Downtown Newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

DOWNTOWN09.24

Local police departments in Oakland County and across the nation are grappling with keeping their forces completely staffed against some challenging cross currents from the George Floyd murder, changing retirement systems and other factors. 30

VACANCY CHALLENGES FOR POLICE AGENCIES

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CRIME MAP

A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format, plus a reminder about an online interactive map with story details on public safety incidents.

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

David Trott looks at congressional run; Michigan Vote Mama event; super PAC weighs in on clerk contest; ‘Mad Dog’ Maddock survives once again; Kilpatrick quid pro quo; James-Marlinga polling and donation numbers, plus more.

MUNICIPAL

Update on senior/community center; Booth Park projects moving ahead; city museum getting award; local realtors sue real estate organizations; ownership change at The Morrie; school board candidates file; city manager review; plus more.

Photo by Matthew Cromwell

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David Hohendorf

NEWS EDITOR

Lisa Brody

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Hillary Brody Anchill | Cris Braun | Dana Casadei | Tracy Donohue | Stacy Gittleman | Austen Hohendorf Jeanine Matlow | Gigi Nichols | Susan Peck | Carla Schwartz | Mark H. Stowers

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Laurie Tennent | TJ Michael | Mackenzie O'Brien | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio

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The personnel at Downtown Newsmagazine bring a special commitment to the publishing effort, reinvesting in the local communities and working to make sure the Birmingham/Bloomfield area reaches its highest potential. Our mission dictates that we strive each month to provide a solid news and advertising product that local residents look forward to reading. Our goal is to build a community of informed citizens through the efforts of our passionate team. We are innovators producing products that go well beyond what others offer.

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INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK

We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, PO Box 1630 Birmingham MI 48012-1630. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes. MULTIPLE AWARD-WINNER FROM SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS

CRIME MAP

INCOMING

More than tree loss

On the steamy, hot morning of August 1, I was selective about the course of my walk. The cool path beneath the tree canopy on Lone Pine Road to the west of Telegraph beckoned me. I approached a sundrenched lot that was under construction at 1455, where a treeless berm outlined a chasmic hole. There, I witnessed the beginnings of a homicide.

The victim was tall and proud and blooming with life. On this denuded stretch of sidewalk, its shade was a welcome presence.

Men were tossing ropes over its outstretched lower limbs, which appeared to be begging for their life.

I asked the crew if they intended to take down the majestic five-story tree. They affirmed that intention. "Do you have a permit?" I inquired. They nodded. "Why?" I asked, incredulous, with a catch in my voice. "Because the owner doesn't want it."

I pointed out that it was rooted in the right-of-way. They ignored me and proceeded with their murderous task.

SPEAK OUT

"Great," I replied, contemplating my 80 years of age and the shade the tree had lent\ me that morning. "We get four or five puny trees that will take 30-40 years to grow large enough to offer the shade and beauty that this tree offered a half hour ago."

Alex helplessly made one weak nod in silent assent.

I called Bloomfield Township offices, asking for an environmental expert. I got Alex Kozkowski, project coordinator of engineering and environmental services. I told him what I was observing and he agreed to come right over.

My anxiety and frustration would not permit me to stand still. Estimating the amount of time it would take Alex to get from his township desk to Lone Pine and Echo Lake Road, I walked for about seven minutes and then returned to the site. When I reappeared, I witnessed not a reprieve but an execution.

The innocent victim was already felled. Its 30-inch girth, 50-foot trunk lay flat like trash as its dismembered parts were fed into a shredder.

Alex was present and his hands held a schematic for the lot that revealed the absence of a permit. His hands might as well have been tied with the same hefty ropes that secured the victim when it nobly stood at the edge of the Township's most lovely thoroughfare.

Alex's face reflected my despair. He explained that the reason for a lack of designation of these trees on his chart was that no trees over 24 inches in girth receive a removal permit. They may be removed only after the owner acquires a prior agreement with the township. The owner must replace a large, oldgrowth tree with new trees "of comparable value." As if such a value could be assigned.

"Who is in charge of these policies? Whom do I call?" I asked. I learned that a single body, the board of trustees, is responsible for the protection of our environment and the preservation of our natural beauty.

I ponder the name trustee when I consider that the world teeters pivotally on a fulcrum that is often controlled by those neighbors to whom we trust our future. We lost here, not just the beauty but the immeasurable oxygenation and shelter for birds, squirrels and insects that comprise our ecosystem's balance.The tree resided at the sidewalk right-of-way, in no way hampering the construction of the house.

It lost its life that day -- as did its neighbor, a 26-incher on the same lot -- because we lack the appropriate legal power to protect the life of those who protect us.

You, current and future trustees, know this community and, while many of your constituents have supported a stiffening of protective ordinances, the subject has been largely ignored. The protection of our world's environment demands a dedicated core of individual communities ... everywhere. Opposition and/or apathy serve to promote our planetary losses.

This is not about politics. This is about survival.

Sandra Tessler Bloomfield Township

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown Newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklandConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com where you can sign up to receive updates via email.

RUMOR MILL: We’re hearing from reliable folks that former Congressman David Trott (R-Birmingham) is giving serious thought to running again for Congress – to represent a district in Naples, Florida, which is where he supposedly makes his primary residence now. Trott represented a good portion of Oakland County from 2014-2018, back when it was a solidly red district and before Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills and most of Oakland County) flipped it blue – something that was once unheard of. The reality is that a good portion of the county has evolved from a strictly Republican bastion to one that is now consistently Democrat. Trott, who grew up and has lived in Birmingham and Bloomfield his entire life, grew disenfranchised with his life in Congress as “one of 435,” after being a top bankruptcy and real estate attorney, along with his growing disdain for former President Donald Trump. If he does run for office in Florida, some are wondering if he’d run as a Democrat, Republican or Independent. It must be noted Trott has always been a Republican, going back to the days when he interned with late Republican Congressman Bill Broomfield in the 1980’s – colloquially, Trott is a “Reagan Republican.” In a MAGA world where those are classified as “RINOs,” anything is possible. But we’ll put our dollars on the R square.

NO CAT LADIES: About 65 women came out to an Oakland County home on an early August evening for the inaugural Michigan Vote Mama event, a national PAC that supports Democratic mothers with children under 18. According to Political Director Kristy Pagan, the goal of Vote Mama is to find moms who are eligible and interested in running for office, whether local, county, state or national, recruit them, support them and endorse them. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is unofficially running for the governor’s office in 2026, which was once again announced at this event, helped bring Vote Mama to Michigan and is the honorary chair. “Legislators vote based on their experiences. This is an effort to get candidates elected with experience with minor children,” Benson said to the crowd of mostly women, noting that if citizens want legislators to vote in ways which represent their interests and not just wealthy men, it is imperative that women with families, including those of color, must be supported so “they can get elected and do their jobs, and be able to stay in their jobs.” Others with Vote Mama noted that many state legislators are not paid a livable wage, and candidates cannot use campaign funds to pay for child care in Michigan, an effort Vote Mama PAC is working to change – as they have in a couple other states. State Reps. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) and Mai Xiong (DWarren) were in attendance, along with Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, who are all mothers with young children running for reelection. Mai Xiong, a Laos refugee, told the stirring story of coming to this country at the age of three, attending college at College for Creative Studies, marrying and having four young children and struggling to make ends meet, and realizing if she didn’t work to help herself and others, “Who would?” Pagan and other Vote Mama leaders said this election cycle they are focusing their efforts on four battleground states – Arizona, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan, with “13 mamas endorsed by Vote Mama.”

KUMBAYA: Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, most of Oakland County) headed off to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention feeling the Democratic Party was a reunified party following Vice President Kamala Harris’ elevation to presidential candidate earlier in July. “We have prepared for the mission at hand,” Stevens said, excited to attend her first convention as a congresswoman in person as 2020’s was remote due to Covid. “I see young people getting involved at a newfound rate. Campaigns give people a purpose. President Biden made it

TROTT

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easy for me – he said ‘Support her.’” Stevens said that coming out of the convention she is very mission-focused, although she acknowledged that any campaign, especially any presidential election, is up and down, “I would much rather be us than them.” Without a notable primary challenger, she is now seriously getting going on the November election, both for her campaign, which will focus on housing, automotive and transportation, and for fellow Democrats, noting there are a handful of seats in Oakland County she believes can be flipped. “It is such a pleasure to have great local partners to work with, to grow our economy,” she said, calling out in particular Oakland County Executive David Coulter and county board chair Dave Woodward, along with township supervisors in Waterford and Independence Township. “It’s why Oakland County is doing so well. I love going to the nation’s capital to talk about the place I call home.”

A LITTLE HELP FROM HER FRIENDS: A national super PAC, Resolute Republic, threw its weight behind a number of Republican candidates in Michigan this August, including Orion Township clerk hopeful Julia Dalrymple, who won her primary contest and the township post for which no Democrats had filed. The Super PAC bills itself as “founded to support pro-Constitution candidates in races at all levels of government.” In other words, its mission was to thwart members of the election-denier class of candidates. As of the end of this June, the national PAC raised $865,000, mainly from five national PACs and reportedly spent close to $200,000 in Michigan primary races. Among the PAC’s targets was far-right offbeat Barry County Sheriff DarLeaf, who still maintains and continues to “investigate” alleged massive fraud in the 2020 presidential election. The super PAC also jumped into the race for Hillsdale County clerk and supported Republican deputy clerk Abe Dane, who was challenged by former Adams Township Clerk Stephanie Scott, who was criminally charged by the state attorney general for allowing someone access to election data relative to the 2020 race. The PAC also got involved in Kent County for the clerk contest in Sparta Township, and in Macomb County with the races for clerk in Shelby Township and Chesterfield Township. In Oakland County, the national group reportedly backed Dalrymple, a township board member who faced Braden Giacobazzi, a Trump acolyte who has made a name for himself after being ejected from more than one vote counting effort at polling places in the past and as an activist member of election “integrity” organizations. Not counting the super PAC effort, Dalrymple raised $5,961 on her own to win the primary battle with 71 percent of the vote, 2,785 to 1,138. Mission accomplished for the super PAC in Orion Township.

not survive the August primary this year. His district leans heavily Republican, with Addison, Brandon, Oakland and Oxford townships in Oakland County, and Bruce and Washington townships in Macomb County. Best described as a Christian nationalist, Schriver garnered 4,595 votes against 2,492 votes cast for GOP challenger Randy LeVasseur. In February of this year he was stripped of all office staff, budget and committee assignments for reposting on social media racist (and possibly antisemitic) population theory about “great replacement” where the White population is being replaced by people of color and/or Jews. No apology. Instead he accused the media of encouraging a “race war” for its reporting on his postings. Rep. Matt ‘Mad Dog’ Maddock came to his defense. No surprise there. GOP leaders in the legislature? Crickets. To her credit, Republican Rep. Donni Steele (R-Orion Township, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills), along with one other House Republican, was quick to issue a statement saying, in effect, there was no place in Lansing for such views. Schriver will face Democrat Shawn Almeranti-Crosby in the November general election. Based on the district make-up, snowball’s chance of sending Schriver packing.

QUID PRO QUO?: Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick (2002-2008) was scheduled to speak at the Oakland County Republican Party Lincoln Day dinner on August 21 at the Suburban Collection as this edition of Oakland Confidential was being put to bed. The Novi resident was invited to speak by Oakland County GOP Chairman Vance Patrick. We asked a few traditional (i.e. non-MAGA) party members their reaction days ahead of the dinner and the views were mixed. Some were nonplussed while most others “are thinking WTF?”, said one political observer. Don’t remember the disgraced mayor? He was convicted of racketeering and extortion in 2013 and sentenced to 28 years in prison. But Donald Trump, on his way out of the White House in January of 2021, commuted his sentence. No surprise that Kilpatrick, who was a Democrat when in the legislature and the mayor’s office, endorsed Trump in June of this year. It will be interesting to see how many Republicans show up for the event. One GOP member, who said he and others would not be going to the annual dinner, predicted that it would be “sparsely attended.”

WISHFUL THINKING: Political observers in both major parties had their fingers crossed prior to the August primary that someone could finally dislodge Matt ‘Mad Dog’ Maddock, the Republican state House member from the 51st district (Milford, Highland, White Lake, Commerce and part of Springfield), husband of Meshawn Maddock, former Republican state party chair who is now facing legal charges for false elector shenanigans after the 2020 Donald Trump loss. Matt Maddock, first elected in 2018, was thrown out of his own GOP caucus in recent years for supposedly leaking normally tightly held proceedings and for campaigning against at least one Republican House member in the person’s own district. And let’s not forget his own involvement in the bogus pro-Trump elector efforts after the 2020 loss by the former prez, or the unsuccessful lawsuit to have him removed from the ballot for alleged support of the insurrection at the nation’s Capitol. In the Republican primary, Maddock was challenged by Milford Village Councilman Kevin Ziegler, who many thought might finally retire the Maddock name from local politics, including some local elected Republicans who lent their names to a pro-Ziegler mailer during the August primary. But Maddock soldiered on, and not just in his hometown of Milford where he took five of eight precincts. Maddock took 13 of 15 precincts in Commerce; all eight precincts in Highland, and by sizable margins; 10 of 15 precincts in Commerce; all 12 precincts in White Lake; and the two precincts in Springfield Township that are part of his district. Maddock will face Democrat Sarah May-Seward in November, a rematch from 2022 in which he won by 57.7 percent of the vote despite her major endorsements from the Detroit Free Press The Detroit News (oh my!), Voters Not Politicians and Fems for Dems.

UNFULFILLED DREAMS: Both Republicans and Democrats had also hoped that 66th district state Rep. Josh Schriver, first elected in 2022, would also

2022 NOVEMBER REDUX: Macomb Democrat Carl Marlinga lost by 1,600 votes (48.8 percent v. 48.3 percent) in a race with Republican John James for the 10th congressional district in 2022, which includes part of Oakland County and portions of Macomb County. Word was then that the the DCCC did not give much support to Marlinga, who was heavily outspent by James in that race. So now the two will square off in a rerun from 2022 this November. Deadline Detroit unveiled results from a poll it commissioned in mid-July of this year showing Marlinga leading James, 49-43 percent with seven percent undecided The poll has a possible error range of five points. The poll showed that 52 percent of those participating had an unfavorable rating for James versus a rating for Marlinga of 18 percent unfavorable. For James, 18 percent of those polled were either undecided or not familiar with him. For Marlinga, 40 percent were undecided or not familiar, which is a bit surprising when one considers he was most recently a circuit judge, and had spent time as the county prosecutor and an assistant U.S. attorney. Campaign reports filed in mid July of this year show Marlinga has only raised $627,493, a little over $11,000 from other committees. James has hauled in $6.204 million, $2.259 million transfers from other committees. The Republican Party will no doubt pour more funding into the effort to retain James, who was among a small group of up-and-coming House members invited to the House Speaker Team Johnson Jackson Hole Summit in mid-August which brings together big donors (think billionaires) with rising Republican Representatives, according to Punchbowl.As for help from Democrats, we are told by one insider that the DCCC is spending on some 70 races this election cycle and “lessons were learned” from past close races. If help does not arrive soon, Marlinga could face the same fate as in his last attempt to beat James, polls be dammed.

DALRYMPLE

MADDOCK

STEELE

KILPATRICK

MARLINGA

JAMES

SCHRIVER

FACES

Katy Dresner

As a child, award-winning filmmaker and interdisciplinary artist Katy Dresner would often pursue artistic projects.

“I was always creative and I was also lucky to always be encouraged to lean into that creativity,” they said. “I was always stealing magazines from my mom and Sunday newspapers to make collages and taking the family camera to make fake MTV videos and emulate reality TV shows.”

The West Bloomfield native, who now lives in Detroit, also fondly recalls their K-12 years at Cranbrook Schools. “My parents’ decision to send me to Cranbrook was definitely influenced by my brother and I getting an education that put a lot of focus on creativity, not just academics,” said Dresner. “I wanted to follow a creative career path and that was really nurtured in high school. I was taking all fine arts courses and I wanted to find myself in that environment and make the choice to go into the arts world.”

Dresner would go on to study art and film at the University of Michigan. “I was walking a line between the film world and the art world to figure out how two interests of mine fit together,” they said. “That has been a big part of my career path up to this point, to figure out how the two fit in with each other; how certain art can be applicable to film and vice versa, and how to synthesize the two in my own career path.”

Which one comes next can depend on the situation. “It’s almost idea-based,” Dresner explained. “Sometimes I have an idea for a project and I can see it as an art installation very clearly because I have a vision for it, but then I realize I need to write this as a film instead because it’s more in the film realm.”

Their varied roles include editor, director, art director and production designer for narrative and documentary short films. Recent work that has been broadcast on PBS includes editing and animation for Sydney G. James: How We See Us and editing and other work on Detroit We Dey.

In September, Dresner will have an art installation as part of a show during Detroit Month of Design at the Boyer Campbell Building.

“Some commonalities between much of my work is the effect of using the internet and digital technology and how that influences the way we identify ourselves and tell stories about ourselves,” they said. “That is at the core of my artistic pursuits.”

As a 2024 Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellow, the artist and filmmaker deeply appreciates the yearlong opportunity. “When you are given a $40,000 unrestricted financial reward – a really huge unheard-of type of fellowship award granted in the art world – it’s without a doubt the biggest honor I’ve received in my career,” said Dresner. “Folks I’ve looked up to and admired their work from afar, or friends and mentors who had received it made me feel really humbled and it’s surreal to be among their ranks. It’s like a dream come true.”

Additional support comes from other creatives. “Having won the Kresge award and working in film in general is definitely a community process. It takes a village, whether you’re directing, doing production design or editing,” they said. “In Detroit, the filmmaking community is very small, but mighty. They’re a group of talented people I owe my career to and that’s what is so special about my career path; it’s so engrained in the community.”

Story:

Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Laurie Tennent

COPS

HOW POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE WORKING TO REBUILD THEMSELVES

BY STACY GITTLEMAN

M

MOST OF THE NEARLY 60 CADETS TRAINING AT OAKLAND POLICE ACADEMY IN AUBURN HILLS WILL HAVE A JOB WAITING FOR THEM AT A LOCAL MUNICIPALITY THIS FALL. THEY ARE MEN AND WOMEN FROM THEIR LATE teens into their 50s, and come from a diversity of social and ethnic backgrounds. As they complete a 19-week basic training course with standards approved by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES), many are already earning a salary from the municipality which is sponsoring their tuition, thanks to a grant system with federal and state monies that was set up in 2022. Upon completion of their initial training, they will head out to shadow a patrol officer to attain on-the-job experience and to further sharpen their newly minted policing skills.

There’s a lot more than physical conditioning and tactical weapons training that goes on during these weeks at the academy. While this is the typical association that comes to mind, thanks to Hollywood, a lot of 21st century police training also involves the human condition, conflict resolution and the ability to read verbal and nonverbal cues.

David Ceci is dean of public services and an instructor at the Academy. A 2002 graduate who was a sergeant at the Lake Angelus police department and has taught at several Michigan police academies, he instructs cadets on a 14-hour training course that delves into interpersonal communications. That’s twice the required hours set by MCOLES, he said.

“Though I am on the administrative side and have less of a hands-on role in being with the students, I still teach and enjoy teaching,” Ceci said. “There is a balance in teaching cadets. When they will go out on the job, there will be some instances when a person will be going through a mental health crisis, and they will need to show compassion and empathy. At other times, they will go out on a call to pursue an armed robbery suspect and they will have to be tough and make split-second decisions. There may even be a combination of the two, say if police are called to apprehend during a domestic violence dispute. That’s the dichotomy of the job, knowing when to give someone patience and time to talk and knowing when to act quickly and even use force.”

In class, Ceci runs his cadets through many role-playing scenarios to develop their communication skills and learn what to do when an altercation turns violent. Ceci said in the past few years, class enrollment sizes are remaining consistent at between 50-60 cadets per session. Still, the impact of the “defund the police” movement after the 2020 deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others at the hands of the police cannot be ignored.

“Even before the killing of George Floyd, we were very specific about the tactics we teach in Michigan, and they avoid the practices that those officers in Minneapolis used,” Ceci said. “We were already ahead of the curve by teaching implicit bias training and fair and impartial policing tactics. Our classroom training was not governed by tragedy but instead looked at cultural changes and practices of the job that would best serve the public and our cadets. So yes, George Floyd did change a lot of the training landscape, but we already had a lot of those changes in play.”

Like most officers who were interviewed by Downtown, Ceci entered the force because he wanted to be a part of his community and give back to it by helping and protecting people. When he screens prospective cadets, he hears the same thing – plus one more additional perspective.

“The cadets coming in now see policing as a noble profession,” Ceci said. “They do not like the image out there that bad people are entering the police force. Not only do they want to make a difference in their community, but they also want to prove it to the public that good policing exists. They want to restore nobility to the profession. They want to bridge the gap between public misconceptions of the police and what policing stands for. They see this as a task once they start their jobs.”

There are hundreds of empty slots in Michigan’s police ranks, a statistic that is consistent across the nation.

With an aging police force, cuts to lifetime benefits such as retirement pensions, and the “defund the police” protest movement souring the public perception of the profession, attracting new blood to law enforcement is more challenging than ever.

Police from the municipal to the county level acknowledge that the reputation of the profession has been tarnished. It will take meaningful effort to change through internal cultural policy changes and local outreach to educate the public about how the profession can be a meaningful path to serve and protect one’s community.

Robert Stevenson, executive director for the Michigan State Association for the Chiefs of Police, said that all his counterparts around the country complain about recruitment shortages.

Stevenson said the root of the problem in this state began in 2008 when Michigan shifted public employees from retirement pension plans to 401K plans.

Stevenson entered policing in 1974, when earning a pension, plus health benefits upon retirement, was standard. Now, those days are gone.

Stevenson said this is detracting people from joining a profession that asks to put one’s life on the line, especially if they leave a family behind if they are killed.

When the dangers of the job mixed with a tarnished reputation of the profession following the summer of 2020, Stevenson said morale among officers plummeted. Police across the ranks, from patrol officers to upper administrators, began to walk away from the profession. Once considered a job taken up by multiple generations in a family, some officers began to discourage their children from entering the force.

“The summer of 2020 is when things got really bad,” Stevenson said. “Suddenly, there were massive cries for police reform to the point that police were vilified. We used to be considered society’s protectors and now there was this tone that people needed to be protected from the police.”

Stevenson continued: “We saw a lot of people leave the profession, including top administrators and chiefs and those who had served for a long time just walk away because of all the negativity.”

Yet despite everything, Stevenson said law enforcement is still a great profession and he would do it all over again. Stevenson said people admire, like and support their local police, as evidenced at how thousands of the public came to pay tribute on the day of Butler’s July 3, 2024, funeral in Hillsdale.

“People tend to like their local police,” Stevenson said. “The perception is that bad police work somewhere else.”

Everyone wants to live in a safe community, and that requires effective policing. At the same time, the increase of officers killed in the line of fire and the reputation of the profession mired in highprofile cases of police brutality are thinning the ranks nationally.

Taking notice, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), with the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services in April of 2023 gathered law enforcement administrators across the country for a one-day roundtable.

The roundtable’s recommendations were published in October 2023 in a 60-page document titled Recruitment and Retention for the Modern Law Enforcement Agency.

The roundtable concluded that there must be an internal shift in the culture of law enforcement and policing which “encourages positive relationships both between employees and with community members, recognizes the vital importance of mutual respect, and focuses on the value and growth of each individual to aid in overall recruitment and retention efforts by attracting potential candidates, improving morale, and providing a compelling reason for current officers to remain.”

It stated that police officers for the 21st century need an expanding set of skills and must better collaborate with other professionals, such as social workers and mental health professionals, in responding to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.

Police departments need to update their hiring procedures and standards to fit in with modern culture. That may mean overlooking facial hair and tattoos, as long as they are not racially offensive or contain hate symbols, while still barring anyone with a violent or racist past criminal record from joining the police force.

According to the BJA report, training also needs to be modernized to reflect cultural changes and rely less on intimidation and more about understanding the needs of a community.

STEVENSON SERVES ON A COMMITTEE THAT SUPPORTS POLICE DEPARTMENTS WHEN AN OFFICER IS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. SUCH WAS THE CASE IN LATE JUNE when 51-year-old officer William Butler in Hillsdale County was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop by an armed motorist. A veteran of the Army National Guard who served a tour in Iraq, Butler is survived by a wife, five children and grandchildren.

According to Stevenson, up until recently, when an officer like Butler was killed in the line of duty, their dependents lost their health insurance benefits. But thanks to a law that the Association of Chiefs of Police helped pass in 2022, if an officer is killed on the job, survivors are entitled to five years of health benefits amounting to $25,000.

The report stated: “Many agencies are shifting training to highlight and develop the core values and skills associated with a community-oriented mindset. The police academy should not only train officers in the physical and tactical aspects of the job but also equip them for day-to-day interactions in their communities.”

The report recommended that year-round hiring must replace the more traditional annual or semi-annual posting for job openings, and that police departments should use more electronic and online tools for filling out job applications, including using artificial intelligence chatbots to answer routine questions as an applicant filled out online applications.

Once applications are completed, there should be more resources so law enforcement departments can staff retired or part-time workers to expedite background checks.

And, to add a personal touch, the committee recommended that once someone completes an application, the applicant should receive a personal phone call from the department acknowledging their application was being processed.

In assessing a 21st century law enforcement applicant, the report said one’s emotional intelligence should be evaluated and prioritized at the same level as physical and tactical weapons abilities, pointing to research that showed that strong emotional intelligence is linked to fewer cases of excessive force and improved relationships within the community.

At the local level, many police and public safety departments are working to incorporate the BJA’s report into their practices and culture. According to the Birmingham Police Department’s 2023 report, recruitment and retaining officers through enhanced wellness benefits were two big focal points of the year.

The police administration pulls from a diverse pool of candidates and has a presence at local job fairs at all local colleges and universities. In 2023, Birmingham hired four police officers, one part-time dispatcher, and two part-time parking enforcement assistants.

For the first time, the city will have a full-time school resource officer for the 2024-2025 school year.

To improve on its policing practices, Birmingham Police in 2023 went through a certification program through the Michigan Association of Chiefs.

pipeline, the academy is running training coursework classes throughout the year which is something that did not happen in the past.

“Police officers are in such high demand that people with associate’s degrees are getting job offers and are sponsored by departments for their training at the academy,” Grewe said. “Departments are competing against each other, so the academy is pumping out more recruits than ever before. It is a misconception that the applicant pool is smaller. I think there are more job candidates today than a few years ago. But what we are seeing now is that every department is dealing with shortages. So, for the applicants that are coming out of the academy who are not already hired by a department, departments are vying against each other to hire them. The competition is steep.”

Another prong to Birmingham’s recruitment strategy is to elevate the department’s profile in the community through more outreach. Resource officers go out into the community and are present at school presentations, town halls, programs and speaking engagements. The officers are also available to the community to offer active shooter training or sessions to learn more about home safety and security.

“This is something that Birmingham police started a few years ago and now it is in full swing,” Grewe said.

In terms of creating a supportive work culture, Birmingham kicked off a wellness and mental health component to its benefits to alleviate the on-the-job stress that comes with the job.

“Stress and trauma impact many on our staff, from the dispatch officer handling a 911 call to our clerical administrators who must read the reports and look at photos from a crime scene,” Grewe said. “All these incidents leave a lasting impact.”

It is important to Grewe that all his staff have access to its Checkpoint wellness program.

BIRMINGHAM CHIEF OF POLICE SCOTT GREWE, IN THE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT, STATED: “THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS OPENS OUR DEPARTMENT UP to intense scrutiny byoutside assessors to determine if our current policies and procedures are patterned after nationally accepted best practices. Our certification … is validation that the high standards we hold our staff to is aligned with national best practices.”

On paper, Grewe said his department looks like it’s fully staffed. Its 2023 report tallied the department makeup with one chief, three captains, four lieutenants, six sergeants, 16 officers, eight full-time dispatchers and four part-time dispatchers; plus 14 members powering its auxiliary team. There is also K9 Maple. The average salary in the department is $68,615 according to Indeed. The approved 2024-2025 budget for the department is $9,158,900.

However, Grewe explained that it can take a new hire up to a year to meet his department’s rigorous standards. After completing the academy, a rookie will receive more on-the-job instruction and a few months partnering with a more seasoned patrol officer before going out on solo patrol.

Grewe told Downtown in July that two additional hires were training as cadets in the police academy.

“We continue to recruit going forward as we have pending retirements and other unforeseeable circumstances that could open up other positions,” he said.

Though applicants – at a minimum – must have an associate’s degree, most of the department is staffed with those holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. But steep competition to draw new cadets to one department versus another is making this a job seeker’s market in law enforcement.

“We are seeing more candidates going to the police academy after getting an associate’s degree knowing that they’re going to be immediately hired because new recruits are so badly needed,” Grewe said.

Grewe explained that to put more potential recruits into the

“I want to make sure my staff has the immediate tools to reach out for help any time they need it,” Grewe said. “Anyone in the police department can refer someone to our Checkpoint program. If we notice a coworker suffering or dealing with a traumatic incident, or maybe a personal issue, that person can anonymously report someone to the Checkpoint program, and then our peer support team will reach out to that person and offer assistance, counseling, or maybe even just a conversation on the phone to see where that person is in needing assistance.”

Grewe said the addition of this wellness program is evidence that the culture is changing compared to when he joined the force 25 years ago. Back then, he admitted that the rule of thumb for facing adversity, stress or trauma on the job was “suck it up and get back to work.”

“The Checkpoint program has been well received and many of our officers and staff have already taken advantage of its offerings,” Grewe said. “Our staff have already seen the benefits of our programs of bringing in social workers as needed for our external community police work. To bring these services internally has been a positive change.”

Grewe continued: “What’s important is that my officers are mentally fit and prepared to go out into the community and be as effective as possible to do a good job when out on a call.”

The Bloomfield Township Police Department, which has also particpated in the Association of Chiefs’ certification program, is currently budgeted for 67 sworn police officers, 13 dispatchers, two animal welfare officers and six Bloomfield Village police officers.

Patrol is the largest division in the department, consisting of 29 uniformed officers, eight supervisors, and two K9 teams. Patrol personnel are organized into four platoons, providing around-theclock police service.

In 2023, Bloomfield Township hired six officers and one social worker.

The FY 2025 budget in the township for public safety, which includes police, is $42,734,811. For Bloomfield Village, police is $700,000. As of July 9, 2024, the average annual pay for a police officer in Bloomfield Township was $54,819 a year, according to Indeed.

As in many municipalities, Bloomfield Township in the early 2000’s phased out its pension plan for police and replaced it with a 401K plan.

Bloomfield Township Police Chief James Gallagher explained how change put a bit of a damper on incentivizing new recruits.

“People seeking out a career in law enforcement do so because of the excitement and variety of the job and being able to give back to the community,” Gallagher said. “It used to be that you knew you were not going to get rich, but for your service, you would receive a regular paycheck. Then, there was the knowledge that upon your retirement, you would receive a good pension.”

Gallagher said as time went by, municipalities realized that longterm legacy benefits were leaving them financially strapped, so pensions were phased out for 401K plans for new hires.

By not being tied down to a pension in one town or city but rather a portable 401K that will follow them to any job, Gallagher said this benefits structure has allowed officers the flexibility to move around in a field traditionally known for an officer to stay with one department for their whole career.

“Moving from a pension plan to a 401K made employees portable,” Gallagher noted. “As generations progressed, if an officer was at odds with one boss, they could just pick up and work for another police department or another one even after that. That’s one of the things we’re seeing now. (Law enforcement departments) are taking employees from each other.”

Bloomfield Township Captain Dan Brown oversees hiring procedures. He explained that in the past, an officer would have to commit a minimum of 10 years to one department to be eligible for pension benefits. This vesting period ensured loyalty to a municipality.

“That vesting period made officers like me loyal,” said Brown, who joined the department in 2002. “I was not going to work here for seven years and then move to another agency. I would lose those years of service. So, the kind of officer who went through this vesting period is starting to dwindle as the older guys retire. The number of officers from older generations who stayed with one department for their entire career is dwindling.”

Brown added that the vesting period for a 401K can be as short as three years.

In terms of healthcare benefits, Brown said that benefit packages vary between municipalities. In Bloomfield Township, municipal employees such as himself who have been grandfathered into a pension plan have a different healthcare structure than more recent hires who have a health savings account. In this benefits model, they put money into the account over a 30-year career. They can then use these funds to purchase a private healthcare plan until they qualify for Medicare, said Brown.

But these options are not ideal.

“I think what you’re going to see in the future, with officers not having a pension or guaranteed healthcare in retirement, is cops working longer,” Brown said. “That’s going to mean a 55 or 60-yearold patrolman working the midnight shift. And that’s a young man’s game. You don’t want someone that age chasing criminals through someone’s yard.”

Bloomfield Township has the distinction of being one of only four law enforcement departments in Michigan that require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree, a requirement going back to 1977, while most departments accept a lower level of education starting at an associate’s degree.

Gallagher said because of the bachelor’s degree requirement, the township may be missing out on some candidates with military backgrounds, andthe township board of trustees is in discussions with township supervisor Dani Walsh to move funding to better compensation and benefits and currently, an earning assessment is in the works, but he could not comment further.

Walsh did not respond to requests to comment.

The city of Bloomfield Hills since 1970 has had a public safety department model where first responders are trained in policing, firefighting and emergency medical services. Other smaller municipalities like Beverly Hills, Berkley, Oak Park and Huntington

Woods also have public safety departments.

Bloomfield Hills has $7 million in its 2024 budget for 24 uniformed personnel and a chief of public safety.

Public information officer sergeant John Corrigan said when Bloomfield Hills hired him 10 years ago, he beat out 60 applicants for the job. Now if the city is lucky, there may be five or 10 applicants for each opening.

“It is a challenge finding qualified personnel to apply to our department,” Corrigan said. “We’ve seen a downturn over the last five years not just here but nationwide. It is challenging to get people to pursue this profession. Then there’s that extra aspect to our department because we also need to find people trained in firefighting and EMS.”

To help in filling the ranks for this trifecta of skills, when the right candidate comes along with any one of the three first responder skills, Bloomfield Hills will hire them and then sponsor them through training.

Corrigan speaks from first-hand experience. When he joined the department, he was a trained firefighter with four years of experience in Macomb County.

“I enjoyed serving the community as a firefighter but I wanted to pursue a more active job, and then realized there existed a position called a public safety officer, so I threw my hat in the ring,” Corrigan said. “I was very fortunate to get this position. When people must make a 911 call, it is often the worst day of their life. When you respond to that call, there is meaning in giving that person even a little bit of peace of mind.”

As of press time, Bloomfield Hills had three openings in its public safety department. Corrigan said the political climate in the last few years has tarnished the image of policing for many.

“It’s just harder to find people that are willing to go into this profession knowing that they are going to be under the microscope,” Corrigan said. “Because we know this, we offer a lot of training to help our officers to be confident on the job. We put a lot of faith in our officers and are confident they will not put themselves in a negative situation.”

THAT EXTRA HELP FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS COMES FROM THE MICHIGAN SUPPLEMENTAL ACT OF 2022. THERE ARE SIX SEPARATEGRANT PROGRAMS: $11 million in Competitive Community Policing Grants for community policing programs that develop collaborative partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; $4.5 million in Community Policing Grants for violence prevention programs in select areas such as Detroit, Saginaw and Genesee County; $2.7 million for MCOLES licensing fees to pay for the licensing costs for out-of-state law enforcement officers relocating to Michigan for employment with a local law enforcement agency; $3 million for narcotics training and equipment; and a $7.5 million in grant funding for Police Athletic Leagues.

Lastly, there is a $30 million grant for law enforcement training to pay up to $24,000 per recruit for academy training. Administered by MCOLES, funding for an employed recruit is on a first-come, firstserved basis and a single agency may receive funding for up to 25 recruits.

As of August 2, 2024, $29,408,189 has been distributed for public safety training with $591,810 remaining in the fund.

While this funding is taking the edge off paying for the training of recruits, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard for years has been pushing for the construction of a dedicated training facility for

current Oakland County officers to enhance and refresh their skills. For now, they train in a facility that was built in the 1970’s and needs to be completely replaced, Bouchard said.

As one of the largest arms of law enforcement in the state, the county sheriff’s department oversees over 1,400 employees and operates on an annual average budget of $202 million. It currently has about 50 job openings.

Bouchard said with more real-world training scenarios, perhaps the June 22 ambush-style killing of sheriff’s deputy Bradley Reckling, a nine-year county veteran, could have been avoided. Reckling was shot multiple times from perpetrators in a stolen car that he had pursued into Detroit. He leaves behind a wife and three daughters.

Bouchard said the number of officers killed in the line of duty is currently “through the roof.”

The killing of Reckling falls under a deadly statistic. According to a 2023 report released earlier in 2024 by the FBI, from 2021 to 2023, 194 officers were killed by felons in the line of duty, more than in any other consecutive three-year period in the past 20 years. But perhaps even more disturbing and what goes underreported, Bouchard said, is the number of police who die by suicide.

First HELP, an organization that tracks law enforcement and first responder suicides, reported in 2024 that between 2016-2022, there were 1,287 public safety personnel suicides.

“The pressure on the men and women as well as the danger in public safety is at an all-time high,” Bouchard said. “People go into police or first responder work not for the money but because they want to help people and make a difference.”

Bouchard said he would like to see police have access to a stateof-the-art training center built for police the way the Detroit Lions get to train for playing football. He has been advocating for funding for better training resources since he wrote a white paper in 2014 with a list of recommendations to Michigan state lawmakers.

Bouchard said a state-of-the art facility should be built where first responders – from rookies to special operations units – can run real-world scenarios where officers can train on making split-second decisions, such as high-speed car chases, pursuing criminals on foot or through urban areas and can keep skills sharp and save lives of officers. Bouchard said police in Oakland County train in a shooting range in Brandon Township built in the 1970’s that lacks provisions to create these real-world scenarios.

He said a good example of a modern facility exists in Kent County, which features a large indoor shooting range capable providing state-of-the-art firearms, subject control and taser training and other role-playing training that otherwise requires large, outdoor spaces.

In 2020, the proposal for creating such a facility to the tune of $88 million went before the Oakland County Board of Commissioners but has stalled ever since.

In response, William Mullan III, Oakland County Public Information Officer, released the following statement to Downtown.

“Oakland County is dedicated to the safety and training of our deputies by continually investing in equipment, mental health resources, and training programs, including active assailant response. County Executive Dave Coulter’s proposed fiscal 2025 budget includes funding for a new training officer and expanded mental health support for deputies. While the existing training center in Brandon Township has recently received new equipment for realistic training scenarios, we recognize the need for ongoing assessment and improvement. We have completed a study regarding requirements for a potential new training center, which is included in our capital improvement plan, and have facilitated conversations between the county and Oakland Community College about mutual training facility needs. The reality is the previous administration disinvested in capital needs, and existing county buildings are behind in critical upgrades, but we are budgeting in a manner now to plan aggressively to address these needs in the years ahead.”

Bouchard said that the nationwide vilification of police needs to stop. It has gotten so bad that one of his colleagues within the state

told him that uniformed police officers were denied service at a diner because “they don’t serve cops.”

“(After the George Floyd demonstrations), there was a lot of demonization of police,” Bouchard said. “Police executives across the country condemned it, denounced it and called for better police training. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office banned the use of chokeholds 20 years ago, but Minneapolis was still teaching and practicing it. Yet politicians keep talking about police reform, as if the police are entirely broken.”

BOUCHARD SAID LIKE IN ANY PROFESSION, THERE IS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT, BUT TO REPEATEDLY CALL FOR POLICE REFORM MAKES IT SOUND LIKE POLICING IS completelybroken. Bouchard said that nearly one million professionals in law enforcement make tens of thousands of contacts with the public daily. Most are routine and positive and go off without a hitch.

Bouchard said better resources for training, coupled with community outreach, can help. Over the last 18 months, the department has been reviewing and revising its policies and procedures and considering best practices from across the country to improve.

Bouchard said that to counter the scarcity in law enforcement numbers, some states have lowered the bar in terms of qualifications for hiring. “That is where departments can run into trouble, when people want to enter the profession for the wrong reasons – to feel a sense of power or authority rather than purpose and service to their community. “ State Representative Donni Steele (R-Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township) agrees with Bouchard that with all the property taxes collected in Oakland County, there should be enough available funding to invest in newer and advanced training facilities. Having such a resource, and the knowledge that they would be highly trained to face the on-the-job dangers of law enforcement, would be one way to attract recruits.

Steele, who attended Reckling’s funeral, is concerned about rising crime rates – including armed car and home break ins – and the increasing danger that more armed crime places on law enforcement. She said this summer’s tragic record of three officers in Michigan killed in the line of duty is only making matters worse.

“There is a fear right now of the danger of this high-risk job,” Steele said. “That is playing into part of why we are having a difficult job finding officers.

Steele said that one way to attract people to the profession is have more positive contacts with the public in the community beginning at young ages.

“You are going to see the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office have a bigger presence at high school, college and community job fairs,” Steele said. “By showing up in these places, it will help to alleviate the stigma that the police are bad and they’re trying to hurt people. We must be careful with our words. The police I know, they are in the job to serve our communities. They are trying to protect a civil society. We are concentrating too much on the bad apples.”

In a recent success story on fighting crime, the Troy Police Department and other agencies in early August broke up a Latin American crime ring responsible for a rash armed car robberies and home-break ins.

With over 100 officers and 75 civilian employees on its staff, Troy Police is the largest police force in Oakland County. The city’s adopted 2024-2025 budget includes $42,587,899 for public safety.

Troy officers are offered a four-day work week of 10-hour shifts and start work with four weeks of vacation with additional hours of leave time. Officers earn on average between $76,000 and $91,000, depending on experience and rank and receive $5,000 of Police Academy reimbursement.

In addition to standard patrol and investigative units, Troy police also operate 23 special units and assignments in criminal investigation and intelligence, hostage crisis negotiation, and coordination with federal authorities such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

All officers in Troy begin as patrol officers and can then move up to specialized operations if they seek promotion, according to community services sergeant Ben Hancock.

For example, Hancock explained that if there is an opening in the FBI Task Force, the opening will be advertised internally through the department’s detective bureau. Officers are given a deadline to apply and there would be an interview process conducted by Troy as well as by federal agents.

Competition for these spots is steep and competitive and takes some extra classes and training.

“In Troy, we are fortunate enough to have the manpower and working coordination with external state and federal agencies to give our law enforcement opportunities to work in these special operations,” Hancock said. “If there is an opportunity in one of these special units, our officers pick up the training they need on their own (in a private class paid for by Troy police), and then, if selected, get up to speed with the skills they need while on the job. To attend these classes, Troy Police Department will either pay for them if they are given at the academy or bring in private instructors.”

Despite the specializations, the Troy Police Department still struggles to attract and retain officers, said Hancock.

“In theory and on paper, you would think that these growth opportunities would attract more officers to join at the entry-level,” Hancock said. “But just like everywhere else, we are short-staffed. By the time we post a job opening and human resources sifts through who is qualified, we may have less than 10 applicants for five or 10 openings. In some years, we may get more candidates than others. But then the force has retirements. Overall, we are short of five officers of where our budget allotted for to be fully staffed.” Hancock said he could not put his finger on exactly why it’s getting harder to attract new blood to the force.

“There isn’t just one specific thing,” Hancock said. “Maybe the George Floyd movement plays a factor, as well as the fact that we replaced pensions with 401K plans in retirement. Maybe the younger generations do not want to be involved in police work. A few of the people Troy has hired are lateral transfers who have worked in other departments or law enforcement agencies. Or that they have retired from one agency but are relatively young and want to continue to work. It can also be that law enforcement has a different retirement pay structure, where we used to have pensions, now many departments have migrated to 401K plans.”

Hancock said being five officers short is something that the public will not notice in terms of service or response time. It just means more overtime for existing staff members, and it is harder to get time off.

“It’s not like we are projecting people retiring in big numbers in 2025, but each year, we do get people in top positions retiring, and each year, we need to fill those positions in addition to filling out the ranks of our patrol officers. I do hope our efforts will bring more people into this very rewarding profession. Especially in my job (as a community resources officer) I get to interact with the community in a positive way daily. When you join law enforcement, you can really make an impact on the community you live in.”

West Bloomfield this summer had open applications for officer positions in hopes of increasing its ranks from 74 to 82 officers according to deputy chief Dale Young. Young said 11 total people applied for police officer positions, but only nine met the minimum requirements for the posting.

West Bloomfield officers earn $67,849 on average, from an entry

level salary of $61,743 that includes sponsorship training at the academy. Academy-trained officers with two years of experience get a lateral sign on pay of $76,740 and the top paying positions pay $92,803. The 2024 total budget for police was $22,436,261.

YOUNG SAID THESE DAYS IT IS NOT UNUSUAL TO HAVE ONLY ONE APPLICANT APPLY FOR A JOB. “AND THIS IS EVEN WHEN WE OFFER TO HIRE SOMEONE WITH EITHER an associate or a bachelor’s degree,” Young said. “We will hire someone and sponsor them through the police academy. Or we will hire someone who just graduated from the academy, and we’ll take people who have had previous law enforcement experience.”

Young said that even though the force is short eight officers, the public will not notice that in terms of service to the community.

“Thankfully, we haven’t hit a low number yet that would impact our service to the public,” Young said. “We have been able to backfill through overtime to provide the same level of service.”

According to Young, it is no exaggeration to say that every police department across the state is hiring.

“You might as well call every police department in the state of Michigan,” Young told Downtown. “Every department is down a few officers. You might be fortunate to find a department or two where all their positions are filled, but it’s only a short time before the more senior members retire or, for whatever reason, an officer decides to go to another agency or leave the profession altogether.”

Young said he works alongside four generations at his department, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, and there has been some friction between them because they ask for different perks.

“When I first started, all those senior to me wanted the overtime and tried to get as much of it as possible,” said Young, who describes himself at the tail end of the Millennials. “Those newer to the workforce now want a work-life balance to spend more time with family or pursue personal interests.”

Young, who joined the West Bloomfield force in 2004, is third generation law enforcement, and remembers being told about loyalty to one department and moving up once you got your foot in the door.

“That is the advice I have lived by,” Young said. “But things are different now. People are looking around to where they can get time off, and get the most premium time (weekends, nights and holidays) off. It has been an interesting adjustment and I feel like in general, law enforcement is trying to adjust.”

Promotions in West Bloomfield hinge on one’s level of education, extra training and certifications. To become a sergeant, Young explained one must be promoted through a combination of written and oral examinations, seniority points, how many years of service to the department and finally, being selected by the chief of police from the top three candidates. The same process is true for becoming lieutenant and anything senior than that is a direct selection by the chief of police.

Young said to attract the next generation to law enforcement, doing the same as what’s been done for generations is not going to work. He knows that just mentioning police can be controversial in a politically charged situation, especially in these years following the George Floyd killing and the ‘defund the police’ movement.

“It would be great to have external programs in the middle and high schools that expose students in a positive way to what we do in law enforcement,” Young said. “If more students had positive exposure to learn what law enforcement entails, it may be more appealing as a career choice.”

FACES

Drew Basile

Drew Basile, the first game show contestant to compete on both the iconic“Survivor” and “Jeopardy!”game shows, said his recent wins on Jeopardy was “all about the buzzer.”

“Buzzing in with the fastest response time is a talent, along with having the correct answer obviously,” said the 23-year-old graduate student, currently pursuing his masters degree at Oxford University on a scholarship. He took away $129,601 in winnings before he was defeated after a seven-day winning streak –the second longest of the season.

Nicknamed “Giant Killer” by Jeopardy host Ken Jennings for both his height of 6”6’ and his Jeopardy show prowess, the Birmingham resident now has a permanent spot in Jeopardy history as he will go on to compete in the top winners' Tournament of Champions later this year. “Even though the shows are completely different, and Survivor Season 45 was 23 days with no food, clothing or shelter, it prepared me for all I faced on Jeopardy,” said the lanky, bookish Basile. “But I have to admit the snacks were much better in the green room of Jeopardy. I ate my favorite Sour Patch candy to pump myself up”.

His plan worked, because he continued to win and had such an animated reaction at the end of a tie-breaking game producers decided to re-record it. “It was exciting, like a standoff in a Western, and I guess I really celebrated,” said the spirited Basile, who fist-pumped and cheered during his win.

How has the more than 15 minutes of fame affected the college student and graduate of University of Detroit Jesuit High School, now that he has been interviewed extensively and written up in national publications such as People Magazine, New York Post and Entertainment Weekly? “Well I don’t think it’s bad for business to be well-known, in whatever I pursue,” he said. “The world feels uncertain now but I am planning to get my PhD, and then maybe a career in technology or upcoming AI opportunities that are exploding.”

Next up in the near future is a vacation with his long-time girlfriend to spend a bit of his earnings that aren’t earmarked for tuition, and preparing for the Tournament of Champions, coming at the end of the year.

Prep time for the tournament is more generous than the four weeks contestants get to prepare for regular Jeopardy, and Basile isn’t worried.”Learning has been my passion since I was a kid and I have a system with spread sheets and note cards that I use to study, and I have pretty much a photographic memory with great recall, thankfully.”

You’d think with his past accomplishments, Basile would be considered a bona fide adrenalin junkie, but not so, he said. “In my daily life I don’t take a lot of risks, but then I save all of my sense of adventure for a big goal and get my fix.”

When in town, the lover of cinema likes to go to the Birmingham 8 Theatre for the latest flick, and stop by Luxe for dinner. Family and friends have all been supportive of the game show star’s road to success, holding watch parties during Jeopardy show times at restaurants like Sidecar in Birmingham, and home gatherings to cheer him on.

After the Tournament of Champions is crossed off Basile’s bucket list is there any other dream that might bring him back to the Alex Trebek Stage in the future? “It would be a lot of fun to host the show way down the line, but those are really big shoes to fill, so we’ll see what direction my life takes – there will be many more adventures I’m sure.”

Story: Susan Peck

Laurie Tennent

Photo:

New senior/recreation building will be built

By Mark H. Stowers

After two members of the Birmingham City Commission couldn’t make the city’s last regular monthly meeting, a special meeting was called for Monday, July 29, to decide the future of the senior/recreation center project for Next, and a decision was made to demolish and rebuild the Birmingham YMCA building purchased one year ago.

The commission had two options on the agenda, a new building option or a renovation option. After much discussion and input from the YMCA and Next representatives, a three-part motion was made and passed, 6-1.

Part one was to demolish and build a new building. Part two, the three parties involved – the city, YMCA and Next – would meet, represented by counsel, and figure out a specific space sharing arrangement. The parties would also discuss a variety of partnership structures they would then bring back to the city commission for approval.

City officials say they expect the YMCA to contribute commensurate with the square footage they would be utilizing in any partnership. So the third part of the approved motion provides that the city commission would begin the process of doing legal and financial due diligence on the partners that may involve hiring outside counsel or the city commission’s existing auditing firm to examine tax returns and financial statements and potential legal structures.

The city purchased the property a year ago to find a future home for Next, a non-profit organization since 1978 with a mission to enrich the lives of the 50+ age population of Birmingham, Bingham Farms, Beverly Hills, Franklin and the surrounding areas.

At that time, the plan was for the YMCA and Next to co-exist for the next three years in the building. This threeyear transition period would 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 in the building, it was expected the organization will occupy about 75 percent of the square footage while the YMCA will occupy the other 25 percent. However, the YMCA has indicated it is now interested in staying longer and utilizing more space.

The Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee (SCC) on July 17 recommended to the city commission to

Cultural Arts Award winners announced

By Lisa Brody

Terra ownership set for former Morrie site

The Cultural Council of Birmingham Bloomfield, a non-profit 501c-3 that promotes and supports the cultural life in the community, has announced the 2024 Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Arts Award winners, which will go to Hedy Blatt, Gary Wasserman and the Village of Beverly Hills.

This year, their awards ceremony will take place on September 13, at the Cultural Council's partner, Birmingham Bloomfield Arts Center (BBAC), from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Hedy Blatt will receive the 2024 Cultural Arts Award, as an “advocate for arts education.” Blatt is the newly retired part-time Fine Arts Consultant for Oakland Schools (OS). She has been an ardent liaison and tireless worker connecting the 28 school districts in Oakland County to universities and to the many community and regional cultural institutions throughout the metro Detroit area. During her 20-year tenure as Oakland Schools’ Fine Arts Consultant and 20 previous years as the Director of Fine Arts for the Troy School District, Hedy’s impact in arts education has had far-reaching influence throughout Oakland County and the state, supporting thousands of band, orchestra, choral music, theater, visual arts, and dance teachers and, thereby, students.

Gary Wasserman will receive a Special Lifetime Achievement Award as a “creative visionary.” A Bloomfield Township native, Gary Wasserman is a global business owner, cultural producer and philanthropist who is committed to excellence across a diverse range of organizations and affiliations. As CEO of Allied Metals Corporation, he is a leader in the technology of high purity materials for the aerospace and energy generation industries. Long involved in the cultural and civic community, Wasserman led the revitalization of the cherished America's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit and served on the boards of Detroit Opera, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Cranbrook. Other affiliations include the boards of The Detroit Eastern Market, The Knights NYC Orchestra, Ojai Music Festival, M:X Miami, The Wolfsonian FIU, Cleveland Orchestra Miami, presenter of The Big Apple Circus, and more recently, The Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society of Miami.

Wasserman's passion for Detroit led him to reinvest in the city with the founding of Wasserman Projects, a hybrid of exhibition space and art gallery, in the tradition of a kunsthalle which facilitates and promotes the work of outstanding visual artists, musicians and spoken word performers who inspire creativity in the Detroit community and beyond.

The Village of Beverly Hills is being honored for “supporting a kaleidoscope of artistic activities.” The community is an involved one, with an active and vibrant parks community. It hosts Java and Jazz, Concerts In the Park, Disc Golf, Food Truck Mondays, movies and reading in the park, Halloween Hoot, Memorial Day Parade and Carnival and Fun Run/Walk, and has numerous sculptures offering public art.

The Cultural Council of Birmingham Bloomfield works to illuminate the many cultural activities and resources available across the BirminghamBloomfield area.

completely rebuild rather than rehab the existing building. The SCC board voted to suggest demolishing the current building and construct a new facility with the $28 million budget that would cover construction and soft costs of the project. YMCA space would be included in that plan. The SCC was presented with several options which ranged from rehabbing the current buidling at an estimated cost of $19 million, including soft costs, to constructing a new building for as much as $31 million if a pool was included.

The three part motion was made by commissioner Clinton Baller and seconded by commissioner Andrew

Haig. A 40-minute discussion by city residents took place before voting.

Commissioner Brad Host was the lone “no” vote, citing a proposed 2015 city bond for the library that in his words “failed miserably for the library. And yet here we are 10 years later, having spent nine and half million dollars versus $30 million that they wanted, with the debt service and everybody’s happy.”

Meetings involving Next, the YMCA and city officials have continued since the late July meeting and the issue was expected to be a topic on the August 26 city commission meeting.

By Mark H. Stowers

Birmingham City Commissioners unanimously approved an ownership change for the former site of The Morrie, to now be known as Terra Kitchen & Cocktail, for ownership group Old Woodward STA, LLC, at their meeting on Monday, August 12.

The new restaurant, at 260 N. Old Woodward in the Palladium building, requested approval of a special land use permit to allow the ownership change of an existing food and drink establishment serving alcoholic liquors for on premise consumption in downtown Birmingham. According to the application, there will be no changes to the exterior site/property as a result of the ownership change.

The new owner, Randy Foumia, requested the following permits from the city: Sunday sales (AM/PM) permit, outdoor service area permits, dance permit, and entertainment permit. According to a memo from the police department, he will expend $1.3 million for the liquor license, renovation of the space, and the installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment.

A description of Terra in the commission packet described it as “Terra will become a repeat spot for an upscale-casual, modern, dining experience. We feel that we will fill a gap in which the city lacks – a cool and comfortable but gorgeous restaurant that is inviting to families looking to share a meal, business people alike who are grabbing a quick bite to eat solo, to couples and friends that want to try the coolest new restaurant on Old Woodward Avenue. We aim to create a space where people alike can gather, dine and enjoy a blend of flavors and drinks sure to appease the body and mind. Our core values include authenticity, integrity, quality, consistency and hospitality. We are awesome food, great drinks, and the best vibe.”

A sample menu offers Asian, Middle Eastern and American appetizers, entrees, soups, salads, pastas and bowls and “hand helds,” as well as a kids' menu.

The interior renovation is inspired by “bright and beautiful, featuring white-wash oak, greens accompanied with moss and foliage, metallics, black leather textures, and Gold calacatta marble. The coveted color, green, represents growth, strength and stability.”

Signature files suit over MLS access

By David Hohendorf

Several members of the Signature Sotheby’s real estate firm, with offices in Birmingham, Grosse Pointe and Northville, have filed a lawsuit in federal court Eastern District against the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Michigan Association of Realtors, three local real estate organizations and the firm controlling the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for homes for sale, alleging that compulsory membership in those groups amounts to a restraint of trade and that recent rules adopted have made the MLS listings of questionable value.

The class action lawsuit was filed by Michael S. Clawson, Bloomfield Hills attorney, on behalf of Douglas Hardy, owner of the real estate firm; Glenn Champion, president and managing broker; and agent Dylan Tent as a representative of the class.

Plaintiffs claim that on several occasions they raised questions with the real estate boards and organizations

about the compulsory memberships but were rebuffed each time.

Clawson told Downtown that his clients had been discussing the issue for the past one and a half to two years but a recent settlement of an older federal NAR lawsuit over agent commissions “put them over the edge.”

The recently settled NAR legal challenge, according to the lawsuit filed this week, “eliminated the broker’s compensation transparency for buyers and restrained sellers’ choice by prohibiting sellers from making offers of compensation through the MLS, essentially inviting brokers and agents to participate in deceptive compensation practices” that the plaintiffs say will not benefit consumers or the real estate industry.

Champion offered that the new NAR rules prohibiting compensation information on the MLS created the “potential for steering” and discrimination.

Both Hardy and Champion said that the current rules, which were to take effect on August 17 but had been implemented in July, could drive up costs of home sales and would not

prove a benefit for those in the market to make a purchase, especially at the lower end of the home market and with first time home buyers.

Hardy said the rules were “creating less transparency” and the “solution is to publish compensation.”

Clawson said the lawsuit just filed could take a couple of years to wind its way through the court system.

At the present time, the lawsuit requests class action status for firms and real estate agents in Michigan but both Hardy and Champion noted that they have received over 50 phones calls representing “half the states in the country” from firms willing to join the lawsuit.

In terms of relief, the plaintiffs ask for the award of damages to members of the class and reimbursement of all costs and attorney fees.

Booth Park moves ahead with upgrades

By Mark H. Stowers

Trail improvements and a new entry park to Booth Park were discussed at the August 12

Birmingham City Commission meeting, with Scott Zelinski, director of the department of public service providing an update of the project which has a budget of $900,000, but a design for $1.5 million dollars.

Zelinski noted there are opportunities for donations to be made for the project, along with pursuing state funding that would require a city match. He also asked if there are thing that could be held off on until later, such as planting new trees.

Constraints at the park have given those working on the project a challenge in its design. After much commission discussion, a resolution was passed unanimously by commissioners to direct staff to proceed with a finalization of drawings for construction for final review. Commissioners approved a design to incorporate all elements of the landscape plan, including selecting the custom “bespoke” option for the restroom facility and eliminating four spaces for parking.

Museum awarded for Underground Railroad

The Association of Midwest Museums (AMM) will present an award to The Birmingham Museum for its leadership in grant-funded multicommunity public history project to study Oakland County's Underground Railroad.

two additional sites. This type of collective effort is highly unusual in the museum field. It demonstrates a highly effective approach to cross-museum collaboration that incorporates creative use of resources and grassroots involvement to do original research that benefits a wide public audience.

This year, the AMM has selected the Birmingham Museum to receive a special “Collaborators Award” to recognize the project and its impact, calling it ‘inspiring’ and ‘extraordinary.'

The unique project has generated an enormous amount of information about previously unknown formerly enslaved people who fled the south in the years before the Civil War and were sheltered in communities throughout Oakland County by everyday people who helped them reach safety in Canada. It was discovered through the project that there were individuals that lived in Birmingham and are buried in Greenwood Cemetery that were part of the Underground Railroad.

The initial project began in 2023, with coordination and professional direction by the Birmingham Museum. It included the Farmington Historical Society, Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society, Royal Oak Historical Society and Southfield Historical Society. Over the past year, the Birmingham Museum has created a database of primary sources identified by the project, designed a traveling exhibit and provided numerous presentations to the public related to this newly discovered local history.

The award was presented to museum director Leslie Pielack and museum specialist Donna Casaceli at the AMM's annual conference in Columbus, Ohio, on August 1. An additional virtual celebration will take place this fall that will be open to the Underground Railroad project partner organizations. The project will be continuing into 2025 and beyond, and plans are underway in partnering communities to utilize the research from the project in special celebrations and events in 2026, for America’s 250th anniversary.

The AMM represents the eight-state region of the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Its mission is to strengthen museums in the Midwest by providing nationally relevant, regionally specific programs, products, and networking opportunities, and it encourages and Its mission is to strengthen museums in the Midwest by providing nationally relevant, regionally specific programs, products, and networking opportunities, and it encourages and recognizes professional standards and excellence in the museum field.

Sign ordinance change for places of worship

By Mark H. Stowers

The museum has also helped the partnering organizations use trained volunteers and their own collections to uncover their stories and explore how they fit into the bigger narrative of the anti-slavery movement in Oakland County. This has raised public interest and awareness through school programs, public proclamations, special events, and other support, and has resulted in two more historic site designations with the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom in Southfield and Royal Oak. This public engagement and momentum has resulted in an expansion of the project into a second year, with additional funding, more partners, and the addition of historical organizations in Commerce, Oxford, Rochester, Troy and West Bloomfield.

The second phase of the project will enlarge the database of research and will create teacher and student resources, including planned Network to Freedom nominations for at least

A public hearing was held at the Birmingham City Commission meeting on Monday, July 22, to amend language in the city sign ordinance in order to change the language from “church” to “religious institutions” and adjust the standards for maximum area, height, illumination and numbers.

Nick Dupuis, planning director, gave a short presentation explaining the changes. The Our Shepard of the Lutheran Church on 14 Mile Road initiated the application-based request after going through a site plan request.

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church sought to install three new signs at a total of around 70 square feet of new signage. Because of their location, the current sign ordinance permitted only 20 square feet. The applicant sought a variance for 50 square feet of signage and was denied. The 248.301.2856

Benefits/compensation study consultant

By Dana Casadei

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees awarded their benefits and compensation study project to Management Advisory Group International from Virginia at their Monday, July 23, meeting.

Management Advisory Group International was one of eight companies putting in bids to take on this project for the township and it will cost $34,500, all of which will be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds the township received. The board of trustees approved this spending last November.

While supervisor Dani Walsh said all eight companies who put in bids – which ranged from $21,840 to $130,000 – were strong candidates, Management Advisory Group International stood out from the crowd right from the beginning, becoming one of five they interviewed, then making it to the final two, where they ultimately won the recommendation.

“All of the different groups had unique traits to them and what their specialties were,” said trustee Chris Kolinski. “When it came down to the two finalists, they were both personable, and we liked the experience they were providing us, which was incredible.”

Not only do they have decades worth of experience in the field, but also are very familiar with Michigan, having completed surveys within the public sector throughout Canton Township, Dearborn, Southfield and counties such as Wayne and Oakland.

They already have core data about some of the challenges happening in Michigan, and Kolinski said that they gave new ideas to the committee for this consultation that no one else had.

Walsh also mentioned that Management Advisory Group International is willing to do interviews with a variety of people from their staff, including union presidents for the township, who represent hundreds of people, as well as different department heads for Bloomfield Township.

The list for why this group was picked continues with Management Advisory Group International’s willingness to provide three in-person meetings; conduct employee surveys and interviews; their recent experience with new benefit trends; their ability to provide software for future job classifications and scales; and they had one of the shortest timelines for the projects at only 12 weeks.

Even though Management Advisory Group International was who the committee ultimately went with, Walsh said that all eight proposals they received were strong. But given the committee’s focus on the different companies’ experience, their willing to do in-person interviews, level of employee engagement, proposed timeline, and the cost for the study, three were knocked out early, not even making it to the interview round.

“Employee engagement was a huge one for us because if you’re not asking people what they want, you might be spending a lot of time focusing on something that’s completely uninteresting to them,” Walsh said.

Notably, one of the three companies not interviewed was Segal, which the township has used before, but Walsh said that they were too compensation-focused, something the township isn't looking for this time.

This benefits and compensation study will take a much more robust approach compared to the standard in the public sector, consisting mostly of compensation and medical, and will include a report of new benefits and trends that have evolved from the post-pandemic economy.

The previous administration entered into a five-year contract with the Fire Union and six-year contracts with the remaining seven unions in March 2020. While there was a compensation study conducted, it was not completed and presented until July 2020, long after contracts had already been signed. The study’s focus was on establishing job descriptions, creating wage ranges for positions, and providing software to update new job descriptions.

Since then, a global pandemic hit, causing Bloomfield Township, among other municipalities, to rethink their priorities, services and workforce to better balance the needs of residents, employees, and the community at large, which is why this upcoming study intends to have a focus on benefits.

Walsh said she hopes this study will allow for Bloomfield Township to go up against the private sector and bring in more people who will fill some of the most difficult positions for the township to fill, such as civil engineers and those who work in building and planning.

parcel has over 500 feet of frontage on 14 Mile and is larger than one acre. The city's design review board sought to work through the issue to bring consistency while being cognizant of the residential zoning in the area and not allow signs that were large and bright in illumination.

On the March 6 agenda, the design review board provided direction to the planning department to pursue a building frontage-based requirement and held discussions regarding other standards. The design board requested information on any existing signs that the city has data for to understand what might be existing in the city. On the May 1 agenda, the design review board moved to set a public hearing date to review the proposed ordinance and make a recommendation to the city commission.

The new language was rewritten to mimic the rest of the city’s sign ordinance. It was decided to cap a religious institution’s sign at 75 square feet. The maximum height was set as six feet above grade for ground signs and 24 inches for wall signs or name letter signs.

The verbiage change from 'church' to 'religious institutions' was to mimic the rest of the city’s zoning ordinance. This was adjusted from a singular church to a religious institution as a general term as defined in the zoning ordinance. They are not limited as to what can go on the sign but just the size.

Current church or religious institutions signs would be grandfathered in if over the new limit until any physical changes are made to an existing sign. The sign ordinance changes were passed unanimously, with mayor Elaine McLain and mayor pro tem Katie Schafer absent.

Strategic planning development session

By Dana Casadei

Over a nearly four and a half hour long workshop-like meeting on Monday, August 12, the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees worked with prompts from BerryDunn to come up with everything from potential mission statements for the township, to strategic goals and priorities for their next five-year strategic plan.

There were constant themes throughout their discussion from the start, where they began by focusing

on a mission statement that included continuing to provide great services to the township and making the area a great place to live, being forward thinking, and ultimately, a premier community where people aspire to not only raise their kids but grow up too.

The consultants then discussed different vision statements, which were described as where does the board want Bloomfield Township to go over the next five years, what do they want to improve, get rid of, or keep the same. Much like their mission statement exercise, it all really came down to providing good government to their residents, a continued theme in their values exercise, priorities and strategic goals as well.

This could really be seen when discussing strategic goals, and the final six goals they came up with were to be a welcoming community, which focuses on embracing all people within Bloomfield Township, bringing them together; public safety; a nature focus that protects and preserves green spaces with a continued effort on maintaining lakes and lake health; being best of class and quick to adjust, become a regional leader not only in innovation but by being fiscally sound; providing a vibrant quality of life for residents more through development of recreation strategy and things to do, and a newfound focus on providing activities for all ages; preserving the community’s character, especially keeping the large lots in the area, and enforcing their zoning ordinances; and resilient infrastructure, where they will continue to invest in infrastructure, top-notch technology, stormwater events, and working with utility partners to think more proactively.

“All of these things happen with a workforce that’s talented and engaged,” said trustee Chris Kolinski.

Many of the themes trustees discussed and brought into different aspects of the strategic plan discussion also went hand-in-hand with the data BerryDunn presented during the beginning of the meeting, data they had collected through an environmental scan, community forums, social media, and a Strategic Plan ETC Community Survey.

The environmental scan allowed for BerryDunn to identify potential opportunities and would allow everyone to get involved in the strategic plan, from residents to trustees. It also utilized data from sources such as AARP and the

census bureau to figure out the township’s livability index, which is currently at 44. BerryDunn said part of the reason their score is so low was because of all the large lots in Bloomfield Township. The township did quite well in some areas, including clean air and water, which scored a 66.

Then there was the data provided directly by community members, who had a lot to say about Bloomfield Township, especially on the social pinpoint site.

That site alone had over 2,000 visits, over 1,400 unique users, 92 hard comments, and 572 survey responses. Residents were able to comment on different aspects of the township, with quality of life, environment and public safety being some of the most frequently cited.

Within those surveys, BerryDunn found that many had confidence that the township would be a better place to live in the next five years, and for those who question a low star rating, their comments about why they did so centered on Bloomfield Township’s lack of parks, a need for more familyfriendly activities, high taxes and utility rates, and worry that they won’t be able to keep the high standard of living or keep their crime rate low.

As far as what should be prioritized in the next five-year strategic plan, maintaining public safety was number one, and also something that residents considered that the government already does well. When it came to things that could be improved, there was a focus around the quality of infrastructure and facilities, maintaining bike areas, and a need for more recreation programs and facilities, the latter of which was also a big concern.

Despite some of the challenges and weakness addressed by residents, only 18 percent thought that Bloomfield Township wasn’t welcoming to diverse identifies, backgrounds and experiences.

BerryDunn also presented an analysis of the township, breaking down their findings into four categories: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges, known as SWOC. It’s an analysis they do so everyone can better understand the township’s current position before figuring out new strategies to implement moving forward. There weren’t any surprises from the SWOC results, which looked very similar to all of the themes and analysis that had already been presented.

Ecker receives raise, positive review

By Lisa Brody

At their meeting on Monday, August 12, Birmingham City Commissioners came out of a closed-session to evaluate city manager Jana Ecker's performance giving her a six percent raise on her one year anniversary. Commissioners voted 5-1, with commissioner Brad Host dissenting and commissioner Andrew Haig not in attendance, to provide Ecker with the raise, worth $10,500 on top of her original $175,000 salary and directed city attorney Mary Kucharek to make an amendment to her five-year employment agreement. Her contract goes through 2028.

In a memorandum, Ecker stated that since she was promoted to city manager in July 2023, she had initiated and overseen a number of accomplishments.

Among the initiatives noted are extensive work involved with the new Next building; worked with state representatives to draft bill to reduce vehicle noise on roadways, including providing professional testimony during hearings in Lansing; implemented 15-minute short-term parking pilot in the downtown area; transferred the collection of revenue from all parking decks from a third party collector to the city treasurer’s office; created and distributed a New Business Welcome Packet to help new and prospective businesses to easily navigate the city’s processes, to connect businesses to city resources and to enhance city business recruitment efforts; and completed first draft of the Birmingham Green: Healthy Climate Plan; completed first draft of the Aging in Place Action Plan, continued work with the Aging in Place Committee, among other work.

phase two of the project, which kicked off this past April and will be completed, ideally, sometime this October. In August, BerryDunn held two plan development sessions on August 12 and 13, including the one held with the board, and another on Tuesday, August 13, with Bloomfield Township staff.

The latter group’s goals are to really refine the board’s initial work and give the priorities objectives, specific outcomes, and performance measures, seeking an answer to what success will look like in five years within each of those priorities the board came up with.

From there, BerryDunn will lead more virtual sessions with department leaders and key staff to continue to develop the outcomes of the five-year strategic plan. Then, they’ll have a first draft and bring that to the board of trustees during another work session.

At the end of the meeting, Kennedy asked the board if they had any kind of critiques about the process of creating a strategic plan with BerryDunn thus far. Multiple board members expressed a desire for a meeting like this to be spread out over two meetings instead, allowing for time to be less rushed.

out to let their thoughts be known online too, through the Strategic Plan ETC Community Survey and social media.

Seeing that level of engagement online caused the trustees to bring up the idea for more community engagement with the strategic plan than was currently being worked on, something that BerryDunn agreed with.

BerryDunn is now planning to put the strategic plan on the township’s social pinpoint, where residents will be able to take a closer look and gain a clearer understanding of what the board and BerryDunn are working towards.

Candidates run for school board seats

By Lisa Brody

Four candidates, including two incumbents, are running for three open seats on the Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education, and seven candidates, including three incumbents, are running for three open seats on the Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education, in the November general election.

Hockhammer, currently board treasurer; Nancy Pomish and Jason Tejani. Current board member Nicole McKinney is not running to serve another term.

There are three open seats on the Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education. Candidates running for a four-year term are incumbent trustees Siva Kumar, Michelle Southward and John VanGemert. Also running for a seat on the board are Jason R. Abel, Lindsay G. Baker, Evon I. Rienecke and Brynn Stevenson.

In other election news, six candidates, Keith Carduner, Dani Gillman, Judy Lindstrom, Joan Luksik, Joy Murray and Shane Spradlin are running for six open seats on the Bloomfield Township Library Board. They are uncontested.

Potential new liquor license zoning rules

By Dana Casadei

Bloomfield Township Plannng Commission members have scheduled a public hearing for early September on suggested ordinances changes to allow indoor recreational restaurants to obtain a liquor license, prompted by the planned opening of Tee Times, a new space for golf simulators and other state-of-the-art golf technology.

Zoning ordinance amendments that would allow indoor recreational restaurants, such as Tee Times, the ability to obtain a liquor license were discussed at the township's planning commission on Monday, August 5. Tee Times is planning to occupy the former home to Rebel Boxing, and all adjacent vacant tenant spaces that are within the Maple Telegraph Shopping Center on Telegraph Road at Maple Road. The site plan has already been reviewed by the township departments of assessor, building, fire, engineering and environmental services, ordinance, public works and police with no issues found.

The meeting was part of the end of

During the three community forums BerryDunn held with residents in the township over 100 people showed up, a much higher number than anyone was anticipating. The community came

The filing deadline was Tuesday, July 23, at 4 p.m.

There are three open seats on the Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education. Candidates running for a six-year term are incumbents Jennifer Rass, current board president; Amy

“Looking at the nature of our cinemas it made sense to look at an ordinance amendment for something as unique as a recreational restaurant use, not just because of Tee Times either, but by others who have asked,” said Patricia Voelker, Bloomfield Township Director of Planning, Building, and Ordinances.

Earlier that day, Voelker said she had received a call from someone looking to open a pickleball members club in the township, and wanted to know more about obtaining a liquor

license for something of that nature.

The current ordinance isn’t specific enough for this type of business, so it isn’t permitted. Class C and tavern licenses are only permitted as special land uses in the B-2 Community Business District and the B-3 General Business District as part of a full service restaurant or a cinema use. Cinemas with a Class C or tavern license may be permitted as part of a mixed-use development with a development agreement – which was intended for the theater proposal for the Bloomfield Park project – and as an integral use within a planned shopping center, such as the former Maple Theater’s location within the Bloomfield Plaza Shopping Center.

The proposed amendment changes to the zoning ordinance are very similar in language to the one that allows alcohol in cinemas, and would incorporate the Class C standards for restaurants and cinema uses to also include indoor recreational uses.

Standards in the amendments that would allow for indoor recreational restaurants to sell beer, wine and liquor include that offstreet parking shall be a part of the shared parking study for the planned shopping center and approved by the township; an application fee to the township would need to be paid; it would be unlawful for any person, company, corporation or other legal entity to seek a Class C or tavern license, or transfer a Class C or tavern license unless a permit was obtained from the township; and the license shall be for the sale of beer, wine and/or spirits that will be consumed on the premise. The sale of beer, wine, and spirits cannot exceed more than 50 percent of the total gross sales of the business.

Currently, the township has issued 25 on-premises Class C and/or tavern licenses, leaving them with five available to issue within the township, according to the the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

“I’m thrilled that we’re getting something like this back to us to look at…” said Neal Barnett, planning commissioner and board of trustee member. “It’s a great idea. I think it’ll be advantageous to the township and the type of businesses we can attract.”

“It’s pretty amazing what they’re able to provide to their customers,” said Voelker, who was able to visit the Rochester Hills location of the original Tee Times.

Special land use for All Seasons II rejected

By Mark H. Stowers

Birmingham City Commissioners unanimously rejected a request for a special land use permit (SLUP) for a ground floor business unit at All Seasons II at their meeting on Monday, August 12.

The senior living development, located at 111 Elm Street, requires a special land use permit in order to make a change to its site plans. The development requested a ground floor middle unit, 1,500 square feet, to be changed from a residential use to a business use.

The major issue outlined was the bonus height provision in the plan.

The proposed business originally agreed to pay $1.4 million into the parking fund and secure LEED certification. The monies were put in escrow to be used to add future additional parking facilities in the Triangle District, one of the city’s overall goals.

Planning director Nick Dupuis explained that All Seasons said it would like to change its zoning classification to a mix use building and stop paying into the city's parking fund. LEED certification is currently in process. In changing from residential to mixed use, it would trigger standards that didn’t previously apply. The applicants were seeking to modify architectural standards in the zoning ordinance.

The Birmingham Planning Board had recommended denying the requests in a 6 to 1 vote in their May 22 meeting. Dupuis said they had concerns about the commercial space and had questions about the bonus square footage given on the fourth and fifth floor. They didn’t feel the design intent met the requirements of the ordinance. Dupuis explained that the city commission has permission to grant an exception for All Seasons II under the modification clause in the Triangle District.

All Seasons II’s lawyer, Patrick Howe, replied to the city in a six-page email pointing out that All Seasons II is making “no other changes” proposed to the building other than the proposed changes to glazing and the awning on the building façade. He further stated the required 17 spaces for parking is already being met with 19 off-street parking spaces. His email furthered argued that, “The use will be compatible with adjacent uses of land, the natural environment and the capabilities of public services and facilities affected by the land use.”

Howe stated at the meeting, “we’re trying to change the building for the betterment of the city.”

Mark Abanathy represented architect Alexander V. Bogaerts & Associates P.C. to the commission. He said that market conditions caused the company to propose changes.

“We think it meets the spirit and intent and it will really activate the area,” Abernathy said. “We think the building is more attractive with this change.”

Sam Beznos, CEO of Beztak Companies who own All Seasons, noted it is not a typical request, “but is the intent of the ordinance and is a viable option for the bonus height and special land use permit.”

City manager Jana Ecker and city attorney Mary Kucharek both stated they were against changing the SLUP. The city commission then voted on the motion to deny the request and it passed 6-0, with commissioner Andrew Haig absent from the meeting.

Brandon Shaya, co-owner of Tee Times, said that Bloomfield Township was the obvious pick for them when deciding where to open another Tee Times, and said they couldn’t be doing this anywhere better than here.

This work for Shaya and his team has been a dream project for them since they opened their first location in Rochester Hills in late 2022.

The big draw for many will be the golf simulators and state-of-the-art technology located across the 9,382square-foot space, allowing those

salads to wraps and sliders. There are also about a dozen different appetizers.

Special land use will also need to be considered for their proposed hours that would extend past 9 p.m.

The work at Tee Times isn’t just in the physical location but out in the community of Bloomfield Township too, where they plan to be as involved as they are with Rochester Hills. Barnett commended them on their community involvement with Rochester Hills. “It’s very impressive how they get involved with the community,” he said.

In Rochester Hills they host fundraisers, events, golf tournaments and work with the Rochester Hills high schools’ golf teams to allow them to come and practice with their coaches at Tee Times, with zero cost to them – which is notable considering Tee Times regular, nonsummer rates range from $50-$70 an hour per bay. Up to six players are allowed in each bay.

Tee Times has already committed to serve as the training camp for the golf teams of Bloomfield Hills High School and Brother Rice High School at zero cost to them.

Liquor license change for local gas stations

By Dana Casadei

As of last spring, Bloomfield Township had never had one of their automobile service stations – gas stations – submit a site plan application for liquor license, causing the board of trustees to wonder why.

As of the planning commission meeting on Monday, August 5 –where Patricia Voelker, Bloomfield Township Director of Planning, Building, and Ordinances, who broke down those requirements during her presentation – it was easy to see why they haven’t.

who love to golf to do so no matter the weather outside. That technology includes 24-direction moving swing plate, multi-surface hitting mats, an LED putting guide, auto-tee and high-speed camera sensors.

The proposed space would not only be home to 13 golf simulators but a full-service restaurant and bar, too. Shaya emphasized that the food they serve is not quick bowling alley food, but will be handcrafted by a chef and their team.

At their Rochester Hills location, the menu ranges from wings and

The current standards that need to be met are quite intense, Voelker noted, with a lengthy list of requirements that include a minimum of 50 feet between the cash register and fuel pumps; no drive-through within the same building; a minimum building space of 4,000 square feet with one parking space every 200-square-feet; frontage on a major thoroughfare; no service or repair operations within the gas station; they aren’t adjacent to a residential zoned property; and a minimum lot size of one acre for a single user.

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They also must either be located in a neighborhood shopping center that’s composed of one or more commercial establishments, and/or have a minimum inventory of $250,000 on the premise, which does not include alcoholic beverages or motor vehicle fuel.

They also need a license issued by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC).

Voelker went through each requirement in a chart, showing that with the current standards only three of the township’s 12 gas stations even qualify to be able to apply.

“We really are down to five that have the potential, and that’s if one gets rid of their drive-through, and two get rid of the service, so there’s only three,” she said.

The amendment changes that Voelker proposed to make this less difficult for gas stations to apply for include making adjustments to a lot of the current standards, such as revising the distance from the point of sale and fuel to only five feet, which would align with the state MLCC requirements; eliminate the minimum building size and lot size; and add an amendment that there must be a minimum of 750 feet distance to any school to be consistent with what is current for retail package outlets.

If the minimum size requirement is reduced from the current 4,000 square feet that could open the doors for qualification for all of the gas stations. There’s also site constrictions for some of those locations, which would not be able to expand to the 4,000 square feet as currently required.

Commission member Richard Atto had questions, and some clear issues, with there being no square footage minimum within the proposed changes, and said while it didn’t need to be 4,000 square feet, he felt strongly that there should be one set.

“To be able to suggest a building size when these lot sizes are very varied, and there’s so many limitations to where that building is located on the property…” said Voelker. “Those are the constraints that are going to define what that building is. So the approach was more having that set the tone and set the scale as opposed to requiring a minimum square footage.”

None of the 12 gas stations are 4,000 square feet. Some aren’t even close, with the smallest, Costco gas station at 2385 Telegraph Road, at 91-square-feet. The rest roughly are

between 1,000 to 3,800 square feet.

Atto wasn’t the only one who brought up concerns with the proposed amendments.

Neal Barnett, planning commission and board of trustee member, took issue with their being no minimum square footage requirement too, and thought it would be helpful to include a police report with their thoughts on this and if there would be increased crime during any upcoming presentations. He also suggested getting data from Birmingham’s gas stations that sell beer, wine, and liquor, to see if that has resulted in increased police calls and public safety calls to those gas stations.

But his biggest concern came from the fact that they would be selling liquor, not just wine and beer like he had thought.

“I think we’re taking something that is rather restrictive right now to something that’s opening up much more than was represented to many of us, so that’s going to be an issue for me,” Barnett said. “I think it [selling liquor] is too broad for me to accept this. Personally, I don’t want to go from one extreme to the other.

“Not to say that I can’t be persuaded under the right circumstances to give it consideration, but the way it’s set up right now, I think we need to be more restrictive to get approval, not only from me, but many other board members on the board of trustees,” he continued.

The planning commission may have taken issue with some of the proposed amendments but one man, Chris Barbat, who spoke during the public comment section, had a lot to add in the defense of these changes.

Barbat – who is part of the Barbat Organization, who owns several local gas stations, including in Bloomfield Township – stated that while he now owns multiple gas stations he started working at them when he was 13, and discussed how much gas stations, have evolved over the years. They are now becoming not only a place to get gas, but a quick and convenient stop on the way home from work, where people could pick up a bottle of wine for dinner and not have to worry about dealing with the grocery store.

He even spoke about how once his gas stations started to sell beer, wine, and liquor, there was no increase in calls to police, but actually fewer because of their

additional security measures they added once they started selling alcohol.

Selling beer, wine, and liquor also isn’t uncommon in the area, with many cities and towns around Bloomfield Township allowing for this kind of distribution at gas stations.

“I think it’ll be an amenity for Bloomfield, too,” Barbat said.

The planning commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 4.

Township safety path contract awarded

By Dana Casadei

The 2024 Jan Roncelli Safety Path Program Contract was awarded to Audia Concrete Construction, Inc. with a unanimous vote of approval at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, July 22.

Audia Concrete Construction, Inc. was one of five bids received by the township for this specific project, coming in at $647,101, the lowest of the five, and nearly $66,500 less than the estimate of $713,600 from Hubbell, Roth, & Clark, Inc., the township's engineers.

HRC also did the reference check with Audia Concrete Construction, Inc., a company they’ve worked with before, and found them to be satisfactory for this project.

“That sounds like great news,” said trustee Chris Kolinski. “Kudos to you all for getting not only good bids but good bids that were under budget… great news for the taxpayer.”

This particular project that the Milford-based construction company will complete will be along the Telegraph Road segment of the Jan Roncelli Safety Path, that goes from Humphry Avenue to the Clinton River Bike Trail, the preferred path the board selected back at their meeting on September 26, 2023.

The path selected along Telegraph Road – also called the “Paper Road” – will allow people to walk through the wooded area that is the right-of-way for Desiax Avenue on the north side of Lafayette Avenue. This wooded area will have decorative park-style lighting that will run parallel to the safety path through the Paper Road wooded portion of the Jan Roncelli Safety Path.

This route will be a total of 3,011 lineal feet.

This beautiful home will exceed the expectations of your fussiest buyers. The spectacular setting with panoramic views of the Rouge River and nature preserve, along with over 3,700 sq ft of spacious, above grade rooms, make this home ideal for entertaining and a comfortable lifestyle. The HOA includes lawn maintenance, hedging, mulching, & snow removal right up to the front door. 1st Floor includes the owner’s suite, newer bath, California Closets, laundry/mud room and a new powder room. The 2nd floor has 2 large bedrooms and a bath with a jetted tub. The finished walkout lower level overlooks the river and woods and has direct deck access from 2 large rooms (currently used as offices), picture windows, a ½ bath and rec room area. Add to all of that, generous storage space on all three levels AND a whole house generator for peace of mind. Exceptionally well maintained and located on a private and secluded cul-de-sac, this home is a must-see!

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FACES

Ziad Kassab

Born and raised in Michigan to parents who immigrated from Iraq, Ziad Kassab learned the value of family, hard work and turning a tragic situation into a positive lifelong mission.

According to Kassab, in 1993, his parents were raising their four children and operating a grocery store in the small Lapeer County village of Dryden when their seven-year-old son, Danny, was struck by a car and nearly died. Three nurses who were at a nearby church rushed to the scene and helped save his life.

Danny sustained significant injuries, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. He lived the remaining 16 years of his life as a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic, which changed the trajectory of the family’s future as they focused on Danny’s care and providing joy-filled life experiences.

After a year of disappointment with home healthcare agencies and caregivers, Danny’s parents were inspired to start their own healthcare agency - named Guardian Angel Home Healthcare for the nurses who aided their son after his accident.

Kassab says, “The first nurse hired for the business was one of the nurses that helped save my brother’s life after the accident. My mother felt they were his guardian angels that day...There’s a unique perspective when a family member is the patient. We want to give the kind of care that we wanted for my brother. We look at every patient as if they were Danny.”

Kassab also founded Danny’s Home Health Care in 2014 as well as other businesses along the way. Both home healthcare companies are based in Rochester Hills and collectively operate in six states.

After Danny’s passing in 2009, Kassab established a nonprofit organization in his younger brother’s name called Danny’s Miracle Angel Network (D-MAN) Foundation located in Berkley. He explains, “The foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of families and individuals living with physical and mental disabilities through education and specialty programs to help them achieve the highest quality of life possible despite huge barriers.”

D-MAN Foundation offers innovative programming that connects back to what brought Danny joy, including a Music Therapy Recording Studio and an Assisted Travel Program. The foundation recently hosted their 12th annual “Dream Comes True on Woodward Avenue” during the Woodward Dream Cruise in which about 100 wheelchair-bound individuals go cruising in the convertible of their choice. The fun and memorable event took place in the back lot of the Dawda Mann building on Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills and included music and food.

“I have a clear calling in life,” Kassab explains. “God works through people and the reward is in the giving. I love working in the healthcare industry but the joy that this foundation has brought is so special.”

He added, “After Danny’s accident, we did everything we could to give him the best quality life possible and to do things he would be doing without the chair. My brother, Calvin, became a nurse to better care for Danny. My sister, Cassidy, has her master’s in art therapy and is studying for her doctorate in psychology...We took Danny on trips to Las Vegas for his 21st birthday and a Bahamas cruise. He had the time of his life on the cruise – and when he died months later, we were so glad we went.”

He offers this life lesson: “We ended up losing Danny suddenly so it’s a reminder to live every day like it’s your last. Now is always the time to make a difference.”

Story: Tracy Donohue

Photo: Laurie Tennent

BUSINESS MATTERS

The Moose is gone

It’s the end of an era for those in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. The last remaining Moosejaw outdoor apparel and gear retailer, 34288 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, near Papa Joe’s, officially closed on Saturday, August 3. Moosejaw was “born” in Michigan in 1992, in Keego Harbor, and was known for two things – topof-the-line camping and outdoor gear for outdoor enthusiasts and funny, irreverent marketing campaigns. While initially created and owned by locals Robert Wolfe and DavidJaffe, Moosejaw was later acquired by private equity firms and then in 2017, Walmart took it over. Walmart left the independent stores operating. In 2023, Walmart sold Moosejaw to Dick’s Sporting Goods, which closed all but three stores – Birmingham, Salt Lake City and Bentonville, Arkansas. As of August 3, those three have been closed, merged into Dick’s outdoor retail brand.

New coffee house

Downtown Birmingham will soon have another spot for coffee lovers. The Last BeanPremium Coffee and Bakery Shop is opening soon at 163 W. Maple, in the spot previously occupied by Seven Daughters, also a coffee shop. The Last Bean is owned by Dr. Joseph Labib, a physiatrist, with plans to serve gourmet coffee, pastries and other delicacies. The interior, designed by Olon Interior, will feature natural wood with black accents and greenery as well as plenty of seating to enjoy a brewed cup or a snack.

Greek’s a go

The long, long vacant space on West Maple Road in downtown Birmingham, which formerly housed first Complex and then Viga, will soon be a new Greek restaurant. According to city officials, Zestia Greek Street Food will open at 168 W. Maple Road. The nine-year old east side Greek restaurant chain, with locations in Warren, Clinton Township and Grosse Pointe, offers items including pitas, gyros, bowls, salads and more. No specific word as to when it will open.

Here’s to 10!

It’s a celebration of a delicious decade for Bill’s restaurant, 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills. Bill’s is a landmark, old-school eatery serving American, French, Italian and raw-bar fare in upscale-rustic digs. Owned by Birmingham restaurateur Bill Roberts of Roberts Restaurant Group, Bill’s is considered “a contemporary take on

the old-fashioned social club,” with nightly specials, oysters, jumbo lump crab Louie, risotto balls, smoked whitefish bruschetta, the Harris O. salad and kale caesar, walleye, salmon, steak, vegetarian dishes, and “Bill’s burger,” among many beloved entrees. The cozy bar is packed nightly, and is truly a place where “everyone knows you’re name.” Twinkle lights enhance the outdoor space, while leather booths allow for intimate conversations. Here’s to many more cocktails and culinary celebrations.

Cuckoo for Choco

A one-of-a-kind European bakery/cafe, Choco Mania Cafe, has opened in Birmingham at 280 E. Merrill Street. The European-style café offers an expansive menu featuring creative sweet treats. including ice cream, shakes and other desserts, as well as sweet and savory crepes. According to the cafe, “Not only is the food beautiful, the new shop’s interior décor offers the perfect backdrop for social media-worthy photos.”

New Thai options

Asian food choices continue to blossom, with Thai Princess, 2436 Franklin Road in Bloomfield Township, laying claim to the “Best Thai food in Bloomfield Township.” The small eatin and order-online-eatery offers lunch specials daily, as well as salads and yum, curries, stir-fried noodles, noodle soups, fried rice, pad dishes and special desserts. Thai Princess is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.

Petite Cabane closes

Elegantly attired babies will have to shop elsewhere, as Birmingham’s Petite Cabane, 205 E. Maple Road, has closed its doors. Owner Carrie Martin opened the French-inspired children’s boutique in 2019, to present European-inspired children’s fashion to local families. According to the shop’s Instagram page, Martin has moved to Paris. “Merci beaucoup to the strangers who helped us… Such s sweet little adventure we have had.” The post says that Yumiis will be opening in the space in August, offering rolled ice cream, cookies, coffee and matcha.

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.

NOW LEASING

Introducing a new level of luxury 55 + living in downtown Birmingham – The Enclave.

The well-appointed apartment homes range from 1,130 to 1,543 square feet and feature eight-foot-tall doors, hard wood style flooring throughout, spacious balconies and private terraces, full size energy efficient Fisher & Paykel appliances, custom kitchen & bath cabinetry, and expansive closets. Modern touches have been incorporated throughout, including electronic door locks and temperature controls accessible via smartphone.

Residents at The Enclave will enjoy access to a fitness center, art studio, rooftop conservatory and deck, and full-service salon. Private garages and assigned covered parking are available.

NEXT NOTEBOOK

If you are following the Birmingham Senior/Recreation Center building project currently being developed by the city, you realize the wonderful opportunity Birmingham has to better serve seniors, and the challenges bringing the plans to fruition.

Through many hours of brainstorming and creative thinking by dozens of people, many of them volunteers with subject matter expertise, we are making progress. The city is committed to providing a space for senior services, but the path isn’t always straight. With a common goal, and good people working towards that goal, we are confident we will soon have a facility to be proud of.

I spoke at a recent city commission meeting about just how long seniors have been patiently waiting for a proper space to gather, connect with other seniors, and attend programs that promote health and well-being. I provided a series of statements from a report about Next and Birmingham Senior Services. In the report, there were facts shared about the older, outdated Midvale building, the quickly growing senior population, the neighboring communities all with proper senior facilities and the disproportionate use of tax dollars for the schools and other city amenities in comparison to the support offered to seniors.

The report I referenced was from February of 2013.

It was generated by an Ad Hoc Committee with almost 20 participants working for over a year to thoroughly study what senior services are offered and what may be lacking. The final conclusion and recommendation in the report was to find a new location for senior services to properly meet the needs of a growing demographic.

That 2013 report could have been written today as all of the same concerns still apply, and have only become more pronounced.

At that time, Next (or BASCC as it was called) had 1,000 members and 10,000 square feet of program space. Today, Next has over 2,300 members and serves another 330 residents through our Support Service Department....all in the same 10,000 square foot space. With 40 percent or 8,400 residents over the age of 50 in Birmingham alone, this project is very welcome and long overdue.

Through multiple surveys, we know that today’s older residents, members and non-members alike, want an up-to-date facility with the amenities seen in neighboring centers where senior services are traditionally a function of the municipality, i.e., a building with enough room where programs do not get capped or canceled because of space constraints, fitness equipment, including a safe walking track, to be used year round, a welcoming lobby and a room large enough for Next’s very well attended speaker series were the technology is reliable.

No one is looking for big and fancy, but a right-sized space that is reflective of the community we live in.

To say that seniors are excited and looking forward to that new space is an understatement. Seniors are grateful that this group of city commissioners have made a new facility for senior services one of their three top priorities. Working with the city commission and city staff, the Ad Hoc Committee overseeing the project and the Next board, we are getting closer to turning this long-term goal into a reality. We just need to keep reminding ourselves that the best things in life are never easy.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next

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PLACES TO EAT

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

Birmingham/Bloomfield

220: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. 220restaurant.com

5th Tavern: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607. 5thtavern.com

Adachi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor. Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900. adachirestaurant.com

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. andiamoitalia.com

Beau’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. beausbloomfield.com

Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. bellapiattirestaurant.com

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3147 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48205. 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, Wednesday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. billsbloomfieldhills.com

Birmingham Pub: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.885.8108. 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. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 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. Tuesday-Saturday. Liquor. Reservations. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. cafeml.com

Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.940.0000. casapernoi.com

Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. churchillscigarbar.com

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. cityscapedeli.com

Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. gocommonwealth.com

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. dickodowspub.com

Eddie Merlot’s: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. eddiemerlots.com

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. einsteinbros.com

Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar: Mediterranean. Lunch, Thursday-Saturday, Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. eliesgrill.com

EM: Mexican. Lunch, Friday-Sunday, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 470 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 947.234.0819.

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, Thursday-Sunday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. griffinclawbrewingcompany.com

Hazel’s: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & 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

Hudson’s Place: Pizza/Coffee/Takeout. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. 1087 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.540.2266. hudsonsplacepizzeria.com.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. hunterhousehamburgers.com

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. hydeparkrestaurants.com

IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Ihop.com

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. joemuer.com

Kaku Sushi and Poke’: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday & Dinner daily. No reservations. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.885.8631. kakusushipoke.com

Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. kerbyskoneyisland.com

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. lamarsacuisine.com

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Monday-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

Lincoln Yard and Little Yard: American. Little Yard take-out hours: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Lincoln Yard hours: Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2159 E. Lincoln Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.653.5353. eatlincolnyard.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. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. 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 Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. mexbloomfield.com

Middle Eats: Mediterranean. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield, 48093. 248.274.328. middleeats.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. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1727 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 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, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. sythaibirmingham.com

Sylvan Table: American. 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 French Lady: French. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. 768 N. Old Woodward, 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 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: Lunch, Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. 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. Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.949.9999. zaojunnewasian.com

Royal Oak/Ferndale

Ale Mary’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917. alemarysbeer.com

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22651 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. anitaskitchen.com

Bandit Tavern & Hideaway: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 419 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.6250. bandittavern.com

Beppé: New American. Lunch, Saturday and Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 703 N. Main Street, 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

Café de Olla: Mexican. Breakfast, Tuesday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.633.5311. cafedeollami.com

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. cafemuseroyaloak.com

Coeur: New American Small Plates. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.466.3010. coeurferndale.com

Como’s: Pizza. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 22812 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.677.4439. comosrestaurant.com

Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria: Italian. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 28939 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.591.3300. crispellis.com

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale 48220. 248.399.5150. theflytrapferndale.com

Grand River Brewery: American. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1 E. 14 Mile Road, Clawson, 48017. 248.607-3631. grandriverbrewer

Gus’ Snug: Irish. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 38 S. Main Street, Clawson, 48017. 248.607.3631. gussnug.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

Kacha Thai Market: Thai. Lunch and Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. 205 S Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.942-4246. 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: Mexican. Bruch, Sunday. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 201 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 248.268.3915. mezcalferndale.com

Pastaio: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 208 W. 5th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.565.8722. eatpastaio.com

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. oakcitygrille.com

Oak Parker: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 13621 W Eleven Mile Road, Oak Park, 48327 oakparkerbar.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. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. 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

Three Cats Café: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 116 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson. threecatscafe.com

Tigerlily: Japanese. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. 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 and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711. vinsettagarage.com

Voyager: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 600 Vester Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.658.4999. voyagerferndale.com

Troy/Rochester

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Road, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. cafesushimi.com

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

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. ckdiggs.com

Firebird Tavern: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4845 Rochester Road, Troy, 48085. 248.289.9650. firebirdtaverntroy.com

Grand Castor: Latin American. Lunch, Thursday-Sunday, 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

METRO INTELLIGENCER

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

A sweet tooth’s dream

A new over-the-top ice cream and sweet shop has opened in downtown Birmingham. Choco Mania, located at 280 E. Merrill Street,is owned and operated by the Safar family. Family member Dani Razooqui said the Safars successfully launched their first store in Sterling Heights in 2019 and scouted a location in Birmingham due to the fact that the city was lacking in dessert shops. Razooqui describes Choco Mania as a European style café offering sweet creations from around the world. Their signature treat is rolled ice cream – a unique dessert, popular in Thailand that is created when liquid ice cream is frozen on a cold metal plate then scraped, rolled and filled with a number of decadent toppings such as Nutella, cheesecake bites, or Oreos. French crepes can be ordered 20 different ways. The Dulce de Leche Crepe features tres leche cake and dulce de leche milk. The Ice Cream Crepe is served with vanilla ice cream, strawberries, bananas, wafer and chocolates. Another popular international sweet is the Dubai Bar – a milk chocolate bar filled with shredded phyllo dough and pistachio sauce. The menu also offers an array of pastries, fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, coffees, bubble teas and acai bowls. 280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham

The Culinary Collective

Detroit’s Oak & Reel continues its popular three-series Culinary Collective featuring nationally acclaimed chefs and offering guests a world-class meal without having to leave the city of Detroit. Chef Anita Lo is closing out the series on September 26 and 27. Lo, who grew up in Birmingham, is a Frenchtrained chef and cookbook author based in New York City. She is best known for her work at Annisa, a contemporary American fine dining restaurant in the West Village which she owned and operated for 17 years and which received a three-star rating from the New York Times and a Michelin star. Lo was recently knighted to the Order of Agricultural Merit from the French government and was the first female chef to collaborate for a state dinner at the White House under the Obama Administration. She has appeared on numerous television shows and films, including Top Chef Masters, Iron Chef America and The Heat. Lo is currently working with the Tour De Forks, hosting culinary tours around the planet. The Culinary Collective event includes a six-seven course dinner with beverage pairings, including a non-alcoholic beverage pairing option. Tickets to the event are $250 per person with a percentage of every ticket sold going towards Oak & Reel’s newly founded scholarship fund with Downtown Boxing Gym. The scholarship will help nurture the next generation of culinary artists and hospitality professionals from within our community. Reservations can be made by visiting Oak & Reel’s website. 2921 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit oakandreel.com

Bandit Tavern and Hideaway closes

Bandit Tavern and Hideaway had a stellar location in the heart of Royal Oak at Fifth and Main, but has called it quits after operating for just eight months. The restaurant, owned by the Mission Restaurant Group, was the former home of Jolly Pumpkin – also owned by Mission Restaurant Group which oversees several brands in Michigan including North Peak Brewing Co., Grizzly Peak Brewing Co., Avalon Cafe and Bakery and Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery. The establishment was known for its craft beers and lower level “Hideway,” which hosted holiday-themed pop-ups. In a statement to Downtown, David Ritchie, president, Mission Restaurant Group said, “We are proud to have served the Royal Oak community for two decades, employed thousands of people, introduced 11 unique restaurant concepts, and made lifelong friends. Unfortunately, current market conditions have forced us to focus our attention and resources in other areas. We are working with staff to place as many people as possible at other locations within our group. We sincerely appreciate the support we received over the years and will miss operating in Royal Oak.” 419 S. Main Street, Royal Oak

Celebrity partnership

Standby, a staple in Detroit’s Belt Alley and renowned for its inventive cocktails, has announced Canadian chef and restaurateur, Matty Matheson,

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, MondayFriday, 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, Monday-Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Road., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. orchid-cafe.com

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. pfchangs.com

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084. 248.614.5390. recipesinc.com

RH House: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch and Dinner, daily. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. No reservations. Liquor. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.586.1000. rh.house.com

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

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. ruthschris.com

Saltwater Eatery: Seafood. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch, daily, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3672 Rochester Road, Troy, 48083. 248.422.6151. saltwatereatery.info

Sedona Taphouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 198 Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.422.6167. sedonataphouse.co

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.652.4500. silverspoonristorante.com

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. tooraloorochester.com

West Bloomfield/Southfield

Aurora Italiana: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6199 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., 48322. 248.782.3000. auroraitaliana.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, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. menesususi.com

Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500. nonamariasbistro.com

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. 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. redcoattavern.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

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

Adelina: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1040 Woodward Ave, Detroit,48226. 313.246.8811. adelinadetroit.com

Alpino: Alpine cuisine. Brunch, Sunday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Street, Detroit, 48216. 313.524.0888 alpinodetroit.com

Ash-Bar: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1509 Broadway Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.277.4736. ash.world/hotels/the-siren.com

Bar Pigalle: French. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 John R Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.497.9200. barpigalle.com

Barda: Argentinian. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, 48208. 313.952.5182. bardadetroit.com

Basan: Asian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2703 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.481.2703. basandetroit.com

Black Ginger: Asian Fusion. Dinner, WednesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1331 Trumbull Suite 100, Detroit, 48216. 313.887.9477 blackgingerdetroit.com

Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, 48207. 313.965.3111. bucharestgrill.com

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails: Seasonal American. Lunch, Thursday & Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 5 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 & Dinner, Thursday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. 14601 Riverside Boulevard, Detroit, 48215. 313.338.9466. corianderkitchenandfarm.com

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Road, Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110. cuisinerestaurantdetroit.com

The Eagle: The Eagle: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3461 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.334.4530. eaglerestaurant.com

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday. 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

HIROKI-SAN: Japanese. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1265 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, 48226. 313.597.8344. hirokisandetroit.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, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1245 Griswold Street, Detroit, 48226. 313. 816.8100. leiladetroit.com

Lena: Spanish. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2720 Brush Street, Detroit, 48201.313.262.6082. lenadetroit.com

Le Supreme: French. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1265 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, 48226. 313.597.7734. lesupremedetroit.com

Lone Goat: British Pub. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 33 John R Street, Detroit, 48226. thelonegoat.com

Mad Nice: Coastal Italian/American. Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4120 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201.313.558.8000. madnicedetroit.com

Mario’s: Italian. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616. mariosdetroit.com

Mezcal: Mexican. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 51 W Forest Avenue, Detroit, 48202. 313.974.7441. mezcaldetroit.com

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.974.7669. midtownshangril-la.com

Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700. motorcitybeer.com

Oak & Reel: Italian Seafood. Dinner, ThursdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor. 2921 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.270.9600. oakandreel.com

PAO Detroit: Asian Fusion/Pan Asian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 114 W Adams Avenue, Suite 200, 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, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. hollywoodgreektown.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

Sexy Steak: Steakhouse. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1942 Grand River Ave, Detroit, 48226. 313.403.1000. sexysteakdetroit.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

Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Steakhouse. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1128 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226. 313.591.2495. sullivanssteakhouse.com

Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. 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

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, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 420 Peterboro Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.462.8106. thepeterboro.com

The Statler: French. Brunch, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. 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

Vecino: Mexican. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4100 3rd Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.500.1615. vecinodetroit.com

Vertical Detroit: Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1538 Center Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.732.WINE. verticaldetroit.com

Vigilante Kitchen + Bar: Asian/French influenced cuisine. Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 644 Seldon 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. Brunch, Friday-Sunday, Tea Service, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor.4421 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. thewhitney.com

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Avenue, Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711. wrightdetroit.com

Zuzu: Asian Fusion. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 511 Woodward Ave suite 100, Detroit, 48226. 313.464.7777. experiencezuzu.com

as a new partner. Matheson, a New York Times best-selling author is known for his award-winning restaurants and his starring role and executive producer credits on The Bear (on FX). As part of the collaboration, Matheson launched a new menu at Standby, marking the first venture in the United States for Matheson and his Our House Hospitality Company, hinting at more future projects with the Standby team. “Our vision for Standby has always been to evolve and grow with the times,” said Joe Robinson, Standby owner and operating partner. “We want Standby to be a place that outlives us, and that requires embracing change, innovation, and bold moves. We’re absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Matty and his incredible team, not only for their culinary talents but also because they’re genuinely wonderful people.” Standby’s new menu features a range of dishes designed to complement its extensive beverage program with Matheson’s signature style of bold, hearty flavors. Highlights include coconut shrimp and jerk mayo; mortadella sliders; Alabama BBQ grilled wings; steak frites au poivre, and a variety of taquitos. The menu, crafted with Matheson’s characteristic flair, promises to bring the same level of excitement to the food that everyone has come to expect from the cocktails. “I grew up in a border town, and I loved it,” said Matheson. “I would go over to Buffalo to eat at old diners and hot dog stands or watch punk shows. I believe that Detroit and Buffalo share many similarities – both are quintessentially American, working-class cities renowned for their storied food culture. I have a lot of respect and admiration for cities like that, and I’m excited to add to the fold of what makes Detroit such an iconic city.” 225 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 standbydetroit.com

The two Morries close

The Morrie had two locations, one in Royal Oak and one in Birmingham, and both have closed. Both locations have transitioned to new ownership as Aaron F. Belen, owner of AFB Hospitality Group, moves on to focus on his real estate development business. The Birmingham City Commission approved The Morrie’s ownership change at 260 N. Old Woodward Avenue during a commission meeting in August. The new owner is Randy Foumia of Old Woodward, STA LLC. The name of the new restaurant is Terra Kitchen + Cocktails. The concept will be quite different from The Morrie, offering a more family-friendly atmosphere. No opening date has been announced. The Morrie’s Royal Oak location at 511 S. Main Streetwill become the new home of a modern Latin and sushi infusion restaurant named Blind Owl. In a statement, Belen said, “The Morrie has been very popular since opening in 2016, but we’re now ready to pass the torch to Blind Owl’s Nicolas Andreasson. Since purchasing the building in 2015, Blind Owl will be my first tenant in the space, and I look forward to supporting their success.” Andreasson, who was born in Romania and moved to Michigan in 1996, specializes in international fusion cuisine. The varied menu includes street tacos, shawarma nachos, lamb braised Birria, a huge selection of sushi and rolls along with American comfort foods like chicken wings, boom shakalaka cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. Blind Owl will offer a full bar, including cocktails, wine options, along with a wide selection of draft beers. A mid-September opening is planned.

CityFest at The Whitney

The Whitney’s ninth annual “CityFest: A Celebration of Spirited Dining,” runs from September 6-15 at the iconic Detroit mansion-turned-restaurant. CityFest is a series of unique events designed to celebrate food and drink while exploring every part of the 1894 mansion’s property. The events emphasize local products and raise funds for local charities and social service agencies. CityFest 2024 events include: September 6: Back East Feast, a mouth-watering lobster bake. September 7: Autumn and Apples Tea, hosted in The Whitney’s beautiful gardens by Tea Director Phyllis Barkey. September 8: Detroit by Design, presented by Detroit Design Center and hosted by the Nordin Brothers. September 10: The Honeybee Dinner to benefit Bees in the D. September 12: A Special Edition Garden Party featuring crooner Ben Sharkey. September 13: Dinner with The Whitneys –Formal cocktail and hors d’oeuvre reception and three delicious courses with historical tour of the estate. September 15: Ultimate Bloody Mary Tailgate Party. September 15: CityFest concludes with a spirited wining, dining and discovery event “Special Edition Paranormal Dinner Adventure” which includes remote dining throughout the mansion compliments of an in-depth paranormal experience guided by The Haunt Investigators of Michigan. For further information or to purchase tickets please visit TheWhitney.com. 4421 Woodward Avene, Detroit thewhitney.com

ENDNOTE

Strategic plan needs more than a rush job

Astrategic plan is an organization's process of defining its strategy or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to attain strategic goals. It demands its leaders define their vision for the future. It is a process of looking forward, looking to align the long-term and short-term goals with the mission of a community or business as well as allowing for regular evaluation and revision.

To be done right, it takes careful and serious time, thought and involvement by all of the participants.

We enunciate these points because Bloomfield Township began a five-year strategic plan process this spring, one that is necessary and longoverdue, but which is being pushed for completion by this October.

By comparison, the city of Birmingham recently underwent a master plan process which took well over two years, involved numerous meetings by the city's planning board before review by the city commission, involved a number of community charettes and other meetings. Birmingham has been clear their master plan is their planning document for the city going forward.

While the difference between a strategic plan and a master plan is that a strategic plan asks, “Where do you want to go,” and a master plan answers, “Here is the road map on how to get there,” they should both be considered vital community organizational directives for planning. To take just four to six months in preparing and instituting such a document is both an insult to the community and its leaders, and just plain irresponsible on the part of those leaders, notably Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dani Walsh, whose initiative this has been.

November Voter Guide

Our Voter Guide for the November general election, along with our endorsements of candidates in contested races, will be available online beginning Friday, September 20, on our website at downtownpublications.com.

The endorsements will also appear in the October and November issues of Downtown.

Walsh first spoke about the need for a new master plan when she ran for supervisor in 2020. In her candidate questionnaire for Downtown, she wrote, “Unfortunately, there is no current master plan for our community. It expired about six years ago… As a business consultant who focuses on long-term sustainability, it is frustrating that my requests for an updated master plan falls on the deaf ears of the majority voting bloc. A master plan is an asset that protects against short-sighted decisions… As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.’ As supervisor, I will create a committee of citizens, community leaders, and employees to update our master plan.”

Yet in the almost four years she has been supervisor, it was not until three-and-a-half years into her term, verging on her re-election, that a strategic plan was introduced, with public community forums only in late June, announced on the township website, when many residents are

traveling or otherwise engaged. Consultants BerryDunn reported at a recent township board of trustees meeting that the website had 2,000 visits, over 1,400 unique users, 92 hard comments, and 572 survey responses, and 100 people attended the three community forums in total.

Yet Bloomfield Township has a population of over 44,000 residents, so that is a feeble community response.

Many board members speaking at a recent township board meeting were frustrated with the efforts to rush the process through – both before November's general election, and seemingly with such little community awareness and participation.

We absolutely concur.

Recalibrate and reassess. Take the time to do a strategic plan the right way, rather than just rush and get one done. It is a costly and timeconsuming effort which must reflect the numerous demographics, whether by ethnicity, age groups, economics, residential versus business, or any and all others which now apply to the diverse communities which call the township home.

We applaud the effort to create a strategic plan for Bloomfield Township, where residents often speak up at board meetings requesting things that are different than when the previous plan was implemented in 1980. It is important to adapt and improve for the decades ahead.

We would hate to think this rush job on planning for the future is a way to pander to voters on the eve of an election, as some have suggested, which would be a disservice to everyone, with long-lasting consequences.

Thumbs down on a 20-year county parks tax

We have long been a supporter of the Oakland County parks system which is funded for the most part by annual taxes paid by county residents. But we are not thrilled by what county commissioners have placed on the ballot for the November 2024 election.

As a bit of history, here is the story of the Oakland County parks system.

The county electorate was first asked for a fiveyear county parks tax – .25 mill – in 1966. It was renewed every five years until 1990 when voters agreed to renew the tax for 10 years.

In 2020 the county asked for an increase to .35 mill for a 10-year period, and voters willingly obliged by a vote of 537,857 in support to 166,867 in opposition.

When Oakland County came to voters in 2020 with the request for an increase in the amount of the annual tax for a lengthier period of time to improve the county park system, we gladly supported the ballot issue on this editorial page.

Now the county is back just four years later for another increase. The county board of

commissioners recently approved a ballot question for the November 5 election, this time for .65-mill but for a 20-year period. The new tax would expire in 2043.

As in the past, the county issues the standard hype about improving county parks and the county farmers market; new and expanded regional trails; and the expansion of the park system with new locations near population centers. The specifics are never offered.

We will admit that we have not pursued a detailed plan that we usually would seek when this or any unit of government asks for a tax that will generate $52 million annually. Why? Because we are simply turned off by the 20-year length of this levy. Under normal circumstances, we would ask for specifics on how your tax money will be spent.

At no point should a tax, new or renewal, run 20 years in length. Taxpayers should at least have the ability to look once a decade to see if the government is performing as promised when a tax is first put on the ballot. Much more difficult to look back over 20 years to arrive at a decision

about whether the government unit did what it said it would.

We did some cursory review of some recent local community ballot requests, from the August 2024 primary election, to see in municipalities that were requesting parks and recreation millages just how long officials proposed for the length of the levy. Those we quickly found all capped their request at 10 years, not 20.

We also find it a bit contradictory for the county board of commissioners to complain about a proposed 20-year tax proposed earlier this year for museums in Detroit, including the length of the suggested levy, but then turn around and support 20 years of taxation for county parks.

Yes, Oakland County has a great park system. So if you don’t want to sweat the details or care about seeing a more specific plan for what will be over a $1 billion tax haul, then go ahead and support this tax. But count us out. We may be willing to back a 10-year – not 20 year – tax increase once we have seen more specifics. For now, we say vote NO on this 20-year tax increase.