Rochester/Rochester Hills

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FEBRUARY 2018

URBAN FORESTRY: ADDING TO THE SENSE OF PLACE FIRE RETARDANTS: HUMAN HEALTH COMPLICATIONS OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL: POLITICAL NEWS/GOSSIP ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

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COREY & CREW Full Service Real Estate

Tour Our Homes: CoreyAndCrew.com Email: Debbie@CoreyAndCrew.com

NEWER HOME IN DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER Rochester $544,900. 3204 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. 2 car attached heated garage. Beautiful wainscoting & trim. Hardwood floors, neutral dĂŠcor, 2 fireplaces, 2nd floor laundry. Jack & Jill suite, Master w/his & hers walk-in closets. Finished basement, library, solid wood doors. Prime location for downtown living.

AFFORDABLE IN ROCH. HILLS

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RANCH CONDO W/GARAGE

Rochester Hills, $129,900. 2 bdrm. ranch w/updated kitchen, bath, mechanicals. All appls. inc. Perfect for 1st time buyer. Double lot provides opportunity to build a new home in a prime location, surrounded by other new homes.

Metamora, $84,900. Last lot left in 19 home sub. on private cul-de-sac lot. Out buildings & horses allowed. Easy access to M-24. All other homes $350,000+. Perk test, survey, deed restrictions available. Oxford Schools.

Sterling Hghts., $149,900. 2 bdrms., 2 baths with private entry and 1 car att. garage. New carpet, paint and appliances.

Fireplace & patio. Community pool, tennis & clubhouse.

Affordable assoc. dues & convenient location.

OUR TEAM HAS GROWN Welcome Chris Ruppel to the Corey & Crew Team!Â

COMMERCIAL OFFICE/MEDICAL OPPORTUNITY Harrison Twp., $850,000. Excellent location near Selfridge Airbase, downtown Mt. Clemens, freeways, etc. 5000 sq. ft., built in 2001.

Currently used as medical offices but space is flexible for multiple office usage. Includes 5 offices, 4 exam rms. w/sinks, 1 X-ray rm., lunch rm., 25x23 waiting rm., receptionist station & nurse station. 2nd floor inc. 1140 sq. ft. for office space, conference space or can be used as separate business. Spacious bsmt. offers storage. Excellent parking. Also for lease.

Chris joins us as a Buyer and Listing Specialist. He was born and raised in the Motor City, grew up in Royal Oak and has lived in the Rochester Area for over 20 years. Chris’ background prior to real estate has been in advertising and marketing, and primarily in advertising media sales. Our team will benefit from all of Chris’ sales and marketing expertise, plus his vast work experience with wonderful brands including TV Guide and Zillow. Chris and his wife, Kristine, live in Rochester Hills and have 3 children.

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DOWNTOWN02.18

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Value of urban forestry Although they may approach it differently, almost all municipalities recognize the value of managing their urban forest or preserving the trees in order to maintain the beauty and character of their community.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

10

Michigan’s medical marijuana industry could find itself hitting another speed bump as the U.S. Attorney General decides to roll back protections, one more example of cannabis as the political whipping boy.

CRIME LOCATOR

13

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

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

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More challenges for Congressman Mike Bishop; 40th House field growing; more candidates for David Trott district; extra marital affairs email in Lansing; plus more.

MUNICIPAL

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New zoning districts for downtown; increased drug paraphernalia fines; amended OPC agreement approved; skateboard Deck Art 2018; Hamilton Reef Drain work planned; plus more.

THE COVER The community wall mural adjacent to the Clinton River Trail at Lake Norcentra Park on the grounds of Rochester College, designed by artist Christine Gibson, a children’s book illustrator.

Downtown photo: Jean Lannen

Lynn Baker

Deby Gannes

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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 2831 Cranbrook Ridge Court | $1,250,000

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Luxurious custom home on almost an acre surrounded by lush gardens. Beautiful architectural details. Beautifully finished walkout lower level. Rear and side terraces.

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

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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 5475 Jeandean Lane | $628,900

BLOOMFIELD 1772 Heron Ridge | $1,599,000

“Up north” feeling on rare 10-acre lot with spring-fed pond just minutes from downtown Rochester. Amazing interior and out-of-this-world walkout lower level with indoor pool.

Pristine executive retreat in private, gated enclave on lovely ravine setting with serene views. Finished walkout lower level with possible 5th bedroom. 4-car garage.

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ROCHESTER HILLS 1540 Mill Race | $1,490,000

STERLING HEIGHTS 3877 Corkwood Drive | $539,900

Magnificent estate on 3.56 acres backing to Stony Creek. Renovated to perfection in 2016-2017 with reclaimed fragments of historical estates. Unbelievable details!

Exceptional newly constructed spec home in enclave of 17 homes boasts upgrades usually found in $800k+ homes. Vacant lot in sub is also available for sale at $159,900.

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009 248.644.3500

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James Parker

SOCIAL LIGHTS

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

ENDNOTE

50

The value of compensation for municipal board members. Plus our thoughts on the efforts to keep bad cops from local police agencies.

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Lenora Hardy-Foster James Parker John and Mary Modetz

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

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

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Rochester/Rochester Hills communities. 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.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER hanks to a turn in the national administration policy relative to enforcement of federal law as it applies to use and possession of marijuana, Michigan’s medical marijuana program could well suffer yet another setback, as if waiting a decade for state lawmakers to decide the rules of this program was not insult enough.

T

Think about it – it has taken 10 years for state legislators to finally enact laws and regulations to govern the medical marijuana industry here, thanks to a less than thorough ballot initiative/supporting documentation and reluctance on the part of lawmakers and some law enforcement officials (including Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, the chief obstructionist) to follow the dictates of state voters because their personal views on the issue differed from the majority of state citizens.

Nearly 63 percent of state voters in 2008 approved a medical marijuana proposal on the Michigan ballot.

Just over 66 percent of Oakland County voters supported the initiative.

So just when we think that the foot-dragging has finally come to an end, now we have to deal with U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ announcement in recent weeks that he is rolling back a 2013 Obama administration policy, commonly called the Cole Memo after its author, Assistant Attorney General James M. Cole. The Cole Memo was a directive telling federal prosecutors to stop making it a priority to enforce federal marijuana law in states where either medical marijuana or recreational marijuana use has been condoned by the government.

Under the Cole Memo, enforcement was supposed to be directed at preventing distribution to minors; making sure that revenue from sales were not going to criminal enterprises, gangs or cartels; preventing the sale of marijuana across state lines from states where it was considered legal; and halting any production, possession and use of marijuana on federal lands.

It’s difficult to ignore that Sessions, during his confirmation hearings, said he was not going to change the status quo of pot enforcement from what was established during Obama’s second term. But then it is also hard to ignore what we are told is his long-standing opposition to marijuana or the lemming-like march of this administration to roll back many of the executive orders or policies enacted by President Obama.

The history of marijuana in this country is littered with examples of how this drug has been the subject of attacks for mostly political and social reasons by politicians who viewed marijuana users as a force that threatened those in power, most notably during the Richard Nixon administration in the late 1960s.

Nixon was known as the president who, in 1971, officially declared the country’s “War on Drugs” – labeling marijuana “public enemy number one.” Two years later he created the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which now has over 5,000 agents and a budget topping $2 billion.

Prior to that time, the only real effort relative to marijuana was done at the local level in some cities and state, followed by a federal law passed in 1937 which imposed heavy taxes on the sale of cannabis. Although the new law did not criminalize pot possession, the heavy taxation had a similar effect in terms of slowing down use of the drug.

Then in 1970, in response to skyrocketing recreational use of a variety of drugs, Washington passed what is known as the Controlled Substances Act, which

established the current laws under which we now operate and under which marijuana was and remains to this day part of Schedule I federally-outlawed drugs that includes heroin, MDMA (ecstasy), mescaline, peyote, psilocybin, GHB and other psychedelic and stimulant drugs.

Ironically, as part of the new act, the Nixon administration was required to establish the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse which ultimately recommended that small amounts of marijuana be decriminalized. That’s right – decriminalized. In their own words: “The criminal law is too harsh to apply to personal possession even in the effort to discourage use. It implies an overwhelming indictment of the behavior which we believe is not appropriate. The actual and potential harm of the use of the drug is not great enough to justify intrusion by the criminal law into private behavior.” Suffice it to say that the Nixon crowd did nothing to promote the panel’s recommendation because it did not fit their personal narrative.

Almost 20 years later, in an interview for a book being written by Dan Baum at the time, Nixon’s former key advisor and Watergate co-conspirator John Ehrlichman admitted that politics was the driving force behind the “War on Drugs” as recounted by Baum in a 2016 Harper’s magazine piece. In Ehrlichman’s own words: “The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people. You understand what I'm saying? We knew we couldn't make it illegal to be either against the war or black people, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.”

President Gerald Ford in 1975 formed the Domestic Council Drug Abuse Task Force which also recommended federal efforts be focused on “those drugs which inherently pose greater risk to the individual and society.” Pot, according to the task force, should be a considered a “low priority drug.” But because Ford had his own set of challenges, nothing was ever done to resolve the issue.

Then along comes President Jimmy Carter in 1977 who ran on a platform to decriminalize marijuana and a Senate committee voted to decriminalize up to one ounce of the drug but, once again, the efforts went nowhere.

Here we are, in 2018, facing much the same blowback on this issue. There’s little chance the attorney general will move marijuana from the Schedule I of serious drugs, now that in 2016 the FDA and DEA ruled it was not a gateway drug but there was lack of scientific research to determine it’s medical value.

Our only hope is that Congress takes some action to restrict enforcement of federal law on this drug, essentially blocking the nonsense put forth by Sessions, and that in Michigan we don’t see a repeat of the questionable law enforcement efforts that have dogged the start up of medical marijuana in this state. The public has reached its limit when it comes to cannabis being used as a political whipping boy.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

ANTHONY & LISA SCACCIA

248.475.4600 | scacciarealty.com | info@scacciarealty.com

2595 ASHBURTON COURT | OAKLAND TWP

1779 LINCOLNSHIRE DR | ROCHESTER HILLS

4 Beds | 3.2 Bathrooms | 5,742 Sq. Ft. | $1,295,000

4 Beds | 3.3 Bathrooms | 4,641 Sq. Ft. | $1,174,900

Don’t miss this former builder’s model home in Carrollton Hills Sub! This four bedroom traditional colonial home has a spacious floor plan filled with natural light and offering an abundance of hardwood flooring, wall and ceiling moldings, volume ceilings, a study with custom judges paneling, built-in book cases and more!

The gourmet kitchen boasts custom cherry wood cabinetry, granite countertops, and Thermador appliances.

This magnificent Butler Ridge home with First Floor Master Suite defines luxury living. The superlative home site affords the owners excellent privacy, overlooking an aerated pond at the bottom of a sloping yard and the serene Clinton River, just beyond. Boasting nearly 7,000 square feet of finished space

5916 BLANDFORD | OAKLAND TWP

1530 NORTHLAWN BLVD | BIRMINGHAM

4 Beds | 3.2 Bathrooms | 4,006 Sq. Ft. | $1,198,000 Take advantage of this pre-construction opportunity in Bloomfield Twp with Bloomfield Hills Schools.

This European Manor styled home will offer the convenience of an entry level master suite with his and hers walk in closets, a large kitchen with oversize island and large walk in pantry. Contact Scaccia Realty for detailed list of notable features and exclusions.

4562 GALLAGHER RD | OAKLAND TWP

3 Beds | 2.2 Bathrooms | 3,256 Sq. Ft. | $949,9000 This finely appointed cape cod, overlooking the 9th fairway and 10th green of the Birmingham C.C., was updated in a major renovation in 2014 and the current owner added nearly $100K in upgrades since that renovation. The upper floor features two large bedrooms with separate 1/2 baths and a shared bathtub area. There are too many details to list here so contact the listing agent for full list of notable features.

3147 CHESNUT RUN DRIVE | BLOOMFIELD TWP

5 Beds | 6.1 Bathrooms | 4,884Sq. Ft. | $899,900

5 Beds | 4.2 Bathrooms | 4,310 Sq. Ft. | $870,000

This is a unique opportunity to own a custom designed one of a kind Tudor on over 2.6 acres in the heart of Oakland Township. The home features 5 bedrooms including an entry level au pair suite, 7 baths. Contact Scaccia Realty Associates to get a complete list of notable features.

This wonderful 5 bedroom, 4.2 bath executive waterfront home is located in desirable Chestnut Run South. It features approx 1.6 acres w/ over 150’ of frontage on Orange Lake. The home has been meticulously maintained. Contact Scaccia Realty for a detailed list of notable features and exclusions.

1490 GLASS LAKE CIRCLE | OXFORD TWP

3270 HIXON ROAD | OAKLAND TWP

4 Beds | 3.1 Bathrooms | 3,019 Sq. Ft. | $524,900

4 Beds | 4.1 Bathrooms | 2,980 Sq. Ft. | $479,900

Come and view this beautiful waterfront property in the Golf Highlands community at Waterstone. This home features fine interior finishes, an open and spacious floor plan that provides an abundance of natural light. The exterior boasts over $100k in features including a low maintenance composite deck with an under-deck rain protection system, a large brick paver patio servicing the walk-out lower level, and more!

Center entrance colonial situated on a large lot in the highly desired Foxcroft community!

This well maintained home features hardwood floors throughout & large windows bringing abundant natural light into every room. Great family home!

210 S. Old Woodward | Suite 200 | Birmingham, MI | 48009 Each office is independently owned & operated.

CRIME LOCATOR

Map key

NORTH

Sexual assault

Robbery

Larceny from vehicle

Drug offenses

Assault

Breaking/entering

Vehicle theft

Arson

Murder

Larceny

Vandalism

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Rochester and Rochester Hills through January 25, 2018.

Placement of codes is approximate.

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.

The strongest homes are built with a manageable mortgage.

SHOT ACROSS THE BOW: An email snaked its way through the state government in Lansing in recent weeks that purports to be a “partial list of indiscretions” by Republican office holders and candidates. The subject line of the anonymous email – “Extra marital affairs in Lansing.” The sender then proceeded to list members of the administration, Michigan Senate and House, and at least one member of Congress supposedly guilty of affairs; hiring of prostitutes (both male and female); gay dalliances; and other salacious rumors. At least one Lansing sleuth reportedly was able to track the IP address source of the email – the office of a GOP state lawmaker who has been the subject of rumors about his own affairs and was conspicuously absent from the “list of indiscretions” circulated in Lansing.

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FAMOUS FAMILY: Kristine Bonds understands the value of her name. “There’s a built-in legacy – there’s a brand. I inherited this name,” said the daughter of late TV news anchor Bill Bonds, a West Bloomfield Republican who is running for the open 11th District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills, Novi, western Oakland County and parts of Wayne County) congressional seat currently held by Republican David Trott. The current opioid crisis is one reason that motivated the political neophyte to run after she lost her BONDS stepson, Drew Swan, 24, to an overdose. “I feel we are at an important moment for the district and Michigan. There’s a lot of noise out there, and as an outsider with no agenda, it’s important to me to insure the district is well taken care,” Bonds said. Another famous relation running for the open MI-11 is Democrat Suneel Gupta of Birmingham. He and his brother, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, neurosurgeon and chief medical correspondent for CNN, grew up in Novi, where their parents both still live. The Guptas co-founded Rise, a mobile health company of which Suneel is CEO; he previously was a VP at Groupon in Chicago. Gupta and Bonds are joining an increasingly crowded GUPTA field – on the Democratic side, it includes former car czar Haley Stephens, businessman Dan Haberman and Rep. Tim Greimel. On the Republican side, Plymouth Township supervisor Kurt Heise, state Rep. Klint Kesto (West Bloomfield), oil heiress Lena Epstein of Bloomfield Hills and perennial candidate Rocky Raczkowski (Troy). Still no official word from rumored candidate state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake).

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THE GROWING FIELD: Open congressional seats are usually rare and coveted offerings. Not so for 2018, where 29 congressmen– so far – have announced their retirements. Former state legislator Ellen Cogan Lipton (D-Huntington Woods) has thrown her hat into the ring for the 9th District, which includes Bloomfield Township, following Democrat Rep. Sander Levin’s retirement, stating, “I’m kicking off my campaign to represent MI-9 in Congress! Michigan needs new leadership, and I’m running to fight for working people, stand up to Betsy DeVos, and ensure affordable health care for all Americans.” A Harvard lawyer by training and a patent attorney prior to running for office, Lipton LIPTON represented the 27th District (Huntington Woods, Royal Oak Township, Berkley, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Oak Park and Pleasant Ridge) for six years, when she was term-limited from office. She then ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in the 11th District against eventual winner Vincent Gregory. She’s joining energy executive Andy Levin, Sandy’s son, labor and employment attorney Martin Brook, state Sen. Steve Bieda (D-Warren) and Kevin Howley.

Candius Stearns of Sterling Heights is the only Republican so far to have announced for the seat.

PAC’ING IT IN: Two super Political Action Committees (PACs) are duking it out to win Michigan’s 8th Congressional District (Rochester, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, Oxford, Lake Orion, Brighton, E. Lansing, Howell) currently held by Republican Mike Bishop. The House Majority PAC, which is tied to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and is entering 2018 with some $11.4 million cash-on hand, recently funded a billboard attacking Bishop for his support of the GOP’s tax plan. The billboard, which was up in Orion Township for four weeks starting in mid-December, featured a shrugging child holding two presents labeled “tax hike,” and stated “Worst. Gift. Ever. Mike Bishop just voted to give you a new tax hike,” and directed constituents to GOPTaxScheme.com. On the

DOWNTOWN

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flip side, the Congressional Leadership Fund Super PAC, a GOP PAC, announced it would open a new field office in the area to help defend Bishop’s seat. The new office is part of the PAC’s $100-million campaign to protect key seats in the Republican-held Congress, with resources aimed at those who have supported House Speaker Paul Ryan and President Trump’s legislative agenda.

you can feel the difference

MAMA SAID: Meanwhile, Congressman Mike Bishop appears to have his hands full with Democrat Elissa Slotkin of Holly who hit the congressman as we were going to press for accepting thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from two pharmaceutical companies currently being sued jointly by Oakland and Wayne counties for their possible role in the opioid addiction problem and thousands of overdose deaths in Michigan. Bishop’s take – this year alone – $15,000 from these two. And that’s while he sits on a congressional Opioid Conference Committee addressing opioid abuse prevention. Slotkin is facing, so far, two other Democrats – Darlene Domanik of Brighton and MSU professor Christopher Smith of East Lansing.

GOING 40: The state House’s 40th District, covering Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and the eastern half of West Bloomfield, which has been represented by Republican Mike McCready for the last six years, is drawing more and more interest as the April 24 filing deadline gets closer. Joining announced Republican candidate newbies Malissa Bossardet and Mike Banerian are Joe Zane, an IT professional and Marine vet; Paul Taros, a tea party devotee; and Birmingham businessman, artist and designer Robert Dempster, who rumor has it is looking at getting into the race. One Republican, while ZANE acknowledging that Dempster “doesn’t know politics,” said he would add an interesting dynamic to the race. He’d be “an adult in the room,” since Bossardet “is a screwball. You need to know people in the community, and I’m not sure she knows anyone. Taros is hard/hard/hard right. I don’t see people embracing him. Banerian is a young kid – he’s 23 – and while he’s strong in the Armenian community, he thinks he knows everything. The 40th District is an educated, mature district,” the pol opined. “I’m not sure they’ll embrace someone like Banerian, Bossardet or Zane.”

Another young Armenian, Democrat Mari Manoogian, announced her candidacy for the race, joining Nicole Bedi on the other side of the ticket. Manoogian said she is the great-grandchild of survivors of MANOOGIAN the Armenian genocide, a Seaholm and George Washington University graduate, as well as a graduate of their law school. She interned for former Rep. John Dingell (D) and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Powers while in college and law school.

DO UNTO OTHERS: The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office declined to file charges against former Oakland Township Supervisor Terry R. Gonser in December after he was arrested on December 14 in connection with a felonious aggravated assault. Gonser, a tea party Republican elected as the township’s supervisor in 2012, lost his re-election bid in 2016 to Michael Bailey. An Oakland County Sheriff’s official said Gonser was arrested on probable cause following a physical altercation with a female neighbor in the midst of a winter snowstorm. Deputies arrested Gosner after he allegedly struck his neighbor with a snow plow, damaging her snow blower – and her knee. He was then booked into the Oakland County Jail, but released after the GONSER prosecutor’s office determined the incident involved “mutual combatants.” It’s not their first “altercation.” In June of 2014, Gonser’s neighbor filed for a personal protection order against him in Oakland County Circuit Court, indicating the arrest was just the latest in a longstanding feud. Gonser has a history of less-than-neighborly behavior, having pushed to move the township to a strong supervisor structure by eliminating the township manager position while in office, rubbing loads of folks in the township the wrong way. In 2015, outgoing township manager Warren Brown called for Gonser’s resignation, claiming he created a divide among the township’s board of trustees.

WHERE IN THE WORLD: Former state lawmaker, current regional transit rep and aspiring travel writer Chuck Moss has decided he “will not be a candidate against incumbent Shelley Goodman Taub for the County Commission in 2018” for the 12th District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) seat.

“I’m going to step back, let Shelley have her declared last term, and look at 2020,” he announced on Facebook. Moss didn’t return a call for comment on what led to his decision to wait until 2020, but word is county GOP leadership told him they wouldn’t support a run against Republican Shelley now, and he’d be considered a pariah later. downtownpublications.com

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15

FACES

Lenora Hardy-Foster enora Hardy-Foster wasn't looking for a new job, until the right opportunity came calling. Literally.

The phone call came from a search firm, asking if she was interested in applying for the CEO/President position at Judson Center. She had been with Southwest Solutions Inc. for 36 years at that point, but this was an opportunity she just couldn’t turn down.

“Anyone who knew me knew that I aspired to one day become the CEO of a non-profit organization,” said Hardy-Foster, who will be celebrating her two-year anniversary as CEO and President of the non-profit in March.

And now that she has the job she gets to see the effect she, and Judson Center, are having on the community every day.

“When I walk in my office and I see the autism program and I see the little children that we’re working with to help them be able to develop and to accept who they are and to be able to be with other children – and be around other people – I can see that what we’re doing is impacting their lives,” she said. “I get joy out of knowing that I’m a part of an agency like Judson Center.”

Judson Center – which opened its doors in 1924 – has four core programs. In addition to foster care and adoption programs they also work to provide behavioral health services – like mental health counseling – and they have a disability division, which helps young adults and adults with disabilities find a job.

Hardy-Foster said the gratification that she gets out of knowing she’s helping change lives is unmeasurable. That played a role in her decision to stay in the non-profit world this long – nearly 40 years.

When the Rochester Hills resident – who said the area she lives in reminds her of her hometown, Selma, Alabama – arrived at Southwest Solutions Inc., she planned on staying for a maximum of five years and then move on to corporate America.

She quickly figured out she wasn’t going anywhere.

“The gratification – the joy that I was getting out of being a part of a human service provider – I was not going to get with corporate America,” Hardy-Foster said. “I was a part of an agency that was doing something to help improve the quality of a person’s life, and I knew that that was my passion in life and that was my purpose.”

Hardy-Foster, who has an MBA and bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, was able to let her passion for non-profit work grow exponentially during her time at Southwest Solutions Inc., where she started in the accounting department as an accounts manager. She moved her way up through the ranks to executive director before she left for Judson Center. She said that without a doubt her work there played a role in preparing her for her current job.

So now that she has the dream job, what happens next?

“I think about where I am in my career and I know that I’m truly blessed to have accomplished all the things that I’ve been able to do,” she said. “My goal is to continue here at Judson Center working with my team and working with the board of trustees to move this organization forward. And if I think about how do I end my career, I would love to be able to end it here at Judson Center.”

L

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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LOCAL 18

DOWNTOWN

02.18

AN OVERARCHING

CANOPY URBAN FORESTRY AND PRESERVING THE SENSE OF PLACE IN A COMMUNITY

BY LISA BRODY

As kids, many of us lay on our back on a bed of grass, staring up into a cluster of green leaves against a clear blue sky. As we get older, we appreciate the whole plethora of benefits that trees in our midst offer us, from shade on warm days to privacy from our neighbors to the beauty offered by tree-lined streets, and often seek to live in communities with lots of trees, parks and other natural amenities.

Our love and appreciation of trees are reflected by the iconic 1913 poem, Trees, by American poet Joyce Kilmer, who wrote the now-cliched lines, “I think I shall never see/ A poem as lovely as a tree.” While the inspiration for Kilmer’s poem has been debated, for individuals and communities, trees are often the gold standard for a community.

“Landscaping, especially trees, are part of what make cities the positive place they are. It’s an important thing that helps make an urban environment a place people want to live, work, play in,” said Mark Nickita, AIA, an architect, urban planner and president of Archive DS in Detroit and Toronto, as well as a Birmingham city commissioner. “Vegetation can have a huge impact – and lack of vegetation can have a huge impact – just like bad lighting in a cafe. People don’t always realize the importance of lighting, whether in a home, office or restaurant, and it can drive you away.

Landscaping if very much the same thing. If you have the right mix, the right size, the right placement, it can make a city – and you know it when you see it.

“It’s what keeps drawing people to cities like Birmingham, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods and Pleasant Ridge,” he said of the mature, canopied and desirable cities along the Woodward corridor.

Many local communities have developed urban forest preservation plans, woodland ordinances, and tree preservation plans and ordinances as ways to either maintain the beauty and character of their municipalities, or to create and preserve that

ABOUT 80 PERCENT OF URBAN FORESTRY IS IN THE PRIVATE REALM – IN YOUR BACKYARD, YOUR NEIGHBOR’S BACKYARD. THE PUBLIC REALM IS ONLY ABOUT 20 PERCENT, INCLUDING RIGHT-OF-WAYS, PUBLIC PROPERTIES, PUBLIC PARKS. BUT URBAN FORESTRY IS BROADER THAN THAT – URBAN FORESTRY IS WHEREVER IT IS. environment. Some municipalities determine tree policy for only a community’s public spaces, including public right-of-ways, and leave individual and neighborhood areas alone. Others manage policy for both private and public spaces, determining how many trees a developer or homeowner can remove and mandating tree replacement plans.

“About 80 percent of urban forestry is in the private realm – in your backyard, your neighbor’s backyard. The public realm is only about 20 percent, including right-of-ways, public properties, public parks,” noted Kevin Sayers, program coordinator, Urban and Community Forestry, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Resource Division. He said the program he administers at the DNR involves providing assistance to local units of government to help in the management of public trees. “But urban forestry is broader than that – urban forestry is wherever it is. That’s one of the riddles of what we do – how do we work across that to incentivize and grow appreciation of trees and the urban forest.”

Sayers said that municipal managers usually understand what is meant by “the urban forest,” which is considered a collection of trees that grow within city, town or suburb, and its care, but often don’t have all of the tools and resources to adequately maintain it in their community. Urban forestry experts emphasize that urban forests play an important role in the ecology of our human habitats, as they filter our air, water, sunlight and provide shelter to animals.

Trees and urban forestry help to moderate local climates, slowing wind and stormwater, shading homes and businesses to conserve energy, and provide nesting sites and a home and food for birds and animals.

It’s hard to find a lot of negatives to saving and maintaining trees. Some researchers believe it can increase home values, and even decrease crime.

Lee Mueller, project developer/forest specialist, Davey Resource Group and chairman of the Michigan Urban and Community Forestry Council, concurs. “It’s hard to find a bad reason to have trees. We want to find reasons to incentivize ways to keep them,” he said.

Mueller said that some municipalities began developing urban forestry ordinances as long ago as the early 1880s, and continue to the present day.

“There was a lack of electricity and air conditioning, and there was a need for shade,” he explained. “Nationally, you’ll see the initial ordinances beginning in the late 1800s. In the northeastern states, there were tree warden ordinances, where you’d establish a tree warden to have some kind of determination. He would be established as an authority for the care of trees in a community.

The industry was floundering at this point – it was just beginning.

It was about, essentially, ‘we care about trees, we need someone who cares about trees to take care of them.’”

Mueller said the tree warden history in northeastern states “continues to this days, especially in Massachusetts – that’s one that comes to mind.”

Throughout the United States, a more up-to-date version of the tree warden is the label of Tree City USA, which was established in the late 1960s by the Arbor Day Foundation to provide direction, assistance, and national recognition to communities that work on tree preservation and urban forestry preservation maintenance and commensurate ordinances.

“It’s a framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program in your town. And the benefits are substantial,” the Arbor Day Foundation said. “Many communities use the Tree City USA standards as a way to begin caring for city trees. Others regularly enhance urban forestry management through urban forest management through improved ordinances, innovative programs and increased emphasis on planting and care.”

Tree USA designations are “ubiquitous in Chicagoland,” Mueller said, “and are very strict and enforced. In Grand Rapids, they are strict, but in their surrounding areas, which are older communities, they may not reflect the changes in best practices.

In metro Detroit, it’s really hit or miss. Some communities have them, and they’re really strong. Others have them and they’re not well known. Others don’t reflect current best practices.”

In Michigan, there are currently 111 communities that qualify for Tree City USA designation, including Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Ferndale, Franklin, Huntington Woods, Milford, Novi, Oak Park, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield, S. Lyon, and Troy in Oakland County; Detroit; the Grosse Pointe’s; Charlevoix; E. Lansing; Dearborn and Dearborn Heights; Grand Rapids; Kalamazoo; and Marquette. Some cities have qualified with the requirements to receive the designation for decades; others are new participants. Birmingham, for example, has proudly been a Tree City USA for 39 years, Royal Oak for 40, and Rochester Hills for 27, while Rochester has participated for just four years and Franklin for 13.

“There are multiple benefits to having a Tree City USA designation, starting with the publicity. It’s a well-recognized brand that says this community is proactive in taking care of trees, they’re a good manager of trees,” Sayers of the DNR said. “It says a lot about the community. It’s a way to promote the community as a place to live, a place for businesses to be.”

“Trees are the green infrastructure of a community, and it is valued by the Birmingham community and provides for a positive impact with all aspects of living in the city,” noted Birmingham Director of Public Services Lauren Wood.

The Arbor Day Foundation asserted that among the benefits of urban forestry and the Tree City USA program are that it reduces costs for energy, stormwater management and erosion costs, as trees yield three to five times their cost in overall benefits to a city, and helps cut energy consumption by up to 25 percent. “Studies indicate that as few as three additional trees planted around each building in the United States could save $2 billion annually in energy costs,” the foundation states at arborday.org. Energy.org agreed, stating that carefully positioned trees around a house and on a property can reduce a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 25 percent.

The European Environment Agency stated that in one year, a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and in return, will release oxygen into the environment in exchange. An acre of mature trees can absorb the amount of carbon dioxide in a year that is emitted by a car driven

26,000 miles. A British research study at Lancaster University revealed that trees planted by local roadsides can reduce nearby indoor air pollution by more than 50 percent, which then improves air quality and human health.

“In Chicago, trees remove more than 18,000 tons of air pollution each year,” the U.S. Forest Service said – with one large tree capable of providing a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people.

Further, properly placed trees can increase property values from 7 – 20 percent, as buildings in wooded areas sell and rent more quickly and tenants stay longer, the U.S. Forest Service stated.

Nickita agrees. “We see there are increased values of homes in more mature neighborhoods, with mature canopies of trees. A street with no trees is very different than a street with large trees with canopies or small trees. A new subdivision just built on former farmland, with just a bunch of small saplings – in 30, 40 years it will have something, but now, it’s relatively unpleasant. It’s part of why more mature neighborhoods are so in demand. It’s not just because of the mature homes, but because of the tree conditions, which contribute to the quality of those neighborhoods.”

Pete Auger, city manager for Novi, which became a city in only 1969, said their tree ordinance and forestry program, which evolved over time, helped to create a green canopy over the development that has grown with the city.

“All of our subdivisions have tree-lined streets, and it softens the edges around the developments. If you look at an aerial of the city, at a satellite version of the city, we have a very nice canopy throughout the city,” Auger noted, “not just in the public spaces, but in private spaces as well, which helps draw people to the community. I think what it does is it provides a greater human scale. There’s green just about everywhere in the city, and it’s connected. And the track record speaks for itself, with home values not just maintaining themselves but increasing in value.”

Trees and green spaces directly correlate to greater connections to neighbors, some asserted, as does the National Wildlife Federation, “Nature makes you nicer, enhancing social interactions, value for community and closer relationships.”

Urban forestry, with large yard and street trees, can even help communities and neighborhoods reduce crime as well as increasing a home’s value, according to Dr. Geoffrey Donovan, a research forester with the U.S. Forest Service in Portland, Oregon.

“In my urban forestry research, I have estimated the impact of trees on house prices, rental prices, crime, energy use and birth outcomes. Further studies will focus on the effect of urban trees on public health and stormwater management.”

Studies Donovan has done show that “trees and other foliage can make a place look well cared for. It can project a sense of authority in that neighborhood,” he said. Large trees and street trees can provide the crime reduction benefits to residents on that street that people seek. In one study, Donovan looked at 431 crimes in Portland that were reported at 2,813 single family homes, and in general, found that trees in the public right-of-way were associated with lower crime rates, including burglary and vandalism.

“Trees may also draw people into public spaces, increasing the probability of a criminal being observed... We distinguished between trees in a house’s yard and street trees in the parking strip between the sidewalk and the street...Street trees tend to be farther from the house than yard trees. Second, street trees typically do not block the view of a house from the sidewalk,” Donovan wrote in The Effect of Trees on Crime in Portland, Oregon.

“Therefore, if trees help a neighborhood appear well maintained, they may deter crime.

It also said that trees can affect a criminal’s state of mind because research shows that trees can reduce stress, and perhaps trees reduce crime “by reducing the stress of potential criminals.

This could include stress lined to violent acts perpetrated by one member of a household against another.”

In cases where yards contained many small trees, or were unkept, vegetation may actually facilitate crime. Smaller trees can obstruct views, making it easier for criminals to hide and carry out their activities.

In another research paper, Donovan quantified the effect of front yard trees on the sales price of homes in Athens, Georgia, and found they added $422 – or 1.1 percent – to their sales price, and having a home with large trees on three sides of the home reduced the time the home would be on the market.

Within communities, trees have the ability to tame stormwater systems, allowing rain to refresh the land and nourish and nurture green spaces. “As houses, stores, schools, roads and parking lots

spread and natural tree cover is lost, so is the absorbing effect of vegetation and soil. The welcoming rain becomes costly stormwater runoff,” according to arborday.org. “Without the benefit of trees and vegetated infrastructure, waterways are polluted as oils, heavy metal particles and other harmful substances are washed away. Fish and wildlife suffer, drinking water becomes expensive or impossible to reclaim, property values are reduced, and our living environment is degraded.”

Urban forests have been shown to also be an economic motivator, according to americanforests.org, which said their studies have shown that people walking or driving down a street lined with trees are willing to pay up to 12 percent more for goods and services, “and the presence of trees encourages patrons to spend a longer time shopping.”

A community with lots of well-maintained trees is generally considered beautiful and inviting.

“People see trees from an aesthetic perspective. They’re pleasing to the eye. Where there are no trees, people are put off, especially in suburban areas,” said Robin Boyle, professor of urban planning at Wayne State University. “Tree cover has great importance, and is good in a variety of ways, especially in the central city and suburbs. It provides shade for walkability – and cities are not walkable when they do not have shade. They provide great benefit to everyone, but especially seniors, because it’s good for our health to get people out of doors. The most important correlation to elder health is how much seniors get out and walk, and tree cover offers shade to offer walkability.

“The third thing is, today, it’s a justification for climate change,” Boyle continued. “They’re good for the environment. Trees offer a cooling element and great value to the environment.”

Urban forestry plans, woodland ordinances and tree preservation plans – rather than being a hindrance to development

WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF TREES...WATERWAYS ARE POLLUTED AS OILS, HEAVY METAL PARTICLES AND OTHER HARMFUL SUBSTANCES ARE WASHED AWAY. FISH AND WILDLIFE SUFFER, DRINKING WATER BECOMES EXPENSIVE OR IMPOSSIBLE TO RECLAIM, PROPERTY VALUES ARE REDUCED, AND OUR LIVING ENVIRONMENT IS DEGRADED. or personal property rights, are designed by most local communities as ways to offer cooperative management of individual trees, tree canopies, vegetation, and disease control.

“The very fact a community is thinking about having an ordinance, enacting them and having the conversation about an ordinance at all is indicative a community is being proactive,” DNR’s Sayer said. “Why they’re having the conversation is another story – maybe there has been clear cutting over development, changes in the ecosystem – you don’t know where the conversation came from.”

He noted that these kinds of ordinances shouldn’t be looked at as anti-development, which many communities agreed with, “because development is good for growth, but it’s important to protect landmark trees, and it’s a priority to protect ecosystems.”

Mueller, the forestry specialist, said that “In the private realm, they’re usually for community beautification. They’re part wetlands preservation, part beautification, part stormwater and air quality preservation. Depending on which path they went down, and which consultants they use, it determines which way the ordinances are written. Every community is different, but it’s important to find the best tools for every community, and it’s important to have the conversation. Tree ordinances are almost exclusively private. Individual ordinance provisions should reflect the uniqueness of the community and absolutely reflect the goals of that community. It’s great for a community to have these ordinances – but it’s important for each community to look at their own tools and needs.”

Birmingham is one municipality which focuses on public property, and not on private property. According to Lauren Wood, the city has two distinct documents, one, a tree preservation ordinance, which was enacted in 2003, and a tree management plan, prepared and implemented in 2012.

“The Tree Preservation Ordinance assists the city in protecting its city-owned trees and privately-owned trees adjacent to construction sites, giving the city the ability to promote and preserve the urban forest through established standards and requirements as spelled out in the ordinance,” said Wood.

“The Tree Management Plan is a tool used by the administration for short-term and long-term maintenance needs and tree planting initiatives,” she said. “This entailed a tree inventory conducted of public right-of-way street trees and the trees in the two municipal golf courses. A total of over 16,000 tree sites were recorded during this inventory. The software for this inventory is used and updated to manage and improve the city’s urban forest, and the data is used for continuing tree care in Birmingham. It aids in the preservation of the urban forest, improves public outreach and tree planting to mitigate removals and increase canopy cover.”

Canopy continuity and preservation – maintaining the beauty of the tree-lined street with trees that come together to form a canopy over neighborhood streets – is a major priority of the management plan, which notes that effort “will reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, promote public health, and enhance the aesthetic value of this resource.”

The management plan assessed the health of the city’s trees, noting which needed be removed (six percent); pruned (90 percent) and how many more needed to be planted (four percent). While several streets decades ago were planted with one species of tree, today, a variety are planted in order to avoid having them wiped out by disease or insects, such as Dutch Elm Disease or the Emerald Ash Borer.

“Species diversity is the variety and abundance of trees in a specific population,” Birmingham’s tree management plan stated.

“It affects the population’s ability to sustain threats from invasive

DIFFERENT MUNICIPALITIES FOLLOW DIFFERENT PATHWAYS. WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP WAS ONE OF THE FIRST COMMUNITIES IN THE 1980S TO ENACT A WOODLANDS ORDINANCE, COVERING BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY – WHICH WAS THEN CHALLENGED BY A DEVELOPER IN COURT IN FAVOR OF THE DEVELOPER. pests and diseases. It also impacts maintenance needs and costs, planting goals, and canopy continuity.”

Having a proactive approach is proving to be a beneficial one for Birmingham. Following the plan’s guidance, it states, “Proactive tree maintenance has many advantages over priority maintenance: the most significant advantage is reduced risk. When trees are assessed and pruned regularly in a proactive program, most defects will be found and eliminated before they escalate to a hazardous situation.”

Different municipalities follow different pathways. West Bloomfield Township was one of the first communities in the 1980s to enact a woodlands ordinance, covering both public and private property – which was then challenged by a developer in court in favor of the developer. “Our journey started with a definition of pure forestry, and it ran into a bump in 1989. It led us to clarifying our woodlands ordinance, which is an overlay district,” said Marshall Labadie, director of development for West Bloomfield, who noted the township has a woodlands ordinance – not a tree preservation ordinance – because they prefer to look at “the woodland system in its entirety from the ground up. We look at preservation of mature trees as well as the understory for the future. Everything in the boundary of the limits of that woodland is protected. To us, three acres defines a woodland.

“We’re suburban forestry in West Bloomfield,” Labadie continued. “We’re a bedroom community. We have tied all these subdivisions, platted lots and site condos together, their common areas, to create a suburban forest.”

The ordinance states its purpose is to “Provide for the protection of woodlands, including trees and associated forms of vegetation, as natural resources that contain elements of natural beauty, wildlife habitat and geological, hydrological, ecological and historical characteristics significant to the citizens of the

township... Protect the township’s woodlands for their current and future value, not only for residential areas and home sites, but also as settings for development in all zoning districts;...to maintain plant and tree diversity; to protect groundwater recharge areas; to maintain visual screening, windbreak, dust collection and noise barrier characteristics exhibited by woodlands.”

Labadie said that the 1989 lawsuit forced them to clarify their definition of woodlands, which other municipalities have since gone to school on, following their lead.

“It (the original ordinance) was a little bit arbitrary. It didn’t define it by forestry standards – we were a bit obtuse. We had to put in a lot of definitions and standards, and it works great now,” Labadie said. “It goes to our environmental protections in West Bloomfield. We protect our environmental assets. It’s a main pillar.

It’s very important to us, and we use it frequently.”

Nik Banda, Rochester assistant city manager, is also the city’s professional forester, having gone to Michigan Technological University in the 1970s to learn urban forestry. Early in his career, he worked with the city of Southfield to create a woodland tree preservation ordinance.

“It was the mid-’80s, and West Bloomfield wanted a tree ordinance, and they wrote a really bad ordinance and got sued.

They said you couldn’t cut anything down,” Banda recalled. “By the time I got to Southfield, I worked with the city attorney and we wrote the area’s second woodland tree preservation ordinance. It was a city of Southfield zoning ordinance, and that became a model ordinance, and has stood up to the test of time.”

Southfield’s current zoning ordinances and landscape requirements reflect Banda’s work from 30-some years ago.

“For every six-inch (diameter) tree on either public or private property, you need a permit to remove it. You can’t just cut it down,” Banda said of Southfield’s ordinance.

Banda came to the city of Rochester in 2009, and said he modeled Rochester’s ordinances on the ones he helped create in Southfield.

“Southfield’s came after West Bloomfield. They learned from West Bloomfield how to do it right,” Banda said. “I have helped I don’t know how many communities write their ordinances.”

“Every tree in Rochester over seven-inches is protected on private or public property,” he said. “To not get sued, in a calendar year, you can take down three trees on your property, with the caveat that it is not a landmark tree, as defined by its trunk, growth rate, crown development, structure, insects, and life expectancy,” Banda said, noting a property owner must come before the city council for a public hearing if they want to remove a living landmark tree. To date, all applicants have been denied.

“Now in most communities, a dead or diseased tree is automatically exempt. If it’s dead, it’s not a landmark tree, and if it’s dead, a community wants it removed,” he explained, noting it can be a public safety hazard.

Trees are protected from clearcutting – a forestry practice where most or all of the trees in an area are cut down – by another ordinance where if 80 percent or more of trees cannot be saved or a commensurate amount replanted, the developer has to pay into a tree fund, the purpose of which is to pay for more trees in the community. It’s a practice several other communities, such as Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield and Oakland Township, have adopted.

Don Meade, planning coordinator for Oakland Township, said their tree preservation ordinance was adopted in 1990. “It was the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, which was created in 1970,” he said. “It was a big deal, so a lot of communities passed tree preservation ordinances around then to mark the anniversary.

“Ours is pretty typical – whenever somebody is proposing a new subdivision or commercial development, they also have to include all of the trees on the site,” he said. “There has to be an inventory of all trees on the site six-inches or more in diameter, including the kinds of trees, condition, and where on the site they’re located.

They’re required to preserve a minimum of 40 percent of those trees. If they can’t, they have to do a tree replacement on the site.

If that isn’t feasible to do on site, whether because the topography doesn’t permit it, or for some other reason, they have the provision to pay into a tree fund to allow the township to plant trees elsewhere in the township.”

In addition, Oakland Township has a provision that requires the preservation of landmark trees, which they define as trees 36inches or greater in diameter.

“We want to identify and preserve those,” Meade said. “If

they’re diseased, it’s a different story. We want those down because they’re unhealthy or damaged.”

He said the 40 percent provision is a fairly common requirement for developers to comply with. “We don’t have a lot of development, but for the subdivisions we do have, those developers have exceeded it.”

Another provision they have created, the open spaces ordinance, encourages developers to cluster home sites in one area and stands of trees in another. “That works out well,” Meade said.

A similar ordinance was recently enacted in Bloomfield Township, where a new development adjacent to Academy of Sacred Heart utilized it to cluster site condos in one area while maintaining trees and wetlands in another to create and maintain a wooded environment.

Bloomfield Township adopted its tree preservation ordinance in 2009 after it came out in community meetings in 2006 and 2007, as the township worked to update their master plan, that residents were interested in protecting and preserving natural features in the community, especially water features and woodlands, Patti Voelker, planning, building and ordinance director said.

“That was taken very seriously by trustees. We looked at other municipalities, and what they had done, and we wanted to develop not just a preservation ordinance, but one for protection as well,” she said.

Voelker said they worked to have not just tree removal plans for when a development occurs, “but we looked at how do you protect any trees that remain – and what type of replacement to do you put in.”

The intent of the ordinance reads that the township “finds that trees and woodlands are an important asset to the natural ecosystem, beneficially contribute to the character of the community and positively influence the quality of life in the township.” Its goal is to “safeguard trees on private and public property from unnecessary removal and to regulate such removal for the preservation of important physical, recreational and economical assets for both present and future generations and to provide penalties for violations thereof.”

It provides for the protection, preservation, replacement and proper maintenance of trees and woodlands.

The township works to enforce the process not just through planning and building, but through engineering and environmental reviews and at the permitting process, for homeowners and developers, and for residential and commercial properties.

“The ordinance is pretty well-written. If you remove a certain number of trees eight-inches or more, or remove a landmark tree, it determines how many replacements are issued to the property,” Voelker said, with arborists reviewing the plans. If the correct number cannot be replaced, money must be put in the Township Woodland Trust Fund “to repopulate areas of the township.”

“The community still embraces the value of having the tree preservation ordinance,” she said, although some developers initially had a learning curve. Today, with many local communities having similar ordinances, it’s a more accepted practice, she said.

“We’re very careful in having discussions with other communities in what has worked and their enforcement efforts,” Voelker noted. “It helps with enforcement for consistency as well.

As a region then, we have better success.”

In Rochester Hills, Ken Elwert, director for parks and natural resources, said they have been a Tree City USA for more than 27 years – “since the formation of the city.” They run a three-man operation to oversee the natural resources operations of the city, with three professional foresters managing more than 27,000 trees in public areas. They also have a tree planting program, for twoinch and larger caliper trees that are seven to eight feet tall on public land.

“We also started a free program, at residents’ request, where we will plant trees on residents property in the public right-of-ways,” said Gerry Pink, the city’s lead arborist. “It’s funded by our tree fund, which was started about 30 years ago, to be used only for planting trees. It’s funded by developers who have to knock down trees during development. We have about $1 million now in the fund, and we’re trying to live off the interest.”

Elwert said the genesis for their tree preservation program was “watching a lot of communities around Rochester Hills clearcutting back in ‘87-’88, without having anything to replace the trees with.

We knew we had to have a plan in place once the homes are built so a lot of people would want to live there.

“There are clear benefits to residents for having the trees –

there’s shade, water retention, better infrastructure. You can feel it driving into Rochester Hills – the feel of canopied trees,” Elwert said. “You have to have roads, sewer and water. You should have a green infrastructure plan in place for people’s mental health – and shame on us for not having a plan. Now we have a parks plan and a green conservation plan in place. What helps make the trails so beautiful is the trees – both what you see, and what is blocked.

They’re great buffers.”

“Thirty years ago, there were some great visions of what was potentially happening, of people being willing to step up and say we want this growth, but we want to protect what’s here,” Pink said. “It has made Rochester Hills one of the top places to live.”

Bloomfield Hills has long been known as a stately community with mature trees. In 2011, the city commission realized it was a priority to maintain and preserve it.

“For us, it was part of looking at restoring the canopy,” said Mayor Sarah McClure, who spearheaded an effort to plant trees in the Woodward Avenue median. “Initially, because of the Great Recession, we began with residents’ donations, initially planting 100 trees. Since then, we’ve planted more trees from budget allocations there, and on a lot of city property, including right-ofways, on Long Lake Road, on Kensington, even in front of some private property.”

She said they varied the species so they wouldn’t be susceptible to any one disease.

“In addition, a few years ago, the planning commission, with the approval of city commission, passed a woodland ordinance in order to preserve trees and prevent clearcutting of lots,” she said, noting that some private homeowners, especially some who were purchasing homes to knock them down and build new ones, were taking out a certain amount of trees on properties without city approval. “Diseased trees always must be removed. But someone

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP ADOPTED ITS TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE IN 2009 AFTER IT CAME OUT IN COMMUNITY MEETINGS IN 2006 AND 2007, AS THE TOWNSHIP WORKED TO UPDATE THEIR MASTER PLAN, THAT RESIDENTS WERE INTERESTED IN PROTECTING AND PRESERVING NATURAL FEATURES IN THE COMMUNITY. building or doing a knockdown – now there is a replacement policy for tree removal.”

On the converse, one Oakland County community has rejected any kind of tree preservation or protection policy.

“We don’t have a tree protection policy. It was considered in 2014, but the community was against it, feeling it was too burdensome,” said Huntington Woods City Manager Amy Sullivan.

Davey forestry expert Lee Mueller noted, “There was a kerfuffle over adopting stricter rules in Huntington Woods over what could be cut down. It actually motivated some residents to run for office, and ultimately, the ordinance was rescinded.

“From my perspective, as someone who has written ordinances, it was a good ordinance process to have that public involvement and consensus,” Mueller observed “I don’t think that often happens. Every community is different. It’s important to find the best tools for every community. It’s important to have the conversation, and individual ordinance provisions should reflect the uniqueness of the community, and absolutely should reflect the goals of that community.”

Sullivan said that residents felt that people valued the trees in the community and prized the tree canopy, and “they would continue to protect it on their own property.”

Currently, the only ordinance is for orange fencing around a tree on the public right of way area.

Sullivan agrees that Huntington Woods’ tree canopy and treed properties adds to the residential character of the community, and to its desirability. “It adds a certain sense of place,” she said.

“When trees are mature enough, they canopy over whole streets.

“When you have a new subdivision, you have new small trees,” she continued. “This adds more character. You know it’s been around awhile and well-maintained. It’s like the difference between a new house and an old, well-lived-in house.”

FACES

James Parker orn the son of a rancher and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Rochester photographer James Parker started shooting pictures of his surroundings before he left elementary school. Today, Parker is focusing on the disappearing landscapes across the country that include the vanishing of small family farms.

"I grew up with the whole idea of what dad called 'explores.' We would look for this or that and it involved back roads and watermelon, and a bunch of kids and adults having a good time," he said. "We found these places not only because it was a nice place to have a picnic, but it gave a broader picture of the place and what shaped it."

In the early 1960s, his father earned his doctorate in history and moved the family to Wisconsin, where he taught for the next quarter century, using summers to explore ghost towns near the family ranch. Parker still visits the ranch each year.

Completing his studies in fine arts, Parker spent the next three decades in the advertising business, first in Chicago and later in the Detroit area, moving to Rochester in the 1980s. While he continues to do some commercial work on the side, most of his time is now dedicated to his fine arts photography.

"I had gradually gone from shooting ghost towns and mines to focusing more on rural aspects of the westward expansion.

Anywhere I can find any indication of what people did in the 1930s and ‘40s," he said. "I'm fascinated with what happened 70 or 80 years ago."

When not shooting, he shows his work at about 20 art shows each year, hitting about 300 in the past 13 years, including the annual Art and Apples Festival in Rochester, and other major shows across the country. In 2016, Parker published "A Disappearing Agrarian Landscape," a collection of photographs and writings about the small farms across the Great Plains that were replaced by conglomerates owned by large agribusinesses.

"In terms of fine artwork, I've tried to stay along that historical path," he said.

The interest, no doubt, is influenced by his father, Watson Parker, who wrote about abandoned mining towns and legendary locations, such as Deadwood, South Dakota. When HBO producers made their own interpretation of the town on the show "Deadwood," Parker said they added their own embellishments for effect.

"They came out and talked to Dad. He thought they were a bunch of boobs from Hollywood," he said. "The picture they drew of Deadwood was sort of inaccurate. There was a lot of swearing (in the show), and they never really talked like that. He was sort of disgusted."

By getting a better understanding of the places he shoots and the people who helped make them, Parker is able to relay the background of a place in his pictures. It's a skill he learned from his father and Hugh Lambert, a friend of his father's who he worked for after college, and honed in the years since.

"In my third career, I could be helping people to tell their own stories," he said. "There's a lot of talk about cultural communities and sharing ideas."

Outside of his work, Parker can be found building projects. Not surprising for a photographer who has constructed photo frames out of abandoned barn slats and other materials.

"I like to build and make stuff," he said. "When I'm not making photos, I'm making things."

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Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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OAKLANDCONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS/GOSSIP FROM DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE WRITERS

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DOWNTOWN

02.18

FIRE RETARDANTS HEALTH COMPLICATIONS FOR ADULTS/CHILDREN

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

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ccording to a 2009 study by scientists at the University of Michigan and Duke University, dust from the cushions of some couches and other furniture may be linked to decreased sperm counts and other health issues. The study, "House Dust Concentrations of Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Relation to Hormone Levels and Semen Quality Parameters," sounds as if it could be the setup to an article for the satirical news site, The Onion. It's not.

In fact, scientists conducting the study analyzed house dust from the homes of 50 men recruited through an infertility clinic in Massachusetts and found significant relationships between the chemicals and reproductive and thyroid hormone levels, as well as semen quality.

The findings? A decline of about 19 percent in sperm concentrations in homes where certain flame retardants were found in the dust.

"We found evidence that concentrations of OP (organophosphate) flame retardants in house dust may be associated with altered hormone levels and decreased sperm concentrations," the authors of the study concluded. "More research is needed to determine the extent and sources of human exposure to OP flame retardants and associated effects on human health." he research is one of dozens of studies into a laundry list of health complications in adults and children linked to flame retardants commonly added to furniture cushions, home electronics casings and other consumer products. The health problems include reproductive issues, as well as fetal/child development, metabolism, decreased intelligence and other issues.

"Often the effects you would see are hard to see in an individual. You can't always prove that Johnny's thyroid cancer was caused by flame retardants, but you can see it in a shift in the population," said Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program. "It's going to be hard to say cancer or low testosterone is specifically due to a flame retardant, but you can look at a population. It's a hard concept."

Similar studies have shown such strong connections that in September of 2017, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission approved a petition to begin the process of banning some toxic flame retardants in household products..

"To protect consumers from the potential toxic effects of exposure to these chemicals, the commission recommends that manufacturers of children's products, upholstered furniture sold for use in residences, mattresses (and mattress pads), and plastic casings surrounding electronics refrain from intentionally adding nonpolymeric, organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) to their products," the commission said. "Further, the commission recommends that, before purchasing such products for resale, importers, distributors and retailers obtain assurances from manufacturers that such products do not contain OFRs. Finally, the commission recommends that consumers, especially those who are pregnant or with young children, inquire and obtain assurances from retailers that such products do not contain OFRs." At the heart of the issue is a group of fire retardant chemicals added to foam furniture cushions and electronics intended to slow the spread of fire. As the cushions break down over time, the chemicals separate from the furniture and enter the air as dust. Once inhaled by humans, the chemicals bioaccumulate in our bodies and remain there for ages. And, because the chemicals travel in dust, they are commonly found in homes, as well as far reaches of the globe,

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with traces of the chemicals found everywhere from polar bears in the arctic to urban environments.

OFRs, also referred to as halogenated flame retardants, typically are added to foams, textiles and polymers before, during or after production in theory to improve their resistance to fire. Yet, because the fire retardants aren't chemically bound to the substrate, they may be released and lead to potential human and environmental exposure.

The commission's action was taken in response to a petition filed in 2015 by a coalition of consumer advocates and health professionals to declare four categories of consumer products containing OFRs to be "banned hazardous substances" under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Included in the petition to the commission were important groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer's Union, Green Science Policy Institute, the International Association of Firefighters, Kids in Danger, Worksafe and others. In their petition, the groups claimed that due to the inherent physical-chemical properties, OFRS, among other things, are toxic, migrate widely out of products regardless of how the products are used, bioaccumulate and present a serious public health concern. The commission voted in September 2017 to grant the petition to initiate the rule making process.

Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act rule-making process, the commission must convene a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel to study the effects of OFRs as a class of chemicals on consumers' health.

"In the meantime, based on the overwhelming scientific evidence presented to the commission to date, the commission has serious concerns regarding the potential toxicity of OFRs and the risk of exposure, particularly to vulnerable populations, to OFRS, from the four categories of products listed in this petition," the commission stated.

"Accordingly, the commission requests that manufacturers of children's products, furniture, mattresses and electronics casings eliminate the use of such chemicals in these products."

"This is historical for government to do something like this," Arlene Blum, executive director of the Green Policy Institute, said about the commission's decision. "We use a 'class concept' to get people to think about whole families of chemicals, so we don't go from one chemical to a cousin chemical. It may be a different way of solving the problem."

Blum first got involved in battling fire retardants in the 1970s, when she learned chlorinated tris, another fire retardant that was later used in furniture, was being used in children's pajamas. While she successfully battled to have that chemical removed from

children's clothing, it later showed up again in furniture.

"This is the first example of the government doing something like that," Blum said of the Consumer Protection Safety Commission's decision.

The chemical industry has pushed the use of flame retardant additives as a means to save lives. However, the author of a study used for decades to support their claim said his data has been grossly misrepresented by the chemical industry, and today says in practice, the flame retardants do little to nothing to actually slow the spread of fire.

While some of the chemicals have been out of use by furniture manufacturers for more than a decade, alternative fire retardants from the same and similar classes of chemicals have been linked to the same health risks, resulting in a perpetual game of "whack-a-mole," with new hazards popping up as fast as the old ones can be stamped out.

"These are chemicals that essentially are never going to go away," Birnbaum said. "If you bought a couch prior to 2000-something, you might have pentaBDE in it, and a lot of other flame retardants, too. When they stopped making that, they started making others."

"I remember the head of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation saying when they recognized it was a problem that they wouldn't sell it when they had a substitute... it's the whole whack-a-mole game, where it goes from one commercial product that has problems to something else that has less evidence of problems... There are so many new ones (chemicals) that are made all the time, we can't keep up by doing detailed testing of everything. It's not possible. There are new ones all the time." hile used in different formulas and marketed under various names, the chemicals used in most furniture and electronics casings over the past decade fall under the class of nonpolymeric organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs). The chemicals were developed as an alternative to brominated diphenyl ehters (BDE) additives such as pentaBDE, DecaDBE, OctaDBE and others, many which ceased being manufactured in the mid-2000s due to health concerns. If chemistry and use of the products sound confusing, it's because they are.

"I can remember buying a new mattress a few years ago, and I told the salesman I needed to know if there were BDEs in the mattress. He didn't know, but he would find out. He called later and was very happy to tell me there was none. But, he had no information on other flame retardants," Birnbaum said. "That's the problem we have as a society. We don't have full information when we go to buy something."

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Chemist Heather Stapleton at Duke University, who worked on the 2009 study, was one of the first scientists to discover human exposure to flame retardants can come from contaminated household dust, said she first became interested in the issue while researching PCBs and flame retardants in fish from Lake Michigan. She later created a standard reference for house dust.

"There's been interest in exposure to lead paint in house dust," she said. "Basically, we look at dust from vacuum bags. We analyzed it for fire retardants and were shocked at how high the responses were – they were off my calibration curve." tapleton went on to look at other issues tied to dust, with some of her most recent work looking into exposure to children. Through her work at Duke University, Stapleton allows people to send in samples of furniture foam to be tested for flame retardants. The process, which began in 2014, allows consumers to have a better idea of the fire retardants in their home, and for the scientists to build a database of flame retardants being used.

First required to be added to furniture in 1975 by the state of California, flame retardant chemicals were added to furniture for decades.

However, it was later discovered that the chemicals were migrating out of the cushions and into indoor and outdoor environments, most commonly in the form of dust.

Under the original California law, manufacturers were required to test for flammability by exposing uncovered furniture foam to a candle-like flame for 12 seconds without igniting. In order to pass the test, furniture manufacturers found it easiest to add flame retardants to the foam. With one of the largest furniture markets in the country, furniture manufacturers tailored all of their furniture to meet the California standard.

Fire retardants first on the market were polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, which included decaBDE, OctaBDE and pentaBDEs and others, most of which are no longer in use due to health concerns.

In 2004, Michigan passed two laws regarding PBDE's, which together prohibited the manufacture or distribution of products or materials containing more than one-tenth of one percent of octaBDE or pentaBDE, as of June 1, 2006.

"We had worked on other legislation together – mercury and other things – and some scientists were building a case on the potential harm from PBDEs and how prevalent they were in homes, and because they were being found in people's blood, as well as the impacts on brain development, especially on young children," former Republican Michigan legislator Chris Kolb said of his work on the law, along with former state senator Patricia Birkholz.

Knowing what flame retardants are

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present in a foam is challenging for multiple reasons. Most furniture doesn't include labels that inform consumers what fire retardants may be added to the foam. Further, even when product names are given, such as Firemaster 550 or Firemaster 600, the formulations of the fire retardants are kept hidden as trade secrets within the industry.

That means despite regulations on some flame retardants, it's hard for consumers to know what they are actually purchasing.

"From a consumer's point of view, it's frustrating that you can't look at a product and tell if a flame retardant is in there or not.

And, you can't tell which one because a lot of it is considered trade secretes," she said.

Kolb, who today serves as president of the Michigan Environmental Council, said the issue is similar to problems with PFOS, a type of flame suppression foam used at airports and military airbases in Michigan and throughout the country that has been linked to severe health issues.

Despite a push for deregulation today, Kolb said there is still concern over compounds that bioaccumulate in the body and remain in the environment for a long time.

"There is still a case to be made on certain compounds when you can show a direct impact on the citizens in Michigan," he said.

"If you go back to PFOS, you're seeing potential health impacts. If you do it right and do the right education, you can still get stuff done."

Today, at least a dozen states have laws regarding flame retardants added to furniture foam, including California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

In August of 2003, the European Union adopted a directive that bans the marketing and use of penta and octaBDE in all consumer products. Also in 2003, California enacted legislation prohibiting a person from manufacturing, processing or distributing in commerce a product or flame-retarded part of a product containing more than .1 percent pentaBDE or octaBDE, by mass, beginning January 1, 2008.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), studies worldwide have found pentaBDE to be widespread in the environment and in human tissues. As such, pentaBDE was voluntarily phased out of use by 2005. Since then, the most widely used flame retardant for furniture and other consumer products has been a formulation named Firemaster 550.

While the new chemical was supposed to provide the added fire safety without the same threats as previously used chemicals, the ingredients were hidden for years due to its protected status as a trade secret. Working with another chemist in California, samples found there were matched with one provided

by Chemtura for analysis.

“There is no timeline or cap on how long

they can keep these (ingredients) confidential," Duke’s Stapleton said, who said consumers should have the right to know what chemicals they are being exposed to.

"Particularly parents, they have the right to know if there are cancer-causing agents in the mattresses their children are sleeping on, and the law prevents that from being disclosed. It's unfortunate."

In 2014, California's updated fire prevention law went into effect, altering the 12-second flame standard. Under the new legislation, ignition tests may use a smoldering source of heat, such as a cigarette, essentially eliminating the need for furniture manufacturers to use fire retardant additives in foam. Under the new law, furniture is tested for smoldering resistance of cover fabrics, barrier materials, filling materials and decking materials used in upholstered furniture in the state.

Since the new law was enacted in California, Stapleton said the percent of residential furniture tested that has flame retardants in it has dropped from about 80 percent to about 20 percent. However, she said exposure to the chemicals could be higher in furniture produced for public use, such as schools, universities, libraries, theaters and other public areas, which must meet different fire codes.

In November 2017, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) introduced "The Safer Occupancy Furniture Flammability Act," which would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to adopt California's law as a federal flammability standard.

"I was pleased to introduce this legislation creating a clear federal standard on furniture flammability," Griffith said in a statement. "If enacted, furniture manufacturers would continue to make safe products without worrying about a tangle of varying state regulations." he American Home Furnishings Alliance, a trade association representing more than 230 leading furniture manufacturers and distributors, backs the bill. The association in 2015 formally petitioned the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to adopt the performance standards and test methods used in California as national standards.

The International Association of Firefighters has also urged the CPSC to ban products that contain organohalogens, which have been linked to heightened levels of cancer among firefighters.

"Firefighters dying from occupationalrelated cancers now account for more than half of our members' line-of-duty deaths each year," Pat Morrison, the association's assistant to the general president for occupational health, safety and medicine said in testimony before the commission.

"This is the largest health-related issue facing the firefighting profession."

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Morrison said setting standards and passing regulations must work in tandem as the chemical industry has a history of skirting chemical bans by making slight, inconsequential changes and renaming products. ryan Goodman, spokesman for the American Chemistry Council's North American Flame Retardant Alliance said while there has been a great deal of progress made over the last several decades, fire remains a major threat to life and property. In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, based on data from 2014, Michigan had an annual average of 5.5 residential fire-related deaths per 1,000 people in the state.

"The materials used in upholstered furniture can be a major fuel source during fires, which is why it is important that flame resistant materials are used in these products," he said in a statement to Downtown newsmagazine "Indeed, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are, on average ever year, 4,700 fires, 390 deaths, 660 injuries, and $238 million in property losses attributed to incidents where upholstered furniture was the first item ignited. The commission also indicated that these numbers are likely an underestimate.

"Flame retardants can play an important role in fire safety by stopping or slowing the spread of fire and providing people with valuable escape time when fires occur. And like most chemicals, flame retardants are subject to rigorous review by U.S. EPA and other regulatory agencies around the world.

In 2016, the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act was enacted, which significantly strengthened EPA's chemical oversight. So Michiganders do not have to choose between chemical safety and fire safety. They can have both."

In Oakland County, upholstered sofas, chairs and vehicle seats accounted for 10.74 percent of all the first items ignited in fires in 2016, according to records provided by Michigan's state fire marshal's office.

Appliance housing and casings accounted for 23.14 percent of first items in 2016, while bedding was the first item that ignited in 13.22 percent of fires in the county. Those county numbers have held fairly steady over the past decade, with upholstered sofas, chairs and vehicle seats accounting for 10.14 percent of the first items ignited in 2010; and 14.81 percent of first items in 2005.

Rochester Fire Chief John Cieslik said firefighters are typically concerned with how fast a fire spreads and how hot it burns, which he said typically relates to the materials that have been ignited.

"We know that certain materials, typically synthetics, have a faster flame spread than a natural fiber. That does make a difference to firefighters, especially because of modern

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construction with pre-engineered trusses and floor systems that fail quicker in a fire than the old standard lumber," Cieslik said. "With newer materials, which can cause the fire to spread faster, they typically burn at a higher rate, and a higher BTU, which is heat.

"Anytime furnishings can be made with safely with a fire retardant – I'm not a chemist, so we have to be cautious about materials people use for fire retardants, so they don't cause a carcinogenic issue for people in homes, which could outweigh risk of fire... asbestos, for instance, was good for fire insulation, but we found out that it causes lung cancer when it becomes airborne. We rely on chemists to test it so it doesn't have long-term medical effects."

Rochester Hills Fire Department Safety Educator Nancy Butty also said modern synthetics give off more harmful gasses when they burn. From a firefighting standpoint, those products create an added danger to firefighters. "It's after the fire that the product is such a danger to firefighters who are there and the investigators after the fact," she said.

Rather than looking at the first item ignited, Butty said the cause of fires remains the same over the years.

"The number one reason we have fires is cooking, then smoking, electrical and candles. Those are all removed from the furniture itself," she said, saying that the use of fire retardants doesn't stop fires in itself.

"It's a good idea in theory, but when looking at the whole picture, I don't think it's very effective. When you look at making fire safer, that retardant is after the fact – after the fire happened – so we need to look at what we can do to prevent that fire from happening.

That's a change in behavior."

Birgitte Messerschmidt, director of applied research for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), said furniture continues to be a major part of the fire problem, again honing in on the synthetic materials they contain.

"The cushions are mostly made of PUR foam and the coverings can be either natural or synthetic fabrics," she said. "Recognizing the ease of ignition and potential fast fire growth in modern furniture; flammability requirements have been introduced in among other places, California and the UK. California has since changed their test method for furniture, but still require that furniture has to withstand a smoldering cigarette. There is however, a concern that testing with an open flame is also needed and hence a standard for open flame testing of furniture is under development here at the NFPA. "In order to reduce further the role furniture plays in the fire problem, it is necessary to address how furniture reacts when exposed to ignition and how the fire can be controlled after it starts. The first can be addressed by changes in furniture design and materials and the latter by introducing

home sprinklers. This in addition to the use of the fire safe cigarette. As with all dimensions of the fire problem, no one fire safety strategy will solve the upholstered furniture fire safety problem. A combination of smoke alarms, sprinklers, fire safe furniture and fire safe cigarettes will have an impact."

Birnbaum, with the National Institutes of Health, warned that some fire protection organizations pushing for a return to an older standard for flame testing furniture have been lobbied by the chemical industry in order to push the use of flame retardants.

For instance, a series of stories into the issue by the Chicago Tribune found a now defunct organization, Citizens for Fire Safety Institute, was actually a front for the industry in order to push for the use of flame retardants. Further, the series revealed some of the science used to promote flame retardants as a way to slow the spread of fire were grossly misrepresented. ne of those studies was conducted by Vytenis Babrauskas, who had conducted testing of furniture with fire retardant additives in 1988 for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Barbrauskas has since said his findings were misrepresented by the chemical industry for years without his knowledge.

While Babrauskas said fire retardants may slow the spread of fires in theory, the use in residential consumer products does nothing to slow fires in reality.

In his tests, Babrauskas said the flame retardant furniture used was all packed with extra flame retardants. For instance, cushions typically have a density of 16 to 29 kg per cubic meter, while the furniture tested was stuffed to about 64 kg per cubic meter, which he equated to NASA quality materials.

Further, he said all furniture used in the study had flame retardant additives, while an actual home has a mix of furniture.

In a real use setting, he said flame retardants do "absolutely nothing." Further, he said there is an attempt to rollback California's law to require the use of dangerous flame retardants, which includes an attack by the chemical industry on the NFPA, a volunteer organization.

"It's the worst of both possible worlds," Babrauskas said. "It's not doing anything in real tests and fires, but it's also introducing a toxic substance into the environment.

"You can make NASA type materials if you're building a space craft, and you can make a chair that basically can't burn, but that's usually a different grade of polymer and plastic that is 10 times as expensive than what you and I are going to buy at a furniture store. It's not a viable solution to the civilian sector."

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FACES

John and Mary Modetz ongtime Rochester area residents John and Mary Modetz have received considerable recognition over the years for their contributions to the greater Rochester community, but accolades aren't the motivation behind their deeds.

"It's nice to give back to your community. I don't like people always knowing what I do, I just do it because it's the right thing to do," Mary Modetz said after being asked to talk about the philanthropic work she and her husband do in the community. "I don't do it so people will say it's wonderful.

"We have grandbabies now, and it's important that they have places they can enjoy with their kids. There's not enough out there for people.

It's important to give back to your community if you can... if you don't do the right thing, then there's nothing left for anyone."

Mary and her husband John, along with the late Robert Rice, opened their first funeral home in 1986 when they purchased the Potere-Modetz Funeral Home in downtown Rochester, now one of the oldest operating businesses in the city. Since starting in the mortuary field in 1970, the couple has opened three other locations, as well as two chapels.

Outside of work, John has served on the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for more than two decades, helping to start the city's Big Bright Lights Show and other improvements. The couple has also donated their own money to fund improvements in Rochester and Rochester Hills. Most recently, they gave a considerable donation for improvements at Rochester Hills' Innovation Hills Park, as well as improvements to a pocket park in Rochester, next to Penny Black.

John said he heard the city was considering selling the land in Rochester, so he contacted the city and pitched an idea for a small

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community park, with benches, a fountain and flowers. When city officials told him the cost, he offered to fund it in order to preserve the land.

"We dedicated it to people that own pets," he said. "My son has a 160-pound dog that woke him up one night when his house was on fire," he said.

The park was dedicated "Koda Park," after the name of the dog.

The improvements at Innovation Hills will serve as a main focal point at the entrance of the park, consisting of a water feature and shelter.

Modetz said he heard others were donating for improvements at the park and decided to join them.

"This park, no matter what nationality, color or age, there is something for everyone," he said.

Born and raised in Livonia, Modetz said he developed a love for green spaces and trees as a youngster. It was through the Boy Scouts that he may have found his duty to community, earning his Eagle Scout badge in 1971. Today, he is still involved with the organization, often serving as vice chair of the Eagle Banquet.

In addition, the Modetz, both children of veterans, use their funeral homes to gather clothes for veterans each year, delivering them to a shelter in Detroit. Living in the Rochester area since 1986, the couple has headed the annual Christmas Parade, and has contributed to a host of other events and organizations.

"There are so many good organizations in town and so many things to support," he said. "Some things we support on a grander level than other ones. It's a great community."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

MUNICIPAL Commons South condo plans okayed Plans for a 12-unit condominium development along the north side of Shortridge Road, east of Livernois, were unanimously approved on Monday, January 22, by Rochester Hills City Council.

The development, named The Commons South, will include a dozen single-family homes on about four acres of land, which will front onto Donaldson Road. The homes are expected to range from 2,500-square feet to 3,500 square feet in size and sell for $360,000 to $460,000. The plan includes a density of 2.4-units per acre, which is below the 3.4 units-per acre that is permitted under the city's zoning ordinance.

The developer, Vaqar Siddiqui, of Bloomfield Hills, voluntarily plans to retain about 35 percent of the existing trees at the site. However, he is not required to do so, as the site doesn't fall under the city's tree ordinance requirements.

Councilwoman Susan Bowyer said she was pleased with the tree preservation efforts at the site, and inquired whether there would be a uniformity to the homes being built, or wide variations. Staff indicated that sizes would be limited by the amount of space at the location, but could vary as the developer is working with different builders on construction.

In addition to the retention of trees at the site, the development will include a passive park at the northeast corner.

The project first came before the city in 2015, with a preliminary site plan approved by the planning commission in October of that year and by city council in December of 2015. Council on Monday approved the site plan, which is subject to a half-dozen conditions.

The conditions on the site plan require the developer to provide all off-site easements, on-site conservation easements and agreements for approval prior to construction plan approval; provide a landscape bond of $12,500, plus inspection fees; payment of $2,400 into the city's tree fund for street trees; approval of all required permits and approvals from outside agencies; provide a master deed; and comply with all staff memos prior to final approval by staff.

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New zoning districts for master plan

By Kevin Elliott

lans to introduce five new zoning districts into the city of Rochester's Master Plan were discussed by the city's planning commission on Wednesday, January 3.

The city's planning staff and planning commission have worked over the last year to create five new zoning districts that surround the downtown area. The new zoning districts are intended to play off of the proximity to the city's downtown area by expanding some types of retail, mixed use and other activities permitted surrounding the downtown area, which have historically been limited to other uses no longer considered a priority.

Each of the new districts were designed to maintain a focus on the downtown area, but also serve to support the area and the city as a whole. Plans to incorporate the districts into the city's master plan were discussed during the process. However, staff and planning commissioners have said all five districts would need to be completed prior to modification of the master plan.

Planning commissioners spelled out the process for updating the master plan at the planning commission meeting.

Following the approval and adoption of all five districts by city council, the city will follow 10 steps to incorporate the districts into the master plan. The first step will require drafting a new zoning map to be reviewed by council, staff, the planning commission and the city attorney. An annotated map showing the difference between the proposed zoning and previous zoning will be included. Under the process, each new district will include a memo describing each new district and the rationale for the changes.

The process also will include holding a town hall meeting to explain for the public what is happening, as well as the process. A public hearing will also be required to adopt the new zoning map.

Following the adoption of an updated zoning map that includes the new districts, a text amendment to the master plan would be needed.

That process also would require a public hearing and approval by city council.

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Fines increased for drug paraphernalia Individuals pleading guilty for illegal possession of drug paraphernalia in Rochester will face increased fines following approval on Monday, January 8, of an ordinance amendment by Rochester City Council.

Under the city's criminal ordinances, the penalty for possession of drug paraphernalia was set at a maximum of $100 for people pleading guilty to the crime. However, Oakland County District Court has a maximum penalty of $500.

When pleading guilty to the charge, the city is required to insert the maximum penalty for the court's benefit on the plea form, said Rochester City Attorney Jeffrey Kragt.

"The court has questioned why the Rochester ordinance is $100, whereas the other communities in the district have a maximum penalty of $500," Kragt said in a memo. "I did not have the history of that decision as most

misdemeanors have a maximum financial penalty of $500. While the court is not required to go to the maximum penalty when sentencing someone, having a cap of $100 for the fine has raised the attention of the court as it is unlike other municipal ordinances."

Kragt said he spoke with the Rochester Police Chief Steve Schettenhelm and they agreed that the maximum penalty could be supported by the typical $500 maximum.

Council voted 6-0 in favor of amending the ordinance with councilman Ben Giovanelli absent.

St. John’s plans for expansion, renovation Plans for a 29,000 square foot addition and a large renovation to the existing St. John's Lutheran Church and school building, located at 1011 W. University in Rochester, have been received by the city of Rochester for review.

DOWNTOWN

Rochester planning commissioners held a preliminary plan review at their meeting on Wednesday, January 3.

The preliminary plan is an opportunity to present the plan to the city and planning commission and receive feedback before submitting a formal site plan. The preliminary plan was received and reviewed by the city's planning consultant, said Vidya Krishnan, of McKenna Associates.

"We have reviewed a proposal from St. John's Lutheran Church to build a 29,000 square foot addition to the existing church and school building, and significantly renovate the existing building housing the school," she said in the review.

The site is located on the southwest corner of W. University and Helen Avenue. St. John's Lutheran Church was established in 1920, with the existing church constructed in 1950.

Included in the preliminary review was a list of 14 items the applicant is required to address prior to submitting a formal site plan. Those items include ingress and egress access drives; questions about a oneway traffic loop for drop-off and pickup of preschoolers; parking and driveways; sidewalks; lighting; landscaping; building materials; and signage.

A formal site plan is expected to be submitted and considered in the coming months.

Report details tree removal, replacement A bustling economy contributed to an active year in tree removal and replacements in 2017, according to a year-end report on forestry activity in Rochester, the city council was informed at their meeting on Monday, January 8.

"We had an active tree removal season, double the last few years," said Rochester Deputy City Manager Nik Banda, who oversees the city's tree program. "For the second year in a row, we had two instances where people illegally removed substantial (non-landmark) trees without permits, which resulted in fines being issued totaling $10,640."

The city's tree ordinance requires individuals or developers who wish to remove trees to seek approval from the city and obtain a permit. Large or significant trees that add to an area's character may be considered "landmark" trees, which have additional protections under the city's ordinance.

02.18

Childcare center concerns, approval

By Kevin Elliott

Banda said the illegal tree removals resulted in fines of $7,280 and $3,360. In both instances, he said the parties who removed the trees chose to pay the fines by replanting trees of that value on their site, and completed the work this past summer and fall.

Throughout 2017, the city issued 81 tree removal permits, resulting in the removal of 194 trees and 47 replacement trees. The others were permitted to be removed under the exemption portion of the city's ordinance, which doesn't require tree replacement. The city issued a total of 41 tree removal permits in 2016, with 70 trees removed and 13 replaced.

Banda said a strong economy has contributed to the uptick in tree removal/replacement activity, as the process is expensive and those seeking the actions typically wait until the work is feasible.

The city also denied the removal of two landmark trees in 2017, with the petitioners choosing not to appeal the decisions to city council, as permitted by ordinance. A third landmark tree removal request on Pine Street was denied by the city and appealed to city council, which subsequently denied the removal of that tree.

The Rochester Department of Public Works planted 32 trees within right-of-way locations, six trees in Memorial Grove in the Municipal Park, and one Memorial Tree purchased for the park by a private citizen.

Rochester Hills okays drain repairs Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, January 8, approved nearly $850,000 in repair work to the Hamilton Relief Drain, which discharges into the Clinton River and has led to significant soil erosion in the 700 block of River Bend Drive.

The drain is one of 26 Chapter 20 drains maintained by the Oakland County Water Resources Commission for the city, with Rochester Hills responsible for covering 92.63 percent of costs and Oakland County responsible for 7.37 percent of expenses.

Rochester Hills Director of Public Services Allan Schneck said the 8foot diameter outlet is located within a 20-foot easement in the 700 block of River Bend Drive prior to its downstream discharge into the Clinton River. However, soil erosion next to and under the pipe has

caused significant loss of stream bank, which could ultimately lead to loss of private property and damage to a home along the water's edge.

"At the beginning of 2017, this project came to light," Schneck said.

"There has been a continuous erosion issue with this particular drain, to the point where it needs immediate attention."

Erosion has also exposed the top of an existing 24-inch diameter sanitary sewer that is in the alignment of the drain. A portion of the existing sewer is planned for abandonment and 116-feet of new sewer relocated outside of the drain is included in the project.

The total budget for the project is $910,123 with the city responsible for $843,046.

Council unanimously approved the funding the project.

Interlocal agreement for OPC approved Rochester Hills City Council members on Monday, January 8, unanimously approved an amended and updated interlocal agreement among Rochester, Oakland Township, Rochester Hills and the Older Persons' Commission (OPC).

Renee Cortright, executive director of the OPC, told council members at the meeting that the purpose of the new agreement was to incorporate four separate agreements into one interlocal agreement amongst the four parties.

"Over the years, there have been discussions about having to look back at four different agreements is cumbersome," she said.

The agreement has been reviewed by legal representatives from each of the participating communities, with Rochester approving the agreement in November.

"No substantial changes are proposed, but two noteworthy clarifications are made," said Rochester Hills City Attorney John Staran. "First, a previously omitted reference to the office of "Treasurer" is being added to Article I, Section 4.

Second, paragraph D in Article V, Section 4 is being deleted to reflect that the OPC has its own bank account and no longer keeps its funds in Rochester Hills' accounts."

Other updated changes were made to keep the document current and incorporate amendments approved since the original agreement, which was approved in 1983.

ochester Hills City Council members met into the early morning hours on Tuesday, January 23, to hear residents' concerns about traffic and safety related to a proposed childcare center at Adams and Tienken roads.

The meeting, which started about 7 p.m. the previous evening, included about four hours of public comments from nearly 40 residents and discussion from city council members, city staff, the mayor, and the applicant for the project and his representatives.

The developer, Jeff Schmitz, of Rochester-based JS Capitol Group, is planning to build a 14,900-square-foot private school for early childhood education for approximately 162 students on about 1.6 acres of land at the southwest corner of Adams and Tienken.

The childcare center, Premier Academy, will be the second location for Schmitz since opening the first academy in Oakland Township in 2009.

A site plan and tree removal permit for the project was approved in late 2017 by the city's planning commission, which also recommended city council approve a conditional use for the academy, which is required for final approval as the facility is located in a residentially zoned district.

Rochester Hills Planning and Economic Development Director Sara Roediger said child care facilities are permitted in residential districts under a special use authorization. While she said the facility isn't a residential home dwelling, supporting residential uses are common and acceptable in residential districts, particularly at main intersections where a home may be undesirable.

Some residents living near the location asked city council to reject the special use permission, citing "horrendous" traffic conditions at the intersection and concerns for pedestrians and motorists. The location is in close proximity to Rochester Adams High School and Van Hoosen Middle School.

In addition to dozens of comments for and against the project, the city's planning department received more than 130 emails in favor of the project and 90 against. Several city council members also said they received hundreds of emails from residents regarding the project.

The intersection, which receives more than 30,000 vehicles per day, is not considered the most dangerous intersection in the city.

However, several at and near the location, including one that recently critically injured an Oakland County sheriff's deputy about 1,000 feet west of the intersection on Tienken, was the main cause for concern by residents. Several who spoke also said motorists commonly cut through adjacent subdivisions to avoid the intersection, which is prone to extensive backups.

A traffic study commissioned by the applicant determined the childcare facility would bring an additional 663 vehicle trips to the area each weekday, an increase of about two percent. To help alleviate traffic, the developer has agreed to make about a halfmillion dollars in road enhancements to the intersection, including extending a left-hand and right-hand turn lane on Adams.

Despite residents' concerns, city council approved the special use permit by a vote of 6-1, with councilwoman Jenny McCardell voting against.

Council president Mark Tisdel said the city's ordinance requires council to approve a special use request if the applicant meets all of the requirements in the ordinance. The city's planning commission had already determined the plan did meet those findings.

Longtime Rochester Hills resident Lee Zendel said while nobody likes traffic associated with new development, rejecting the request would probably result in litigation against the city.

"I moved out here in 1971. I beat most of you. I tried to close the door behind me so you wouldn't come, but you came," he said. "Not only did you come to Rochester Hills, you came to Shelby Township and Oakland Township... we got traffic, and we are going to get more traffic. That's all there is to it."

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Compensation for city council okayed

Churches in neighborhoods under review

By Kevin Elliott

By Kevin Elliott

Rochester City Council members on Monday, January 22, approved a compensation increase in the amount of money they receive per meeting, but limited the number of meetings for which they will get paid, reducing their overall pay per year.

The pay adjustment is the first taken by the city council in more than a decade. The city is required by ordinance to review the council's compensation every two years, which is done by a compensation commission.

Rochester City Manager Blaine Wing said the council's pay was set at $55 per meeting for council members and $60 for the mayor, with a maximum of 33 meetings per year.

Under the commission's recommendation, council members would receive $60 per meeting, while the mayor pro tem would receive $65 and the mayor $70, with the number of meetings they receive payment for capped at 24.

Council voted unanimously to accept the compensation commission's recommendation.

Under the new compensation structure, the maximum amount of payment to city council is reduced from $13,035 to $10,440. While the number of meetings for which council members receive payment was lowered, council will continue to meet for additional meetings in which they won't be paid.

Councilman Ben Giovanelli said council schedules 26 regular meetings per year, but that number doesn't include work sessions and special meetings council members are required to attend.

"I did the math once, with the amount of hours I put in it was about eight cents per hour or something like that, so we aren't talking about the national war debt here," Giovanelli said. "Although, our friends in the Hills get benefits. It's a pretty perky little thing over there."

Input on master plan sought by city officials Rochester Hills officials are seeking community input into its 2018 Master Plan, which serves as the city's long-range planning document to guide policy and downtownpublications.com

ochester Hills City Council on Monday, January 22, approved the introduction of several ordinance amendments, including a measure to increase requirements on churches and other places of worship within residentially-zoned neighborhoods.

Council in October first approved a temporary moratorium on converting residential dwellings into places of worship so the city's planning commission and staff could revisit zoning ordinances. The issue came on the heels of an approved site plan by the planning commission to renovate a 1,300 square-foot home at 1167 Brewster to accomodate Detroit Meeting Rooms.

That plan included using the building as a meeting room for a congregation of about 40 people, which included an additional parking lot. The plan raised concerns by planning commissioners that such conversions could be disruptive to neighbors in residential areas.

Following approval of the site plan, the commission requested city council adopt a temporary moratorium on the conversion of residential dwellings to places of worship to allow city staff and the planning commission time to study and recommend to city council possible ordinance changes to regulate the conversion of residential dwellings to places of worship.

Under the ordinance amendment introduced on January 22, which was unanimously approved by council, places of worship, libraries and museums would change from a permitted use to a conditional use in single-family districts. The amendment would allow such uses on roadways with a planned right-of-way of 120 feet or greater, instead of 86 feet, as currently prohibited.

Rochester Planning Manager Kristen Kapelanski said the proposed ordinance is similar to the way places of worship are treated in surrounding communities.

City council also approved the introduction of additional ordinance amendments related to on-site signage for proposed rezoning and conditional use requests; detached accessory structures; publicly-owned buildings and utilities; fences; and right-of-way requirements in order to comply with state law.

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decision-making about how land in the city will be used for housing, transportation, commerce and recreation.

The city is required to revisit the goals and objectives of previous plans to see if they still align with the collective vision of the city's future. The process also requires public input into that process. In order to encourage resident feedback, the city is using a variety of methods aimed at people of all ages.

Residents are encouraged to participate in a 10-minute survey at the city's website to share their thoughts and ideas. Survey responses will be collected now through the late spring of 2018. The survey is available at rochesterhills.org/masterplan or by hard copy at Rochester Hills City Hall.

The city also is seeking art and photos from residents.

PictureThis! is an online forum

which allows residents and business owners to share their ideas through pictures. Residents are encouraged to snap photos of places or locations they feel are worth preserving, in need of attention or something the city needs more of. Images may be submitted online at the city's master plan website.

Artwork from children, ages 5 to 18, in the form of drawing, photography or a poem featuring their favorite place in Rochester Hills, may also be submitted. One entry per child is allowed. Awards will be divided into categories by age, with winning entries included in the city's master plan.

In addition to volunteer submissions, the city will hold two community input workshops this spring. The events will be open to the public, with city staff, officials, and facilitators on hand to encourage participation. All information will be used in the development of the city's plan.

DOWNTOWN

Deck Art registration starts February 1 Rochester's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is reaching out to all artists to participate in the downtown Rochester Eighth Annual Skateboard Art Competition and Exhibition: Deck Art 2018.

Artists, from elementary school ages to adults, may participate by providing their own artwork on a blank skateboard deck. Winning pieces will be picked in each category by a panel of judges and prizes will be awarded. Categories include: elementary, middle school, high school, college and adult.

Registration for the event begins on Thursday, February 1, with the event schedule for May 10 and 11.

This year's event is expected to include as many as 50 local merchants, transforming Deck Art 2018 into a downtown Rochester crawl. Completed artwork will be displayed throughout participating restaurants and businesses for onlookers to enjoy.

Last year's Deck Art event drew over 500 artists from southeast Michigan, with former participants coming from local communities, as well as artists from Arizona, California, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Canada.

The DDA will host a Thursday Night Kickoff on May 10 and a Friday Night Crawl on May 11, both from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will include unique artwork, musical entertainment, kids activities and more, with additional details to be released in the future.

Registration for artists may be found online at downtownrochestermi.com.

Completed forms may be submitted to South Street Skateshop, 410 Main Street, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays through February; and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays after February.

A registration fee of $20 (plus tax) is good for one blank skateboard deck. Registration deadline is Friday, April 13.

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BUSINESS MATTERS FIGO comes to Rochester

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Stylists Rino and Kristina Marra have expanded their family-owned business with the opening of a new FIGO Salon, 130 E. Fourth Street, in Rochester. The salon, located in a completely renovated space previously occupied by Hair Unlimited, is the second offering from Marra, with the first FIGO located in downtown Birmingham. “After our extensive research, we are excited to find a FIGO home in Rochester because the community is a perfect fit for our business philosophy,” said co-owner Rino Marra. “The business bond in Rochester is demonstrated by the cooperation and love between the merchants. This is the type of business community we strive to participate,” co-owner Kristina Marra said. Since opening in Birmingham, Figo has participated in local charities, events and partnerships.

Supporting The Pink Fund, being the exclusive hair salon for the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders and DIA’s Fash Bash are a few of the couple’s involvements. Figo anticipates continuing those types of contributions in Rochester and surrounding neighborhoods, Marra said.

New artist’s market The Bizzy Buzz Artisan Market, 409 S. Main Street, in downtown Rochester, is set to open in March in the former Heller’s Jewelry location.

Pam and Ryan Walther are revamping the interior of the space for the first time in decades to offer customers locally-made artisan products, ranging from photography and jewelry to books and music.

Artisans and designers can rent space in the store for displays or fill out an artist application to have their products featured at the market.

Some of the featured artisans will include Detroit Shirt Co., Fiber Time, Flower Power, Healthy Body Investments, Link Wachler Jewelry, Nitty Gritty, NWSH Photography, Pink Parchment Soaps, Stoney Creek Glass, The Accidental Photographer, and Third Man Records. Pam Walther said the goal is to have a variety of artisans and creators with high quality offerings. “The artisans are basically using space to have their items displayed. They don’t have to be at the shop. We handle sales for them,” she said. “We’ve been going to a lot of arts and crafts festivals and finding artisans that way, and others from other markets. A lot like to be in different cities.” The new market is

housed in the former Heller’s Jewelry, which closed at the end of 2017 after 55-years of service. George Heller, who had run the business started by his father, has retained ownership of the building and said previously that the space would undergo a full renovation in 2018. “We are exposing the walls from the 1900s,” Pam Walther said. “The last update was in the 1970s. It’s amazing. Everyone is excited.”

More furniture offerings Art Van Furniture will be expanding its offerings in Rochester Hills in the second half of 2018, with the planned opening of an Art Van Furniture Center, 1100 S. Rochester Road, near Avon and Rochester roads. The new store will be located in the former KMart location, which closed at the end of 2014. Diane Charles, vice president of corporate communications for Art Van, said the 48,000-square-foot location will employ about 45 employees, with plans to retain the Art Van Flooring Center, 1850 S. Rochester Road, in Rochester Hills, and Art Van PureSleep, 1856 Rochester Road, in Rochester. “We recognize Rochester Hills as a premier market in southeast Michigan, and that our customers didn’t have a convenient location to shop near them,” she said.

“After searching the market for a number of years, we found an excellent location in the redevelopment project of the old Kmart. We are very excited to be opening soon in Rochester Hills.”

Tech expansion Locally-based T-Tech Solutions, S.Main, Suite 203A, in downtown Rochester, has expanded office locations from its Troy location on Big Beaver Road. The company offers business and technology solutions, including IT management, consulting services, web support and development, network and IT infrastructure, hosted and managed services, as well as staffing solutions.

T-Tech Solutions is headed up by president Tony Haddad, who has more than two decades of experience in the business.

New downtown shops Popular women’s clothing store, Lole, has moved its Rochester location to 404 S.Main Street, in downtown Rochester, from its former location, near Walton and Livernois. Owner Christina Gaskins said the store offers the same products as before,

dOWNTOWN

offering activewear inspired by well being. “We wanted to be part of all the events and all of the things downtown offers,” she said. “It’s been a great move. We have seen an increase in traffic. So far, we are extremely happy.” Gaskins opened the original franchise location in August of 2014. In addition to Lole Rochester, Gaskins has taken ownership of James & Olive, 43 Main Street, in downtown Rochester.

Originally opened in late 2008, the shop offers the latest fashion trends for boys and girls, ranging from functional to trendy, classic wear and over-the-top items. From suits and ties, to toys and gifts, James & Olive, formerly Green Baby, offers clothing and gifts for children, from newborns to about 6-years old.

Resort style day spa The Woodhouse Day Spa, 364 N. Adams, at the Village of Rochester Hills, is scheduled to open in mid- to late-February, bringing the second Woodhouse location to Michigan.

First launched in 2001, the new location will be the 56th franchise in the country, said Rochester Hills Woodhouse Day Spa owner Anju Brodbine. “It’s a perfect community for what we were looking for, in both space and community demographics,” she said. “There’s no other spa like ours. I thought it was a very good fit for us. There’s a lot of enthusiasm, and a lot of people are already calling to ask when we will open.” Unlike many salon-based spas, Brodbine said Woodhouse Day Spa recreates a resort style day spa, greeting clients with a signature scent upon arrival and creating an amazing experience until they leave.

That experience includes quiet rooms, herbal tea or infused spa water, heated neck wraps and a choice of over 70 rejuvenating spa treatments. The spa offers guests a variety of advanced body and skincare treatments, including Swedish, deep tissue and 80-minute volcanic hot stone massage, as well as facials, manicures and pedicures.

The Woodhouse Day Spa also features organic products, with seaweed cultivated from off the coast of Ireland and other natural items. “Ours is a high-end, luxury spa,” Brodbine said. “It’s all about the experience.”

Business Matters for the Rochester area are reported by Kevin Elliott. Send items for consideration to KevinElliott@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

02.18

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 Rochester area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

Rochester/Rochester Hills 112 Pizzeria Bistro: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2528 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.289.6164.

2941 Street Food: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 87 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4583.

Alex’s of Rochester: Italian, Greek, & American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.2288.

Antoniou’s Pizza: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 918 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.650.2200.

Avery’s Tavern: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2086 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.270.4030.

B Spot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

176 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.218.6001.

Bangkok Cuisine: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 727 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8841.

Bar Louie: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 1488 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307.

248.218.5114.

Bean and Leaf Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

439 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.1411.

Bigalora Wood Fire Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 8 or more. Liquor. 6810 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.

248.218.6230.

Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 3756 S. Rochester Road., Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.5540. Also 90 E. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.

248.601.7777.

Bologna Via Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

334 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.3300.

Buffalo Wild Wings: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1234 Walton Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3999.

Chadd’s Bistro: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 1838 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.293.0665.

Chapman House: French-American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. Liquor. 311 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. 48307.

248.759.4406.

Cheng’s Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2666 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.9450.

Chicken Shack: BBQ. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 213 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48307.

248.656.1100.

Chili’s: Tex-Mex. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2735 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.299.5281.

Chipotle Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2611 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills,

downtownpublications.com

48307. 248.402.0047. Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 84 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.402.0047.

Chomp Deli & Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

200 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

888.342.2497.

CJ Mahoney’s Sports Grille: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 3260 S. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.293.2800.

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

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600.

Clubhouse BFD (Beer-Food-Drink): American. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 2265 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.6093.

Culver's: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily No reservations. 92 E. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills, MI, 48307.

248.293.2200.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1418 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.266.6226.

Downtown Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 606 N. Main, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.6680.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 2972 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.606.4519.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries: American, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

2544 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.299.3483.

Georgio’s Pizza & Pasta: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Italian.

117 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.2882.

Gold Star Family Restaurant: American & Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 650 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.652.2478.

Golden Eagle: American. Lunch, Sunday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1447 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.6606.

Grand Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 12 Marketplace Circle, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.1350.

Half Day Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

3134 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.1330.

Hamlin Pub: American. Breakfast, Sundays. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1988 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.656.7700.

Hibachi House Bar & Grill: Japanese Steakhouse. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 335 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.266.6055.

Honey Tree Grille: Mediterranean.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2949 Crooks Road, Rochester, 48309. 248.237.0200.

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1186 W. University Drive, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3527.

Johnny Black Public House: American.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1711 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.606.4479.

Kabin Kruser’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. No reservations. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. 2552 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.844.8900.

King Garden: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner,

daily. No reservations. 1433 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.3333.

Krazy Greek Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 111 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.0089.

Kruse & Muer In the Village: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 134 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.2503.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9400.

Lebanese Grill: Lebanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2783 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4651.

Lino’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 50 W. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.

248.656.9002.

Lipuma’s Coney Island: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 621 N. Main Steet, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9862.

Lucky’s Prime Time: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations, weekdays. Liquor. 1330 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.656.8707.

Main Street Billiards: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.8441.

Main Street Deli: Deli. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, Thursday, Friday. No reservations. 709 N. Main Street, Rochester, MI 48307. 248.656.5066.

Mamma Mia Tuscan Grille: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 543 N. Main Street, Suite 311, Rochester, 48307. 248.402.0234.

Mezza Mediterranean Grille: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor at The Village location only. 1413 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.609.2121.

Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 188 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills.

248.375.5999.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 370 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.340.5900.

Mr. B’s Food and Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

423 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.6534.

Noodles & Company: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 184 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.375.5000.

North Shack: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 990 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.853.3366.

O’Connor’s Public House: Irish Pub. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537.

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200.

Olive Garden: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2615 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.6960.

Paint Creek Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 613 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.759.4205.

Panda Express: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3105 S.

DOWNTOWN

Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.9880.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 37 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.601.2050. Also 2921 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.853.5722. Also 2508 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.853.7430.

Park 600 Bar & Kitchen: American.

Weekend Brunch. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.2600.

Paul’s on Main: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 630 N. Main Sreet., Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0066.

Pei Wei: Asian Fusion. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1206 E. Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.1380.

Penn Station East Coast Subs: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

146. S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.4663.

Penny Black Grill & Tap: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

124 W. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.841.1522.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro: Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 122 N. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.923.7030.

Pudthai & Sushi: Thai & Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2964 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.6890.

Qdoba Mexican Grill: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1198 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.608.2603. Also 3014 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.3668.

Ram’s Horn: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1990 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.7900.

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037.

248.659.8267.

Red Knapp’s Dairy Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 304 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.4545.

Red Lobster: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2825 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.8090.

Red Olive: Mediterranean & American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1194 Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0300.

Rochester Bistro: American-Continental.

Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.923.2724.

Rochester Brunch House: American.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 301 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.1600.

Rochester Chop House: Steakhouse & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.2266.

Rochester Diner & Grill: American, Greek & Italian. Breakfast & Lunch, daily.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. 1416 E. Walton Blvd., Rochester Hill, 48309.

248.652.6737.

Rochester Mills Beer Co.: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 400 Water Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.650.5080.

Rochester Tap Room: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6870

39

N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306.

248.650.2500.

Sakura Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

6866 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.608.3867.

Shish Palace: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. 165 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5464.

Shogun: Japanese. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 173 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5386.

Silver Spoon Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.652.4500.

Soho: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2943 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.289.1179.

Sumo Sushi & Seafood: Japanese & Korean. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations, 24 hours in advance.

Liquor. 418 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.0104.

Tapper’s Pub: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 877 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.852.1983.

Tim Hortons: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 940 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.8292.

The Jagged Fork: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 188 N. Adams, Rochester Hills, 48306.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.759.4825.

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.453.5291.

Tropical Smoothie Café: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2913 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.852.4800.

Val's Polish Kitchen: Polish. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. 224 E. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.293.2660.

Wayback Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1256 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5746. Also 2595 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.2717.

Willoughby’s Beyond Juice: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 120 E. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.841.1670.

Troy 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.

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083.

248.619.9060.

Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098.

248.646.7900.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

40

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.

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

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.

2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084.

248.614.5390.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424.

Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.817.2980.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.792.3579.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only.

Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.9000.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor.

Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township.

248.642.4000.

Cafe Via: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.8800.

Cameron’s Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.1700.

Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch &

Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.

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

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420.

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.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations.

Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.792.9609.

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.

Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025.

248.723.7960.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.3122.

Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & 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.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.9123.

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 Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

The Stand: Euro-American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.4237.

DOWNTOWN

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241.

Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.

Vinotecca: European. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

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.

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.

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917.

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680.

Andiamo Restaurants: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 129 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.582.0999.

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.0082.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699.

Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 310 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.268.1621.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069.

248.544.2675.

D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.7400.v Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner,

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Not to b bee explained. exp explained . To be be exp experienced.

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.

Inn Season Cafe: Vegetarian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.547.7916.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.543.9500.

KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500.

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.591.5459.

Local Kitchen and Bar: American.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.291.5650.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300.

Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888.

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067.

248.607.3127.

Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.541.1186.

Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7300.

The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112.

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.4444.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

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Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334. 248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.851.8782.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, 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.

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.

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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.

The Root Restaurant & Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390.

248.698.2400.

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.7771.

DOWNTOWN

34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham

248.220.4237 Reservations Accepted thestandbistro.com th hestandbistro.com m

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.

Karmanos Cancer Institute Partners Night

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Sally Gerak Karmanos Cancer Institute Partners Night More than 300 Karmanos Cancer Institute supporters gathered at this year’s Partners Night at Brad Oleshansky’s M1 Concourse in Pontiac to drive out cancer, so to speak. (And some of them also took a ride around the track in one of the race cars parked in front of the large party tent. “I loved it,” Eleanor Gabrys said of the 116 mph ride, “...but then I have a heavy foot.”) Guests sipped, supped on the stroll, bid in a silent auction and bought raffle tickets for a pair of Shinola watches from Tapper’s Fine Jewelry. It was the 24th year the young professionals have raised funds to drive the future of cancer research. A highlight from the brief program was the video of stage 4 melanoma survivor David Long’s battle that included participation in two world-renowned Karmanos Phase I Clinical Trials funded with Partners support. Guests crowded the dance floor when DJ Captn20’s music started. The event generated nearly $500,000 to support the purchase of a Micro-PET/CT device. This brings the Partners fundraising total to more than $16 million since it was founded by Eunice Ring’s parents in memory of her sister Suzanne Korman who died of cancer at age 36.

The Community House SIP The energy at The Community House for the SIP event was palpable. Benefactors (75 @ $300) arrived early for a champagne reception and were joined a half hour later by 100 more ($225, $125 - YP). With the Dawn Giblin Quintet doing the background music, guests chose small plate selections created by some of the area’s best restaurants. Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon, who had paired the savory cuisine with wines, cocktails and beer, spoke briefly about her work, which she clearly loves. Some paused their supping to bid $10,000 for the foodie-focused 31 silent auction packages and more than 100 guests concluded the evening at the Zim’s Vodka After Hours party.

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1. Tom & Sanja Alongi of Troy. 2. Erik (left) & Andrea Morganroth and Alison & Brad Oleshansky of Birmingham.

3. Dr. Gerold Bepler (left) and Eleanor & Dick Gabrys of Bloomfield. 4. Mike (left) & Lori McInerney of Birmingham, Nancy & Bobby Schostak of Bloomfield. 5. Larry Wolfe (left) of Birmingham, Wally Schwartz of Sylvan Lake.

6. Joan & David Hefner of Birmingham. 7. Dr. Gerold Bepler (left) of Bloomfield, Dana & Bill Warg and Mona & Craig Schmatz of Birmingham. 8. Sue & Paul Nine of Bloomfield. 9. Rick & Debra Partrich of Bloomfield.

10. Katrina Studvent of Southfield and Dr. Gerold Bepler of Bloomfield.

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Holocaust Memorial Center Anniversary Nearly 1,200 people ($250 to $1,250 & way up tickets) attended the dinner at Congregation Shaarey Zedek celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus. It honored Sue and Nelson Hersh, who spoke passionately about the importance of Holocaust education. Each year Nelson volunteers in Poland where he hosts field trips to Auschwitz. Sue volunteers at her temple and provides support to children with disabilities. Award-winning journalist Ann Curry was the keynoter. She talked about her meetings with genocide survivors and the lasting impressions of their stories. Another highlight of the evening was a new, threeminute film about HMC’s critical work. It starred Holocaust survivor Paula Marks Bolton who was a prisoner at BergenBelsen when British soldiers liberated the concentration camp.

Funds raised at the dinner will support HMC’s many public tours, programs and exhibitions, as well as educational outreach to schools and community groups.

Ladies of Charity Luncheon Barb Celentino and Sandy Mackle chaired the Ladies of Charity luncheon that brought 170 ($55, $100-tickets) to the Somerset Inn for camaraderie, raffles and shopping for Mary Kay Cosmetics and Trends in Fashions. The latter also presented an informal fashion show during lunch. Many brought contributions

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DOWNTOWN

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for the LoC Christmas Basket project chaired by Katie Nienstedt, Meg Conroy, Lauren Brown and Lisa Stanczak. It provides food and presents to 145 at-risk families identified by nine social service agencies. The LoC members collect the provisions and pack the boxes for delivery by social workers. President Kathi Tauscher also thanked the members of the totally volunteer organization for their sustained contributions to the Clothes Closet for needy people it maintains.

SKY Foundation Annual Lunch Henry Ford Hospital oncology surgeon Dr. David Kwon and U-M Pancreatic Cancer Center researcher Howard Crawford, PhD, both had words of hope for the 300-plus people ($125 - $2,500 tickets) at the SKY Foundation ninth annual benefit lunch at the MGM Grand Hotel. Kwon suggested that evolving technologies could make pancreatic cancer a chronic disease. Crawford said, “(Sky Foundation grants) allow us to take risks...(and) high risk means high reward...I promise that you make a difference.”

Following their presentations, Chris Anslanian conducted a live auction of 10 items that raised $55,000 and then 125 people made pledges that were matched. Combined with the silent auction ($8,500) that was a pre-lunch diversion, the event grossed nearly $300,000 for research grants to find an early pancreatic cancer detection marker. Foundation founder Sheila Sky Kasselman is a 10-year survivor of the deadly disease.

JARC Fall Fundraiser The 37th annual entertainmentfocused benefit for an organization that serves people with developmental disabilities attracted more than 1,700 people ($100 - $5,000 tickets) to Orchestra Hall. The high energy British Rock Invasion show featured the DSO and singer Brody Dolyniuk. But the real reason most attended was revealed when “retired” Quicken Loans VP/interim JARC CEO/ board president David Carroll and chairs Dani Gillman and Ben Chutz spoke so convincingly about the high cost of fulfilling JARC’s mission to enrich lives and erase barriers. And in a video that showed gentle, loving caregivers and happy residents at home and on field trips.

Before the concert, 275 big check writers and Young Professionals convened in the CUBE for a strolling supper and more than 300 concertgoers returned there for a first downtownpublications.com

The Community House SIP

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1. Bill Seklar (left), Maggie Allesee and Ryan Polk of Bloomfield. 2. Madeline Triffon (center) of Southgate, Jean Jacques Fertel (left) and Mario Camaj of Rochester. 3. Dana Sorensen of Bloomfield and Grant Juth of Chicago, IL. 4. Weatherly Stroh (left) of Birmingham, Jim Adams and Sara & Rob Bordener of Bloomfield.

5. Susan Foley (left) and Noelle Schiffer of Birmingham, Katie Marinelli of Royal Oak. 6. Barbara Suhay (left) of Birmingham, Erin DiMarco of Bloomfield. 7. Dom DiMarco (left) and Robert Dempster of Bloomfield, Jim Suhay of Birmingham.

Ladies of Charity Luncheon

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1. Kathi Tauscher (left) of Troy, Barb Celentino and Sandy Mackle of Bloomfield. 2. Michele Martin (left) of Beverly Hills, Mary Jo Johnston and Susan Lamparter of Birmingham. 3. Mary Ann Kennedy (left) and Lee Kendell of Bloomfield and Marcia Moclia of Beverly Hills. 4. Mary Ann Harahan (left), Pat Ambrose and Marianne McBrearty of Bloomfield. 5. Martha Condit (left) of Bloomfield, Kay Perez of Canton.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK time afterglow. Thanks to a gazillion sponsors, , the annual event raised $1.2-million.

SKY Foundation Annual Lunch

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1. Mary Beth Castorri (left) and foundation founder Sheila Kasselman of W. Bloomfield.

2. Scott (left) & Lauren Eaton, and Wendy Farner and Kelly Gurman of Bloomfield. 3. Suzi (left) & Bruce Gershenson of Franklin, Jean Dubin and Nancy & Mitch Kantor of Bloomfield.

4. Joan Stanton of Bloomfield. 5. Janice Steinhardt (left) of Birmingham, Cis Kellman of Southfield.

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JARC Fall Fundraiser

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1. Dani Gillman & Ben Chutz of Bloomfield. 2. Todd (left) & Lauren Horner of Bloomfield, Judy & Jack Horner of Rochester Hills. 3. Margaret Pehrson (left) of Rochester Hills, Beth Shobe of Bloomfield. 4. David, Lauren & Michelle Carroll of W. Bloomfield.

Oakland Literacy Council Ex Libris Dinner

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1. Julie Hoensheid (left) of Rochester Hills, Russell Moore of Rochester, Sarah Miller of Romeo. 2. Barbara Van Dusen of Birmingham, Robert Gaylor of Rochester Hills. 3. Lisa Machesky (left) of Birmingham, Jose Arenas and George Zak of Novi. 4. Judy Juneau (left) and Harry & Bonnie Manza of Bloomfield. 5. Don & Camille Breen of Bloomfield. 6. Tom & Ruby Weidner of Birmingham. 7. Mary Rosenbusch (left) of Rochester, Ralph Tenant of Royal Oak, Sharon Frost of Bloomfield. 8. Julie Sikorski (left), Jeri Doroshewitz, Dawn Danaoski and Toni McConnell of Rochester.

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Beyond Basics Fall Event Paddy Lynch’s historic Detroit home was the setting for Beyond Basic’s annual champions of literacy celebration. One hundred supporters ($150 & $300 tickets) were on hand for board member Jack Krasula’s presentation of the 2017 Partner of the Year award to UHY LLP for its team members’ mentoring activities and for the CPA firm’s donations to BB’s Caring for Kids program. UHY principal Loni Winkler accepted the award on behalf of Gordon Follmer.

“We are...thankful for the opportunity to help make a difference in so many children’s lives,” she said. Board president Jack Aronson presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Royal Oak resident Mary Dunn, She described the thrill that came when a student, whose first three sessions had ended in tears the previous year, ran down the hallway to announce that she was on the honor roll. BB founder Pam Good noted that the longtime volunteer recently became a full time BB tutor. “...(Mary’s) dedication to our students and our mission shines through every interaction,” said Good. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the evening raised $40,000 to help the non-profit literacy program change children’s lives by achieving grade level reading skills in six weeks.

Oakland Literacy Council Ex Libris Dinner Speaking of literacy, the non-profit that teaches adults to read free of charge staged its 28th annual fundraising dinner at the Village Club.

President Judy Lindstrom arrived late but in time to thank the 95 supporters ($125, $175 tickets) with a Voltaire quote: “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” It certainly applied to OLC tutor George Zak, whose pupil Jose Arenas did not speak English when he arrived here in 2014. “I found a new life here...and a new family,” Arenas said, his voice filled with emotion as he described his friendship with his tutor and the development of a new career as “...the happiest, most underpaid chef.”

Retired educator Russell Moore also conducted an interesting interview with author Sarah Miller, whose books bring history to life. Thanks to sponsors, the worthwhile evening raised $38,600 to help the council equip adults with skills and confidence.

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Women of Bloomfield Gala More than 100 WoB members and their friends ($80 tickets) gathered at Oakland Hills Country Club for the Moonlight and Magic party chaired by Sharon Ulmer and Jacqueline Kendall and sponsored by Bill and Dee Sidelko. They socialized, bought lots of silent auction items and copies of the WoB newly-published cookbook, and savored dinner at tables with centerpieces created by Patti Hughet, Linda Kisic and Beverly Schine. Representatives from CARE House and SCAMP briefly described their missions and thanked all for their yearlong support. The event raised $15,000.

The organization has been providing friendship and philanthropy for 32 years.

Brave Knight Benefit The enthusiasm level was high at Pine Lake Country Club when 320 ($175 ticket) Courage for Cures Foundation supporters partied there to fundraise for pediatric brain tumor research. Life size display boards of six young people diagnosed with a form of the disease stood at the entrance to the party. Only one of them - Sam Kell - is still alive. “Sam is one of our success stories,” guest speaker Michigan Medicine’s Dr. Carl Koschmann said of the Rochester teen, one of his Precision Therapy patients. The death of another – 5year-old Julian Boivin – inspired his parents Brad and Nettie Boivin to establish the foundation “...to rally support and make change happen,” Nettie said after admitting, oh so understandingly, “We wanted revenge (on the deadly disease).”

Memories of the evening that linger: Mitch Albom’s powerful video message of the unsuccessful, 23month long search for a brain tumor cure for the Haitian orphan he and his wife embraced; MSU loyalist Brad’s report of “an old man at the back of the room” who said he would match funds pledged at the party. (The old man was Michigan Regent Ron Weiser and the foundation sent $50,000 for matching to his pediatric brain cancer research initiative at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.) Raffles ($11,795), auctions and generous sponsors enabled the 7th annual Brave Knight Benefit to raise $125,000 for pediatric brain tumor research.

Baldwin Library Books & Bites In honor of Baldwin Library’s 90th birthday its annual fundraiser had a speakeasy spin this year. In fact, 13 of the 218 guests aged 90 and over got in downtownpublications.com

Women of Bloomfield Gala

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1. Sydrena & Irwin Epstein of Bloomfield. 2. Nahat & Tony Zakaria of Bloomfield.

3. Jeffrey Van Dorn of Birmingham, Sue Winowicki and Frede Baldin of Bloomfield.

4. Jim O’Connor and Carolyn Steffen of Birmingham. 5. Gary Familian (left) and Terry Stacy of W. Bloomfield, Christa & Gary Hintz of Bloomfield.

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Brave Knight Benefit

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1. Brad (left) & Nettie Boivin of Bloomfield, Dr. Carl Koschmann of Ann Arbor. 2. Dan Morse (left) and Pat Lowman of Bloomfield. 3. Mary Winter (left) of Birmingham, Kelly Griffin and Erica Kives of Bloomfield. 4. Jay & Wendy Farner of Bloomfield. 5. Menka Voss (left) of Beverly Hills, Adam & Kristen Croff of Bloomfield. 6. Ted Morgan (left) of Bloomfield, Jeff Kucab of Beverly Hills, Gary Gloria of Bloomfield, Andy Yakina of Birmingham. 7. Kristine (left) & John Garity of Rochester, Shannon Anderson of Birmingham. 8. Joe Cueter (left) and Jessica Snooks of Birmingham, Kyle C Smith of St. Clair Shores.

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Baldwin Library Books & Bites

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1. Janelle Boyce (left) and Jenny Wheeler of Birmingham. 2. Doug Koschik (left) of Ferndale, Missy Mark and Jim Suhay of Birmingham. 3. Carol Marshall of Bloomfield. 4. Linda Buchanan (left) and Pat Andrews of Birmingham. 5. Pat Olson (left), Jane McKee and Ann Steglish of Birmingham.

DOWNTOWN

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK free. Many, women especially, gussied up in Roaring Twenties accents to socialize, sip, sup, shop a chance raffle (16 winners) and play casino games with background jazz by musicians from the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra. Janelle Boyce and Jennifer Wheeler chaired the festivities that raised $20,000 for the Youth Room expansion.

Birmingham Panhellenic Alumnae

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1. Carolyn Plsek (left) of Bloomfield, Anne Hammond of Beverly Hills and Cheryl Noonan of Troy. 2. Mary Baumgarten (left) of Commerce, Sharon Moore of Bloomfield. 3. Staci Skoog (left) of Royal Oak, Kappa Alpha Thetas Lou Simpson and Jane Bowman of Birmingham.

Salvation Army Sing-A-Long

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1. Lidijia Grahovac (left) of Bloomfield, Tom & Diane Schoenith of Grosse Pointe. 2. Dick (left) & Jane Manoogian of Grosse Pointe, Kim & Paul W. Smith of Bloomfield. 3. Betty Bright (right) of Bloomfield, Dr. Lourdes Andaya of Grosse Pointe, Rosemary Bannon of Beverly Hills.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Celebration

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1. Iris & Sheldon Yellin of Bloomfield. 2. Jordan (left) & Lauren Yellin of Birmingham, Sissy & Brandon Yellin of Bloomfield. 3. Anibal (left) & Vilma Drelichman and Dr. Ernie & Elana Drelichman of Orchard Lake. 4. Carol Roberts (left) of Solana Beach, CA, Tracey Pierce of Ann Arbor. 5. Howard Young (center) of Farmington Hills and Shel (left) and Harriett Fuller of Bloomfield. 6. Jeannie Dubin (left) and Nanci Kantor of Bloomfield. 7. Dr. Manny Sklar, 92, of Franklin, Elayne Galin of Beverly Hills.

8. Jeff & Karen Schoenberg of Birmingham.

DOWNTOWN

Birmingham Panhellenic Alumnae Local sorority alumnae groups comprise an association that provides financial awards for high school girls’ extracurricular pursuits. This year, the luncheon that raises the funds for those awards was chaired by Anne Hammond and Cheryl Noonan. It attracted 100 sorority alums ($45, $60, $80 tickets) to the Birmingham Country Club where 19 national sororities answered the roll call.

Guests paid $1,200 for gift baskets assembled by the 10 member sorority groups, applauded 50-plus-year members and paid rapt attention to a fun fashion show that depicted 10 decades of fashions and automobiles.

It was presented with entertaining commentary by Lynn Anderson.

Salvation Army Sing-A-Long The Salvation Army musicians and the solicitous door man that greeted arrivals at the London Chop House lent an anticipatory aura as more than 100 people ($250 & up donation) convened at the Congress Street restaurant one noon before the holidays. The Salvation Army fundraiser, which originated in the ‘80s, was revived by the Schoenith and Gatzaros families after the later bought it a few years ago. WJR’s Paul W. Smith emceed the festivities.

Highlights included: impeccable service of luncheon cuisine; a toast to the late Dale Austin; the great singing of Birmingham surgeon Carl Pesta, who joined Nicole New on the stage; Tom Schoenith giving lottery tickets to all guests. (Only one was a winner and, of course, it was given over to the Salvation Army.) Tom also recalled that 50 years ago he gave Diane an engagement ring at the restaurant. More than $61,000 was raised for the Metro Detroit 2017 Red Kettle fundraising goal of $7.85 million.

Rochester Garden Club Greens Market The Rochester Garden Club’s 71st annual Greens Market attracted hundreds of shoppers to the Rochester Schools Administration Center to buy arrangements, fresh greens, hand crafted gifts and homemade 02.18

delicacies. The three-day event, chaired by Pat Hambleton, Nancy Flasck, Jane Giblin, Colleen Dykstra and Sally Edwards, raised about $20,000 for the club’s service projects. These include the Van Hoosen Farms Children’s Garden, prekindergartener gardening lessons and spring plantings in public spaces around the community. The club always welcomes new members.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Celebration The images of two passionate “mama bears” and two compassionate physicians dominate this reporter’s memory of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation 50th anniversary celebration. Honoree Iris Yellen and Mission Moment speaker Carol Roberts are the protective mothers.

Each had a child with the disease and each “...had to do something,” as Roberts said. (In 1973 she established the Michigan chapter, now one of more than 250, volunteer-led chapters nationwide.) In his remarks as keynote speaker, Yellen’s husband Sheldon described her tenacious fundraising for inflammatory bowel disease research. The physicians – 92year old Dr. Manny Sklar, the Michigan chapter physician founder, and Dr. Ernie Drelichman, the 2017 Lifetime Achievement awardee – both spoke earnestly about the privilege of caring for the whole person like they are family. “(Dr.D) is an extraordinary doctor...a mom’s best friend...who answers every question and understands a mom’s worry,” Iris said.

All speakers got standing applause from the 550 supporters ($150 & up tickets) at the Royal Oak Emagine Theatre where they were also celebrating the Michigan Chapter’s 40th annual Evening at the Movies.

Before the program emceed by Fox 2’s Lee Thomas, they socialized, sipped and made strolling dinner selections.

After the program, many went to the movies. The annual fundraiser raised an all time high of more than $255,000.

Mistletoe Marketplace Kerri Vizena chaired the 14th version of the Assistance League of Southeast Michigan’s major fundraiser which attracted 720 supporters ($85, $100 tickets) to a new venue – Troy’s San Marino Club. It provided convenient access and comfortable space for the preluncheon diversions. These included a silent auction of 50-plus items, displays by 23 boutique vendors who offered a wide variety of appealing merchandise, raffles and a mini downtownpublications.com

Mistletoe Marketplace

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1. Rosemary Dirksen, Kerri Vizena and Karen Rutherford of Rochester Hills.

2. Joanne Brown of Bloomfield. 3. Nancy Devore (left) of Shelby Twp., Cindy Cirar of Rochester and Sue Hannant of Caldonia. 4. Beverly Klein (left) of Bloomfield, Violet Cholakian of Troy. 5. Merle Turner (left) of Bloomfield and Karen Fleury of Rochester. 6. Katie Dirksen (left) of Bloomfield, Jennifer Dirksen and Laura Connelly of Rochester Hills. 7. Vincetta Nicosia (left) of Rochester Hills, Sandy Demery of Bloomfield. 8. Betty Zych (left) of Rochester Hills and Lorraine Taliercio with Sally Mangold of Rochester and Mary Jo Byrd of Shelby Twp.

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FAR Friends and Fa-La-La

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1. Ryan Husaynu (left) of W. Bloomfield, Ted Lindsay of Rochester, past board chair Mike Brennan (left) of Birmingham. 2. Scott Baumgartner (left) and Heather Dell of Rochester Hills and Rita Norkiewicz of Ferndale, Julie Elwart of Macomb. 3. Dan & Ronnie O’Hara of Bloomfield. 4. Catalina Mendoza (left) and Steve Acho of W. Bloomfield, Pamela Ayres and her son Christian Wohler of Bloomfield. 5. Kim (left) & Frank Campanal of Orchard Lake, Brandy Lee of Bloomfield. 6. Blake Lindsay (left) of Rochester, Lew LaPaugh of Rochester Hills, Mary & Dave Floore of Sterling Hgts.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK edition of the league’s own, up-scale, ReSale Connection Shop. Highlights of the luncheon program included president Rosemary Dirksen’s welcome, honorary chair Monica Gayle’s moving description of the league’s School Belle project and the league’s Make a Difference video. It captures the hands on activities of the 300-plus members of the all-volunteer organization that clothes, feeds, educates and comforts infants, children and adults in southeast Michigan. The popular event raised more than $115,000 for the Assistance League.

Preservation Bloomfield Luncheon

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1. Carol Shaya (left), Sue Nine and Mia Materka of Bloomfield. 2. Betty Bright of Bloomfield.

3. Mavis Kuo of Bloomfield. 4. Lidija Dorkin-Grahova (left) and Michael Dul of Bloomfield, Contessa Bannon of Beverly Hills. 5. Patti Jessup and Linda Holland of Bloomfield. 6. Joan Gaston (left) and Jan Roncelli of Bloomfield. 7. Cheryl Hall-Lindsay (left) of W. Bloomfield, Marie Brigstock of Bloomfield.

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SOS Dancing with Detroit Stars

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1. Tim (left) & Marcie Rice of W. Bloomfield and Jennie & Bill Cook of Birmingham. 2. Jeff & Dr. Joelle Abood of Bloomfield. 3. Elizabeth Cook (center) of Beverly Hills, Tony & Jennifer Cook of Bloomfield. 4. Ryan Hertz (left) of Huntington Woods, Mike Moran of Bloomfield, Bill Cook of Birmingham. 5. Monica DelSignore and John Akouri of Bloomfield. 6. Dan & Chris Klep of Rochester. 7. Kris Smith (left) and Ana Patel of Birmingham.

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FAR Friends and Fa-La-La The annual show that stars participants in FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation kicked off with a PreGlow supper reception for 155 guests ($150 ticket). They sipped, socialized and savored cuisine by FAR advisory board member Annabel Cohen before joining 500 more fans ($75) for the Be Inspired show in the Seligman Performing Arts Center at Detroit Country Day School. Highlights included emcee Alan Lee’s banter; the FAR artists’ artwork enlarged as the stage backdrops; the performers and their bows to thunderous applause; and the presentation of three awards. The Ted Lindsay Foundation for Autism, singer Steve Acho and volunteer Dale Hollandsworth were honored for exceptional support of FAR’s programs. The high fives and lots of happy smiles dominated the dessert afterglow. The 17th annual production raised $115,000 for the non-profit that provides creative arts and recreation therapy to people with special needs.

Preservation Bloomfield Luncheon More than 100 attended the Friends of Preservation Bloomfield’s British-accented luncheon at Pine Lake Country Club. Creators included Contessa and Rosemary Bannon; Ginny Bennett, Barbara Balow, Sueann Schellig and Barbara Suhay; Kathy Dalton; Klaren Gerhart; Pat Hardy and Molly Robinson; Patti Jessup; Joanne Cherney and Judy Kelliher; Joyce Koreman; Mavis Kuo; Sue Nine; Carol Shaya and Cynthia Von Oeyen. Culinary highlights included scones, cucumber salad, cottage pie and English trifle.

Preservation Bloomfield president Michael Dul revealed that he is devoted to the organization because, as a landscape architect, the only time he usually sees the man client is for the first conference. After that the wives’ ideas rule. He also noted that 02.18

five men volunteers recently shared a pioneer-style dinner by candlelight in the Craig Log Cabin and news that the organization has raised $1 million-plus in 10 years. Erin Schweibold was the lucky winner of the Queen for a Day package.

SOS Dancing with Detroit Stars The annual South Oakland Shelter benefit attracted 280 ($200, $250 ticket) to the Townsend Hotel for an evening of splendid small plate cuisine, cocktails, silent auction bidding ($15,683), Mission Appeal pledging ($23,425) and ballroom dancing. Although the evening’s basic plan has not changed since the event launched nine years ago, the latest rendition set new standards for its marvelous menu. It also included for the first time online dollar pledging in the name of one’s fav contestant from among the good sports who practiced for months at the Arthur Murray Dance studio. These included Chef Bobby Nahra, Marla Govan, Barbara Bloink, Brenda M Orlando and Dan Colombo, Catherine Badalamente and Eric Fadie.

Together they raised $63,436 with Fadie topping all at $26,670. When the dance competition concluded, Badalamente and Jason Walters won the judges’ trophy. But local homeless families are the true winners because, thanks also to generous sponsors, the evening raised an event record of $172,594.

Walsh College Leadership Awards More than 300 Walsh College boosters attended the Leadership Awards Dinner at the MGM Grand. WDIV’s Steve Garagiola emceed the program in which ITC Holdings’ Linda Apsey and Deloitte’s Mark Davidoff, retired McDonald VP Gerald Schafer and, posthumously, Thomas McNulty, were honored. Thanks to generous sponsors, the event raised $145,000 for scholarships at the 95-year-old college which offers 16 business and related technology bachelor and master degrees.

Women’s Division Project HOPE Luncheon & Boutique Sue Nine and Maggie Allesee chaired the annual event that brought 110 Project HOPE supporters ($75, $100, $150 tickets) to Oakland Hills Country Club.

Before lunch they socialized, shopped the wares of 19 vendors coordinated by Linda Juracek-Lipa, Bettina Gregg and Sherry Saginaw and bid $1,835 in a silent auction. The highlight of the luncheon program which president Susan Willis-Reickert emceed was Project HOPE’s Wendy Kedzierski’s expression of gratitude from the Virginia headquarters of the international health agency.

Walsh College Leadership Awards

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5 4 1. Marsha Kelliher (left) of Rochester Hills, Lou Schmidt of Birmingham.

2. Betty Chu (left) and Navot Shoresh of Bloomfield. 3. Susan Foley (left) and Karen Cresap of Birmingham. 4. Rick (left) & Sue DiBartolomeo and Audrey Olmstead of Troy, Barbara Mahone of Birmingham. 5. Michael & Courtney Plotzke of Bloomfield. 6. Chris (left) & John Stout of Royal Oak, Diane & Dick Aginian of Birmingham.

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Women’s Division Project HOPE Luncheon & Boutique

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1 Ronald McDonald House Tea The Ronald McDonald House of Detroit’s 10th Annual Winter Tea chaired by board member Charlene Mitchell-Rodgers attracted 85 supporters ($65- adults, $25-child ticket) to the Renaissance Marriott. The event featured a silent auction ($2,200), fashion show by Elite Couture and entertainment by jazz singer Kimmie Horne and her quartet. WDIV’s Tati Amare and WXYX’s Stephen Clark emceed the event and child with special medical needs. The event netted more than $7,000 for the House’s hospitality to families of sick children.

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. downtownpublications.com

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1. Rosemary Bannon (center) of Beverly Hills, Julie Oldani (left) and Susan Willis–Reickert of Bloomfield. 2. Connie Hogan (left) and Sue Nine of Bloomfield.

3. Maggie Allesee (left) of Bloomfield, Wendy Kedzierski of Millwood, VA, Karen Sterzick of Saline. 4. Cheryl Hall Lindsay (left) of W. Bloomfield, Marie Brigstock, Anita Terry and Judie Sherman of Bloomfield. 5. Tina Prevas (left) and Carol Lowman of Bloomfield, Linda Juracek-Lipa of Birmingham. 6. Carrie Hall (left) of Shelby Twp., Lauren Bennett of Birmingham.

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ENDNOTE

Keeping bad cops from getting hired new state law that went into effect on Monday, January 15, requiring law enforcement agencies to share a record of an officer's misconduct before being hired at another department could help stop bad cops from shuffling around the state, but it lacks enforcement aspects to ensure the law will actually be followed.

The Law Enforcement Officer Separation of Service Record Act imposes new requirements on law enforcement agencies when hiring officers with previous experience. Key requirements include mandatory record keeping by departments regarding the circumstances and reasons for reprimands and why an officer leaves the agency, or separation of service record. The law also prohibits departments from hiring prospective officers without receiving a separation of service record from previous employing agencies. It also provides protection to agencies in sharing confidential employment information with other departments.

The law, which was introduced by a former Eaton County sheriff and current state Senator, received strong support from law enforcement agency directors in the state, is intended to keep officers accused of misconduct from leaving a department and getting hired at a new agency without knowledge of his or her history – thereby becoming “gypsy cops,” taking their bad behavior with them.

Prior to the law's passage, many law enforcement agencies sharing employment records could face lawsuits from former

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employees who didn't authorize such records to be shared. The new law requires officers to sign a waiver allowing prospective agencies to contact former employing agencies and seek a copy of the officer's separation of service record, and it gives immunity to departments sharing that information.

The new law also eliminates an incentive for law enforcement agencies to allow problematic cops to quit when faced with misconduct that would otherwise end in their termination – a process that may avoid costly arbitration between the department and officers with strong union protections, and one that simply passes bad cops onto new communities, rather than ensuring their removal from the profession.

Under the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Act, which governs the licensure of law enforcement officers and the requirements for law enforcement agencies that employ them, an agency is already required to maintain employment records. Those records are also required to be shared with the MCOLES Commission. However, there is no requirement to share that information with law enforcement agencies in the state. Instead, it is only required to maintain records in relation to an officer's license, which may be revoked for certain criminal offenses or personal protection orders.

While the new law requires the sharing of records amongst law enforcement agencies in the state, it lacks the teeth to ensure such requirements will be followed. Nor does the law require further disclosure by MCOLES, which in

itself isn't a law enforcement agency. Such measures would go a long way in ensuring that law enforcement agencies looking to hire experienced officers are getting the most accurate information available.

Although we believe the majority of law enforcement officers and agencies that hire them have best intentions in mind, the occupation is no more immune to bad actors than any other field. However, police misconduct, unlike that in most other fields, can have a serious and harmful impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. Police misconduct can result in the loss of a person's property, liberty, reputation or life. In some cases, an officer who has repeatedly been accused of a violation, such as excessive force, can resign before being disciplined or terminated, and find work with another law enforcement agency while retaining his or her licensure. While the new law is designed to reduce such instances, providing a means to enforce the law will ensure the effectiveness of such measures. And we’re not sure there is a mechanism to accomplish that.

Lastly, we implore local law enforcement agencies to keep accurate and thorough employment records and separation of service records and clear policy rules and regulations, as the new law may result in additional arbitration from officers accused of wrongdoing.

Doing so will hopefully help keep down the cost of litigation, as well as ensure the law is targeting truly bad actors, and not punish employees who are simply a bad fit for specific agencies.

Council compensation recognizes service recent vote by Rochester City Council members to approve a slight raise in the pay they receive for serving on that city's governing board raises the issue of what is appropriate and adequate compensation for local city councils and commissions.

Council members in Rochester approved a $5 increase in per meeting pay for themselves, as well as a $10 increase for the mayor and mayor pro tem. The increase was recommended by the city's compensation commission, which is tasked with evaluating city council pay every two years, and amounts to $1,440 for regular council members, and a bit more for those with special titles and duties. And while the change was dubbed the first increase in at least a decade, council members will actually see a decrease in their annual compensation, as the number of meetings they will get paid for was lowered from 33 to 24.

While most local governing board members consider their position one of voluntary service, payment for their time is appropriate, albeit far from even across the county. For instance,

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Birmingham City Commission members receive just $5 per meeting. Considering the amount of time, effort and research council members are required to put into their positions, compensation serves as recognition for their service. An appropriate compensation that comes at the recommendation of an independent committee also lends credibility to that service and payment for it.

While $5 per meeting seems woefully inadequate to us, pension benefits provided to city council members in Rochester Hills could have others scratching their heads, as well.

In August of 2017, Rochester Hills City Council members approved a $10 increase in each meeting they attend in excess of 32 meetings, bringing that total to $70. The increase – the first since 2005 – was recommended by the city's Human Resources Technical Review Committee, which reviews compensation for council annually, per the city's charter. The per meeting pay is in addition to an annual base salary of $6,577.43 for council members and $8,350.48 for the council

president. Base salary amounts in Rochester Hills have been the same since 2001.

In addition to base salaries, Rochester Hills council members also receive an added pension benefit in the form of a 401a Plan, with a 12percent city contribution; after-tax voluntary employee contributions up to 12 percent; 36month vesting for city contributions.

While base salaries in Rochester Hills are significantly higher than some other communities, they aren't necessarily out of line with some other communities in Oakland County with similar populations. Nor do we intend to cast aspersions on sitting council members, many who voiced reservations about accepting even a slight increase at the behest of city staff.

We do, however, question the appropriateness of benefit packages that are typically reserved for full-time employees of a municipality. While such benefits serve more as a gesture of good will than a significant expenditure on the city's behalf, on the surface it may give the appearance of excessive pay for what most consider a voluntary position.

ONLY 7 LOTS RE M AIN!

B L O O M F I E L D H U N T C L U B E S T A T E S . C O M

It’s time to seize the best in life by embracing a home, a declaration that you have arrived. Before it’s too late – make the move, take the jump and surprise yourself – don’t accept compromise.

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9 1.25 Acres $995,000

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7 1.07 Acres $895,000

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23 1.09 Acres $995,000

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5 1.09 Acres $995,000 4 1.09 Acres $795,000

✓ ✓ 1 1.22 Acres $695,000

✓ Lot Sold • • • •

SURVEY STAKES POSTED

FEATURES AND AMENITIES Only 7 lots remain Gated community Bloomfield Hills schools Customize a plan and start today

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Work directly with your own architect, designer or builder Included: Bloomfield Open Hunt Club membership

For a personal tour of available property or for more information regarding Bloomfield Hunt Club Estates, contact us at 248.644.7600 or visit our website www.bloomfieldhuntclubestates.com.

Selling more homes over $1,000,000 than our closest competitors.

Total sales volume all residential and condo sales: $1,000,000+

250

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19.2%

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$ in Millions

Mkt 13.8%

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100 Mkt 9.0%

Mkt 8.7%

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50

Mkt 4.8%

Mkt 2.9%

25 Mkt 2.1%

Mkt 1.9% Mkt 1.7%

Mkt 1.7%

Keller Williams Advantage

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Northville

0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham

Keller Williams Domain Birmingham

Hall & Hunter Birmingham

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Birmingham

Max Broock Realtors® Bloomfield Hills

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Hwwb

Shain Park Realtors®

This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd and actual sales. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 1/17/18

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248.644.7000