The last gallon of leaded gasoline was pumped into the last car by January 1, 1996. As a result, there was a dramatic decrease in ambient lead levels nationwide. Still, there remains a significant sector in the transportation industry that continues to use leaded fuel. To find the emitters of leaded-gas particulate matter, look to the three airports run by Oakland County.
State lawmakers by the end of this year must write legislation to implement the financial disclosure mandate approved by voters last fall. The question is – do they have the appetite to enact tough rules to regulate themselves.
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.
L. Brooks Patterson's daughter running for exec post; raising funds for indicted Republicans; Slotkin racking up endorsements; Johnson fails to make debate stage; Whitmer featured at Dem Cali events; plus more.
Kepes resigns as treasurer; no challengers for commissions; cannabis issue on the ballot; Next lease signed; parking ticket increases; superintendent finalists drop out; plus more
OAKLAND COUNTY
Birmingham Next Executive Director Cris Braun explains the November ballot millage proposal and the benefit for the community if it passes.
William Seklar, CEO/President of The Community House, writes about the Pre-K and Preschool programs, and upcoming events for the remainder of the year.
Gigi Nichols provides readers with quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro area.
Oakland County must take leadership role on testing for lead contamination generated by lead-based gas aircraft at its airports, and we bid good bye to a true public servant in Bloomfield Township.
When Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson appeared at a June meeting of the state House Ethics and Oversight Committee and pushed for expansion of the financial disclosure for elected state officials that voters approved last year, I felt a modicum of hope in what can possibly come in the next couple of months as members of the legislature work to implement what was named Proposal 1 in the 2022 election.
Sixty six percent of those casting ballots in November of last year favored financial disclosure by state officials – members of the legislature, along with the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general –and at the same time approved a change in term limits for state lawmakers which was part of the same ballot issue. But the disclosure part of the ballot proposal was really a negotiated settlement between members of the legislature and a bipartisan group that was prepared to run an initiative petition ballot campaign that contained a more far reaching set of disclosure rules than what voters were presented.
Yes, the financial disclosure portion of the change to the Constitution finally addresses an issue that only Michigan and one other state (Idaho) have failed to regulate in past years. There were any number of attempts – bipartisan no less – in past legislative sessions to provide for transparency in Lansing but Republican legislative leaders who did not support the concept basically stonewalled the effort. In a recent session, one bill – albeit flawed – did pass in the House – but was buried over in the Senate, never to see the light of day.
So last spring along came a bipartisan group comprising the mayor of Detroit, a former official from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, a former legislative leader and members of organized labor. Their initiative petition would have put before voters a simple proposal that would have made state officials follow the same financial disclosure rules as members of Congress. Last spring, as an alternative to having to get tens of thousands of petition signatures to make the ballot, the group negotiated with legislative leaders to place the financial disclosure issue on the ballot. In the process, what started out as a solid proposal got watered down substantially.
The rules governing financial disclosure for members of Congress require office holders, as well as candidates for office, spouses and dependent children, to “disclose certain information concerning the income, assets, liabilities and other information.”
The negotiated disclosure requirement that made the Michigan ballot last year did not include disclosure by candidates and family members (spouse/dependent children). Further, the change to the Michigan Constitution only requires state officials to disclose sources of income, not the amounts of income. And while the approved constitutional change includes reporting gifts involving lobbyists, the congressional rules call for reporting any gifts from anyone.
When SOS Benson appeared before the House committee in late June, she called for any implementation legislation to also include candidates for office and she suggested that certain members of the judicial branch also be included. Certainly that would be a improvement of what was proposed to voters, but it falls short of what we expect of members of Congress, which was the original model for transparency in Michigan.
I reached out to state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-7) whose sprawling district includes Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. He chairs the Senate Election and Ethics Committee that will be grappling with writing legislation in that chamber by the end of 2023 to implement what voters approved last
year. The committee of eight members includes Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-8) who represents Birmingham and Ruth Johnson (D-24) from Groveland Township in north Oakland who was previously the Secretary of State.
Moss tells me that the implementation legislation is the topic of “discussion right now.” While conceding that Michigan is “late to the game” when it comes to transparency and disclosure legislation, he said lawmakers in the Senate and the House are reviewing what legislatures have enacted in other states.
While personally “favoring transparency,” Moss notes that expanding the implementation legislation beyond what was called for in the state ballot proposal has both supporters and detractors in the state legislature. The key, he explained, to developing implementation legislation by the end of this year will be striking a balance when it comes to including candidates and family members in any disclosure requirements, an approach I can certainly understand.
Efforts in the late 1970s in Michigan, following the Watergate scandal of the Richard Nixon administration, to develop transparency and disclosure rules for elected officials eventually failed because no agreement in Lansing could be hammered out, especially with an over-reaching attempt to extend the requirements to the local level for both elected and appointed officials, which helped kill the overall effort. But lawmakers now have no choice – the amendment to the Constitution requires by the end of this December that a set of rules are on the books for the first disclosure filing next April.
On the plus side, Moss said that whatever gets finalized by the close of this year will not be the end of efforts to establish disclosure requirements. He views financial disclosure by lawmakers and administration members to be an “ever rolling piece of policy” as part of a “continued process to strengthen” what was passed by voters.
While I am a big fan of Moss and what he has accomplished when in the House and now the Senate, I don't share his confidence that lawmakers will have the political/moral appetite to draw up implementation legislation that goes beyond the bare minimum requirements of the ballot proposal from 2022. The legislature certainly has not shown an inclination in past years to impose on themselves a comprehensive set of rules for financial disclosure, readily accessible by citizens and the media, which is why this issue had to be taken to the voters last year. As to the thought that whatever is hammered out in the next couple of months could evolve into something stronger in future legislatures – lots of luck with that.
All the more reason that SOS Benson and other officials part of the original bipartisan group behind the disclosure effort must keep the pressure on to develop the most all-inclusive disclosure game plan. Now.
NOVEMBER ELECTION FOOTNOTE: While we had been preparing questions for a Voter Guide in our October issue as a reader service for the city commission elections in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, at the filing deadline for candidates we learned that only enough candidates filed to fill the posts on the ballot, so the only contested election will be the library board in Birmingham. Candidates in that race were emailed questionnaires, the answers to which will appear in our next monthly issue. We will also be offering our endorsements in that contest, along with our editorial opinion on the senior citizen millage request and the cannabis dispensary issue in Birmingham, along with the millage request by the Bloomfield Hills Schools.
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COMPANY WOMAN: It’s no surprise to hear that state Republicans and Democrats don’t usually agree on legislation. More unusual is when there is bipartisan consensus, especially when it is over a bill that will likely not pass. That is the word circulating over House Bills 4526-4528, which would remove local control over aggregate mining permits. It’s been sought for the last few years by both the aggregate mining companies and road construction companies which are looking for new sources of aggregate to rebuild all of Michigan’s roads. According to one Democratic lawmaker, the bills are in “the worst shape they’ve ever been,” with state Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Traverse City), a co-sponsor of the bills and chair of the powerful House appropriations committee, “trying to jam them through. She has a lot of power, but I don’t think it’s going to work this time,” said the local lawmaker, who noted that both Democrats and Republicans are against it. “Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), who I agree with on zilch – he was telling me all the things he hates about it – and I agree.” The lawmaker noted that aggregate mining bills have the backing of the aggregate companies – and the unions, “which is where it gets interesting.” Currently the bills have been paused after pushback from local municipalities, who want to maintain local control, and environmental groups, but they are likely to see the light of day when the legislature returns from summer break.
MONEY FOR MALCONTENTS: There are a couple of efforts underway to help pay the expected mounting legal expenses for the 16 Michigan fake electors who are facing felony charges for violation of election law. The Michigan Conservative Coalition, on a so-called Christian online donation platform, is raising funds for former GOP co-chair Meshawn Maddock and West Bloomfield resident and state party official Marian Sheridan. The goal is $100,000 and as of mid-August, about $33,000 had been donated. Then there’sthe now infamous event at Meshawn’s Milford home on August
4 – a poolside fundraiser for the fake electors facing felony charges brought by Democrat Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Hosted by the Grand New Party PAC, the pool gathering was marked by comments from Meshawn’s husband, Republican state House member Matt Maddock (Milford), who waxed on about “civil war or some sort of revolution” if authorities continued to press in the courts against election law violators, as he likened the latest indictments to Nazi treatment of Jews during the Holocaust.
“They want to make damn sure that anyone who questions the election or disputes the election in 2024 is threatened by what they’re doing to our electors and other people throughout this nation. That you will not say anything. You are going to shut the F up and you were going to walk into that gas chamber. That’s what they want because that’s what’s coming for us.”
SUNNY DAYS: Fear not, Meshawn Maddock isn’t spending all her days post-arraignment huddled with her attorneys for being part of a group of false electors supporting former President Donald Trump. Oh no. After pleading not guilty, she got Judge Kristen Simmons to approve a trip to Florida to attend some convention and tried but failed in her request to attend a Missouri “election summit” put on by Mike Lindell, the Pillow Guy. She’s also working to help recall elected state representatives who have voted for hate crimes and gun control legislation. On July 25, she posted on Facebook at an Oakland County Republican Party Ice Cream Social at a park in West Bloomfield to launch door canvassing in House District 20 – Democratic state Rep. Noah Arbit’s current district, one of the target’s of the petition recall. The photo shows Maddock grinning into her selfie with a crowd behind her. “The insurrection has come to West Bloomfield,” Arbit posted in response. “She was convening together with a group of people on how to recall me and knock me off,” Arbit told Oakland Confidential.
Mira Bedi, owner and designer of Chrysalis Couture, has been established for over 17 years and has opened her brick and mortar store in Birmingham. Specializing in Indian clothing as well as everyday fashion, Mira adds a special designer touch to each piece. Custom design anything you want from wedding dresses to a fun outfit! If you dream it we can make it!
BIG BAD WOLF: “Who is afraid of Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing)? It seems like everyone.” So said Punchbowl, the Washington D.C. insider’s newsletter, noting that no one, including Democratic candidate and TV star Hill Harper, have prevented her from becoming the clear frontrunner in the Democratic primary to succeed Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) when she retires. Slotkin also keeps racking up endorsements, from fellow Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-Oakland County); rising Democratic powerhouse state Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Birmingham, Royal Oak, Berkley, Huntington Woods, part of Detroit), Maryland
Congressman Jamie Raskin of House January 6 Committee fame; former Governor Jim Blanchard; former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords of Arizona; former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing; Emily’s List; and at last count, 15 Michigan unions, including the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. Who won’t endorse her? None other than former President Barack Obama – but it doesn’t appear personal. He’s her former boss – she served under him, as well as former President George W. Bush in various defense and intelligence positions including roles at the White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. It’s just that Obama is staying out of the primary fight for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, so he won’t be endorsing either Slotkin or Harper, who is a former Harvard Law School classmate and served on a cancer committee for the ex-prez. The Republican primary ticket, at this writing, remains very thin, although word is former Detroit Police Chief James Craig is closer to announcing his candidacy, having formed the Michigan Leadership Matters Fund, a 401(c)(4) nonprofit fund focusing on “solving serious issues plaguing Michigan and America.” “If Chief Craig is running, he may be the only one who knows,” said one Republican honcho. The same individual is very intrigued, however, by former Michigan Congressman and House Intelligence chair Mike Rogers (RLivingston County) who he recently met with, and assures Rogers is getting ready to jump into the Republican race. That’ll shake things up.
OPEN ARMS: And open wallets. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee – known colloquially as the DCCC – is the political committee whose principal mission is to support Democratic House candidates every step of the way. On August 18, they held a welcome reception and dinner in Torrey Pines, California, hosted by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) featuring our own Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The dinner was part of three-day major donor event. Other planned speakers on August 19 were White House Domestic Policy Director Neera Tanden, economist Mark Zandi and former Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. The solo spotlight on Whitmer could be explained as she is a co-chair of President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign. It is also possible the DCCC is positioning her as a potential hot prospect for a presidential run in 2028.
HELD ACCOUNTABLE: There’s no debate that being a municipal clerk is a difficult job. Since the 2020 election, it became a dangerous one, as well. Several Michigan election officials let it be known that after the election, they faced threats, including death threats. Former Rochester Hills Clerk Tina Barton, now a senior elections expert with The Elections Group, received a voicemail filled with explicit language threatening her family. On August 11 this year, the Justice Department announced an Indiana man was arrested for that threat and appeared in federal court in Detroit on the charge of sending an interstate threatening communication to an election worker. According to court documents, on or about November 10, 2020, Andrew Nickels, 37, of Carmel, IN, allegedly called Barton and said, in part, “[Y]ou frauded out America of a real election…Guess what, you’re gonna pay for it, you will pay for it...[T]en million plus patriots will surround you when you least expect it, and your little infantile Deep State security agency has no time to protect you because they’ll be bought out and we’ll [expletive] kill you…[Y]ou will [expletive] pay for your [expletive] lying ass remarks…We will [expletive] take you out. [Expletive] your family, [expletive] your life, and you deserve a [expletive] knife to the throat…Watch your [expletive] back…watch your
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[expletive] back.” If convicted, Nickels faces five years in prison. Barton posted on LinkedIn, “I’m hopeful that today’s arraignment sends a strong message that threatening election officials is unacceptable and illegal.”
CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR: Republican presidential candidate Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Hills thought he had made the national GOP deadline to appear on the stage during the August 23 presidential debate in Wisconsin. But alas, it was not to be. National GOP officials had laid down some markers for candidates who wanted to be part of the first Republican debate. Rules required candidates sign an agreement to support whoever is the general election candidate for the party; had to have at least $40,000 donated by at least 200 donors representing 20 different states by August 21; and must reach at least one percent in three national polls or one percent in two national polls and two polls from separate early voting states. No problem on the support agreement. As far as donations, Johnson a week ahead of the deadline said he made the cut, after giving out $10 gas gift cards in exchange for a $1 donation, and handing out free copies of his book – Two Cents to Save America – priced at $10, once again in exchange for a $1 donation. Then there was the free concert which Johnson underwrote at the Iowa State Fair featuring the Big & Rich band. Word has it individual donations totaled about $70,000. Johnson was generally ranked as not likely to make the debate stage by a number of political writers nationally, even though he was number three in an attendee straw poll at the most recent CPAC gathering. The Friday before the August 21 deadline, Johnson said he was ranked at least one percent in three national polls. GOP officials rejected one so-called national poll by the Victory Insight firm because it only included a survey of Republican primary voters in 38 states, not the entire country. Party officials let him know the Monday before the planned debate. Johnson said the debate process was “corrupt” and he would sue, although that appeared to be an empty threat. Johnson certainly gave it his all during the Iowa events in July-August, speaking at the GOP Lincoln Day dinner; taking his obligatory turn flipping food on the grill at the state fair and touring the state in a branded bus. So far, Johnson has loaned his campaign $8.4 million, after spending $7.5 million in personal money in a failed attempt to make the ballot in a run for Michigan governor in the last election.
2024 COUNTY EXEC BETS: The Oakland County Republican Party, for the most part, was downright gleeful in late July when L. Brooks Patterson’s daughter, Mary Patterson, announced she would be running for county executive in the 2024 election. A former Waterford Schools teacher, co-owner of a family business and mother of four children, Mary Patterson is being viewed by some as a chance for the county party to once again take over the top spot in county government, held from 1992 until L. Brook’s passing in 2019, following 16 years earlier as prosecutor for the county. Mary Patterson has already outlined an issue platform, although it includes concern over education, which really falls outside the purview of the county executive. She has hit the ground running by issuing criticism of the Democrat-controlled county board and administration plan to invest millions of dollars in a satellite campus of county workers in downtown Pontiac. The family name and the fact that she is a woman will certainly count for quite a bit on the ballot, but if current county exec David Coulter, a Democrat, files for reelection, a Patterson victory is not assured, given the county’s drift away from the GOP in the last 15 years. Back in the early days of Brooks Patterson’s time in the exec post, he would always take a large margin of the vote – in one year taking over 80 percent. Those margins – depending on what Democrat he was facing and what presidential candidate’s name was on the top of the ballot – started to dwindle as the political leanings of county residents began to shift Democrat. Political junkies are already speculating about a Patterson-Coulter contest. Said one traditional (non-MAGA) Republican: “It will be a tall order for anyone on the county level getting elected without a (D) next to their name. The GOP brand is in the toilet and the demographics just don’t work.” Yet, added another GOP stalwart: “The fact that county sheriff Mike Bouchard continues to get reelected as a Republican says there is hope.” Another Republican in the know said, “It’s obviously name ID that they want from her, but the Democrats have a stranglehold on Oakland County.”
Detroit-based spiritual advisor, public speaker and author, Caren Paskel, who grew up in Bloomfield Hills and lived in Birmingham, experienced true love and profound loss that led to her first book “The Power of Self-Belief.” Her next title, “The Power of Self-Love,” will soon be available followed by “The Power of SelfRealization,” to complete the trilogy.
Her spiritual journey began when she was a student at Seaholm High School. “I had some anxiety and I had a panic attack,” explained Paskel, whose mother suggested she take a yoga class. “It was a different experience than I had ever had before and I was seeing myself in a different light. It was an awakening I felt was authentic. It was very therapeutic and it was directing me to a better way of living.”
Unlike schoolwork and sports that come with grades and other performance markers, there were no expectations, only a deep connection. “Yoga makes me relax,” she said. “I wasn’t judged. It was very peaceful and uplifting. I started teaching yoga at a really young age at camp and I found that I could guide people.”
Paskel, who is also an artist, moved to California before returning to Michigan where she taught yoga and eventually opened her own yoga studios prior to the pandemic and other unexpected life lessons which made her have a change of heart.
“I knew there was something more to yoga, so I started to study more deeply into the philosophy,” said Paskel, who believes that allowed her to manifest the love of her life, David Prentice, who would become her husband. “I met this wonderful man and it was love at first sight. He was 12 years younger and so driven and wiser than his age.”
She had also evolved along the way. Along with EnSoul Yoga in Ferndale, which would later be followed by a second location in Detroit, Paskel taught a popular workshop that became a course called, “Cliff Notes on Happiness.”
When her husband had a grand mal seizure at the age of 28 and a brain tumor was found, she said he handled it like a champion. After surgery, his test results were encouraging.
“We had to reevaluate our lives,” she said. “I realized I had my hands too full, so I pared down to one studio and everything was going so well.”
They thought the worst was over, but after a trip abroad that her husband had always wanted to do, they were told the tumor had returned. A second surgery would follow, but the cancer had spread.
Paskel lost her husband when he was only 30 years old. “I knew he would want me to celebrate his life. He was all about helping people. I had closed the studio and I wanted to take my spiritual learnings online and reinvent myself and my business,” she said.
Paskel now offers one-on-one coaching, livestream yoga and more educational opportunities through her website (carenpaskel.com). She also started a non-profit organization called the Spiritual Education Foundation.
Her first book would help her heal. “I just started writing, which was the most cathartic grieving process,” said Paskel.
This traumatic experience would teach her many important lessons. “It was a positive way to see all the blessings. It’s not a blessing that he died; just a blessing that he lived. Of course, I miss him every day,” she said. “I was a loner and I realized I really don’t want to live this life alone. David taught me that. Now I have better relationships with my family and friends and with myself.
“I’m in a state of bliss.”
Story: Jeanine Matlow Photo: Laurie Tennent
HE UNITED STATESbanned leaded gasoline beginning with cars made in 1975. During this time, the nascent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which had just been founded in 1970 under the Clean Air Act, ruled that leaded fuel posed health hazards for humans, especially in brain development of fetuses, infants and young children. The last gallon of leaded gasoline was pumped into the last car by January 1, 1996. As a result, there was a dramatic decrease in ambient lead levels nationwide.
Still, there remains a significant sector in the transportation industry that continues to use leaded fuel. And to find the culprits of the last emitters of leaded gasoline, all you have to do is look up.
Flying single piston engine airplanes (PEA), also known as general aircraft, is a popular hobby for flying enthusiasts. Not only that, but according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), smaller planes are used for critical purposes, including business and personal travel, instructional flying, aerial surveys, agriculture, firefighting, law enforcement, medical emergencies and express freight.
The state’s busiest general aviation airport, and the 12th busiest airport of its kind in the world, is the Oakland County International Airport (OCIA) located on M59 (Highland Road) in Waterford Township, resting on the shores of Pontiac Lake and immediately south of Williams Lake. On average, 120,000 takeoffs and landings occur at this county-owned and operated airport each year, with an average 390 flights per day as documented by the FAA in 2022. More than 150 corporations base their aircraft at OCIA, many with several aircraft. According to county data, 658 aircraft are based at the airport, including 325 single piston engine aircraft, 95 multiengine aircraft and 18 helicopters.
Oakland County owns and operates two other airports – the Oakland/Troy Airport located between Maple Road and 14 Mile Road, between Coolidge Highway and
Crooks Road, and the Oakland/Southwest Airport on Pontiac Trail in New Hudson.
According to research studies focused on the use of leaded gas in aviation, nationwide, there are 16 million people and three million children who live within a kilometer of the 19,000 airports that service the nation’s fleet of around 170,000 registered single piston aircraft, or PEAs. These small aircraft comprise about 70 percent of the nation’s air fleet. In 2011, these aircraft consumed an estimated 225 million gallons of a high-octane fuel called avgas, according to a 2013 study, which found that emissions into the environment at that time were about one million pounds of lead each year. The flow of lead from PEAs constitutes between half and twothirds of remaining lead emissions in the United States, according to a 2008 EPA study.
While this amount is small compared to the amount of leaded fuel that old gas guzzlers used in decades past, and ambient lead levels have dropped off precipitously in the last several decades, the impact is spatially concentrated near the thousands of smaller general aircraft airports and airstrips that dot the nation.
Though there has been a push from environmental groups, researchers and public health officials to get the lead out of aviation fuel since the early 2000’s, as with other policies, regulations have not caught up with the mounting research. Aviation government authorities, organizations and pilots contend that until there is a safe fuel alternative that will not cause a risk of engine failure while in flight, the general aviation fleet continues to power itself with high-octane leaded fuel. Though the EPA, along with the Federal Aviation Agency, have pledged since 2010 to remove lead from avgas, an easy-to-produce, affordable and safe fuel that can be used across a
range of PEAs has yet to come on the market.
Unlike the country’s fleet – 6,000 of them – of larger commercial jets, which use kerosene-based jet fuel, PEAs rely on a fuel formulated with Tetraethyl lead. It is added to avgas to increase octane and thereby prevent “knock,” or uncontrolled fuel detonation, which can damage aircraft engines and even cause sudden engine failure. Many aircraft engines have been designed to deliver a lot of power while weighing as little as possible, and they need high-octane fuels to do so. Today the most widely available avgas is 100-octane low lead, or 100LL, which would be equivalent to 105-octane automobile gasoline. This grade of avgas satisfies the requirements of all piston engines using avgas, regardless of their performance level.
Jet aircraft and turbine-powered, propeller aircraft do not use avgas, but instead use fuels very similar to kerosene, which does not contain a lead additive.
Nilton Renno is professor of climate and space sciences and engineering at the University of Michigan. When he is not busy with his award-winning research with NASA working on better rover technologies to explore the surface of Mars or instructing classes, he is a general aviation hobbyist pilot.
RENNO BEGAN FLYINGat the age of 14, first honing his skills in unmotorized gliders and then sailplanes when he was a researcher at the University of Arizona. He now clocks in a few flights per week in his single-engine Lear jet to destinations on the East Coast or Chicago out of Ann Arbor’s municipal airport.
As a pilot, Renno explained there is yet to exist a safe enough fuel to fly general aviation piston aircraft. Though aircraft designers are experimenting with new types of engines that do not require a high compression rate that demands leaded fuel, it is the older model engines – which have not changed much in the last 50 years – that have a better coolant highcompression rate and are more reliable in terms of safety.
“As of yet, there is no safe solution for a replacement to leaded gasoline in general aviation,” Renno asserted. “The reason this entire fleet of aircraft cannot choose a different fuel is those engines are air coolant dependent and have a high compression ratio. This means the temperature in the engine cylinder gets much hotter than a typical car. Because of this, if there is not the proper balance between air and fuel – there is a risk of an
The state’s busiest general aviation airport is the Oakland County International Airport in Waterford, resting on the shores of Pontiac Lake and south of Williams Lake.
explosion. And premature explosions can cause great damage and danger to the engine. So that’s the basic reason we still need the leaded fuel for these types of aircraft.”
On the horizon, Renno said there are experimental aircraft engine designs in the works from European companies such as Diamond which feature twin engines akin to an automobile. But their heavier engines are a drawback for flight and the complexities of their engines make them less reliable than older engines.
Renno said that the FAA has been working for over a decade in pursuit of alternative fuels that do not contain lead and is “getting close.” The challenge is in the price point and the economic practicality of developing such a specialized fuel that will only be used by a tiny slice of any of the country’s fleet of aircraft.
“The problem is that fuel produced for general aircraft makes up less than one percent of the fuel sold for all of aviation,” said Renno. “So there really is no economic incentive for companies to develop such a fuel, unless they get help from the government.”
THE QUESTfor an unleaded avgas that will deliver high, safe performance has been an arduous undertaking.
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority (in consultation with the FAA) to regulate emissions from aircraft. There have been talks in the works since 2010 to rid avgas of lead. In 2013, the FAA announced the formation of the Piston Aviation Fuel Initiative, a joint effort between the FAA and industry partners with the goal of formulating an unleaded replacement fuel that could be used by the entire general aviation fleet by 2018. This has yet to happen and now the deadline has been pushed back to 2030 for a complete ban on leaded avgas.
In 2012, this committee released a report that included five key recommendations to facilitate the development and deployment of a replacement unleaded aviation gasoline. The plan called for bolstered research and development funding across government and private industry sectors to formulate unleaded avgas by 2018.
To meet this goal, the FAA in June of 2014 petitioned the world’s fuel producers to submit proposals to help the general aviation industry make a transition to an unleaded fuel and received 17 submissions from six manufacturers. After an initial
review from a technical evaluation committee, four were selected into a testing phase one, which began in 2015. After another review from the technical evaluation committee, two fuels were selected from two companies – Swift and Shell – to move onto phase two, which revealed issues during engine and aircraft testing, and testing was halted in 2018.
Swift announced that it was suspending its work for this sector as Shell continues its research on this type of fuel formulation.
At this time, the FAA stated that it was seeking new authorization to use unleaded fuel in engine and aircraft, which was granted in October 2018.
Unfortunately, the FAA stated that differences in the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative fuels as compared to 100LL had issues and were evaluated for impacts and mitigations and testing completions again were projected for the end of 2021.
A third initiative as part of the 2012 FAA Modernization and Reform Act established an unleaded aviation gasoline research and development program with deliverable requirements. The FAA has issued the Unleaded Avgas Transition (UAT) Action Plan that will integrate these three activities.
The fourth initiative involves privatesector companies that have applied for supplemental type certificates for specific piston engine and aircraft models to operate with new, unleaded aviation gasoline formulations. The FAA stated it is actively working to support all of these initiatives. Now, the FAA, along with the EPA, stated that benchmark can be met by 2030 or sooner.
In tandem with the quest for an alternative fuel has been the push on the EPA to strengthen restrictions on using
leaded avgas from environmental and grassroots activists, from local government officials who cannot make changes to federal law, to academic researchers whose work provides the evidence as why ending leaded avgas is vital to the overall health and wellbeing of the general population.
Much of the information on avgas, the number of general aviation aircraft and airports, the history of attempts to regulate avgas and health implications of lead exposure for this report were sourced from research studies mentioned below.
LEAD CONTAMINATION occurs through inhalation or ingestion of lead in food, water, soil, or dust particles. The heavy metal primarily accumulates in the body’s blood, bones and soft tissues and damages the nervous system as well as the cardiovascular system, reproductive system, blood, kidneys and other organs. Excessive lead exposure during early childhood is associated with lower IQ scores and neurological impairment such as seizures, mental development and behavioral disorders. Even at low doses, lead exposure may be a factor in high blood pressure and subsequent heart disease.
In 2006, the environmental group Friends of the Earth petitioned the EPA to officially designate the danger coming from lead emissions from PEAs and better regulate the general aircraft industry. While both the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control have historically concluded there is no known safe level of lead exposure, the EPA ruled against the petition, calling for more studies to substantiate the risks.
In late 2008, the EPA established more stringent National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for lead concentrations, changing the standard from 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter that can be measured in the span of four months to 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter measured over a three-month rolling average.
In conjunction with lowering the lead NAAQS, the EPA required monitors to be placed in areas near industrial facilities with estimated lead emissions of 0.50 tons or more per year, at airports with estimated emissions of one ton or more per year, and on a case-by-case basis in locations where information indicates a significant likelihood of exceeding the standard.
This lead monitoring is conducted by state and local air quality agencies such as the Michigan Department of Environment,
Jet aircraft and turbine-powered, propeller aircraft do not use avgas, but instead use fuels very similar to kerosene, which does not contain a lead additive.
Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
In 2010, the EPA released a monitoring study from data collected in 2008 on 17 airports that had estimated lead emissions greater than or equal to 0.50 tons per year and less than one ton per year, airports that had greater frequency of operations from one or two runways and ambient air within 150 meters of the locations of maximum emissions. In this study, Oakland County International Airport had a reading of .59 tons of annual lead emissions. The airport with the most lead emissions, at 1.32 tons, was Phoenix Deer Valley in Maricopa County, Arizona.
According to the latest data from 2020 in the EPA’s National Emissions Inventory, OCIA released .262 tons of lead; Oakland/Troy Airport released .069 tons of lead; and Oakland/Southwest Airport in New Hudson released .030 tons of lead.
THE EPAin 2020 released a study titled “Modelextrapolated Estimates of Airborne Lead Concentrations at U.S. Airports.” It was developed to provide estimated ranges of lead concentrations that may occur at and near airports where leaded avgas is used. The study estimated air lead concentrations at the “maximum impact area” around over 13,000 U.S. airports and took into account airportspecific information such as the kinds of aircraft the airport hosted and the amount of takeoffs and landings that take place annually. The study concluded that the crucial area studied lies just at the end of the runway where pilots are required to conduct safety checks with engines running just prior to takeoff.
“This area is expected to have the highest concentration of lead in air, and in fact air monitoring has reported concentrations of lead above the lead NAAQS near some airports,” explained the EPA’s Brann. “The model-extrapolated lead estimates in this study indicate that some additional U.S. airports may have air lead concentrations above the NAAQS at this area of maximum impact. The airports in Oakland County were not among them. The report also shows that estimated lead concentrations at airports that may have concentrations above the NAAQS decrease to below the standard within 50 meters from the area of highest concentration.”
The EPA in 2020 also released a report titled, “National Analysis of the Populations Residing Near or Attending School Near U.S. Airports.” The report was written with the intent to show the contrast of the larger footprints of the nation’s 500 larger, commercial airports,
whose landing strips are located at large distances from residential areas, and the nation’s some 20,000 smaller general aviation airports, which may have setbacks of less than 50 meters from residential and recreational areas.
The EPA and local air quality management district studies indicate that over a three-month averaging time (the averaging time for the EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Lead), the impact of aircraft lead emissions at highly active airports extends to approximately 500 m downwind from the runway. These same studies suggest that on individual days, the impact of aircraft lead emissions can extend to almost/ 1,000m downwind from the runway of a highly active airport.
This study indicated that 5,179,000 people live in census blocks within 500 meters of these runways, and 363,000 of
“A rapid phaseout of lead from avgas is technologically feasible and can be done safely, without undue cost,” the letter stated. “The FAA has already certified a fully unleaded fuel that is safe for use by the entire piston-engine fleet (which at the time was only being used in Santa Clara County, California). Urgent action is further compelled by the Biden-Harris Administration’s and the EPA’s own commitments to advancing environmental justice, including the EPA’s recent strategy to reduce lead exposures in communities overburdened by pollution. Moreover, rapidly banning leaded avgas is ethically necessary. In the decades that this endangerment finding has been pending, millions of children nationwide have suffered irreversible harm from unregulated leaded avgas. We ask that the EPA finalize its proposed findings and fulfill its mandate by quickly eliminating this pollutant.”
It continued: “Though the EPA presents leaded avgas primarily as a danger to public health, the societal costs of this lead exposure also do profound harm to the public welfare. The Clean Air Act section 302(h) defines ‘welfare’ to include ‘effects on economic values and on personal comfort and well-being, whether caused by transformation, conversion, or combination with other air pollutants.’”
The signatories of the letter contended that as local government officials, they have little power to control, limit or restrict how many general aircraft take off and land in their localities, nor do they have the authority to ban aircraft using leaded avgas.
them are children aged five and under.
On October 17, 2022, the EPA issued a proposed determination that lead emissions from certain aircraft cause or contribute to lead air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare under section 231(a) of the Clean Air Act.
Late in 2022, the agency began collecting comments from the public on the proposed determination. Included in these submissions was a January 17, 2023 letter signed by public officials from California to Texas to Massachusetts. In the letter, officials expressed both their concern of the use of leaded gas from a public health and a child development standpoint and their frustration in the slow progress to find alternative, unleaded fuels, lax regulations at the federal level in not being able to do anything about, such as passing regulations, from a local level.
ONE OF THE LOCAL signatories of the letter to the EPA was Washtenaw Prosecuting Attorney Eli Shavit. His county is home to five general aviation airports including Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, which hosts more than 180 aircraft and handles approximately 75,000 annual operations. “There is significant scientific evidence that leaded aircraft gas can harm children,” said Shavit. “We have seen this through a number of other contexts, including use of leaded gas in the past, lead paint, and of course, we are all too familiar with the danger of lead service lines in Michigan. For that reason, we need the EPA to appropriately regulate avgas and take necessary steps to protect our children.”
Shavit said that no lawsuits or cases have been brought to his office against smaller airports that host single piston engine aircraft, and he is unsure that if
In tandem with the quest for an alternative fuel has been the push on the EPA to strengthen restrictions on using leaded avgas from environmental/ grassroots activists.
any case arose, it could even be tried at a local level.
“I’m not entirely sure that we would have the legal authority to do something like that (on a county level). Air regulation is done primarily at the federal level by the FAA and it’s up to the EPA to regulate substances such as fuel. The only thing we can do for public health, especially the health of young children with developing brains is advocacy, and that is what we are doing.”
ACCORDING TO EPA spokesperson Khanya Brann, the agency has been spending 2023 reviewing and considering all the comments that were provided to the EPA regarding its proposed finding.
“In the fall of this year, we plan to issue the EPA’s final determination on this matter,” Brann stated. “If EPA makes a final determination that aircraft engine lead emissions cause or contribute to lead air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare, the EPA would have a duty to propose and promulgate regulatory standards for lead emissions from aircraft engines. Should EPA make this final determination, the FAA would also become subject to a duty under their authority to prescribe standards for the composition or chemical or physical properties of aircraft fuel to control or eliminate aircraft lead emissions. It is premature to speculate on the timing and content of any possible follow-on regulatory actions at this stage in the process.”
At the state level, in 2017, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) reported that the largest emitter of airborne lead by sector were mobile vehicles, meaning singleengine piston aircraft, at 10 short tons per year. However, this measurement was at a cumulative, state-wide amount, and most smaller airports servicing general aircraft only have to report if their emissions exceed one metric ton per year. According to EGLE Spokesperson Jeff Johnston, Michigan’s airports do not exceed this level.
According to EGLE’s 2022 Air Quality Division Monitoring Report, some of the counties with the highest emissions of lead – between .0002 - .0016 metric tons per square mile –are in southeast Michigan. Still, they fall below the latest EPA NAAQS levels for lead.
“EGLE conducts ambient air pollution monitoring through a network of 40 monitoring sites statewide for six air
contaminants including lead,” said Johnston. “As of 2022, the entire state of Michigan is in attainment for lead, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and particulate matter. Lead levels are well within NAAQS standards at all locations. One of the 40 monitoring sites is in Oak Park, about five miles from OCIA.”
Johnston maintained that EGLE’s regulatory role is over stationary sources of air pollution – such as industrial sites like lead smelters, and not vehicles such as aircraft.
Though Cheryl Bush, the OCIA’s regulatory manager, could not be reached for comment, Oakland County spokesperson Bill Mullan maintained that airports which service general aviation aircraft have few regulations when it comes to lead testing and monitoring.
“Airports who host these aircraft are not required to test for lead emissions in the air, or in the blood of children who live and/or go to school around these airports,” said Mullan. “Sustainability and healthy residents are two of Oakland County’s strategic goals. Eliminating the use of lead in aviation fuel is a necessity to ensure a healthier future for our residents and we support the FAA’s goal to eliminate lead in aviation gas by 2030. We hope they can reach that goal even sooner. Oakland County International Airport is proud it will be participating in EGLE’s PurpleAir monitoring program, which will be installed at the airport.”
The most recent study to offer laser focus on the threat faced by children exposed to avgas emissions was “Leaded Aviation Gasoline Exposure Risk and Child Blood Lead Levels,” published in the January 2023 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Researchers included Sammy Zahran, affiliated with the Department of
Economics and Department of Epidemiology at Colorado State University, Christopher Keyes, affiliated with the Department of Economics at Colorado State University and the Mountain Data Group of Fort Collins, Colorado.
This study analyzed over 14,000 blood lead samples of children aged five years and younger residing near the ReidHillview Airport in Santa Clara County, California between January 2011 to December 2020. Researchers discovered that the closer the children lived to the airport, the higher their blood lead levels, especially those who live east and downwind from the airport. Blood lead levels also increased depending on the amount of airport activity and the amount of avgas sold at the airport.
SUBSEQUENTLY, after these samples were taken, Santa Clara County became the first and only place in the country which banned the sale of 100LL at Reid-Hillview and San Martin Airports in January 2022, according to General Aviation News. Now, these airports only sell 94-octane unleaded avgas and jet fuel and expect to be among the first in the nation to sell 100-octane unleaded avgas.
The study published in PNAS referenced an earlier study, “The Effect of Leaded Aviation Gasoline on Blood Lead in Children,” published in July 2017 in the Journal of Environmental Economics (Sammy Zahran, Colorado State University; Terrence William Iverson, Colorado State University; Shawn P. McElmurray, Wayne State University; Stephan Weiler, Colorado State University).
In this study, researchers poured through data from 400 census tracts in proximity to 448 airports and airstrips in Michigan. Of the 400 census tracts within two kilometers of an airport in Michigan, 41 percent also live within two kilometers of a lead-emitting industrial facility.
The study collected data of the blood lead levels in children in the months prior and immediately following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks through December 2009 in a confidentiality agreement with the Michigan Department of Community Health, now known as the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The data contains blood samples from 1,043,391 children under the Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention program. At the time, that number was representational of onesixteenth of all children under 72 months in Michigan.
Upon their findings, researchers issued
Studies suggest that on individual days, the impact of aircraft lead emissions can extend to almost 1,000m downwind from the runway of a highly active airport.
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the following: “Children exposed to lead have diminished life chances. Studies link lead exposure to adverse mental and behavioral outcomes, such as IQ loss, poor academic achievement, attention-deficit disorders, delinquency, and violence and to irreversible physical health problems such as hypertensive disorders, damage to renal and cardiovascular systems, and tooth decay.”
Blood lead level data are reported in units of micrograms per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).
PREVIOUSLY, ZAHRAN, Keyes, and other researchers in a 2011 study analyzed blood lead levels as a variable of less than five micrograms per deciliter of blood and (greater than or equal to 5mg/dL 5.1, less than 5mg/dL 5.0, and greater than or equal to 10mg/dL 5.1, and less than 10mg/dL 5.0). They used these thresholds of greater than or equal to 5 and greater than or equal to10 mg/dL because they corresponded to the CDC’s present and past reference levels of elevated blood lead. Children with blood lead levels exceeding these “levels of concern” required case management. Secondly, they reported that 40.2 percent of children sampled have blood lead levels that are at or below test detection limits.
Some of these children could have been living in older homes where lead paint is more present, which could have inflated estimated health risks from avgas exposure. This coincidental problem was addressed by including neighborhood factors of housing age and location of industrial points within each census tract.
In addition to factoring in possible additional lead exposure points, researchers also took into account other variables, such as volatility of wind patterns and fluctuations in general aviation traffic that can also impact the blood test results, so much so that two children living the same distance from the same airport may have different blood lead levels depending on the angle of the child’s home and school.
In Michigan, populations of lower socioeconomic and educational status are more likely to reside within two kilometers of an airport compared to those who may live in neighborhoods at least 10 kilometers away.
The researchers also accounted for concentrations of legacy lead in soils, left behind from decades of leaded automotive gasoline, which they said is an underappreciated source of lead exposure.
Across all their testing and datasets,
one thing remained consistent: the use of avgas was significantly linked to elevated blood lead levels in children living near airports.
The researchers recommended a reduction of flights in the summer months, when children are outside and may already be playing in fields already polluted with legacy lead dust. Can there be a price tag put on the harm caused to children living, playing and learning within a flight path of aircraft fueled by leaded avgas? Researchers think so.
The 2017 study stated: “We find that reducing PEA traffic in Michigan from the 50th national percentile (407 monthly operations) to the 10th percentile (133 operations) would generate a social benefit, measured in terms of the net present value of future earnings, of about $120 million. This translates to a bit over $10 in external social cost per gallon of avgas sold, which can be compared to a pump price of about $6 per gallon. This estimate may be regarded as conservative because we consider only deposition near airports on a subset of the population (children under five), and we only account for the impact of IQ loss on earnings, one of several known damage channels.”
Zahran, Keyes and other researchers noted that a hypothetical reduction in PEA traffic from the 50th to the 10th percentile would generate a five-year cohort benefit of $126 million for Michigan and $4.9 billion nationwide.
Accompanying such a reduction, the number of children falling below the CDC current reference threshold of 5 mg/dL would also increase by about 1,600 children in Michigan and 64,000 children nationwide. To put this in perspective, the recent catastrophic failure of the water treatment system in Flint, Michigan,
increased the number of children with elevated BLLs by approximately 200. Researchers contend that this comparison is imperfect since the Flint water crisis occurred at a different time period, with a lower baseline fraction of children with BLLs ≥ 5 mg/dL, and because the Flint case involved explicit acts of commission.
In an email exchange with Downtown Newsmagazine, Keyes emphasized the importance of studying the adverse health impacts lead can have through this lens in order to affect changes in policy and regulation.
“Before we can do anything from a policy perspective, we need some sense of the benefits of minimizing the risk against the cost of doing so,” Keyes wrote. “Environmental regulations are required by the federal government to pass a benefit cost analysis before being enacted. Our research on lead exposure aims to provide evidence which can aid policy makers in their decision making, as well as inform the general public in their understanding of this particular risk factor.”
Keyes added that other health economists in earlier studies from 1994, 2002 and 2009, have linked lead exposure and childhood blood lead levels to lost IQ points and how this will impact a child’s future income earnings. For example, a one-IQ-point gain results in an estimated gain in the present discounted value of lifetime earnings of roughly $22,000.
Keyes explained: “Starting with childhood lead exposure as measured by blood lead levels, we can estimate the expected gain in IQ points attributable to a reduction in lead exposure from avgas emissions. Multiplying the expected gain in IQ points times earnings per IQ point provides a rough estimate of the social benefits from the reduction of source lead exposure.”
KEYES REITERATEDthat lead exposure comes from a multitude of sources: paint chips in aging homes, older toys, soldering that comes off in older copper piping. Exposure to lead from avgas is also determined by numerous factors: proximity to living, playing or attending school near a general aviation runway, prevailing wind direction, and the volume of piston engine aircraft traffic.
But Keyes fears that unlike the Flint Water Crisis, which was a well-defined one-time episode that is now finally being addressed, exposure to lead from avgas continues from thousands of airports all across the nation.
Keyes fears that unlike the Flint Water Crisis, now finally being addressed, exposure to lead from avgas continues from thousands of airports all across the nation.
“From a public health risk perspective, the Flint Water Crisis was a one-time episode, while piston engine aircraft emissions are an unabated source of lead exposure occurring seven days a week, 365 days a year.”
Keyes said it is the job of researchers to stay out of politics and provide the evidence and the data to then be reviewed by agencies such as the FAA and the EPA. It is then up to policy makers to make changes.
“Ultimately it is up to policy makers, we just supply information,” said Keyes. “Authorities must work through the onbalance implications of making the transition to unleaded fuels. From an economic standpoint, the benefits are sizable and lasting. To the extent that the alternatives are made widely available to the aviation community, it is my understanding that they want to transition to unleaded avgas as much as anyone else.”
Even so, health experts have long known that the only acceptable level of lead spewed into the environment, whether in our water infrastructure or in the air, is zero.
At the grassroots level there are a few local residents who have made it their mission to make sure this issue stays front and center to local government officials and make other residents aware of the dangers of living downwind from runways that host PEAs. They wish Michigan’s county governments would go the route of Santa Clara County and swap in unleaded highoctane avgas.
Matthew Grisius of Canton, retired from working as a consultant in defense, aviation and aeronautics, describes himself as an angry and concerned taxpaying father and grandfather. He has spoken out on the issue for 25 years to limit and even completely restrict the flight of aircraft which use avgas.
The population density of Canton is 2,700 people per square mile, and all are in the flight path of the 1D2 Canton-Plymouth Mettetal Airport. The airport also lies two miles south of Plymouth.
OPERATIONAL SINCE the 1930’s, it is a small airstrip operated by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The facility runs about 38 flights per day and hosts 78 aircraft, most of them PEAs, plus three multi-engine planes and three helicopters.
The airport’s manager, Jim Morency, said the airport has not received many complaints or concerns about lead air emissions from school officials or neighboring residents. According to his records, the airport is busiest in the warmer months, as general aircraft are unheated. He said on average, there are about 20 flights per week between April and November, and
traffic is light as the airport does not offer flight instruction.
But Grisius argues otherwise. His grown children attended schools just across the street from the airstrip and have suffered from chronic learning and emotional disabilities. He has friends whose children went to Plymouth Christian Academy who also told him they also had behavioral problems. Grisius said there was never a notification to have their children’s blood tested for lead. But in his opinion, what is known about lead contamination should be enough evidence to limit – and even ban –what he describes as unnecessary flight activities that are enjoyed by those wealthy enough to fly their own aircraft.
“There is nothing like rules or regulations or advisories from government that warns people living next to an airport of their risks,” Grisius said. “There are no regulations and no warnings. And airports don’t have to say anything about it. That’s why I call the use of this leaded gas a wellkept secret.”
nothing to progress anything.”
His blog includes links to a 2019 report which showed that autism rates in schoolchildren in the Plymouth-Canton school district had increased by 47 percent since 2010.
GRISIUS POINTED to the fact that the school district cannot keep up, pay for, or find the kinds of specialized teachers, therapists, and paraprofessionals it needs to address the burgeoning number of children with learning or behavioral difficulties. And though there is a direct link between lead exposure and these neurological disorders, there has been little to no testing of blood lead levels in the school district.
“Plymouth-Canton Schools need to employ a great amount of special education teachers, but nobody wants to conduct (blood lead level) testing,” asserted Grisius. “They know that lead is a problem; they know about the connection between lead exposure and neurological and epidemiological development in children. If you bring this up (at a board of education or township meeting), pilots for a little while will shift their activity. They might fly less for a little while. But at one time, there was about 200 general aircraft hosted (at Mettettal). And there were about 30,000 monthly operations, so I don’t believe any of the official statistics.”
Jim Coon is senior vice president of government affairs and advocacy of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, an organization formed in the 1930’s to promote enthusiasm for 300,000 flying hobbyists. He maintains that his organization wants to find an end to the use of leaded avgas.
For decades, Grisius has tried to bring this up in public comment sections at local meetings and is frustrated with decades of inaction to even reduce the number of flights at the airstrip. He keeps up a blog, Close 1D2 –Canton-Plymouth Mettetal Airport, that documents activities, has articles on avgas and lead poisoning, research papers, contact information for local, state and federal government representatives, and documented reports that back up his opinion that it is now safe for all PEAs to switch to unleaded avgas. He believes that flight hobbyists and lobbyists are responsible for holding back progress in removing lead from avgas because smaller planes are for the rich and there is much profit to gain.
“For the most part, those who are using these planes are rich hobbyists,” Grisius said. “There is no vital reason these planes need to be flying and it does
Coon said that the entire fleet of aviation aircraft uses 180 million gallons of avgas per year. That’s the same amount that all the automobiles in the United States use in four hours.
“All those automobiles at one point used leaded fuel, so you can see why it was important to first tackle the leaded gasoline challenge used by cars first,” justified Coon. He said his organization, along with hundreds of other representatives in the private and public sector, are working with the FAA to eradicate the use of lead in avgas by 2030, just as the FAA is striving for a goal of 2050 to be carbon emission neutral.
“There is no fight or opposition here, we as general aviation flying enthusiasts want to remove lead from our fuel as soon as possible,” he said. “The brightest chemists and engineers have been working on this and if it were easy to formulate a lead-free fuel that would be safe to use across the wide range and types of aircraft and engines that are out there, we’d be using it by now.”
National health experts have long known that the only acceptable level of lead spewed into the environment, whether in our water infrastructure or in the air, is zero.
Birmingham resident and civil rights and employment attorney Deborah Gordon grew up in a Huntington Woods home with a keen sense of political awareness and advocation. As the daughter of the late Lou Gordon, Detroit media host, commentator, reporter and columnist who gained national fame during the turbulent era of the 1960s and ‘70s with his hard-hitting journalistic style, she became politically aware and involved at an early age.
“My father was incredibly dynamic, doing whatever he thought was right and not cowering to authority figures,” Gordon explained. “Our family watched and read the news and saw the civil rights movement unfold on black and white TV...I was attending U of M when everything changed.”
During this tumultuous time, Gordon earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Michigan then taught at a local high school for a year before entering law school at University of Detroit Mercy. “At that time, you never heard of a woman in law or medical school. Women generally went to college for teaching, nursing, dental hygiene, or social work.”
Fortunately for Gordon, she learned of another woman attending law school and this sparked her interest in pursuing a career in law.
After graduating from law school, Gordon worked for the state of Michigan as assistant attorney general, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Division followed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as a senior trial attorney. In 1980, Gordon took her well-earned experience and began working in private practice, focusing on civil rights and employment discrimination.
When her partner left their practice, Stark and Gordon, in 1999, she launched her current Bloomfield Hills-based law practice Deborah Gordon Law, continuing her passion for cases involving civil and constitutional rights and discrimination. Over the years, Gordon and her team have taken on and won many demanding and challenging high-profile cases. “In this type of litigation, there’s a lot of pushback and a lot at stake,” she explained.
For those who feel they may have been
discriminated against in the workplace, Gordon advised, “Depending on the circumstances, because it can be dicey since they report to a corporate entity, start with HR [Human Resources]. Document, or make a record in writing at the time when an incident occurs...Not everything bad or uncomfortable that happens at work is illegal. Michigan is an employment-at-will state which is the opposite of a good union contract. Understand this and be ready because your employment can end at any time. Most important is to create a record and look for an attorney.”
With over 40 years of legal experience, Gordon has earned numerous recognitions and honors and has been listed annually in “Best Lawyers in America” since 1987. Over the years, she has been involved with many legal organizations. Currently, she is on the board of directors of the Accounting Aid Society, an organization that helps low- and moderate-income residents of southeast Michigan with tax and financial education and services.
While Gordon is passionate about her “extremely full-time” legal work, she makes time for reading the print editions of six newspapers daily as well as a book club with friends in the legal community. She is also a big sports fan, loves travel, and enjoys living in Birmingham. She has two “incredible” daughters – Sarah Gordon Thomas, who works with her at her law practice and Annie Gordon Thomas, who works at Detroit Country Day School. She is also delighted to be a recent grandmother.
“I love my cases and clients and still find my job extremely enjoyable,” she said. “Although great strides have been made in the U.S., discrimination of all kinds still exists. People need to be knowledgeable about their rights. I hope by bringing a case that employers and government authorities do better.”
Story: Tracy Donohue
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham 591 lakeview 2555 indian mound 4168 Arlington 2171 Klingensmith 249 norcliff 2856 thomas 2250 e hammond lake 5 manorwood southfieldA ballot ordinance amendment to change the Birmingham prohibition against marijuana sales in the city for the November election was unanimously approved by Birmingham city commissioners at their meeting on Monday, July 25, which if approved by voters, would amend the current ordinance to permit one medical marijuana facility and one recreational marijuana establishment in specifically zoned areas of the city.
Mary Kucharek, city attorney, noted that medical marihuana is now legal in 39 states, and recreational marihuana is legal in 21 states, with the use of medical and recreational marihuana legal in Michigan for those over the age of 21 for recreational cannabis and the age of 18 for medical marijuana.
In 2018, the city of Birmingham passed a law prohibiting opting-in for marijuana establishments. However, she noted, several local communities have changed, or been forced to change by lawsuits, their ordinances opting out of cannabis sales.
The commission held a workshop in February to examine changing the ordinance as well as looking at amending the ordinance at a meeting in April.
“If a city opts in by passing an ordinance, it may regulate both marihuana facilities and marihuana establishments through a regulatory ordinance alone or through a zoning ordinance amendment. A regulatory ordinance can regulate the number of establishments permitted, the type of establishments permitted, where establishments are permitted and the process for allocating limited number of licenses. With the allocation of medical marihuana facility licenses, the statute does not define the licensing process. For medical marihuana facilities it can be first come, first serve, lottery, or a scoring system. With adult use recreational marihuana establishments, the city must use a competitive process (i.e., a scoring system), if the ordinance provides a numerical limitation on licenses. The benefits to a city opting in is that the city could have reasonable control over ordinance language and any amendments, as well as control over marihuana regulations within its borders. It would give a city time to process and adjust to changes on its own terms and regulations,” Kucharek wrote in the commission packet.
In 2018, Kucharek said, Birmingham voters favored the proposal to legalize marihuana in Michigan, 7,296 to 4,721,
At the candidate filing deadline for the November election at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, for Birmingham City Commission and Bloomfield Hills City Commission candidates, each race will be uncontested, with four candidates filing for four open seats on the Birmingham City Commission, and five candidates filing for five open seats on the Bloomfield Hills City Commission.
For the Baldwin Public Library board, four candidates filed for three open seats.
In Birmingham, incumbent commissioners Clinton Baller, Brad Host and Therese Longe filed to run for second four-year term, and Anthony Long filed to run for a first four-year term. Incumbent commissioner Pierre Boutros, who is completing his second term in office, did not file to run again.
Birmingham city commissioners serve four-year terms. Commissioners meet twice each month, on the second and fourth Monday nights at 7:30 at city hall. Commissioners are paid $5 per meeting.
As there are four candidates for four open seats, all four candidates will be elected to the positions.
In Bloomfield Hills, current city commissioners, Bradly J. Baxter, Alice I. Buckley, Lauren G. Fisher and Susan McCarthy have refiled to continue serving on the commission, with newcomer David W. Fisher filing to serve on the commission. Longtime commissioner Sarah McClure did not file to continue on the city commission.
There are five open seats on the Bloomfield Hills city commission. Bloomfield Hills city commissioners serve two-year terms. They meet once each month, on the second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at city hall. Commissioners are paid $5 per meeting.
For the Baldwin Library Board, current board president Jennifer Wheeler and trustee Karen Gilbert Rock have filed for another four-year term, as have Wendy Friedman and Curtis Trimble. There are three open seats. The library board is comprised of six elected members who serve a four-year term.
according to results posted on the Oakland County Clerk’s website. “However, that does not mean they would want it in their community,” she said.
Kucharek said that instead of making a decision for residents, in the form of an ordinance amendment presented to commissioners, “the city manager, staff and myself are recommending to turn it over to the residents in the form of a ballot proposal. The city has reviewed the laws, the commission has reviewed the pros and cons and where the ordinance would allow these establishments. If you approve the ballot language, the city clerk could be required to transmit it to the county clerk.”
The ordinance amendment would permit one medical marijuana facility and one recreational marijuana establishment in three potential zoning areas: at the southeast corner of Maple and Cranbrook; in the Triangle District, off Woodward, south of Maple and east of Adams but inclusive of Adams Square; and in part of the Rail District. All areas
would be contingent on future zoning, permitting, a special land use permit and land owner consent.
Mayor Therese Longe asked what the risks to the city if they take no action.
Kucharek explained that “anyone can start a petition to allow establishments to allow establishments in the community – and the city would lose all autonomy and control, with only a small number of signatures. An outside agency can come in with paid signers. A citizen can also do an initiatory petition to ban marijuana from the city – we cannot – with only a small number of signatures.
“At least with this ordinance, I believe we give ourselves the best shot, and we've compared ourselves to other cities, but a citizen could still come in with another petition and then voters would have to choose,” she said. “We don't advocate one way or another. An outside agency can advocate and campaign. By putting this on the ballot we are letting all our residents advise us on this issue.”
Commissioners unanimously
approved putting the ordinance amending the prohibition of marijuana sales on the November ballot.
The ballot language reads:
“Shall the Birmingham City Code ordinance, Chapter 26 – Businesses, Article XII, which currently prohibits the sale of marihuana in the City of Birmingham, be amended to authorize and allow one (1) medical marihuana facility and one (1) marihuana recreational establishment to operate in the City of Birmingham? Yes or No.”
The Bloomfield Hills Schools (BHS) Board of Education announced at a special study session on Thursday, August 10, that both finalists the board had selected to replace superintendent Pat Watson had withdrawn their applications for candidacy.
At their July 20, special meeting, the BHS board of education passed a motion to advance two finalists, Dr. Roy Bishop and Dr. Ernesto Matias, to a second round of interviews to be held at a later date to be determined in September. They were selected out of a field of five candidates the board had selected to interview for the position.
Watson retired effective July 30, 2023, following a period of turmoil in the district. In mid-July the school board named longtime education administrator Randy Liepa as interim superintendent as the board continued its search for a permanent superintendent.
Bishop is currently deputy superintendent for educational services, Grosse Pointe Public School System. Matias is former chief education officer, Illinois State Board of Education, Springfield, Illinois.
According to an email sent by the board the evening of August 10, the board said at their special study session they discussed its continued search for a district superintendent.
“The board will continue to update the community as they work with Michigan Leadership Institute Regional President, John Silveri, to search for a new superintendent that will best serve the district.”
On July 13, the board named Randy Liepa, PhD, as acting superintendent of Bloomfield Hills Schools, who then became interim superintendent of the district effective August 1. He is scheduled to remain interim superintendent until a new superintendent is hired or October 30, 2023, whichever comes first, according to the Bloomfield Hills school board.
Three local state representatives are among eight Michigan lawmakers targeted by a coordinated recall effort based upon their recent votes in the state legislature on hate crime laws and gun legislation, with the state board of canvassers approving recall language against one, Rep. Sharon MacDonell (DTroy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Clawson, Royal Oak).
Among those targeted in addition to MacDonell are Democratic Reps. Noah Arbit (West Bloomfield, Commerce Township, Bloomfield Township, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor and Republican Rep. Donni Steele (Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township).
In addition, Democratic state Reps. Jennifer Conlin of Ann Arbor, Reggie Miller of Belleville, Jaime Churches of Wyandotte, Betsy Coffia of Traverse City and Republican Cam Cavitt of Cheboygan.
Each of the lawmakers are facing recall because of votes they took while representing their constituents, not for malfeasance in office.
While the Michigan Board of Canvassers rejected their recall petitions on August 1, new recall petitions were refiled on Arbit and MacDonell on Wednesday, August 9, along with Conlin and Miller.
Initially, only Cavitt's petition was approved by the board of canvassers, for voting for state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) as House Speaker. It is believed the others were rejected because they only had a bill number without any description.
MacDonell's refiled petition was approved on Monday, August 21, due to her vote in favor of Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws. Petitions filed against Arbit, Conlin and Miller were not approved.
“My vote in support of ERPO laws shows my commitment to ensuring the safety of Michiganders. According to recent polls, an overwhelming 75 percent of Michigan residents favor these protective measures, recognizing the need to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from accessing firearms. My vote reflects my dedication to listening to and representing the interests of my constituents.
“I am proud of my vote and am confident that the vast majority of my constituents support that vote. My job is to serve them and keep them safe. My vote in favor of Extreme Risk Protection Order (Red Flag) laws is a testament to my dedication to public safety, the well-being of my constituents, and my commitment to uphold the principles of representative democracy,” MacDonell continued. “I urge people to consider the broader context and the strong support for ERPO laws when evaluating the recall petition.”
To recall a lawmaker, following tightening of the recall law in 2012 under former Gov. Rick Snyder, petitioners must get the petition language approved by the board of canvassers, and then collect within 60 days the signatures – all in the representative's district – equal to 25 percent of all votes cast for governor in the representative's district in the 2022 election.
Arbit has been targeted for his vote on House Bill 4474, which he also sponsored, which made ethnic intimidation based on religion, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, race, physical or mental disability, age or sex a hate crime.
While Arbit said he does not have absolute proof, each of the recall petitions uses the same language, and he believes it is being done through the Oakland County Republican Party. “A lot of their leadership and precinct captains are the filers,” he noted.
“They're very excited about me. I am gay, I am Jewish, I am young, I am forthright. I have campaigned on hate crimes. I think they view me as a threat,” he said.
“I've been targeted for doing my job – I don't think this is the purpose of recall,” MacDonell said.
Arbit concurred. “General elections, primary elections are when people should be held accountable. Recalls are for malfeasance. This to me is a defect of the recall law. It's a waste of taxpayer money. I have confidence that if I have to run three elections next year – a recall, a primary and a general – I will win.”
Steele, a Republican, did not have recall petition refiled. She was targeted for voting yes on gun legislation that requires safe storage of firearms when minors are at home with an adult.
“I was voting my district,” she stated. “I have no regret on my vote. It makes me even more convinced on my vote based on the feedback I've received. We're in a purple district. I think my vote was purple. People have elected me to use my brain and my judgement on every bill and vote, and not just vote the party line.”
Steele said she finds the recall humorous, “because they hate me on either side. Those that are Republican said I wasn't conservative enough.
“It's so much time and money wasted.”
By Dana Casadei
As of August 31 at 5:31 p.m. Bloomfield Township will have a new treasurer, township trustee Michael Schostak.
Schostak was sworn in at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, August 14, after the resignation of current treasurer Brian Kepes, was officially, and unanimously, accepted by the board, and the board unanimously voted to appoint Schostak to replace him.
Kepes didn’t say much, noting that while it’s been a pleasure to work with them all – and that he would say more at a later meeting – this meeting was about the township’s future.
Supervisor Dani Walsh did have a few things to say though, noting Kepes’ three decades of service, putting his whole heart into his work for Bloomfield Township.
“Your impact is seen not only in the changes you have made but on the impact you have made to the investments that put us in a better position, even in a global pandemic, but also with the many hours you spent with the residents, employees and board members reaching out to you for advice. You’re doing what many athletes and musicians dream of but simply don’t do, you’re going out on top,” Walsh said.
The board then considered the appointment of Schostak as treasurer, something he accepted. The rest of the board sang his praises, noting his impressive financial background and his character among other reasons why he would do well in the position.
Schostak was first elected to the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees in 2016, and then overwhelming reelected in 2020. He currently serves on the election commission and as a trustee of the Retiree Healthcare Benefits Trust, and is the township’s representative on the Bloomfield Historical Society board of directors.
His background in finance extends far behind his time on the board, where he’s worked in a variety of roles in finance, including as principal of Schostak Capital Advisors since 2014. He earned his MBA from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics, with concentrations in finance, management and real estate from the University of Pennsylvania.
“I can’t imagine that we have a more qualified candidate,” trustee Valerie Murray said.
“He's a gentleman, he's respectful, he enjoys working with people with different opinions and bringing them together, but always in a respectful manner,” said trustee Neal Barnett. “He understands the culture of the township having been part of the board for a number of years.”
After a vote 5-0 to elect Schostak to the new position, with Schostak and Kepes abstaining, he was sworn in by township clerk Martin Brook. Schostak’s two children had the loudest cheers in the room.
While the decision to appoint Schostak as treasurer was a simple one for the board of trustees, what happens to his open seat on the board is going to take a bit more time.
Brook made a motion to discuss the options for how to replace Schostak’s soon to be open seat, which passed.
Township Attorney Derk Beckerleg laid out the options for the board. The first option was to accept applications or resumes for those who want to be considered for the spot, and conduct interviews if so desired, something the board has done the three other times this sort of vacancy has occurred on the board over the last 20 years. The last time this was done was 2011. Brook suggested the board invite applicants to a board meeting to be interviewed after they’ve turned in their applications.
“It would really give you the chance to see the whole person,” said Walsh about letting applicants speak at a board meeting.
If the seat is not filled within 45 days – which would end on October 15 – then a special election would have to occur, something the majority of the board opposed.
Due to state law, a special election would permit each political party in the county to submit a nominee, leaving the board without the ability to pick the candidate. A special election, officials said, could cost over $100,000.
“This special election would be like no election we’ve ever seen,” clerk Brook said. “I’m not comfortable in that type of election environment for replacing folks.”
“I agree with you, one hundred percent,” trustee Neal Barnett said. “It’s more important that we have people who represent the township, who live here, who know us, and not having parties making decisions.”
A rough deadline was put into
place for candidates to get their applications in, and on Wednesday, August 16 the board’s plan was put into action.
They announced the vacancy on both the Bloomfield Township social media and website, where those interested can see the qualifications for trustee and a list of questions each applicant is required to have a written response to.
Applications for the position must be received by the township clerk’s office no later than 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20.
The board will then have applicants introduce themselves to not only the board but the community at the trustees meeting on Tuesday, September 26. Each applicant will get three minutes to speak.
From there, the board will review all applicants and select a person to appoint before the end of that 45-day time period.
Whoever takes this seat on the board will be expected to fill the remaining term through November 2024.
Despite the call from residents for Birmingham to adopt rules and regulations to protect rights for renters, city commissioners voted to table the drafted ordinance amendment during the meeting on Monday, August 14, at the recommendation of the city attorney.
Commissioners first began looking at adopting additional protections for renters in the city after an incident at the Baldwin House almost got former mayor Dorothy Conrad booted from her home. City attorney Mary Kucharek presented commissioners with three options they could pursue to offer further protections for renters in December 2022.
The commissioners opted to pursue two of the three options: right to renew and source of income protections. Right to renew would require a landlord to provide good cause as to why they decided not to renew a tenant’s lease, to prevent landlords from refusing to negotiate an agreement or changing the terms and conditions of a lease. Source of income protects renters from being discriminated against for incomes such as housing vouchers or Social Security.
During the commission’s previous discussions of the amendment, commissioners agreed that something was likely needed to help prevent the issue from happening again but had differing views of what a solution would look like. Over the last few discussions, the ordinance evolved from additional protections for all renters to protections for only those over 65, eventually reaching Kucharek’s recommendation to table the amendment altogether.
Kucharek said that she feels the city shouldn’t offer additional protections on a local level and believes these regulations are better suited for state legislation. Currently, the Michigan House of Representatives is reviewing House Bill 6565 and House Bill 4063 that would add right to renew and source of income protections. Kucharek recommends writing letters to state representatives advocating for the two bills.
Several members of the public commented, with most stating they’re frustrated that the city is considering stopping discussions about the protections. Kucharek offered that there are organizations to reach out to that provide help if they need it, but, to her, the issue should not be handled on a local level.
“If the residents of Baldwin House are finding that they’re afraid of their landlord or they're afraid to exercise their First Amendment rights, there is an entity to reach out to get the help that they need, but the city should not become civil litigators and civil attorneys on behalf of their residents,” she said.
Commissioner Andrew Haig’s recommendation for a tenantlandlord code of conduct resurfaced in the discussion, with Kucharek saying it could provide reassurance for both parties. The code of conduct would be voluntary, but Kucharek argued that landlords could advertise that they adhere to the code which could help ease tenant concerns and help landlords attract tenants.
The commission voted 7-0 to table the discussions and adoption of the tenant’s rights ordinance amendment. Instead, they decided to draft letters to state representatives to advocate for the passing of the two state House bills and Senate Bills 205, 206 and 207.
By Dana Casadei
At the beginning of her annual report presentation to the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Monday, July 24, Carrie LeZotte, director of Cable and Community Relations, said she had been searching her entire career to find the type of community she’s found in Bloomfield Township.
And while she’s only been leading the team for a year, what a year it has been for her and the department.
In the last year the Cable and Community Relations Department created new positions – including a grant writer – and gave pay raises to keep them more competitive in the market, giving an increase to those making $13 per hour to $20. They’ve updated to make better use of their studio space, including a new podcast and multi-media studio, and a new green room.
“What you guys have done as a team is so impressive,” said trustee Valerie Murray. “You really just turned things around.”
The biggest area of growth for the department has been in their digital engagement and social media.
For starters, the Bloomfield Township’s YouTube page got almost 74,000 views during the last fiscal year, and there was significant growth in both the number of posts and followers on everything from the township’s Instagram to Facebook pages for the police and fire departments. Weekly e-news and senior e-news all grew considerably as well, the employee newsletter came back, and a police recruitment newsletter was started.
There’s also a Bloomfield Township app in the works.
Print materials and in-person community engagement were just as vital to the department’s growth, with a quarterly newsletter going out to over 17,000 households, and the department manning food trucks throughout the summer as part of their community engagement.
“There’s a lot of opportunities for us to grow in many areas,” LeZotte said.
A lot of their digital growth began when they started creating more content for the Bloomfield Township Police Department, one of their most successful campaigns this year, and whose Facebook page gained almost 1,700 new followers.
The goal of the campaign was to recruit 11 new officers, with five officers being hired so far. Materials created range from a podcast with the chief of police every two weeks – which LeZotte said has been getting excellent feedback – to putting out more press releases, and even winning a national award for a video they put together on the police department.
They have worked with not only different departments across the township, but have been making sure to tell the stories of local residents as well, one of LeZotte’s favorite parts of the job.
“Now more than ever we need to tell our own stories,” she said. “It’s really up to us.”
LeZotte hasn’t done this work alone though, and took the time to individually recognize everyone on her team, many who were there to support her during her presentation, and many who have stayed with the department for years.
Trustee Michael Schostak commented that this was the first time he had seen so many members of cable and community relations team at a board of trustees meeting, which really speaks to LeZotte building a team environment.
In total, the department manages nearly 600 productions between public programs and government meetings, including 94 government meetings for Bloomfield Township.
LeZotte also shows no signs of slowing down as they move forward into the next year. While discussing her goals for the future of the department, she included offering education and workshops; allowing the community to use their green room; and most importantly, continuing to tell the stories of township residents.
By Dana Casadei
New site plans and special land use request for the Oakland Hills Country Club will now move to the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees for consideration after the township's planning commission unanimously voted to recommend the site plan at their meeting on Monday, August 7.
While creating this site plan, designed to replace the former iconic club house which burnt down in February 2022, single-family zone district requirements were applied, which caused some challenges for planners as well as a need for a variety of variances, which will include the new proposed structures and elements that are be placed along the West Maple entrance.
“We're really looking at a unique circumstance, where we have a country club use in a single-family zone district,” explained Patti Voelker, Bloomfield Township’s Director of Planning, Building and Ordinance.
One such circumstance is in regards to all buildings that fall within a golf course operation have to be 200 feet away from any adjacent residential property. In this specific instance, there are two nearby residences, one that complies within that 200-foot setback, and another which does not.
The latter home is owned by the country club, and will need a variance, noting that while in principle they’re trying to comply with that 200-foot setback, it’s still only 50-feet from the new site.
In total, this site plan needs 14 variances in order to be approved by the board of trustees.
If the site plan – which is focused on the south side of the Oakland Hills golf course – is approved by the board of trustees there will be rather significant changes made to the area.
For starters, the clubhouse will increase by 18,345 square feet, totaling 110,236 square feet; a new additional structure, the Greens and Grounds maintenance building, will be constructed to replace various maintenance buildings at the country club, and painted dark green so it blends into nature; and the existing First Tee building will be converted into the lifestyle building, where men’s and women’s locker rooms will be housed, as well as a fitness center.
Throughout the site, there will be hundreds of parking spaces, and over
the building’s outside design ascetic, menaing the new building will be similar to the classic previous one.
F
or those who chronically overstay their welcome at Birmingham's parking meters, the fines are going up following recommendations from the city's advisory parking committee and the city's police department.
At their meeting on Monday, July 25, Birmingham city commissioners approved the increase in fines, from $10 to $20 for the first six tickets in a calendar year, and $30 if not paid within 10 days; up to $60 for seven offenses or more in a calendar year, up from $30, and $70 if not paid within 10 days; and $175 for handicap violations, up from $100, with the late fee at $200.
Commissioners bickered over the recommendations from the city, with commissioner Clinton Baller pulling the item from the agenda's consent agenda. He noted there was a divergence of opinion between the advisory parking committee (APC), which had been tasked with looking at parking fines and comparing them with other cities, and the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD), which provided input. The BSD represents the city's retailers, businesses and restaurants.
“Why did we even take it to the BSD? They're not even a department of the city,” Baller said.
Police Chief Scott Grewe disagreed. “The BSD does have a representative on the APC,” he said, noting they wanted to weigh in.
“It was not sent to the BSD, they discussed this on their own,” said city manager Jana Ecker.
The advisory parking committee had noted Birmingham has the lowest fine for expired meters when compared to other communities,, and recommended an increase in expired meter violation to $20, and $100 after five violations in a calendar year, and to increase the parking violations to $175 for handicap. The BSD recommended the commission increase fines from $10 to $20 for the first seven violations, then increase to $50 per violation after seven.
Grewe and Ecker said staff recommended increasing the fines for expired meter to either $25 or $30, and repeat offenders to either $50 or $60. Grewe noted the increase had been on hold since 2020, when COVID hit, and all parking was free for a period of time.
“I would say why do we have habitual offenders? Why don't people want to go to the structures? Is it safety? Is it lighting? Do we want people to have their experience coming into Birmingham be negative,” countered mayor pro tem Elaine McLain.
“Personally, I would move the proposed resolution and see if it affects behavior, if it moves people to the structure,” said mayor Therese Longe. “We could ask for reports in six months.”
“We haven't made a change in a long time. A drastic change would not be well-received. This seems reasonable,” said commissioner Katie Schafer. Commissioners approved the rate increase, 5-2, with Baller and McLain voting against.
70 spaces in grass lots for valet, meeting the ordinance parking requirement.
One of the many areas of the plan that was applauded by multiple members of the planning commission was the proposed traffic restructure.
“This project really made this part of the campus more safe,” said Jim Stock, design director at Neumann/Smith Architecture.
Prior to the clubhouse fire in 2022, there were a lot of intersecting traffic flow issues between pedestrians going to the pool or clubhouse, the complex route to the valet parking,
and numerous deliveries and trash pick-ups that came to the site. This new plan will make this less convoluted, with the addition of an underground tunnel that will connect the clubhouse to the lifestyle building, and be used for deliveries and trash pickups, separating the modes of traffic.
Other changes in the site plan include landscaping and enhanced lighting.
And while there are some significant changes proposed in the site plan, at its core, the plan proposes only minor modifications to
“From day one, the club membership expressed to us that they wanted to recreate as closely as possible,” Stock said. “We’re doing our best to really recreate what was lost.”
That includes recreating Oakland Hills’ famous veranda that looked over the golf course at the new clubhouse, and keeping the same coloration as the previous building, with white trim and siding, and black asphalt shingles.
Their intention is also to keep the main entryway at the Gilbert Lake Road light, with minimal differences, like some minimal improved landscaping.
This positive recommendation from the planning commission comes with approvals from township departments, the township traffic engineer, the township landscape architect; and review and approval of the improvements in the W. Maple Road right-of-way by the Road Commission of Oakland County. The club is seeking the necessary variances from the zoning board of appeals for its 14 variances.
“The design review board was extremely impressed by the clubhouse and the beauty of it…it’s something to be proud of,” said Neal Barnett, planning commission member and township trustee.
The site plan for the Oakland Hills Country Club will now go on to the board of trustees for consideration at a future meeting. Approval by the township board is required for a country club use in the R-2 One Family Residential District.
After a business owner at 14 Mile and Pierce requested an amendment to the zoning ordinance for neighborhood business district to permit further uses, and study and recommendation by the city's planning board, the Birmingham City Commission unanimously approved the expansion of the ordinance to include specialty food store, boutique, bank, cafe and health club/studio, at their meeting on Monday, July 25.
The owner of 100 W. 14 Mile, which previously housed Grapevine Market, had come to the city planning department because he was having difficulty leasing out the
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After studying the traffic concerns related to Eton Road between Yosemite and 14 Mile roads for several years, the city's multimodal transportation board recommended adding pedestrian bump outs, painted bike lanes, removing parking along the west side of the roadway as it plans to resurface the street as part of Birmingham's 2023-2024 capital improvements, and Birmingham city commissioners unanimously agreed at their meeting on Monday, July 25.
Birmingham planner Brooks Cowan explained the city will be resurfacing Eton Road between Yosemite and 14 Mile roads next summer, and as part of that endeavor, they have looked into how they can best improve the roadway. The city's multimodal transportation board (MMTB) broke it into two projects, from Yosemite to Lincoln, and from Lincoln to 14 Mile Road to better determine how each part of the street should be improved.
“Upon review, the MMTB has recommended that the section of S. Eton between Lincoln Avenue and Yosemite be designed with bike lanes on each side of the road, on-street parking on the eastern Rail District side, pedestrian bumpouts reducing crossing distance at intersections, and additional safety signage to improve crossing safety. This design aligns with what exists on N. Eton between Yorkshire and Derby, and is consistent with the city’s existing bike lane and pedestrian bump out designs,” Cowan said.
“The MMTB also recommended that S. Eton between 14 Mile and Lincoln Avenue be designed with widened curbs for designated bike lanes in the public right-of-way on each side of the road, on- street parking on the west side of the road, pedestrian bump outs, and additional pedestrian safety signage,” he said. “There was also support from the MMTB to pursue enhancements from Villa to Maple to improve safety and connectivity at the intersection of S. Eton and Maple.”
Both of the recommendations for S. Eton between Lincoln to 14 Mile and Villa to Maple are contingent upon approval of a TAP grant or reallocation of the city’s budget and capital improvement fund, Cowan said. TAP grants are transportation allocation grants from the state of Michigan, a competitive grant program that uses federal transportation funds designated by congress for specific activities that enhance the intermodal transportation system and provide safe alternative transportation options.
A trial was run beginning in 2019 where parking on the west side of S. Eton, north of Lincoln, was removed and temporary road striping with bollards was placed as a trial along S. Eton in an effort to reduce crosswalk distance, provide a protected bike lane, and narrow the street to reduce vehicular speeds. In September 2021, Birmingham's traffic engineering consultant Fleis & Vandebrink (F&V) provided an analysis of the S. Eton striping which includes before and after data for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists while comparing accident counts, traffic counts, and traffic speed. It indicated that crashes were reduced by 44 percent; vehicle/pedestrian crashes were eliminated; and bicycle volume more than doubled in the afternoon, and by 80 percent on Saturdays.
After studying various alternatives, the multimodal board recommended to the commission, and the city commission unanimously approved, to widen Eton between Lincoln and 14 Mile Road from 28-feet to 41-feet wide to accommodate designated bikes lanes, vehicular lanes, and on-street parking, which would be dependent upon receiving a TAP grant, as it is currently not within the city's budget. Commissioners unanimously approved staff applying for the grant.
Between Lincoln and Yosemite, commissioners approved rebuilding the street with existing 40-foot curb width, five-foot wide painted bike lanes on each side of the road, on-street parking along the east side only, and pedestrian bumpouts along the east side.
In addition, Cowan said, “City staff has held discussions with the owners of Big Rock about a potential 5-foot easement for the grassy downhill portion of the property north of the historic building. Renderings indicating the northbound bike lane merging into a 10-foot shared use path at the intersection of S. Eton and Maple is intended to guide users who wish to use the sidewalk under the railroad to connect to E. Maple and/or N. Eton. The owners of Big Rock were amenable to working with the city on a potential easement for a shared use path.”
“I don't think I've ever seen as detailed road design. It's amazing,” said commissioner Clinton Baller.
“One of the things I like about this plan is it's a narrowing and calming of the road. Hopefully it will slow it,” said mayor Therese Longe.”
property. Trying to expand available tenant options for the vacant space, the owner petitioned the amendment to add health club or studio, bank, food and beverage, specialty food store, boutique and fast-causal café. He requested an amendment to the zoning ordinance for the city's B1 district, known as neighborhood business district, to permit further uses. At a public hearing on July 25, city planner Brooks Cowan explained a neighborhood business district is adjacent to single family homes.
At their meeting on June 14, the planning board recommended amendment changes to the ordinance after studying it for several months and over four meetings. Cowan explained new permitted uses are specialty food, boutique, bank, and a cafe, but not a full service restaurant.
Cowan said planning board members felt that full service food and drink did not mesh well with their concept of a neighborhood establishment. Their idea of a cafe, he said, is one that offers counter service, carryout, small items, perhaps baked goods like bagels or croissants. “It could have tables and chairs, but only up to 500 square feet, for people maybe sitting down to drink their coffee and eat their baked goods,” he said.
Planning board members wrestled with concepts of health clubs or fitness studios, primarily due to parking. The current parking requirement in the ordinance for health club is one parking space per 500 square feet, mostly catered to larger, “big box” gyms like LA Fitness or Lifetime.
After the second planning study session, city staff added a special land use permit requirement to help regulate the different uses, to allow for classes with five to 10 people or personal training.
Bloomfield Township police will soon be reimbursed for attending Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training thanks to the unanimous support of township trustees at their Monday, August 14, meeting.
The CIT training is through the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), which has been partnered with the township and about a dozen other police departments in Oakland County for years now. The memorandum of understanding between the township and OCHN would establish a partnership between OCHN and each
participating agency, and was created pursuant to the Michigan Mental Health Code.
This memorandum will not only also reimburse other participating agencies – such as Clawson Police Department, Novi Police Department, and Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, among others – but those who go on to do the CIT certification to become CIT trainers themselves.
The Bloomfield Township Police Department already has one member of their staff who completed the CIT training, Sergeant April Switala, with hopes for more to follow. Switala is now able to partner with different agencies in training and become a facilitator of the CIT program.
One of the goals of this type of program, which really started with their co-responder and mental health program, is to have all of the officers from the participating agencies become crisis and intervention trained.
“We’re well on our way there,” said police Chief James Gallagher. Within the memorandum, $100,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund will be allocated for officers and deputies to be reimbursed. This would include up to $1,000 per officer/deputy who attends and completes the 40-hour CIT training program through OCHN and the CIT Oakland Collaborative, and $2,000 per week for CIT Oakland Instructors.
An additional $80,000 of the same fund will be allocated to be reimbursed for CIT International - CIT Coordinator Certification Virtual training, CIT Curriculum Train the Trainer: CIT International, and CIT Program Certification for both regional and agency certification.
This memorandum will last through January 2024, or until all funds are dispersed.
The OCHN was awarded funding from the ARPA to provide CIT training and program development assistance to local law enforcement agencies throughout Oakland County in 2023.
Once again, S&P Global ratings has bestowed its highest rating of a AAA bond rating on Bloomfield Township with a summary that noted its very strong management, and an outlook of “stable,” as township treasurer Brian Kepes turns over the office on August 31.
In its review and determination of reaffirming a AAA bond rating for
Bloomfield Township, S&P Global Ratings stated, “Enduring credit strengths that substantiate Bloomfield Charter’s stability at the ‘AAA’ rating include its extremely strong economic base, consistent operating performance that supports its robust reserve and liquidity positions, and its strong management practices.”
S&P Global Market is a worldleading provider of financial information services and the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. A bond rating of AAA indicates an extremely strong capacity to meet financial commitments.
According to S&P Global, longterm financial and capital planning, formalized investing, debt management and reserve policies in Bloomfield Township lead to the rating.
S&P also provided an outlook of “stable.” The outlook is based not only on the township’s extremely strong economy but also the view of the management team with S&P forecasting “that the strong management team will adjust accordingly to ensure the maintenance of its very strong financial position over the next two years”.
“Maintaining our AAA rating is evidence of the township’s sound fiscal practices and allows us to obtain the best possible interest rates when selling bonds,” said finance director Jason Theis. “The savings directly benefit residents of the township.”
“I joined the township board of trustees in March of 2009, during the depth of the 'Great Recession,'” said Kepes. “In the ensuing 15 years, various administrations, boards, the employees and residents have strategically, creatively, and diligently worked to regain Bloomfield Township’s financial strength. In my years as treasurer, I have been committed to implementing responsible and conservative budget and investment practices while also reducing debt. To see S&P confirm our practices as a municipality with its highest designation is an achievement in which we should all take pride.”
Kepes announced his resignation as treasurer effective August 31 at the board of trustees meeting on July 24.
“It’s been a privilege to serve the community I love so much. I have no doubt the board will succeed in
Apublic hearing discussing a new health club and studio use was set by the Birmingham Planning Board during their meeting on Wednesday, August 9, moving forward with the process to bring the use to the city’s downtown.
Board members have held two previous study sessions between June and July on the proposed use. City staff brought health club and studio uses for review in hopes, saying they believe the use would be good in the downtown zone and it might have a multiplier effect on downtown businesses.
At the board’s last study session on July 12, members came to an agreement that they don’t want a health club use on the first level of a building. Instead, they focused on allowing the use on basement levels and second floor and above, with most board members saying they feel comfortable not including a special land use permit for those levels.
During the board’s August 9 discussion, senior planner Brooks Cowan presented draft language for the amendment that did not include a size limit on basement level and second floor and above businesses. Cowan said other communities that offer health clubs in comparable locations as Birmingham’s downtown haven’t included a size requirement.
Board member Daniel Share and Scott Clein both said they are comfortable without a size limit since they aren’t offering a first-floor use.
Other board members clarified if it was possible or relatively easy to lease basements and first floors separately in the downtown zone, or if it could cause an issue since the floors are connected. Nick Dupuis, planning director, and Cowan both said separately leasing the levels would work.
The board agreed unanimously, 5-0, to move forward with a public hearing on the proposed ordinance. A public hearing will be held during the Wednesday, September 13, meeting. Board members Bert Koseck, Janelle Boyce and Bryan Williams were absent from the meeting. Alternate board member Jason Emerine voted in place.
finding a replacement who will continue to endorse a strong budget and mindset who will work to keep this rating in 2024,” Kepes said.
After the city of Birmingham purchased the YMCA building at 400 E. Lincoln in early June for $2 million, Birmingham city commissioners unanimously approved a three-year lease agreement in the amount of $1 a year, allowing the YMCA to continue to provide their services at the property.
The city purchased the YMCA building and its land for the future home of Birmingham's senior service organization, Next, and for the ongoing services provided by the YMCA. Next is paying $500,000 towards the purchase price.
The purchase agreement calls for a three-year transition period during which the lease agreements will be entered into between the city and the YMCA. The YMCA will continue to
The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees unanimously passed the adoption of an ordinance amendment that would prohibit non-stormwater discharges from entering the township’s municipal separate storm sewer system at their meeting on Monday, July 24.
The ordinance is part of the township’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
“You took the easy one tonight,” said Dani Walsh, township supervisor, joked with Corey Almas, P.E., township director of engineering and environmental services, who gave the evening’s presentation.
While the vote and presentation may have been short and sweet, the ordinance adoption has been in the works for some time, coming about after a routine audit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) last fall, which required the ordinance amendment be made.
Everything else from that audit has already been completed by the township.
offer services and have a responsibility for maintenance of the building and land during that timeframe. Renovations and other processes will also take place during the three-year period. This three year transition period will allow time for the future planning, financing, and necessary renovations to provide a permanent home for Next, and to allow for a continued presence of the YMCA.
When Next moves into the building, the organization will occupy about 75 percent of the square footage while the YMCA will occupy the other 25 percent.
In addition to the $1/year lease agreement, the YMCA will pay for all utilities and maintenance during the three-year period. According to city manager Jana Ecker and city attorney Mary Kucharek, that will allow the city to recover a substantial portion of the building operation and maintenance costs over the next three years as plans are finalized for the design and renovations needed to establish a senior center/recreation center. All costs related to the pool will be covered by the YMCA.
The ordinance amendment had three key objectives: to regulate the contribution of pollutants to the separate storm sewer system by stormwater discharges by any user; prohibit illicit connections and discharges to the separate storm sewer system; and will be used to establish a legal authority to carry out all inspections, surveillances, and monitoring procedures necessary to ensure compliance with this new ordinance.
The ordinance will follow required federal and state laws to authorize the township to regulate nonstormwater dischargers to the separate storm sewer system to the maximum extent practicable, therefore providing better health and safety to the community.
It will also establish methods to comply with the requirements of the NPDES permit process by controlling the introduction of pollutants into Bloomfield Township’s separate storm sewer system.
Almas previously presented to the board at the trustees meeting on Monday, June 26, where he introduced the ordinance.
In what primarily boils down to a language change, a third amended agreement between Bloomfield Township police and Bloomfield Hills School District for additional public safety and security services was unanimously approved by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at their meeting on Monday, August 14.
The current model with the school district is that they have a school security officer and a school liaison officer. Now, due to the school district’s hiring of a security personnel and a school nurse – who do some of the tasks that were completed by the school security officer provided by the township –the two positions of school security officer and school liaison officer are being combined into one role, school resource officer.
“We felt the need to combine the two roles and change the title,” said Bloomfield Township Police Chief James Gallagher, who noted the title of school resource officer is recognized by many agencies.
There will now be two officers filling the roles of school resource officer, officer Jennifer Lower and officer Thomas Riney, who combined will be bringing nearly 40 years of experience with the Bloomfield Township Police Department to their new roles.
The salary of this position will remain the same as the school security officer and school liaison officer, with the school district paying Bloomfield Township 75 percent of each school resource officer's salary and fringe benefits.
This third amended agreement had already been reviewed, approved and signed by former Bloomfield Hills School District Superintendent, Patrick Watson, and Michelle Southward, Bloomfield Hills Schools board president.
A rehabilitation project for a damaged retention basin was unanimously approved at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, July 24.
The rehabilitation project on the tank is due to damage caused by a
After some discussion about a 15 percent versus a 10 percent contingency, the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees approved a motion to award Catskill Remedial Contracting Services, Inc., the Watercliff Stream bank stabilization project at their meeting on Monday, July 24.
The project is to work on the stream bank located at the rear of the property at 1266 Water Cliff Drive, which is part of the overall storm water system after a strong storm caused it to erode. The development is owned by Bloomfield Township, making it fall under its responsibility to maintain and repair. It was affected by heavy rain and runoff from a storm in June 2021.
The storm caused the stream bank to erode, and it’s now encroaching on the private property and patio support post that is connected to the house on the property.
Normally, Hubbell, Roth, and Clark (HRC) – consulting engineers for Bloomfield Township – sets a contingency of only 10 percent, but for this project it was increased to 15, totaling at $18,000. When asked why the need for the increase, Noah Mehalski, director of public works, said HRC sets those contingencies, and it could be due to the project’s green infrastructure.
Despite some questions and discussion about the contingency, the trustees decided to still vote on the motion to award the contract for up to $138,154.65.
Mehalski said he was confident the project would not exceed its projected – which does not include the $18,000 contingency – and while Catskill was the only company to bid, HRC vetted them and was satisfied with its findings.
Paul Horen, township public works superintendent, said the project would consist of stabilizing about 180 feet of the stream bank, as well as reshaping and relocating the stream away from the existing patio structure.
Horen said on the off-chance that they have an emergency and something comes up during the project, or the project is varied from the permit in any way, they would have to have modifications done to that permit. “There’s really no wiggle room on this project, and it’s been studied extensively.”
“Knock on wood, we aren’t going to have anything pop up,” Mehalski said. “It’s a pretty canned project.”
severe storm in June 2021. The designed capacity of the tank was exceeded, causing the hydraulic pressure from the over-capacity to blow out the southeast corner of the tank.
The Maxwell Court Retention Basin was constructed in 1974 and was designed to withstand a 10-year storm event.
Z Contractors Inc. was awarded the contract by trustees. They were one of two bids on the project, coming in at $518,501, a considerably lower cost than the project’s other bid of $769,500 from Pullman.
Paul Horen, Bloomfield Township Public Works Superintendent, said that the Maxwell Tank rehabilitation project will consist of retention base cleaning, structural concrete surface repairs, coatings, and the removal and replacement of an overflow pipe.
Hubbell, Roth, and Clark, Inc. (HRC) – consulting engineers for
Bloomfield Township – completed a structural condition assessment of the tank in December 2021, and found the overall basin to be in fair condition but determined it still had issues that needed to be addressed.
HRC also reviewed the two bids submitted, ultimately recommending that the board of trustees go with Z Contractors Inc., who they have worked with before on multiple projects, including the 17 Mile Road bridge replacement project, 2019 bridge rehabilitation program project, Evergreen Road box culvert stabilization project, and Woodingham pump station replacement project.
Bloomfield Township Treasurer Brian Kepes brought up the possibility of replacing the tank instead of repairing it.
“If we replaced it, there are new stormwater standards now that we would have to conform to, so it may
not even be possible,” said Noah Mehalski, director of public works. It would also cost roughly between $10-11 million to replace it, according to Mehalski's estimate.
Bloomfield Township Clerk Martin Brook’s presented changes to the township's fireworks policy, and trustees unanimously approved them at the board of trustees meeting on Monday, July 24.
There were two proposed changes Brook presented.
The first was officially changing the permit application fee in the policy from $250 to $280, which people have been charged since 2021 anyway, after Bloomfield Township permit fees were revised two years ago.
The second change was an additional amendment to the policy that would allow for a date change on approved permits with the approval of at least two of three elected officials, rather than waiting to go before the board of trustees. That could be accomplished by seeking a signature from two of the following: supervisor, clerk, and treasurer, instead having to go before the full board of trustees and seek approval from them, which is the current process.
“It made sense to allow for just date changes given the unpredictable weather and other events that can cause them to be delayed,” Brook said. “This helps to keep things within the more narrow span.”
Multiple board members agreed, each citing occurrences where fireworks had been delayed weeks or months because of the current policy and the board of trustees meeting schedule.
“I’m normally not fond of a lot of policy changes but this one makes sense, especially when we’re talking about shortening that window,” said Dani Walsh, township supervisor.
The Bloomfield Township fireworks policy resolution was originally adopted in 2012 after the state amended fireworks laws, allowing for much greater use of fireworks in the community.
Entrepreneur Dave Zilko of Bloomfield Hills loves the music of crooner Tony Bennett, but loves the singer’s philosophy for staying on top even more.
Zilko, former vice chairman of Garden Fresh, the number one brand of fresh salsa in America, current operating partner at Human Capital, a Detroit-based private equity firm and CEO of the new plant-based protein brand, Skinny Butcher, has the same mission statement the late Bennett shared in an interview. “Bring the highest quality of everything you can to your product, and you’ll always have a place in the world,” said Zilko.”It doesn’t mean you’ll always be the biggest but you can always commit to being the best.”
Growing up with “humble beginnings” in Warren, Zilko’s rags-to -iches story began with a rocky start in the early 1990s, after he got an MBA in marketing from George Washington University. He started making his own gourmet marinades, and shortly after acquired award-winning Mucky Duck Gourmet mustard, but things were still an uphill climb. Fate turned around a decade later with his partnership at Garden Fresh and their artisanally crafted products that included fresh salsas, dips, and tortilla chips.
“Much of what we did in business could be classified as irrational from the outside view, but we believed in keeping our core values and remaining authentic to what made us the very best,” said Zilko, whose offices are headquartered in Birmingham. “We never cut corners and that meant using only the highest quality ingredients and doing things by hand, because we believed that put our products ahead of the rest.”
Like all of his businesses, Zilko said his latest endeavor, Skinny Butcher, is close to his heart. The new plant-powered protein, frozen “Chick’n” products company came to life because of his national food industry coalition with Los Angeles and Seattle-based powerhouses and their common goal for creating a skinnier carbon footprint with breakthrough taste and texture in the alternative chicken market. “We want to be at the forefront to serve the growing flexitarian lifestyle, while doing something good for our planet,” said Zilko, who is the CEO and founder.
Skinny Butcher's brand ambassador, Megan Gregory of Bloomfield Hills, said working with Zilko has been life-changing. “I’ve learned from the best. The most important lesson is to succeed as a solo entrepreneur,” said Gregory. “One of biggest takeaways is you have to summon the courage to enter the 'dark rooms' – the places where there are no ready answers but you keep going no matter what, to find the light to overcome your challenges.”
With no plans to retire or move out of Michigan anytime soon, in his free time Zilko and his family love the walkable community of downtown Birmingham to shop and have dinner, notably at favorite restaurants Forest and Phoenicia.
Summarizing the entrepreneur‘s galactic career might best be said by the iconic lyrics of Tony Bennett, “Fly me to the moon, and let me play upon the stars.” Said Zilko, ”To live the life you’ve imagined you have to make unimagined sacrifices and find the courage to keep reaching for the very highest of what you want, always. “Never forget how fulfilling the creative process is – there is an art and a science to business, and the artistic aspect of it, which is wildly underrated, is magical.”
Story: Susan Peck Photo: Laurie TennentThursday, September 14, 2023 | 9:30am - 3:30pm
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Lunch available in the Wallace Ballroom at TCH - $20 per person -
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$42 in advance / $49 day of tour Visit communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832 for more information
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A carnival for the senses, Arm Candy, which just moved to 588 N. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham at the first door south of the parking lot which houses the Birmingham Farmers Market, offers literally something for all ages. Owner Linda Waechter said she began the business, which is a collection of “fine and fun jewelry and accessories,” over nine years ago out of her house in Birmingham, and then began hosting pop ups around town. One thing led to another, and she soon had a small boutique upstairs across from Luxe before moving to their larger location about a month ago. Offerings range from candy to slippers to jewelry, from fun to fine, and loads of other colorful accessories that can be gifted to a girlfriend – or to take home for yourself. “We are always something new and fun and fresh,” Waechter said. “We customize, we design and create items. All of our pieces are created by hand.” Price points begin at $10 and go up into the thousands, depending on what is selected. Waechter said they do permanent jewelry and no appointments are necessary. “Arm Candy adds happy to your day at every price point,” she noted.
Rather than hands-on physical therapy, Robotic Relief Therapy, 43207 Woodward Avenue in the Kingswood Shopping Center in Bloomfield Township, uses the RX2600 therapeutic robot to administer gentle pressure in intervals to a specific muscle. “This process relaxes muscles as well as relieves aches and pains,” they state on their website. A session at Robotic Relief Therapy will consist of reviewing a patient’s individual medical history and taking readings of their general biomechanics. They then test to see which muscles are inhibiting the patient, it may be one or several. After they pinpoint the specific problem, they use the RX2600 therapeutic robot which administers gentle pressure in
intervals to a specific area of a muscle, which relaxes and lengthens the muscle fibers, resulting in reduced pain and greater mobility. They note that many patients come to them after trying numerous other places and other therapy modalities.
Fascination Factory, a one-of-akind, play-based learning center, has opened at 2295 E. Lincoln in Birmingham’s Rail District, with a focus on inspiring connection, creativity, and curiosity for toddlers and preschoolers. It is the brainchild of Lacey Foon, mom to four-year-old twin girls. A former commercial real estate executive, Foon quickly identified a gap in the market for children’s activities while raising her daughters and recovering from breast cancer. “I know families spend too much time indoors, particularly in the chilly months. Therefore finding a space that felt bright and airy – almost as if you were outside – felt crucial,” she said of the 4,500-square-foot former industrial space. “The high ceilings and plentiful windows together with the natural color palette, created a soothing environment that I know wasn’t previously available for families. Another feature I love is the central family area, where parents and caregivers can meet with – or make – friends, play with their children, or even knock out an e-mail.” To complement the openplay program, Fascination Factory also offers art, music, and American Sign Language classes, and features a nut-free cafe with Starbucks coffee. The center also houses a toy shop with specialty offerings and free local deliveries of wrapped gifts. Fascination Factory also hosts children’s parties.
After 23 years located on Orchard Lake in West Bloomfield, Ruby’s Balm has packed up its makeup and other beauty products and headed east, to 6400 Telegraph Road, Suite 1200, in Bloomfield Township, next to SHE. “We’re very easy to get to –we share a parking lot with
Starbucks!” said Ruby Balm’s owner Jillian Berger. She noted first and foremost, “We are a beauty boutique,” and the shop specializes “in all things beautiful, from cosmetics to candles, gifts, greeting cards, and pajamas. “The move to Bloomfield allows us to do things a little differently. We’re going to feature some new brands, including exciting new things for fall and holiday,” Berger said. A makeup artist is available by appointment. Looking for that perfect gift? “We specialize in finding that special something for yourself or as a gift,” she said. And for those who have gotten used to shopping online, she said everything is available online on their website. “We can have it shipped or you can pick it up curbside.” For those with two left thumbs, Ruby’s Balm offers complimentary gift wrapping.
Dr. David P. Schleimer, who is board Ccrtified in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, has opened Hills ENT at 10 West Square Lake Road, Suite 308, in Bloomfield Township, treating patients with a wide variety of conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. Schleimer is skilled in the latest clinically proven solutions for patients of all ages with a variety of procedures. Among the innovations Schleimer offers are in-office balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis. Schleimer uses a small, flexible balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passages. The catheter is inserted through the nostrils and guided to the sinus opening. The balloon is then inflated, which widens the sinus passage, allowing better drainage and easier breathing. He also aids those with difficulty sleeping and difficulty with physical exertion.
Business Matters for the BirminghamBloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.
Prop 1, also known as The Senior Millage, will be on Birmingham’s November 2023 ballot. This is an important initiative that will help support the unique needs and well-being of our older residents, while providing a range of programs and services specifically tailored to meet the needs of this rapidly expanding demographic.
Why do we need a senior millage?
• Birmingham has purchased the YMCA building to provide a permanent home for senior services, with NEXT as the service provider.
• To support operations and planning for growth of our senior community.
• To help fund the first steps to make the building suitable for senior services.
• Provide dedicated funding for senior services.
What does Next provide to the community?
• With over 230 events each month, Next offers a wide range of programs from life-long learning, enrichment, fitness, the arts, travel and many social opportunities to keep active adults engaged and connected to their community.
• Support services provide independence and allows residents to age in place safely and comfortably: Meals on Wheels, transportation, home visits, lawn/snow maintenance, minor home repair and zero interest home loans, etc.
Why does Next have to move?
• Next is a vibrant and active community center, now serving more than 2,300 members and supporting an additional 400 residents. Membership has increased 150 percent in the last 10 years and has long outgrown its very modest facility.
• There is no available room to expand at Midvale where Next currently resides.
• Planning for the future, the Birmingham senior population is projected to grow to 30 percent by 2045.
Why should you VOTE Yes on Prop 1?
• It will help to keep Birmingham as a "Senior Friendly" community.
• To retain a large and growing population vital to Birmingham property values and business economy.
• And because supporting seniors is what caring communities do.
What will this millage cost me?
• Approximately $96/year for the average residential taxpayer.
• The increase will be largely offset by a decrease in debt service millage.
As our community continues to evolve, the well-being of our older residents becomes a shared responsibility. Honoring and caring for this cohort is rooted in principles of respect and gratitude. Seniors have played a pivotal role in shaping our community, contributing to the growth and progress of Birmingham — and they continue to contribute. They are caregivers, business mentors, run youth programs, volunteer on civic and non-profit boards, drive community projects and overwhelming, financially support local charities. Retirees also control most of the disposable income, and prefer to spend locally, supporting small businesses along with neighborhood shops and restaurants.
It is essential that we together prioritize seniors as a reflection of the values and principles that define a compassionate and cohesive society.
Please find more information about Prop 1, the Senior Millage on the website of the advocacy group, Citizens Supporting Seniors at citizenssupportingseniors.org and the city of Birmingham’s website under the Trending column.
Community members are invited to Next for an informational meeting September 13th at 1 p.m. to learn more about Prop 1 to support seniors in our community.
Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next
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The pandemic that gripped the area and the nation in 2020 took its toll in many ways, including on the local business community, along with the field of journalism. One local newspaper temporarily suspended its publication schedule and another ultimately stopped publishing.
Thanks to the generosity of those listed on this page and the support from our partners in the local business community, Downtown Newsmagazine was able to withstand the challenge.
Aside from our monthly newsmagazine, we post regularly to our website (downtownpublications.com) and we send out a Weekly News Update newsletter every Friday along with special email alerts when there is breaking news of interest. During the month we also send out our political gossip newsletter (Oakland Confidential) and each month we also send out our restaurant news column (Metro Intelligencer). During the pandemic, we launched The COVID-19 Diary, a daily/weekly curation of articles from over several dozen news and government sources, to keep local residents up-to-date on the crisis we were all facing. In June of this year we launched an environmental newsletter/website – ThreatenedPlanet.com.
We started strong and have remained strong. But to continue offering our product at no charge, and continue to grow in terms of what we offer to readers, we continue to this day to ask local residents for community support in the form of donations.
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Our Pre-K and Preschool are currently enrolling for our new fall school year. Our rooms follow the award-winning Highscope curriculum that provides enrichment and education for children as they learn through play, supported by our experienced and nurturing teachers. Children begin each day with a circle time where they discuss their theme of the week and learning objectives for that day. Each day our children enjoy two periods of outside time where we utilize our playground and terrace, Shain Park, or a lovely walk around the neighborhood.
In addition, we are delighted to announce that the TCH Early Childhood Center has created a new advanced school program to help fill an educational need in our community. Our first-ever Junior K+ Program will launch this September. Our new Junior K+ Program will enrich and challenge youngfive students that have completed Pre-K but may be “not quite ready” to start Kindergarten. Junior K+ stops the regression of repeating a second year in a program by providing an exclusive environment with enhanced focus on phonetic awareness and sound blending, developing sentence building, independence and self-help skill sets, science exploration and critical thinking skills.
For more information about our Preschool, new Community Scholars, or new Junior K+ Programs please reach out now to secure your child’s enrollmentbefore enrollment is filled for the start of the 2023-2024 School Year. Please note: There are extremely limited spaces available for your child. For more information, schedule a tour or secure a spot, please contact Ms. Sarah Schuster, Head of School, at 248-594-6411 or via sschuster@communityhouse.com. Together, let’s leave no child behind.
Birmingham is a city renowned for its sophistication and charm, and The Community House is set to host a series of exceptional events. From the prestigious House Tour to refined bourbon soirées, enchanting classical concerts, and even Storytime with Santa, there is something for everyone.
2023 Birmingham House Tour: For over three decades, the Birmingham House Tour, presented by The Agency Hall & Hunter, has been putting the finishing touches to one of The Community House’s most treasured events; The Birmingham House Tour. The 34th edition is set to take place on September 14 from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. This year’s house tour promises to provide attendees with an unparalleled glimpse into the architectural diversity of the area. From timeless classical designs to cutting-edge innovations, this self-guided tour allows participants to explore the showcased homes at their own pace and for those needing a midday break purchasing an enjoyable lunch in the Wallace Ballroom of The Community House, prepared by our award-winning Corporate Executive Chef, Ryan Friedrich. We are grateful for the incredibly generous support from our 2023 Presenting Sponsor, The Agency Hall & Hunter and supporting sponsors: Trion Solutions, Gorman’s Home Furnishings and Interior Design, Gardner White, ART + FRAME, Devon Title, and Chief Financial Credit Union. There’s still time to secure sponsorship opportunity or to reserve your tickets. Contact us today at 248644-5832 or visit communityhouse.com/event/birmingham-house-tour-2023/
2023 Bourbon, Cigars, and Friends: If you are seeking a sensory journey that’s both refined and bold, we invite you to spend your evening at Bourbon, Cigars, and Friends, held against the backdrop of the charming Van Dusen
Terrace. The event, which takes place on September 21, will feature a curated selection of premium cigars from Wild Bill’s Tobacco as well as Elijah Craig and Evan Williams luxury bourbons. At this celebration of craftsmanship and luxury, attendees can indulge in an assortment of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and other delicacies while relishing the flavors and aromas that blend seamlessly. It’s a night that promises to captivate all bourbon and cigar connoisseurs. Additional information, including online registration, will be shared on The Community House website and social media.
2023 Bourbon and the Beast: Mark your calendars for October 12 and 26 –these two evenings are reserved for an extraordinary and rare culinary adventure, an exclusive, intimate dinner featuring wild game expertly paired with rare varieties of luxury bourbons. This event transcends traditional dining, offering a spectacular fusion of rich flavors and exquisite spirits. Presented by our award-winning culinary team, the true star of the evening is the meticulously crafted wild game menu. Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a lover of fine dining, Bourbon and the Beast is not to be missed. Extremely limited spaces are available – registration is coming soon.
2023 Classical Brunch Series: Join us on October 15 and November 19 for the two remaining concerts in the 2023 Classical Brunch Series, where music and cuisine converge to create an unforgettable experience. Featuring mesmerizing performances by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians, this series brings together exquisite classical melodies and gourmet brunch offerings. The upcoming October concert features Hai-Xin Wu on violin; the Assistant Concertmaster, Caroline Coade, viola; our Classical Brunch Artistic Director, cellist Una O’Riordan; and violinist Alex Volkov. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, Gwen and Richard Bowlby, Hagopian, and WRCJ. Reservations can be made at www.communityhouse.com/event/classicalbrunch/ or by calling 248-644-5832.
2023 Thanksgiving Eve Party (aka Bar Night): The holiday season is a time to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives, surrounded by the laughter and company of those we hold dear. This year, on Thanksgiving Eve, November 22, a unique gathering awaits at The Community House—an evening that captures the essence of reuniting with old friends and forging new connections. The Thanksgiving Eve Party is the perfect prelude to the holiday season, offering a vibrant blend of heartwarming conversations, delectable, handcrafted cocktails, and a superb array of strolling stations. Whether catching up with friends or making new acquaintances, the Thanksgiving Eve Party promises a night of laughter and joy that will leave you eagerly anticipating the holiday festivities.
2023 Holiday Concert Series: We invite you to take a seat at our holidaythemed concerts on December 6, 13, and 20 and immerse yourself in a world of music. Experience a rareopportunity to listen to internationally renowned musicians and artists in an intimate setting. To complement the performance, there will be a variety of delicious desserts to tempt the taste buds. After the performance, the musicians will become part of the audience, conversing with guests, and sharing in the appreciation of the art they’ve created. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.
2023 Storytime with Santa: There’s no better way to capture the magic of the holidays than at Storytime with Santa. Gather your loved ones on December 9 and spend an afternoon surrounded by holiday cheer that will leave your hearts aglow. Santa takes center stage as he reads a captivating tale, weaving a spellbinding narrative that will captivate young and old alike. But the magic doesn’t stop with the story. Little hands can express their creativity at craft stations, creating holiday memories that will be cherished for years. All guests will share extravagant cookies and steaming cups of hot chocolate – and the adults can add a little more cheer to their cups with holiday spirits from the bar.
Remember it’s important to live, shop and dine locally. All money raised or
The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.
220: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. 220restaurant.com
5th Tavern: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607. 5thtavern.com
Adachi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor. Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900. adachirestaurant.com
Andiamo: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. andiamoitalia.com
Beau’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. beausbloomfield.com
Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. bellapiattirestaurant.com
Beverly Hills Grill: American. Lunch, WednesdaySunday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. beverlyhillsgrill.com
Beyond Juicery + Eatery: Contemporary. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 270 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009; 221 Cole Street, Birmingham, 48009; 3645 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301; 4065 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301; 1987 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. beyondjuiceryeatery.com
Bill’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Lunch, Thursday & Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. billsbloomfieldhills.com
Birmingham Pub: American. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham. thebirminghampub.com
Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. birminghamsushi.com
Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. bistrojoeskitchen.com
Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. bloomfielddeli.com
Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. thebrooklynpizza.com
Café Dax: American. Breakfast, daily, Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com
Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. cafeml.com
Casa Pernoi: Italian. Lunch, Wednesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.940.0000. casapernoi.com
Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.
248.647.4555. churchillscigarbar.com
Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. cityscapedeli.com
Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. gocommonwealth.com
Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. dickodowspub.com
Eddie Merlot’s: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. eddiemerlots.com
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. einsteinbros.com
Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. eliesgrill.com
EM: Mexican.Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 470 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 947.234.0819. embirmingham.com
Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner, TuesdayFriday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. embersdeli1.com
Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. flemingssteakhouse.com
Forest: European. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. forestbirmingham.com
Greek Islands Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. greekislandsconey.com
Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Lunch, Friday-Sunday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. griffinclawbrewingcompany.com
Hazel’s: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Tuesday- Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham. 248.671.1714. eatathazels.com
Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. honeytreegrille.com
Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. hunterhousehamburgers.com
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. hydeparkrestaurants.com
IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Ihop.com
Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. joemuer.com
Kaku Sushi and Poke’: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday & Dinner daily. No reservations. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.885.8631. kakusushipoke.com
Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. kerbyskoneyisland.com
La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Avenue,
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.
Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Gigi Nichols who can be reached at GigiNichols@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.
Mare Mediterranean is owned and operated by longtime local restaurateur and native of Italy, Nino Cutraro,along with his business partner, Jay Feldman, chairman/CEO of Feldman Automotive. The Birmingham restaurant opened in November of ’21 and recently underwent renovations along with launching a new menu and changing the overall concept. “We rebranded,” said Curtraro. “We’re now more approachable and price-wise, we are competitive with any of the Birmingham restaurants. We want to be busy every night, not just a place you go for special occasions.” The interior has been updated with a modern décor including lightning, flooring, marble, and wood tables. Extensive menu renovations that focus on high quality choices at more affordable prices provide a casual vibe for guests. There’s also the new addition of a special brick pizza oven that is straight from Italy. Pizzas are crafted with handmade pizza dough and feature unique options like Ms. Margarita, salumi, giardino, bianca and lobster. There are several new pasta dishes on the menu, including rigatoni Bolognese, cannelloni, spring tagliolini, spaghetti pomodoro and spaghetti palomino. A few of the new main entries include seafood paella, chicken piccata, chicken marsala, veal chop Milanese, pork chop and vegetable paella. And there are no worries for fans of the original menu, as mainstay dishes such as linguine con vongole, lobster Athena, linguine pesto con Gamberi, whole live lobster, wagyu filet mignon, and many more, will remain on the menu. Mare Mediterranean now offers carry out and has also expanded their dining hours to six days a week, Tuesday-Sunday. A happy hour runs Tuesday-Sunday from 4:306:30 p.m., and Mare Mediterranean now hosts a weekend brunch both Saturdays and Sundays. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham maremediterranean.com
Parc prides itself on incredible food in an exclusive atmosphere. Located in the heart of Detroit’s Campus Martius Park next to the Woodward Fountain, Parc recently released new menu items for dinner, lunch, brunch and happy hour. The new menus further elevate the experience through thoughtfully crafted local flavors that exemplify the season with curated selections from land and sea prepared on Parc’s wood-burning grill. “Our new menus at Parc are inspired by this distinctive feeling. They allow our guests to fully immerse themselves in that state-of-mind now and all year through sharing supreme flavors and iconic experiences with friends and family,” said Zaid Elia, founder and CEO of Elia Group and its portfolio of hospitality businesses, the IconicCollection. New dinner menu items include baby back ribswith sweet vermouth and orange barbeque sauce, accompanied by a red cabbage and fennel slaw with dry gin aioli; peach + fetasaladtopped with olive oil ciabatta croutons, fresh mint and parsley, red onion, watercress and toasted sesame seed vinaigrette; and braised duck ragoutpasta with Tuscan kale, showered with garlic bread crumbs, ricotta salata and fresh chives. Some longtime favorites, like Parc’s classic chopped salad, will remain on the menus for guests to continue enjoy. 800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit parcdetrot.com
Café Dax is now open inside Birmingham’s Daxton Hotel, offering classic breakfast fare and refreshing lunch options, paired with assorted coffee drinks and curated breakfast cocktails for an elevated experience from morning through midday. Located just inside the lobby of the Daxton Hotel, diners can enjoy their meals within an elegant avant-garde atmosphere surrounded by original art pieces from Daxton’s extensive collection. It’s a more relaxed and approachable concept compared to the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Madam. “We wanted to create an accessible, comfortable space for our guests to connect and enjoy delicious cuisine – whether they are staying with us overnight or just stopping in for a drink or bite to eat – leading to the creation of Café Dax,” said Autumn Griffith, general manager of Daxton Hotel. “People are seeking community, and our vision for Café Dax is to be the go-to daytime dining destination, with plentiful options whether someone wants to dine with us or pick something up to fuel their busy lifestyle. With our commitment to exceptional service and an infusion of art in everything we do, including our culinary offerings, we are proud to welcome the community in to experience Café Dax for themselves.” 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham daxtonhotel.com
Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. lamarsacuisine.com
La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492. lastradaitaliankitchen.com
Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. leosconeyisland.com
Little Daddy’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400. littledaddys.com
Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. luxebarandgrill.com
Madam: American. Brunch, weekends. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com
Mare Mediterranean: Seafood. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham,48009. 248.940.5525. maremediterranean.com
Market North End: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953. marketnorthend.com
MEX: Mexican. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.723.0800. mexbloomfield.com
Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581. nipponsushibar.com
Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. olgas.com
Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. oph-mi.com
Phoenicia: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, 48009. phoeniciabirmingham.com
Planthropie: Vegan. Dessert and Cheese. Tuesday-Sunday. 135 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.839.5640. planthropie.com
Roadside B & G: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. roadsidebandg.com
Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. salsbirmingham.com
Shift Kitchen & Cocktails: Small plates. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. shiftbirmingham.com
Sidecar: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. sidecarsliderbar.com
Slice Pizza Kitchen: Pizza. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.3475. slicepizzakitchen.com
Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. socialkitchenandbar.com
Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Breakfast and Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. stevesdeli.com
Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Thursday & Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. streetsideseafood.com
Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. sushihanabloomfield.com
Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday and Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. sythaibirmingham.com
Sylvan Table: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake, 48320. 248.369.3360. sylvantable.com
Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. tallulahwine.com
Thai Street Kitchen: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867 thaistreetkitchen.com
The Franklin Grill: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Road, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. thefranklingrill.com
The French Lady: French. Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 768 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480. 0571. zefrenchlady.com
The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. galleryrestaurant2.com
The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. moosepreserve.com
The Morrie: American. Dinner, ThursdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.3260. themorrie.com
The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. rugbygrille.com
Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. eatattoast.com
Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.0500. tomatoesapizza.com
Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. thetouchofindia.com
Townhouse: American. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. eatattownhouse.com
Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Liquor. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.566.3566. whistlestopdiners.com
ZANA: Modern American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.800.6568. zanabham.com
Zao Jun: Asian. Dinner and Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999. zaojunnewasian.com
Ale Mary’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917. alemarysbeer.com
Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22651 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. anitaskitchen.com
Beppé: New American. Saturday & Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 703 N. Main Street in Royal Oak, 48067. 248.607.7030. eatbeppe.com
Bigalora: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.2442 bigalora.com
Bohemia: Mediterranean. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.2883. eatatbohemia.com
Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. cafemuseroyaloak.com
Como’s: Pizza. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 22812 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.677.4439. comosrestaurant.com
Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria: Italian. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 28939 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.591.3300. crispellis.com
The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale 48220. 248.399.5150. theflytrapferndale.com
HopCat: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 430 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.744.2544. HopCat.com
Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. howesbayouferndale.net
Imperial: Mexican. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22848 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. imperialferndale.com
Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. inyorestaurant.com
KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. gokouzina.com
Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 28028 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. lilysseafood.com
Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. lockhartsbbq.com
Masala: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 106 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.850.8284. food.orders.co/royaloakmasala
Mezcal: Brunch, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 201 East 9 Mile Road Ferndale, 48220. 248.268.3915. mezcalferndale.com
Pastaio: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 208 W. 5th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.565.8722. eatpastaio.com
Pearl’s Deep Dive: Seafood. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067, 248.268.2875.pearlsdeepdive.com
Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. oakcitygrille.com
One-Eyed Betty’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. oneeyedbettys.com
Pop’s for Italian: Italian. Brunch and Lunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 280 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale,48220. 248.268.4806. popsforitalian.com
Public House: American. Lunch & Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. publichouseferndale.com
Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. redcoat-tavern.com
Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. roninsushi.com
Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. royaloakbrewery.com
Sozai: Japanese.Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 449 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson,48017. 248.677-3232. sozairestaurant.com
The Morrie: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. themorrie.com
Three Cats Cafe: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 116 W 14 Mile Road, Clawson, 48017. 248.900.2287. threecatscafe.com
Tigerlily: Japanese. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 231 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.733.4905. tigerlilyferndale.com
Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. eatattoast.com
Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. tomsoysterbar.com
Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444. trattoriadaluigi.business.site.com
Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch, TuesdaySaturday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711. vinsettagarage.com
Voyager: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 600 Vester Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.658.4999. voyagerferndale.com
Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Road, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. cafesushimi.com
CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. ckdiggs.com
Grand Castor: Latin American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy, 48083. 248.278.7777. grancastor.com
Kona Grille: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. konagrill.com
Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700. loccino.com
The Meeting House: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. themeetinghouserochester.com
Mon Jin Lau: Nu Asian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. monjinlau.com
Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. mortons.com
Ash—Bar has opened on the second floor of Detroit’s Siren Hotel in the space formerly occupied by Karl’s. The Siren Hotel itself was restored and reborn from the city’s iconic Wurlitzer building, which had a rich history in Detroit’s cultural scene as a store and manufacturer for musical instruments upon it’s opening in 1926. The interiors of the new bar and eatery are meant to evoke the essence of Detroit during its “boom era,” transporting guests back in time to a bustling, machine-age dining space. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Scott Martinelli (former executive sous chef at Sylvan Table) who takes an old-world approach to the food program, infusing historic reference and recipes to dishes such as steak frites, Milanese, and trout a la meuniere as well as fresh-made pastas. The menu is designed to embody the spirit of the quintessential European cafe seen through an Americana lens. Ash—Bar offers a daily breakfast, lunch, aperitivo, and dinner menu, offering small plates, as well as an extravagant “Breakfast du Weekend,” that is served until mid-afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays. The bar is led by The Siren’s Food & Beverage Director, Nick Arone, who concocts classic cocktails and freezer batched martinis with a focus on heritage producers. 1509 Broadway Street, Detroit ash.world/hotels/the-siren/
The team behind Chamberlain Hospitality (Red Crown, LeRouge Boulangerie and Brick’s Pizzeria) has opened Brine Oyster House in Grosse Pointe Park. The 3,800-square-foot ‘tide-to-table’ restaurant is led by chef/owner Trenton Chamberlain, the Cotton Family and Executive Chef, Gavin Russell. Brine’s menu showcases all things oyster, with the showpiece of the restaurant being a sprawling raw bar with customizable “sea-cuterie” boards alongside oyster shooters, entrees, sandwiches and dessert. Stand-out dishes include seasonal fish of the day, oyster chowder, steak & frites, fried chicken sandwich, the Brine burger and a coconut cream pie. The restaurant’s cocktail list features a series of curated cocktails along with a beer, champagne and wine list created to compliment seafood. In addition to dinner and weekend brunch service, Brine also welcomes live musical acts on a rotating basis and hosts special prix-fixe and pairing events along with ‘Fish & Chip Friday.’ Patio seating is available on both floors of the building with bar and table seating inside. The upstairs dining room will be available for large groups for weddings, rehearsals and celebrations of all kinds. Brine is open five days a week for dinner along with weekend brunch. 15033 Kercheval Avenue brineoysterhouse.com
Whether it’s a full lobster dinner, a hot or cold lobster roll or a rich lobster bisque, Hazel’s has made a name for itself as a lobster destination. “Michiganders love lobster,” said co-owner and chef Emmele Herrold. “We don’t know if there’s a reason behind it other than fresh lobster isn’t as easy to find here. It can be considered rare and expensive – and it’s thought of as a very special treat.” While lobster may be the star of this seasonal seafood menu at Hazel’s, there are plenty of other items to enjoy. “Our clam chowder is a huge hit, and very delicious,” said co-owner Beth Hussey. “The Fisherman’s Frenzy is one of my favorite dishes to recommend. It consists of fried scallops, fried oysters, fried shrimp, clam strips and french fries. And the lobster cobb salad is one of our best-sellers.” The restaurant is also known for its selection of flown-in fresh oysters, peel & eat shrimp and whitefish pate – all of which pair perfectly with a summer sipper like the Salty Dog. It’s made with Valentine White Blossom Vodka, grapefruit, an egg white and a pink salt rim. While Lobster Pound menu reels in Maine-inspired seafood dishes, Hazel’s weekend brunch and happy hour are also in full swing. Happy Hour runs from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, with $7 snacks and drinks, half-off oysters and 25 percent off beer and wine. The good news is, Hazel’s lobster seasonal menu will run through September. 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham eatathazels.com
This year, Chef Omar Anani of Detroit’s Saffron De Twah was nominated for a James Beard Award and also made an appearance on the Food Network’s “Chopped.” A recent facebook post reads: “Chef Omar needs to take some personal time to focus on his physical well-being, mental health, family, and strengthening Saffron De Twah and the Saffron Community Kitchen. Chef Omar will be taking a six-month sabbatical.” The restaurant will be closed until March 15, 2024. During the closure, it is recommended that patrons check the eatery’s website for pop-ups and limited catering. saffrondetwah.com
Naked Burger: American. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6870 N Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.759.4858. nakedburgerdetroit.com
NM Café: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. neimanmarcus.com/restaurants
Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. oceaniainnrochesterhills.com
Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Highway, Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. ocean-prime.com
O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. oconnorsrochester.com
Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday.
Reservations. 3303 Rochester Road., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. orchid-cafe.com
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. pfchangs.com
Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084. 248.614.5390. recipesinc.com
RH House: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch and Dinner, daily. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. No reservations. Liquor. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.586.1000. rh.house.com
Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. ruthschris.com
Sedona Taphouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 198 Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.422.6167. sedonataphouse.co
Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.652.4500. silverspoonristorante.com
Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. tooraloorochester.com
Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. baccoristorante.com
Cornbread Restaurant & Bar: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, Thursday-Tuesday. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. cornbreadsoulfood.com
Bigalora: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. 248.544.2442. bigalora.com
The Fiddler: Russian. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. fiddlerrestaurant.com
Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. menesususi.com
Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-
Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500. nonamariasbistro.com
Pickles & Rye: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. picklesandryedeli.com
Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. prime29steakhouse.com
Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. redcoat-tavern.com
Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. dineshangrila.com
Stage Deli: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. stagedeli.com
Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282. yotsuba-restaurant.com
West Oakland
Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday – Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. gravityrestaurant.com
Volare Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771. ristorantevolare.com
North Oakland
Clarkston Union: American. Breakfast, Sunday, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346 248.620.6100. clarkstonunion.com
Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
The Fed: American. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch, Saturday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833. thefedcommunity.com
Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.8500. joebologna.com
Union Woodshop: BBQ. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660. unionwoodshop.com
Detroit
Bar Pigalle: French. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 John R Street, Detroit, 48201 313.497.9200. barpigalle.com
Barda: Argentinian. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, 48208. 313.952.5182. bardadetroit.com
Basan: Asian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2703 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.481.2703. basandetroit.com
Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, 48207. 313.965.3111. bucharestgrill.com
Cash Only Supper Club: American. Dinner, Friday & Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold Street, Detroit, 48226. 248.636.2300. cashonlydetroit.com
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails: Seasonal American. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 15 E Kirby Street, Detroit, 48202. 313. 818-3915. chartreusekc.com
Cliff Bell’s: American. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2030 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543. cliffbells.com
Coriander Kitchen and Farm: Farm to table. Lunch, grab and go, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday with hot menu on Saturday and Sunday, Dinner, WednesdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor.14601 Riverside Boulevard, Detroit, 48215. 313.338.9466. corianderkitchenandfarm.com
Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Road, Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110. cuisinerestaurantdetroit.com
El Barzon: Mexican. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction Street, Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070. elbarzonrestaurant.com
Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600. fishbonesusa.com
Freya: Price fixed. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations, Liquor. 2929 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.351.5544. freyadetroit.com
Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122. giovannisrestaurante.com
Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.5588. greendotstables.com
Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837. joemuer.com
Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort Street, Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946. johnnynoodleking.com
Leila: Lebanese. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1245 Griswold Street Detroit, MI. 48226. 313.816.8100. leiladetroit.com
Mad Nice: Coastal Italian/American. Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4120 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201.313.558.8000. madnicedetroit.com
Mario’s: Italian. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616. mariosdetroit.com
Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.974.7669. midtownshangril-la.com
Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700. motorcitybeer.com
Oak & Reel: Italian Seafood. Dinner, ThursdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor. 2921 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.270.9600. oakandreel.com
PAO Detroit: Asian Fusion/Pan Asian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 114 W. Adams, Detroit, 48226. 313.816.0000. paodetroit.com
Parc: New American. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48226. 313.922.7272. parcdetroit.com
Prime + Proper: Steak House. Brunch, Weekends. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold St, Detroit, 48226. 313.636.3100. primeandproperdetroit.com
Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. greektowncasino.com
Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100.
Selden Standard: American. Dinner, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. 3921 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. seldenstandard.com
SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 438 Selden Street, Detroit 48201. 313.315.3992. shewolfdetroit.com
Sinbad’s: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 St. Clair Street, Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000. sindbads.com
Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.9828. slowsbarbq.com/locations/corktown
Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.462.4133. supergeildetroit.com
Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234. mgmgranddetroit.com
The Apparatus Room: New American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 W. Larned Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.800.5600 detroitfoundationhotel.com
The Block: American. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. theblockdet.com
The Dime Store: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Thursday-Tuesday. No reservations. Liquor. 719 Griswold Street #180, Detroit, 48226.313. 962.9106. eatdimestore.com
The Peterboro: Chinese American. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 420 Peterboro Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.462.8106. thepeterboro.com
The Statler: French. Brunch, Sunday. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 313 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.463.7111. statlerdetroit.com
Townhouse Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 500 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 48226. 313.723.1000. townhousedetroit.com
Selden Standard: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3921 Second Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. seldenstandard.com
Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.462.4133. supergeildetroit.com
Symposia: Mediterranean. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor.1000 Brush Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.9366. atheneumsuites.com/symposia
Vertical Detroit: Small Plates & Wine Bar. Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1538 Centre Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.732.WINE. verticaldetroit.com
Vigilante Kitchen + Bar: American/Asian/ French. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 644 Selden Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.638.1695. vigilantekitchen.com
Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market Street, Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711. viviosdetroit.net
The Whitney: American. Tea Service, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.4421 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. thewhitney.com
Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Avenue, Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711. wrightdetroit.com
Kids often love watching airplanes take off and land at airports. And those who live close to local airports have the joy of gawking at the metal birds as they ascend and descend every day. For those who are watching single piston engine airplanes (PEA) – known as general aircraft – there is a hidden danger lurking in the air and water, driving up dangerous lead levels.
In a cruel twist, while the last gallon of leaded gasoline was pumped into the last car by January 1, 1996, single piston engine airplanes continue to operate on leaded fuel. Unlike the country’s fleet – 6,000 of them – of larger commercial jets, which use kerosene-based jet fuel, PEAs rely on a fuel formulated with Tetraethyl lead. It is added to avgas to increase octane and thereby prevent “knock,” or uncontrolled fuel detonation, which can damage aircraft engines and even cause sudden engine failure.
Currently, there is no alternative for the fuel, despite efforts, notably in Europe, to create an unleaded fuel. Which means those living near airports are at drastically higher exposure and danger from avgas. Lead contamination occurs through inhalation or ingestion of lead in food, water, soil, or dust particles. The heavy metal primarily accumulates in the body’s blood, bones and soft tissues and damages the nervous system, as well as the cardiovascular system, reproductive system, blood, kidneys and other organs.
Excessive lead exposure during early childhood is associated with lower IQ scores and neurological impairment such as seizures, mental development and behavioral disorders. Even at low doses, lead
exposure may be a factor in high blood pressure and subsequent heart disease.
According to reporter Stacy Gittleman's story in this issue of Downtown Newsmagzine, research studies focused on the use of leaded gas in aviation, nationwide, showed there are 16 million people and three million children who live within a kilometer of the 19,000 airports that service the nation’s fleet of around 170,000 registered single piston aircraft, or PEAs. The flow of lead from PEAs constitutes between half and two-thirds of remaining lead emissions in the United States, according to a 2008 EPA study.
In one EPA study, Oakland County International Airport had a reading of .59 tons of annual lead emissions. More recent estimates show about a quarter ton of lead particulate matter is generated from this airport. A 2020 EPA study concluded that the crucial area studied lies just at the end of the runway where pilots are required to conduct safety checks with engines running just prior to takeoff.
The state’s busiest general aviation airport, and the 12th busiest airport of its kind in the world, is the Oakland County International Airport (OCIA) located on M-59 (Highland Road) in Waterford Township, resting on the shores of Pontiac Lake and immediately south of Williams Lake. On average, 120,000 takeoffs and landings occur at this county-owned and operated airport each year, with an average of 390 flights per day as documented by the FAA in 2022. Oakland County owns and operates two other airports –the Oakland/Troy Airport located between Maple Road and 14 Mile Road, between Coolidge
Highway and Crooks Road, and the Oakland/Southwest Airport on Pontiac Trail in New Hudson.
Just as those living in old homes with flaking lead-based paint have their children tested for lead, we urge those living in close proximity to the three Oakland County airports to have their children, and themselves, tested for lead. Those living around Pontiac and Williams lakes would be especially wise to do so – Oakland County International Airport generates a concerning level of lead particulate matter each day, likely dropped into local lakes, ground and ultimately in well waters, beyond the air residents breath daily.
We are regularly disappointed at the nation's federal agencies' snail-like response to dealing with this issue which we are now told will be remedied by 2030.
In the interim, on the county level, we think Oakland should take a leadership role and offer to cover the cost of lead testing for interested residents adjacent to the county airports, regardless of what some say about acceptable levels of lead emission, an oxymoron if there ever was one. We are told that the federal government does not require testing for lead contamination in residents living near airports but that is where a leadership role comes into play.
In one of the wealthiest counties in the country, with one of the busiest general aviation airports, we think a system of testing for the impact of lead aviation gas should be established, especially for exposed children -- and on the county's dime.
At 5:31 p.m. August 31, Bloomfield Township
Treasurer Brian Kepes will officially walk out of Township Hall as a resident of the township, having resigned as the township treasurer after almost seven influential and transformative years, leaving the job in the capable hands of trustee Michael Schostak. As he resumes his role as citizen Kepes, we want to thank and honor him for 30 years of civic duty which often went beyond the appointed or elected call.
It's our job to observe and monitor municipal officials, and most are adequate-to-good in their positions. Occasionally one needs to be called to the mat for egregious actions – and sometimes, it's our privilege to highlight a career. Kepes has quietly and unassumingly gone about always putting the township, and his fellow residents, first, helping to create and maintain Bloomfield Township as an ascetically beautiful and AAAbond rated, financially thriving community. He has served as a member of the township's tax board of review and zoning board of appeals, board of trustees, and since 2016, when the township was in crisis, as its elected treasurer, prevailing in a contentious primary over the previous treasurer, the troubled Dan Devine.
Devine, who was township treasurer for 17 years, had become a controversial figure within Township Hall, including filing a whistleblower lawsuit against Bloomfield Township and township supervisor Leo Savoie, which was thrown out in December 2015, and which he lost on appeal. Devine had made himself a laughingstock by alleging that Savoie could have “kidnapped” his missing daughter in May 2015, when she was actually at work.
But most egregious for Bloomfield Township residents, in 2014 it came to light that the township's retirement defined benefit pension plan – which was Devine's responsibility to oversee – was underperforming for the township, and forcing the township to make significant capital investments to make up the shortfalls. There was also the issue of excessive fees paid to a former investment advisory firm for their pension obligation bond.
Kepes didn't seek out the job as treasurer for his ego or the money – he is CPA by training, and runs a real estate and management company, and could have continued as a trustee. But he appreciated that he had the skills and talents to right the ship, looking to ensure that taxpayers'
hard-earned dollars will be prudently and wisely spent and invested. He helped establish the citizen-involved financial sustainability committee, tapping into the wisdom of residents who are in financial services to help advise the township on investments; he worked with the county treasurer to consolidate investments; he oversaw significant improvements in the township's investment accounts, notably related to pensions and worked to make a dent in OPEB (other post-employment liabilities) payments. He worked regionally on water and sewer costs and payments in the best interest of taxpayers. Recently, he made monthly payments a possibility. And most importantly, he helped the township resume and retain it's AAA Standard & Poor's rating.
There was never any drama with Brian Kepes. When he spoke at township board of trustee meetings, it was to address a point or a person, and it was succinct. He understands Bloomfield Township to its core, and clearly relishes living in the community. We hope that September brings the ability to luxuriate in its splendors as Kepes enjoys the well-deserve time, knowing he left very large footprints to fill.
