Downtown Newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield by Downtown Publications Inc.

NOVEMBER CANDIDATES FILE | RETURN OF METRO INTELLIGENCER

AUGUST 2021

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NEW CONCERNS OVER PFAS AND THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL GOSSIP | MUNICIPAL NEWS

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CRT: 2020 politics moving into the classroom Critical race theory is an academic and legal theory first developed in the 1970s in response to the civil rights movement. Those railing against it say it will teach young students they are racists, and rewrite Black History and those of “others,” including indigenous people.

LONGFORM

PFAS contamination has been a concern for a number of years but now scientists are zeroing in on the signs that the “forever chemicals” are making their way into the animal and human food chains and what to do about the situation.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Republican-controlled state legislature may use the citizen petition referendum process to circumvent an expected veto of voter suppression bills now pending, but a Constitutional change in 2021 can rectify this.

CRIME LOCATOR

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

THE COVER

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

GOP purge continuing; gubernatorial hopeful caught on film; 2022 run rumor about Betsy DeVos; Epstein pushed to challenge senate incumbents; money (lots of it) ends election investigation; plus more.

Cover design: Chris Grammer

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Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham November candidates; major RH project moves forward; library drops overdue fines; major township win on sewer/water lawsuit; outdoor dining reviewed; plus more.

METRO INTELLIGENCER

Gigi Nichols continues the Metro Intelligencer restaurant column which Downtown Newsmagazine is bringing back now that the restaurant industry is making a comeback with pandemic restrictions lifed.

ENDNOTE

City commission in Birmingham losing decades of historical perspective and wisdom; city must let outdoor dining thrive.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER he right of citizens in Michigan to initiate law or constitutional changes by initiative petition has been subjected to a series of challenges on its labored route to become part of our state's governing document, starting with the efforts of two Detroit doctors back in 1895 and continuing today when the initiative petition may well be used to actually restrict the rights of residents here unless some major revisions to this process are made.

Ballotpedia, the digital encyclopedia of American politics, and other sources document how George F. Sherman and David Inglis, two physicians from the Motor City, formed an organization – the Direct Legislation Club – back in the late 1890s and spent over a decade pushing for support of the rights of citizens to petition the state government to create law and amendments to the Constitution. As the story goes, the stumbling block then was Republican state lawmakers (sound familiar?) who sensed a loss of power if citizens could initiate state statutes and constitutional changes. Finally, in the 1907 Constitutional Convention an amendment was proposed, which voters ratified in 1908. Supporters were quick to learn that the amendment was too restrictive, as evidenced by the fact that no issues made it to the ballot. So state lawmakers were eventually persuaded to make changes, establishing the base of what we have now that allows citizens to petition the government to create law or put amendments to the Constitution before voters. Jump forward to the Constitutional Convention of 1961-1962, and the right for initiative petitions – to write laws and veto referendum on those laws citizens oppose, as well as asking voters to change the Constitution – were fine tuned even more and ratified by voters in the spring of 1963. So it is under what has become the Constitution of 1963 that we now operate. The overriding goal of initiative citizen rights was to eliminate the legislature's involvement if voters approved something. To avoid dragging readers too far into the weeds, here's the basics. If citizens can gather signatures on petitions equal to eight percent of votes in the most recent election for governor (340,047 for 2021), they could initiate state law. To attempt to veto referendum laws passed by the legislature, the requirement is five percent of the gubernatorial vote total (212,529 for 2021). On amendments to the Constitution, 10 percent (425,059 for 2021) of the recent vote would be required to put an issue on the general election ballot.

As the scenario goes, Republican legislators, should Whitmer veto any of the pending election bills, will encourage a “citizen” initiative to put the same bills before lawmakers for adoption that would not rely on approval of the governor. That's the route they recently took with bills to strip the emergency executive order powers of the governor. A “citizen” group (using that term loosely) ran a signature drive and handed GOP lawmakers the law stripping executive powers that Whitmer had used starting in spring of 2020 to control the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of Michigan residents. Ironically, the right to petition the state government has come full circle and may now be used to limit the voting rights of constituents prior to the 2022 elections. And it will be orchestrated by the party that has controlled the state Senate since 1992 and the House for 21 of the last 30 years. Remember, this is the party that stood as the impediment to initiative rights over a century ago. It will no doubt take an amendment to the current Constitution to remedy this situation. The most pressing change desperately needed is to take the legislature completely out of the process – which is what this process was intended to do from the start. Citizen initiative legislation should just go directly to the general election ballot, and skip the game-playing by political clowns whose main concern is preserving their own power. Constitutional changes already require a state-wide vote at a general election, so let's do the same with initiative legislation. And while we are at it, let's look at the Citizen Research Council (CRC) recommendations from 2014 and 2018, among them, developing some language and legal review for petition drives before circulators start the hunt for signatures. A number of states already do this and it may well cut down on the lawsuits once petition signatures have already been gathered. Advance reviews in some states involve the attorney general, the Supreme Court or independent third parties. The CRC even suggested that a review by the Michigan Legislative Service Bureau could ensure that a proposal would meet the drafting standards used by lawmakers.

It's the initiative legislation portion of the Constitution that is likely to capture headlines in coming weeks and months, as the Republican-dominated state House and Senate pass some or all of the 39 election-related bills now moving in both chambers, some of which are contrary to voter sentiment expressed when they approved Proposal 3 in 2018.

The debate on a Constitutional amendment change should also include discussion as to the signature thresholds set a century ago. As the CRC suggested, the required number of signatures for any citizen effort must take into consideration the “advances in communications, transportation and political engagement.” Further, electronic signatures – a topic just being raised before the court system – must be allowed as part of the initiative process, as they are when it comes to other legal documents.

Many, including this writer, have taken comfort in the fact that the portion of this package that has all the potential for making the voting process more cumbersome, if not discouraging, for everyone but especially certain segments of the population, would likely be vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has vowed not to sign any bill that may impede voting rights.

Part of any discussion should also focus on whether budget bills should still remain protected from referendum petitions given that lawmakers in recent years have passed controversial bills and then tacked on funding in the same bill so that citizens could not attempt to veto the legislation via the referendum petition route.

Now the word is that GOP lawmakers may have an end run around a Whitmer veto, using the citizen initiative process to lessen our rights to vote.

Lastly, let's hear some discussion about whether there should be a greater percentage of gubernatorial votes required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, as opposed to the two-point spread from the initiative law requirements, another of the CRC recommendations.

The process now provides that a citizens initiative petition to enact legislation, once sufficient signatures have been collected, is submitted to the legislature which has 40 days to take action. Their choices are to enact what is in the petition or the issue goes on the next general election ballot for voters to determine its fate. Lawmakers cannot change the legislation proposed by the petition, although they can write their own legislation which would appear on the same ballot as an alternative to the citizen initiated proposed law. If lawmakers do approve the citizen initiative statute, it is not subject to veto by the governor. Lawmakers can amend the initiative law once enacted.

We need a ballot issue for 2022 that prevents, first and foremost, devious misuse of citizen initiatives like we may see in the months ahead, and at the same time provides updates to this process so it reflects the changing realities of modern life. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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BIRMINGHAM | BLOOMFIELD PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Tracy Donohue | Kevin Elliott | Stacy Gittleman Austen Hohendorf | Jennifer Lovy | Jeanine Matlow | Gigi Nichols | Bill Seklar PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Esme McClear | Laurie Tennent | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple, Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Birmingham/Bloomfield. For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $15 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes. DOWNTOWN GOALS/MISSION 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. Downtown Newsmagazine captures life in the local communities through coverage of major municipal and school issues, personality profiles, the latest news from the business community and the all important social non-profit circuit that makes these communities unique. We also devote considerable effort each month to address major issues facing local residents through our longform story-telling efforts, further setting us apart from others competing for readers' attention. WEBSITE downtownpublications.com

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CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through July 22, 2021. Placement of codes is approximate.

INCOMING Green agenda overreaction

COLLEGE CHOICE COUNSELING

BARBARA CONNOLLY JD, CEP

OFFERING EXPERTISE FOR OVER 18 YEARS IN:

I always enjoy the length of your newsmagazine's articles – they are much more in-depth. Maybe it's my selective looking at statistics, but I noticed as the 30 year metro temperature average migrated from 1980 through 2010 to 1990 through 2020, the average annual temperature only increased by a whopping .2 degrees F. I also read in the one area where buoys where well below the surface of the ocean that the water was gaining a huge .06 degrees C per decade. Those seemingly very small changes seem hard to justify upending the economy over. The people most unable to afford it bear the brunt of the green agenda as it is mostly borrowed Federal money which ultimately results in less spending and is buried in utility bills. I wanted to be a weatherman when I was young and pay attention to the weather. The Oakland Press lists annual Pontiac rainfall. What has struck me is the consistency – it is very rare for the ending December annual amount to be more than a 10 percent (variance) either way. The air is far cleaner than it used to be. I looked at LA versus Detroit one day last winter and LA was much cleaner. Lake Erie is much cleaner than the 70's, and Cleveland no longer has a river catching fire. A couple of years ago I visited my uncle in East Liverpool, Ohio and saw a coal plant which had only steam coming out of it. Coal has eliminated 97 percent of its CO2 in the last 40 years. My uncle also mentioned how the $1 billion the scrubbers cost had doubled the electric bills. I also remember hearing during the rather cool 1970's decade that we were entering another ice age. I

SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities. Although we do not have a fixed maximum length for letters sent to us, we recommend a maximum length of 175-200 words. We also reserve the right to edit letters for length if necessary. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.

recently read that any long-range forecast over seven days is basically worthless. Nightly news has made the weather guy their star reporter probably because he is far cheaper than overseas people who only sporadically get a story. Your story, at least the facts I saw in it, seem to contradict the radical environmentalists for whom good is never good enough. Your publication headline and what I got out of the article seem to be polar opposites. Maybe I need a critical reading lesson, but if I were running a national campaign, I would keep citing the two statistics I mentioned from your article. Paul Secrest Bloomfield Township

CORRECTION In our July issue we published a letter in the Incoming section from Birmingham City Commissioner Clinton Baller relative to possible parking plans for the Triangle District but unfortunately we misspelled his last name.

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

MYTH-MAKING 101: The ‘Big Lie’ narrative keeps growing, nationwide and in Michigan, despite recent polling showing more and more members of the GOP are finding the unfounded claims that the Donald Trump election was somehow stolen are just that – unfounded. At the same time, the Republican-controlled state Senate recently released the results of its investigation which cast more than a bit of shade on those continuing to claim there was massive election fraud in Michigan. But that didn’t stop Cheboygan County commissioners Up North from voting (4-3) in late June to request from the state an audit of the 2020 ballots and a review of whether some “unauthorized computer” manipulated the final vote returns in the county. Nor did the facts prevent the introduction of a House bill calling for a forensic audit of state returns, sponsored by Representative Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers), first elected in 2020 but already running for KARAMO Congress in 2022. Neither did reality dissuade Michigan GOP co-chair and Milford resident Meshawn Maddock from reportedly attending a rally in June for those calling for forensic audits here. Then there’s Kristina Karamo, announced Republican candidate for secretary of state, an Oak Park resident, professor at Wayne County Community College, “Christian Patriot,” Detroit poll challenger and darling of right-wing media, the only Michigan person to make the journey to see firsthand how the audit was handled at the conspiracy theory-mecca of Memorial Coliseum in Arizona. You know, the place where they are also inspecting ballots for any evidence that they contained bamboo which would allow a satellite in space to change the actual ballot vote (alt-right theory, not BOLLIN ours). While both The Washington Post and The Hill said Michigan lawmakers were among those from about a dozen states who made visits there, Oakland Confidential checked around in Lansing and our verdict – not so. As a footnote to Karamo’s run for SOS, state GOP leaders must not be impressed and are urging state Rep. Ann Bollin (RBrighton), the chairwoman of the House Elections Committee, to run for the position.

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THE PURGE CONTINUES: It seems unless you wear rosy glasses – excuse us, Trump-colored glasses – you are no longer welcome in the Michigan Republican Party. Whether he was fired, asked to resign or just had had enough, it’s likely to stay a ‘state secret’ (at least until someone squeals), but Jason Roe, a known Never Trumper and veteran conservative strategist who the Michigan GOP had brought in to assist them in February as the executive director of the party, waved bye-bye in July. ROE Roe had drawn criticism in November – before he was hired – for being one of the rare GOP leaders to publicly accept the results of the 2020 election, despite the majority of Republicans supporting former President Trump’s false assertion that the election was stolen from him. “The unfortunate reality within the party today is that Trump retains a hold that is forcing party leaders to continue down the path of executing his fantasy of overturning the outcome — at their own expense,” Roe told Politico at the time. “Frankly, continuing to humor him merely excuses his role in this. The election wasn’t stolen, he blew it. Up until the final two weeks, he seemingly did everything possible to lose. Given how close it was, there is no one to blame but DOWNTOWN

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Trump.” Although Roe allegedly submitted his resignation to party chair Ron Weiser, it would appear that co-chair Meshawn Maddock and her MAGA movement minions are influencing the shenanigans of the party more and more. SAVED BY THE BELL: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer can thank lawmakers from 2012 for escaping any recall vote this fall. The legislature at the time tightened up the recall requirements, shortening the petition time frame from 90 days to 60 days to get sufficient signatures (1,062,647) on a recall petition. Meanwhile, a governor cannot be recalled in the first year or last year of a four-year term, which for Whitmer would be 2022. The deadline to get a recall on the November 2021 ballot is July 30 of this year, so it’s highly unlikely that any group will clear that hurdle, despite the Michigan Court of Appeal’s ruling on May 28 of this year that six recall petitions could proceed. There were a total of 20 recall petition attempts involving Whitmer last year, many by the same several persons who kept refiling after their petitions were rejected by the Michigan Board of State Canvassers.

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FUGGEDABOUTIT: Memory is a funny thing. Sometimes you remember something. Sometimes you don’t. Then, there’s video to help jog your memory. Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley may wish there wasn’t, as he has claimed he never really participated in the January 6 armed insurrection at the nation’s capital, telling MLive, “As far as going through any barricades, or doing anything like that, I never took part in any forceful anything. Once things started getting crazy, I left.” Except...video posted to Twitter showed Kelley shouting, “Come on, let’s go! This is it! This is war, baby!” as he moved with the crowd of rioters towards the building. ROAD RUNNER: Before 2022 is out, they may wish for Looney Tunes’ Wile E. Coyote, but for now, early word is that Kalamazoo attorney Matthew DePerno will be running for the Republican nod for attorney general. DePerno is among the far-right crowd that has challenged Michigan election results, alleging fraud. DePerno has the honor of having Michigan Senate Republicans COYOTE accusing him of spreading “demonstrably false” information about the 2020 election. After his announcement, current Michigan Attorney General DEPERNO Dana Nessel (D) tweeted a picture of a dumpster on fire in a flood. ‘Nuf said. WHEN PIGS FLY: That’s how some political insiders are dismissing the the rumored possibility that former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is being positioned to run against Gov. Whitmer in 2022. Too much negative baggage associated with that billionaire family name. In the 2018 Michigan primary for governor, Betsy was the figurative whipping post for Democrats, who to a person ran against what she represented for education in Michigan before her time in D.C. and what she pushed as policy once in the national DEVOS post. Her family is firmly linked to past pushes in this state to take tax resources for parochial and private schools, along with expanding charter institutions, some of which were for-profit undertakings. Older voters will remember their family’s push of a ballot drive for vouchers in decades past, which was opposed by 69 percent of those casting votes. Then there was the 14-point loss of Betsy’s husband, Richard DeVos Jr., when he ran in 2006 against Democrat incumbent Gov. Jennifer Granholm, despite the DeVos family spending in the neighborhood of $35-40 million of their personal money in the race. Voters don’t forget that easily.

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JAMES CRAIG PREMIER: We're not going to waste much space rehashing the performance of former Detroit Police Chief James Craig at the Jackson County Republican Party coming out speech in the past month. Short on specifics captures it best. Drill down on details, he did not. Although Craig makes regular appearances on Fox News where softball questions are the order of the day (and where he formally announced his gubernatorial run on July 21 but then backtracked it the next day), there was not much interaction with local press in Jackson. What we do find EPSTEIN interesting is Oakland failed congressional candidate Lena Epstein fielded questions from the media about the ex-chief, raising the question of whether she could be part of his crew. But then we got word that Epstein is being urged by some in the GOP to run against Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Rochester, Royal Oak) or Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Bloomfield Township, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Franklin, Clarkston, Lake Orion), depending on how districts get redrawn. (As an aside for trivia buffs, yes, we are told, James Craig is related (uncle) to Carl Craig, electronic music producer/DJ considered one of the fathers of the second wave of the techno movement in Detroit and co-creator of the early Detroit Electronic Music Festival.)

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WAITING GAME: Speaking of Sen. Rosemary Bayer, who was elected to her seat in 2018, she fully intends to run for re-election in 2022 – but there could be a slight wrinkle that could get in the way. It’s called redistricting, and with the 2020 U.S. Census results delayed, so too are the results expected from the Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission. “It will depend on the lines (of the district),” Bayer said. “We might not know until January 1, 2021 – and you have to live in the district by April 15.” Bayer is a resident of Beverly Hills, and years ago, resided in Lake Orion, so she has had no hesitation to moving around. But the tight deadline, coupled with the ongoing recuperation by her husband, who suffered a stroke last year, may make it difficult to hire that moving van. “I really like this work,” she said, noting that her intention when she first ran was always to run for two terms. “I went there for a mission, and it’s not done yet, especially for school funding equity.”

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NEXT ACT: Former state Rep. Christine Greig (D-Farmington, Farmington Hills), who was term-limited in 2020, has landed a new gig following six years in the state House of Representatives, the last two as the Minority Leader. She announced on Facebook, “I am thrilled to announce that I have joined Future Now as their Senior Advisor, Lawmaker Engagement! In this new role, I will be working directly with legislators from other states in exploring policy that truly improves lives.” She’ll still be based in Michigan, GREIG but will be working across the country. “Frankly, this is my dream job,” she said.

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MONEY SAYS IT ALL: Neither the Michigan Republican Party nor one of its co-chairs, millionaire Ron Weiser, are admitting any wrongdoing. But the U of M regent has donated $200,000 from his personal funds to the state GOP to allow the party to resolve a complaint, filed by former GOP Chairwoman Laura Cox, that Weiser paid that same amount from state party funds to Stan Grot, Shelby Township clerk, to not seek the secretary of state position at the party’s 2018 convention. The SOS was investigating the complaint as a violation of the state Campaign Finance Act and the party payment of the fine to the elections division brings the investigation to a halt.

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FACES Mackenzie Matlen earing bright-colored clothes, Mackenzie Matlen of Birmingham moves with purpose and passion around the Dresner Foundation Soul Studio. There, she is enrolled in a studio art program for adults with special needs. She is excited to show off her work, particularly the pieces representing her two muses, the Statute of Liberty and sharks. "I like the Statute of Liberty because she symbolizes freedom and our rights," says Matlen, although everyone at the West Bloomfield-based studio affectionately calls her Macko. One of Matlen's pieces, titled Statue of Liberty 2, a mixed-media rendition of Lady Liberty, appears on display in the prestigious Michigan Fine Arts Competition Exhibit at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. The almost four-foot sculpture is one of 88 pieces chosen for the juried show. It was selected from more than 700 submissions. Annie VanGelderen, president and CEO of the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, called Matlen's sculpture unique and interesting. "If you look at the exhibit, the work is varied and diverse and truly notable work," said VanGelderen. "I say kudos to anyone whose work goes into the show." Mia Serafini, program coordinator at the Soul Studio, says Matlen is "unafraid to go big and bold. She's very experimental, and she's done many iterations of the Statute of Liberty, creatively using different materials for each one." With her mixed-media work, Matlen uses "found objects," often coming up with an idea but waiting for a certain material to appear to fit her vision, according to Jessica Bukrey, one of the facilitating artists at the Soul Studio. It could be Saran Wrap to construct a torch or a Tropicana orange juice lid for a nose. She created Statute of Liberty 2 out of beads, shells, wood, cloth, paper, and bubble wrap. Matlen says her work is partially influenced by her mom, Terry Matlen, a fine artist and psychotherapist, who aside from painting, does mosaic sculpture work. Both mother and daughter have pieces in the fine arts show. According to VanGelderen, it's the first time members from the same family appear in the exhibit. Matlen is ecstatic about showing her work alongside her daughter's, particularly since doctors once told her that her child would never talk and may never walk after suffering a brain injury as a toddler. "When I think back to those days and see how far she's come, it's phenomenal. Today she's in a professional setting with professional artists, showing her work," said Matlen, about her daughter, now 34. According to Matlen, her daughter has some difficulty with expressive language, which means conveying a complete idea or story can be difficult. "Art is a way for her to express her feelings in her own way without having to use words. Going to the Soul Center is a way for Mackenzie to feel good about herself in general. She has something that's hers, and that's her art," said her mom. Since joining the Soul Studio in 2016, shortly after it opened, Matlen has completed numerous pieces, 18 of which have sold. When deciding which one to enter into the show, she said she picked Statute of Liberty 2 because she accidentally put the torch in her statute's left hand and because she's a lefty. The 40th Annual Michigan Fine Arts Competition Exhibit runs through August 19 at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with access limited to groups of four at a time. Entries can also be seen online at bbartcenter.org.

Story: Jennifer Lovy

Photo: Laurie Tennent

BY LISA BRODY

ver Memorial Day weekend of 1921, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in a district of the city known as Greenwood, filled with affluent and educated Blacks and so prosperous it was known as “the Black Wall Street,” a race massacre occurred when White Tulsa residents, some deputized and given weapons by local officials, attacked Black residents and destroyed their businesses. It is now known as the “Tulsa race riot” or “Black Wall Street Massacre.” According to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, the event is considered one of the “single worst incidents of racial violence in American history.” The attacks burned and destroyed more than 35 square blocks of the neighborhood, which at the time was one of the wealthiest Black communities in the United States. The Tulsa massacre claimed between 150 to 300 lives, and over 800 were seriously injured. While there was an investigation by the attorney general of Oklahoma, no one was ever charged in the melee. A group of influential White developers persuaded the city to pass a fire ordinance that prohibited many Black people from returning home and rebuilding in Greenwood. Many of us, living in the first quarter of the 21st century, were unaware of this heinous event in our country's history until the 2019 HBO series Watchmen, where series creator Damon Lindelof was inspired by writer Ta-Nehisi Coates' article in The Atlantic, which brought attention to the riots. As actor Tom Hanks wrote in The New York Times in June 2021, demanding the truth about the massacre be taught in schools, “I never read a

page of any school history book about how, in 1921, a mob of White people burned down a place called Black Wall Street, killed as many as 300 of its Black citizens and displaced thousands of Black Americans who lived in Tulsa." Unfortunately, there are many repugnant events in U.S. history that have been “erased” from most history books, unlike in post-World War II Germany, where students are repeatedly taught not only that they lost the war, but that Hitler was evil and the Third Reich was a toxic and awful episode in the nation's past – lessons inculcated in efforts so, although unpleasant and embarrassing, there will be no repeat. Like the Tulsa race massacre, many current day residents of the predominantly White enclave of Manhattan Beach, California, were unaware until August 2020 that a century ago their predecessors had literally stolen land owned by Willa Bruce, who ran a popular lodge, cafe and dance hall, providing Black families a weekend away on the coast, known as Bruce's Beach. But White neighbors resented Bruce's growing popularity. Tires were slashed and the Ku Klux Klan purportedly set fires. When those efforts didn't work to drive them away, city officials condemned the neighborhood in 1924 and seized more than two dozen properties through eminent domain for a public park, which was never developed. Now, the current council has refused to apologize to Bruce's descendants, although a plaque commemorating the incident might be put up and at least one local official says that the city should pay reparations to the Bruce descendants.

L A C I T I CR

RACE THEORY POLITICAL BATTLE SHIFTS TO ED UCATION

The stained history of our country also includes incidents beyond just the Black community, including events liked the forced assimilation of Native American students, unknown by most of the country’s residents until bones in unmarked graves were discovered on the grounds of former boarding school sites in Florida, Nevada and more recently Canada — another forgotten footnote in history, until Colson Whitehead wrote his Pulitzer Prize novel The Nickel Boys. Similarly, how many knew the richest Americans per capita in 1920 were the Osage Indian nation of Oklahoma, which sat on oil head rights...and then the Indians began to turn up dead, which David Grann chronicled in his book Killers of the Flower Moon. Never forget that history is often written by the victors – and those with the ability to write it. In the United States, that has often meant a White, Anglo-Saxon male version of history. Which leads us to the hot-button topic du jour — critical race theory, its proponents and opponents and the escalating political battle over what version of history will be taught to current and future generations of students. Spanish philosopher George Santayana is credited with the quote, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Yet it is even worse if students do not learn their own history in the first place. Around the United States, opponents of what has become known by the catch phrase critical race theory are in essence trying to determine what history, and whose history, students in K-12 schools are taught. If it may be “divisive or disturbing,” which history often is – forget it, in an effort to literally whitewash it. Unpleasant history will not exist. Critical race theory has become a 2022 mid-term election platform issue of the far-right. According to experts, critical race theory is really an academic and legal theory first developed in the 1970s in response to the civil rights movement. According to those railing against it, it will teach young students they are racists and White supremacists, and rewrite Black History and those of “others,” including indigenous people. “The goal of critical race theory is that people existed besides the typical European narrative that we see in text books,” said Truman Hudson, Jr., EdD, instructor, College of Education, Wayne State University. “We don’t need to have separate narratives; we’re the United States, yet we’re not united. We’re teaching separateness. It’s looking through a multicultural lens. It does not look at Black, White, Arab, Jew – it lifts up everyone’s story. As long as we continue to look at education and race through a separate lens, we’ll end up with separate and unequal, which is what happened. It hurts all kids when we don’t look at race through a culturally sustaining pedagogy. We’re missing all these stories, the richness by all these people that don’t look like the people in these textbooks. The richness adds to all of our lives when we build on this space. It shouldn’t be us versus them. Our future generations need to know. It’s okay to say the country is an experiment that we’re still trying to figure out – it’s okay to make people feel uncomfortable talking about it. The amendments to the Constitution show growth. They helped establish justice, of where we want to go. Education helps us grow, and the more we learn, we can continue to grow.” Critical race theory is a body of legal scholarship and an academic movement of civil rights scholars and activists in the United States that looks to critically examine how the law intersects with issues of race in this country, and to challenge the mainstream approach to racial justice. It focuses on the legal, social and cultural aspects as they relate to race and racism in the United States. Critical race theory was developed in the mid-1970s primarily by American legal scholars, grounded in the writings of pre-eminent African American thinkers and writers, including Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass and W.E.B Dubois, as well as the Black Power, Chicano and feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Richard 38

Delgado, a co-founder of the theory, when asked in 2017 what it was, defined it as “a collection of activists and scholars interested in studying and transforming the relationship among race, racism and power.” The basic tenets of critical race theory include that racism and different and disparate racial outcomes are the result of complex, changing and often subtle social and institutional dynamics rather than explicit and intentional prejudices on the part of individuals. Meaning, most people have implicit bias, rather than overt prejudice, and racism can inadvertently show up in many ways in everyday life. In the legal realm, critical race theory emphasizes that making laws colorblind on paper is not enough to make the application of those laws colorblind, because often the application of those colorblind laws are done in racially discriminatory ways. Further, some scholars, such as Ibram X. Kendi, who in his bestseller, How To Be An Anti-Racist, asserted that being colorblind is to deny him and his individualism. “To say I don’t see you as Black, I just see you as a person, is to deny the history of systemic racism in the United States. You’re not acknowledging that society views everyone as Black, White, Asian, Latinx,” Augustin Fuentes, anthropology professor at Princeton University, explained. “It’s to be complicit in a racist system. If you’re not actively being anti-racist, you’re supporting the racist system. This is not some lefty theory of discrimination. ‘I don’t see color, I judge by the individual,’ is actually a racist statement because it denies the systemic bias and very real process of racism.” The American Bar Association (ABA) explains that it is not a diversity and inclusion “training,” but a practice. “It critiques how the social construction of race and institutionalized racism perpetuate a racial caste system that relegates people of color to the bottom tiers...Instead, it acknowledges that the legacy of slavery, segregation, and the imposition of second-class citizenship on Black Americans and other people of color continue to permeate the social fabric of this nation.” “Critical race theory is a critique of liberalism and legal theory,”

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said Dr. Randall Wyatt, assistant professor of sociology, Oakland University. “It started as a critique of the civil rights theory and that we had moved far beyond our past, and that everyone has moved on. Colorblind practices, in a sense, make racism more permanent because it didn’t erase what happened during the years prior, or what happened during the more overt years of racial imbalances. The civil rights movement didn’t deal with the effects of redlining, the racial imbalances of the GI Bill (after World War II), the imbalances of hiring, wealth accumulation, housing issues. Those were not eradicated. So because color blind practices do nothing to eradicate past practices, it does nothing to get rid of those barriers to injustice, so we will continue to have imbalances and continue to have inequality going forward.” “I’m a civil rights scholar, and critical race theory questions when did the civil rights movement end? The civil rights movement did not end in the ‘60s. Racism did not end. Americans did not move past its past. For some it was that realization,” Jonathan Chism, assistant professor of history, University of Houston and co-editor, “Critical Race Theory Across Disciplines.” “Critical race theory pokes holes in Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech ‘I Have a Dream.’ Racism hasn’t ended. After the civil rights era ended, it continued in the ‘70s and on.” “Critical race theory itself is a very abstract, very academic theory. I teach it to graduate students, and I would be very hard pressed to introduce it to them,” said Jeffrey Henig, professor of political science and education, Teachers College, Columbia University. “That’s not what people are talking about. They don’t like that there is structured racism, inherent racism that they are being held up against. “Arguably, it’s a backlash against what was seen to George Floyd’s murder and the overcorrection to Black Lives Matter – that they’re ‘coming for their kids,’” Henig continued. “It looks like it’s about schools and what they’re teaching, but it’s really about what’s been going on at least since (former President Donald) Trump, and those who have trying to reconstitute culture and cancel culture. This gets right to the fear about their kids and schools. People are concerned about K-12 schools. The debate in higher education does not get hearts a-pounding, where it’s really being taught, if it’s being taught at all.” It is true that in the 50 years or so since academics and legal scholars have been debating critical race theory, most of us never heard the phrase until May 2020, when George Floyd of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was murdered by police, fostering a summer of Black Lives Matter protests around the country. It came on the tailwind of The New York Times publishing the 1619 Project in August 2019, a longform journalism project developed by Nikole Hannah-Jones and writers from The New York Times and its magazine on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to the English colony of Virginia, although there are records of other enslaved people of African descent in North America since at least the 1500s. The 1619 Project was envisioned as a re-examination of the legacy of slavery in the United States, challenging the idea that the country’s history began in 1776 or with the arrival of the Pilgrims. It was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, and a project curriculum for schools has been developed between The New York Times and the Pulitzer Center, determining a perspective of Black writers a necessary historical tool. However, some Republicans reacted to the 1619 Project, objecting to what they termed a “rewriting” of the nation’s history, as well as to Black Lives Matter protests. Some targeted the term “critical race theory” as the rewriting of history, and making Whites out as racists and supremacists. In September 2020, President Trump responded to both the 1619 Project and Black Lives Matters, announcing on Twitter that he had expanded a ban on racial sensitivity training to federal contractors, emphasizing his “efforts to indoctrinate government employees with divisive and harmful sex- and race-based ideologies.” He issued Executive Order 13950, “Combatting Race and Sex 40

The goal of CRT is people existed besides the typical European narrative…

Stereotyping,” which banned the federal government from using critical race theory in employee training. President Biden has since revoked the executive order, but that has not stopped several state legislatures, including Michigan’s, from drafting legislation to ban K12 schools from teaching critical race theory. Further, many local school boards across the country have been met with parents protesting the inclusion of the theory in their children’s education. The last five years, with Trump, “is an indication of the bias’ of many American citizens and the whitewashing of history in many American schools, and what they want to perpetuate as the truth,” said Chism of University of Houston. “1619 Project makes some very uncomfortable assertions about history. The prevalence of the Confederacy is a part of that. It stems from the White and Black migration after World War I, with the availability of jobs in the north. Part of the great myth that racism is a Southern problem – but it is everywhere. Segregation permeated Northern institutions, just not in the same form as slavery, and it still very much exists. People on the right today want to escape it – ‘Blacks are the ones to blame, activists are to blame because we’re fanning the flames and not letting it die. We don’t have a problem with racism – if you just didn’t talk about it, it would go away. Stop blaming us for all your problems.’” Charles H.F. Davis III, PhD, assistant professor of higher education, University of Michigan, said the message coming out of the Trump administration was “as a dog whistle, to make it ‘whatever we want it to be’ – to say we’re against critical race theory without saying we are ‘for racism.’ Not realizing that their framing what is happening is a tool of White supremacy, but cloaking it as misrepresentation, because it’s been not understood, or most people haven’t been aware of critical race theory.” He said there have been parallel issues over the last few years, such as global warming and climate change, or offshore drilling. “The narrative can be interpreted as a negative for jobs, because that can be limiting, as it misrepresents the science, and misrepresents the accuracy because the populace isn’t aware of the accurate talking points – similar to critical race theory. Scholars of critical race have to again explain it, when critical race theory has been established for well over three decades.”

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Barbara McQuade, law professor at University of Michigan and former U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Michigan, concurs. “The current debate about critical race theory and its legality reminds me about the debate about Sharia law in Dearborn a few years ago – no one was following Sharia law in Dearborn, and no one is following critical race theory. It’s an academic theory. “People are afraid of ideas, just like with the Scopes Monkey Trial (July 1925), because people were afraid of Darwinism, and afraid of teaching it, and afraid of learning it,” McQuade continued. “Critical race theory is thinking about the effect of laws, like the war on drugs, gerrymandering, redlining, even if they’re not racist, have they had a racist impact. There’s a lot of validity to that. It doesn’t mean you’re racist – it’s not about you. It’s about the system – of slavery, of Jim Crow laws. Have we gotten rid of all the disparity of racism? It’s a very sophisticated academic theory. “The marketplace of ideas is about swapping ideas and learning from them. (Critical race theory) has been latched onto to scare people,” McQuade said. Davis asserted that the mass media has a role in this, by allowing for propagandizing issues. “People generally trust the channel they listen to to be accurate,” he noted. So far in 2021, viewers of Fox News have heard critical race theory mentioned over 2,000 times, after being mentioned just 132 times in 2020 – although viewers of other networks may have not heard of it hardly at all. In June alone, it was mentioned 737 times on Fox News. Journalist Judd Legum at Popular Information said conservatives’ interest in critical race theory didn’t happen on its own, but through a “constellation of non-profit groups and media outlets that are systematically injecting CRT into our politics.” His research found the panic around critical race theory had one consistent funding source: The Thomas W. Smith Foundation of Boca Raton, Florida, with its senior fellow, James Piereson. “Piereson has made clear that he opposes efforts to increase racial or economic equality,” Legum wrote. He said that Piereson criticized liberal philanthropists for focusing on “climate change, income inequality, [and] immigrant rights,” describing these as “radical causes.” “How did CRT, a complex theory that explains how structural racism is embedded in the law, get redefined to represent corporate diversity trainings and high school classes on the history of slavery? The foundation funding much of the anti-CRT effort is run by a person who opposes all efforts to increase diversity at powerful institutions and laments the introduction of curriculum about the historical treatment of Black people… Between 2017 and 2019, the Thomas W. Smith Foundation has granted at least $12.75 million to organizations that publicly attack Critical Race Theory, according to a review of tax disclosures by Popular Information. The foundation’s grants for 2020 will not be disclosed until late-2021,” said Legum. “In recent months, Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at The Manhattan Institution, has gained notoriety for spurring anti-CRT panic, describing CRT as an ‘existential threat to the United States.’” Legum said The Thomas W. Smith Foundation donated $4.32 million to the Manhattan Institute between 2017 and 2019. Davis from the University of Michigan said, “White supremacy’s power to manipulate, to coerce, even dictate the conversation speaks to what critical race theory is seeking to illuminate. It is actually proving critical race theory – if you have the power to shape a 35-yearold conversation, you have to ask why. The other piece is, you have a number of White K-12 parents who are so concerned about the K-12 setting – where it would never be taught! Critical race theory then becomes everything about race – Black studies, the 1619 Project. The lack of specificity on the part of the public allows it to be everything. That is the hallmark of White supremacy and racism.” A bigger question, Davis said, “Often, are minorities even learning 42

their histories to empower themselves? What should folks be learning? In Black studies we say we have to deconstruct to reconstruct. The deconstruction is to understand what we were taught about ourselves, to critically interrogate, and then to reinterpret what we learned to learn it in another way. We were taught our history began with the end of slavery. “There’s no reason this critical reasoning shouldn’t happen until the university setting,” he noted. There has been a significant emphasis to create cultural awareness and diversity in local school districts, yet some are hesitant to comment on critical race theory. Anne Cron, spokesperson, Birmingham Public Schools, said, “Critical race theory is not something we have had any discussions on. It wouldn’t be appropriate at this time to seek our view on the topic, as it’s not something our board or the superintendent have had a chance to discuss professionally.” Birmingham Public Schools appointed Dr. Embekka Roberson its new superintendent in June, the first woman and the first Black to become superintendent in the district. “Critical Race Theory has become highly politicized and publicized at the national level of late and has not been a topic of local discussion by our administration or board of education. Critical Race Theory is a theory, not a curriculum, that has been in existence since the mid-1970s and is designed for students in higher institutions,” she continued. “The New York Times 1619 Project magazine, which is often referenced when discussing critical race theory, is considered a resource that could be considered for use by a teacher, as our curriculum is based on using primary resources and peer-reviewed resources. If secondary resources are used, such as the 1619 Project, teachers share that it is a viewpoint, and students are taught how to think critically about that resource. Thinking critically and understanding multiple perspectives is a part of the state of Michigan standards and necessary for college and career readiness.” The district has had citizens bring the question to the podium at

Critical race theory isn't a curriculum, it's a concept introduced in the '70s.

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recent school board meetings, and they responded with the previous statement. Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education President Paul Kolin said critical race theory has not been brought to the board by anyone in the community, although he is aware of the issue. The district has developed a student equity council that meets biweekly throughout the year with the assistant superintendent and superintendent, working on inclusion issues. West Bloomfield Schools is taking a much more direct stance, with the board of education having adopted an anti-racism resolution following George Floyd’s murder which the district is implementing. “There are 11 bullet points, from charging the superintendent and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee to identify policy updates and/or recommend additional policies to end inequity and injustices within our school district and to implement bias awareness and antiracist training districtwide,” said West Bloomfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Gerry Hill. “The West Bloomfield School District, and West Bloomfield community, is a richly diverse community – economically, gender, racially, religiously – in all areas. A new position, executive director of educational equity and inclusion, was created, with Sonja James in the position. “Critical race theory isn’t a curriculum, it’s a concept introduced in the ‘70s, in the legal realm, and that’s where it’s been for the last 50 years, and it should be left there,” said Hill. “To adopt something that is not a curriculum… Because of the misunderstanding about the discussion of critical race theory, we need to have the discussion abut race in the United States. So to omit it would be a disservice to our students. We feel it’s our obligation to present U.S. history in its full context. I resent the thought that presenting factual history is not an ideology. It’s history.” He said they introduced an inclusive Balance of Power curriculum, replacing the 1960s classic To Kill a Mockingbird with Stamped: Racism, AntiRacism and You. “We had parents and staff reading it along with students,” he said, noting that some parents opted out of having their children reading it. “We want them to learn about each other, various cultures, and not solely themselves, to see themselves represented in the materials,” explained James. “So we’re learning about each other. It goes back to the diversity, culture and equality in West Bloomfield, which is so rich. To not do it would be to deprive students of experiences.” As of this past school year, Hill said the school board had not had parents demanding critical race theory and other diversity issues not be taught in the district. “I know it is happening in Oakland County,” he said. “There needs to be more of an education of the public of what critical race theory is. It needs to be taken out of the political sphere. I do not understand where effective teaching is politicized.” “This is just the latest of a long string of culture war things. It’s nothing new to American politics,” said David Dulio, director, Oakland University Center for Civic Engagement. In an effort to control what is being taught to students, this past winter and spring, 22 state legislatures introduced bills to ban critical race theory from being taught to students in K-12 schools, with Michigan lawmakers among them. Nine states – including Idaho, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma and Tennessee – have signed legislation into law. On May 20, 2021, state Sen. Lana Theis (R-Brighton) introduced Senate Bill 460, which would ban from Michigan K-12 curricula “the so-called ‘critical race theory’ and its derivatives, like the 1619 Project.” It would also penalize any district that teaches what they consider critical race theory with a loss of five percent of their school funding. “Critical race theory is an invention of the extreme political left 44

It's an effort to whitewash history, and students want to know the truth.

that has manipulated academia for decades and is now targeting private businesses, public institutions, and sadly, our K-12 classrooms, where it is indoctrinating young minds with antiAmerican falsehoods,” said Theis in a statement. She did not return repeated calls. “Its ‘woke’ proponents reject our true history and our founding principles, in favor of an identity-based cultural Marxist ideology that seeks nothing more than victimization, envy, division, discrimination, and ultimately the destruction of our country and way of life.” SB 460 has been referred to the Michigan Senate Committee on Education and Career Readiness, which Theis chairs. “It’s frustrating. It follows this trend of the state GOP taking on culture issues which do not align with state values, and do not align with local values,” said state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (DBirmingham, Bloomfield Hills). “It’s ironic the GOP always pushes for local school board control, until it’s not what they want – and then they want state control. It’s trying to govern by fear. “It’s an effort to whitewash history, and students want to know the truth,” McMorrow said. “Every time I talk to students they want to have challenging conversation, they want to learn histories, even if it’s messy or violent. That’s how we get better, and they want to improve the communities they live in.” “They’ve never taught critical race theory in K-12 schools. There is no problem,” said state Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Bloomfield Township). “When you read the words, they’re trying to stop people from understanding their racist past. It’s censorship. It keeps people today in school from understanding policy decisions of the past and how they impact today – and that is what history is for. “If I hadn’t learned what I learned in the last few years, like the Tulsa Race Murders, I wouldn’t be able to do my job in this way,” Bayer continued. “The basic idea of censorship, which most people are opposed to – and these bills here and around the country are hard core censorship of a huge subject, including slavery, is so kids would think it never happened. The point of critical race theory is it has nothing to do with making you feel better, but to learn so you never do it again.”

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FACES

Mel Larsen rowing up in a small Iowa farming town, longtime Birmingham resident Mel Larsen learned the importance of community. After graduating from University of Notre Dame in the late 1950s, he brought his strong desire to serve the community to the Detroit area by working in Catholic schools as a teacher, coach, and principal. His determination to serve led him into politics where he has left a lasting legacy on Michigan’s civil rights movement. “Faith, family, community have been the center of my life and I’ve tried to give back and serve. There are many ways to serve your community and make it a better place – I chose education, social services, and civil rights,” said Larsen. Larsen served as a member of the Michigan State House of Representatives in Oxford from 1973-1978, and chairman of the Michigan Republican Party from 19791983. He helped sponsor the landmark Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 with Daisy Elliot, a Democrat from Detroit. The law prohibits discrimination in Michigan based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status in employment, housing, education, and access to public accommodations. “The bill was introduced after the federal Civil Rights Law passed in 1964. Daisy was the driving force and was told by House Democrats that she would need a Republican co-sponsor for it to pass. She carried around the bill for years. I was six weeks into the legislature when I read the bill and said, ‘This needs to be done – let’s do it.’ After it passed, they wanted to name the bill after her and in the greatest act of statesmanship, she came down the aisle and said she wanted my name on the bill too,” said Larsen. “Today, how far apart we are – there is still a long way to go. With information on the internet today, people need to fact check and ask themselves ‘How do I know what I know?’” According to Larsen, the original intent of the Civil Rights Act was to include all Michigan citizens and should be expanded to include the LGBTQ community. “I still stand firm that every citizen in this state deserves the right to protection. I’ve taken a lot of flak over the years, but remain passionate. Discrimination is wrong. When people act out biases, it’s not fair. There’s still a lot of work to do and we can’t give up on it. It will happen. We are like water drifting on a rock – not going away.” Last fall, the two Michigan civil rights pioneers were commended by the state when the Lewis Cass Building in Lansing was renamed the Elliot-Larsen Building. Larsen values the legacy for his family and feels honored to have his name alongside Elliot’s again. Unfortunately, Elliot died in 2015. She is the first Black woman in Michigan to have a state building named in her honor. According to Larsen, while we have made a lot of progress, there is still more to achieve in terms of equity and in fighting discrimination. He identified three ongoing problems that still need to be addressed – finance, health, and families. Through his years in education, politics and business, Larsen has been supported by his family and especially his wife, Liz. “She’s a wonderful person. It was fortunate for me to match up with someone who believes in what she’s doing as much as I do.” Larsen offered some closing guidance. “There’s an old saying I like, ‘Believe in your own dignity and extend that dignity to everyone you meet.’”

Story: Tracy Donohue

Photo: Laurie Tennent

lthough what we now refer to as “forever chemicals” or PFAS have been around since the 1940s, scientists, researchers, and government officials are only now beginning their quest to understand the far-reaching impact of forever chemicals on our water and food supply. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of over 9,000 manmade chemicals that were once touted as a modern miracle. Brought to the commercial market by 3M and DuPont, and best known for their use in nonstick Teflon pots and pans, PFAS chemicals also make shoes waterproof and carpet and furniture upholstery stainproof. Consumers can also thank PFAS chemicals for long-wearing mascara, lipstick, and sunscreen as well as the leak-proof wrappers and cardboard boxes that keep fast food grease from leaking onto their laps. The heat-resistant qualities of PFAS have been deployed in military, airline and firefighting applications. These “forever chemicals” represent the strongest carbon-flourine bonds on the planet. The most pervasive and harmful of these compounds include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and were eventually linked to kidney, liver, and thyroid cancers, as well as many other ailments. PFOS was phased out of production and use in 2002, and U.S. manufacturers eliminated PFOA emissions and product content by 2015. Scientists and researchers have determined that nearly every organism on earth – including every human being – contains some traces of these ubiquitous chemicals. In addition to cancers, they are also blamed for elevated cholesterol levels and they may compromise immune response to diseases such as COVID-19, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Although levels of these longer-stranded PFAS compounds have been dropping significantly in our bodies in the last 20 years, these chemicals continue to stick around and do not decompose in nature. And manufacturers like 3M and DuPont have replaced PFOA/PFOS with shorter-chained, replacement chemicals known as GenX chemicals.

PFAS UNDERSTANDING THE THREAT TO OUR FOOD AND WATER SUPPLY BY STACY GITTLEMAN

The few regulations that do exist – on a state-by-state basis – focus on levels in our drinking water. Scientists measure PFAS exposure in water in nanograms per liter. One nanogram equals one part per trillion (ppt). In layman’s terms, that one part per trillion can be visualized as one drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. In biosolids, it is measured in parts per billion (ppb). The EPA has set PFOA and PFOS limits in drinking water to these most pervasive chemicals at 70 ppt. In recent news, biosolids, which are processed human waste used for soil enrichment by the agriculture industry, are the source where elevated levels of PFAS are showing up. In May 2021, The Sierra Club partnered with The Ecology Club of Michigan and released a study that tested nine different commercially available fertilizers made with biosolids and found high levels of PFAS in them. Even in those sold in big box hardware stores as “natural” or “organic," these fertilizers contained 14 to 20 of the 33 tested PFAS chemicals, with total concentrations ranging from 38 to 233 ppb. Of great concern is these forever chemicals were not being filtered out at the source – industrial sites – before entering wastewater treatment plants and then into our waterways. However, the fertilizers tested were not produced in Michigan, which maintains some of the nation’s strictest testing and monitoring to rid the most prevalent strains of legacy PFAS compounds from the waste stream thanks to its industrial pretreatment program. As a reference point, Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE)’s March 2021 interim strategy for the application of biosolids states that biosolids exceeding 150 ppb of PFOS are deemed industrially impacted and cannot be land applied. It said the ideal level for PFOS in biosolids should be at 20 ppb. Steven Brown, a retired chemist who serves on the Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter PFAS response team, said the traditional way to think about chemical contaminants is that they break down and dilute in time in the ecosystem. “But these chemicals are impossible to destroy,” explained Brown. “There was never enough testing to understand what these chemicals do to the body as they build up over time. There needs to be action and regulation at the federal level. Congresspeople like Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Elissa Slotkin ((D-Rochester, Rochester Hills, northern Oakland, parts of Livingston and Ingham counties)) are working to ban all PFAS because no one really knows where and how manufacturers are using them. After all, manufacturers do not have to list them in consumer products."

rown said the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) – a multi-agency environmental task force launched in the Governor Rick Snyder administration and signed into law in 2018 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer – puts the state in leader status to stopping PFAS contamination at their sources – industrial, military and airport sites – and monitoring levels in waters coming out of wastewater treatment plants and the biosolid sludge they produce. "However, I am concerned that in the Republican-led Michigan legislature there will be blowback to prevent bills from being passed to further regulate or provide funding for cleanup activity, " Brown said. Hailed as a sustainable alternative to sending treated sewerage to incinerators, landfills, or dumping in waterways, biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials leftover when human waste is treated at a wastewater treatment plant. According to the EPA, there are 16,000 wastewater treatment plants annually producing 52

seven million tons of biosolids. Data on PFAS levels in these biosolids is extremely limited. Brown said the Sierra Club study of biosolids serves as an entry point to raise awareness to the consumer. “You may want to ask what’s in that fertilizer before you put it in your garden – and it does not matter if the product is organic or not. The problem is that these PFAS chemicals have stuck around so long that everywhere you test for it, it is found.”

ichigan’s Biosolids Program is regulated by Michigan Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) Water Resources Division. In Michigan, there are approximately 400 municipal wastewater treatment plants, and 95 are required by their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits under the Clean Water Act to have an Industrial Pre-Treatment Plan because of their proximity to industrialized sites emitting contaminants. Two hundred of Michigan’s wastewater treatment plants process sewage sludge into biosolids intended for land application into two classes, according to state and federal regulations. Class A Exceptional Quality, where biosolids are treated to meet tight restrictions on pathogens, metals, and traces of pestilence that can transmit diseases. Most wastewater treatment plants in the state produce class B biosolids, meaning they are treated to a point where they are safe to use as a fertilizer or soil amendment, with the use of site restrictions. There are significant restrictions on when and where these biosolids can be spread to protect ground and surface waters. According to a February 2020 report from the Michigan Biosolids Team, 89,000 tons of biosolids created from municipal waste sludge have been applied to 21,000 acres of farmland since 2015. This represents a fraction of Michigan’s total farmland area of nearly 10 million acres. When used, it saves farmers $12 million annually in fertilizer costs, and wastewater facilities nearly $8 million annually in disposal costs. According to the Environmental Working Group, Michigan is the country's most PFAS contaminated state, with 192 hotspot sites as of 2018. The reason why Michigan holds this high level classification, however, is because of MPART’s efforts, beginning in the fall of 2018, to assess PFAS levels at 42 wastewater treatment plants, to understand how these chemicals travel in the waste stream. And wherever the state tests for PFAS, they are found. As recently as June of this year, Oakland County discovered the groundwater below the Oakland County International Airport property at levels exceeding state recommended maximum contaminant levels after the state installed several permanent detection wells on the site. The elevated levels are most likely due to the use of firefighting foams used to extinguish several fires between 1996 and 2019, according to media reports. In 2018, the Michigan Water Resources Division began to evaluate PFAS levels of water and materials flowing into and from 42 municipal wastewater treatment plants, as well as associated residuals known as sludge, or biosolids. Initial findings from the study found that PFAS were frequently detected in municipal wastewater, residuals, and at land application sites where biosolids were applied. The Water Resources Division identified six wastewater treatment plants with high PFOS concentrations in their wastewater treatment plant discharge and biosolids/sludge, and temporarily restricted land application from those facilities until sources of PFOS are controlled and concentrations in the residuals decrease. As part of this

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initiative, The Water Resources Division also screened 22 sites for 24 PFAS compounds where this sludge was applied – such as farmland – to further understand and measure the presence of PFAS and how it impacted the environment.

oncentrations in residuals were similar or lower than concentrations identified in previous studies in the United States and other countries with industrial sources. EGLE spokesperson Scott Dean said Michigan’s approach for addressing PFAS in municipal wastewater and biosolids is to control significant industrial sources of PFAS before they are discharged to wastewater treatment plants. Dean said MPART’s industrial pre-treatment plan has been successful with municipal wastewater treatment plants in pinpointing sources of PFAS (specifically PFOS and PFOA) in effluent before they reach the wastewater treatment plant. “These efforts are resulting in significant reductions in their discharges, in some cases by as much as 99 percent,” said Dean. “In 2021, we are taking additional actions, such as requiring PFAS testing of biosolids for land applications that occur after July 1, 2021. MPART will also implement a municipal permitting strategy, which will establish effluent limits for PFOS/PFOA in municipal permits issued after October 1, 2021.” In June of 2020, EGLE concluded that the average concentration in biosolids/sludge of PFOS was 195 parts per billion while the median concentration was only 13 ppb. Only seven samples of biosolids from six wastewater treatment plants were above the average concentrations of 195 ppb. Dean said these six facilities identified highly elevated discharges of PFOS to their collection system from industrial sources. “As we identify and address facilities with elevated PFOS concentrations, we expect to find lower concentrations in biosolids on average in Michigan moving forward.” Brown said the Sierra Club was pleased that Michigan’s most severely impacted water treatment plants, through granulated charcoal activation filtration systems, were able to reduce the levels of longer-chain PFAS in their effluent by over 90 percent within two years. But he asserted that the shorter-chain chemicals are still slipping through because water treatment plants are not equipped to remove them. “What is more concerning are the shorter-chained PFAS chemicals that manufacturers are still producing and using that replaced PFOS and PFOA. That’s the stuff no one is regulating,” Brown said. Science and researchers are only beginning to understand how PFAS gets into the food stream, and just how much of these chemicals are absorbed in crops. On June 30, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released their latest Total Diet Study, that samples and measures commercially sold foods across the United States for nutrients and contaminants, including PFAS. The FDA analyzed 94 samples of a variety of food products collected in 2020 from general food supplies and found only one sample of cod to have detectable levels of two types of PFAS – perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). The FDA has determined that the PFAS levels found in a cod sample did not present a human health concern. According to an FDA spokesperson, the food samples analyzed are from retail locations analysis and therefore information about specific source farms – and if and when they applied PFAS-laced biosolids to their land – is limited. These foods are in the general food supply and are chosen to be representative of the major 54

components of the average U.S. diet, based on national food consumption survey data. The sampling plan, implemented in 2018, is based on population distributions in all 50 states; all areas are included in the sampling plan, but densely populated areas are more likely to be included as sampling sites. Specifically, the sampling plan includes two types of sample collections, one for foods that are distributed nationally, and one for foods with chemical concentrations that may vary regionally and seasonally, such as fresh produce, meats, and dairy products. Foods with nutrient or contaminant concentrations that are less likely to vary by location or by time of year are categorized as “national” foods. Foods with nutrient or contaminant concentrations that may vary by location or by time of year are categorized as “regional” foods. The food samples recently tested for PFAS were from a regional collection. “The FDA’s work in this space is critically important to advance science and fill knowledge gaps about these chemicals and their occurrence in food. We’re committed to using all tools available to help ensure the food we consume is safe and doesn’t risk anyone’s health,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra stated in an FDA press release. But these findings do not override state restrictions on eating fish caught recreationally in Michigan’s waterways with elevated PFAS levels. For example, in 2018, EGLE declared that all fish in the Huron River, starting where North Wixom Road crosses into Oakland County and extending downstream to the mouth of the Huron River as it enters Lake Erie in Wayne County, were unfit for human consumption due to elevated PFOS levels. The state has yet to reverse this advisory. In a 2018 study, the FDA tested for 16 forever chemicals on produce grown at a farm in Fayetteville, North Carolina, near a PFAS production plant. The study also included one head of romaine lettuce grown from another source that did not have any detectable levels of PFAS. The two chemicals that were the most detected were PFOA and PFOS. In parts per trillion, the highest concentration of chemicals was PFOA found in cabbage (67.5) and kale (179). Most other chemical compounds in produce such as tomatoes, blueberries and corn demonstrated barely detectable levels of contaminants.

espite these studies, there are still no federal standards for PFAS levels in the nation's food. While it is possible to test animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs, MPART states there are very few laboratories that can do this. Science is only beginning to understand how PFAS is transferred from the animal to the product, and currently, there are no federal food safety standards for PFAS levels in food. Water managers attest that the solution in getting PFAS out of our food chain lies at stopping contamination at the industrial source. Founded in 2016, the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is one of the largest utilities of its kind in the United States, serving 126 municipalities in seven southeast Michigan counties, including Detroit. “As a leader in the water sector, GLWA continues to monitor the emerging pollutants in our wastewater and is committed to protecting public health,” said Majid Khan, GLWA wastewater operations director. “Our approach to the PFAS challenge is to reduce these chemicals from entering the wastewater system from its industrial users by working directly with them to either eliminate the use of PFAS compounds in their products or to have them

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incorporate treatment processes to remove PFAS compounds from their wastewater stream.” Because PFAS compounds are untreatable at the wastewater treatment plant phase, Khan said controlling the concentration levels of these chemicals in biosolids is most effective by enforcing MPART guidelines. Khan said GLWA has implemented strategies to control, reduce and eliminate PFAS from the point source’s wastewater discharge. The point source program was implemented in 2018 and the minimization program was implemented in January 2020. By successfully implementing these two programs, GLWA by December 2020 identified 49 sources of PFOS. GLWA also observed reductions in source contributions between 2019 and 2020 as it pinpointed the sources of PFAS in its waste steam collection system. Khan said with periodic testing, levels of the most prevalent PFAS have been dropping. According to EGLE, tests conducted in November 2018 of GLWA’s biosolids pellets were at 9.4 ppb for PFOS. A sample collected in May 2021 detected PFOS at 4.9 ppb. According to John Norton, GLWA Director of Energy, Research and Innovation, the water authority has ongoing research projects with Michigan State University focusing on biosolids. Another research project with MSU commenced in July of 2021 to understand the uptake of PFAS by food crops grown on dried biosolid amended soils. In September 2020, Oakland County opened its $32 million biosolids treatment facility in Pontiac, and stopped sending biosolids to landfills, tallying up to an annual savings of $1.8 million. Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash attributes the state’s stringent industrial pre-treatment plan for curbing PFAS levels in the industrial waste stream. “Michigan cannot sell biosolids to farmers growing crops for human consumption with PFAS levels over 20 ppb and most states do not test for PFAS levels in wastewater released by industrial sites into waterways,” said Nash. Even with PFAS levels measuring in at 18 ppb, Nash said Oakland County has yet to sell any of its biosolid production and is in talks with EGLE this summer to market it for ornamental applications, such as landscaping and golf courses. When it comes to PFAS levels in drinking water, Nash pointed to Maine as leading the country with the most stringent proposed PFAS regulations in limiting the levels of PFAS chemicals in its drinking water, at 20 ppt, in contrast with federal levels of 70 ppt. Maine has more recently banned the use of PFAS compounds in any products by the year 2030. "We are getting pretty close to matching Maine's (drinking water) standards," said Nash. "We are waiting for new PFAS classifications in August, and as we narrow down the industrial and military sources of PFAS, levels of PFAS in our drinking water and biosolids will become negligible. Michigan is one of the few states that regulate these chemicals in our drinking water and biosolids if at all."

ince 2001, the town of Lapeer has spread biosolids made from the municipal wastewater treatment plant that took influent from Lapeer Plating & Plastics, a decorative chrome plating facility under approval from Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). In 2017, the state tested the soils of 38 fields used by the city of Lapeer, and found PFOS contamination as high as over 2,000 ppb. The spread of biosolids was immediately halted and crops grown in Lapeer had to be destroyed. Since then, an EGLE report from April 2021, indicated that PFOS levels in the biosolids produced in Lapeer had dropped between 72-120 56

ppb, thanks to industrial pre-treatment plan cleanup efforts at the industrial phase off the wastewater cycle – but farmers there are still not spreading the biosolids on their crops. In fact, since 2018, the state has worked with the farmers there in removing the top six or eight inches of soil where the biosolids were spread, according to the report. Laura Campbell, manager of the Agricultural Ecology Department at the Michigan Farm Bureau, said Lapeer was the state’s most drastic case of soil contamination by PFAS-laced biosolids. Campbell said Michigan's farmers also became concerned beginning in 2018 when they heard of extreme cases coming from Maine and New Mexico where crops, dairy products and even herds of livestock had to be destroyed when levels of PFAS as high as 32,200 ppt were detected in cow’s milk, sourced back to pollutants from nearby industry and military sites. “These were extreme outlier cases,” said Campbell. “After what we saw in Maine and New Mexico, it prompted EGLE to come and test the fields in Michigan located near industrial areas with a high potential for the presence of PFAS.”

ampbell commended MPART’s industrial pretreatment plan in reducing PFAS levels coming into the state’s water treatment plants, noting this is the most proactive way to reduce the potential presence of the compounds in biosolids. What remains is a concern for the farmland that spread the biosolids before testing was conducted, although Campbell maintained that the state kept records on when and where, and from which sources, the biosolids were spread. “Farms that received biosolids before this pretreating was put in place were permitted and regulated. EGLE knows the location and date of every biosolid application, and in those cases, PFOS levels have not been a high enough concern. What is more of a concern is PFOS detection in groundwater near farmland.” She continued, “While we are encouraged by MPART’s transparency in its testing and research on PFAS levels in soils where biosolids have been applied, we need the USDA and the FDA to intensify their research on how PFAS is absorbed at the crop level so farmers can be assured they can continue to produce safe, abundant food supplies. Farmers are not putting down biosolids on food grown for raw human consumption, such as fruits and vegetables, but they have applied biosolids on crops that are fed to livestock. We (farmers) understand there will be no such thing as zero levels of PFAS, but we trust in the research being conducted to prevent significant levels coming in contact with agriculture. The most efficient step that can be taken now is to no longer use PFAS in manufactured products.” Concern over these forever chemicals has reached congressional levels. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Rochester, Rochester Hills, northern Oakland, parts of Livingston and Ingham counties), who remarked that an aquifer in her hometown of Holly Township had in May 2021 tested high for levels of PFAS, said the House of Representatives this year reintroduced six pieces of legislation intended to regulate PFAS manufacturing, provide funding for the nation’s highly contaminated PFAS sites, and provide help for military personnel directly exposed to PFAS during training exercises. In December 2020, Slotkin said the Senate blocked legislation intended to hold the Department of Defense more accountable for cleaning up Michigan’s most notoriously contaminated sites, such as the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. While the United States Air Force is responsible for investigating and if necessary, addressing any environmental contamination caused by the Air Force while operating Wurtsmith and has invested over $85 million in cleanup actions, they have yet to comply with a low, 12 ppt cleanup threshold for PFOS. Chemicals leaching from the base have

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contaminated the Van Etten Lake and the Au Sable River. “Last year, we introduced legislation aimed at making the Pentagon adhere to Michigan’s strict cleanup standards, but they did not make it into the final budget,” said Slotkin. “In the new version of this bill, we are making it clear that the EPA needs to do the right thing and force the agency to set federal standards and make it mandatory that the federal government evaluate and care for soldiers that may have been exposed to PFAS while they served. We need to restrict the manufacturing of products like carpeting and upholstery that military bases can buy if they are laced with PFAS. We recognize the work of grassroots activists who are doggedly raising this problem to the attention of public servants at the city, state, and federal levels. Small towns need federal funding to remediate PFAS contamination. “ Pressing on, Slotkin said the federal government needs to learn from painful lessons of toxic chemicals in the past, such as how DDT pesticides used on farms caused birth defects and poisoned wildlife, such as the country’s bald eagle. “Because of the trauma (of the water crisis) in Flint and all we have learned from it, more than any state in the country, Michigan is well poised to put an end to PFAS contamination,” she pointed out. Slotkin also said the state’s universities are primed to provide research and answers in solving the pervasive problems associated with forever chemicals.

mber Brewer is a senior at the University of Michigan School of Public Health where research on how PFAS is absorbed in the food chain is only in its infancy. Brewer is from Oscoda, where decades of using fire retardant foam laced with PFOS/PFOA at the former air force base has poisoned countless private wells. It is a place that she said it is not uncommon to know someone “unwell” because they were unknowingly drinking tainted water or exposed to the foam. Though PFAS levels for municipal water supplies have been lowered with carbon filtration, there remains much distrust among the town’s residents. “It’s not uncommon to run into someone who has a family member that is sick because their well tested for PFAS contamination,” said Brewer, who is an aspiring toxicologist and active in the grassroots organization based in her hometown, Need Our Water (NOW). “My mother is not comfortable using any tap water for drinking, cooking or even brushing her teeth.” Brewer works as a research technician at U-M’s Biological Station in Pellston, where since 2019 she has studied rates of PFAS bioaccumulation in earthworms. “Worms living in this simulated terrestrial environment showed that the longer they stayed there, the higher the rate of PFAS found in their fatty tissue, especially the presence of the longer-chained PFOS and PFOA. It is less obvious if the shorter chained PFAS are absorbed and at what levels. We are in the earliest phases of PFAS research, but globally, it is becoming a hot topic.” Brewer wants to prove the entire class of these manufactured molecules is dangerous to animal and human health and should be completely banned. “I know this is a very tall glass of water and it is expected that there will be pushback by the manufacturing lobby. But there should also be expected that policy will be created to phase out these chemicals in baby steps.” As longer, legacy PFAS chemicals are phased out, manufacturers are replacing them with a class of shorter-stranded PFAS chemicals called GenX. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reported in 2019 that exposures from food packaging and indoor environments are uncertain due to a rapidly changing chemical 58

landscape where PFOS/PFOA have been replaced by diverse precursors and custom molecules that are difficult to detect. This is troubling to Angela Wilson, a professor at Michigan State University’s new Center for PFAS Studies. In the spring of 2021, Wilson and a team of researchers with the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, began to use computer modeling to test how proteins in fish are affected by PFAS, and how PFAS is absorbed in soil and at what rates these chemicals travel between soil and streams of water. As she focuses her research on how these chemicals bioaccumulate in the fatty tissue in fish, she said science and researchers must deal with the “monstrous task” of learning the extent of how these legacy PFAS chemicals and now the GenX chemicals, are having on human health.

ilson said that scientific research is only at the beginning stages of grappling with the scope of understanding just how pervasive these chemicals are and how early-on humans are exposed to them, pointing to a May 2021 study published by the American Chemical Society that found exposures from food packaging and indoor environments are uncertain due to a rapidly changing chemical landscape where legacy PFAS have been replaced by shorter-chained forever chemicals that are difficult to detect. According to the study, concentrations of short-chain PFAS in breastmilk “have almost tripled” between 1996 and 2019. “The big question in the multi-dimensional arena of PFAS research is to understand which of these chemicals are most problematic and which are not, and there are thousands of them to evaluate,” said Wilson. “And manufacturing companies keep adding replacement chemicals to products. We are just beginning to learn how the longerstranded compounds impact our health, that have been phased out but still stick around. But these newer, shorter strands can be just as problematic. It’s a monster of a problem that we are just beginning to understand.” University of Michigan professor Terese M. Olson in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering is looking to permanently destroy PFAS at the molecular level by scaling up the university’s patented plasma reactor technology to made it affordable enough to be widely used at industrial sites to destroy these molecules completely. This, coupled with already-existing carbon filtration technologies, may be the most promising way to eliminate the threat of PFAS contamination in biosolids. “People are looking for a magic bullet solution to PFAS, and my own feeling is that this does not exist,” said Olson. “Carbon-fluorine bonds are the strongest bonds in chemistry to break. Because they were used for firefighting applications, PFAS found in biosolids cannot be destroyed in municipal incinerators because temperatures are not hot enough to break these molecular bonds. And incinerated biosolids no longer contain the beneficial nutrients needed for fertilizer for the agriculture industry.” Olson said the EPA is only beginning to understand how planted crops take up these PFAS chemicals. “There is a growing amount of work being done but it has only taken place in the last 15 years,” she said. “We still do not know the answer. Some of the challenges include the fact that there are few laboratories set up to perform analyses on how these chemicals are absorbed in our food sources. And even in the sample, it is hard to determine if a food source had been contaminated by the soil it grew in, the groundwater used to water that crop, or the container it was packaged in. This is why research has progressed so slowly.”

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FACES Kenneth Jones enneth Jones is coming home again. The New York-based playwright returns to Oakland University for a staged reading of his breakout play, “Alabama Story” on August 21, when the former theater journalist, editor and reporter at playbill.com, who also worked at The Oakland Press and as chief theater critic at The Detroit News, presents his dramatization about a real-life librarian defending the freedom to read. “It’s really great to reconnect with the theater where I went to see so many student plays,” said Jones, who graduated from Groves High School before earning a BA in communications from Oakland University. “Alabama Story” – produced 40 times around the country and was recently published – will be directed by John Rutherford of Barebones Theatre Productions and director of theater at Groves. Jones wrote for the school paper in high school and college. “I was always covering theater and entertainment,” he said. “I was very addicted to that as a kid.” Going to the Fisher Theatre to see national tours like Annie transported him. “It was magical with conveyor belts and moving walkways. I fell in love with it.” He became a playwright because he was too shy to be an actor. “In junior high and high school, I was doing a lot of creative writing and going to see community theater at the Will-O-Way Theatre,” he said. “As a gay kid, it was an escape.” Other fond memories include local theaters like the Hilberry and The Attic. “Plays introduced me to all my heroes like Cy Coleman and Charles Strouse,” Jones explained. “I gobbled them up and writing dramatically became second nature.” Birmingham's Baldwin Public Library also had an influence on him. “I picked a playwright every summer and I would sit for hours and read Edward Albee or Thornton Wilder,” he said. “I would enter their world from a literary point of view.” “Alabama Story” was inspired by an obituary he stumbled upon for Emily Wheelock Reed, the former state librarian for Alabama who tried to protect a children’s book, “The Rabbits’ Wedding,” from being taken off the shelves in 1959 that had a black bunny marrying a white bunny. Reed, who had a degree from the University of Michigan and once worked at the Detroit Public Library, had been challenged by a segregationist state senator. “It instantly seemed dramatic to me. It had conservative and liberal, Black and White, North and South, male and female. It’s a censorship story with a lot of humor about human beings that were flawed and funny and sort of brutal with each other.” His play raises the question: How do you behave when your back is up against the wall? Jones said there is a kind streak in the senator and Reed gets defensive, so there is a flawed streak in the librarian who became internationally famous in real life, with an obit in the New York Times, while the senator has been largely forgotten today. “Alabama Story” has an “Our Town” quality, he said. “It’s highly theatrical. I wanted to pep it up like a children’s picture book. It’s like storytelling with a separate storyline that adds to the original tale. I wanted to jam all of my favorite kinds of plays together like political themes, courtroom drama and a love story.” Before the pandemic shutdown, the play was being performed at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, said Jones, who has written other plays and musicals. “I am doing exactly what I want to be doing,” he said. “It’s the classic story: If you leap, the net will appear.”

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Alex Weisman

MUNICIPAL RH receives zoning, liquor permit okay By Kevin Elliott

The final stages of project approval are nearing completion for the construction of a new Restoration Hardware (RH) at S. Old Woodward and Brown Street, as the project clears Birmingham’s planning board and city commission. Birmingham city commissioners unanimously approved rezoning requests for the property, as well as an application to add the site to the economic development license map at their meeting on Monday, July 12, while planning board members recommended approvals for final site plan, design and special land use permits at their meeting on Wednesday, July 14. City commissioners approved rezoning the project site from D3 to D4 in the city’s downtown overlay district. The change allows RH to build a maximum building height of five stories. In particular, the change allows RH to construct a fourth-floor restaurant. The company voluntarily limited the total height of the building to four stories, despite a five-story maximum allowed in the city. The city commission also approved amending the city’s economic development map to include the property in the district, allowing it to apply for an economic development liquor license, which can be available to entities investing $10 million or more in a property, or increasing its value by at least 500 percent. The project calls for about $25 million in investment, and is expected to create about 130 permanent jobs, plus an additional 100 jobs during construction. City commissioners unanimously approved both the zoning amendment and the economic development license map to include the site, with commissioner Clinton Baller absent. Final site plans for the 50,000 square-foot, four-story RH site were recommended for approval on Wednesday, July 14, by the Birmingham Planning Board. Those plans will go forward for final approval to the city commission, along with a special land use permit that will allow for the sale of wine and beer at the new home store gallery. With the addition of a fourth-floor restaurant, the idea is to offer customers an immersive retail experience – imagine sipping from a selection of choice wines while perusing the latest design collections. Birmingham architect Victor Saroki, downtownpublications.com

Candidates file for city commission election By Lisa Brody

ine candidates filed to fill three Birmingham city commission seats in this November's election, with the three long-term commissioners deciding to retire after years on the commission, and five candidates filing to fill five seats on the city commission in Bloomfield Hills, including one new candidate. Candidates who have filed for the three open commission seats in Birmingham are Mo Rabbi Alam, David Bloom, Andrew Haig, Stephen Konja, Anthony J. Long, Michael Lossia, Elaine McLain, Katie Schafer and Lynda Schrenk. Birmingham city commissioners serve four-year terms. Commissioners meet twice each month, on the second and fourth Monday nights at 7:30 at city hall. Commissioners are paid $5 per meeting. In Birmingham, city commissioners Rackeline Hoff, Mark Nickita and Stuart Sherman did not file to run again. Nickita and Sherman had previously announced they were retiring from the commission, Nickita after 12 years; Sherman after 16. Hoff served on the city commission for 20 years. Each has also been active on numerous other boards and commissions in the city, with Nickita serving on the city's planning board for a decade before running for city commission, and each serving numerous terms as mayor of Birmingham. In Bloomfield Hills, four current city commissioners, Bradly J. Baxter, Alice I. Buckley, Susan McCarthy and Sarah H. McClure, have filed to continue serving on the commission, with newcomer Lauren G. Fisher filing to serve on the commission. Incumbent commissioner William E. Hosler did not file to continue on the city commission. There are five open seats on the Bloomfield Hills city commission. Bloomfield Hills city commissioners serve two-year terms. They meet once each month, on the second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at city hall. Commissioners are paid $5 per meeting.

who is overseeing the project with Restoration Hardware, said the building, gallery and grounds will be “first class” quality, with each element designed to complement each other and incorporate the full line of offerings from RH, presenting a lifestyle experience that is key to the company’s success. The fourth floor restaurant will double as a gallery for RH’s indoor/outdoor collections. Planning board members unanimously recommended approval of the project’s final site plan and the special land use permit, with board chair Scott Clein abstaining. Birmingham resident Paul Regan, an outspoken critic of the city’s approach to parking development, said he believes the project will cause parking conflicts in the residential neighborhood surrounding the RH building. Other residents had voiced their concerns about traffic and parking at the city commission meeting. Saroki said the city commission discussion led the team to redesign the valet parking route, shortening the design to avoid neighboring parking lots or residential streets. Attorney Richard Rattner,

representing RH, said the plans include both a green roof and underground parking for at least two dozen vehicles. Further, RH peak traffic and parking times don’t coincide with the downtown parking garages. Rattner said peak parking usage after RH is constructed is expected to rise from 18 vehicles to 27 an hour during the weekdays, and from 20 to 36 on the weekend. For comparison, he said an office building would likely raise those numbers to 79 on weekdays and 98 on weekends. “We have seen much larger buildings before this board, and at a time when construction costs are growing and there are buildings attempting to use lower quality products – this building is made from a wonderful pallet of high-quality materials. There’s nothing cheap about this building,” said planning board member and architect Bert Koseck. “The landscaping and hardscaping is an extension of the building and done beautifully. “This is an important intersection within our downtown, and for me it completes that intersection. We have some one-story buildings and odd property lines, and this anchors that

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corner well and transitions well from the Daxton down to the Forefront. It continues our downtown to the south, and will hopefully help our retail. I just think it’s a great project. … this is a draw. I think it will benefit everything downtown.”

The Maple approved for Hunter House site By Kevin Elliott

The final wrinkles for a five-story, mixed use building on the west side of Woodward at the site of the Hunter House were ironed out Wednesday, June 23, by Birmingham’s Planning Board, but pending litigation may keep the project in limbo. Birmingham Planning Board members voted 5-2 to recommend approval of the final site plan and design review for The Maple, 35001 and 35075 Woodward. The property is currently home to Hunter House restaurant, as well as a city-owned parking lot and a vacant parking lot leased to the city for public parking. Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker said plans for the property were discussed in the city’s 2016 Plan in relation to the existing fivestory Greenleaf Trust building to create a gateway to the city at Maple and Woodward. Planning board member and architect Bert Koseck, who voted against the plans, said the proposed building, while five-stories tall, appears to have a “horizontal bias.” “I think it’s a beautiful building, beautiful materials, but in terms of, does it fit the criteria that’s required under the zoning requirement’s architecture standards?” Koseck asked. “Specifically item A, which says facade openings, including porches and windows, shall be vertically proportioned. So, let me focus on the facade openings and windows. If you look at the Greenleaf Trust building, it complies with those windows that have more of a vertical proportion than they do a horizontal proportion. On the proposed building, this has a very horizontal sort of bias, if you will. What is considered a window, as I look at the illustration on floors three and four – that’s a ribbon window, that’s what an architect would call it. There’s a white section there that breaks it up, but if you look at the shape of what is in that, it’s clearly more horizontal than vertical.” Kevin Biddison of Birminghambased Biddison Architecture, who designed the project, said the 63

building is more than double the length of the Greenleaf building, meaning it would not be an exact match. However, Biddison noted several elements incorporated into the design to add verticality. Board member Stuart Jeffares, who also voted against approving the plans, agreed with Koseck. “Our master plan specifically called out for those two buildings to kind of get to know each other, and I don’t get that,” Jeffares said. “I don’t get that really at all on those two. I get a nice building and all, but … I don’t know.” In 2018, plans for The Maple originally called for a five-story building with first-floor retail, a hotel use and residential units on the top floor. Design issues led for those plan to be scrapped, and new plans were submitted in 2019. The subsequent plans also called for a five-story building, this time with two levels of underground parking, first floor retail, commercial and parking; second floor office use; with the third through fifth floors used for 42 residential units. Those plans were amended in January and April of 2020. While plans were approved in April 2020, an error in the notice process delayed the project, again. During that period, the applicant revised the plans another time, which was denied by the planning board in September of 2020. Ecker said the plans on June 23 include removing a proposed surface parking lot, added retail space and reduced office space on the second floor to allow for more residential units. Planning board member Robin Boyle, who serves as chair of Wayne State University’s Urban Studies and Planning Department, said, “I have been discussing this particular site for 25 percent of my life. This matter came up at the very first meeting I ever attended as a member of the planning board...the fact that we are discussing tonight whether it has laundry facilities on the fourth floor or verticality versus horizontal is wonderful that we have reached this stage. I would ask people to be serious about what we are talking about. I have said this at least a dozen times: This is the most important site in southeast Michigan. It really is. We have an opportunity to build a glorious building on this corner. I would urge people not to make perfection the enemy of the possible. Let us move this forward and take this to the next level.” Board members voted 5-2 in favor of recommending approval of the plans and design review. The matter 64

No more overdue fines at Baldwin Library By Lisa Brody

s of July 1, patrons of Baldwin Public Library will no longer be charged fines for overdue materials returned after their due dates, and records of past fines have been wiped clean for all patrons. Officials at the library announced that the new change is a part of an institutional movement from libraries nationwide, in an effort to increase free public access to library services. In a show of support, the Birmingham Public Library Board of Trustees voted to eliminate overdue fines at their meeting on June 21. In fiscal year 2018-209, revenue earned from overdue fines was less than one percent of the library's budget. Library Director Rebekah Craft said this policy adjustment will hopefully draw former users who may have had prohibitive fines on their accounts to come back to the library. “Once someone owes a late fine, they are less likely to visit the library again, and the fear of owing late fines can cause patrons to not borrow the items they need,” Craft said. “We hope being fine free will encourage prior users to come back to the library, as well as encourage new users to explore our offerings.” However, no fines does not mean no responsibility for patrons. Items will still have a due date and materials will still need to be returned – ideally by the due date. Materials can be renewed three times if there are no holds on them. If an item is not returned, or is returned damaged, patrons will still be charged for lost or damaged items. Borrowing privileges will also be suspended until long-overdue items are returned. Libraries that have already eliminated late fines report that not only are more items returned to the library, but registration and circulation both increase. Kristen Tait, circulation services coordinator, looks forward to sharing this good news with patrons. “When you visit Baldwin, we want to focus on helping you, not question you about late fees. Going fine-free makes a trip to the library a pleasant, positive experience for both you and our staff.”

goes next to the Birmingham City Commission, which makes the final decision on the plans. However, the ultimate decision on the project may be determined by the courts. The property is owned by Hesham Gayer, of Grand Blanc. However, Gayer and the owners of Hunter House, who lease the property, are in conflict over specifics in the plan. While plans call for providing space for a new Hunter House location in the building, co-owner of the restaurant Kelly Cobb said there has yet to be an agreement. “This development is in clear and unambiguous violation of the deed restrictions on the use of the Hunter House property,” Cobb said. “I understand you consider it a civil matter and understand where the board is at on that and why, but it needs to be said. If this continues to go to the board, the development is headed toward litigation. It’s not headed toward construction. It’s headed to a courtroom.” Planning board member Dan Share

said the board must focus on the plans before them without bias as to ongoing disagreements or court proceedings outside of the board’s realm of control. “Whatever action we take is without regard to whatever dispute Hunter House and the developer have,” Share said. “We are siding with nobody. An approval means nothing in regard to whatever dispute they have. That is something we said before, and it’s something I want everybody in the audience to hear, along with the combatants. Our decision isn’t a sword or shield for anybody.”

Two new bistros coming to downtown By Kevin Elliott

Two new bistro restaurants are coming to Birmingham, as city commissioners on Monday, July 12, approved final site plans and special land use permits for Bloom Bistro and Sushi Japan.

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Bloom Bistro, 239 N. Old Woodward, is re-imaging the former Pita Cafe space, starting with a new vegan, plant-based menu and activating both the front and back exteriors, bringing outdoor dining to Willits Alley. Bloom is the creation of celebrity chef Matthew Kenney, who is behind a dozen cookbooks and other vegan restaurants. Birmingham architects Ron Rea and Roman Bonislawski are bringing a fresh take to the historic Houston Building, setting the stage for a new trendsetting atmosphere, complimented by hand-crafted cocktails and a seasonal menu. The exterior design borrows on the success of neighboring Dick O’ Dow’s – which opened its dining room with new bay doors to they alleyway – by placing about 24 seats along Willits Alley for outdoor dining. The plans were praised in May by planning board members who said activating the alley has been a longterm plan that has finally come to fruition. Birmingham City Commissioner Mark Nickita said he was encouraged by the outdoor seating on Willits Alley, which was one of the intentions of the bistro ordinance. City commissioners unanimously approved the site plan and special land use permit for Bloom Bistro, with commissioner Clinton Baller absent. Sushi Japan, 176 S. Old Woodward, is located in the former 2941 Mediterranean Streetfood space. Specializing in ramen dishes and sushi, head chef Ximing “Charlie” Yu said his ramen dishes are a signature of the new bistro. The restaurant will feature 18 outdoor seats located adjacent to the building and along the curb. Commissioners unanimously approved the final site plan and special land use permit for Sushi Japan, with commissioner Clinton Baller absent. Birmingham’s bistro liquor ordinance was created in 2007 with the goal of activating city streets, creating greater walkability and offering unique dining destinations that strengthen the retail community. It’s also one of the additional ways to bring in liquor licenses outside of the quota Class C licenses regulated by the state. The city permits two new bistro licenses each year, and two for established restaurants. To be considered for a bistro license, restaurants may have no more than 65 seats, including 10 at the bar; meet outdoor dining requirements and storefront glazing; 08.21

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Stevens acquires $$$ for police program By Lisa Brody

Funding for an interlocal mental health co-response team between the Bloomfield Township, Birmingham and Auburn Hills police departments and the Oakland County Community Health Network was secured by Congresswoman Haley Stevens (DBirmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills), her office announced on Tuesday, July 13. Stevens secured $260,000 in funding for the co-response program, part of nearly $18 million in federal funding for 10 communities for Michigan's 11th district. Bloomfield Township Police Chief Phil Langmeyer had informed the township board of trustees that start up costs are $45,000 per agency, and then were anticipated to be $34,000 a year plus wages. The interlocal mental health coresponse team between the three police departments was approved by the three municipalities this spring. The mental health co-response program will partner with Oakland County Community Health Network with a dedicated social worker, full time, embedded who is more familiar with resources to help residents in the three communities. The individual will be assigned exclusively to the three communities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 10 p.m. when they are busiest, and provide followup. Stevens office noted that according to reported studies, approximately 10 percent of all police calls for service involve a person living with a serious mental illness, and overwhelmingly, the police are the sole first responders sent to assist those in a mental health crisis in the community. “This federal funding will facilitate the hiring of two mental health clinicians who will be contracted by the three participating agencies from OCHN,” spokesperson Larkin Parker said. “It will also provide a vehicle and communication equipment for the 70

Township water quality good in report By Lisa Brody

loomfield Township Public Works Manager Katie Fotherby presented at the township board of trustee meeting on Monday, July 12, the annual Department of Public Works Water Quality Annual Report, which she noted is also published on the township's website. In her report to trustees, Fotherby explained how the township receives its water, and noted there are no lead service lines to worry about in the township. Fotherby said the annual water quality report is required by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE). Bloomfield Township receives its water from the Lake Huron Watershed, via the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), which provides water and sewer services to southeast Michigan communities. She said as in previous years, in 2020, Bloomfield Township and GLWA surpassed the water quality standards required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EGLE. “Since 2011, Bloomfield Township has purchased its water directly from Southeast Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA) instead of GLWA to get getter rates and to allow us keep the rates more steady,” Fotherby said, as SOCWA has large storage capacities. She said the main purpose of the report is to share information about contaminants in the water, which are not necessarily all bad. “Some occur naturally,” she said. GLWA does all of the testing for the region, although the testing sites are in Bloomfield Township. Bloomfield Township had no water contaminant or quality violations, and did not exceed any allowable levels. “We were well below health goals,” she said. As for lead and copper testing, Fotherby said as for the water received from GLWA, “We do not have any lead. There may be some that has leached through an owner's pipes or service lines.” They tested 34 samples for lead and copper, and all results were well below any action level. “At this point, there are no lead service lines on either the public or private side,” Fotherby reported. “It's our expectation that there is no lead in the water system.” As for minerals in the water system, it has not been previously tested, and they are inspecting for cross connections.

clinician so that they can have flexibility to move about freely among the three communities, to respond to crisis situations and follow-up with families, the hospitals, and courts. Funding will also provide much needed Crisis Intervention Team training and Mental Health First Aid training to 100 percent of all sworn police officers in all three agencies (150 police officers).” “I am thrilled to announce that so many community projects ranging from infrastructure, to funding for police departments to the construction of new public spaces for seniors and families to use in Michigan’s 11th District will now be fully funded,” said Stevens in announcing project funding for the

district. “My staff and I have been working for months with mayors, township supervisors, local and statewide elected officials from both parties to determine the greatest needs in our communities. Every community project that was identified and submitted to the House Appropriations Committee was funded. When we invest in our communities, they thrive, and this funding will impact countless lives throughout our district.”

Report on roads, water, sewer, facilities The five divisions which make up the Department of Public Works (DPW) in Bloomfield Township presented their annual report to the

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board of trustees at their meeting on Monday, July 12. Katie Fotherby, public works manager, presented the annual report for department chair Noah Mehalski, who was on vacation. She explained the five divisions are administration, roads, water and sewer, grounds and fleet/facilities maintenance. Bloomfield Township is the only township in the state with its own roads division, which by contractual arrangement with the Road Commission of Oakland County (RCOC) since the 1970s, Bloomfield Township maintains the surface of subdivision roads and RCOC maintains main roads and state trunk lines. The road division also maintains the roads for safety. Fotherby noted that was a more difficult endeavor last fiscal year, as there were 20 winter storm events, they paved 1.5 miles of roads – and budget cuts hit the road division hard, with the contribution they received from the township's general fund reduced from $750,000 to $100,000. “The budget cuts greatly reduced from the general fund cut our patch paving. It greatly reduced our ability to do road maintenance,” she said. The main responsibility of the water and sewer division is distributing water to over 16,000 customers, doing emergency repairs, maintaining positive pressure, meter replacement, Miss Dig staking, water sampling, installing new service connections and all maintenance. “Bloomfield Township did opt-in to the WRAP (Water Residential Assistance Program) program in 2020, and during the pandemic there was water assistance funds to help eligible residents,” Fotherby said. The maintenance division handles the motor fleet of vehicles and trucks, buildings and grounds. The motor fleet includes fire truck engines, paramedic vehicles, road graders, street sweepers and snow removal vehicles, and all the emergency equipment on police vehicles. DPW had an active COVID-19 response, Fotherby said. “The township did an excellent job. Staff worked from home, but they responded quickly,” she said. She said they had been tracking the trash, recycling and yard waste for residences, “and this past year it went up by 10 tons per day.” 08.21

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Short-term rentals under scrutiny By Kevin Elliott

Legislation intended to protect individual property owners’ rights by stripping local governments’ ability to eliminate short-term rental homes, such as Airbnbs, was the topic of discussion on Monday, June 14, during an hour-long workshop with Birmingham city commissioners. Bills introduced in both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives would focus on local zoning ordinances, specifically prohibiting those that would ban or prevent short-term rentals. If enacted, the laws would require many governments to revise their zoning laws to comply with the changes. Birmingham City Attorney Mary Kucharek explained short-term rentals are those that are less than 30 days. “There was an argument that they could be considered commercial (properties) and not residential,” Kucharek said. “The legislature is saying that both (types of property),

but mostly short-term rentals, aren’t a commercial business.” A June 2020 ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court partially addressed restrictions against short term rentals, in that it found that short-term occupancy of a singlefamily dwelling by a traditional family is considered a residential use. The ruling specifically differentiated between the “transient” relationship of the occupants to each other, and not the period of time they occupy a home. Birmingham commissioner Clinton Baller said he believes much of the concern about shortterm rentals relates to a fear of strangers and the transient nature of those rentals. “There is a fear of strangers that neighbors have,” he said. “I would like to address that. How do you address that concern?” Birmingham Building Official Bruce Johnson said the city’s current ordinances address noise and nuisance issues in its rental ordinance, which includes requirements, inspections and licenses for rental properties, regardless of the length of occupation.

Under the city’s rental ordinance, any dwelling advertised for lease or rent must be licensed through the city. Annual licenses are issued by the city, which sets limits on occupancy based on the number of bedrooms and square footage. Johnson said there are 1,162 apartments; 470 single-family homes; 426 condominiums; 50 duplexes; 21 half duplexes and about seven known short-term rentals in the city. Of the seven known short-term rentals, at least four are licensed, he said. “My biggest concern would be identifying them,” commissioner Rackeline Hoff. “Not just short-term, but all rentals.” Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus said the next step in the discussion is to identify the number and location of short-term rentals in the city and ensure they are being licensed and following the rental ordinance. “We will contact those we can identify and let them know they would be recognized as a short-term rental, and would be required to have a license from us going forward,” Markus said.

City renews sanitary drain agreement Birmingham is renewing its agreement with the 15 communities that make up the EvergreenFarmington Sanitary Drainage District to establish a new Chapter 20 drain. The agreement updates the city’s 1989 inter-municipal agreement that includes an apportionment of costs for initial and future projects under the Chapter 20 drain code. The agreement is overseen by the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner. The Evergreen-Farmington district includes combined sewers that drain into the Birmingham treatment facilities at Linden Park, Lincoln Hills golf course and Beverly Hills at Evergreen and Beverly roads. A small number of sanitary sewers discharge directly into the Evergreen-Farmington Sanitary Drain. The agreement was approved by city commissioners, 6-0, with commissioner Clinton Baller absent.

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Sanitary sewer rehab for two subdivisions Bloomfield Township trustees unanimously approved the awarding of the contract for the 2021 sanitary sewer rehabilitation project, which will inspect, repair and rehabilitate portions of the sanitary sewer in order to reduce inflow and infiltration in parts of the Williamsburg, Bloomfield Heights No. 7, and Lone Pine Acres subdivisions, at their meeting on Monday, July 12. Bloomfield Township Director of Engineering and Environmental Services Olivia Olsztyn-Budry said over the last several years efforts have been made to televise with scopes different areas of the sanitary sewers to see if they need work. She said this has been done in part under an administrative consent order and final order of abatement by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE). Based on work done by the department of public works, it was determined that parts of the Williamsburg, Bloomfield Heights No. 7, and Lone Pine Acres subdivisions should be focused on for the 2021 sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. The lowest bidder, Olsztyn-Budry said, was Granite Inliner, LLC, which has done work for the township before. Trustees voted 6-0, with trustee Michael Schostak absent, to approve having Granite Inliner perform the necessary work, not to exceed $711,188.

Road funds secured for Bloomfield Hills The city of Bloomfield Hills will be able to improve more of its roads this year, after the Oakland County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution securing $15,767 for the municipality through the county's Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) at their meeting on June 17, to help with road maintenance requirements and other road repairs. The county board resolution was sponsored by county commissioner Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township). Bloomfield Hills plans to utilize the funds to help with gravel road removal with asphalt replacement on Pembroke Road. “The improvements these funds 74

Day On The Town set for Saturday, July 31 irmingham's largest shopping day, Day On The Town, will take place Saturday, July 31, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. for bargain hunters and entertainment seekers looking for the year's best deal. This popular annual event draws thousands looking for all the best deals on discounted high-end merchandise in stores and on the streets and sidewalks throughout downtown Birmingham. Browse hundreds of displays to find discounted designer clothing, home décor, jewelry, shoes, sporting gear, toys and much more from local and national retailers. During the event, be sure to enjoy lunch or dinner at one of downtown Birmingham's many restaurants and cafes, which offer both indoor and outdoor seating, featuring a variety of cuisines and price points. “Downtown Birmingham has hundreds of national and locally-owned retailers and restaurants and Day On The Town is the perfect time to visit. People of all ages will enjoy the lively, outdoor atmosphere while shopping for great deals and unique finds,” said Jaimi Brook, Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) operations and events manager. “We are really excited to welcome this long standing event back this summer. Parking is easy and free in all structures and meters downtown during the event.” This year, Old Woodward Avenue will be closed to vehicles from Willits Street to Brown Street; Maple Road will be closed from Bates Street to Peabody Street for retail displays and pedestrian traffic. Parking is free during the event at all downtown meters and structures.

will assist with are a great example of how the county can work with our communities to make our region a better place to live and do business,” Moss said. “The city of Bloomfield Hills is pleased to participate in the board's Local Road Improvement Program this year,” David Hendrickson, Bloomfield Hills City Manager, said. “This year’s grant will have a wonderful impact on our infrastructure with the city's matching contribution and existing funds allocated to road improvement.” Oakland County’s Local Road Improvement Program provides limited financial assistance to Oakland County cities and villages for repairs and improvements on roadways under their jurisdiction. The program ensures that the county investment in roads is multiplied by requiring local municipalities to match funding from Oakland County. Launched in 2016, the LRIP has driven an estimated $108 million in investment in local roads across the county. The program is an effective means for encouraging investment in local roads. In 2017, the board of commissioners’ LRIP received national recognition when it was selected for a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award in the category of Community and Economic Development.

Supreme court backs township in rate case By Lisa Brody

The previous Bloomfield Township administration was decisively vindicated on Wednesday, July 7, after the Michigan Supreme Court denied hearing an appeal of the Michigan Court of Appeals reversal of an Oakland County Circuit Court judgment of more than $9 million against Bloomfield Township in a class action lawsuit over municipal sewer and water rate-setting. The legal case, Jamila Youmans v Charter Township of Bloomfield, has been winding its way through the state court system for five years. “We got some good news today. We're very happy,” said Rodger Young, attorney representing Bloomfield Township. “The supreme court ruled very decisively and very quickly. The ruling from the Michigan Court of Appeals stands. “In addition, the opinion from the appeals court stands, which was lengthy and detailed,” he noted of the published opinion of the three-judge panel's ruling. In their ruling, Michigan Appeals Court Judges Cynthia Stevens, Christopher Murray and Deborah Servitto wrote, “We also conclude that the trial court abused its discretion by granting plaintiff a permanent injunction requiring the

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township to document its ratemaking efforts in a specified fashion. Injunctive relief is an extraordinary remedy that issues only when justice requires, there is no adequate remedy at law, and there exists a real and imminent danger of irreparable injury… Similarly, in this case, it is undisputed that the contested rates are assessed to fund the operational and capital expenses of the township’s water and sewer system, which serves the primary function of providing water and sewer services to the township’s ratepayers. Moreover, to the extent that those rates result in surpluses during some fiscal years, (former Engineering and Environmental Director Wayne) Domine indicated that the township’s 20-year capital improvement program was, at least in part, necessitated by the entry of an 'abatement order' against the township, which arose out of litigation with the DEQ and regarded the level of water 'infiltration' in the township’s sewer system. Categorically, such obligations arising out of administrative-agency regulations serve a regulatory purpose. On the strength of the entire record, we hold that the township’s act of raising a prudent level of both revenue and capital and operational reserves through the disputed rates – including revenue to fund its OPEB obligations, the costs of providing fire protection services to the community, expenses related to the county stormdrain system, and necessary capital improvements – primarily serves valid regulatory purposes.” A class action lawsuit against Bloomfield Township had been filed in April 2016 by the law firm Hanley Kickham, which has been largely successful suing municipalities for excessive water and sewer fees, asserting there is an effort on the part of the municipalities to raise revenue in violation of the Headlee Tax Limitation amendment. Bloomfield Township residents who had paid the township for water and sewer services since March 31, 2010, had been included in the Oakland County Circuit County suit which challenged Bloomfield Township's imposition of water and sewer charges as a tax in excess of rates imposed by Southeast Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA), which resells water to Bloomfield Township from the city of Detroit, and Oakland County Water Resources Commission, which provides sewer services for the township. The case was tried before Oakland 08.21

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County Circuit Court Judge Dan O'Brien for the full month of February 2018. There were seven issues under contention in the lawsuit. A previous portion of the class action lawsuit had been awarded to the plaintiffs, in the amount of $3.8 million, in September 2018, and appealed by Bloomfield Township. In addition, O'Brien awarded $5.4 million in damages in two parts of a class action suit against Bloomfield Township, determining the township should not have been integrating water loss costs into operations, as well as deciding that the township had overcharged sewer customers. O'Brien also awarded the plaintiffs almost $2.2 million over the township's methodology of sewer and water collection, determining they had overestimated sewer flow and therefore were collecting all the revenue needed from their water and sewer customers, and additional revenue from sewer customers was excess. Bloomfield Township included the subsequent judgements in their appeal, which the appeals court cited in their opinion, noting, “We agree with the township that the trial court erred by failing to apply the presumption that the disputed rates were reasonable and abused its discretion by granting plaintiff permanent injunctive relief despite her failure to demonstrate that doing so was necessary to prevent irreparable harm.” “How great is that?” said Bloomfield Township Treasure Brian Kepes of the ruling. “Our leadership wouldn't allow Bloomfield Township to be bullied.” “(Former Supervisor) Leo Savoie stood up for the township against a small, but vocal, group of uninformed residents,” said trustee Neal Barnett. “Leo and most of us on the board strongly advocated that Rodger Young continue on an hourly rate, as opposed to a contingency – which saved the township about $3 million. “This ruling showed the department heads – who are the experts – that they really know what they were doing,” Barnett noted. Supervisor Dani Walsh could not be reached for comment. Young said the Michigan Supreme Court decision sets precedent for future lawsuits against municipalities. 08.21

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Township police add canine therapy dog By Lisa Brody

A seven-week old Goldendoodle puppy, who is the newest member of the Bloomfield Township Police Department, was introduced at the township board meeting on Monday, July 12, as chief Phil Langmeyer explained they have added a canine therapy program. “Police departments in the area are using therapy dogs for people who are struggling, for children,” Langmeyer said, noting that the Birmingham Police Department has had “Bella” as a beneficial resource for the last several years. The puppy, who slept through the township board meeting, will be trained in-house by the township's canine officer. She will be paired by community relations officer Nick Soley, who will be her handler. Soley said “She will be a trained support and service dog. Her functions will include providing interaction during investigations involving children or adults to reduce anxiety and increase

communication between the adult or child victim/witness and investigators, to provide comfort for people during times of crisis, and to provide aid and comfort to individuals, groups and communities impacted by violence, tragedy, or traumatic events. The service dog is also a valuable tool in fostering dialogue and communications between the police department and the community we serve, and can effectively be used in the department’s community policing efforts. “The support dog team can help bridge the gap between a traumatic event and the connection to mental health support,” Soley continued. “Interacting with the dog may help restore a person’s emotional and cognitive equilibrium. Dog and team can assist with critical stress incidents for employees of Bloomfield Township, well as neighboring jurisdictions who may need assistance after any type of major incidents.” The public voted and chose the name Maggie for the puppy on the Bloomfield Township Police Department's Facebook page.

MARE Mediterranean okayed for Willits spot Mediterranean seafood fare with dishes from Greece, Sicily, Portugal and Spain will fill the former Cameron’s Steakhouse spot, 115 Willits, as the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, July 12, approved final site plans and a special land use permit for MARE Mediterranean. Owner Nino Cutraro, who owns the successful Bella Piatti bistro in downtown Birmingham, told city commissioners the concept will be to display fresh fish and allow people to choose their food and how they want it cooked. Meaning “sea” in Latin, Mare will fill a void left by Cameron’s and the neighboring Mitchell’s Fish Market, which closed in 2018. Cutraro said the concept is based on estiatorio Milos, with flavors from the entire Mediterranean, not just Greece. Menu items include seafood, kabobs, steaks, chops and other items. Plans to renovate the interior of the building do not include altering

the footprint of the building, which includes 181 indoor seats and 38 outdoor seats. The restaurant will operate under an existing Class C quota license, meaning there are no specific indoor/outdoor bar requirements, and remains tied to the property. The interior will include a brighter atmosphere, with the dark wood removed, as well as all non-structural columns. The existing bar will be updated with a porcelain top, and a new lounge will be created in the front window area. Commissioners unanimously approved the site plan and special land use permit, with commissioner Clinton Baller absent. The location had been vacant since Cameron’s left in June of 2019, when the restaurant closed without advanced notice to diners or staff. Cameron’s originally opened in the Willits Building shortly after the building opened in 2001, along with companion restaurant Mitchell’s. The latter space has been reimagined as three casual locations: Sidecar, Shift and Slice.

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FACES Lisa McCord t seems nature and nurture both played a role in the creative world of Lisa McCord. The fine art and documentary photographer from Fayetteville, Arkansas has been recording her life at her family’s cotton farm for more than 40 years. “My hope is to celebrate and honor the community I love,” she said. McCord got her start when her stepfather, a painter who later made the switch to photography, was accepted to Cranbrook Academy of Art in the early ‘70s when she attended Cranbrook Kingswood High School. She remains grateful for her education and still stays in touch with some alumni. When her mother and stepfather divorced, McCord remained at Kingswood. “I was there for four years, two as a day student and two as a boarding student,” she said. “At school, the day students hung out together and the boarding students did the same, so I got to know both cross-sections.” During that time, she received her first camera and would not have to look far for inspirational subjects or backdrops. “It’s a beautiful campus,” said McCord, who photographed some Kingswood girls wearing opaque masks to demonstrate they were different, but the same. “We all wear masks,” she said. She was also a dancer, which led to a trip to Portugal during high school. “That was my first time in Europe, where I later lived and it just changed my life,” said McCord. For the last 32 years she has lived in Los Angeles, but moved 23 times, starting with her mother who was a painter. After Cranbrook, McCord would go on to earn her BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MFA from California Institute of the Arts. She also attended New York University, Le Contrejour, Paris and The Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, New York. In addition, McCord taught photography at high schools and colleges, including Pepperdine University. “I grew up in the arts,” said McCord, who is in the process of getting a book published. She especially loves black and white photos and prefers working in the dark room to getting messy with paint. Although her color work is digital, McCord still prefers film for black and white images. “I’m old school,” she said. Her work has appeared in many museums and is in the permanent collections of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Her passion for people shows in her photos. “I love the rapport between the subject and myself and the environment,” she said. “I’m also an avid photography collector with 24 photos in my hall alone that include my work and other people’s work, and my mother’s paintings.” Her work includes a series that explores the iconic poolside culture in Southern California. “I like to photograph my world,” she said. “Everyone’s happy at the pool.” As for her grandparents’ farm in Fayetteville, a lot of people she knew and loved have passed away and only three are now employed there. “My photography records stories that include other people’s opinions and ideas of the farm, not just my point of view,” said McCord, who finds the systemic oppression deeply troubling. “I take responsibility as a White photographer and the granddaughter of a farm owner.” Though her images are complicated when seen in the context of the social and economic structures of the rural South, they do spark conversations that could lead to change. “There is a racial and economic dynamic that is present in my work,” she said. “It’s always good to ask questions, even if we don’t always know the answers.” Go to lisamccordphotography.com

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Lisa McCord

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: 2021 BATES STREET SOCIETY DINNER – FIRST IN-PERSON GATHERING Started in 2015, the Bates Street Society was created to help recognize donors who make significant charitable contributions to support the work and mission of The Community House. New members are acknowledged annually at The Bates Street Society Dinner, an extraordinary evening hosted by The Community House Association and Foundation Board of Directors. This year The Community House Foundation will be inducting 10 new members into the Bates Street Society. Members of the Bates Street Society include individuals, corporations, and foundations that have given extraordinary treasure, $25,000 or more cumulatively, and donors who make an irrevocable legacy gift of $25,000 or more to The Community House. Each year we gather to recognize, honor, and induct these extraordinary donors and volunteers in a public way at the Bates Street Society Dinner. The Bates Street Society Dinner also recognizes TCH/TCHF’s annual Pillars of Vibrancy in Business, Education, Culture, Wellness and Philanthropy. 2021 Pillars of Vibrancy Honorees include: Honorable Dave Bing — Business & Culture; Dominic DiMarco — Education; Barry Franklin, Ph.D. — Wellness; Lila Lazarus — Wellness & Education; Duane Mezwa, M.D. — Wellness & Education; Rabbi Daniel B. Syme — Culture; Linda Schlesinger-Wagner — Business & Philanthropy; S. Evan Weiner — Business & Philanthropy; Jessie Beld Elliott and Ed Welburn — Business & Philanthropy.

LOOKING FOR EMPLOYEES? Downtown Newsmagazine is introducing a special Help Wanted category of advertising for businesses searching for employees. Special rates.

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Impacted by COVID-19, the Bates Street Society Dinner has been moved to Saturday, September 11, 2021. It will be The Community House’s first in-house gathering since the start of COVID in 2020. To help lead this extraordinary gathering, Huel Perkins, iconic broadcast journalist and American news anchor, will once again assume the role of master of ceremonies. Live entertainment by renowned Jazz saxophonist Jeff Ponders II. Seating is limited, tickets (reservations) on sale now. Our gratitude and special thanks to founding sponsor, PNC Wealth Management and to Beaumont Health, Huntington, Oakland University, Metalbuilt, Edw. C. Levy Co., Financial Credit Union, Cranbrook Educational Community, Deroy & Devereaux, Michael Willoughby & Associates, SlipNOT, Emerson-Prew, Helping Hand Nursing Service, Inc. and Hall & Hunter Realtors for their sponsorship of the 2021 Bates Street Society Dinner as well. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are still available. For more information contact Christopher Smude, Vice President, The Community House Foundation at csmude@communityhousefoundation.org. CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS Volunteers have been involved in the every-day life of The Community House for over 98 years. They give the “House” a face, a voice, helping hands, and a heart.

If you are searching for the right employee, put your Help Wanted ad before 40,000+ readers of Downtown Newsmagazine. Complete details of the new Help Wanted program available under the About Us section at DowntownPublications.com.

Even though our doors remain partially closed, much work continues behind the scenes. The Community House invites you to consider joining our esteemed volunteer team - and by doing so, you can be assured that your precious donation of time and talent will be greatly appreciated and will positively impact the lives of those we serve. For more information about volunteering at The Community House, please visit our website at communityhouse.com to download a volunteer application or call Kathie Ninneman at 248.594.6403. For reservations, sponsorships or more information about booking gathering and meeting space for spring and summer 2021 and beyond, please go to communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832. William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

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. Lunch & Dinner, Monday- Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. 5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607. Adachi: Asian. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor. Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867. Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. Beverly Hills Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Bill's: American. Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. Birmingham Pub: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Weekend Brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-

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Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.940.0000. Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. Kaku Sushi and Poke': Asian. Lunch & Dinner. Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. No Liquor. 869 W. Long

DOWNTOWN

The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown.

Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information. O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com

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.

They’re on a roll! Hazel, Ravines and Downtown, popularly known as HRD, first created a casual, fresh-seafood focused menu takeover called “Hazel’s Lobster Pound” in the summer of 2019, and it’s back! From the start, owners Beth Hussey and Emmele Herrold wanted to make a splash with something they were so passionate about – bringing an authentic taste of some of their favorite travels closer to home. At the time, finding a proper lobster roll in the area wasn’t very common. Herrold and Hussey knew they could serve lobster, in many forms, to guests in a way that echoed their favorite spots on the east coast. They already flew in fresh oysters from the east and west coasts, so the process of bringing in fresh lobster would be similar. “We didn’t invent the lobster roll,” said Hussey. “But at the time, you never saw two kinds of lobster rolls – Connecticut style, hot with butter, or Maine style, cold with mayonnaise – on the menu here.” And while lobster is still the star, the takeover menu is filled with favorites like Hazel’s fried chicken, a token burger and seasonal desserts like blueberry or cherry pie. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere inside or outside – complete with paper-covered baskets and whimsical menus – or order it up for carry-out or local delivery. HRD’s Lobster Pound runs through September at 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham. www.hrd.kitchen

Updated Townhouse Detroit Townhouse Detroit opened in 2015, at the beginning of Detroit’s burgeoning restaurant scene, and now owner Jeremy Sasson says it’s time for a renovation. The new space will be a departure from its former aesthetic, which embodied the industrial history of the Motor City with dark wood accents, polished concrete floors, leather upholstered chairs, a heavy use of metalwork and mason jar light fixtures. The Heirloom Hospitality team has tapped local firm Parini Design to create various dining environments constructed from lighter, contemporary materials, reminiscent of the sophisticated townhouses found in the United Kingdom. The design overhaul is matched with a revamp of their old menu. The former sushi bar is being swapped out for a gourmet dessert bar to serve the team’s vision of building a more robust pastry program, while the remainder of the menu will reflect a lighter and elevated direction. Guests can expect more seafood and vegetable-forward plates, luxe ingredients like caviar and king crab, as well as an emphasis on wine selections, with the addition of a new temperature-controlled bottle cabinet system. Townhouse Detroit is located at 500 Woodward Avenue and planned to reopen July 21. eatattownhouse.com

AKA super awesome Detroit newcomer Supergeil at 2442 Michigan Avenue is the latest venture from David Landrum, owner of Two James Spirits, which is conveniently located just across the street. Housed in a beautifully restored 1900’s Corktown brick structure, Landrum says Supergeil’s interior creates an environment that is organic and lively with the use of hanging plants, Spanish tiles and warm woods. Chef Brendan McCall, formerly of Ann Arbor’s Mani Osteria and Isalita, will serve as chef de cuisine for the menu which features the Berlin Döner – a type of Turkish kebab made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Although one can expect to find the full range of Two James’s distilled products available, Landrum says the bar will focus on gin. “We will have eight different gin and tonics drinks along with frozen gin cocktails. The gin pairs very well with our food,” he said. In addition, the eatery will be importing sherry from Malaga, Spain – also a perfect complement to their Mediterranean cuisine. If anyone wonders where the name Supergeil comes from, it translates to “super awesome” in German. It certainly sounds as if this new establishment has been aptly named.

A table with a view With miles of shoreline in the Detroit metro area, one would think that waterfront dining options would be plentiful – however, this is not the case. Filling this void along the shores of Lake St. Clair is The Continental – the renowned Ford House estate’s brand-new restaurant, which is incorporated into the property’s recent 40,000 square foot visitor center addition. Executive Chef Michael Keys presents a modern twist on classic fare and Detroit favorites. “The menu was heavily influenced by the Ford family’s taste, and we wanted to hold

Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.885.8631. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492. 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. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Madam: American. Breakfast, MondayFriday, Brunch, weekends. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025. 248.723.7960. Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953. MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581. Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Planthropie: Vegan. Dessert and Cheese. 135 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.839.5640. Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.874.1876 Roadside B & G: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S.

Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Shift Cocktail Bar: Small plates. Dinner. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. Sidecar: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. Slice Pizza Kitchen: Pizza. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.3475. Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300. Stateside Deli & Restaurant Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, Sunday-Monday. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. 653 S. Adams Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.550.0455. Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Dinner, daily. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Morrie: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.3260. The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.0500.

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.566.3566. Zao Jun: Asian. Lunch Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999.

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917. Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499. Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.547.6699. Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675. Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017. 248.288.0220. The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150. Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 28028 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101. Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202

E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067. 248.607.3127. The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444. Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.545,6750. Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711.

Troy/Rochester Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300. Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks

on to their heritage,” Keys pointed out. “Although we’re presenting stepped up versions of classic dishes, we didn’t want to lose our roots.” Classic favorites include Detroit’s famous Maurice salad, while the popovers are a nod to the Cotswolds in England, the region where the Fords took inspiration for the architecture of their home. The dinner menu offers plenty of tasty options, from the pan-fried perch in light chili sauce to the beef tenderloin with porcini mushroom risotto. The restaurant has indoor dining for 64 and accommodates 44 on the lakeshore patio which boasts breathtaking views of Ford Cove and Lake St. Clair. The Continental is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch and is located at 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores. fordhouse.org

What’s in a name: The Statler Bistro The iconic Statler Hotel was erected in Detroit in 1915, and was known for hosting many celebs in its day, including Harry Houdini, who stayed there during his last performance. The hotel was demolished in August of 2005, and replaced by the newly-opened City Club Apartments. Paying homage to the Statler name, the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group will open The Statler Bistro, an American/French Bistro and Market, in early September. The 175-seat restaurant will occupy half of the first floor of the City Club Apartments, located on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Park Avenue facing Grand Circus Park. The interior décor will have a European flair while the expansive outdoor patio will provide patrons with views of the city. The menu will offer American and French cuisine along with a market where customers can purchase groceries and packaged meals to take home and enjoy. “We are excited to bring this new concept to the city of Detroit. We think our vision for a great American and French bistro, coupled with an amazing market, will be something that will be well received in the market,” said John Vicari, vice president of the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group.The Statler Bistro is located at 313 Park Avenue.

Mister Dips Detroit debut Mister Dips has opened in Parker’s Alley, adjoining the Shinola Hotel in Detroit. The playful eatery serves up signature griddle burgers, waffle fries and a selection of seasonal Dairy Dips, which are specialty soft serve cones. New menu additions include the Dipsy Doozy, which they have been deemed “a thick-aaazz shake” and the Java Buzzed Boozy Doozy, a combination of sea salted vanilla, Bailey’s Irish whiskey and caramel cold brew. Brought to life by NoHo Hospitality, Mister Dips was born in 2016 within a retrofitted 1974 Airstream, overlooking the Williamsburg, New York waterfront. In 2021, Mister Dips opened a new brick and mortar location on Pier 17 at Manhattan’s Seaport District. The Detroit location marks the concept’s third outpost. “This city has become a real second home for us since we opened San Morello, The Brakeman, Penny Reds, Evening Bar, and The Shinola Hotel,” said NoHo Hospitality coowner, Luke Ostrom. “The Detroit community knows what it likes, and there’s no better time to open a unique, ‘come-as-you-are’ burger and ice cream spot for all ages...particularly after such a difficult year.” Mr. Dips is located at 19 E. Grand River Avenue. misterdips.com

The Restaurant Relief Fund Famed Detroit artist Tony Roko has painted commissions for Jay Leno and Lady GaGa and now, Roko has created a series of paintings dedicated to some of his favorite local restaurants and bartenders – all for a great cause. The Restaurant Relief Fund is a collaborative initiative between Tony Roko’s Art Foundation and some of the most celebrated restaurants in the Detroit Area. After the devastating impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry, Roko and friends in the restaurant business came up with the idea of the Restaurant Relief Fund with the goal to help giveback and offset some of the financial strain caused during the shutdown. “I’m just trying to come up with concepts that illustrate the hard work and devotion of the restaurant industry workers and the challenges they have faced in the last year,’’ says Roko of the idea. Paintings will be on display throughout Detroit at partner restaurants, such as Apparatus Room, Chartreuse Kitchen and Cocktails, Grey Ghost, Karl’s, SheWolf and Two James Spirits. Each installation will have a QR code for patrons to scan and purchase the print in the collection. A portion of proceeds from each print will be paid directly to the establishment for their team to use as they see fit to aid in the recovery from the pandemic. For more information visit artofroko.com.

Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700. The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5371. Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. 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. Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306. 248.652.4500. Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291.

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, 88

Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310. Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500. Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954. Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390. 248.360.4150. Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.6100. Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday,

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442. 248.634.5208. Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. The Fed: American. Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch, Saturday and Sunday. Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833 Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500. Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660

Detroit Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207. 313.965.3111. Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543. Cuisine: French. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110. The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180. El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070. Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600. Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122. Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.5588. Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318. Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837. Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946. Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616. Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.974.7669. Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700.

DOWNTOWN

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100. Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 438 Selden St, Detroit 48201. 313.315.3992. Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000. Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.9828. St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216. 313.962.2121. Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234. Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668. The Block: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.964.4010. Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201. 313.831.9470. 24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226. 313.964.3821. Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.831.3965. Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857. Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711. The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711. 08.21

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ENDNOTE

Expanded outdoor dining a valuable asset or many residents and those who live in neighboring communities, as well as shoppers and diners, Birmingham is the center of the local universe. Its several-blocks long downtown is a cosmopolitan microcosm of national and regional stores, locally-owned shops whose owners know our names and what we like to purchase, carefully-curated boutiques and designer showplaces. It has movie theaters and parks, and celebratory restaurants. Over the last couple of decades, Birmingham's development from a quiet small town to an urban oasis didn't just happen – it was carefully managed by local leaders, from city staff to the city commission and planning board and other committees to the Birmingham Shopping District. While there have been hiccups and some longtime residents at time fought changes, to not change is to stagnate and to die. Instead, Birmingham has thrived through the implementation of the 2016 Master Plan which encouraged the enactment of zoning ordinances permitting five-story mixed use buildings, inviting more residents to live, work and recreate in the city. Another very successful initiative was the enactment of the 2007 bistro ordinance license, as an economic development incentive. Its primary goal was the invigoration of Birmingham's streets and to create greater walkability – after all, Birmingham's tagline became, “A Walkable City.” Since its inception, the bistro ordinance has been a huge success, doing just what it was intended – it has revitalized the downtown retail area of Birmingham, with their outdoor dining patios a destination for the metro area. Pedestrian

foot traffic increased exponentially following the opening of bistros such as Toast, Townhouse, Luxe, Bella Piatti and numerous others. The current ordinance permits unique restaurants to obtain a liquor license if they have no more than 65 seats, including 10 at the bar, and low key entertainment only. The bistro regulations adopted also included requirements for storefront glazing, seating along the storefront windows, and a requirement for outdoor dining. The city commission approves the concept for each bistro license to be given out, with no more than two bistro licenses approved each year, with the exception of two additional licenses for establishments which have been in business for at least five years in the city in their same location. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in an effort to assist businesses and residents who could only eat outdoors, city commissioners wisely approved temporarily allowing restaurants to modify their outdoor dining to allow for greater social distancing, as well as waiving all fees for restaurateurs for outdoor dining and annual liquor license renewals, and permitted them to stay open outdoors during the winter months, with offseason outdoor enclosures. Restaurants were particularly hard hit by the pandemic, and it was wise and wonderful that city leaders were assisting these establishments – and their customers. Several establishments spent thousands of dollars expanding their dining platforms to adjacent storefronts and parking spaces, adding temporary roofing and windows, igloos, heaters and other off-season complements. As the pandemic eased and residents became

vaccinated, local restaurants, particularly at these expanded outdoor patios, thrived. Birmingham hummed. Several other municipalities instituted similar, or even expanded, outdoor dining offerings for patrons, some closing their streets off for only pedestrian traffic. Talk about walkable communities. We would love to see similar street closures on Pierce, Martin and Merrill, for example. And then Birmingham leaders did something that literally pulled the rug out from restaurants in the middle of their busy outdoor dining season – ending their emergency dining extension on June 30, following the state's opening. Commissioners said it was because they didn't have an ordinance to permit restaurants to expand beyond their original footprint. But they had months to plan for the emergency's end. Diners have many choices in the metro area, and if they can't find a spot on a local patio, they'll find one somewhere else. And in a move we can only call ass-backwards, only after they forced restaurants to pull apart their carefully built structures, the planning board has now been holding study sessions, and the city is asking residents their thoughts on expanded yearround outdoor dining. If city staff, leaders and residents want Birmingham to continue to thrive, to be a walkable downtown and for area diners to keep flocking to the restaurants, there is only one prescription: make the downtown as hospitable as possible to people who want to be there. Take a look at how full the outdoor dining has been, and then open it back up, in a way that benefits restaurateurs, neighboring retailers, residents and visitors.

Losing city commission institutional wisdom ome this November, there will be three new faces sitting on the Birmingham City Commission. We can say that with certainty as the three incumbents whose terms are ending – Rackeline Hoff, Mark Nickita and Stuart Sherman – have all decided to retire after decades of service to the city of Birmingham. The three are each devoted volunteers who will be missed – each individually, but also collectively, as repositories of knowledge of city ordinances, development, customs, zones of the city, neighborhoods, master plans, staff – you name it, they have each worked on all of it, and most likely, had a hand in crafting plans and ordinances to the betterment of Birmingham for their fellow citizens. And as they move on to their next experience, they take the wisdom they have accumulated with them, to the detriment of the commission, and the city. Hoff was first elected to the city commission in 2001, and served as mayor three times, in

2005, 2010 and 2016. She also sat on the city's zoning board of appeals, board of review, advisory parking committee, ad hoc downtown development committee, and is a strong advocate for Birmingham's NEXT. In her 20 years as commissioner, she has gained a strong reputation as the residents' voice, asking questions in their stead. Sherman was first elected to the commission in 2005, and served as mayor in 2008 and 2014. Among his many other board and committee assignments have been the board of review, hearing officer, ad hoc sewer committee, unimproved streets committee, retirement board and retirement health care fund investment committee. He has diligently worked with residents and staff to increase efficiency and output. Nickita was first elected to the commission in 2009, after serving on the city's planning board from 1997-2000, and 2003-2009. He was mayor in 2011 and 2016. He was also involved with the

Shain and Booth parks design committees, Triangle District Design Advisory Committee, Downtown Retail Window Design committee, among others. His fingerprints are everywhere in Birmingham, from increased walkability and modalities to first floor retail throughout the downtown, to name just a few. All three were involved with the creation of the city's hallmark bistro liquor license ordinance, which has transformed the city, the development of the Rail District as a funky and unique area of the city to live, work and play, attempts to create a vibrant Triangle District, and continual work to improve the city's neighborhoods. Life in Birmingham is better because of Hoff, Sherman and Nickita. All for $5 a meeting. Three new people will take their seats, and hopefully make positive marks in the future on the city commission. But the loss of the collective wisdom will be big shoes to fill.

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