no enforcement mechanism), the net difference in temperature may be .2 percent of one degree. This would cost US taxpayers three trillion dollars, in addition to sending more jobs to China. Often the same jobs banned from the U.S. One has to wonder if Chinese pollution is less toxic than American pollution. I consider these significant facts that are ignored in order to sway the public.

He also dismisses any scientist that doesn’t agree with the proffered opinion by citing the DDT debate. I noticed he didn’t cite that according to these same global warming proponents, New York City was supposed to be submerged by 2015 downtownpublications.com

SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities.

Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.

due to melted icecaps. I spent over seven years working at Oak Ridge National Lab supporting scientist all over the world. Many of them are studying pollution and climate. I can assure you that there is much more to the research than is presented to the public. It can be argued the Paris agreement was a more political than practical event.

He then chastises the administration for reigning in the EPA, even going so far as to state that the president and his “congressional lapdogs” may even want to eliminate it. What he conveniently ignores is the litany of abuses in recent years with their ever growing power. This is supposed to be a community newspaper and the community would be better served by uplifting it rather than dividing it.

Patricia Redd Rochester Hills

‘No Reason’ absentee In Michigan, a registered voter must currently meet one of six criteria in order to apply for an absent voter ballot: is 60 years of age or more; is unable to vote without assistance; expects to be absent from his or her city or township of residence for the entire time the polls are open; is in jail awaiting arraignment or trial; has been appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of his or her precinct of residence; or is unable to attend the polls due to his or her religious beliefs.

The reality of it is that many registered voters are using the “expects to be absent from the community” reason as a “no reason” in order to account for why they need an absent voter ballot.

Why do I support ‘no reason’ absentee ballots? Life is busy.

• Free covered parking • Couples services • Infrared sauna • Free wi-fi • Online gift certificates • Private parties

DOWNTOWN

Facials | Waxing | Body Treatments | Massage Cupping | Mani Pedi | Men’s Services www.beachhouse-dayspa.com 34645 Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

248.220.4485

21

Stunning Estate Near Cranbrook

City of Bloomfield Hills | 362 Keswick Road | $3,999,000 et on almost 2 acres, this European inspired manor home takes full advantage of its peaceful, private setting located in highly sought-after Cranbrook community neighborhood. Bathed in natural light and rich in character, the interior benefits from a thoughtful floor plan that connects to an array of outdoor living spaces. Exquisite details include gleaming marble floors, leaded glass windows, crystal light fixtures and intricate moldings. The main level takes in a 2-story foyer with a sweeping staircase, richly paneled library and a gourmet kitchen opening to wonderful entertaining space featuring a large family room with fireplace, beautifully accented formal rooms and luxurious master suite and bath. Ample family accommodations include four additional bedrooms and three full baths on the upper level that overlook the spectacular gardens and lush landscape. A very special home!

S

8,429 Square Feet | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217066440

Cindy Obron Kahn An Extraordinary Agent Providing Extraordinary Results

Hall & Hunter Realtors’ 2016 Top Agent 248.568.7309 Cindy@CindyKahn.com | CindyKahn.com 442 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, MI 48009

Commutes are out of control. We want people to vote.

According to a Google Consumer Survey conducted by Parents magazine of more than 1,000 working parents, 44 percent spend five hours or more per week driving kids to and from activities. Let’s compound the fact that a recent INRIX study reports that Detroit drivers, on average, spent 33 hours in traffic in 2016. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average hours worked per day by full time workers is approximately nine hours. So, let’s consider how an “average” day is occurring in Michigan. It is filled with nine hours of work, traffic that is ranked the 24th worst in the country, three kids that need to get to practices, and we wonder why we have dismal turnouts at elections. The polls are open for a total of 13 hours, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Don’t we want people to vote?? It is not uncommon for local elections to see 20 percent or less voter turnout.

Communities spend thousands of dollars to run an election. Even in gubernatorial elections, we will experience percentages at only around 50 person of registered voters.

Let’s compare the integrity of the vote. At the precinct, the voter fills out an application to vote and is asked to show voter identification. If they do not have valid ID in their possession, they sign an affidavit on the back of the application swearing to such. Their name is hand typed into the Electronic Poll Book. There is no process at this time to confirm that the voter is who they say that they are. If a voter applies to receive an absent voter ballot in person at the clerk’s office, the voter is required to present a photo ID or sign the Affidavit of Voter not in Possession of Picture Identification form. The list of acceptable ID documents and Affidavit form are the same as those required for in-person voter registration and in-person voting.

Applications for absent voter ballots may be received by hand, via postal mail, fax or email, as long as the voter’s signature is visible. In person, we are asking for ID and checking the signature in the Qualified Voter File. Each absent voter will have been checked twice for a signature match – the application and the ballot. We check every single one of them. My staff did over 26,000 signature checks in the 2016 Presidential Election. Two of the invalid signatures resulted in filing a police report. The signature discrepancy would not have been caught at the precinct.

As a clerk with the highest downtownpublications.com

international clerk certification, Michigan certification, and who was the 2016 City Clerk of the Year, I see no valid reason to not pass ‘No Reason’ absentee voting in Michigan. We have stringent processes in place to secure and maintain the integrity of the process.

This should be a non-partisan issue.

Tina Barton, MMC, CMMC City Clerk, City of Rochester Hills

FROM OUR WEBSITE/FACEBOOK:

Specializing In Hard To Fit Sizes ––––– Gift Certificates Available

Peabody replacement "The way I look at this plan, it's essentially abutting our building..."

Greene said. "All our tenants would see is an orange colored block going up five stories. There would be no more light. It's not pedestrian friendly because there's no pedestrian walkway."

Laughable that the two existing developers would build up to the lot line and include windows, and then have the guts to demand the building in between not use all of its own lot?

Indeed, take a hike, existing building owners. This was completely foreseeable if your eyes were open and your brain engaged.

Charlie Smith I think it will look stupid now, if there wasn't a "high rise" there.

Peabody’s looked out of place after the other building was built.

Jules Justine VanHellemont

Birmingham parking I am repeatedly hearing from friends that they don't want to come into Birmingham because of the "terrible parking" situation. For dinner, lunch, shopping, movies, anything. "I don't want to go to Birmingham; the parking situation there is awful. Let's go someplace else." And we/they do!

Allison Friedman

Celebrating a woman's beauty for 70 years

Old Woodward project There is no mention here that the city plans to destroy the mature trees which provide shade, clean the air, and add to the general beauty and character of this city. I don't believe that such a loss is necessary. On the contrary, the decision to clear-cut downtown Birmingham is thoughtless to the negative consequences to the enjoyment of our sidewalks and negligent to our duty as citizens of this community to nurture our town's best attributes, those resources which have been decades in the making.

Mike Kopmeyer DOWNTOWN

265 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

248.642.2555 www.harps-lingerie.com

Monday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

(No appointment necessary)

Like us on Facebook 23

L i n k W a c h L e r D e s i g n s OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine.

We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed online at DowntownPublications.com or at OaklandConfidential.com.

248.882.2031 link@linkwachler.com linkwachler.com MEMBER OF AMERICAN GEM TRADE ASSOCIATION JEWELERS OF BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ContaCt Link for your free design ConsuLtation

SUNDANCE SHOES "These boots are made for walking"

Jeffrey Campbell "Cromwell"

235 S Old Woodward Birmingham 248.385.5960 24

6915 Orchard Lake Rd. West Bloomfield 248.737.9059

CRACK IN THE DIKE: Appears staunch Republican Congressman David Trott (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy), in his second term representing Michigan’s 11th District, isn’t still feeling the love for President Donald Trump. Politico reported that Trott shocked the room at a private meeting in late July when he voiced what many other Republicans were thinking, that the president had been unhelpful with health care, and administration infighting was distracting from the Republican agenda. “It’s more than that,” Trott, of Birmingham, told Downtown. “It’s more the president’s TROTT inability to evolve into the job that’s hampering our ability to pass legislation. He’s certainly not providing any kind of leadership, and it’s undermining our ability to pass the agenda.” He noted a perfect example was Trump’s already infamous press conference on August 15, when he was supposed to be introducing an infrastructure bill. “We’re eight months into the administration, and we haven’t seen any kind of bill or bipartisan legislation. It should have been given to us within the first 100 days, and instead we’re left with that ridiculous press conference and we’re talking about the horrible activity in Charlottesville...the President’s conduct is undermining our ability to do business.” Trott believes Congress is left with only one way to get anything done during this session. “The president needs to act presidential, or we’re going to work without him on bipartisan solutions, and he can sign or veto them.” Don’t think Trott is going to be invited to any sleepovers in the Lincoln bedroom.

BIRD CALLS: Rep. David Trott (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy) is adamantly no fan of President Donald Trump’s favored form of communications either. “This tweeting is ridiculous. He does it because he’s afraid to stand before the press at a press conference and have to explain a bill or anything of substance.

He doesn’t understand anything.” Twitter may not be Trott’s best form of communication, either. In a classic case of foot-inmouth disease, Trott, a self-professed Twitter neophyte, TRUMP attempted to tweet against Trump’s support of neo-Nazis and white supremacists and for unity, but missed the shot. “Donald Trump should focus more on golf & have less press conferences.” His tweet immediately drew criticism from Democrat Haley Stevens, who has announced she is running for Trott’s spot.

DUMB AND DUMBER: Former Gov. John Engler, in this month’s Downtown newsmagazine, blasted Michigan’s legislative term limits for killing off valuable long-term knowledge needed by state lawmakers, and said the recent push for a part-time legislature in the state could only “make a bad situation worse.” In May, Michigan’s Lt. Governor Brian Calley was expected to announce a 2018 campaign for governor. Instead, in what many thought was a ridiculous move, Calley announced an initiative to amend the state’s constitution to set up a 90-day legislature and cut ENGLER lawmaker’s pay in half. “That is singularly the dumbest idea that has been brought forward in a while,” Engler said. “I heard Calley has backed away from it, but his consultant was running it for him.” In July, Calley revised his proposal, causing a reset on the petition drive to get the issue on a statewide ballot. Yet in August, Calley continued to push for the proposal.

While Engler said a form of part-time legislatures does work in some states, “you need a system and lawmakers that can get things done quickly, which isn’t the case in Michigan,” he asserted. “It is incredibly dumb.” Take that.

GROWING FIELD: Oakland County Democratic state House Rep. Tim Greimel (Auburn Hills) isn’t running for his party’s nomination for Michigan Attorney General – yet. “I haven’t made an official announcement, yet,” he said, “but we need an attorney general that is going to stand up for everyday people and consumers, and that was my background before joining the state legislature. It’s fair to say I’m seriously considering it.”

DOWNTOWN

GREIMEL

09.17

Now in his third and final term in the state House, Greimel said the Dems named him House leader in his first two terms, which suggests he may have support within his contingent to get the nomination in next year’s August state caucus. Each party’s nomination for attorney general, lieutenant governor and secretary of state are determined by the party’s caucus, which then goes on to face the opposing party’s selection in the November general election. Other hopefuls for the Dem’s AG pick include Dana Nessel, a former Wayne County prosecutor and Ann Arbor-based attorney known for her successful fight for same-sex marriage; former U.S. District NESSEL Attorney Pat Miles and Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith.

On the Republican side, current conservative House Speaker Tom Leonard (RDeWitt), a former Michigan assistant attorney general and prosecutor for Genesee County, has been mentioned as a possible candidate. “There is a very clear difference in the track record with Tom Leonard and me when it comes to standing up for consumers and working people, and looking out for the underdog.”

ROCKET MAN: Another politician has thrown his hat into the ring in Michigan’s 2018 race for governor. This time, it’s ultra-conservative state Senator Patrick Colbeck of Canton. A tea party conservative and former aerospace engineer, Colbeck landed in Lansing in 2010 and has since made a name for himself by trying to shoot down spending bills that had widespread support among moderates and many conservatives. Among those he opposed provided more than $120 million to Flint to mitigate drinking water contamination; more than $600 million to save the Detroit School System; and efforts to fund road repairs in 2015. He was one of only two senators who opposed the Grand Bargain, which provided $195 million for Detroit’s bankruptcy recovery. Colbeck opposes Common Core standards and is an advocate for schools of choice and Right to Life. “He is a consistent advocate of policies and solutions that benefit all Michigan citizens rather than special interest groups that too COLBECK often influence government with their pocket books,” Colbeck’s biography reads on his campaign website. Colbeck did, however, sponsor nine bills that were enacted to develop the state’s right-to-work law, which was heavily funded by the DeVos and Weiser families. He also pushed legislation to create a “Choose Life” license plate in the state to raise funds for causes backed by Right to Life of Michigan that Gov. Snyder vetoed. The DeVos family is among his top donors in past campaigns, according to state campaign finance records.

Bloomfield Hills • 39558 Woodward Ave

248-839-5343

MIDDLE SEAT: Rochester City Councilwoman Ann Peterson is featured in a recurring feature in Bloomberg News’ Politics section tracking eight Middle America voters from four states that helped swing the 2016 election. Peterson, who said Bloomberg got in touch with her because of her involvement in the Trump campaign in Michigan, was asked to rate Trump and his performance at various times of the year. As of late May, Peterson gave the president a 10/10 overall rating. Bloomberg asked Peterson her PETERSON feelings before and after she attended Trump’s inauguration in January, his grade on his first 100 days, Comey’s firing and the Russia investigation. In assessments in January, February and April, Peterson rated Trump 8/10, with 10/10 three times in May. The story, she said in August, is scheduled to be updated soon, with a new round of ratings and questions from Bloomberg.

WALK THE LINE: Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who just marked the fifth anniversary of the tragic auto accident that left him seriously injured and his driver a quadriplegic, is feeling more spry after back surgery earlier this summer. While he still needs his wheelchair, he’s walking short distances, he said, and spending more time out of it than he was before the operation. “I’ve been going crazy,” he said regarding the wheelchair. That hasn’t slowed down Patterson’s social life. He noted he’s back to his full speaking schedule, and is out most PATTERSON nights of the week at events. He’s looking forward to a $100/$500/$1,000 ticket fundraiser for county commissioners on Thursday, September 14, at The Townsend. “I’ve got a pretty busy schedule,” he chuckled. Can’t keep a good man down. downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

25

JEFF & MATT BARKER NE W

LI S

TI NG

Associate Brokers

NE W

LI S

TI NG

6025 Upper Straits Blvd ~ 100’ of Frontage on Private, All-Sports Upper Straits Lake 4 BR, 4.1 BA, 5,023 SF, Finished Lower Level, 3 Car Gar, 1.4 Acres ~ $1,995,000

W

LI S

TI NG

1151 Greensted Way Detached Ranch Condo Gated Hills of Lone Pine $824,900

NE

NE

W

LI S

TI NG

2551 Ginger Ct 1218 Water Cliff Dr 30 Cranbrook Ln Finished Walkout LL, 3 Car Gar 4 BR, 2.3 BA, 4,414 SF, 3 Car Gar Detached Condo, 1ST Flr Mstr Bloomfield Hills Schools Bloomfield Hills Schools Backs to Cranbrook $1,000,000 $995,000 $899,900

27740 Lakehills Dr 1ST Flr Mstr, 3/4 Acre Lot Walk to Franklin Hills CC $599,900

1859 Long Pointe Dr 140’ Frontage Upper Long Lk Three Quarter Acre Lot $599,900

NE W

LI

ST I

NG

1966 Bayou Dr 2009 Hazel St 3 BR, 3.2 BA, 3,576 SF, 2 Car Gar 120’ on Upper Long Lk Canal Bloomfield Hills Schools Birmingham Townhouse $599,900 $749,900

4978 Oak Hollow 5 BR, 4.2 BA, 4,300 SF Finished Walkout LL $524,900

4277 Sedgemoor Ln 4 BR, 2.2 BA, 3,641 SF Bloomfield Hills Schools $474,900

5614 Pembrooke Detchd Condo, 1st Flr Mstr Daylight LL, 3 Car Gar $469,900

34167 Lyncroft Ct Daylight LL, 3 Car Gar Three-Quarter Acre Lot $469,900

4275 Woodlands Ln 4 BR, 3.1 BA, 5,284 SF 3 Car Gar, Walkout LL $449,900

Trust two generations of experience with your real estate transactions.

Top 1% of Realtors Nationally 248.425.6000

jeff@jeffbarkerhomes.com www.jeffbarkerhomes.com 275 S. Old Woodward Ave | Birmingham | 48009

CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through August 15, 2017.

Placement of codes is approximate.

FACES Alexandra Silber rom waitressing at Birmingham’s Greek Islands to performing on the West End and the Great White Way, Alexandra Silber has nurtured a passion for the creative and performing arts into a career as both a singer and author.

“Acting is a profession where you’re given permission to do it.

With writing, I can engage with it everyday, and the only person giving permission is me. I don’t have to be given permission to create.”

Silber, a Birmingham native who performed locally at the Village Players and at St. Dunstans before finishing high school at Interlochen Arts Academy in northern Michigan, first performed in the musical that would define much of her early career, “Fiddler on the Roof,” at Groves High School during her sophomore year. She then appeared in the show in the United Kingdom as the secondoldest daughter, Hodel, before finally appearing in its recent Broadway incarnation as the eldest daughter, Tzeitel. The musical also provided the foundation for her recently published novel, “After Anatevka.”

“There’s something to be said about growing up in community theater. It’s an incredible place to learn about all different facets of life really early on,” she noted.

The timeless musical, which centers around fathers and daughters, was pivotal for Silber, who lost her father when she was only 18. She used the outlet of writing what would become her debut novel to “finish my own narrative” on her quest towards adulthood. She even traveled to Russia’s Siberia as research, for which she said Michigan winters had prepared her. “Fiddler on the Roof” itself had its world premiere in 1964 at Detroit’s Fisher Theater, so it’s a bit of kismet that a local would find solace in a tale set in a Russian shtetl at the turn of the 20th century.

Now at work on a memoir set in Birmingham, “White Hot Grief Parade,” out next fall, the hyperarticulate Silber sees her childhood dreams of performing on stage as actualized, while she is now on a new journey as a writer.

“Everything I ever could imagine and dream [performing at the Tony Awards] it was and more. It felt like the pinnacle moment of my adolescent dreams come true. There’s something very special about dreams we have as young people – they’re very specific, and to have those dreams fully realized is very rare. We come up with new dreams and new goals, but they’re never quite the same as the ones we first have.”

That is not to say that in her 30s, Silber is done with the stage.

Many of her book readings around the country are interspersed with songs from her cabaret shows, and in March, Silber will appear in Detroit with Cabaret 313 for an evening of storytelling through song.

It is this artistic duality that perhaps fits Silber’s talents best.

“Acting is an interpretative art form. You get to be creative, but you are interpreting other people’s words and stories and ideas. I find that being able to engage with both of those art forms simultaneously is very rewarding.”

F

Story: Hillary Brody

Photo: Billy Kidd

BEHIND THE THE STORY OF TWO WOMEN FACING LIFE IN

ESTIMATES SHOW AT LEAST 110 MICHIGAN WOMEN KILLED THEIR WHILE ANOTHER 60 TO 80 KILLED SOMEONE ELSE WHO HAD BEEN TEENAGER AND ARE CURRENTLY SERVING

CURTAINS PRISON FOR KILLING THEIR ABUSERS

BY LISA BRODY ust one week before Karen Kantzler married her husband in the early 1980s, Dr. Paul Kantzler, a radiologist at Henry Ford Hospital, he performed his weekly refrigerator check for spoilage.

“He found some lettuce that had wilted, and I laughed.

I thought it was humorous,” Karen Kantzler recounted in a voice so quiet it was difficult to hear during a prison visit with her in July 2017. “He had a fit. He slammed the lettuce on the counter and started jumping up and down and waiving his arms like a little boy. I started giggling – and he rushed to me and picked me up and slammed me down on the slate floor, across the living room. I rammed into an overstuffed chair. The whole side of me all the way was bruised. It was the first major physical attack.

“Before, he would always grab me at the neck by my clothing, and push me against a wall, a tree, bamming me against it, and that would escalate. (Eventually) it became weekly, then every few days, then daily.”

The physical and emotional abuse continued until March 11, 1987, when Karen killed Paul.

Police and prosecutors alleged she shot him while he slept in their bed. Karen asserted it was self-defense, after a day and night of drinking and drug abuse by Paul, which led to hours of continual verbal abuse, including at a neighborhood restaurant, culminating in him yelling at her during the drive home.

“I came into the bedroom. He was in bed,” she recalled. “I said, ‘Can’t we just talk things out not go to bed angry.’ He called me a moron. ‘I’m just going to take care of you before morning, and you’re going to be gone,’” she said he told her. “That scared me. I knew that meant he was going to kill me.”

J

SPOUSE/ABUSERS AND ARE SERVING LONG OR LIFE SENTENCES, ABUSING THEM, SUCH AS THEIR BOYFRIEND WHILE THEY WERE A LONG OR LIFE PRISON SENTENCES

Karen said she went into their TV room, sipped on a vodka and lemonade, and heard him call her name. She waited to go into the bedroom, “but I got so tired and sleepy, and I went to the bedroom door. He was standing there with a gun in his hand and he grabbed me by my clothes at the neck and pulled me. It happened so fast – I pushed him as he was grabbing me. I think he tripped on a little rug, and he fell on the bed and dropped the gun. I grabbed the gun, and it went off, and I shot him.

“I didn’t mean to shoot him.”

Over the years Karen had spent with Paul, he beat her, broke her ribs, tried to cut off her finger, ruptured her spleen in a motorcycle accident, tried to drown her, caused her to miscarry, held guns to her head, left her blind in one eye and with permanent tremors and shakes from repeated beatings, demeaned her over and over again, and threatened her life.

Unfortunately, once he was dead, she told police and friends he had committed suicide.

She claims she was trying to protect his reputation, so he wouldn’t be known as a batterer.

In a trial before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Norman Lippitt in 1988, Karen was found guilty of second degree murder in the death of Paul, and given a sentence of life imprisonment, which Lippitt said, under sentencing guidelines at the time, he believed meant she would be released in 10 years.

“It was my understanding if I sentenced her to life, she would be paroled in 10 years,” Lippitt said recently. “Typically, people were paroled in 10 to 12 years. I chose life (as the sentence) because she would have been out in 10, because she deserved parole. There was some spousal abuse, but I don’t know how cognizant I was then about it. What the hell did we know about spousal abuse? It wasn’t on our radar screen (in 1988).

“But changes in administrations changed the tone of sentences a lot over the years.”

Lippitt, now in private practice, has since spoken before the Michigan Parole Board, noting his error in sentencing and advocating for her parole. “She shouldn’t be in jail, and she’s in jail.”

An appeal in 1993 before subsequent Oakland Circuit Court

cases. “She was a victim of battered spouse syndrome; that had her counsel been more effective, the likelihood her life sentence would have been reduced; the sentence was not what the (original) judge intended; and the psychological report indicated that Ms. Kantzler was not a threat to society.

“What I did was overturned her original sentence; she plead again, and I gave her three to 10 years, which in essence was time served,” Howard explained.

However, prosecutors objected and appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals, which reinstated Kantzler’s original life sentence.

Almost 30 years and numerous appeals later, Kantzler continues to remain incarcerated with over 2,000 other female inmates by Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) in the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypslanti “I just wanted a happy life,” Karen Kantzler said recently. “I just wanted him to agree to stop (the abuse). I even asked him to go to counseling because I wanted to go. He said ‘no’ because it (the abuse) was (due to) my human frailties.”

By Karen’s own account from transcripts from the 1993 court opinion, her father was an alcoholic who had sexually abused her from the time she was eight until she was 21. She said attempts to report this activity to her mother only resulted in her mother placing blame on her for this activity. It reported she was also raped by a 14-year-old boy when she was seven or eight, and sexually abused by her uncle.

“This sequence contributed to feelings of helplessness, powerlessness, and low selfesteem that have plagued Karen most of her life,” according to psychologist Lawrence Cohen in the transcript. “She is drawn to dominant, narcissistic, and aggressive men, whom she does not take time to discover much about, but rather... became involved rather impulsively.”

Karen is not alone. According to the Michigan Women’s Justice and Clemency Project at University of Michigan, police in the U.S. encounter more cases of domestic violence each year than all other forms of violence combined, with approximately 85 percent of victims of partner violence being the female.

Michigan Women’s Justice and Clemency Project, said it is estimated at least 110 women killed their spouse/abusers and are serving long or life sentences, while another 60 to 80 killed someone else who had been abusing them, such as their boyfriend while they were a teenager, and are currently serving long or life prison sentences. There are no national statistics for how many women are incarcerated for killing their partner after being the victim of abuse.

Kantzler is not the only woman from an affluent, Oakland County background to find herself behind bars for killing her husband after years of abuse.

Nancy Seaman was a successful, awardwinning Farmington Hills elementary school teacher who was also successful at something else – hiding the daily beatings she received at the hands of her husband, Bob, which increased after he lost his high-paying job in 1995 at Borg Warner. As her career in middle age blossomed, his appeared to nosedive, with an investment in a batting cage becoming his life, and other investments turning sour – to the point that in the months before his murder in May 2004, mortgage payments and other bills weren’t being paid.

“In my case, people couldn’t believe that an educated woman with a good job could be an abused wife,” said the self-possessed and poised Seaman, also currently housed at the Huron Valley Women’s Correctional Facility after being found guilty of first degree murder in Bob’s death, which Seaman continues to maintain was self-defense. She was sentenced to life with no chance of parole in 2005, after a jury did not believe her assertions of selfdefense, but rather that she had premeditated her husband’s murder. “But you can be successful in your career and be totally helpless in your personal life – and be more vulnerable because you’re afraid to reach out. (I believed) if I reached out for help other teachers would think less of me; parents wouldn’t want their students in my class –‘she has an abusive husband, he might show up in class.’ I was so private about my personal life, I tried to camouflage my private life. I was so ashamed.

(I later learned) my coworkers suspected. I showed up with bruises all the time, my arm in a sling, black eyes, they could see I was

IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING IF I SENTENCED HER TO LIFE, SHE WOULD BE PAROLED IN 10 YEARS. Judge Barry Howard, after Lippitt stepped down, was overturned.

“I overturned the conviction based upon her being abused throughout her life, including her marriage,” said Howard, now a private judge in Bloomfield Hills overseeing primarily mediation

Each year, at least 1,200 women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends – fully onethird of all female murder victims in the United States – while less than four percent of all male murder victims are killed by a female partner.

In Michigan, Carol Jacobsen, director of the

crying.”

“Abusive relationships can be more binding than loving relationships,” said Dr. Gerald Shiener M.D., a psychiatrist with a practice in Birmingham. “These men have an underlying inability to express anger and keep a lot bottled

up, and when it comes out it comes out in an unprecedented way. They’re involved with women who have a need to be in an abusive relationship, either because of a pattern or abusive model in their family of origin or having learned that love and attention are contingent upon being in pain – that the only way to get love is if it is tied with suffering.

“For these people, usually women, if they’re not being beaten, it seems like no one cares, and that becomes the model of the relationship.

They’re emotionally interdependent. It’s not money or the kids,” Shiener continued. But there can be a chronic danger that develops. “It seems like the only way out is to kill her abuser.”

In a piece titled “Battered women, homicide convictions and sentencing,” for the Hastings Women’s Law Journal, Carol Jacobsen, Kammy Mizga, and Lynn D’Orio of Women’s Justice and Clemency Project wrote, “Most women who kill do so to defend themselves from men who have repeatedly beaten them. Despite the very real dangers that many women live with on a daily basis, those who defend themselves against batterers are given no special consideration by the criminal/legal system if they are forced to kill. In fact, there is evidence that such women often face greater punishment than other defendants.”

According to a fact sheet on battered women in prison citing the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the average prison sentence of men who kill their women partners is two to six years. However, women who kill their male partners are sentenced on average to 15 years, despite the fact that most women who kill do so in self-defense. Further, it stated that men tend to be aggressors in homicide cases even when the homicides are committed by women. In a survey of nearly 10,000 murder cases, 90 percent were perpetrated by men, and 10 percent by women.

The justification for a self-defense defense may come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which reported that most murders of women involve domestic violence after analyzing data from 18 states, and finding that of 10,018 female homicides between 2003 and 2014, fully 55 percent – more than half – involved circumstances of known domestic violence. In 93

Women who kill their intimate partners often feel they have no other recourse, that it will be “him or me,” and that they are in imminent danger of being killed.

“When men kill, they are (often) terrified of the woman leaving. When women kill, it’s usually more of an ongoing crisis, where they have no other out,” said Shiener. “Often these men are very controlling. They will kill or beat the women if they leave or go to shelters. The men are petrified of the women leaving.”

Emily Matuszczak, senior program director at Haven, a non-profit organization for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Pontiac, concurred. “The biggest, number one fear, that people minimize, is that if she attempts to leave, she will be killed. In essence, if she stays, she will be killed, or if she leaves, he says, ‘I’ll kill the kids,’ or it’s a murdersuicide.

“Leaving doesn’t stop the violence. It’s the most dangerous time for a victim,” she continued. “It’s when an abuser escalates and attempts to regain control – ‘If I can’t have her, no one can.’ There’s the desperation of the abuser and the abused. The abused woman doesn’t see any other way out to survive.”

Haven, which has a 24-hour, seven-day-aweek crisis and support line for anyone in need or who knows a victim, also has a shelter which sees about 250 women and children a year, Matuszczak said. Unfortunately, “Haven runs at full capacity 365 days a year,” she said, noting “that does not get at the root cause of the violence.”

A bigger problem is the multiple barriers, both physical and emotional, facing the victim when violence in a relationship has gone on for a long time. The individual has usually become isolated, both physically and emotionally. “The batterer has so much control over the person who is isolated,” Matuszczak noted.

Financially, they take all control, “and the batterer has threatened you’ll be on the streets.

Often, the victim does not know where to turn because she has been experiencing emotional abuse. Feeling helpless, they may feel they’re in an emotional bind.”

That was certainly the case with Karen Kantzler, who was a radiology technician at Henry Ford Hospital when she first met Paul, then a a radiology resident. Over time, he

sell dog food to neighbors to get enough money to pay for milk and groceries,” she said.

She said she reached out to the shelter at Haven at one point, but it was full. She never had the emotional strength to reach out again.

Nancy Seaman was in the opposite position as she embarked on a career, but with ultimately the same result. After Bob lost his job, Nancy said the abuse got much worse. She had approached the police twice over the years, but felt Bob was being protected rather than her. She never reached out to a woman’s shelter, like Haven, thinking it was only for “poor women without a home.”

“He was angry his career had gone down in flames, and I had money to gain independence and options,” Nancy said, noting and blaming herself, “If that hadn’t happened, we would probably still be going on as it always had.”

The tipping point appeared to be in the winter and spring of 2004, when Nancy had had enough, and decided to get a divorce. “The last six months, I would come home to find things I valued smashed and destroyed, and Post-It notes scribbled all over the house. He was out of control. He tried to burn the house down twice – ‘I’ll burn this house to the ground before I let you have this house,’ he said to me.”

Nancy finally confided in her father, who was stunned to learn of the abuse, and loaned her money for a downpayment on a condo.

With her older son, Jeff, and his then-wife Rebecca, she spent weekends secretly looking for a place to live, and bought one in February.

The deal was that if Bob were to find out, it was to be for Greg, their younger son, who was graduating from college that May. On Mother’s Day 2004, Nancy spent the day with Jeff and Rebecca. It was a week before Greg was to graduate, and Bob had disappeared for a week. It turned out he had gone to visit his brother in Arizona, but had not told anyone. And his family didn’t look for him.

He turned up Sunday, and apparently had learned of Nancy’s condo when she and her son and daughter-in-law returned home Sunday evening. An argument ensued, and Jeff and Rebecca left.

According to Nancy, and court records, she and Bob were estranged at this point, sleeping separately in the same home. On Monday

WHAT THE HELL DID WE KNOW ABOUT SPOUSAL ABUSE? IT WASN’T ON OUR RADAR SCREEN (IN 1988). percent of those cases, the female victims were killed by current or former boyfriends, husbands or lovers. The CDC reported that three women a day are murdered by an intimate partner, and in many cases, children and others are also killed.

convinced her to quit her job, that her attempts at getting an MBA were too time consuming and was taking too much time from him, and she turned over her lump sum retirement check to him, as well as the title to her vehicle. “Now everything was dependent upon him. I had to

morning, when she got up for school, she found Bob at the kitchen counter, in the same clothes he had been in the day before. Apparently, he had not been to bed the night before.

“No coffee cup in front of him, no TV on, no newspaper, just staring, waiting for me. My

Up North Lifestyles Own A Vineyard

!

W NE

Vineyards on beautiful Old Mission Peninsula with 2 building sites. Located on the Wine Trail this is an ideal location for a winery, more vineyards or a cider house. 54 acre parcel with 9 acres ready to be planted. $1,150,000. Visit TedSchweitzer.com for more details.

Luxury Recreational Compound HUNT • FISH • GOLF • SNOWMOBILE Enjoy a resort-like setting on your own private and remote 184 acres with 2,000 feet of lake frontage, golf green and fairway, heated deer blinds, a huge pole barn for all your toys, charming log cabin guest house with stone fireplace, and a bunk house. And adjacent to miles of snowmobile trails. Can sleep up to 22, could make a great Corporate Retreat. Minutes to TreeTops Resort, Garland Lodge & Resort, and Gaylord Regional Airport. $1,400,000. Visit TedSchweitzer.com for more details.

es cr A 4

18

Majestic Parcel Lake Michigan view lot with 4,000 shared frontage for those long shoreline walks.

Level lot, paved road, 3 miles to village of Northport. Exceptional value $299,900.

The Orchard House Wonderful property on 10.5 acres in the heart of Old Mission Peninsula, surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and historic barns. 4BR 2BA home plus a guest house, barn, pole building, extra garages. Close to Wineries and dining. $379,000.

NE

W

!

A Home with Frontage Old Mission Peninsula 4BR 2BA home with 300 feet shared frontage on West Bay. Covered front porch, bay views, peaceful setting, minutes to downtown Traverse City. $379,000. Visit TedSchweitzer.com for more details.

NE

W

!

The Best of Traverse City and more!

Top 5% Realtors Nationally In Sales

heart skipped a beat,” Nancy recalled. “It went from bad to worse. ‘I know about the condo, you lying bitch...’ I reached for my keys and purse and across the counter for my ice tea mug. My husband was playing with a knife and cut me on the arm. He had never drawn blood like that before, and I just lost it. I grabbed my keys and ran to the front door – he had taken the key out of the front door, and it wouldn’t open. I headed to the garage, and he was on my heels. I hit the ground and rolled around the tool kart, and I’m on the ground and tools are all over. He’s kicking, twisting and kicking me. He knelt down, pinned me, and I rolled over, and was next to a small generator, and I reached to grab it for leverage, and there was a hatchet on top. I picked up the hatchet and began swinging and once I started I couldn’t stop.”

According to testimony by Oakland County Medical Examiner Ljubisa Dragovic, she hit him 15 times with the hatchet, and then took the knife Bob had used on her arm, and sliced his throat and stabbed him 21 times. He was likely dead from the first blow to his head.

But Nancy didn’t know that, and said she continued to fear for her life, at first unaware that he was dead.

“His falling on me felt like a further attack,” she said.

“When someone finally reacts, they’re in a frenzy, and can’t stop. All of the chemicals flooded her,” said Dr. Lenore Walker EdD of Florida, a forensic psychologist who specializes in gender violence, and developed the concept of battered woman syndrome in 1979. Walker testified at Seaman’s trial. “It’s the autonomic reaction that happens when we believe we’re in danger. It’s self-defense, and it’s a dissociative state. A lot of what happens in these cases is counter-intuitive. Part of the battering relationship is dependency, it’s the belief that you can’t do it on your own. In a healthy relationship there is an interdependency. A coercive relationship is about control, and fosters the dependency.”

After the attack, Nancy cried, took a shower, and went in late to work, where co-workers said they saw her looking disheveled, beaten, and like she had been crying for days.

When she went home, she realized Bob was dead. She bought tarps, tape and cleaning supplies, and wrapped

tape that she had bought a hatchet at Home Depot on Mother’s Day, and then shoplifted one and returned it on Tuesday. She alleged she used an old one in her self-defense attack from Bob, and that she had bought the one on Sunday to do yard work.

After three days, police found Bob’s body, bound up in a tarp in the back of her vehicle, and arrested her. They acknowledged, during testimony at her trial, that they had never seen a garage so clean.

“The only way I could deal with things was to take care of it,” Nancy said. “I shut down.

When I saw his body laying there, I could not face the reality.”

“No one sees behind the blinds. I was flooded by letters that they couldn’t believe that Nancy could have done this. But it’s about a form of love that goes with violence. Love is separate from the violence,” Walker continued.

“Every battered woman has said – and I’ve interviewed thousands – ‘Get rid of the violence and our relationship is perfect.’ The loving part of him is what they think is real. They think if they can help him, the violent part will drop out. In some ways, there’s co-dependencies.”

Dr. Nels Thompson, who was Nancy’s (and Karen’s) prison psychologist at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, said he does not believe she premeditatively planned to kill her husband in any way. “In fact, she premeditated how to leave him without confrontation, and safely,” he said. “She went to great lengths to escape, to avoid the very thing that happened, and it didn’t work. Nancy is a non-violent person. She went into excessive killing – called overkill – using excessive force when he attacked her on that fatal day in May 2004, because when a nonviolent person is suddenly forced into a fight with fear for their life, they have no idea the force they are exerting, because they’ve never used force or weapons. Sometimes convicted women are convicted of stabbing their victims 15 or 20 times. Of course they were. They had no idea any of those stabbings were having any effect whatsoever. They may empty their gun into their abuser. To them their abuser is so powerful, nothing can stop them in their whole experience. He has overpowered her over and over again.

“They have no intention to be deadly – just

his son Todd, who at the time had just left the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office. “I had Todd question her (to prep her), to make her understand that the hardest thing is to answer yes or no,” Kaluzny recalled. “She couldn’t do it – telling her whole life story. When she answered the first question, I said to Todd, look at that jury – we just lost the case. Their bodies just closed up, because of the way she came across.

“It wasn’t the same Nancy we knew. She kept giving long answers, and they just didn’t have any sympathy for her. We were trying to humanize her, but the jury was just turned off by her, and felt she had an out,” he continued.

“I’ve had over 135 murder cases, and this is the one that bothers me.

“I believe 100 percent it was self-defense.”

Former Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Jack McDonald did as well. He was the judge on Seaman’s case, and eight months later, with it haunting him, he reduced the jury decision to second degree murder, an unlawful killing without premeditation.

“I was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals, 2-1, but I had to live with myself,” McDonald said. “I had never done something like that in 17 years. I bet I had about 18 first degree murder cases. I never gave them a second thought – they were hard core killers.

But I wondered – why did she do it? She borrowed money from her father, she’s getting a divorce, she’s out of there. He had been out of town. How would she know he would be there? It didn’t make any sense. I didn’t grant a new trial because there wasn’t sufficient evidence to, but just off the cuff eight months later, I said there wasn’t evidence of premeditation. It was either rage or absolute fear. Either one negates a cool mind where it would be premeditated murder.”

What also contributed to his questioning was a letter he received from Dr. Lenore Walker stating that while she had been allowed to testify about battered woman syndrome, by the rules of Michigan evidence, she could only provide statistics and generalities of traits of a battered wife, and was precluded from providing a conclusion.

“In the Seaman case, I could only speak about domestic violence in general and battered women in general,” noted Walker. “I

I JUST WANTED HIM TO AGREE TO STOP. I EVEN ASKED HIM TO GO TO COUNSELING BECAUSE I WANTED TO GO. his body and cleaned the home. She also put his body in the back of her vehicle, and told her sons and others, including police who searched for him, she had no idea where he was, that he sometimes disappeared for days.

At trial, it was revealed from a surveillance

to stop the attack.”

The jury at Nancy Seaman’s trial, however, disagreed, and found her guilty of first degree murder, determining she had premeditated the attack.

Larry Kaluzny was her attorney, along with

could not speak that Nancy was abused or fit any pattern of battered woman syndrome. I had some test results from another psychologist, and I wasn’t allowed to introduce that. It was difficult for the jury to fit it together.”

In Michigan, along with California and a

few other states, an expert witness can testify to a condition, such as battered spouse syndrome, explaining the symptoms, noting statistics and traits, but cannot make the connection to state that the person on trial has the condition. The People v. Christel, a sexual abuse case which argued before the Michigan Supreme Court in 1995, determined the admissibility of expert testimony regarding battered woman syndrome when offered to a jury to understand the complainants actions and testimony in tolerating abuse over a period of years, but the witness cannot make the connection to the individual herself.

“Battered person syndrome – it’s a diagnosable condition, a psychological condition, so to say it’s not admissible in court is unusual or unique,” noted David LaBahn, president of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys in Washington DC. “It is up to the court to determine if it is an actual defense, and that is the role of the judge. That is a legal ruling where, at times, the underlying facts of the case don’t support the admissibility of that defense.”

LaBahn said that in California, where he is from, just like in Michigan, “an expert cannot testify to the ultimate conclusion. That is the role and responsibility of the jury.”

He said that despite what defendants and some defense attorneys attest, prosecuting attorneys recognize self-defense. “It’s whether it’s a full and complete defense – ‘I killed him because he was about to kill me.’ The second thing, that concept of imperfect self-defense, moves it down to manslaughter, or involuntary manslaughter. The key with imperfect selfdefense, is the mental defense, that takes it out of voluntary into involuntary. The mental state is definitely not murder.

“It’s just traditional homicide law – we have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, was that the reason she killed him, or was it to get the house, the car, or to be with another guy.”

He added that often defendants try to utilize a double-edge sword. “If the wife is the defendant, and the husband is the victim, she can’t have the dual defense of, ‘I didn’t do it, but if I did do it, it was because of self-defense because of battered person syndrome.’”

LaBahn said, “The OJ Simpson case (the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1994)

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1994, providing $1.6 billion toward investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women, it imposed automatic and mandatory restitution on those convicted, and allowed civil redress in cases prosecutors chose not to prosecute. It was reauthorized by bipartisan majorities in Congress in 2000 and 2005. The Act’s 2012 renewal was opposed by conservative Republicans, but was ultimately reauthorized in 2013 after expiring in 2011.

Among the services VAWA provides to women is federal rape shield law; community violence prevention programs; protection for stalking victims; funding for rape crisis centers and hotlines; and legal aid for survivors of domestic violence.

In Michigan, Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation, Public Act 93 in May 2016, that protects domestic violence victims by limiting mediation in domestic relations cases involving protected persons to situations where a court hearing has occurred or when mediation is requested by the protected person.

Protective laws are too late now for Karen Kantzler and Nancy Seaman. Today, each woman is seeking clemency from Governor Snyder, both with the efforts of the Women’s Justice and Clemency Project at University of Michigan. Kantzler has also repeatedly sought to be released from prison. For Seaman, at this point, parole isn’t an option, unless her case is somehow heard again and her sentence reduced from first degree murder, which necessitates life without parole.

After the Michigan Court of Appeals reversed Judge McDonald’s decision of second degree murder and reinstated her life sentence, the Michigan Supreme Court chose to not take her case. It then went to federal court before U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman, who in his opinion found that there had been ineffective counsel in not permitting Walker to testify. The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed Friedman’s opinion, stating “Battered spouse syndrome is not itself a defense under Michigan law.”

And so she sits, although over the past 30 years approximately eight prisoners per year serving a life sentence have been released through the lifer law or commutation process,

Friedman declined to comment for this article, noting that there was always the possibility that the case could come before him again, just as public sentiment for juveniles in jail for life or former cocaine lifer laws have forced legislative and judicial changes.

According to the Michigan Constitution, “The governor shall have power to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons after convictions for all offenses, except cases of impeachment, upon such conditions and limitations.”

According to Carol Jacobsen of the Women’s Justice and Clemency Project, of the last three gubernatorial administrations, only Jennifer Granholm granted any clemencies – a total of 10 over eight years.

“Gov. John Engler, although his office made some overtures to granting some releases, he didn’t, and he denied the clemencies we submitted with the speed of light,” Jacobsen said. “Gov. Granholm granted 10 clemencies total to women who had been convicted of murder and given life sentences, plus she pushed the parole board to release four more women who had life sentences.

“As for Gov. Snyder, we have submitted clemency petitions for 12 women, and we are waiting to hear. We have been submitting to him every two years. You have to have all new petitions (every two years) for each woman.”

She said they have succeeded in freeing nine women from life sentences over the last 25 years.

According to Anna Heaton, spokesperson for Snyder, “Gov. Snyder considers pardons on a rolling basis (as they are received) but we don’t comment on particular cases.”

All actions by the governor must be finalized and approved by the 10-member Parole Board, which is appointed by the director of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC).

According to Chris Gautz, public information office for MDOC, “There is a balance between MDOC staff and outside appointees (for board members). The MDOC cannot have any more than six members on the board at one time.

Right now, the makeup is five MDOC and five non-MDOC members.”

The current parole system was created in 1885 as an advisory agency to the governor.

The State Board of Prison Inspectors took over

IN MY CASE, PEOPLE COULDN’T BELIEVE THAT AN EDUCATED WOMAN WITH A GOOD JOB COULD BE AN ABUSED WIFE brought attention of domestic abuse to the forefront – the facts of battered individuals, and that lead nationally to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), where dollars are spent nationally to train law enforcement, prosecutors, to provide to shelters.”

the Michigan Department of Corrections said.

This is what gives Seaman hope, as she works with the Justice and Clemency Program and other advocates. McDonald and others have written to the governor, advocating for clemency.

the duties in 1891, and then from 1893 to 1921, the state resumed control. Since 1937, when the Corrections Law revised the parole system, it became a civil service job that was a nonpolitical board.

“Although the parole board has undergone

,

3 DAYS OF ART,FOOD, FAMILY & FUN

250+ JURIED FINE ARTS EXHIBITORS HELD IN ROCHESTER, MI

Paint Creek Center for the Arts enhances life in Southeast Michigan by promoting, encouraging, and creating opportunities to participate in and appreciate the arts. The Art & Apples FestivalÂŽ helps fulfill our mission by providing access to artwork crafted by artists across the nation.

'3*%": 1. 1. t 4"563%": ". 1.t46/%": ". 1.

8888 1$$"35 03( '&45*7"- t "35"/%"11-&4 1"*/5 $3&&, $&/5&3 '03 5)& "354 t 1*/& 453&&5 30$)&45&3 .* t

dramatic changes since its initial inception, the mechanics of the parole process have remained constant for decades,” noted the Michigan Department of Corrections. “The Parole Board’s purpose and primary priority is to assess parole eligible prisoners to determine whether or not they will become a menace to society or pose a risk to the public safety.”

As to the composition of who is on the board, “There isn’t a preference for specific backgrounds (law, enforcement, prosecutors, etc.),” Gautz said, “but the goal is to have a diverse board, including diverse backgrounds.

The appointments are absolutely not political favors.”

Jacobsen, not surprisingly, disagrees. “Parole boards are obsolete and they should be done away with,” she asserted. “They’re corrections officers, former police and sheriff officers, for the most part, who have a vested interest in not letting people out, and they function in a very punitive way. Their hearings are very punitive, especially to women who have a history of trauma or abuse, which is at least 80 percent of incarcerated women.”

A bigger issue, Jacobsen rightly points out, is the disparity in the number of women the parole board sees versus the number of men.

“There are 48,000 men in Michigan prisons, and 2,300 women, so they see everyone as a violent criminal, and they’re not,” she said.

“Very, very few should be removed from society.”

Gautz said the board’s work load is generally misunderstood by the public, and the positions are not ceremonial. Each board member serves a term of four years.

“Parole board members and parole board staff work tirelessly to prepare cases prior to (an) offender’s interview,” he stated. “Not only do members interview approximately 1,500 prisoners a month, but they do a host of other duties, such as adding and removing special parole conditions when requested by a field agent, meeting with victims, addressing parole violators that have been returned to prison for revocation processing, and reviewing lifer cases on an ongoing basis.”

Tonya Kraus-Phelan, auxiliary dean and tenured professor at Cooley Law School, said that parole boards have a set of criteria to determine who is

from the victim’s family,” she said.

Law students often do not learn the inner workings, or even the function, of parole boards, nor about battered woman syndrome.

Paul Walton, chief deputy at the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, said in Kantzler’s case, the prosecutors who worked on her case in 1988 and 1993 have all left the office. But county prosecutors offices do not work on parole cases, other than “we can be an advocate (for the victim) if we don’t think they’re parolable. We (along with the state) are obligated under the Crime Victims Rights Act to notify members of the victim’s family and ask if they want us to object to parole.”

Walton explained that the state’s attorney governor is the litigant before the parole board and is the one to call witnesses.

Kraus-Phelan also pointed out that over the years there have been judges, like former Judge Norman Lippitt, Kantzler’s original judge in her 1988 trial, “who were under the impression that if they gave a life sentence, the defendant would be freed after a certain point, and that didn’t turn out to be true. In a majority of cases, there has been a tough on crime attitude that has spilled out onto parole boards. Parole boards will only look at how a crime was committed in the context of if the person could be a risk to society. Will this person be violent?

Has this person expressed remorse for their actions?”

A problem during parole for many women who have been abused, Kraus-Phelan pointed out, is that they don’t express remorse for their actions, “because they were truly the victim in the relationship.”

Walton concurred. “The parole board is often left with a prisoner who is not willing to admit their guilt.”

That may have been a problem during parole hearings for Karen Kantzler, who has come before the Michigan Parole Board in 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015, and been denied each time. In 2015, Lippitt and Jacobsen attended and spoke on her behalf, and Howard and Thompson wrote letters on her behalf.

After 30 years in prison, thousands of hours of therapy and dozens of self-improvement classes, Karen Kantzler said, “Looking back, I was abused verbally and physically the whole time...I’m at fault for putting myself in that

“Maybe I was a victim then, but I’m not a victim now.”

“You had two judges that may have been coming forward, but it’s an administrative body – and one that’s not elected,” Walton noted.

“It’s a mystery to us, too, the things they find objectionable.”

“What you really have is a woman who is behind bars who is taking a bed from somebody who perhaps should be there, and the state is having the privilege of paying for her keep,” Judge Barry Howard argued.

“That’s not justice. That’s retribution, and that’s drawing a line in the sand to take and to fulfill our mission ‘to make society safe.’ Well, society would be safe if she was there or not there.”

Walton noted that the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office filed no opposition to parole for Kantzler in 2015.

Kantzler said she was visited by parole board on March 3, 2017, “which is encouraging because they said they would not see me before November 2019.” Kantzler said she was asked if she still needed self-improvement. “I answered I think everyone needs improvement everyday.”

On August 3, 2017, Walton reported that after a call to MDOC, they stated that, “We currently have not denied her parole, but are waiting for further paperwork.”

Walton said the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office has disqualified themselves in Seaman’s case, as Prosecutor Jessica Cooper was a judge at the time Seaman was tried. The Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office is currently in charge of the case.

“I’m not a greedy person. I know I took a life. I am just asking for some relief,” Seaman said. “Commutation does not absolve you of the crime. It acknowledges that the justice system has failed, and this is the mechanism to right it.

“I’m asking for a commutation because if I had been resentenced like Judge McDonald had ordered, I would have received 10 years or less, according to the sentencing guidelines, because I was a first time offender with no priors and no assaultive behavior, and that would have made me parolable. It’s commensurate with what the judge recommended.”

THE BIGGEST, NUMBER ONE FEAR, THAT PEOPLE MINIMIZE, IS THAT IF SHE ATTEMPTS TO LEAVE, SHE WILL BE KILLED. available for parole, from the crime to what the inmate’s conduct has been like in prison, do they have a stable environment to be released into, as well as looking at letters of support – and opposition. “Letters written in opposition to release can play a role,” notably

situation, for having such low self-esteem, such inadequate life skills, that I allowed the manipulation and isolation, and the physical and mental abuse. I allowed that. I put myself in the victim stance, which I know not to do now. I know how to not be a victim now.

All each woman can do is wait. Perhaps Kantzler will receive parole. Otherwise, the Women’s Justice and Clemency Project pushes on, seeking clemency or commutation for the women during the remainder of Snyder’s term.

Or during the term of the next governor.

Cheryl Riback Associate Broker, ABR, SRES

LAKEFRONT

Offering the highest

level of customer service and exceptional results for more than 20 years

248.808.3112 criback@ hallandhunter.com

442 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, MI 48009

VACANT LAND

Bloomfield | 465 S. Evansdale | $699,000

2.53 acre lakefront estate on Upper Straits Lake with 150 feet of lake frontage.

Features include: boat house, views of lake from all rooms, spacious family room and cooks’ kitchen, extensive landscaping, industrial generator. 3-car garage.

Incredible opportunity in Bloomfield! Breathtaking views and magnificent property on a 1.75 acre lot. Can accommodate a 10,000 square foot home with a walkout lower level and room for a pool and tennis court. Build the home of your dreams.

6,148 Total SF | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217053978

Lot Size: 200’ x 202’ x 360’ x 390’

West Bloomfield | 2485 Worcester Road | $510,000

West Bloomfield | 6460 Drakeshire Lane | $310,000

Wonderful home on 120’ x 360’ lot with Bloomfield Hills schools. Spacious rooms, outdoor living space & great views of woods and small stream. Gourmet kitchen & family room with attached Florida room. Wonderful finished LL & many updates.

Detached ranch condo in Drakeshire sub offers great floor plan including large island kitchen & breakfast nook. Library, living room, dining room with beautiful views of the yard. Master suite has luxurious bath. Full basement. Attached garage.

4,056 Total SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217068689

2,256 SF | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217058602

I SELL EVERYWHERE!

Orchard Lake | 3819 LaPlaya Lane | $2,790,000

SOLD

ORCHARD LAKE Indian Trail | $950,000

SOLD

FARMINGTON HILLS 31380 W Stonewood | $485,000

SOLD

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE 22210 Nottingham | $675,000

SOLD

TROY 901 Brahms | $490,000

SOLD

BLOOMFIELD 1485 Sodon Lake | $530,000

SOLD

FARMINGTON HILLS 29347 Earth Lane | $670,000

FACES

Matthew Dowd loomfield Hills Lasher graduate and current Republican political consultant and strategist Matthew Dowd, the third of 11 children, found many of life’s lessons as a hard-working teen.

“I delivered The Detroit News in Southfield and Bloomfield Hills, cut lawns, and caddied, and learned about the value of money, saving it, and about people,” he shares. “That wealth didn’t determine the goodness of someone or their value in society … how we deal with those in our small circles in life is the most important thing we can do.”

He says of his days in Michigan, “My upbringing was good – a bit fun, chaotic, dysfunctional at times and the normal Irish Catholic ebbs and flows,” he shares. “I wouldn't trade it for the world.”

Dowd states that he became enamored with politics during the summer of ’73. “I fell in love with politics during Watergate when I was 12 years old,” he shares. “I remember watching the Watergate hearings on summer vacation on Lake Michigan. I just thought politics was so fascinating through that lens.”

After high school, Dowd attended college in St. Louis and then worked in Washington DC. From there he moved to Austin, Texas, where he met then Governor George W. Bush. His political career took off during the 2002 election year, when he became the Republican National Committee’s senior advisor. He went on to become the chief strategist for the Bush-Cheney 2004 presidential campaign.

He went on to serve as strategist for Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006 during his reelection campaign, and is currently a political consultant for ABC News.

“In my break with Bush, I kept some good friends, lost some friends,

B

and it taught me we must be loyal to the truth and our own values before we are loyal to a person or a party.”

He shares of his experience with Schwarzenegger, “Arnold is a fascinating person …I learned there is a big difference between ego and confidence, and celebrities at times have a hard time drawing that line.”

One constant in his life has been his faith.

“I am a Catholic who has explored many different spiritual paths, but always come back to the centering of my faith,” he confides. “I believe there are many paths to being a good and moral person with integrity: no one faith or journey has a monopoly on the right way. For the last 10 or 12 years, I do a daily meditation and centering prayer each morning for about an hour and that keeps me hopeful, optimistic and centered. It is composed of readings from the Bible, poetry, thoughts from great spiritual people of history, etc.”

He shares his philosophy in his 2017 publication, “A New Way: Embracing the Paradox as We Lead and Serve.”

Dowd’s latest venture, Paradox Capital, is a social venture fund investing in start-ups for good, for-profit companies.

“I believe we must figure out how to blend social consciousness with capitalism. I would like to humbly be one of the founders of a 21st century America in whatever way I can serve best,” he asserts.

“I never imagined where I am today, though I had dreams of having meaningful impact in the world. I was blessed that I found what I loved to do at a very young age, and then pursued it through the hills and valleys.”

Story: Lisa Rose Hook

BLOOMFIELD HILLS WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF OUR 2ND LOCATION TO BETTER SERVE OUR CLIENTS

6755 Telegraph Road Bloomfield Hills, MI signaturesothebys.com

248-647-8888

ACCESS ON THE GO app.sir.com/signaturesir

Find your home with SIR Mobile on Android, iPhone, or iPad and connect with our global real estate experts anytime, anywhere.

• • • •

signaturesothebys.com

GPS search, find the closest homes Search globally in nearly 70 countries Driving directions to the home of interest S o c i a l s h a r i n g o n F a c e b o o k a n d Tw i t t e r Scan to Download

248.644.7000

TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES

PRICE: $1,000,000+ 180 170 160 150

24.4% 140 130 120

$ in Millions

110 100 90 Mkt 13.6%

80 70 60 50

Mkt 8.6%

Mkt 7.5%

40 30 Mkt 3.7%

20 Mkt 2.7%

Mkt 2.2%

Mkt 2.2%

10

Mkt 1.8%

Mkt 1.6%

Keller Williams Northville Mkt Center

Keller Williams Northville Bus. Center

0 Signature Sotheby’s Internation al Realty

Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham

Hall & Hunter Birmingham

Keller Williams Domain Birmingham

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Birmingham

Shain Park Realtors®

Max Broock Realtors® Bloomfield Hills

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Northville

This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 8/2017

CLICK, CALL OR STOP IN FOR A CONFIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE CONSULTATION

signaturesothebys.com

248.644.7000

TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES

PRICE: $2,000,000+ 120

110

100

46.2% 90

$ in Millions

80

70

60

50

40

30 Mkt 10.2%

20 Mkt 6.1% Mkt 5.4%

110 Mkt 3.6%

Mkt 3.4% Mkt 2.6%

Mkt 2.5%

Mkt 2.3%

Mkt 2.2%

RE/MAX New Trend

Bailey Schmidt Inc

Michelle Childers

Majestic Homes Realty

0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham

Hall & Hunter Birmingham

Keller Williams Domain Birmingham

Max Broock Realtors® Bloomfield Hills

Shain Park Realtors®

This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 8/2017

CLICK, CALL OR STOP IN FOR A CONFIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE CONSULTATION

signaturesothebys.com

248.644.7000

TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES

PRICE: $3,000,000+ 110 105 100 95 90 85

77.1%

80 75 70

$ in Millions

65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 Mkt 7.0%

10

Mkt 6.4%

5

Mkt 3.2%

Mkt 3.2%

Max Broock Realtors®

Keller Williams Domain Birmingham

Mkt 3.1%

0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

Hall & Hunter Birmingham

Shain Park Realtors®

RE/MAX New Trend

This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 8/2017

CLICK, CALL OR STOP IN FOR A CONFIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE CONSULTATION

signaturesothebys.com

248.644.7000

LOCAL LISTINGS - GLOBAL CONVERSATIONS PEOPLE TALK ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY ALL OVER THE WORLD

signaturesothebys.com

248.644.7000

John, Bridget & Jack Apap Fine Homes Specialists - Top 1% Nationally

Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com

Lara J. Forte Loan Officer NMLS # 1169665 T: 248-912-9031 C: 248-284-5178 41820 Six Mile Road Northville MI 48168

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

LForte@mbmortgage.com

Featured Homes

7106 Old Mill Road

695 Shepardbush Street

Bloomfield Hills | $1,399,000

Birmingham | $1,395,000

Featured Homes

895 Harsdale Road

251 Baldwin Road

Bloomfield Hills | $1,875,000

Birmingham | $1,399,000

John, Bridget & Jack Apap Fine Homes Specialists - Top 1% Nationally Ken Mascia NMLS #135323 Prime Capital Mortgage Corp.

36400 Woodward Ave, Suite 122 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com

kmascia@primecapitalmortgage.com

248-644-1200 248-644-1201 (f)

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Featured Homes ED

C DU

RE

1291 Suffield Avenue

600 Waddington Street

Birmingham | $2,295,000

Bloomfield Village | $1,299,900

Featured Homes

760 Kennebec Court

1099 N Cranbrook Road

Bloomfield Hills | $1,549,000

Bloomfield Village - $1,249,000

Lynn Wiand

John, Bridget & Jack Apap Fine Homes Specialists - Top 1% Nationally

Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com

Senior Residential Loan Officer

NMLS 394920 Office 248-918-5964 eFax 248-918-5792 Cell 248-228-4805

INDEPENDENT BANK 201 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 201 Troy, MIÂ 48084

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Featured Homes

4525 Lakeview Court

6321 Anslow Drive

Bloomfield Hills | $1,475,000

Troy - $1,050,000

Ranked #1 Family In Real Estate In Michigan

2670 Covington Place

957 Bloomfield Woods

2231 Lost Tree Way

Bloomfield Village | $1,299,000

Bloomfield Hills | $575,000

Bloomfield Hills | $449,900

2625 Elizabeth Lane

999 Norfolk Street

2134 Edgewood Boulevard

West Bloomfield | $409,900

Birmingham | $375,000

Berkley | $349,900

Lynn Wiand Senior Residential Loan Officer

NMLS 394920 Office 248-918-5964 eFax 248-918-5792 Cell 248-228-4805

John, Bridget & Jack Apap Fine Homes Specialists - Top 1% Nationally

Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com

INDEPENDENT BANK 201 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 201 Troy, MIÂ 48084

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Featured Homes

1895 Kenwood Court

1033 N Glengarry Road

Birmingham | $1,799,950

Bloomfield Village | $1,299,000

Extraordinary Homes

1080 Pilgrim Avenue

1298 Brookwood Street

New Construction - Birmingham - $2,795,000

New Construction - Birmingham - $2,395,000 - 5000 sf,

5600 sf, 5 bedrooms, 5.1 baths, finished lower level

5 bedrooms, 6.1 baths, 3 car garage, finished lower level

ld

ld

So

So

1025 N. Glenhurst Drive

1186 Westwood Drive

New Construction

New Construction

885 Redding Road New Construction

Quarton Lake - $2,495,000 5,400 sf, 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 4 car garage, finished lower level

Birmingham - $2,395,000 5000 sf, 5 bedrooms, 6.1 baths, finished lower level

Birmingham - $1,250,000 3000 sf, 3 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, 1st Flr Master

2609 Covington Place Bloomfield Village | $1,649,000

tŚLJ ĚŽ ǁĞ ƌĞƐƉŽŶĚ ƚŽ ŝŶƋƵŝƌĞƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ϯ ŵŝŶƵƚĞƐ Žƌ ůĞƐƐ͍ ĞĐĂƵƐĞ ƐŽŵĞƟŵĞƐ͕ ϭϬ ŵŝŶƵƚĞƐ ŝƐ ƚŽŽ ůŽŶŐ͘​͘​͘ tŚĞŶ ďƵLJĞƌƐ ŝŶƋƵŝƌĞ ĂďŽƵƚ LJŽƵƌ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ͕ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ ƚŚĞLJ͛ƌĞ ƐŝƫŶŐ Ăƚ ŚŽŵĞ ŝŶ ĨƌŽŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŝƌ ůĂƉƚŽƉ͕ Žƌ ƐŝƫŶŐ ĐƵƌďƐŝĚĞ ŝŶ ĨƌŽŶƚ ŽĨ Ă ƐŝŐŶ͕ ƚŚĞLJ ǁĂŶƚ ĂŶƐǁĞƌƐ͘ &ĂƐƚ͘ ^Ž ǁĞ ĚŽ ĞǀĞƌLJƚŚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ƉŽǁĞƌ ƚŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ƚŚŽƐĞ ĂŶƐǁĞƌƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ϯ ŵŝŶƵƚĞƐ ŽĨ ĮƌƐƚ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ͘ ^ŽŵĞ ŵĂLJ ĐĂůů ƚŚŝƐ ŬŝŶĚ ŽĨ ĐŽŵŵŝƚŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽŵƉƚŶĞƐƐ ŽďƐĞƐƐŝǀĞ - ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞLJ͛Ě ďĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ͘

DŝĂ ĂƌĚLJ͕ <ĂƚŚLJ DĂŶŽŽŐŝĂŶ ĂŶĚ ^ŝůǀŝĂ ^ƚĂŶ

ƌƞƵůůLJ hŶŝƟŶŐ džƚƌĂŽƌĚŝŶĂƌLJ WƌŽƉĞƌƟĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ džƚƌĂŽƌĚŝŶĂƌLJ >ŝǀĞƐ

D<^ΛDŝĂ<ĂƚŚLJ^ŝůǀŝĂ͘ĐŽŵ Ϯϰϴ͘ ϴϬϱ͘ ϭϴϵϮ

ϰϭϱ ^ŽƵƚŚ KůĚ tŽŽĚǁĂƌĚ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ D/ ϰϴϬϬϵ

30115 Oakleaf Lane - Franklin - $1,195,000 Two homes on Two acres – An “Up North” Paradise! 4 Bedrooms 3.5 Baths with nearly 3900 square feet plus 950 square foot Carriage House.

The Ultimate Private Franklin Retreat nestled among towering oaks trees with expansive rear grounds. Beautifully renovated Cape Cod with circular drive and enchanting stone and wood exterior. An artful blend of old and the new creating the quintessential Franklin Village vintage charm with all the modern amenities. First floor cathedral ceiling master suite and additional first floor guest suite. Original wood beams in kitchen and over three fireplaces.

Hardwood and Terracotta floors throughout the first level. Bella Cucina Gourmet kitchen with skylights and cathedral ceilings. Family room and First Floor master additions and numerous custom updates throughout. 2014 Built Carriage house in rear of property ideal for guests, in-laws or an art studio.

6317 Peacock - Troy - $665,000 4 Bedrooms – 4.5 Baths. Open floor plan and soaring ceilings. Finished lower level with two rec rooms, bedroom and full bath.

Large gourmet kitchen and breakfast room overlooking rear yard and open to great room. Completely fenced rear yard with in-ground pool, hot tub, built in grill, new paver patio and all backing to gorgeous treed and rolling land views. Huge mud room with lockers. Two laundry rooms – 2nd floor and lower level. Extra wide halls with hardwood floors throughout first floor complete with custom protective coverings.

Eva Morrow Associate Broker 248-320-9100

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

eva@signaturesothebys.com | www.MichiganHomes.net

ALEX CHAPMAN 313.475.0275

415 S Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, MI 48009

983 Kennesaw Street - Birmingham - $825,000 G

N TI S I

D RE

L

TU A E

F

Nestled in the heart of Poppleton Park. This is the one you have been waiting for.

Experience Alex's Momentumâ&#x20AC;¦ UNDER CONTRACT THIS MONTH

4900 Lahser Road Bloomfield Hills $725,000

751 Westview Road Bloomfield Township $520,000

30756 Oak Valley Drive Farmington Hills $375,000

2795 Bolingbroke Drive Troy $270,000

902 Owana Avenue Royal Oak $246,000

A l e x C h a p m a n I 3 1 3 .4 7 5 .0 2 7 5 I a c h a p m a n @ s i g n a t u r e s o t h e b y s . c o m I Fo r S a l e B y A l e x . c o m

Birmingham - $4,995,000 Exceptional new construction nestled on only remaining lot in Quarton Lake with views of the waterfall, lake, park & river. 5300 sq ft, 4 BR, 5.3 BA, 3 Car Attached Garage. cy

an

p cu

c

rO

be

em

pt

Se

Birmingham $2,599,000

Sterling Heights $239,000 ct

ct

tra

tra

r de

n Co

r de

n Co

Troy - $899,999 co-listor Pat O'Neill

Farmington Hills $323,900

Birmingham $2,800,000

Marketing a home requires unique skills, knowledge and resources that Signature Sotheby's International Realty offers its clients. I would welcome the opportunity to offer you a confidential marketing analysis.

Christine Drinkwater

Associate Broker

ld

So

Un

Un

All Star

Walled Lake $169,900

248-318-4745

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

cdrinkwater@signaturesothebys.com

FACES

Jason Carr hat's your favorite breakfast? If you ask WDIV-Local 4 reporter Jason Carr, he might just say, "Bowl of Bacon."

"I asked one morning what everyone's favorite breakfast was. A viewer said "bowl of bacon" on Facebook, which we read on the air and laughed so hard it just stuck as the de facto name of the segment," the Bloomfield-area resident said, explaining how his popular daily question piece got its name. "It grew with Facebook as a way to interact with the viewers by asking a water cooler question.

These days, it's something native to my Facebook page only."

Carr's social media and on-air personality attracted viewers for a dozen years as a reporter at WJBK FOX-2 News, where he cohosted the station's popular morning show, "The Nine." In May of 2016, Fox restructured. The following month, Carr started at WDIVLocal4/ClickOnDetroit, where he co-hosts the station's mid-morning "Live in the D" show and serves as the station's digital anchor and reporter.

"I'm really grateful to WDIV General Manager Marla Drutz for claiming me off of waivers and grateful for helping me find employment so quickly," he said. "Not just Marla, but news director Kim Voet and Graham Media Group."

A typical day in the studio for Carr starts with the morning news at 6 a.m. until his streaming Facebook show goes live at 9:15-ish, then "Live in the D," which runs from 10 to 11 a.m.

"You're kind of always on, and always reachable on social media," he said. "Back in the golden era of local news, anchors were on at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., and you might see some features.

Social media now is 24/7, and has allowed me to talk to viewers and for them to talk to me in a way that is groundbreaking, that I think is pretty cool."

While features and lighter news helped Carr gain viewers over the years, he's equally at home covering breaking and hard news, where his social media ability is an asset, as well.

"People are watching from all over," he said about the ability of Facebook streams to reach viewers. "We have one viewer who watches every day and comments from Australia. We have people from the west coast and the UK. It originates from Detroit, and people are watching all over."

Raised in Plymouth, Carr had a classic childhood, riding dirt bikes, playing video games and hanging out at the park until dark.

In fourth grade he won a young author's award, and joined the yearbook and newspaper staff in high school. When he graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, he had already written and been an editorial cartoonist for years at the State News and was leaning toward a career in print.

"I still have a stack of rejection letters from 1992, from places like the Arizona Republic and the Seattle Times," he said.

Working first in radio, then television, Carr moved around the state until he landed at WJRT-TV in Flint, where he co-anchored weekend morning news with Taryn Asher, who now works at FOX-2, and whom he has been married to since 2007.

"We root for each other,â&#x20AC;? Carr said of the marriage dynamic. "We can't share information, so we don't talk about newsroom information. It helps that we work different shifts and do different things. It makes sense, in a weird way."

W

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

A

t one time Detroit was the fourth largest city in the country, boasting a population of 1.8 million people in 1950, and home to nearly 30 percent of all of Michigan's residents. Home to The Big Three automotive companies and the state's economic engine, metropolitan Detroit residents and lawmakers of days past had much of the control over political policy in Lansing.

Now, as the state's largest city finds itself in the midst of bankruptcy recovery and many of its former residents scattered across southeast Michigan, the tri-county's influence in the legislature has greatly shifted to the western part of the state, where vast amounts of special interest money are helping to give rise to a new power structure that appears to favor antiestablishment legislators and far right Republicans.

Former Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis said the population shift away from Detroit, coupled with increases on the west side of the state and pockets in mid-Michigan, is one factor that has changed the state's political landscape.

"Geographically, the population has shifted. Today, there is less than 700,000 people (living in Detroit), according to the last census," he said. "You have had a huge population shift into Livingston and Macomb counties. West Michigan has grown in significance in Grand Rapids and other pockets in the state, like Holland and Battle Creek. That shift in population is also reflected in the shift in political power."

TUSSLE FOR INFLUENCE IN LANSING EAST WINDS NOW BLOW WEST

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

Financing options to fit your needs.

At Citizens Bank, we’re ready to help you find the financing that’s right for you. We offer competitive rates, lock-and-shop prequalifications, and a wide range of mortgage products such as: • Doctors and dentists:* Up to 95% financing with no mortgage insurance for loan amounts up to $850,000 • Jumbo loans: Home financing for up to $2,000,000 • New construction: A single loan program for both construction and permanent financing with a one-time close • Major home renovations: Construction-to-permanent financing for those considering a major home makeover

artisanal casual-luxe jewelry & accessories 205 E. Maple Road | BarbaraBozBoutique.com

It’s never too early to explore your options.

Contact me today.

Gerald Brody NMLS ID# 397642 Loan Officer 248-646-9342 gerald.brody@citizensbank.com

Let the

Gentlem

Take Ca en Movers re of Yo ur Move !

248-674-3937

The Citizens Bank Doctor Loan is available to licensed Doctors of Medicine (MD), Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS), and Doctors of Dental Medicine (DMD) who have completed residency within the last ten years and to current medical professional residents, fellows and interns. Available in select states. Mortgages are offered and originated by Citizens Bank, N.A. Citizens Bank is a brand name of Citizens Bank, N.A. (NMLS ID# 433960) and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania (NMLS ID# 522615). Citizens Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania are affiliates. All loans are subject to approval.

Equal Housing Lender. 575042

60

DOWNTOWN

www.changingplacesmovers.com

Lic #: L-21897 09.17

Despite talk of an urban revival in Detroit, The tri-county's influence in individual district needs and ideological differences. the city continues to lose population, down the legislature has greatly Historically, both Democrats and from about 713,000 in 2010 to about 672,000 today. In southeast Michigan, population over shifted to the western part Republicans in state and local politics have had differences between moderate members of the past several decades has shifted of the state with its vast their party and those on the far left or right. progressively from the central city to the amounts of special Former President Jimmy Carter, who was surrounding suburbs, and from the larger viewed as a moderate Washington Democratic metropolitan area to the outer-ring suburbs interest money outsider when first elected to the White and rural townships.

House, was challenged by liberals in his own From 1990 to 2000, Oakland County saw party in the 1980 Democratic presidential the largest increase in population, with primary. Today, the GOP's establishment is 110,564 new residents, followed by Kent undergoing change as the tea party and others County, home of Grand Rapids (73,704); with libertarian and anti-establishment views Macomb County (70,749); Ottawa County; identify as Republicans. where Holland is (50,564); Livingston County Among the anti-establishment is west (41,306); and Washtenaw County (39,958). The Michigan native and current U.S. Secretary of same six counties from 2000 to 2010 also saw Education Betsy DeVos, who along with family members have the biggest increases in population, this time with Macomb County contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to special interest receiving 42,860; followed by Kent County (36,644); Livingston campaigns in Michigan and across the nation. Earlier this year, County (25,295); Washtenaw County (25,179); Ottawa County DeVos encouraged conservatives at a conference in Gaylord to fight (23,417); and Oakland County (12,763). the education establishment. In 1997, after funding a failed attempt Population data released by the U.S. Census Bureau show the to expand school vouchers across the state, DeVos, openly stated trend has continued from 2010 to 2015, as Kent and Ottawa that the family funds do come with strings attached and that "we counties, including Grand Rapids and Holland, as well as in and do expect something in return" for the contributions. around Kalamazoo, gain population, along with the Lansing area; "The DeVos family, in particular, have became more prominent as Grand Traverse County; and townships outside Detroit. fundraisers. They weren't factors in the ‘60s and ‘70s as much as As the population shifted further away from Detroit and across they became later," said Michigan political analyst Bill Ballenger. the state, state politics has also undergone shifts in ideology that In 2006, Richard "Dick" DeVos Jr. poured about $35 million of mirror national trends. family money into his failed gubernatorial campaign. The next year, "Rather than being a moderate state and country, I do believe we he joined with Ann Arbor Republican Ron Weiser – who serves as have become more polarized and both parties have moved to their current head of the Michigan Republican Party and is another major side of the aisle," Anuzis said. "The 1980s brought in the Reagan fundraiser for the state's GOP – to work on laying the groundwork Democrats, and I think that has kind of spread. Now, if you look at for Michigan's Right to Work law, which was passed in 2012. In the where Trump did well, he did well in western Wayne County, west 2014-2015 political cycle, the DeVos family contributed about $3.4 Michigan and the UP. Michigan has moved to a more cultural million to political committees in the state, followed by Weiser, who conservative mindset that isn't necessarily partisan." contributed more than $800,000.

The shift means that lawmakers viewed as moderates in the past The flow of money into Michigan politics, therefore, adds yet may be considered liberal by those in today's right wing, while the another definition to political influence in the legislature. Yet, old conservatives may be viewed as moderates, even if political another take on political power can be viewed from a geographical ideologies haven't changed. Meanwhile, extremists and fringe standpoint. groups disconnected from the mainstream establishment have "When I first entered the legislature in 1979, there was much become increasingly empowered. more influence held by the city of Detroit and the inner ring suburbs "If you look back at the early 1980s, (Oakland County Executive) around Detroit, and that related to the population base," said former Brooks Patterson was considered a right winger. Today, they would Republican House Speaker Paul Hillegonds, who represented the say he's a moderate," Anuzis said. "That's not so much philosophical Holland area in west Michigan until 1996. "Since then, the as it is stylistic. There are conservatives who would rather fight for population has continued to move out, and the out-state areas have the sake of fighting rather than finding common ground. That's a gained population. But I think the main change has been the shift stylistic change." from the urban area and inner-ring suburbs to the out-ring suburbs.

As a former Republican National Committee member, Anuzis That has benefitted Republicans, for sure, and has also diminished was defeated in 2012 by Dave Agema, a tea party Republican from the (power of the) urban area of the state, too." west Michigan who previously served in the state legislature.

The outward shift of population from the city and inner suburbs, Agema was subsequently censured in 2015 by RNC and asked to Hillegonds said, has been accompanied by a shift from a resign his position by former RNC Chair Reince Priebus for manufacturing economy to more of a service-based economy. homophobic and Islamaphobic posts he shared on Facebook.

"With that has been much less unionization. Unions have much "We have moved into this distrust of government in general. less influence in the political process than they once did, and that People lost faith in both political parties, and I think that's why we has been a factor in the growth of Republican influence," Hillegonds had the rise of someone like Donald Trump," Anuzis said. "I think said. "The other thing, I think, is that the state has grown more we moved from a more traditional conservative party to a more conservative, and that's not just a partisan thing. The state has independent tea party. changed in what government should be, and government has been "There's a lot of new blood in the Republican party, and many are reduced." from the tea party, and some are those with establishment After leaving the legislature, Hillegonds moved to metro Detroit backgrounds and then those without any background, so there are to serve as president of Detroit Renaissance, and now serves as the more checks and balances in the party. Some people call it CEO of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and chair of the divisions, but it's sort of citizen activists getting engaged and Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority. saying the status quo isn't enough. They are trying to get rid of the "My perspective was broadened by working with Detroit professional political class, so to speak."

Renaissance and working on some of the urban challenges, but In state politics, power could be viewed, in part, by which party serving from out-state, Detroit has challenges on issues in part holds the majority of the seats in the state legislature and the office because of the out-state view, and also because the region had of governor. However, such a simplistic view doesn't take into issues," he said. "The regional transit issue was there even when I account competing interests within the majority party based on

DEEPLY ROOTED

Ɨ ƑƎ ƘƖƖƞƗƒƝƒƎƜ Ǝ ƎƛƟƎ

Hall & Hunter Realtors is proud of the deep roots we have cultivated in our communities over the last six decades. As such, we take a special interest in helping to strengthen the cities our families call home.

For many years we have been fortunate to host and sponsor two special events (see right) to benefit worthwhile organizations in our area: Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County and The Community House of Birmingham.

We invite you to join us for these two exciting events this month!

248.644.3500

HallandHunter.com ;;9 F )! ,,!4 /! 3"+2" Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Sponsored by

PLEASE JOIN US for the

ANNUAL ESTATE SALE benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County in partnership with Changing Places Moving Company

Saturday, September 9 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham 248.644.3500 | HallandHunter.com

Hall & Hunter Realtors is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 30th Annual

BIRMINGHAM HOUSE TOUR

Thursday, September 14, 2017 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tour seven spectacular private residential homes featuring a wide array of architectural and interior design styles.

To order tickets, please visit communityhouse.com/event/birmingham-house-tour

$40 for tour in advance $45 day of tour

or call (248) 644-5832

All proceeds will benefit The Community Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outreach Impact Programs for children and families in need.

Lynn Baker, Associate Broker Deby Gannes, REALTOR® 248.379.3000 LBaker@HallandHunter.com 248.379.3003 DGannes@HallandHunter.com NEW PRICE

BLOOMFIELD 3861 Wedgewood Drive | $514,900

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE 32635 Old Post Road | $375,900

BLOOMFIELD 937 Mitchell Court | $1,399,900

Updated/remodeled ranch on extraordinary one acre site Lovely colonial on larger treed lot in beautiful, mature Gorgeous Nantucket-style colonial set at end of a culneighborhood within walking distance to Lincoln Hills. with plenty of privacy. Rich mahogany floors. Gourmet de-sac for utmost privacy. Great room with floor-tokitchen opens to family room. Birmingham schools. Incredible “bones” ready for updates. Birmingham schools. ceiling windows overlooking lovely yard. 3-car garage.

2,599 SF | 3 BR | 2.1 Baths | MLS# 217062477

2,341 SF | 4 BR | 2.1 Baths | MLS# 217061840

4,345 SF | 4 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 217061835

NEW LISTING

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 3777 S. Century Oaks Circle | $609,000

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 5760 Murfield | $699,900

Better than new in popular Century Oaks sub! Oversized Impeccably maintained Moceri-built Hills of Oakland kitchen & nook overlooking family room. Poss. 6th BR/ former Homerama show house backing to common area. bonus room on 2nd floor. Ready-to-finish lower level.

Every upgrade imaginable! Finished walkout LL. 4,886 SF | 6 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 217043326

NEW LISTING

6,347 SF | 4 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 217061135

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 5249 Orchard Ridge | $1,899,000 Magnificent estate sitting high on a hill in the area’s most prestigious gated community. Lafata handpainted kitchen. Amazing master suite & in-law apt.

7,870 Total SF | 5 BR | 5.2 Baths | MLS# 217067687

BUILD SITE

NEW PRICE

BIRMINGHAM 1183 Webster Street | $639,000

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 1840 Rolling Oaks Court | $709,900

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 1450 Silverbell Road | $724,900

Custom-built home is move-in ready with quick occupancy. Impeccable details. Master suite with turret sitting area. Finished LL with BR/bath. Walk to town!

One-of-a-kind, custom raised ranch on 4.79 wooded acres. Master with updated bath. Incredible lower level with 3 BR & 2 baths. In-ground pool & hot tub.

One of the last parcels (10.61 acres) on the Billion Dollar Mile! Enjoy stocked spring-fed pond (1.7 acres), naturally flowing artesian well, walking trails and rolling terrain.

2,162 SF | 3 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 217068714

5,399 Total SF | 4 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 217063562

381’ X 971’ X 1258’ X 382’ | MLS# 217050144

LynnAndDeby.com |

Lynn and Deby - Hall & Hunter Realtors

Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Ginny Fisher REALTORÂŽ

N EW

PR IC E

248.593.0518 gfisher@hallandhunter.com

Birmingham | 682 Wallace Street | $1,199,000 esigned for gracious family living and elegant entertaining, this gorgeous Tringali-designed/Derocher-built home is situated in the heart of Birmingham. Showcasing great style and impeccable attention to detail, the home boasts 9â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ceilings, hardwood through main floor, beautiful extensive crown and base moldings and a dramatic staircase. The elegant island kitchen/gathering room has custom Downsview cabinets, spacious walk-in pantry and premium appliaces. Convenient 1st floor laundry and home office, as well as an oversized closet. The beautiful spacious master suite is highlighted by an expansive tray ceiling, wonderful window detailing, spa-like bath with jetted tub and oversized shower, and an amazing walk-in closet! The lower level is finished to the quality of upper floors and features a full bath and great storage. Attached garage and lovely rear garden area plus much more. True move-in perfection!

3,457 SF | 3 BR | 3 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217065281

D

Bloomfield Hills | 1772 Heron Ridge | $1,599,000

Birmingham | 887 Wimbleton | $799,000

Pristine executive retreat in private gated enclave on gorgeous ravine setting.

Renovated Millennium cherry kitchen opens to family room for ease in entertaining.

Beautifully finished walkout lower level with possible 5th bedroom. Entertain or relax on lower paver terraces and expansive decks. 4-car garage.

Elegantly updated landmark Tudor in charming Poppleton Park offers stylish and elegant details throughout. Highlighted features include a beautiful family room addition and formal living room with marble fireplace. Spacious master suite with renovated bath. Impeccable!

7,385 Total SF | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217043547

2,984 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217032772

For more information, visit GinnyFIsherHomes.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Sal Impastato & Mark L. Bess

N EW

LI ST IN G

248.763.2223 | simpastato@hallandhunter.com 248.425.3778 | mbess@hallandhunter.com

Bloomfield | 7201 Bingham Road | $699,000

St. Clair Shores | 22412 Lavon Street | $549,000

Spectacular mid-century modern walkout ranch renovated to perfection. Spacious rooms, walls of glass and vaulted ceilings. Great room opens to all-new kitchen with access to new 1300 SF deck. Incredible walkout LL with 4th bedroom & much more!

Enjoy Lake St Clair from this pristine, canal-front colonial located on the widest canal in St Clair Shores. Newer Mutschler center-island kitchen opens to expanded family room that leads to patio overlooking canal. Finished lower level. Truly a boater’s dream!

4,832 Total SF | 4 BR | 3 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217052542

3,254 SF | 4 BR | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217068925

FOR LEASE TROY 1561 Brentwood Drive $1600/month

BIRMINGHAM 271-273 Euclid Avenue | $799,500

442 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Fabulous opportunity to purchase one of the finest remaining undeveloped lots in Quarton Lake Estates. A rare, oversized lot – approximately 0.39 acres – located on an elevated section.

The ideal build site for a true multimillion dollar showpiece!

PE ND IN G

GREAT PRICE REDUCTION!

SA LE

SO LD

Bright and clean Northfield Hills end-unit townhouse with immediate occupancy. Large living room leads to private paver patio. Kitchen with eat-in space. New carpet and paint. Enjoy clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, playground and walking paths. Gas and water included.

1,167 SF | 2 BR | 1.1 Baths MLS# 217068936

BUILD SITE Birmingham 1465 Fairfax Street $799,500

BIRMINGHAM 1159 Wakefield Street | $569,000

Profit from Our Experience

Lot Dimensions: 124’ x 140’ x 124’ x 140’

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 Amy Zimmer, Associate Broker Tiffany Glime, REALTOR

Dan Teahan, REALTOR

®

®

248.514.6046

248.469.6430

dteahan@hallandhunter.com

azimmer@hallandhunter.com

Serving Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and neighboring communities NEW TO MARKET

248.930.5656 tglime@hallandhunter.com NEW PRICE

Bloomfield Village | 2707 Endsleigh Drive | $1,299,000 2707endsleigh.epropertysites.com Sophisticated, chic and renovated to perfection! This stately residence blending stylish beauty and comfort is truly not your typical Village home.

Gourmet kitchen, filled with specialty features, is an entertainer’s delight!

Extensive molding and architectural detailing. Wonderful corner lot.

4,329 SF | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217037778

Bloomfied Village | 735 Ardmoor | $524,900

1119 Southfield Road | Birmingham | $799,000 1119southfield.epropertysites.com

First time on the market in 40+ years! Well-maintained classic Village Colonial ready for new owners and fresh finishes. Enjoy built-ins in den and living room. Hardwood floors under carpet and slate in the foyer.

Newer roof in 2015 and mechanicals in 2009. Family room addition on slab provides access to backyard, pool and patio. Partially finished LL.

No detail was missed in the restoration of the historical “Erwin Farmhouse,” while blending its original integrity with a modernized elegant twist.

Redesigned in 2010 by Jeffrey King Interiors. Truly a unique gem – from the wraparound porch and walk-to-town corner lot, to the lower level retreat.

2,595 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217061297

2,735 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217007071

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

The Birmingham Tailor

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

139 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009

248.433.3703 Hours: M-F 9-6 Sat 9-3

68

DOWNTOWN

09.17

was in the legislature during my time in The overwhelming majority national real estate investment company and is the current chair of the Michigan Holland, and whether SEMTA (Southeast of top donor families Republican Party. In 2016, Weiser was elected Michigan Transportation Authority) should come together to get matching federal dollars. contributed to the Michigan to the University of Michigan Board of Regents after contributing more than $600,000 into his In the end, that didn't come together, not Republican Party and own campaign. He also contributed $250,000 because of outstate opposition, but because the House Republican to the Michigan Republican Party, making him the suburbs and the city couldn't agree. That and his family the second largest campaign has remained a challenge for Detroit and also Campaign Committee donors in the state in the 2014-15 election for southeast Michigan. cycle in terms of money spent on elections in "I don't think it's just population. The the state, according to a recent report by the divisions in southeast Michigan between the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. urban centers and the outer-ring suburbs have Craig Mauger, executive director of the reduced the influence to west Michigan, Michigan Campaign Finance Network, said which has tended to have more commonality the report looked at the top 40 family donors of viewpoints. In west Michigan, there is more that donated the most money to state and common ground, while southeast Michigan national campaigns in the 2014-15 cycle. In has been more divided, in terms of city and looking through the list of top state donors, Mauger said nearly suburbs." every family is either from west Michigan or southeast Michigan.

Former Oakland County Republican legislator Richard Fessler, "We have a campaign finance system that is increasingly who represented the Union Lake area in the state House from 1975 empowering the largest donors," Mauger said. "If you have a large to 1982 and in the state Senate from 1983 to 1990, said the loss of group of really wealthy donors living in a certain area, it wouldn't population within the city of Detroit diminished the influence of be surprising that the area would wield more power than another southeast Michigan in the legislature. part of the state, even if they have similar populations."

"At one time, there was a lot of legislation that referred to cities Of the top 40 donor families, 22 gave more than $100,000 to of 'one million population' for special taxes or funding. When Detroit campaign committees in Michigan. The majority of those donors are shrank in population, those became invalid. They lost the ability to regular contributors to more than one state and/or national get more of the budget pie, and they also lost power," Fessler said. campaign committees, while some focused on single campaigns.

"The Democratic vote was dissipated by going to more rural areas.

For instance, Kevin McCaffery, of Ann Arbor, donated all but about The Democrats controlled the Senate for 40 years, and the lower $2,600 of his $650,000 in contributions to the Michigan Legalize House for a couple of decades. When the Republicans took control campaign committee; Ortonville attorney Glen Lenhoff spent about of the Senate, which they have maintained since that time, that $230,000 to fund an unsuccessful campaign for sheriff; and was a real shift, and also a shift in the balance of government.

Congressman Paul Mitchell, of Dryden, gave $190,570 to the "You were no longer giving money away. To get money, you had Coalition Against Higher Taxes, a state ballot committee that to have a real good reason. The funding formulas became more opposed increasing the sales tax for road improvements. equal throughout the state. Money didn't just go to Detroit, Saginaw Overall, top donors from west Michigan gave about $5.6 million or Bay City anymore. Detroit simply lost political power, and so did to political campaign committees, with the DeVos family metro Detroit as part of that." contributing $3.4 million to Michigan political campaigns during Special taxing ability in Detroit, such as a special tax on utilities, the 2014-15 cycle. DeVos donations included $1.3 million to the were granted to the city in legislation referring to its population Michigan Republican Party and another $720,000 to the House because laws that refer to specific cities require a two-thirds vote in Republican Campaign Committee. Top southeast Michigan family the legislature. While those laws have been updated to reflect the donors gave about $3.7 million all told. population changes, other funding formulas, such as road funding, While DeVos is by far the largest contributor to political is based in part on population alone. Amending those funding committees, there are many others. Within Mauger's review of the formulas or city-specific laws is often difficult, if not impossible. top donor families, the Kennedy family, owners of Autocam, in Former Michigan Governor John Engler, who served from 1991 to Kentwood, donated about $589,700 in the 2014-15 cycle, including 2003, disagrees with the notion that metro Detroit or southeast $230,000 to the Michigan Republican Party; the Jandermoa family, Michigan has lost its political sway in Lansing. of Grand Rapids-based Perrigo, donated $437,500 to campaign "Detroit lost influence because of lost population and because of committees; the Paret family, of Hickory Corners, in Barry County, failed government and failed schools, and nobody wanted to live in donated $302,000; J.C. Huizenga, of Grand Rapids, gave $260,000; Detroit anymore, so they moved out. But the metro region of the Van Andel family, which together with DeVos, run Amway, gave Macomb and Oakland, and the old SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan $254,000; the Haworth family, of Holland-based Haworth furniture, Council of Governments) going out to Livingston County has done donated $245,000; and the Secchia family, of Grand Rapids-based pretty well," Engler said. "I think what matters in the legislature is Sibisco, donated $201,230. the quality of the men and women elected, and who is taking on Top donors from southeast Michigan in the 2014-15 cycle, leadership roles." outside of Weiser and McCaffery, included $336,559 from the Recalling past leaders in the legislature, the fact that there Nicholson family, owner of Detroit-based PVS Chemicals; $297,050 hasn't been a governor from the west side of the state in recent from the Moroun family of Grosse Pointe Shores, owner of the years, Engler said there isn't any evidence that the state's political Detroit International Bridge; $280,550 from Chuck Rizzo of power rests in any specific geographic area, despite the perception Bloomfield Township, of former Sterling Heights-based Rizzo that west Michigan areas like Grand Rapids, Holland and other Environmental; $256,200 from the Kojaian family, of Bloomfield areas in Kent and Ottawa County are steering the state Hills-based Kojaian Management; $232,200 from the Karmanos government. family, of Orchard Lake; $209,702 from Dan's Excavating owner "Some of that perception is because west Michigan has been Chris Peyerk, of Shelby Township, which included $200,000 to politically, very active," he said, referring to special interest money Citizens for Honest Government, his self-funded independent PAC; coming from the area. "There is a great deal of political activism in $203,946 by the Cotton family of Grosse Pointe Park, owners of west Michigan, and sometimes people look at that and say that's Meridian Health; $161,610 by the Schostak family of Bloomfield where the power is shifted. That is easily remedied by the people in Hills; $126,650 from Anthony Soave, founder of Detroit-based Soave southeast Michigan, and I would assert that since Ron Weiser came Enterprises; and $115,857 from the Bernstein family of Farmington in, there is a balance back."

Hills, of the Sam Bernstein Law Firm.

Weiser, an Ann Arbor native, founded McKinley Associates, a

Birmingham FootCare Specialists Physicians and Surgeons of the Foot Laser treatment for nail fungus

offered by

www.cynosure.com

Improvement in Clear Nails In As Little As 1 Treatment

Foot and ankle surgery | Cracked heels and fingers Fractures | Orthotics | Ingrown nails | Warts birminghamfootcarespecialists.com

CALL

248-594-3338

The overwhelming majority of top donor Monroe Republican and former state Thanks to the imposition of families contributed to the Michigan legislator Randy Richardville served in both those term limits – out-state chambers, including a second term in the Republican Party and the House Republican Campaign Committee, while several made Republicans from more rural Senate as the Majority Leader. political contributions to other committees.

"I ran for the state House before term areas of Michigan began Mauger said about $2 million in donations limits actually kicked in, and was in the first pushing for more was donated directly to state House class under the era of term limits," he said. candidates from those on the top 40 donor "We would be remiss if we didn't think that influence/power family list or their committees. had something to do with the makeup of the Other top donor families in the state, legislature. Today you have people that are Mauger said, donated to federal campaign less experienced than when I first started." committees. John Stryker, of Kalamazoo, was Richardville said being able to rely on once a top donor in state races but poured longtime senators who had been serving about $5.8 million in federal campaigns, before term limits took effect was a including $2 million to a pro-Hillary Clinton tremendous help to him when he first arrived Super PAC. Dan and Jennifer Gilbert, who as to the legislature. That mentor assistance and casino owners in the state are prohibited from knowledge was key to navigating his way donating to state committees, contributed about $1.9 million to through Lansing, and helped him to come into leadership positions federal presidential campaigns, including $1.25 million to a when he was elected to the Senate. committee to support Chris Christie, $350,000 to John Kasich Super Professor John Clark, chair of Western Michigan University's PAC, and $150,000 to the Hillary Victory Fund. political science department, said term limits have contributed to "The presence of money in politics is something that has really growing partisanship. changed over the past 50 years," said Ballenger, publisher of The "What we had often times (before term limits) was a willingness Ballenger Report. "There is so much more money in politics, not just of people to work across party lines because they knew each other in campaigning, but in lobbying. There are more lobbyists and more and trusted each other," he said. "When you got rid of that, a lot of money that they are spending. That's probably the single biggest those ways of doing business went to the wayside. Some people change. argue that is a good thing, but I think they're wrong." "(Hillary) Clinton became seen as a prisoner of Wall Street and Professor Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson, with Wayne State insiders and the establishment. That was part of Bernie Sanders' University's political science department, has studied and written appeal to Democrats – that he wasn't such a person. He was more about the impact of term limits in Michigan. However, she said the of a throwback to the old days. Both parties have been infused with geographic shift in power has less to do with term limits than with money, and that has effected their behavior." a concerted effort by outstate legislators to gain influence.

The presence of large donors from west Michigan has been a "If you understand a legislature, at best it's a team sport. At it's huge factor in recent years, causing many people to equate money worst, it's gang warfare," she said "The winners run everything. with legislative policy power, former governor Engler said. However, They decide what bills will come to the floor. In the Michigan he said imposing term limits in the legislature has had a much legislature, nothing is going to happen that the leadership doesn't larger impact on behavior and actual policy in Lansing. want to happen – even within the majority party."

"That has done incalculable damage – the implementation of Technically, any one of the 110 members of the House of term limits. That has more profoundly impacted the composition of Representatives or 38 state senators can introduce legislation in the legislature than any single thing," Engler noted. their respective chambers. However, which bills die in the In 1992, Michigan residents voted to approve amending the legislative process before ever coming up for a vote is greatly state's constitution to impose term limits on state politicians. In the determined by the Speaker of the House and the Senate's Majority legislature, term limits took effect in 1998 in the House and in 2002 Leader. It is those two leadership positions that decide to which in the Senate. Under the restrictions, House representatives may be committees a bill will be assigned, as well as the members and elected to three two-year terms, while senators may serve two fourchairs of the committees themselves. Likewise, other leadership year terms. Critics of the lifetime restrictions say term limits have positions, such as floor leaders, whips and caucus chairs, oversee thrown out decades of institutional knowledge and partnerships additional legislative responsibilities, with the greatest power given across the state and between parties. to those representing the majority party.

"If you get somebody who is good in office and who can stay, Since Michigan's Constitution was rewritten in 1963 to modify they can be quite influential, but if your maximum time is six years, statewide elected positions, the House of Representatives tended to then nobody is very influential," Engler said. "It's brought great have a Democratic majority early on, with Republicans holding turbidity to the legislature because nobody is there long enough to more than half of the 110 seats only one term from 1965 to 1995. really understand the issues. The Senate has an advantage because Since then, Republicans have held the House majority in 10 of the they have four to six years in the House to get there, but it's hard in past 13 terms, including the the past four. In the Senate, the House because they are just arriving and being asked to deal Republicans gained a majority of seats in 1984, and have held it with state Medicaid or pensions. Those are complicated issues, and since. you don't just walk in the door and say, 'I'm up to speed on these.'

From a more localized perspective, power can be looked at in You look around, and everyone else just got there too, so that makes terms of geography when considering who holds leadership it hard." positions in the legislature and what districts those lawmakers represent on the map.

Engler said there was a belief when term limits went into effect that Sarbaugh-Thompson said that as Republicans in the state gained veteran legislative staffers would stay in Lansing and be retained by more power and bi-partisan relationships began breaking down – in incoming legislators to provide institutional knowledge. However, he large part due to the imposition of those term limits – out-state said that hasn't happened. Instead, legislators are increasingly relying on Republicans from more rural areas of Michigan began pushing for lobbyists to provide them with information on issues facing the state. more influence and power within the legislature.

"It just hasn't worked that way," he said. "You had people working for "There used to be a saying in Lansing in the 1990s and early 20 years with the judiciary or finance committee who weren't making 2000s: 'north of Clare, it isn't there.' So they didn't feel like they were decisions, but if you had a question, you had a place to go for getting enough attention, and there was a coalition in the House information... some of the special interest groups have been able to that decided they wanted House leadership from the northern part capitalize on that. In some cases, I don't know where they go for of the state," she said. “So, within the Republican party, there was information."

Serving Discriminating Homeowners for Over 20 Years

Design-BuilD that fItS the way you lIVe

WWW.KASTLERCONSTRUCTION.COM

248.655.5580 NEW CONSTRUCTION | HOME ADDITIONS | REMODELING Visit our new 2,000 square foot showroom at 425 S. Main Street Clawson, MI 48017

Representatives Michael McCready (Rthis notion that rural voices weren't being Because Republicans have Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield heard, and the leadership coalition decided been so dominant ever since Hills) and Kathy Crawford (R-Novi) were two they would get together and get one of their own in there to control the House leadership." term limits took effect in the Oakland County Republicans who voted the tax cut. The cut was also opposed In 2001, former Osceola County Republican legislature, there has mostly against

by Gov. Rick Snyder. Those who voted against Rick Johnson was elected by his party's been one-party control in it had cited long-term budget implications. In caucus as the 68th Speaker of the House.

April, the Michigan Conservative Coalition Located northwest of Mt. Pleasant and the both chambers held a protest at the Birmingham Post Office, city of Clare, the move was the fist time in but only four people showed up. McCready decades that a mid-Michigan representative stood by his vote, saying it would have created held the speaker position. a $2.1 billion shortfall in the state's general Of the six lawmakers who held the state's fund.

Speaker of the House position from 1965 to "The direction of the House is very 1992, three were from Wayne County, with one conservative," McCready said. "Looking at the each from Genesee, Washtenaw and Saginaw last two speakers (Republicans Kevin Cotter, of counties. Of the nine speakers who followed, Mt. Pleasant and Jase Bolger, of Marshall), just three were from districts in southeast Bolger wasn't as conservative, but he was forced to get things done Michigan. with Snyder and Richardville because the state was in such peril, Sarbaugh-Thompson said the shift away from southeast financially.

Michigan didn't occur as quickly in the Senate, where influential "He had to do some things that some conservatives wouldn't do," House speakers from the area ran for Senate seats due to the newly McCready said, referring to Grand Bargain legislation that provided imposed term limits. Rochester Republican Mike Bishop, now a the city of Detroit with more than $190 million during the member of the U.S. Congress, served as the Senate Majority Leader bankruptcy process. from 2007 to 2010, followed by fellow Republican Randy In terms of leadership, McCready said he personally hasn't Richardville from Monroe. Today, the Senate Majority Leader, Arlan sought out leadership positions, but instead prefers a "kingmaker" Meekof, hails from West Olive in Ottawa County, on the west side of role by offering support to make others successful. "I'd rather help the state. someone in that position with a fair and balanced approach," he "Now, I would say both chambers have moved from any said. "I think there is an antigovernment feeling in the air that is a leadership control from southeast Michigan," Sarbaugh-Thompson different group and it's sometimes harder to work with them, but said. you do.â&#x20AC;?

That may not be completely accurate, though. In the Senate, Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kowall said there is less Ottawa County Republican Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) is the only friction in the Senate chamber than in the House, but those power west Michigan senator in a top leadership position, with the struggles aren't new.

Majority floor leader position held by Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White "John Engler one time put a guy's desk on the front lawn when Lake); the Majority caucus chairman position held by Sen. Dave he was (Senate) Majority Leader," he said. "We aren't having that in Robertson (R-Grand Blanc); and the Majority whip position held by the Senate now. With Arlan (Meekhof), it's all about respecting one's Sen. Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Township). opinion.

The House is another story. Top leadership in the House is "Some of the new members were shocked at how frank and open currently held by Speaker of House mid-Michigan Republican Tom we are with each other. We take jabs at each other, but I haven't Leonard (R-DeWitt Township), while East Lansing Democratic state seen one really heated argument... I saw knockdown fights in the Senator Sam Singh serves as the House Minority Leader. Northern House, when Kwame (Kilpatrick) (D) and Rocky (Raczkowski) (R) Michigan Rep. Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) serves as Speaker prohad to pull a couple leaders off of each other." tempore; St. Clair County Republican Dan Lauwers (Brockway In terms of political money influencing the legislature, Kowall Township) holds the Majority Floor Leader position; and Kent said much of it relates to business interests throughout the state, County Majority Whip Rob VerHeulen represents leadership from rather than any one geographic region. west Michigan. Oakland County Democrats Christine Greig (D"There is money coming from all over, and there are large donors Farmington) and Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) hold the minority floor and economic engines from all over. The west side has been good to leader and minority whip positions, respectively. me," he said. "The Business Leaders of Michigan and that, their Those leadership positions, as well as the Senate Minority whip main issue is getting jobs back in the state... Michigan is such a big position held by Meridian Township Democrat Curtis Hertel Jr., and state, and we have to be careful what we do in a variety of places." some other key committee chair seats, are particularly notable as Citing the potential closure of a Downriver steel plant, Kowall they demonstrate a distinct shift in power to mid-Michigan said the closure would lead to the loss of 37,000 other jobs not lawmakers for the first time in decades. directly located at the plant. He said fellow senators take those "Unless you're in the majority party, you can be largely kinds of considerations into account on economic decisions, rather irrelevant," Sarbaugh-Thompson pointed out. "Because Republicans than focusing only on their own districts. have been so dominant ever since term limits took effect in the "The House is a different cat," he said "I think people are more legislature, we have mostly had one-party control, with some blips protective of their districts because they are smaller." of Democrats getting the House a few times. ... Within that, what Oakland University Professor David Dulio, who chairs the tends to happen is that the party starts to fight when you have a university's political science department, said leaders chosen for dominant party." leadership positions are done so by their caucuses for more than The decision for Republicans to split with party leadership on ideological viewpoints. key issues comes with consequences. In February, Rep. Jason Sheppard (R-Temperance) of Monroe County, was one of 12 "They are good at building a coalition of votes to get Republicans to vote against a proposed tax cut that would have themselves into office. Leadership may shift based on reduced Michigan's income tax. Sheppard, who was chair of the backgrounds and experiences. Those kind of qualities are what House Financial Services Committee, was removed from the allows them to rise to power to a large degree," he said. "In this committee by House Speaker Tom Leonard after the bill failed. The case, the shift of Republicans to the west, we see a more speaker told news outlets after the vote that while other conservative legislature, shown by the policy initiatives that are Republicans voted against the tax cut, Sheppard had told him he taken up, and frankly, what gets passed. It's a natural flow of was going to vote in favor of the bill, but didn't. elections and partisanship."

FACES Eli Zaret fter spending more than a dozen years outside of radio work, veteran Detroit sports broadcaster and longtime Bloomfield resident Eli Zaret has returned to the airwaves on WJR Radio, where he's doing sports commentary as part of the "Guy Gordon Show."

"I started out doing radio commentary. It was opinionated commentary taking a stance, outside of the regular of just giving scores. That kind of made my name on FM radio," Zaret said. "It's ironic because back in the day, WJR didn't do that stuff. They were very upbeat and positive. That was the antithesis of what I was about. I was the antichrist to what WJR was. It's ironic that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming full circle. Before, I was the only one doing sports commentary on FM radio, and now it's on WJR. "Except for (97.1 FM) The Ticket, there is nobody else doing any sports radio in Detroit, other than brief sports updates on WWJ. Other than longform, there's nobody else doing what I'm doing right now."

The daily sports feature, "After Further Review" airs weekdays at 4:36 p.m. Zaret said he tries to make the segment appealing to both hardcore sports fans and casual listeners by looking at sports and social issues to give a different perspective on what's happening in the sports world.

"We don't talk about golf, per se, but we talk about Tiger Woods," he explained.

Originally from New Jersey, Zaret came to Michigan to attend the University of Michigan. He began his broadcast career in 1974 as the first FM sportscaster at WABX-FM. In 1978, he became the sports director at WRIF-FM about the same time, getting into television as the sports director at WDIV-TV. He has also held positions at WJBK-TV and WCSX-FM. "I have been to more stations and done more different things than any sportscaster ever in this market," Zaret said.

In 1997, he created, produced and hosted "Lockeroom TV," a television and radio show he co-hosted with Kirk Gibson and Gary Danielson on Fox Sports Detroit, WDIV and WXYT. From 2005 to 2012, Zaret worked for Palace Sports and Entertainment as a host and sideline reporter for the Detroit Pistons. He has also owned Eli Zaret Advertising for the past 14 years, and worked for two years as director of business development for The Sussman Agency in Southfield.

During the 1980s, Zaret left Detroit for a brief stint in sports broadcast in New York, but returned to his base in Detroit.

"I realized I needed to come back here, and it was a mistake to leave in the first place," he said. "I was very fortunate to come back.

A lot of people were angry when I left, and I can see why."

No matter the city, sports fans tend to be loyal to those in their hometown. That's particularly true in Detroit, where sports are one of the main sources of entertainment. Zaret said there's also a sense of midwest pride in the Motor City, which tends to fall on sports teams. And, because nobody needs to be an expert to have an opinion, Zaret's brand of coverage has been popular throughout his career.

"That's the beauty of sports. Everyone has a point of view and thinks they know better than the coaches," he said. "Everyone understands the game. You can have these arguments and we all get emotional and have an opinion. It's part of the magic of it all."

A

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Jean Lannen

DISCOVER

A

NEW LEVEL

OF

LUXURY

IN

REAL ESTATE

Custom Inspiration with Breathtaking Views of Walnut Lake $3,995,900

Orchard Lake Lakefront with Breathtaking Views - $2,799,000

Bloomfield Hills Newer Lakefront - $2,599,000

Downtown Birmingham Penthouse $2,400,000 or $15,000/MO

Direct:

248.928.4224

DISCOVER

A

NEW LEVEL

OF

LUXURY

IN

REAL ESTATE

Beautiful Modern Contemporary on over 1 Acre - $2,699,000

Luxury Lakefront on Simpson Lake $2,799,000

Upper Straits Lakefront $2,599,000

Luxurious Orchard Lake Lakefront $2,499,000

Desirable Wing Lake Lakefront $2,650,000

Bloomfield Hills AZD Lake Front $2,499,000

Spectacular One-of-a-kind Gated Estate Encompassed By ~ 20 Acres - $2,499,000

Gorgeous Long Lake Lakefront New Construction $3,499,000 or VL $1,999,000

Impressive Island Lake Lakefront New Construction $2,499,000 or VL $1,275,000

210 S. Old Woodward | Suite 200 | Birmingham, MI | 48009 | 248.590.0800

DISCOVER

A

NEW LEVEL

OF

LUXURY

IN

REAL ESTATE

Upper Long Lake Lakefront in Heron Bay $2,400,000 or VL for $949,000

Heron Bay New Construction $1,999,000

Custom Built Home in Heronwood $1,999,000

Tobocman Designed Island Retreat $1,999,000

Magnificent Estate On ~1.5 Acres In Bloomfield Hills $1,699,000

Dominick Tringali Designed, Custom Crafted by Casadei Homes in Bloomfield Hills $1,675,000

Custom Designed Home on Over 1 Acre $1,595,000

Spectacular Views of All-Sports Walnut Lake $1,499,000

Magnificent Wabeek Estate $1,399,000

Neo-Classical Home Designed by Dominick Tringali & Custom Built by Moceri $1,199,000

Elegant Custom-Built Home In Chestnut Run $999,000

Luxuriously Updated Estate on over 2 Acres $1,099,000 or $6,000/MO

~4,500 sqft in Downtown Birmingham $999,950

Over 3 Acres in Bloomfield Hills Price Upon Request

Custom Chestnut Run Colonial $829,000 or $5,500/MO

Direct:

248.928.4224

DISCOVER

A

NEW LEVEL

Upper Straits Lakefront Price Upon Request

OF

LUXURY

IN

REAL ESTATE

Over 6,000 sqft in Bloomfield Hills $1,099,000

Pine Lake Lakefront Price Upon Request

Turtle Lake New Construction starting at $1,550,000

Luxurious Detached Condo In Oakbrooke Of West Bloomfield $599,000

Bloomfield Hills With Orange Lake Privileges $649,900

Beautiful Lakefront In Long Lake Estates $629,000

Desirable Royal Pointe In West Bloomfield $589,900

Updated Bloomfield Hills Ranch Condo $575,000

Charming Colonial with Beautiful Personality in Bloomfield Hills $549,900

Superb Ranch With Morris Lake Privileges $750,000

Franklin Village $679,000

Turnberry Park, New Construction Condominium Complex in West Bloomfield starting in the $300,000's

210 S. Old Woodward | Suite 200 | Birmingham, MI | 48009 | 248.590.0800

%, 50, 1*+$0Ã&#x2013; 6

0267 $17, &, 3$7('

+20(6 2)

), 1(67 , 1 &216758&7, 21 &29(7(' /2&$7, 216 ', 67, 1&7, 9( 67</( )D U

EH \ R QG W KH

V W D QGD U G O X[ XU L H V

\ R X I L QG D U R XQG W R ZQ

W KH V H

KR PH V

EU L QJ

\ R X W KH

I L QH V W

L Q %L U PL QJ KD P O L Y L QJ

0

7KL V

KR PH

I H D W XU H V

V T I W

R I

SXU H

O X[ XU \

.H \

I H D W XU H V

L QF O XGH

%H GV

I XO O

ED W KV

H O H Y D W R U

SU H S

D QG I L QL V KH G ED V H PH QW

ZL W K

I R R W

F H L O L QJ V

0

0 2 6 7 $ 1 7 , & , 3 $ 7 ( '

7KL V

V T

I W

F R QW H PSR U D U \

KR PH

L V

O R F D W H G M XV W

V W H SV

D ZD \

I U R P QD W XU H

W U D L O V

4XD U W R Q /D NH

D QG GR ZQW R ZQ V KR SSL QJ

GL V W U L F W

0

%L U PL QJ KD PÃ&#x2013; V

PR V W

KL V W R U L F D O

D QG GH V L U D EO H

QH L J KER U KR R G

7KL V

KR PH

SU H V H QW V

6T

)W

R I

F O D V V L F

GH V L J Q ZL W K PR GH U Q H O H J D QF H

V NL O O I XO O \

GH V L J QH G E\

%U L D Q 1H H SH U

0

$ W U XO \

XQL TXH

R SSR U W XQL W \

GH V L J QH G E\

%U L D Q 1H H SH U

$U F KL W H F W XU H

D QG D ZD U G ZL QQL QJ

KR PH EXL O GH U

+0 +R PH V

$O PR V W

6T

)W

R I

D

SH U I H F W

EO H QG R I

F O D V V L F

H O H J D QF H

PR GH U Q GH V L J Q

0

7U D GL W L R QD O

D U F KL W H F W XU H

PH H W V

V R SKL V W L F D W H G V W \ O H

L Q R QH

R I

%L U PL QJ KD P

V

PR V W

GH V L U H G QH L J KER U KR R GV

7KL V

V T

I W

KR PH

KD V

EH H Q PH W L F XO R XV O \

GH V L J QH G ZL W K H Y H U \

GH W D L O

0

7KL V

KR PH

V L W V

I H H W

I U R P 4XD U W R Q /D NH

D QG I H D W XU H V

D

U G I O R R U

J \ P ZL W K D

ED O F R Q\

W R

ZD W F K W KH

EH D XW L I XO

V XQV H W V

Beauty

(SALON)

by J. Lyle Ltd. 235 Willits Alley Birmingham, MI

$

20 Blow Outs

tuesday through friday

248:: 540:: 0046

MUNICIPAL Peabody project not ready for prime time

By Lisa Brody

A proposed five-story mixed use development for the former Peabody Restaurant site was found wanting by the Birmingham planning board on Wednesday, July 26, after representatives for the neighboring Greenleaf Trust and Balmoral buildings voiced complaints about close proximity of the proposed project, and the lack of communication on the part of Alden Development Group, owner of the site.

The planning board did reluctantly approve a community impact statement for the project, noting it conformed to zoning and ordinance issues, but postponed approving a preliminary site plan until August 23, in order to allow architect Chris Longe to make changes or improvements to the plan, and for owner Matthew Shiffman and Longe to potentially engage in dialogue with representatives from Greenleaf and Balmoral buildings.

The proposed building at 34965 Woodward Avenue would also include the site of the former Art & Frame Shop on Peabody Street. Birmingham planner Matt Baka said the site is a total of .597 acres, and the building would be 161,910 square feet.

“The applicant wants to construct a five-story mixed use building with two levels of underground parking,” Baka said. He said the first floor would be retail, second and third floors office, fourth floor a mixture of commercial and residential, and the fifth floor, residential. There would be 90 onsite parking spots, with about 15 designated for residential. The proposed building is in the city’s parking assessment district, so only parking spaces for residential units are required. It would be constructed of stone, possibly terra cotta.

“However, the city’s engineer said the parking assessment district is at capacity, and is not designed for this, and the Peabody structure will not be expanding,” Baka said.

“They are providing quite a bit of parking, but how are they going to be controlling it? Is some of it going for the daytime?” asked board member Robin Boyle. “The decks are in pretty high demand. Is it enough to handle a building of this capacity? How many will be employed in this building?”

Longe answered that it was downtownpublications.com

No challenges to city incumbents he Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills city commissions will have a familiar feel after this November’s elections, as incumbents, other than Bloomfield Hills commissioner Mike Dul, filed to run once again, and no challengers filed to take them on by the filing deadline of 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 25.

Three long-term commissioners in Birmingham, whose terms will be ending in November, filed to run for re-election. Rackeline Hoff, Mark Nickita and Stuart Sherman filed to run for another four-year term on the seven-member city commission. They were the only applicants for the three open seats.

Hoff is currently completing her fourth term, Sherman his third, and Nickita his second. Both Nickita and Sherman have served twice as Birmingham’s mayor; Hoff has been mayor for the city of 20,103 residents three times.

The Birmingham City Commission serves as the city’s legislative body, consisting of seven commissioners, one of whom serves as mayor. The commissioners represent the citizens, and formulate and enable policy as the legislative and policy-making body of the municipal government. They are elected at large for four-year terms at non-partisan elections held in November of each odd-numbered year. The city commission operates as a home rule charter city, with a council-manager form of government. The city commission is empowered to pass ordinances and adopt resolutions as it deems necessary, consistent with the city charter and state law.

Bloomfield Hills has a similar legislative body and system, with five commissioners on its city commission who are elected every two years for two-year terms. A few years ago, a staggered system of electing commissioners was replaced with electing the entire board every two years.

This year, four of five commissioners submitted petitions to run for another two-year term, Mike Coakley, Susan McCarthy, Sarah McClure and Stuart Sherr. The fifth commissioner, Michael Dul, declined to run for reelection, and no challengers have applied for the fifth open seat.

Dul said he has been on the commission for five years. “It was fun, and it was cool, but I’m really busy (with work, as a landscape design professional), and I really enjoy it, and I don’t want to be so diluted,” he said. “I’m looking forward, especially to the next five years, to set myself up for the next phase.”

According to the rules, a write-in candidate has until 10 days prior to the election to register at the city clerk’s office. If there is no write-in candidate, after the election, the city commission will appoint a fifth commissioner.

Four candidates filed for three open Birmingham Library Board seats, with incumbents Frank Pisano and Ashley Aidenbaum running for another four-year term, and challengers Mike Kroll and Melissa Mark also running.

Current board member Sheila Brice, whose term is expiring, did not submit a petition to run again.

The elections will be held on Tuesday, November 7.

T

unknown. “The apartments will be smaller than other buildings in the area,” estimating approximately 10 rental units, although he is hoping for more. “The parking is envisioned to be all open. There won’t be a gate; you’ll have a card.”

“What proportion of office workers will be absorbed by the building?”

Boyle asked.

“About 50 to 70 spaces,” Longe responded, while acknowledging there was no way to know what percentage of occupancy that would be.

Attorney Alan Greene, representing

the Balmoral Building, to the south of the site, along with Patty Owens with Catalyst Development, representing Greenleaf Trust, stated ownership had a fundamental problem with the project, which was that neither had seen plans prior to the city’s planning board packet going out after business hours the previous Friday evening, nor had any communications from Shiffman. The other concern was that the building will go to the lot line, blocking windows and architectural details on both the Balmoral building and Greenleaf Trust.

DOWNTOWN

“The way I look at this plan, it’s essentially abutting our building. All those features that we have would essentially be hidden,” Greene said.

“All our tenants would see is an orange colored block going up five stories.

There would be no more light. It’s not pedestrian friendly because there’s no pedestrian walkway. We’re really concerned. There’s been no reach out.

We’ve had no conversation with our neighbor. We did a lot of reach out to our neighbors.”

Owens concurred. “Redevelopment is a significant economic tool for the city, but it’s not congruent with ours,” she said. “We worked closely with you at all design, development of this building, understanding that we were building a building that met all the Master Plan 2016 guidelines. We understood this was a gateway building. This just feels like it’s not a strong and harmonious continuation.

They’ve not talked to their neighbors.

“We’re getting between $50 and $55 a square foot for residential, and we’ll not be able to continue if they can reach out and shake Chris Longe’s tenants’ hands.”

“We’re making it work. The economy is clearing. Take a hike to Fifth Avenue or Washington Boulevard or Prince Street, and take a look at the fantastic street walls that have been constructed over 250, 300 years,” Boyle pointed out. “Do you think they were all built at the same time? Hell, no.

These buildings were put up in different phases, by different developers using different stones.

These great cities were constructed over time. That’s the reality of a city...Do we really want to wander around between different buildings on Woodward? We don’t even do that on Maple. I think we’re trying to build an urbanism here.”

“I’m very uncomfortable. It’s much more than the two buildings are adjacent. I’d like to know that there was some consideration of what more is to come of this development,” said board member Janelle Boyce. “I think it’s bigger than talking to your neighbor. I want everyone to talk to each other.”

Board members concurred, approving the community impact study, but voting to postpone approval of the preliminary site plan in order for the applicant to provide more details and hopefully speak with its neighbors.

“We are all very aware of the site.

This is important and we don’t want to rush it,” Boyle noted.

83

One Year

"ĭ

3 ĵ

WANT MORE BUYING POWER?

Save the Date - Thursday, October 5th 6-9 pm

visit rivagedayspa.com for more details.

Upgrade your expectations with Independent Bank!

248.839.2021 210 S. Old Woodward, Ste. 250 | Birmingham, MI 48009

UP TO 100% FINANCING AVAILABLE

ANY REPAIRS 15% OFF LABOR With this ad.

80% FIRST & 20% SECOND MORTGAGE NO BORROWER PAID PMI* $0 DOWN PAYMENT

“ I would welcome the opportunity to sit down and discuss all your choices.”

248.258.7000

Lynn Wiand Senior Residential Loan Officer P: 248.918.5964 | C: 248.228.4805 F: 248.918.5792 | NMLS ID: 394920 lwiand@ibcp.com

Apply Online Independentbank.com/mortgage/lwiand

Ray Bazzi – Owner r.bazzi@sbcglobal.net

• All Automotive Repairs Certified Mechanics • Towing Available

(M-Sat 8am-8pm)

• Emergency Towing Available WE SELL GOOD USED CARS WITH WARRANTY

VISIT OUR TROY OFFICE Equal housing lender. Member FDIC.

Cole St. Lincoln Ave.

rd

84

a Woodw

*Lender-paid PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) applies to the second mortgage. Maximum debt to income ratio 43%. No investment properties or manufactured homes. Minimum income and asset requirements apply.

Financing program available for new home purchase, owner-occupied, primary or secondary residence (Subject to loan approval), Single family home, Townhome, Duplex, and Condominium (including Independent Bank approved non-warrantable Condominium). Customizable solutions are available over $1 Million.

Minimum credit score 700. Taxes and insurance required.

Equal housing lender. Member FDIC.

15 Mile Rd.

14 Mile Rd.

DOWNTOWN

Eton

Adams

201 West Big Beaver Road, Ste 201

2330 Cole Street Birmingham www.bnrcars.com

WE BUY AND SELL USED CARS! 09.17

MEET

Planners opt out of city leasing debate

By Lisa Brody

Despite a directive from the Birmingham City Commission and City Manager Joe Valentine for the Birmingham Planning Board to focus on the definition of personal services in order to amend the definition of commercial uses in downtown Birmingham for first floor retail usage, the planning board rejected that direction on Wednesday, August 12, at a public hearing they held, and instead requested the city commission expedite the updating of a citywide master plan in order to clarify the issue, along with other pressing city issues.

The definition of retail in first floor space has been deemed a high priority item by the city commission after several locations have been leased as “quasi-commercial,” referring to ad agencies, marketing firms, real estate companies, and web design firms, among others, that say they “could” do work for individuals, but are really commercial companies. In a memo, Valentine noted that the current ordinance permits commercial uses as a category of personal services.

“Over the past 10 years, roughly 46 businesses have occupied first floor spaces in the redline retail area under the undefined category of personal services. To assist city staff in the administration of the zoning ordinance and to clarify the intent of the personal services category, a policy directive was given to the planning board to promptly address this issue,” Valentine wrote in his memo. “This directive was intended to establish a temporary relief measure while the planning board continues to study the definition of retail as part of its action list that was adopted in July of 2016.”

Planning director Jana Ecker explained the redline retail area extends north along Old Woodward to just south of Oak Street, and south to Lincoln. It goes along Maple from Bates to Peabody, and includes Pierce, Merrill and Willits streets.

“The 2016 master plan, adopted in 1996, did propose definitions of retail, and said definitions of personal services should be included in the redline district, but did not say what those personal services were,” Ecker said. “At the last meeting (on July 12) downtownpublications.com

you determined the definition was: ‘Personal Services: An establishment that is open to the public engaged primarily in providing services involving the care of a person or apparel, including but not limited to: beauty and barber shops, nail care or skin salon services, other personal grooming services, laundry services, dry cleaning, shoe or clothing repair; but does not include business-tobusiness services, medical, dental and/or mental health services.’”

First board members discussed sending the definition to the city commission without a list of services, just ending at “person or apparel.”

But they were not satisfied.

“This is a widespread concern. It’s not unique to Birmingham,” said board member Robin Boyle. “We want to see activity on our streets.

It’s not the goal to determine what goes in which spot. The challenge is we want to keep people walking down the streets in Birmingham.”

“The 2016 plan was drafted in 1996. It’s now 2017. If ever there was a need to update the master plan, it’s this issue,” said board chair Scott Clein.

“We’re dealing with a problem that doesn’t exist. We have vacancies.

This is an inappropriate way to deal with this. It’s never going to get done – mostly because it’s 21 years old,” countered board member Bryan Williams.

“Maybe in the future, when we have time, we should allow offices in the first floor,” said board member Stuart Jeffares.

As at other meetings when the planning board discussed the topic, several property owners and retail representatives spoke of the hardships they could possibly endure if they were restricted to what they could put in their first floor spaces.

Cheryl Daskas, Birmingham resident and retail owner of the store Tender, countered. “I am the owner of a very successful retail. Very successful. Do you want your kids coming to an office park? People come here because of the vibrancy.

You’re hearing one side. The big part of it is the building owners don’t want to work together – just put an office in. A few weeks ago, you were told Roots was leaving. No. Roots resigned their lease. You’re getting misinformation.”

“We asked the city expert to come, and she hasn’t come,” Williams said, referring to Birmingham Shopping

chris

—Class of 2018

QUIZ BOWL CAPTAIN. LANDSCAPE ARTIST. EAGLE SCOUT CANDIDATE. THE FUTURE OF SCIENCE. An extraordinary student preparing for an extraordinary future.

where extraordinary happens

every day

248.646.7717 | www.dcds.edu JOIN US FOR OUR open LOWER SCHOOL Grades PK-2

DOWNTOWN

house ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 | 1-3 P.M.

JUNIOR SCHOOL Grades 3-5

MIDDLE SCHOOL Grades 6-8

UPPER SCHOOL Grades 9-12

85

Cindy Obron Kahn An Extraordinary Agent Providing Extraordinary Results

BLOOMFIELD 3950 Franklin Road | $6,975,000

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 4219 Lahser Road | $6,800,000

Exquisite Wallace Frost French manor on 2.5 acres with Lower Long Lake views and immaculate grounds

Magnificent 14,600 + SF estate on 4 acres offers old world beauty and state-of-the-art technologies

BIRMINGHAM 445 Arlington Street | $2,295,000

BLOOMFIELD 475 Sunningdale | $2,150,000

Gorgeous revitalized and renovated estate on private 1+ acres within walking distance to town

Impressive traditional estate on 1.2 acres spanning more than13,000 SF features unique walkout setting

442 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, MI 48009

Cindy Obron Kahn HALL & HUNTER REALTORS’ TOP PRODUCER FOR 2016

248.568.7309 | Cindy@CindyKahn.com

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 860 Vaughan Road | $5,999,000

BIRMINGHAM 297 W. Brown Street | $2,300,000

Spectacular 11,000 SF Mediterranean 2+ acre estate on hilltop setting with beautiful gardens

Sleek and elegant townhome blocks from town. Impeccable details throughout. Finished lower level & 3rd floor loft.

BLOOMFIELD 1772 Heron Ridge | $1,749,000

WEST BLOOMFIELD 4733 S. Valleyview Road | $529,000

10,500+ SF of show-stopping beauty in a serene, gated community. Walkout lower level & gorgeous pool.

Bright, open colonial in desirable Bloomfield on the Lake with Bloomfield Hills schools. Finished LL. Yard with sparkling pool.

TOP AGENT 2012-2016

AREA TOP PRODUCER 2008-2016

TOP 1% OF REALTORS® NATIONALLY

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT! OUR NEW LOCATION

SOUTH ADAMS SQUARE 623 S. Adams, Birmingham 248.646.4466

A T

New location but the tradition continues

Still the best place for sports equipment

Your “Sports Headquarters” for over 60 Years

TheVarsityShop.com LARGEST SELECTION OF COLLEGE MERCHANDISE

MUNICIPAL District (BSD) leasing expert Julie Fielder. “To me, sales can be sales to corporations, to consumers. Maybe the definition is too tight. How are you going to police this?”

“I understand the intent of the redline district in 1996, just like Forbes with the mall (Somerset),” said board member Bert Kosceck. “They want retail next to retail. They work, for the moment, because there’s synergy.”

“I don’t like to walk by and see people hunched over PCs. But this process doesn’t seem right for something this huge,” Jeffares said. “We’re trying to piecemeal it.”

The board unanimously decided to not adopt the definition as proposed, and to instead request the city commission expedite the updating of the citywide master plan in order to address this and other pressing issues.

Bistros, economic licenses examined Over the 10 years Birmingham has had a bistro ordinance, which has

downtownpublications.com

allowed small, eclectic restaurants to obtain liquor licenses, the city has seen creative and inventive interpretations of bistros which has caused city leaders to begin to examine the ordinance as well as the city’s boundaries for its economic development liquor license.

At the Birmingham Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, August 9, a study session was held to begin discussions on what is working – and what isn’t – with each liquor license.

They concluded the meeting with no decisions, but with some guidance for the next time they deal with the topic and draft amendments to the ordinances.

In 2007, the Birmingham City Commission created the city’s bistro ordinance to permit small and unique restaurants in certain areas of the city that required special land use permits. The city’s bistro ordinance requires that an establishment have no more than 65 seats, 10 of which are at a bar; alcohol can only be served to seated patrons, except those standing in a defined bar area;

bistros must have tables located in the storefront space lining any street or pedestrian passage; a minimum of 70 percent glazing must be provided in windows along buildings facing a street; outdoor dining must be provided, weather permitted, along an adjacent street or passage during the months of May through October each year. If there’s no room on the sidewalk, an enclosed platform must be erected on the street adjacent to the bistro to create an outdoor dining area.

Over the last 10 years, some evolutions of the bistro ordinance have pleased planners and city officials – and others have bothered them. At the meeting, planning board members discussed that they do not want bistros to be permitted to enclose their outdoor spaces, as many have, with Eisenglass, a plastic enclosure, which increases the number of seats in the bistro yearround because it extends the outdoor season too much, and several planning board members said they don’t like the look of it.

DOWNTOWN

Board members, however, do like the idea of having roof top dining in nice weather, where applicable.

Several bistros have had the opportunity to have a lot of outdoor dining seats in spring and summer months. Board members discussed the possibility of limiting the number of outdoor seats, and decided they do not want to limit the number of outdoor dining spots, nor do they feel parking requirements for bistros with a large outdoor dining number should have to be altered to accommodate that increased need.

Planning board members did, however, feel outdoor dining should be kept to the front of a bistro first, rather than the rear or rooftop of an establishment.

In 2009, the city commission approved the creation of another tool in their arsenal to encourage development in certain areas of Birmingham with the economic development liquor license. The economic development liquor license was designed for areas that would have significant redevelopment, for a

89

A lecture series featuring the women shaping Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural and societal landscape.

Carolyn Cassin President & CEO, Michigan Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foundation General Partner, Belle Michigan LP Monday, September 25th, 6:30 PM $15 (Series $40)

Jocelyn Benson CEO, Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Former Dean, Wayne State University Law School Tuesday, October 3rd, 6:30 PM $15 (Series $40)

Denise Brooks-Williams President & CEO, Henry Ford Hospital, Wyandotte Wednesday, October 11th, 6:30 PM $15 (Series $40)

Barbara McQuade Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School Former U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Michigan Wednesday, November 1st, 6:30 PM $15 (Series $40)

www.communityhouse.com 248.644.5832 380 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, Michigan 48009

HANDS ON minimum of 500 percent increase of the original value of the site. It was initially designed just for the Woodward corridor, to stimulate redevelopment, and was first used by the Greenleaf Trust Building for the restaurant on their first floor, and later by the developers of the Triple Nickel restaurant at 555 Building.

Later, it was expanded to include All Seasons Independent Living on E. Maple Road.

Planning board members at the study session were in favor of increasing the boundaries in the city where it could be utilized, and noted that they don’t see any reasons for not using it for increasing other large scale investments in the city, especially in the Triangle District, an area bounded by Maple Road to the north, Adams to the east, Woodward to the west and Lincoln to the south.

Similarly, they felt the Rail District, a former industrial area in the city’s easternmost zone, east of Eton to the railroad tracks, would benefit from possible utilization of an economic development license, and would be happy to add most of the district for consideration. In both the Rail and Triangle districts, their only concerns were not to allow any property that abuts residential.

City logos sent back to drawing board

By Lisa Brody

A year after the Birmingham Ad Hoc Brand Development Committee (BBDC) was created in July 2016 to work with a design firm to create a new city logo, and 10 months after beginning work with local ad agency McCann Detroit, city commissioners expressed dissatisfaction with the three final designs at their meeting on Monday, July 24, and sent them back for revisions.

Joellen Haines, assistant to city manager Joe Valentine, explained the goal of the rebranding initiative was to establish a new brand through a new logo that communicates the city’s image in a positive, evolving and refreshing way. She said McCann was chosen to create a logo to represent Birmingham “today, and where it is going.”

The committee was made up of one member of the parks and recreation board, a member of the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD), a planning board member, two city

commissioners, and two members from different neighborhoods representing residents.

Commissioners Rackeline Hoff and Patty Bordman sat on the committee, along with mayor Mark Nickita.

McCann Creative Director Susan Hollins told the commission it was a “labor of love. We’re excited to show you where we ended up. It was a huge collaboration. About 10 months ago, we met with the ad hoc committee, and began with a Q&A, to hear the vision of the city, about the city overall, its competitors, the needs of the residents, businesses and visitors.”

She said the styles of designs that people gravitated towards were simple and kinetic. They put out a survey from their office to a diverse group of stakeholders with different needs. Residents responding are sophisticated professionals who are proud of their city, family-oriented, pet-friendly who view the city as quaint and charming, she said.

The business community is an eclectic mix, some of which are unique to the city. She noted they stated it is a great city to network in, and the city has stature and prestige, with their customers enjoying coming to them.

She said that visitors said they often come initially out of curiosity, and then return because there is lots to do, with shopping, restaurants and entertainment. She said many said it’s a “perfect date night location.”

“Many view it as walkable, but not pedestrian-friendly, with parking a hurdle as well as traffic,” Hollins noted. “Birmingham is seen as elitist and unapproachable. So Birmingham means different things to different people.”

The guidelines that were given to direct designers were timeless/classic; distinctive/unique/ fresh/clean; and sophisticated/refined.

“The agency has done our homework. We brought forward more than 50 logos, and we did at least 50 more. The committee wanted something that was ownable for the city, and we have three finalists,” Hollins said.

The first, their preferred logo, had an icon of the Marshall Fredericks sculpture located in Shain Park, with Birmingham: A Walkable City, in classic typeface. The second was clean, with no icon. The third logo had an architectural symbol for an

AUTO DETAILING The Only Auto Detailing Shop in Bloomfield Hills

Interior Detailing Exterior Detailing Paint Correction Polish & Sealant Ceramic Coating and more…

39533 Woodward Avenue Located In Underground Parking Garage

248-593-9877 www.handsondetailing.com

Let us help you get home - worry free.

Troy Bergman NMLS ID 140061

Toni Thwaites NMLS ID 291301

Evan Elsea NMLS ID 1482912

THE BIRMINGHAM GROUP:

Call us today for a free preapproval or mortgage analysis!

248.283.8500 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 birmingham@johnadamsmortgage.com Company NMLS ID 140012

downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

91

Tactical Asset Allocation Strategies We use a series of technical and rules-based indicators that assist in putting offensive and defensive playbooks together for our 6 tactical strategies. What is your game-plan when it comes to managing your money?

Chris C. DeWolfe Managing Partner | PIM Portfolio Manager | Senior Financial Advisor cdewolfe@theicg.com | www.theicg.com

500 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

248.273.8200 Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. The Investment Consulting Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.

Focused knowledge and insightful service Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has an unparalleled selection of product choices for a sophisticated level of needs and preferences, and unsurpassed service that ensures the complete satisfaction you expect and deserve.

Contact me today!

Michael Tomlanovich Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 248-731-0542 Cell: 248-797-0001 michael.tomlanovich@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 406444

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. © 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS3422479 Expires 04/2018

92

icon with upper and lower case fonts.

All used the name “Birmingham: A Walkable City.”

“A city logo – who is its audience?

What is it designed for? What is its purpose?” asked Bordman after the presentation.

“It is to brand your city. That is why we kept going back to the icon – it kept going back to branding, identifying the city,” Hollins replied.

“Logo three I think is too complicated; you have to explain the element. Number two, I like, but it is too simple. Option one, I think you have captured the essence of the city,” said commissioner Carroll DeWeese.

Hoff, noting she was on the committee and acknowledging the efforts of McCann, nonetheless said, “I don’t think it’s the best. I don’t think a lot of people will know it’s the Marshall Fields sculpture.”

“When we think of the majority of icons, they’re imagery, then they convey the message, like the Nike swoosh,” said Nikita. “Most are not literal. It goes back to branding. We felt having an icon was an advantage.”

“I’m in agreement with commissioner Hoff that none of these logos are ready to be our logo,” said commissioner Stuart Sherman. “I showed these to people over the weekend, and people said, ‘what is this?’ and when I explained, they said, ‘oh.’ For logos two and three, they said they looked like logos for banks. For the companies that have logos that are icons, they spend millions and millions of dollars to create the identity of the icon, and we’re not going to do that. I’m not going to support this.”

“I would suggest we work with the committee to refine the design,” said Valentine, with Nickita directing McCann to talk with Haines on how to proceed.

“We’re probably not as far off as it seems,” Nickita said.

Quarton Lake work underway for 2017 In the ongoing battle to maintain Birmingham’s Quarton Lake, contractors hired by the city of Birmingham worked this past week to control weeds, undergrowth and invasive species from overgrowing the lake.

In 2014, the growth of lily pads in the lake went from a few pretty DOWNTOWN

flowering plants to a nuisance vegetation that began threatening to overtake the waterway. In 2015, the city began a treatment program by using an aquatic herbicide to prevent and treat the growth of lily pads on Quarton Lake, after dredging, part of a five-year plan, did not sufficiently manage the overgrowth.

Beginning the week of July 24, 2017, contractors hired by the city began performing necessary maintenance to woody overgrowth along the shoreline, beginning on the western side of the lake. The work includes the removal of invasive trees, shrubs and vines, such as buckthorn, Oriental Bittersweet, and box elder, among other, as well as pruning of desirable trees and shrubs.

In addition, smaller invasive plants and weeds, including Canada thistle, invasive cattails and phragmites that are on the east side of the lake, are being treated.

Work on Quarton Lake will continue throughout the summer and into the fall, weather permitting, director of public services Lauren Wood said.

Parking issues to be addressed in plan The Birmingham Planning Board has agreed that various aspects of parking should be examined as the city moves forward with a new master plan process.

At their meeting on Wednesday, July 12, the planning board looked at whether to include parking issues in the upcoming master plan during a study session, and concluded that it is a significant issue both now and looking forward.

“To me, the biggest issue is the perceived problem with parking in downtown (Birmingham),” said planning board chairman Scott Clein.

“We currently allow anything besides parking in the neighborhoods...I thought the 2016 (Master Plan) wanted to increase residential in downtown, which hasn’t happened, other than multi-million dollar apartments and condos.”

Birmingham Planner Matt Baka told planning board members he anticipates this would deal with all aspects of parking in the city, from encroachment into the neighborhoods, shared parking, standards for parking, parking needs, demand pricing, valets and other issues.

09.17

(248) 644-4700 www.maxbroock.com/bloomfieldhills

®

4130 Telegraph Rd. Bloomfield Hills MI, 48302

5019 Cherry Blossom Circle, West Bloomfield $415,000

2482 Wickfield Road, West Bloomfield $489,900

2855 Oakbrooke Lane West Bloomfield Twp. $649,900

0000 Inkster, Franklin Village $700,000

1989 Sherwood Glen, Bloomfield Twp. $957,000

24811 Franklin Park, Franklin Village $1,299,900

4569 Kiftsgate Bend, Bloomfield Twp. $1,375,000

32250 Bingham Road, Bingham Farms Vlg. $1,595,000

3252 Pine Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp. $1,795,000

MELANIE

BISHOP

“SOLD” is My Middle Name

S

melaniesold@aol.com 248.867.7800

NOAH

BISHOP-COHEN

The Next Generation Of “SOLD”

MelanieSold.com

ns.cohen26@gmail.com 248.867.4877

MUNICIPAL “If you want to continue with the parking assessment district, you have to provide more free parking,” said board member Bryan Williams. “The parking assessment district unfavorably favors commercial development,” as there are no parking requirements for buildings constructed in the district for retail or commercial space, only for residential units.

“We should also review the parking standards outside the parking assessment district because those questions come up relative to the costs of development,” said board member Robin Boyle.

“Should we talk about how inexpensive our parking rates are?” asked board member Janelle Boyce.

“We should focus on the need for other structures and ideas for how to pay for them,” Clein said.

“We’ve never spent a penny of public money on parking,” Williams asserted.

“I cannot think of a project that we (planning board) have turned down because of a lack of parking,” noted

downtownpublications.com

board member Gillian Lazar, pointing out there are three large upcoming new buildings on the horizon in the downtown area. “We have to have a vision.”

Board members agreed that parking needs a full assessment.

Birmingham hotel receives approval

By Lisa Brody

A new five-story boutique hotel proposed to be built at 298 S. Old Woodward at the corner of Brown in Birmingham received final site plan approval by the Birmingham Planning Board at their meeting on Wednesday, August 9.

The hotel, to be located on the site of the former Weir Manuel Snyder and Ranke realtor location, which became Drs. House Call, is currently vacant, as is another building. There is also a surface parking lot.

Birmingham planner Jana Ecker said the applicants, Lorient Capital, the Aperium Group, TynanGroup, and

Booth Hansen architects, proposed a five-story building covering 25,000 square feet, with first floor retail, a hotel on the second, third and fourth floors, and residential on the fifth floor.

“All of the traffic and parking issues have been dealt with,” Ecker told planning board members, noting that Fleis & Vanderbrink, the city’s traffic consultant, had signed off on the plan. She also said that the advisory parking commission had recommended approval for the removal of eight parking spaces in front of the proposed hotel on S. Old Woodward in order to provide space for valet. While the the city commission will not have to approve the final site plan, they will need to approve the removal of the eight parking spaces, Ecker said, and that is scheduled to go before commissioners at their meeting in the near future.

The hotel is proposed to have two floors of underground parking, providing 56 onsite parking spaces.

As the site is located in the city’s

DOWNTOWN

parking assessment district, it is only required to provide 22 spots, for the proposed 17 residential units on the fifth floor. In addition, David Berman of Lorient Capital, owner and developer of the hotel, said that for high traffic events, they will be able to stack the cars which will allow them to put up to 88 cars in the underground parking.

Access for vehicles will be on Brown Street, and out on S. Old Woodward. There will be two pedestrian entrances, one each on Brown and Old Woodward. There is also a via in the rear area, with substantial lighting and a proposed wine bar which would be accessible as well through the hotel.

Ecker said the building is proposed to be built with a dark gray granite elevation and limestone cladding on the first four floors. A dark bronze canopy is proposed for the Old Woodward entrance.

“There are substantial green roof sections in this plan,” she said.

The hotel is designed with first floor retail, a restaurant, banquet

97

LI ST ED JU ST

LI ST ED JU ST

FRANKLIN VILLAGE 26710 Irving Road | $925,000

WEST BLOOMFIELD 5720 Eastman Boulevard | 899,000

Stunning 2016 renovation cohesively blends the charm of the original with phenomenal new design. Private .83 acre site with pond & fountain. Stunning new, white kitchen.

Expansive master suite with beautiful marble bath. Finished LL. 3 & 1/2-car garage.

Better than new! Open-concept floor plan incorporates highest quality materials and finishes throughout. Incredible island kitchen. Fully finished LL with wine cellar & fitness center. Birmingham schools. All-sports, Walnut Lake privileges.

3,656 Square Feet | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 2 Half Baths

3,763 Square Feet | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths

Nanci J. Rands and Meredith Colburn top producers

FRANKLIN VILLAGE 32860 Whatley Road | $999,000

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 730 Falmouth Drive | $1,395,000

Mid-century modern paragon of style on 1.68 wooded acres. Open concept, spacious living area includes banquet-sized dining room, fireplaced living room & library. Grand master suite, multiple decks, elevator & generator.

Exceptional, sophisticated & majestically set on an elevated, landscaped property.

Tiered, stone terraces. Tremendous 1st floor master. Walkout LL with professional bar, mahogany wine cellar & tasting room. 4 stone fireplaces. 4-car garage.

6,215 Total SF | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths

7,807 Total SF | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Full, 1 Half Baths

N EW

PR IC E

LI ST ED JU ST

JU ST

LI ST ED

NEW CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES

BUILD SITE

FRANKLIN VILLAGE 31600 Briarcliff Road | $1,100,000

BLOOMFIELD 6023 Indianwood Trail | $419,900

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 612 Bennington Drive | $675,000

Incredible site in the heart of Franklin Village.

Outstanding opportunity to build the home of your dreams! Architectural drawings available.

Fabulous new building opportunity on a picturesque site with privileges on beautiful Wing Lake. Bloomfield Hills schools.

Timeless Rudgate ranch a block from Cranbrook campus. Renovate to make it your own or build new to suit in this highly sought after area.

3.37 Acres

.78 Acres

4,081 SF | 4 BR | 3 Baths | 1.03 Acres

VILLAGE OF BINGHAM FARMS 31500 Bingham Road | Price upon request

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 151 Manorwood Drive | $989,000

Magnificent gated estate sited on 15.5 park-like acres. Original elegance & innovative additions. Grand amenities include a lush master suite, commercial kitchen, fitness complex, indoor & outdoor pools, & tennis courts.

Outstanding California contemporary on private, beautifully landscaped acre site. An entertainer’s dream! 1st floor master with Travertine bath. Fully finished walkout lower level with theater, bar & rec area. Tons of storage. 3-car garage.

17,558 Square Feet | 8 Bedrooms | 9 Full, 4 Half Baths

7,372 Total SF | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths

A Luxury Experience at all prices

”

You far exceeded our expectations of a real estate professional, from our initial meeting and every step of the way through closing. Your suggestions for price and promotion were right on the mark.

Your grasp of the market, attention to detail and follow through went above and beyond.

- Seller, Bloomfield

”

Nanci J. Rands

Meredith Colburn

Associate Broker

Associate Broker

248.701.9000

248.762.5319

BLOOMFIELD 5330 Woodlands Estates Drive S | $1,698,000

BLOOMFIELD 520 Tall Tree Lane | $849,000

Tobocman gem in park-like setting! Travertine floors, skylights & beautiful built-ins.

Fabulous living room & dining room. 1st floor master suite & 2 additional BRs. Walkout lower level with theater room, family room, fitness & bedroom. Gilbert Lake privileges.

Quality built and designed with sophistication and functionality. Private setting on 3/4 acre site. Fabulous formal & informal spaces with detailed moldings and trim work. Expansive lower level. Bluestone terrace. 3-car garage.

8,338 Total SF | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths

4,042 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths

MUNICIPAL facilities, and an area for a salon. The three floors of hotel space are proposed to have 143 hotel rooms.

“We think the development adheres to downtown Birmingham standards,” said architect Charlie Stetson of Booth Hansen. “The elevation, we worked to design to the historic district. The corner – it’s intended to be a gateway to that part of town. The windows were designed to be inviting, inviting people in and to walk by.”

“We’ve got a significant building that will really activate this part of town,” said planning board member Robin Boyle, who chaired the meeting as chair Scott Clein, along with Gillian Lazar, recused themselves.

Board members voted 5-0 to approve the final site plan.

Developer will pay for tree replacement Frank Simon, developer of The Pearl, a proposed four-story mixeduse building on N. Old Woodward in Birmingham, agreed at the Birmingham City Commission meeting on Monday, July 24, to pay the replacement costs for tree that will be removed in order for DTE Energy to move poles in an easement request needed to construct the building, with city manager Joe Valentine announcing at the commission meeting on Monday, August 14, that Simon had come to an agreement with the city to pay $50,000 for tree replacement.

DTE Energy had requested the easement for overhead energy lines which would necessitate moving an energy pole from one side of the Rouge River to the other behind the proposed site at 856 N. Old Woodward, south of Oak, known as the “hole in the ground,” where the former Carrie Lee Chinese restaurant once stood. Developer Frank Simon received final site plan approval from the city’s planning board for a fourstory mixed-use building with two levels of underground parking, first floor retail and three stories of highend apartments.

An electrical pole currently sits in a flood plain on the property, in the construction zone. DTE sought to move it to an adjacent property on Woodward.

At a previous meeting in July, commissioners had difficulty understanding which trees would need to be removed, the quantity, and where downtownpublications.com

new poles would be relocated across the Rouge River. Before the commission meeting on July 24, commissioners, city staff, members of the public, DTE and the developer met at the site to walk the property to see where the poles would go and which trees would be removed.

City manager Joe Valentine said there would be 14 trees removed on city property and replaced with the same species, which on that property he said is oak and maple, for a cost of about $12,000. He said Simon had agreed to pay for about $7,000 of that, with the city paying the remainder.

Commissioners were not in favor of the city covering any cost of tree replacement.

“This does not benefit the city. The developer on the other hand is going to benefit greatly,” said commissioner Patty Bordman. “By only replacing 14 trees with four-inch calipers is insufficient. Many of the trees are much bigger than four-inch caliper. This project is substantial – in the tens of millions. The developer should be compensating the city for more than $7,000 for four-inch trees.”

“We should be replacing these with the same size caliper-per-caliper,” concurred commissioner Stuart Sherman. “The trees do have value. The city shouldn’t pay for anything.”

“The developer received final site plan approval from the planning board.

Why did this come up so late in the process?” asked mayor pro tem Andy Harris.

“I’m happy to contribute as much as necessary to make this development a beautiful one,” Simon said. “We’re already over budget. I want to get this project moving.”

At the August 14 meeting, Valentine said that the city and Simon had reached an agreement where Simon would pay $50,000 for tree replacement, based on the estimated replacement of about 30 four-inch minimum trees which will be installed by the city.

LOOKING TO PURCHASE, REFINANCE, RENOVATE, OR BUILD NEW?

“ I would welcome the opportunity to sit down and discuss all your choices.”

Maria Labie Residential Lending Sales Manager 201 West Big Beaver Road, Ste 201, Troy, MI 48084 P: 248.689.9744 | C: 248.952.4914 F: 248.689.0148 | NMLS ID: 697437 mlabie@ibcp.com

Apply online www.MortgageMadeSimple.net Equal housing lender. Member FDIC.

SINCE 1990

Exterior Surface Cleaning and Sealing Removes DIRT…MOLD…MILDEW…ALGAE and STAINS. Sealing enhances the natural beauty and durability.

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

Union Barber coming to downtown area A long vacant retail location on W. Maple in downtown Birmingham will be transformed into a hipster barbershop, with Ferndale’s Union Barber opening another outpost at 185 W. Maple Road.

Landlord Richard Sharer confirmed that he had leased the space on W. Maple Road, which had previously housed La Belle Provence, to Matthew

Restore and Protect – All Types of Exterior Surfaces Brick Pavers • Natural Stone • Composite and Wood Decks • Porches Walkways • Patios • Retaining Walls • Masonry • Stamped Concrete Exposed Aggregate • Fences • Garage Floors • Tennis Courts • Siding

Request a FREE Estimate

Receive ! Visit - www.surfacerestoration.com FF s 10%nO t applie Discou or only. to lab /31/17

or call 248-475-0004

res 10

Offer expi

DOWNTOWN

101

Abraham of Union Barber in Ferndale.

La Belle Provence closed in May 2016, and the location has been vacant since then.

Abraham was out of town and could not be reached, but a barber at the Ferndale location acknowledged the Birmingham site, and said it will be like the Ferndale shop. She did not know when the new Birmingham Union Barber will be opening.

On its retro website, Union Barber boasts, “Haircuts, hot shaves & dirty jokes,” offering close cuts and straight shaves, with a tag line of, “Giving you a legendary haircut with an old school vibe.”

More information needed for decisions

By Lisa Brody

On two different agenda items Monday, August 12, Birmingham city commissioners refrained from voting to approve requested plans and sent them back to staff and committees in order to be provided with enough information

that they can make educated and fullyinformed decisions in the future.

In the first instance, the city commission was asked in its consent agenda to approve a resolution to direct staff to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for the solicitation of qualified firms to provide transportation consulting services to help the city’s multi-modal transportation board and commission. The contract with their current consulting firm, Fleis and Vanderbrink, has expired.

However, at their meeting on August 12, commissioners objected to approving an RFP as they felt the information provided them was insufficient. Commissioner Rackeline Hoff, addressing the proposal and plans from city engineer Paul O’Meara and planning director Jana Ecker, pointed out that there needed to be information that is different than when the city let the contract 10 years ago, as the city’s goals have changed.

“We need them to add some terminology to the RFP so (applicants) would have the skills sets to look at these infrastructure area needs and be

able to conceptualize, design and present them to appropriate boards, so we have choices to guide our decisions,” said mayor Mark Nickita.

“We’re not getting an urban design alternative that deals with the streets, pedestrian conditions, cross walks, and all of the other conditions we need to assess.”

A resolution commissioners were asked to approve to endorse of a modification for S. Eton Road from Maple to Yosemite met a similar fate, which would have relocated curbs and installed a sidewalk on the west side of S. Eton from Maple to Yosemite, installed a traffic island at the intersection of Maple and S. Eton, as well as cross walks, because commissioners felt they were given a simple description without details.

“You want us to make a decision, give us the best and most appropriate information,” Nickita told O’Meara, noting that too often the commission has been receiving drawings that are inaccurate. “I really gauge something if I can’t understand it, and I’m an architect. It needs to be drawn well.

“You conceptualize, get an idea – but you don’t draw construction drawings first. We hadn’t even seen preliminary drawings and we were being asked to approve this project,” Nickita said after the meeting. “But there was no definition of the materials specified – and they were asking for approvals, and just telling us what it would be built in, without written specs, asking us to approve it and spend the city’s money.

We wanted clarification about what we are being asked to do.”

Commissioners unanimously felt there were too many unanswered questions before any decisions could be made, despite O’Meara’s protests that curbs should be poured this construction season. Commissioners felt the entire intersection project needed more in-depth study before passing any resolution or approving any part of the project.

“My goal is to have the right tools and the right information to make the best decisions we can possibly make,” Nickita said. “It’s all about due diligence for the commission sitting here.”

- Presented by -

Seven Lovely Homes Beautiful styles and designs in exceptional Birmingham and Bloomfield neighborhoods

Thursday, September 14, 2017 9:30am-3:30pm 102

Tickets:

$40 in advance / $45 day of tour Visit communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832 DOWNTOWN

09.17

20

14

IS LA ND AC RE

Bloomfield $3,199,000

3

BU

IL T

Lower Long Lake Architect DesRosier

Clark / Carroll Lakes Commerce $795,000

G

3 ACRE ISLAND – 2 parcels, one with home, other buildable on ALL SPORTS LAKE! Over the bridge & down the winding road to your island lakefront!

Does not get any better than this w/ breathtaking views and water wrapping all around this beautiful home w/ idyllic, private setting, sandy beach.

Vaulted ceilings, large deck and screened gazebo.

Walled Lake Schools. Entry level 5th bedroom with full bath. PARADISE FOUND!

NE W

PR IC E!

Quarton Lake Estates

PO

CK ET

A LITTLE SLICE OF PARADISE Mid-Century Lakefront Ranch with walkout on 1 acre! Approximately 1,942 SF on the main level and 850 SF finished on the lower level. 3 Bedrooms, 2.1 Baths, In-ground pool. Gorgeous views from the home, large yard and pool! Renovate or build your dream home on this acre lot with 180' of sandy lake frontage. Not only can you enjoy the peaceful lake (with access to 3 lakes, including all-sports Upper Long Lake) the home is set off the circular drive from a cul-de-sac for ultimate privacy! Bloomfield Hills schools.

LI ST IN

Bloomfield $1,675,000

NE W

Lower Long Lake

PR IC E!

2014 - 2016 Construction - Bosco Built.

Direct access to all-sports Lower Long Lake, 5,532/SF plus 1,473/SF lower level and 514/SF bonus room being completed now. 5 beds, 5.2 baths, 1.3 acres, 171 ft of waterfront, 3 car garage.

No expense spared in this beautiful home, breathtaking views, private setting.

Economical geo-thermal heating.

Bloomfield Hills schools.

Birmingham $1,599,000 2 HOMES FOR PRICE OF 1 ON .8 ACRE! Charming with every modern convenience in this tastefully updated French Colonial & Carriage House, to enjoy income from or use for in-laws.

Privacy, lush landscaping, terraces, circular drives. High-end kitchen reno w/ 2 refrigerators, open to family room.

Hardwood floors, French doors, Ann Sacks tile. Spacious master en suite + 4 more beds & updated baths. 4,134/SF + 1,175/SF carriage house with 2 beds, 1 bath, living rm, laundry (Total 5,309SF) + 162/SF 3 season rm. B’ham schools.

Lower Long Lake Ranch Bloomfield Twp $1,450,000

Offering More Than Traditional Market Analysis: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Guidance on Preparing Your Home For Sale Staging Consultation Options for Your Next Home Professional Photography, Aerials and Videos Aggressive Marketing

400 S Old Woodward BIRMINGHAM, MI | 48009

FOREFRONT WHERE LIFESTYLE MEETS LUXURY

Discover modern luxury living your way. Enter a world where design and urban lifestyle combine to create perfection. The Forefront bespoke interior reflects your most well considered taste — a unique creation of your designer or ours — your choice.

AMENITIES: + Downtown Views + Floor to Ceiling Windows + Control 4 Integration + Soundproof Walls/Flooring + Full Unit WiFi + Key Fob Entry

+ Private Elevators & Vestibules + Private Balconies & Terraces + Door Man + Valet Parking + Facial Recognition Entry Points + Secure Private Parking

Welcome home to The Forefront. Choose a floor plan, or customize your own.

Residences range from 2,500-5,200 SF starting at $1,750,000.

CUSTOM LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS • 6 UNITS AVAILABLE

For reservations call 248.566.6700 | www.attheforefront.com

FACES

Suzanne Lossia s a child, raven-haired Suzanne Lossia cherished every moment in the kitchen with her grandmother, who taught her the magic of Middle Eastern cooking. She developed a deep passion for the craft and says it became her everything, becoming a chef and caterer.

Growing up in the tight-knit Chaldean community of West Bloomfield, the kitchen was an acceptable place for a young woman to be, according to Lossia, who has broken the mold and reversed the traditional roles, with the Birmingham resident initially creating culture shock by leaving an unhealthy arranged marriage and breaking free of societal expectations.

A struggling single mother, Lossia instilled the strong spiritual foundation she had in her two sons, and though she had a deep respect and love for her family and their business, decided to go it alone.

She was an outcast for a while. Shunned from the church; looked down upon by her community and family. But her faith – and enormous talent, coupled with a warm yet contagiously positive personality – moved mountains.

“When you ask God to open a door, he opens a garage,” shares Loissa with enthusiasm.

Being penniless didn’t stop her. Being alone and having nothing but her sheer will to survive and provide for her sons gave her the sheer determination to share her gift with the world and succeed in a way she never imagined possible.

“Food is everything, food is life,” says Lossia. “I never imagined I was going to be on Food Network – but when you ask God to open the door, let me tell you he just opens the garage.”

After winning “Cutthroat Kitchen,” she got a casting call that changed her life.

“I received a casting call and after two emails, they wanted to do a

A

Skype interview,” she shares. She flew out to NYC and within the week, the network sent her a contract.

When she arrived on set for season 13 of Food Network Star, Lossia admits it was daunting at first.

She found herself surrounded by the creme de la creme of the culinary world. She says she refused to be intimidated. “You don’t need a culinary title – I didn’t have the money to go to school … honey, anyone who knows me knows I can cook,” she shares.

Though she was the fourth to be sent home, she says she left with her head held high and treasured the experience.

“They don’t have a Middle Eastern cooking show yet,” she points out.

“They just haven’t found the right girl for it and I’m the right girl.”

Lossia shares that her specialty dish is her saffron yellow rice with ground filet and sauteed almonds. Soon, you’ll be able to taste it, along with many other dishes in her new Oakland County restaurant.

She’s also authored a book, titled, “Arranged.” In it, She fearlessly shares the truth about marrying a stranger and then having the courage to leave.

Loissa has also started a foundation for other women facing similar situations who may be too afraid to leave, hoping to provide funds and inspiration for single women.

The inspiration in her life continues to be cooking.

“It’s been my therapy; it’s been my passion,” she shares. “It just makes me happy when people taste my cooking and their eyes bulge out. I know I am a strong person with a big personality. God gives people talents and I guess this is mine.”

Story: Lisa Rose Hook

Photo: Laurie Tennent

MICHAEL SBROCCA YOUR GO-TO GUY.

WHEN YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE BUYING OR SELLING, YOU KNOW WHERE TO GO. Real Estate All Star

MICHAEL SBROCCA ASSOCIATE BROKER

248.709.9119 MSBROCCA@MAXBROOCK.COM 275 S. Old Wo o d wa rd Ave n u e Birmingham, M i ch i g a n 4 8 0 0 9

BUSINESS MATTERS

Salad lovers rejoice Birmingham salad lovers, and others who enjoy healthy dining alternatives, have good news. 7 Greens, a popular salad and healthy eating location at 344 Hamilton Row in Birmingham, recently reopened after a fire caused a total loss of the establishment in late March, forcing a complete rebuild. 7 Greens began in downtown Detroit as a fresh destination for healthful, greattasting food to enjoy in a casual environment. “We forge authenticity and uniqueness in everything we serve,” they state on their website, with every item prepared fresh on site.” Menu items include salads, granola, yogurt, homemade soups, bowls, and they offer catering as well. Owner Kelly Schaefer Janssen grew up in the Birmingham area, went to culinary school and was a chef in Chicago and Nantucket before returning to the area and opening 7 Greens.

Needing a fix Frustrated every time your iPhone or tablet goes on the fritz but don’t want to replace it? Now you don’t need to. Just head to uBreakiFix, 3941 Telegraph Road just north of Long Lake Road in Bloomfield Township, and your tech headaches could very well be over. “UBreakiFix is a multifranchise technician store that repairs phones, tablets, computers, game consoles – any kinds of electronics,” said Zach Rzepecki, a technician at the new Bloomfield store, which opened recently in a strip center on the northeast corner, next to Hungry Howie’s. Rzepecki said that nine out of 10 times they are able to repair the electronic item a customer brings in, allowing them to avoid purchasing a new item. He said they’ve seen a variety of unique items that they have worked on, from vacuum cleaners, to even an old WWII transistor radio. “We’ve seen it all,” he said. One of 378 stores across the United States, the Bloomfield uBreakiFix store offers a 90-day guarantee for any technical repair – and it’s honored nationwide.

Eclectic furnishings Nadeau – Furniture With A Soul, has opened its first Detroit-area downtownpublications.com

location in Birmingham at 33502 Woodward Avenue, north of 14 Mile Road. Founded originally by Tom Nadeau in 1991 as a wholesale furniture importer to the trades in huge warehouses, discovering beautiful and unique furniture, especially fine wood items from his travels around the world. In 2007, he began periodically opening up the store to the public with special weekend sales. With shoppers lining up for those “wholesale” sales, Nadeau decided to transition to retail stores, offering unique and timeless pieces at close to wholesale prices. Even better, almost all of the items he, his wife Angel, and other buyers with keen eyes discover and curate on shopping trips all over the globe are made of solid wood. Nadeau has grown, with the new Birmingham location its 34th retail store to open nationwide. Offerings to shoppers cover a broad range of styles, from traditional farmhouse and rustic, to contemporary and industrial chic.

Inventory is constantly changing, and because the prices are affordable, buyers can pop in to check out new and interesting furniture and accessories all of the time without curating a cookie cutter look in their own homes.“The inventory at Nadeau is constantly changing, so there’s always a new reason for customers to visit,” said Birmingham store manager Deborah Pelto, adding she believes the variety of solid wood and metal furniture and accessories – which covers the broad range of home decor styles Nadeau offers, is a big reason people visit frequently. “You need to come in and experience each piece, touch it, and see it with your own eyes,” said Pelto. “If you fall in love with something, then you can take it home that day. Many people appreciate that instant gratification.”

10 year celebration In the ever-changing salon business, Birmingham’s Georgi’s Waxing Studio, 630 N. Old Woodward, #201, was thrilled to celebrate its tenth anniversary of caring for women and men’s waxing and skin care needs. Georgi Whitney opened 10 years ago in Birmingham after deciding to become an esthetician at nineyears-old, when she said she

realized she enjoyed helping others care for their skin. Growing up in Romania, her first foray into waxing occurred when she was 14, when she melted wax on her mom’s stove top. She said it took her a half-day just to wax her legs – but grew to become a pro after moving to the United States and studying at the Michigan College of Beauty in Troy.

Now, she and her staff of 14 in Birmingham, and their newer second location in Royal Oak, offer face and body waxing for not only women, but men as well. They also provide skin care facials that offer special acne treatments. “Let us show you what our clients already know – a soft touch and perfect technique is everything when it comes to skin,” Whitney said.

Healthy Thai Fans of Bangkok Cuisine in Bloomfield Township don’t have to mourn its demise. It’s sought after meals and carryout will be back, just under a new name and culinary approach. Thai Street Kitchen will be unveiled at 42805 Woodward at Square Lake roads after a one week renovation in late August, where the establishment will undergo a “refreshing,” with new booths installed, chairs, more natural, earth tone colors and better lighting, while staying open for diners. The kitchen will be opened for diners to watch the cooks creating their dishes. The best part will be that all of the recipes of owner Ann Charthong will not only be kept, but enhanced. Charthong, who emigrated to the United States from Thailand almost 40 years ago, became a partner in Bangkok Cuisine in 2011. Recently, she bought her partner out, and then collaborated with a food scientist, who took her recipes, and made them all organic and healthy, with no GMOs or preservatives. Now, all of the recipes will use organic and free range chicken and beef, as well as a hardto-find organic, no-hormone, no-GMO tofu, Charthong said. The new restaurant, while appealing to everyone, will especially be ideal for vegetarians and vegans, with a special vegan sauce.

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 from the local area's best website. Plus other newsletters available.

DOWNTOWN

P U B L I C A T I O N S 124 WeST MAPLe ROAd BIRMINghAM 48009

Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Kevin Elliott. Send items for consideration to KevinElliott@downtownpublications.com.

Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

dOWNTOWN

107

PLACES TO EAT

6646 Telegraph at Maple Bloomfield Plaza OUTSIDE Seating Now Available

248.932.0800 www.stevesdeli.com Jewish Holidays

HOT DINNER Entrees To Go Every Night

ORDER EARLY! ROSH HASHANAH DINNERS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21

YOM KIPPUR BREAKTHE-FAST TRAYS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30

All Of Your Traditional Rosh Hashanah Dinner And Yom Kippur Break-The-Fast Trays Prepared By Our Fabulous Chefs!

The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown.

Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information.

O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com

108

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. The complete Places To Eat is available at downtownpublications.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (downtownpublications.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.792.3579.

Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.499.6867.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355.

Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only. Liquor.

39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000.

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

248.593.8880.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor.

Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

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

248.645.6879.

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township.

248.642.4000.

Cafe Via: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.8800.

Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.1700.

China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221.

DOWNTOWN

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

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer.

877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.

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

248.792.9766.

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135.

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

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

248.258.9939.

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.2420.

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Forest: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.258.9400.

Four Story Burger: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 290 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.385.0506.

Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations.

Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American.

Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.7121.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

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

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.792.9609.

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

2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166.

Khao San: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, MondayFriday. Carry out only. 355 W. Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.3525.

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.5800.

La Strada Dolci e Caffe: Italian. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492.

Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

09.17

154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707.

Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568.

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400.

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051.

Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor.

185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025.

248.723.7960.

Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.3663.

Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.2913.

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581.

Nosh & Rye: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily.

No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.7923.

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

248.451.0500.

Original Pancake House: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5775.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966.

Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.6999.

Polpetta Meatball Cafe: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.9007.

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941.

Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.874.1876 Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270.

Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6200.

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

Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch &

downtownpublications.com

Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009.

248.220.4167.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300.

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301.

248.932.0800.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.9123.

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887.

Sweet Tree Family Restaurant: Middle Eastern/American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.7767.

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830.

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.731.7066.

The Bird & The Bread: Brasserie. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600.

The Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.851.0313.

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688.

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

The Stand: Euro-American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.220.4237.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

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

248.593.7881.

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241.

Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.

Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.7964.

Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.566.3566.

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917.

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680.

Andiamo Restaurants: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 129 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.582.0999.

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.0082.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699.

Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 310 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.268.1621.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675.

D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.584.7400.

Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

GreenSpace Cafe: Vegan. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 215. W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.206.7510.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145.

Inn Season Cafe: Vegetarian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.547.7916.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500.

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

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459.

Local Kitchen and Bar: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.291.5650.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220.

248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

DOWNTOWN

608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073.

248.549.0300.

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

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067.

248.607.3127.

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

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

248.541.1186.

Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.7300.

The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112.

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

248.542.4444.

Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.545,6750.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

Troy/Rochester Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 176 N. Adams Rd, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.218.6001.

Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831.

Chapman House: French-American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. Liquor. 311 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. 48307. 248.759.4406.

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

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600.

Ganbei Chinese Restaurant and Bar: Chinese. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307.

248.266.6687.

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

248.608.2537.

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

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400.

Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098. 248.646.7900.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

109

Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, 48084.

248.637.6400.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825.

Miguelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

Mortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845.

NM CafĂŠ: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.816.3424.

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

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500.

Orchid CafĂŠ: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.524.1944.

P.F. Changâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000.

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

Ruthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424.

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306.

248.652.4500.

Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.817.2980.

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.453.5291.

Tre Monti Ristorante: Italian. Lunch, Thursdays. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.680.1100.

Sundays thru October 29th 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 p.m.

Located on N. Old Woodward across from Booth Park Ea[`a_Yf%?jgof Hjg\m[] ;]jlaĂ&#x161;]\ Gj_Yfa[ Hjg\m[] Fresh Prepared Foods â&#x20AC;˘ Garden Plants & Flowers Live Entertainment â&#x20AC;˘ Kids Zone

West Bloomfield/Southfield

HARVEST FESTIVAL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 17 10/29 End of Season Celebration BirminghamFarmersMarket.org Birmingham Farmers Market

BhamFarmMkt

DOWNTOWN

P U B L I C A T I O N S

110

Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334.

248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.851.8782.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner,

DOWNTOWN

daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081.

Meriwetherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310.

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890.

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor.

6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Spositaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954.

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622.

Sweet Lorraineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ & Bar: American.

Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29101 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, 48076.

248.559.5985.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223.

It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.360.4150.

The Root Restaurant & Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390.

248.698.2400.

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.620.6100.

Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442.

248.634.5208.

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

248.795.2077.

Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500.

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.625.5660

Detroit Angelina Italian Bistro: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

1565 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.1355.

Antietam: French. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

09.17

Not to b bee explained. exp explained . To be be exp experienced.

B 1428 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, 48207.

313.782.4378.

Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207.

313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.961.2543.

Coach Insignia: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243.

313.567.2622.

Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214.

313.469.0976.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110.

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun.

Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600.

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122.

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837.

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Maccabees at Midtown: Eurasian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 5057 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48202.

313.831.9311.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.832.1616.

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700.

1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221.

313.863.1917.

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499.

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.2100.

Roma Café: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

3401 Riopelle St., Detroit, 48207.

313.831.5940.

Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit,

downtownpublications.com

48207. 313.567.2900.

Santorini Estiatorio: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 501 Monroe Ave, Detroit, 48226.

313.962.9366.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055.

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214.

313.822.8000.

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.9828.

Small Plates Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1521 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.963.0702.

St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216. 313.962.2121.

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234.

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

The Block: American. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.964.4010.

Top of the Pontch: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservation. Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.782.4313.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.964.3821.

Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.3965.

Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711.

The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700.

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646.

Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1411.

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.

N

NOW FEATURING LIVE

ENTERTAINMENT EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENING

DOWNTOWN

7 P.M. - 11 P.M.

HAPPY HOUR MONDAY THRU SATURDAY Reduced pricing on food and cocktails 4 P.M. - 7 P.M

ENJOY OUR OUTSTANDING

SEASONAL MENU

34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham

248.220.4237 Reservations Accepted thestandbistro.com th hestandbistro.com m

111

pamstoler@hallandhunter.com • 248-840-0044

WHEN YOU KNOW IT’S TIME...

PAM STOLER. THE BROKER OF CHOICE FOR THOSE IN THE KNOW. • Top 1% Michigan Producer • CRS & GRI Distinctions • Over 30 Years of Experience • HOUR All-Star Top 5% • HOUR Face of Birmingham Real Estate

2652 W Long Lake | W BLOOMFIELD 5 Bedrooms, 4.1 Baths, Upscale Luxury ON ALL-SPORTS PINE LAKE!

32288 Spruce Lane | BEVERLY HILLS 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Detached Condo FIRST FLOOR MASTER!

VISIT PAMSTOLER.COM FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

442 South Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE WORK WITH A TOP PERFORMER IN MICHIGAN AND AMERICA.

Fall in Love with Our Exciting Autumn Line-Up The 30th annual Birmingham House Tour, presented by Hall & Hunter Realtors, takes place Thursday September 14th and features seven unique homes ranging in style from traditional to contemporary. The House Tour is presented by Hall & Hunter Realtors and other sponsors include Gormanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Furnishings and Interior Design, Ethan Allen and Bank of Ann Arbor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Birmingham Branch. Tour hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 the day of the tour. Tickets can be purchased at ommunityhouse.com or by calling 248.644.5832.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Art in Vogueâ&#x20AC;? OUR TOWN Opening Night Preview Party kicks off Thursday, October 19. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. for Sponsors and Benefactors and at 6:00 pm. for Our Town Friends. The evening includes cocktails, strolling hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, music and an exclusive opportunity to preview and purchase artwork. Tickets for the Opening Night Party are $75/person. Tickets may be purchased at communityhouse.com or by calling 248.644.5832.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to announce that Senior Mortgage Lender Tim Smith has been named Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No. 1 Mortgage Originator for total purchase by volume in 2016 by national publication, Scotsman Guide.

Join the many homeowners who have relied on Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s committed service to his customers. Contact Tim today!

The 32nd annual OUR TOWN Art Show and Sale takes place October 20-22 at The Community House.

The juried, all media art show provides a forum for Bill Seklar Michigan artists to show and sell their work. The all medium, juried art show is free and open to the public beginning Friday, October 20 through Sunday, October 22. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show features over 400 exceptional works of art by Michigan artists and all the art is available for purchase. A portion of all art sales benefit The Community Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programs and Services. Admission to OUR TOWN is free.

Tim Smith Mortgage Lender | NMLS #533266 Tim.Smith@ChemicalBank.com 248.770.3717

ChemicalBank.com

SAVE THE DATE! The Community Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Second Annual Signature SIP Event takes place on Saturday, November 4 in the Wallace Ballroom of The Community House. Attendees at this event will enjoy exquisite small plates from some of the finest restaurants in the Metro Detroit area including Bistro 82 in Royal Oak (Hour Restaurant of the Year) and Michael Symonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roast. All food and beverage stations will be carefully paired with exceptional wines, cocktails and beer by renown Master Sommelier and SIP Beverage Director Madeline Triffon, M.S. Stay tuned for information regarding tickets to this exciting event, which will also feature entertainment, a wine centric silent and live auction, a special awards ceremony and an after-hours wine-down cocktail party sponsored exclusively by luxury spirits provider Rèmy Cointreau USA. A portion of the SIP proceeds will benefit, by way of scholarships, scholarship opportunities for young food and beverage professionals seeking coursework in sommelier training and certification. For more information, please contact Jackie McIntosh, VP Philanthropy at TCH at 248.644.5832.

TCarea.com Is Your Up North Connection/Expert for

Real Estate

Traverse City

Serving and the surrounding 6 County area since 2002 Lake Front House/Cottage Great condition 2 Bd on swimming/ fishing lake about 35 mins SE of TC. Best deal in the area and just reduced to $94,900! Furnished/Dock

Just a sampling of 0LNHžV /LVWLQJV

Other Fall TCH Happenings NEW Women of Influence 4-Part Series: Register Now. Monday, September 25th, Tuesday October 3rd, Wednesday, October 11th and Wednesday, November 1st . A lecture series featuring women shaping Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural and societal landscape. Special guest speakers include Carolyn Cassin, President & CEO, Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foundation; Jocelyn Benson, CEO, Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE); Denise Brooks-Williams, President & CEO, Henry Ford Hospital, Wyandotte; and Barbara McQuade, Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School, Former U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Michigan. Tickets are $15 per lecture, $40 for the series. Reserve your tickets early; seating is very limited.

< Long Lake Private Frontage - North End for

gorgeous sunsets minutes from town. 4 Bd/3 Bath ultimate recreational package. FP, Furnished, Full WO, Dock & Large garage. $549,000!

Land Deals: - Bear Lake area lots $7,000 to $8,500 - Kalkaska County 80 Acres $135,000 -Bellaire/Torch Lk area 75 Acres $140,000

3ODQQLQJ ZKDW , FDOO D ´5HFUHDWLRQDO 5HDO (VWDWH ,QYHVWPHQW¾ IRU WKH )XWXUH" From Primary or Second homes/condos of all types and price ranges to vacant ODQG RI DOO VL]HV , VHUYH D ODUJH DUHD IRU $OO \RXU \HDU œURXQG DGYHQWXUHV

Mike Cummings Broker Owner/Realtor

ÂŽ

RSPS - Resort and Second Home Property Specialist SRS - Sellers Representative Specialist SFR - Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certified Webmaster, US Army Veteran

NEW Bates Street Trick or Treat Event: Save-the-Date. Monday, October 30th, 6-8 p.m. Join us for a night of family-friendly fun. Our Tricks or Treats include Boo-tiful Craft Projects & Games â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hall of Frights â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Spooktacular Movie Viewing. Ideal for ages 3-10 years old! $15 per child, $10 for each additional child.

Mike@TCarea.com

Anytime

(231) 570-1111

TCarea.com

For more information about these or other events or classes please go to communityhouse.com or by calling 248.644.5832.

, LLC

Â&#x152;

620 Second St, Suite B, Traverse City, MI 49684

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com

Diligent - Honest - Informed - Full-time - Powerful Marketing

DOWNTOWN

113

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.

Detroit Music Weekend Gala

Sally Gerak

2

1

4

3

5

6

1. Bob (left) & Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield and Sandy Duncan of Birmingham. 2. Jim & Patti Prowse of Bloomfield. 3. Mary Fisher Follmer (left) & Gordon Follmer of Hartland, Mary Callaghan Lynch & Patrick Lynch of Bloomfield. 4. Ed Welburn and Jessie Beld Elliott of Bloomfield. 5. Wayne Brown and David DiChiera of Detroit, Nicole James of Berkley and Don Manvel of Birmingham. 6. Sue Ellen Eisenberg and Nasser Beydoun of Bloomfield.

Preservation Bloomfield at BOH

2

1

4

Preservation Bloomfield at BOH Kentucky Derby watching parties are common, but not so for the Belmont Stakes, unless a Triple Crown is riding on the outcome. However, Preservation Bloomfield and Bloomfield Open Hunt capitalized on the 149the running of the historic race to put the spotlight on local history – the hunt club’s centennial and PB’s restoration projects (1840 Barton farmhouse and Craig log cabin). More than 150 BOH and PB members ($100 ticket) convened at BOH for An Evening at the Belmont Stakes. With many of the ladies wearing fancy hats, conversation, wagering on the race and a silent auction coordinated by Contessa and Rosemary Bannon supplied diversion before the race, which had an exciting finish. Club president Dean Groulx emceed the dinner program that featured Suzanne Lewand’s and John Marshall’s fascinating shared histories of both organizations.

After dinner Michigan Opera Theatre singers did a medley of Triple Crown race songs. County commissioner Shelley Taub conveyed an official resolution and everybody joined in for a rousing reprise of “New York New York” – a fun conclusion to a fun evening. It raised about $22,000 for the renovation of vintage stalls, a house and a cabin.

3

6

5

1. Dean Groulx, Cynthia von Oeyen and Michael Dul of Bloomfield. 2. Wendy Groulx (left) of Bloomfield and Suzanne Lewand of Royal Oak. 3. Julie Marshall Garcia (left), Sue Nine and John Marshall of Bloomfield. 4. Judy Kelliher (left) and Patti Jessup of Bloomfield. 5. Cheryl Hall Lindsay (left) of W. Bloomfield, Don & Cheri Bailey of Bloomfield.

6. Contessa Bannon of Beverly Hills, Chris Wilson of Rochester Hills. 7. John (left) & Annette Kolon and Tom Varbedian of Bloomfield.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Heroes Gala The seventh annual DSO Heroes Gala attracted 300 ($1,000 & up tickets) to the Max & Marjorie Fisher Music Center for a reception, concert, dinner and afterglow. They were joined by 900 more guests for the concert that began dramatically with fanfare by the Detroit Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble, which 2017 Heroes Bill and Madge Berman funded. The festivities were webcast so Madge could watch from her home in Florida. They included a video tribute to the late Bill Berman and remarks by

7 114

Detroit Music Weekend Gala The inaugural Detroit Music Weekend began Friday night at the Detroit Opera House where 200 music lovers gathered for the Gala ($750 & $1,000 tickets). They savored cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres in the lobby, pausing for brief welcoming remarks delivered from the top of the grand staircase by founding director, Music Hall’s Vince Paul. A soaring operatic selection sung by soprano Nicole James signaled it was time for dinner, which was served at dramatically decorated tables set on the stage.

There were interruptions to thank sponsors, board members and event coordinator Laura Raisch, and to salute Michigan Opera Theatre founder David DiChiera. His pancreatic cancer diagnosis has dictated his retirement but has not affected his good humor nor his bearing. Following dinner, the guests, led by gospel singers, promenaded from the Detroit Opera House (recently tagged the David DiChiera Center for the Performing Arts) along Aretha Franklin Way (the newly renamed stretch of Madison Avenue) to the historic Music Hall for the Tribute Concert to Aretha Franklin. The short trek passed the four stages where thousands of fans would attend weekend concerts, including a free Aretha Franklin Saturday show and 300 performers in 40 other acts comprising all music genres. Many danced the night away at the after party on the Music Hall roof, aka 3Fifty Terrace. Thanks to Lear, Ford and other generous sponsors the weekend netted $200,000 for the non-profit performing arts center and launched a new Detroit festival whose time had come.

DOWNTOWN

09.17

Penny Blumenstein, whose DSO gift enables Detroit students to purchase Educational Concert Series tickets for only $1, and Jon and Ann Berman, who accepted the Heroes Award for their parents. The formal gala dinner décor echoed the concert’s penultimate selection, “Rhapsody in Blue,” played by pianist Jon Kimura Parker. The elegant evening raised more than $1.1 million.

South Oakland Shelters Rent Party Bloomfield native Paddy Lynch hosted South Oakland Shelter’s second annual Rent Party for nearly 300 SOS supporters ($100 ticket) in his restored, 10,000-square-foot manse in Detroit’s Arden Park-East Boston Edison Historic District. Benefactors and sponsors arrived early for a tour of two neighboring homes, as well as Lynch’s, once home to Stanley Kresge.

The party theme was based on a 1920s solution for raising landlord money by passing the hat at a party where jazz was center stage. The party continued well after dark with vintage house lamps creating a jazz atmosphere. The lively event raised more than $50,000 to help SOS, which last year served more than 600 homeless individuals in Oakland County.

The Garden Party Syd Ross’s decision to order air conditioning for the ninth annual Garden Party in Meadow Brook Hall’s festival tent was a good call. Windows in the sides of the tent permitted views of the golf course, the classic car display and the hall, but the nearly 600 guests ($150 ticket) could socialize, sip and sup in comfort on the blistering hot June afternoon.

They sampled fare at the 22 wine tables stocked with 90 different fine wine selections and 25 restaurant stations offering such delicious comestibles as shrimp ceviche, beef tartar and Red Coat Tavern’s signature burgers. The very pleasant, champagne-splashed Sunday afternoon is presented by The Garden Party Foundation which was initiated and is maintained by Syd and Elizabeth Ross and the J. Lewis Cooper family.

It provides underprivileged young adults with trade school scholarships to train for available jobs. This year the event raised more than $150,000 for Oakland Community College scholarships.

Sunset at the Zoo Sunset at the Zoo began decades ago as an after hours thank you to downtownpublications.com

The Garden Party

1

2

4

5

3

6

1. Elizabeth & Syd Ross of Bloomfield. 2. Don Manvel (left) of Birmingham and Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield, Steve Miller of Birmingham, Renee Godin & Scott Ferguson of Farmington Hills. 3. Karen & John Wilson of Bloomfield. 4. Cole Wiand and Lisa Bouchard of Birmingham. 5. Jackie & Dave Ong of Bloomfield. 6. James Pyne (left) and Olivia Millerschin of Rochester, Bryan Reilly of Ferndale, Bob Mervak of Southfield.

Sunset at the Zoo

1

3

2

4

5 1. Joe Campanelli of Bloomfield and Karen Cullen of Grosse Pointe.

2. Cathy & Jim Rosenthal, David Fischer and Bonnie Larson of Bloomfield.

3. Peggy & Dr. Mark Saffer of Bloomfield. 4. Ken (left) & Marilyn Way and Andi & Larry Wolfe of Bloomfield. 5. Susan Luch (left) and Tom Guastello of Birmingham, Cynthia Ford of Grosse Pointe. 6. Joel Tauber (left) of W. Bloomfield, Ron Kagan of Royal Oak, Bobbi & Stephen Polk of Bloomfield. – Photos by Jennie Miller.

6 DOWNTOWN

115

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Franklin Garden Club

1

3

2

4

6

5

7

1. Inga Bricio (left) and Cindy Chelovich of Bloomfield. 2. Ann Huston (left) of Bingham Farms and Jane Davis of Beverly Hills. 3. Cynthia Amann (left) of Bloomfield and Margaret Bancrof of Franklin. 4. Pat Hamburg (left) and Rose Marie Battey of Bloomfield. 5. Shelley Farkas (left) and Ann Baldin of Bloomfield, Terry Stacy of W. Bloomfield. 6. Ingrid Simich (left) of Birmingham, Toni Grinnan of Beverly Hills. 7. Betty Bright (left) and Susan Chambers of Bloomfield.

Lighthouse of Oakland County

1

2

4

5

3

6

7

1. Pamela & Mike Bouchard of Birmingham. 2. Tom (left) & Laurie Cunnington of Birmingham, Pamela and Mike McCarthy of Bloomfield. 3. Rick David (center) of Pontiac, Sue Nine (left)and Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield. 4. Laura & Harvey Light of Rochester Hills. 5. Dana Sorensen of Ferndale, Charles Wickins of Birmingham. 6. Becky Sorensen (left) of Bloomfield, Jennifer Hughes of Farmington Hills. 7. Sam & Katie Valenti of Bloomfield.

116

DOWNTOWN

Detroit Zoological Society members.

Karen Cullen and Joseph Campanelli chaired the 2017 version which celebrated DZS sustainability initiatives with the theme “Green is the New Black.” It kicked off with the Benefactor Bash for 62 ($750 ticket) hosted, in absentia, by Doreen Hermelin at her art-accented Bingham Farms home. The evening featured cocktails, comestibles, remarks by DZS CEO/Executive Director Ron Kagan, and souvenirs – a plush green tree frog and Earthshaped/decorated cookies. A month later, the main event attracted more than 2,000 ($150, $175, $300-patron, $750-benefactor) to the zoo. Four hundred patrons and benefactors came early for the VIP reception and entertainment by Detroit Flyhouse performers. Then the 50-plus food and beverage providers opened their stands offering everything from vegan meatballs (IKEA) to beef tenderloin sliders (Steve & Rocky’s). A silent auction ($36,000) and the Sunset Keys “raffle” ($23,000) provided diversions before Steven Gross conducted the live auction. The bid total of $73,000 included $23,750 in dedicated giving pledges for educational zoo opportunities for disadvantaged children. The Jerry Ross Band and Tom Butwin filled the air with music.

The 2017 Sunset netted $575,000, more than any of its predecessors.

Franklin Garden Club The 70 intrepid members of the Franklin Garden Club sold 750 tickets ($15) to the 32nd annual Franklin Garden Walk last month. Chaired by Cynthia Amann and Margaret Bancroft, the event featured an artisan market as well as seven very distinctive gardens, including photographer Linda Solomon’s, in which the deer are welcome to devour the hostas that share space on the six acres with art galleries and a swimming pool. The other gracious and talented garden owners included Lynn Ferris, Barry Peltz, Carol Hill, Kimberly Peterson, Laurie Fishgrund and Susan Silk.

Two days after the walk, Cindy Chelovich hosted the club’s wrap-up luncheon at her Bloomfield Hills home. It boasts, among other plantings, some delightful fairy gardens. The inviting terrace served as the al fresco dining/meeting space where club co-presidents Ann Huston and Jane Davis entertained committee reports. The walk generated nearly $9,000 for the club’s horticultural, educational and environmental causes.

New members would be welcomed with open arms.

09.17

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Parade Company Ford Fireworks Party

2

3

Lighthouse of Oakland County This patriotic-themed charity event gets people in the spirit for Independence Day the week following. It attracted 150 supporters ($150 & up tickets) to Oakland Hills Country Club, where cocktail hour diversions included silent auction bidding ($5,780) and socializing on the veranda. Sherry Margolis emceed the post dinner program which had highlights. Lighthouse chief Rick David reminded people that for him, the “E” in CEO stands for “enthusiasm,” and he recognized the generous major gift of longtime Lighthouse volunteers – Jerry and Paul Ilg. Honoree Marie Osborn described the rewards her family of five have reaped by serving Thanksgiving dinners at Lighthouse for 24 years. Honoree Sheriff Mike Bouchard downplayed the litany of his accomplishments by crediting his great team. Former Lighthouse PATH client Jennifer Hughes praised the lifetime of financial literacy she learned at Lighthouse. Charles Wickins got folks to bid $11,000 for seven live auction items and to pledge $10,000 for financial literacy programs. The annual fundraiser added $80,000 to the coffers of the agency dedicated to moving people from crisis to independence.

4 1. Patrick Fenton of Birmingham.

2. Amy & Dan Loepp of Birmingham.

3. Doug (left), William & Cindy Monroe of Bloomfield. 4. Clarice & Tony Michaels of Rochester. 5. Rod & Tammi Alberts of Bloomfield. 6. Barbara & George Sponseller of Bloomfield.

7. Janet (left) & Bruce Babiarz of Bloomfield, Alice Pfahlert of St. Clair Shores.

1

5

6

Cabaret 313 Sponsor Soiree

1

2

4

5

7 118

3

6

1. Melissa & Larry Lax and Allan & Joy Nachman of Bloomfield. 2. Sandi Reitelman (center) of Birmingham, Noah Eisenberg (left) of Bloomfield and Alexandra Silber of NYC. 3. Stephen and Frances Eisenberg of Bloomfield.

4. Carol Segal Ziecik (left) of Bloomfield, Gerry Padilla & Linda Orlans of Birmingham. 5. Bluma Schechter (left) of Bloomfield, Liz Bank of W. Bloomfield, Michael Dansicker of NYC. 6. Nicole Eisenberg (left) and Lauren Fisher of Bloomfield. 7. Mert Segal (left) and Angela & Hardo Barths of Bloomfield. 8. Larry Lax (left) and Elaine & Harvey Minkin of Bloomfield.

DOWNTOWN

8

Parade Company Ford Fireworks Party More than 2,000 people ($275, $125-children under7) flocked to the Center Garage Rooftop for the Parade Company benefit party. Both the benefit and the fireworks are presented

by Ford and many other civic-minded sponsors. The rooftop offers the best view of the fireworks show and the four hours between the party start and the show start was jam packed with activities for all ages. Diversions included a boxing ring, free throw contests, air hockey and virtual car and bike races. Culinary choices included Andiamo cuisine, pizza, ice cream and cotton candy. Live entertainment included shows by Your Generation In Concert and duets by such talents as Rochester Hills’ Olivia Millerschin with Trey Simon. Just before the fireworks started, Thornetta Davis sang stirring renditions of “Oh Canada” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” And from the first recorded song (“We Built This Town on Rock and Roll”) to the last (Right Now”), the 59th annual fireworks were spectacular. The only disappointment was that the light rain broke up the first U.S. demonstration of the much ballyhooed pyrotechnics spelled out “Ford” and “Detroit”.

09.17

Cabaret 313 Sponsor Soiree Nearly 90 sustaining sponsors of Cabaret 313 gathered at the home of Melissa and Larry Lax to celebrate the completion of the non-profit’s fourth season of presenting worldclass professional cabaret in Detroit.

After cocktails and conversation on the terrace, they assembled in the living room for remarks of gratitude from co-founders Allan Nachman and Sandi Reitelman and a delightful sample of cabaret – songs and stories in an intimate space. It starred Noah Eisenberg and Alexandra Silber.

Eisenberg, who sang “All the Things You Are”, is headed to his first year in the musical theater department at the University of Michigan School of Music. Silber used her beautiful soprano voice to perform Broadway gems plus a selection from “Fiddler on the Roof” that was dropped from the show after it headed to Broadway from Detroit’s Fisher Theatre in 1964.

She got a rousing standing ovation for “Good Night My Someone.” She also whetted appetites for her return engagement in Cabaret 313’s fifth season (March 24, 2018). It kicks off September 23 with Carmen Cusack at The Players Club Playhouse.

Meadow Brook Theatre Concert & Cuisine More than 350 ($85 - $125 tickets) convened at Oakland University for the annual summer fundraiser for MBT - “Michigan’s answer to Broadway.” Before the food stations opened, folks lollygagged outside sipping beer and wine from the Rochester Tap Room and bid $9,000 for the silent auction items Colleen Brnabic and Maryann Foxlee had set up in the hallway. Generous local restaurants served savory fare for dining on the stroll before the theatre doors opened. Artistic director Travis Walter conducted a live auction with his trademark good humor. He got $500 from two bidders for two Dickens packages. Then The Grass Roots took the stage. They interspersed their classic rock with quips about AM radios and eight-tracks and esteem for Vietnam vets. The post-concert scene was high-energy fun as the band signed autographs in the OU Art Gallery for fans lined up out the door with CDs and programs. The fourth annual fundraiser for the non-profit professional theatre raised more than $25,000. Next on the MBT schedule is the Sept. 6 - 24 world premiere of “Johnny Manhattan,” a new musical set in 1950s New York City. It launches the 2017-2018 season of eight productions plus six children’s productions. downtownpublications.com

Meadow Brook Theatre Concert & Cuisine

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1. Colleen Brnabic (left) of Rochester and Maryann Foxlee of Sterling Hgts. 2. Ann Barnes (left) of Rochester Hills, Patti Finnegan-Sharf of Bloomfield. 3. Maggie (left) & Bob Allesee of Bloomfield, Andrea Walker-Leidy of Rochester. 4. Catherine Nelson (left) of Birmingham, Delmarie & Tom LaGrasso of Rochester. 5. Chris (left) & Randy Barnett of Bloomfield, Lori Barnett of Oregon, Tom & Denise Gray of Rochester. 6. Nancy & Gary Greve of Oakland. 7. Bob Kotz (left) of Grosse Pointe, Peter deSteiger of Rochester Hills. 8. Dave Lancaster of Troy, Deb Bryan of Rochester.

DOWNTOWN

119

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Angels Place Golf & Tennis Classic

2

1

4

Angels Place Golf & Tennis Classic As event pioneer/honorary chair Duke Scrafano noted when he welcomed the 200 guests gathered for dinner at Pine Lake Country Club, Mother Nature provided perfect weather for the 25th annual classic.

Both the morning (88) and afternoon (100) golfers and the 30 tennis players had the same exceptional experience.

Players included Gus Stefanek and Len Trotta, who have played in all of the 25 events. Before dinner people had socialized, bid in the silent auction ($5,565) and bought raffle tickets ($31,075). After the winners were announced executive director Cheryl Loveday thanked all on behalf of the residents and the 300 people on the waiting list. A video that starred some of the developmentally disabled residents of the 20 AP homes concluded with their good natured slogan - “All for one and one for all.” The event raised nearly $210,000.

3

5

6

1. Duke Scrafano (center) of Birmingham, Frank Jonna (left) and Chuck Ciuni of Bloomfield. 2. Bob Sparks (left) of Troy and Dale Prentice of Birmingham. 3. Paul Lopez (left) of Chicago,IL, Peter Lopez of Bloomfield, Ray Lopez of Birmingham. 4. Nora (standing) & Schuyler Hamill, Bob Pulte (seated left), Bob Reason and Mike Dietz of Bloomfield. 5. Lynn Gates (left) and John & Meg Alli of Bloomfield. 6. Dan Corby (left) of Plymouth and Doug North of Bloomfield, Ed Brown of Northfield.

DSO Volunteer Council Musical Feast

1

4

2

Yatooma Foundation Kids Golf Teamsters president James P. Hoffa chaired the foundation golf tournament that attracted 132 supporters to Wyndgate Country Club earlier in the summer. Both Hoffa and foundation founder Norman Yatooma spoke briefly during the post golf program about how the foundation works to fill the void left by the death of a parent before they also saluted the day’s winners. The second of the two-part fundraiser, the Rock Star Gala, is Friday, Sept. 15 at the Royal Park Hotel. It will honor Clare and Dan Murphy as Champions for the Kids for their generous involvement in the foundation’s mission

3

5

6

1. Alex Sakarellos and Yoonshin Song of Birmingham. 2. Larry Bluth (left), Gail Burstein and Joy Nachman of Bloomfield. 3. Allan Nachman (leff) of Bloomfield, Anne Parsons & Don Dietz of Detroit. 4. Kim Minasian Hawes (left) and Emma Minasian of Bloomfield, Jean Colby of Birmingham. 5. Esther Lyons (left) of Detroit, Sandra Moers of Bloomfield. 6. Sandie Knollenberg (left) of Bloomfield, David & Elizabeth Kessler of Beverly Hills. 7. Carolyn Rands (left) of Birmingham, Marlene Bihlmeyer and Sherri Walts of Bloomfield.

7 120

DSO Volunteer Council Musical Feast The last Musical Feast of the 30th season was a treat for the whole person, hosted as it was by Joy and Allan Nachman in their art-filled Irving Tobocman home overlooking Sodon Lake. After DSO concertmaster Yoonshin Song and Alex Sakarellos played several lilting selections, Allan declared, “Our home has never sounded so good.” Sherri Walts’ Italian accented cuisine rounded out a perfect Sunday evening. Although the event was the last Musical Feast under the auspices of the recentlydissolved Volunteer Council, the series of popular events will continue under the direction of the new DSO Ambassador Corps.

DOWNTOWN

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390.

09.17

(248) 681-8500 (248) 553-5050 All Star

NEW TREND EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

visit www.TheMichaelTeam.com

CASS LAKE - $1,190,000 75 Ft Frontage. Amazing Sunset & Sunrise Views. Brazilian Maple Floors& Gourmet Kitchen.

CALL

DUCK LAKE - $1,149,000

CASS LAKE - $1,100,000

PINE LAKE - $1,550,000

WALNUT LAKE - $1,490,000

111 FT FRONTAGE ON A LL S PORTS L AKE WITH A MAZING L AKE V IEWS .

C USTOM L AKEVIEW HOME W/ DEEDED L AKE LOT. LOADED W/TOP L INE A MENITIES & DETAILS T/O.

B EAUTIFUL C USTOM L AKEFRONT HOME S ITUATED ON 1.36 ACRES .

120 F T. L AKE F RONTAGE W/ G ORGEOUS S UNSET V IEWS .

A LL S PORTS WALNUT L AKE F RONT HOME .

OFFERS S PECTACULAR L AKE & S UNSET V IEWS .

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $639,000

PINE LAKE - $1,695,000

DUCK LAKE - $779,000

CASS LAKE - $1,390,000

S PACIOUS R EMODELED C USTOM HOME ON TRANQUIL C UL-D E-SAC S ETTING W/ FIN WALKOUT.

P REMIUM L AKEFRONT LOT W/ 80 F T. FRONTAGE ON A LL S PORTS P INE L AKE .

STUNNING A LL-S PORTS L AKEFRONT HOME W/ 90 F T, FRONTAGE IN D ESIRABLE S OUTH B AY S HORES S UB !

1.05 ACRES . 80 F T OF L AKE F RONTAGE W/ DOCK & SANDY B EACH . 8100+ SF OF LUXURY L IVING !

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

UNION LAKE - $760,000

WABEEK - $449,900

WALNUT LAKE - $850,000

FRANKLIN - $599,000

A LL S PORTS L AKE U NION L AKE AT IT 'S F INEST. 100 F T. FRONTAGE WITH B EAUTIFUL L AKE V IEWS .

S PACIOUS R ANCH HOME WITH F INISHED LOWER L EVEL SITUATED ON SERENE LOT.

FABULOUS D OUBLE LOT ON A LL-S PORTS WALNUT L AKE . 81 FT OF F RONTAGE .

STUNNING F RANKLIN WOODS C USTOM HOME O N S ECLUDED TRANQUIL C UL- DE-SAC S ETTING .

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

ENDNOTE

Abused women and today’s court system t’s hard to know what goes on behind the closed doors of our neighbors’ homes, or what makes a marriage tick. But we can all agree that violence and abuse, both physical and emotional, against a partner, or between partners, is never acceptable. Experts assert that it contributes to feelings of helplessness, powerlessness, and low self-esteem. Individuals, who more often are the female partner in a relationship, over time come to believe they are unable to leave, and feel they are trapped in a nightmarish situation until sometimes they snap, and may either kill their partner in selfdefense, or because they feel they have no other out.

If life has come to the point where it’s kill or be killed, it’s a tale of desperation.

According to the Michigan Women’s Justice and Clemency Project at University of Michigan, in the U.S., police encounter more cases of domestic violence each year than all other forms of violence combined, with approximately 85 percent of victims of partner violence being the female. Each year, at least 1,200 women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends – fully one-third of all female murder victims in the United States – while less than four percent of all male murder victims are killed by a female partner.

Two former Oakland County women, Karen Kantzler and Nancy Seaman, are currently imprisoned in the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypslanti, along with 2,300 other women. Kantzler and Seaman each received life sentences for killing their husbands

I

after years of physical and emotional abuse.

Kantzler killed her husband Paul, a radiologist at Henry Ford Hospital in 1987, in what she described as an accidental shooting as she wrestled a gun away from him as he was going to shoot her. Seaman killed her estranged husband Bob in 2004, as she too feared for her life, beating him numerous times over the head with a hatchet as she ran from him after he cut her with a knife.

In Kantzler’s case, the presiding judge, former Oakland Circuit Court Judge Norman Lippitt, now in private practice, acknowledges he knew little about spousal abuse in 1988, and found her guilty of second degree murder. He said he sentenced her to life in prison, believing then that she would be free in 10 years. Sadly, 30 years on, Kantzler, who speaks in almost a whisper and bears permanent scars from years of domestic abuse, still sits in prison despite four appearances before the Michigan Parole Board.

And that enrages Lippitt and Judge Barry Howard, the judge who had tried to reduce her term to time served. Lippitt spoke to the parole board at her 2015 hearing, and Howard, who sent a letter, stating they do not believe she should be in prison, that justice is not being served, and she is not a threat to society.

The parole board, whose members are appointees of the director of the Michigan Department of Corrections, are primarily former corrections and law enforcement officers or former prosecutors. They seem to lack appreciation for what the sentencing judge in the case intended, or understanding of a

battered woman with no prior incidents, perfect prison records, and little likelihood of returning to jail.

In Seaman’s case, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Jack McDonald ended up throwing out the jury’s first degree murder decision eight months after her trial because her counsel followed Michigan precedence, where an expert witness can introduce a fact but not connect the defendant to it, forcing the jury to make the connection – or in Seaman’s case, not. He reduced the sentence to second degree murder, but was overturned at the appeals court; it was upheld again in federal court by Judge Bernard Friedman, but the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned it again, stating “Battered spouse syndrome is not itself a defense under Michigan law.”

The expert witness, Dr. Lenore Walker of Florida, is a forensic psychologist who specializes in gender violence, and developed the concept of battered woman syndrome in 1979. She testified at Seaman’s first trial, explaining what a battered woman was – but was prevented from stating that Seaman was a battered woman. Most states do not prevent experts from connecting the dots, and we believe that is an injustice that must be righted.

The Michigan Women’s Justice and Clemency Project has rightly taken up both Kantzler and Seaman’s cases, working to attain clemency for both women. While there is still a chance that Kantzler could be paroled, Seaman is not eligible.

We hope Gov. Rick Snyder hears the clarion call for clemency for these women, and does the right thing.

Let’s get Birmingham back on track or a top-tier city, Birmingham has a problem that is beginning to prove costly – for businesses and residents – and has the potential to spin out of control. We’re hopeful that brakes will be put on before there are significant issues.

For years, residents, businesses, staff and lay leaders got spoiled under the iron hand of former city manager Tom Markus. For 22 years, there was little, if anything, in the city that did not bear his imprint or his attention to details.

Plans and proposals did not come before city commissioners until they were thoroughly vetted; planning held to ordained standards; and the flow of information between staff and boards passed through him first. But the city, from its government to its departments, appears to not be firing on all cylinders, and that’s not in anyone’s best interest.

There are a few examples we can cite, one of which occurred at the latest city commission meeting, when city engineer Paul O’Meara presented two agenda items to commissioners

F

– one a request for proposal for a traffic engineer, the other for a multi-modal plan to redo the intersection at Maple and Eton.

Commissioners chastised him for failing to include significant details, and refused to consider them without more information. There have been incidents of planning director Jana Ecker presenting bistro proposals to commissioners of applicants that do not fit the criteria of the ordinance, which should have been washed out prior to presentation, only for the commission to point that out after sitting through lengthy presentations. In the last year, city commissioners repeatedly redesigned the Old Woodward road construction project, delaying it until next year, because commissioners said the designs were not presented to them in a form or manner they were repeatedly requesting. What appeared as micromanaging, several commissioners asserted, was ensuring the project was appropriately designed. Either way, the ultimate design and delays not only cost the

city significantly, but businesses as well, who had made contingency plans.

Parking, the perennial problem, is an issue that is discussed and discussed, but seemingly not resolved, also costing businesses and residents dearly. A subject that has reared its head, and is likely to come to a roar, is the debate over first floor retail space.

Commissioners and the city manager asked the planning board for a solid definition, and the planning board, disagreeing, punted it back.

Vacancies cost everyone money.

Is there a lack of intuitive oversight at city hall? Commissioners require information to make educated and fully-informed decisions as they spend taxpayer dollars. It is incumbent upon every commissioner to be prepared and knowledgeable of issues, but they also rely upon city staff for necessary data.

If there are weaknesses in personnel or the system, assessments need to be determined and heart-to-heart discussions had to remedy the flaws.

ONLY 7 LOTS REM AIN!

B L O O M F I E L D H U N T C L U B E S T A T E S . C O M

It’s time to seize the best in life by embracing a home, a declaration that you have arrived. Before it’s too late – make the move, take the jump and surprise yourself – don’t accept compromise.

2L

OT

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION

SR

EC

EN

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

9 1.25 Acres $995,000

✓

CHASE LANE

✓

✓

✓

✓

7 1.07 Acres $895,000

✓

✓

✓

Lot 23 1.09 Acres $995,000

✓

FEATURES AND AMENITIES

Only 7 lots remain Gated community Bloomfield Hills schools Customize a plan and start today Work directly with your own architect, designer or builder Included: Bloomfield Open Hunt Club membership

Lot 26 1.05 Acres $895,000

✓ ✓ Lot Sold

For a personal tour of available property or for more information regarding Bloomfield Hunt Club Estates, contact us at 248.644.7600 or visit our website www.bloomfieldhuntclubestates.com.

5 1.09 Acres $995,000

CHASE LANE

✓ • • • • • •

✓

4 1.09 Acres $795,000

✓ ✓ 1 1.22 Acres $695,000

TL

YS

OL

D!

SIGNATURE SOTHEBY'S SELLS MORE HOMES OVER $2,000,000 THAN OUR CLOSEST COMPETITORS COMBINED 120 TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES

110

PRICE: $2,000,000+ 100

46.2% 90

$ in Millions

80

70

60

50

40

30 Mkt 10.2%

20 Mkt 6.1% Mkt 5.4%

110 Mkt 3.6%

Mkt 3.4% Mkt 2.6%

Mkt 2.5%

Mkt 2.3%

Mkt 2.2%

RE/MAX New Trend

Bailey Schmidt Inc

Michelle Childers

Majestic Homes Realty

0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham

Hall & Hunter Birmingham

Keller Williams Domain Birmingham

Max Broock Realtors® Bloomfield Hills

Shain Park Realtors®

This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 8/2017

CLICK, CALL OR STOP IN FOR A CONFIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE CONSULTATION signaturesothebys.com

248.644.7000