Downtown Rochester/Rochester Hills

J. MARCH: PAGE 53 • SOCIAL LIGHTS: PAGE 56 • FRONT/BACK: PAGE 50

DOWNTOWN R O C H E S T E R

•

R O C H E S T E R

H I L L S

MARCH 2016

LEAD THREAT

IN LOCAL COMMUNITY THE STORY ABOUT THE LONG BATTLE TO RID MORE THAN JUST WATER OF THIS TOXIN THE PIPELINE QUAGMIRE: OUT OF SIGHT BUT NOT MIND SHARED ECONOMY HITS HOME: AIRBNB IN YOUR LOCALE NEW THIS ISSUE: OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS/GOSSIP COLUMN ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

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30

MKT 9.7%

Market Share Totals

28

Total $ Volume (by office) All Price Ranges

25 22

List $ Sell $ MKT 4.0%

MKT 3.9%

MKT 3.4%

MKT 3.1%

MKT 3.0%

MKT 2.8%

MKT 2.7%

18

MKT 2.7%

$ in Millions

MKT 4.5%

MKT 8.3%

Market Share Totals Total $ Volume (by office) Price above $500,000

MKT 7.8% MKT 6.1%

MKT 6.0% MKT 5.1%

15

MKT 3.9%

12

MKT 3.8%

10

MKT 3.3%

MKT 3.1%

MKT 2.9%

8 5 2

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OPPORTUNITY

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DOWNTOWN03.16

18

What's below the surface: hazardous pipelines in Oakland Four interstate hazardous liquid transmission pipelines bisect Oakland County. One carrying ethane – a hazardous gas in liquid form – cuts through Rochester and Rochester Hills. Just how safe are residents?

FROM THE PUBLISHER

10

Quick notes on what factors led to the suburban sprawl that engulfed the metro Detroit area and continues to this day as Oakland County celebrates the announcement that $1 billion will be spent on the expansion of the I-75 expressway.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

15

We unveil in this issue a periodic gossip/news column about politics and government in Oakland County, starting with the latest info on what may take place on the local campaign front during 2016.

CRIME LOCATOR

17

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

MUNICIPAL

42

Stonecrest project moving forward; Rochester lawsuit over building continues on appeal; Clinton River Trail route temporarily rerouted; Hamlin Road lawsuit repair bills mount; park master plan approved; Rochester College plans field house; plus more.

FRONT/BACK

50

Katie Deska gives us the the latest on what’s happening in the front and the back of the house in metro Detroit area restaurants with a series of short takes on the latest news and gossip for the industry.

THE COVER The inconic water tower for the city of Rochester. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent.

Lynn Baker & Deby Gannes 248.379.3000 LBaker@HallandHunter.com

248.379.3003 DGannes@HallandHunter.com

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 950 Lake George Road | $3,250,000 44-acre compound Guest Home Horse barn MLS# 214109665

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Private 10-acre estate with all-brick custom home. 2-story great room with deck access.

1st floor master. Walkout LL. Waterfall, playhouse & pole barn.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 3102 Royal Berkshire Lane | $719,900 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 5,072 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 216000438

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 2600 W. Buell Road | $1,899,000

Truly a designer showcase home!

Better than new construction.

Fabulous master. Amazing patio & deck with built-in BBQ kitchen & firepit. Finished walkout LL.

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Former model upgraded to perfection on private .88 acres.

Gourmet kitchen with hearth room. Finished daylight lower level has 5th BR, theatre room.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 2303 W. Predmore Road | $484,900 3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 3,124 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215075112

Custom-built home on almost 6 acres. Bridge over creek leading to hilltop entrance. Oversized master. 3-season sunroom. Walkout lower level. Wooded retreat!

Visit LynnandDeby.com or Like Us on Facebook at Lynn and Deby - Hall & Hunter Realtors 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

27

The local lead threat While lead levels in Flint water have brought the issue to the forefront, there has been a decades-long battle to control other sources of lead in the environment.

35 Airbnb in Oakland County The “shared economy� housing Airbnb has over 300 listings in Oakland and local communities, which may have rental restrictions.

25

Greg Hildebrandt

AT THE TABLE

53

Dave Mancini, noted for his Supino Pizza in Eastern Market, has opened La Rodinella and J. March says the food is good, price points are spot on and the space is inviting for repeat visits.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

56

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

ENDNOTE

62

Transparency is critical for pipelines and all infrastructure; demand, and seek, water and soil testing.

FACES

25 31 41 54

Greg Hildebrandt Barbara Markham John Klemanski Ali Woerner

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ployees with a current GM lease through GM financial, Ally or US Bank receive $7501 allowance on all new Make this winter a time to get ahead. dillac models. Use it to get these exceptional leases. Includes Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance for 4 Take advantage of ourthat exceptional 50,000 miles2. We provide a maintenance program Bercedes-Benz, off Audiers. and Lexus cannot match.

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2016 CADILLAC XTS CRESTVIEW CADILLAC 5 S. ROCHESTER RD. | ROCHESTER, MI No security deposit required. Tax, title, and license extra. Mileage charge $.25/mile over 30,000 miles. Ultra-Low Mileage Lease

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1. Must have a current GM lease through GM Financial, Ally Turbo Luxury Collection with an MSRP of $42,915. 36 mon are for a 2016 XTS Sedan Standard Collection with an MS total $28,044. Option to purchase at lease end date for an and a disposition fee of $595 or less at end of lease. Not a

$4,129 DUE AT SIGNING DUE AT SIGNING AFTER ALL OFFERS$3,269 DUE AT SIGNIN 10,000 MILES PER YEAR 10,000 MILES PER YEA

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Serving the Metro Detroit Area for 25 Years Serving the Metro Detroit Area for 25 Years ADILLAC

Serving th NOW OPEN SATURDAYS: SALES & SERVICE SALES 10AM - 3PM | SERVICE 8AM - 1PM NOW OPEN SAT I LOCATED MINUTES FROM M-59 & 1-75 www.crestviewcadillac.com | 855-558-8821 555 S. ROCHESTER RD. | ROCHESTER, MI LOCATED MINUTES FROM M-59 & 1-75 www.crestviewcadillac.com | 855-558-8821 www.cr om | 855-558-8821

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1. Must have a current GM lease through GM Financial, Ally or US Bank. Not available with some other offers. Take delivery by 2/29/16. See dealer for details. 2. Whichever comes first. Go to cadillac.com/Premiumcare for details. 3. Must have a current GM lease through GM Financial, Ally or US Bank. Payments are for a 2016 ATS Coupe 2.0L Turbo Luxury Collection with an MSRP of $42,915. 36 monthly payments total $11,124. Payments are for a 2016 ATS 2.5L Sedan Standard Collection with an MSRP of $34,210. 36 monthly payments total $9,324. Payments are for a 2016 CTS Sedan Standard Collection with an MSRP of $46,555. 36 monthly payments total $13,644. Payments are for a 2016 XTS Sedan Standard Collection with an MSRP of $46,290. 36 monthly payments total $15,444. Payments are for a 2016 SRX Crossover Luxury Collection with an MSRP of $44,635. 24 monthly payments total $7,176. Payments are for a 2016 Escalade 2WD Premium Collection with an MSRP of $82,540. 36 monthly payments total $28,044. Option to purchase at lease end date for an amount to be determined at lease signing. GM Financial must approve lease. Take delivery by 2/29/16. Mileage charge of $.25/mile over 30,000 miles for ATS, CTS, XTS and Escalade. Mileage charge of $.25/mile over 20,000 miles for SRX. Lessee pays for maintenance, excess wear and a disposition fee of $595 or less at end of lease. Not available with some other offers. ©2016 General Motors. Cadillac® ATS® CTS® SRX® XTS® Escalade® Price is subject to change without notice. Vehicle may not represent actual vehicle. Offers end 2-29-16

1

555 S. ROCHESTER RD. | ROCHESTER, MI LOCATED MINUTES FROM M-59 & 1-75 www.crestviewcadillac.com | 855-558-8821

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1. Must have a current GM lease through GM Financial, Ally Turbo Luxury Collection with an MSRP of $42,915. 36 mon are for a 2016 XTS Sedan Standard Collection with an MS total $28,044. Option to purchase at lease end date for an and a disposition fee of $595 or less at end of lease. Not a

1. Must have a current GM lease through GM Financial, Ally or US Bank. Not available with some other offers. Take delivery by 3/31/16. See dealer for details. 2. Whichever comes first. Go to cadillac.com/Premiumcare for details. 3. Must have a current GM lease through GM Financial, Ally or US Bank. Payments are for a 2016 ATS Coupe 2.0L Turbo Luxury Collection with an MSRP of $42,915. 36 monthly payments total $11,124. Payments are for a 2016 ATS 2.5L Sedan Standard Collection with an MSRP of $34,210. 36 monthly payments total $9,324. Payments are for a 2016 CTS Sedan Standard Collection with an MSRP of $46,555. 36 monthly payments total $13,644. Payments are for a 2016 XTS Sedan Standard Collection with an MSRP of $46,290. 36 monthly payments total $15,444. Payments are for a 2016 SRX Crossover Luxury Collection with an MSRP of $44,635. 24 monthly payments total $7,176. Payments are for a 2016 Escalade 2WD Premium Collection with an MSRP of $82,540. 36 monthly payments total $28,044. Option to purchase at lease end date for an amount to be determined at lease signing. GM Financial must approve lease. Take delivery by 3/31/16. Mileage charge of $.25/mile over 30,000 miles for ATS, CTS, XTS and Escalade. Mileage charge of $.25/mile over 20,000 miles for SRX. Lessee pays for maintenance, excess wear and a disposition fee of $595 or less at end of lease. Not available with some other offers. ˝2016 General Motors. Cadillac(R) ATS(R) CTS(R) SRX(R) XTS(R) Escalade(R) Price is subject to change without notice. Vehicle may not represent actual vehicle. Offers end 3/31/16

DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER • ROCHESTER HILLS PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Allison Batdorff | Rachel Bechard | Hillary Brody Katie Deska | Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf J. March | Kathleen Meisner | Bill Seklar 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.

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DOWNTOWN

9

FROM THE PUBLISHER ittle did anyone know, I am sure, in 1941 that the first real effort at creating a highway in Michigan – to bring workers to a bomber plant during World War II with the Willow Run Expressway – would be the start of a series of infrastructure undertakings that would some 10-20 years later contribute to the mass exodus from the city of Detroit and the decline of what was once considered one of the premier cities in the country.

L

The Willow Run Expressway was followed a decade later with the Edsel Ford Expressway and then a series of other major thoroughfares that allowed workers in Detroit to exit for what we now know as the suburbs. Easy access to their places of employment while living outside of the city limits. Eventually, the companies that employed people in Detroit moved to what was the near-in newer communities, and years later, to the farther suburban reaches as the auto companies decentralized their production facilities.

It was almost the classic chicken-and-egg question at first: whether relocated companies drew the population out of the city or simply moved to where they saw the population centers of the future. It really doesn't matter. The workforce, mostly white, left Detroit, including our family who in the mid-50's was drawn to a Macomb County farmland area (now Sterling Heights) to be closer to the General Motors Technical Center in Warren that now held the job my father had for years at the Fisher building in midtown Detroit.

The decision was made all the easier with the start of the decline of the educational system in the city. As decision makers, many parents asked themselves if they wanted less time commuting to work, an improved educational system for their children, a less onerous tax load and the opportunity at affordable, new housing. It wasn't, as some would have it, always just a race question, but that no doubt also played into the decisions of some, especially following the Detroit riots in 1967.

Very quickly the farmlands disappeared, the subdivisions sprouted and the resident numbers for Detroit showed a steady and noticeable decline.

Add to those factors the short-sighted urban planning by more than one administration in Detroit to view the young suburbs as a source of revenue by extending sewer and water lines out from the city, which only sped up the exodus. As a result, today 40 percent of the state's population is now on the Detroit water system, which realizes about 75 percent of its total revenue from the suburbs. A full 30 percent of the state's population relies on the Detroit sewerage system, where 50 percent of the operating money is derived from the suburbs.

The sprawl continued. The suburbs grew in strength, and so did their political power. Suburban leaders responded to the demands of their new and growing populations with the amenities to which

they were accustomed – bigger and better schools, parks and recreation, retail centers, and improved road systems, including expanded highways.

The pattern for sprawl was complete. For the most part, irreversible, no matter how many from the Millennial generation move back into the Detroit urban core in the coming years.

And that simplified “CliffsNotes” on Detroit history brings us to February of 2016 and the announcement by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson that the $1 billion widening of I-75 in the northern reaches will begin this year.

Bittersweet for a project that has been on the drawing board for 16 years.

Modern-day traffic engineers know that adding more lanes to I-75 will undoubtedly only draw more traffic and over an extended period will still leave us with a choked up interstate highway in the morning and evening rush hours. About the only true benefit from this project may be improvements to the Square Lake Road interchange, a treacherous section that generates what seems like daily major accidents.

So what's been gained in the past 50-60 years in terms of putting a halt to the incentives we give to others to continue with the steady march of sprawl? Not much.

Over 30 years ago, I called for putting the brakes on the practice of continuing to push further into what comparatively could be called virgin territory with infrastructure and, in some cases, economic incentives that only drew more development to the northern and western areas of southeast Michigan – repeating the vicious cycle.

It was considered heresy in the western Oakland lakes area where I resided at the time, and I certainly understood the parochial concerns of those in office.

My thought then was that all economic incentives – like extended tax breaks to businesses – should be reserved for the older established communities – be it Detroit or portions of southeast Oakland County, for example, and other similar aging suburban areas. Consider levying impact fees on large companies who wanted to locate in undeveloped “small town” communities. Take the pressure or demand off the outer reaches of the suburban area.

Rebuild the communities already in existence. Revitalize the infrastructure in those communities to retain existing populations – rather than extending the road and water/sewer lines further out – and become a draw for future generations, which we are now realizing may not have the same suburban dreams of my parents' generation.

I was only one of many voices on this issue. But no one was listening.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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INCOMING

Pleased with Downtown I'm so glad you are expanding your publication to our Rochester area.

Years ago I enjoyed reading the investigative, behind-the-scenes stories you developed for the Birmingham area. Some time ago the New York Times (NYT) ran an article in its business section about local papers shinning a light on "society's dark corners.” And they weren't referring to gossip.

I'll be looking forward to how you will describe the uniqueness portraying the particular amenities we enjoy in our area. I don't believe anywhere in the country can compare with our library or our O.P.C. programs. Our local citizens have a reputation for being universally friendly, as well as unpretentious.

Perhaps you will investigate the issues in regard to local "fracking" and the group that is objecting, Don’t Drill The Hills.

Next fall, I hope you do a tastetest for the most popular local apple cider produced by our four cider mills.

Most recently, I was appalled to see our Oakland County's sheriff, Michael Bouchard, quoted on the front page of the NYT. His complaint focused on the return of military excess from his department to the federal government. As one of six states that allow "open-carry" of weapons without background checks, I believe his methods encourage more fear-mongering instead assuring the average Rochester area citizen.

Thank you for expanding to our area.

Lyn Sieffert Rochester Hills

Artificial turf story Katie Deska's article on artificial turf (Downtown/December)was interesting.

She surely must know that a leading producer and installer of artificial turf is based in Rochester.

Unless I missed it somewhere in the text, there was no comment from AstroTurf or General Sports. I would have expected an otherwise excellent article to have provided an opportunity for the manufacturer to comment.

P. Lewis Oakland Township downtownpublications.com

SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Rochester/Rochester Hills communities.

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

Timely, informative A tardy, but sincere "thank you" for a timely, informative publication! We look forward to your next issue.

Mr. & Mrs. Roger J. Dingman Rochester Hills

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J. March is not shy about being honest, something most restaurants might not welcome. But when J. gives a positive review, you can bet that place is worth a visit. And when J. writes the truth about why a place isn't "as advertised,” you can bet it is right on.

The latest review of Forest is an excellent example.

Thank you J. March for having the courage to objectively review our restaurants. It would be wonderful if they were all great, but unfortunately that is not the case.

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political/government news and gossip items, both on and off-the-record, compiled by staff members of Downtown. Possible items for this column can be sent to OaklandConfidential@DowntownPublications.com.

GILDED WARRIOR: Former state representative (2006-2012) – county commissioner (2000-2006) – Birmingham commissioner (1997-2000) Chuck Moss has announced his run in the GOP primary this August for the Oakland County Commission 12th District seat currently held by fellow Republican Shelley Goodman Taub. While Moss said Taub has done an “adequate” job, he thinks he can bring more to the table. To show he’s serious, Moss has dumped $100,000 of his own money into his campaign, which one political insider called “don’t run against me money.” Taub’s war chest – which included a $100-donation from Moss in her last run – MOSS is a little more than a tenth of Moss’s own contributions. Taub has confirmed she is running for reelection. “For sure,” she responded when asked, although she acknowledged being surprised Moss would run against her.

“I don’t bluff,” Moss said about his self-funded cash infusion. “I wouldn’t expect Shelley, who is a seasoned warrior, to be put off by this. But I don’t bluff.”

Currently a part-time columnist for Dome magazine and a member of the regional transportation authority, Moss has spent much of the past year traveling the world. In 2013, Moss TAUB served as an adjunct professor for a few classes at Oakland University. He ran for the state senate in 2014, taking just 20 percent of the primary vote, behind fellow Republicans Marty Knollenberg (now the anointed incumbent) and perennial candidate Rocky Raczkowski.

Moss’s financial flex has some in the county’s GOP scratching their heads. One state representative said, “I don’t get it. I think he’s bored. He told me, ‘Look out, here I come.’ He said ‘Shelley’s been doing it a long time and it’s time for me.’ I hope he spends all his money and loses. The Oakland County Republican Party is quietly going to back her. Any race he has ever won, he didn’t have any competition.”

Taub, who served in the state house from 2003 to 2006, and bit the bullet for the Republican Party in 2006 when they asked her to step aside, despite having almost $250,000 in contributions, for John Pappageorge, in the state senate race (he went on to win the seat), has more than a decade on the county commission board. She has dominated her Democratic opponents in general elections, but hasn’t faced such stiff competition in primaries in recent years. Currently, she is first vice president of the Michigan Association of Counties, and will become president of the organization, the counties’ voice in the state legislature, in September.

GROWING PAINS: With four newly elected commissioners, the Birmingham City Commission is finding the adjustment period a little more difficult than expected, with two of the new commissioners, in particular, having trouble melding with the other commissioners, and respecting the board process. Surprisingly, the two had a history of previous city board experience, but seem to focus on their own agendas rather than on the big picture. “They all come in with their preconceived agendas, and the challenge is getting them all on the same page, and understanding will be an ongoing challenging,” said one Birmingham insider. “It’s a learning process.”

POSSIBLE MOVE: State Rep. Mike McCready (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) is in the middle of his second term, but may be contemplating what comes next. House members are term-limited after three terms, and while “I don’t want to think about it until I run the next time (in 2016),” he acknowledged he has his eye on a state Senate run in District 12, currently occupied by Sen. Jim Marleau (R), who will be term-limited. Just one thing. McCready, a former Bloomfield MCCREADY Hills city commissioner, lives in Bloomfield Hills, and District 12 is comprised of Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Bingham downtownpublications.com

Farms, Addison Township, Auburn Hills, Independence Township, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Clarkston, Oakland Township, Oxford and Orion Township.

“Eventually if I want to run for Marleau’s seat, I’d have to move into Bloomfield Township in the next year,” McCready said. “But right now, I’ve got to focus on what I’m doing in the House, and on the next House race.

I’m focusing on Detroit, and on the schools. My opinion is to get the state completely out of it, and let the locals run it.”

BULLARD/BARTON: Former Oakland County Clerk Bill Bullard (R) is taking the high road in his bid to be returned to the county office he lost in 2012, basing his campaign to date against incumbent clerk Democrat Lisa Brown. But he has primary opposition from Rochester Hills Clerk Tina Barton, who did a 16-year stint in the clerk’s office in Bloomfield Township.

Here’s how the dollars stacked up at the end of the year.

Bullard had on hand $33,387 in his candidate account, BULLARD according to a year-end filing. Barton, who held her first fundraiser in late January, last made a required filing in late October which showed about $8,000 on hand. Barton says she will be “keeping pace” with Bullard when it comes to raising money, estimated by most people to cost $100,000 per candidate in the primary and twice that in the general election to be successful.

Incumbent Brown had about $5,000 on hand but most campaigns are just beginning serious fund raising and yearend reports on campaign funds are no longer required.

Bullard, who has held one elected office or another for BARTON decades, could have two things going against him in the election – one, the general sentiment nationally and in some GOP quarters locally that the old order has to change and, two, the gender factor in this race which will definitely have some impact.

RETURN CHALLENGE: The hottest rumor making the rounds has 20012012 Oakland Water Resources Commissioner John McCulloch (R) taking a run for his former post which he lost to incumbent Jim Nash (D) by 7,400 votes in the 2012 November election. It was a surprise victory for many when at the top of the ticket President Obama carried over 50 percent of the votes in the county. Prior to the water resources spot, McCulloch, an accountant and lawyer, spent 10 years on the Oakland County board of commissioners, including a stint as chairman. After his election loss he spent two years as director of the Huron Clinton Metropolitan MCCULLOCH Authority, a position from which he was dismissed. At one point in time, McCulloch was considered a likely contender for the position of Oakland County Executive when L. Brooks Patterson gives up the post.

What’s fueling the current rumor? A pile of money, about $350,000 in campaign funds that McCulloch has on hand since his 2012 loss. At the start of this year, Nash was holding $96,000 in election funds. No word from McCulloch by press time. Filing deadline is in April.

ALL IN THE FAMILY: In the early phase of the presidential primary election, 358 families nationwide had accounted for close to one half of all money given to presidential campaigns, thanks to the Citizens United court decision five years ago. So says the New York Times in a piece last October by reporters Nicholas Confessore, Sarah Cohen and Karen Yourish. Two hundred families gave more than $100,000, while 158 families or their companies gave amounts above $250,000.

Here’s a few names familiar to Oakland residents in the above-$250,00 category: Dan Gilbert, founder of Quicken Loans, $750,000; Peter Karmanos, co-founder of Compuware, $500,000; the Kojaian family, from the Kojaian Management Corporation, $321,223; Manuel (Matty) Moroun, of Ambassador Bridge fame, $300,000; Roger Penske, Penske Corporation, $250,000.

Of the families or their companies donating, 138 backed Republicans and 20 back Democrats.

DOWNTOWN

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WHAT’S BELOW THE SURFACE? HAZARDOUS PIPELINES IN OAKLAND COUNTY

BY KATIE DESKA

W

eaving under streets, yards, intersections, between miles of water mains, cables and a network of natural gas lines, four interstate hazardous liquid transmission pipelines bisect Oakland County.

Of those, two carry crude oil; one carries refined petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and heating oil; and the fourth, ethane.

The companies which operate these potentially hazardous liquid transmission lines running through Oakland County include Enbridge Energy, Sunoco Pipe Line Company and Buckeye Partners. The vast majority of pipelines are gas distributions lines, which typically carry gas composed primarily of methane. Hazardous liquid lines include crude oil, petroleum products and other substances.

Enbridge operates Line 6B, which transmits crude oil through northern Oakland County, including the townships of Addison, Oxford, Brandon, Groveland and Holly. Line 6B continues west through Marshall, Michigan, where, in 2010, a damaged pipe caused the largest inland spill in U.S. history, according to the Michigan Petroleum Pipe Line Task Force.

A second crude oil line in Oakland County, the Marysville-Toledo segment operated by Sunoco Pipeline, runs through the southeast corner of the county, with a route that approximately traverses Troy, Royal Oak, and Southfield. It travels from Marysville, Michigan, near Port Huron, carrying crude oil to Toledo, where it is then distributed to regional refineries.

Sunoco’s ethane line, the Mariner West project, is a third hazardous liquid transmission line which goes directly through Oakland County. It stretches from the liquid-rich Marcellus Shale processing and fractionation areas in western Pennsylvania through Ohio and Michigan, en route to Sarnia, Ontario, destined to serve the petrochemical market. Ethane, a hazardous gas compressed into a liquid state for shipping, is used in the manufacturing of many plastics and other goods. The InksterSarnia segment of the Mariner West project snakes through the communities of Bloomfield Township, Birmingham and the greater Rochester area.

Sunoco’s ethane line, the Mariner West project, is a third hazardous liquid transmission line which goes directly through Oakland County…The Inkster-Sarnia segment of the Mariner West project snakes through the communities of Bloomfield Township, Birmingham and the greater Rochester area.

Ethane, at standard temperature and pressure, is a colorless, odorless gas, which is isolated on an industrial scale from natural gas and is byproduct from petroleum refining. When exposed to oxygen, it becomes a gas, and at room temperature, it is extremely flammable.

Buckeye Partners operates an 8-inch diameter line in Oakland County, which ships petroleum products for other companies. It runs north along Haggerty Road, between the communities of West Bloomfield and Walled Lake, and approximately through Waterford, Clarkston, Groveland Township, and Ortonville.

Pipeline transport of gas and hazardous liquid – including, oil, petroleum products and ethane – is viewed as the safest, most efficient and environmentally-sane method of shipment currently available, and is preferred by the oil and gas industry and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) rather than by tanker trucks or railcar.

Pipelines are regulated by a consortium of government agencies, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Coast Guard, if it threatens surface water; the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA); and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Pipeline operators must report to PHMSA on incidents that meet certain criteria. For the system of hazardous liquids, between 1996 and 2015 in the United States and the offshore areas beyond state lines, over 6,000 accidents were reported. Of those, 2,720 were considered significant, which includes accidents that cause death or hospitalization; cost more than $50,000; release five or more barrels of highly volatile liquid; and/or cause an unintentional fire. The number of significant accidents in a single year for all states and offshore areas combined peaked at 174, which occurred in 1996 and 2015.

The cost over the last two decades tallied nearly $4 billion, of which 24 percent, or roughly $964 million, was attributed to the 36 significant accidents that took place in Michigan. Approximately 1.78 million gallons, or 42,412 barrels, spilled in the Great Lakes state, resulting in a net loss of 9,065 barrels of hazardous liquid after cleanup efforts.

Local fire departments and hazmat teams are the first responders, often after residents call 911, noted Bloomfield Township Fire Department Lieutenant William Fritz. “If there were a leak or a rupture, we would probably get calls from citizens before we'd ever get calls from the company,” which then notifies the federal agencies, Fritz said. “We would move in as the fire department first, because our first

concern is people's safety. There's always an explosion risk, and then follow up with our hazmat team. There are four or five guys that are trained and on the Oakland County Hazmat team. We would utilize our assets.”

Despite the high rate of hazard of the materials carried in these pipelines, PHMSA is only required to inspect interstate pipelines in locations deemed by the PHMSA to be “highconsequence areas,” such as highly populated or environmentally sensitive areas. “For transmission pipelines within highconsequence areas, for gas, they must be inspected every seven years, and for hazardous liquid, every five years at least,” said Samya Lutz, outreach coordinator for the Pipeline Safety Trust, a non-profit established in Olympia, Washington after three boys were killed in a 1999 explosion caused from a leak in a pipeline carrying gasoline.

However, Fritz said Sunoco, by law, prepares and inspects their pipeline on both a weekly and annual basis. The line cuts right through the heart of Bloomfield Township, along Long Lake Road, with a pump station at Groton and Long Lake, on a former single-family site, which was built in late 2013, after Sunoco did a pipeline upgrade and switched its transport from a general transport pipeline to one which only transports ethane.

There are also pump stations in Rochester Hills, on Dequindre, near Yates Cider Mill, and in Troy at Arlund and Square Lake Roads, one block east of Adams.

Fritz said that, by federal law, Sunoco has to fly over the entire pipeline and inspect it once a week. “You can see a Cessna plane saying 'pipeline' flying low over the area once a week,” he said. In addition, Sunoco is required to walk the whole pipeline once a year to inspect for leaks or cracks.

PHMSA employs 243 individuals who make up the agency’s pipeline inspection and enforcement staff. The group “includes engineers, transportation specialists, lawyers, and others that support inspection and enforcement activities,” stated Darius Kirkwood, public affairs specialist for PHMSA. “We also rely on more than 500 state inspectors who carry out the majority of pipeline inspections for state agencies.”

Like most states, Michigan participates in the federal/state cooperative gas program, which certifies the Michigan Public Service Commission to inspect, and enforce intrastate natural gas pipeline safety statutes. Michigan is also one of a handful of states that acts as an interstate agent for interstate natural gas lines, enabling the Michigan Public Service

Commission to operate as an agent for the federal authority.

“Inspections are done on an ongoing basis.

For calendar year 2015, (Michigan Public Service Commission) safety engineers inspected all jurisdictional natural gas pipeline operators as required, achieving a total of 791 inspection days,” said Judy Palnau, media and public information specialist for the Michigan Agency for Energy and Michigan Public Service Commission.

On the other hand, Michigan does not participate as an agent on behalf of the federal regulatory body for the hazardous liquid pipeline state or interstate safety program. To qualify for certification, as Michigan has in the case of natural gas lines, a state must “provide for injunctive and monetary sanctions substantially the same as those authorized by the federal pipeline safety statutes,” and, according to the PHMSA website, the state must “encourage and promote the establishment of a program designed to prevent damage by demolition, excavation, tunneling, or construction activity to the pipeline facilities to which the certification applies, that subjects persons who violate the application requirements of that program to civil penalties and other enforcement actions.” These plans are then “characterized,” or evaluated, by PHMSA officials. Any probable violations are relayed to the federal Office of Public Safety. For intrastate lines, those which do not cross state borders, a state may set stricter regulations, but those laws must meet minimum federal safety standards.

Various methods of inspection are available, and technology has improved to make its inspections more reliable. However, the method of inspection is not specified in the federal code, Lutz of the Pipeline Safety Trust, noted.

“Throughout these pipeline safety regulations, there are types of references that aren’t prescriptive by nature. It’s like having a speed limit sign that says ‘drive safely’ with a smiley face, but doesn’t list a number. That’s the case in a lot of these pipeline safety regulations.

They don’t call out prescriptive standards in many places. There are a few prescriptive standards, there’s an example when they talk about how deep a pipe needs to be buried, that it must (meet that standard) at the time of construction, but no where does (the code) say that it must be maintained over time.”

Last October, PHMSA released proposed new safety regulations for hazardous liquid pipelines, which “addressed four congressional mandates, two National Transportation Safety Board recommendations, and a Government

Despite the high rate of hazard of the materials carried in these pipelines, PHMSA is only required to inspect interstate pipelines in locations deemed by PHMSA to be “high-consequence areas,” such as highly populated or environmentally sensitive areas every five to seven years at least.

Accountability Office recommendation that PHMSA gather information and incident history for onshore hazardous liquid gathering lines to determine if stronger regulations are needed,” according to a press release published by the agency. One of the proposed rules “would require that all hazardous liquid pipelines have a system for detecting leaks and establish a timeline for inspections of affected pipelines following an extreme weather event or natural disaster.”

A Buckeye Pipe Line Company representative who is located in Michigan and works on the company’s flagship midwest north-south line along Haggerty Road said, “They do a lot of field inspection, and look at the tanks, (but) the tanks aren’t ours. They look at the manifold piping, how we do things. They compare our policies and procedures with what we're doing in the field. (An inspector) came last year. They come once every three to five years, maybe.”

That line runs from Toledo or Lima, Ohio to the Detroit area, on to Flint. The pipe Buckeye operates transports gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products. “We’re like UPS or FedEx. Anyone – Marathon, Sunoco, the shippers on those lines – we're just the transportation mechanism,” he said. He noted that one of the line’s largest shippers is Marathon, and a substantial number of barrels are piped to and from the Marathon refinery located in southwest Detroit.

While a portion of the commodities shipped do reach buyers in the state, many barrels are destined to cross state lines or international borders, such as Sunoco’s ethane line headed to Canada, which began shipping ethane in December of 2013. The Inkster-Sarnia segment of the project enters Oakland County at 8 Mile Road, and runs north along Inkster Road, jogs east at 14 Mile Road, and continues north along Franklin Road, passing the boundaries of Birmingham and Bloomfield Township, where it hooks east again at Long Lake Road, to connect to Telegraph Road. Northbound, it reaches Square Lake Road, and travels east to Livernois Road. The line goes on to bisect M-59, where it then crosses northeast into Rochester Hills and Rochester, exiting the county at Dequindre Road, just north of Avon Road, at Cut Crystal Lane.

The Mariner West line was designed to ship 50,000 barrels of ethane a day, and the website notes the line can accommodate higher volumes.

“Ethane is an essential feedstock for the production of ethylene, from which plastics, textiles, coatings, flooring, detergents, and

many other materials are produced. Ethane can also be burned as fuel, including for power generation, though it is not widely used for that purpose in the U.S.,” said Jeff Shields, communication manager for Sunoco Logistics.

“The original (Mariner West pipeline) was installed in 1950. Some sections were replaced in 2013,” said Shields.

Both pipes operated by Sunoco are made of carbon steel, which has less carbon content than iron, a hard but comparatively brittle metal susceptible to damage and used in older pipes.

Cast iron pipes are troubling to safety regulating agencies, such as PHMSA, because of the increased potential for breaks, and subsequent leaks. According to an American Petroleum Institute report prepared in 2001, “By the late 1960s, manufacturers began to use low alloy or low carbon steels exclusively, in tougher grades, resulting in steel with few defects.”

However, cast iron pipes remain underground both nationally and locally, and the USDOT stated there are still “about 36,000 miles of cast iron main (natural) gas distribution lines in the U.S.” Five states hold 80 percent of those, one of which is Michigan.

When a leak occurs in a pipe transporting ethane, the hazardous liquid, the pressure will decrease and vapor will escape. As ethane is heavier than air, the extremely flammable gas will typically spread close to the ground.

“Ethane is a highly volatile liquid,” said Lutz of the Pipeline Safety Trust. “Generally (highly volatile liquids) are liquid at ambient temperature and pressures less than 1000 (pounds per square inch).” When a leak occurs, “it flows around the ground and can gather, and if not ignited, can be an asphyxiation danger, or if ignited, it can be a fireball that doesn’t disperse quickly.”

Like other hazardous liquid leaks, crude oil spills can be detrimental to the watershed, the environment and its species, and cause undue hardship for the landowners in the spill zone.

Enbridge Energy had to rebuild Line 6B, alongside the former line, after the 30-inch diameter pipe ruptured in a wetlands in Marshall, Michigan, about 120 miles west of Birmingham. The incident caused an estimated 843,000 gallons of heavy crude oil to be dumped into Talmadge Creek and, subsequently, the Kalamazoo River. According to the accident report prepared by the National Transportation Safety Board, the rupture “occurred in the final minute of a planned shutdown” and “was not discovered or addressed for over 17 hours.

During the time lapse, Enbridge twice pumped additional oil (81 percent of the total release) into Line 6B during two startups... About 320

people reported symptoms consistent with crude oil exposure. No fatalities were reported.”

At the time of the break, the commodity being shipped was a sticky fossil fuel, called diluted bitumen, a substance too thick to travel by pipe without dilution via lighter grade oil.

Had it migrated an additional 80 river miles, it would have reached Lake Michigan, according to the EPA, the federal agency charged with leading the cleanup of the disaster.

Regarding the Line 6B spill, “Clearly water is impacted,” said Ralph Dollhoph, federal onscene coordinator for Region 5 of the EPA. “We are immediately the lead agency. It's our responsibility to manage and oversee, and in some cases, direct the cleanup of responsible parties. That to-do list can be transmitted to them in different ways. Sometimes we issue an administrative order (as with Enbridge), that requires them to do X, Y, Z. “I was the on-scene federal coordinator that was charged with overseeing the cleanup response of that (Line 6B spill) back in 2010,” he said. “When it comes to oil or petroleum pipelines, those are predominantly what the EPA responds to. Our marching orders, our objectives, are to get as much of the oil recovered as we can until we get to the point when there is more environmental harm being caused by clean up activities than the environmental benefits. We call that a net environmental analysis.” Dollhoph gave the example of when there’s “highly valued aquatic plants or highly valued aquatic animals, whose environment would be destroyed by clean up activity.” In that case, he said, using excavation equipment to tear up the wetland “may be more detrimental that letting it naturally biodegrade over time – heal, if you will.”

Who paid for the Enbridge spill and clean up? Costs incurred by Enbridge exceeded $1 billion. “Funding for the incident like Enbridge on the Kalamazoo River, that funding for the cleanup predominantly comes from responsible parties, however, there are costs associated with government involvement in government oversight. Those monies come from what’s called an oil spill liability trust fund,” said Dollhopf. “Our government costs exceeded $60 million. However, once clean up is done, or before it’s done, the government seeks reimbursement for those costs from the responsible parties.” Meaning, Enbridge.

Locally, Oakland County has a Hazardous Materials Response Team, part of a statewide response team and the Michigan State Police Regional Response Team, designed and prepared to react in case of a hazardous leak or spill. “Membership (in the county’s response

There is also a certain air of mystery surrounding what is contained in the pipes running through communities. What is transported in those pipelines is not necessarily communicated to – nor regulated by – state or local officials. The exact location of pipelines is also not information that’s readily available to the public. team) includes 40 hazmat technicians, specialists, and officers from multiple participating fire departments, police departments, and public safety agencies,” according to its website.

If there is a leak, “the pipeline company would have to come in and stop the leak – they're high-priced distribution lines,” said Sean Canto, chief of fire and emergency services for Rochester Hills. “Our dispatch system also has the information on which company to contact.

We can also contact MDEQ and the Department of Homeland secretary to get people rolling.”

Birmingham Fire Chief John Connaughton explained potential signs of leaks. “The vegetation starts to turn brown, like a 20-foot area turns brown. That's an alert that there is a leak. Or there could be standing liquid where it shouldn't be and another indicator that there is a broken pipe. We don't have a lot of lines in Birmingham. But we're absolutely prepared.”

Bloomfield Township's Lt. Fritz disagreed.

“Really, there's no way to prepare for it. While a small leak could be contained, like a having a natural gas leak if it's caught early. But otherwise, anything else would be pretty devastating,” he said. “Anything else could be a complete rupture of the line, and the potential is there.

“It doesn't happen often,” Fritz noted. “Only two to three times a decade. The lines are pretty safe. But our biggest concern is the age of the lines, and how often they are inspected.”

“Multiple commodity lines do transport substances through pipelines. None go through Bloomfield Hills, but do go through Bloomfield Township,” said David Hendrickson, chief of public safety for Bloomfield Hills. “We're actually more concerned about tanker accidents and tanker spills, sulfur dioxide spills and noxious gas spills on the track because we have train tracks along Kensington Road.”

Ironically, the federal agency that responds to the spill, the EPA, does not partake in setting safety regulations.

“I’m not aware of any role that the EPA has when it comes to advising PHMSA on regulations. That is strictly a DOT (Department of Transportation) jurisdiction. The EPA’s role is to respond to pipeline and hazardous material incidents. Similarly, PHMSA is not a response agency. Only the EPA and Coast Guard can do that,” Dollhoph said. “PHMSA also has a role when it comes to ensuring pipeline companies had adequate contingency planning in place, for spills of pipelines. PHMSA is charged with the responsibility to oversee the pipeline company’s facility response plan.”

There is also a certain air of mystery that

surrounds what is contained in the pipes running through communities. What is transported in those pipelines is not necessarily communicated to – nor regulated by – state or local officials.

“We do not keep records, or have knowledge of what (the companies) transfer,” said Dave Chislea, manager of gas safety operations for the Michigan Public Service Commission.

“PHMSA doesn’t keep that information. We wouldn’t know what specific products they’re transferring. From a practical standpoint, whether it’s a heavy crude or light crude, I don’t think there’s a need for a regulator to know that. From a pipeline safety perspective it doesn’t matter if it’s crude or light. Products within the pipe, it doesn’t affect the design.”

“As a pipeline company, we transport what the customers request to transport,” said Sunoco's Shields. “There are no separate regulations for the type or grade of crude oil,” which the industry classifies as light, medium, heavy, or extra heavy, according to the American Petroleum Institute Gravity Index.

The exact location of pipelines is also not information that’s readily available to the public. A vague route of an interstate hazardous liquid line or gas distribution line can be found online through the National Pipeline Mapping System. The non-specific nature of the mapping system is intentional in an effort to protect against security threats to the energy industry.

“The Public Map Viewer must not be used to identify exact location of pipelines,” the site states. “The (National Pipeline Mapping System) does in fact provide data for inter- and intrastate hazardous liquid pipeline systems,” said Kirkwood of PHMSA. “The only types of lines that are not included in (the system) are unregulated pipeline systems or those we do not collect data for, such as distribution or gathering lines.”

Currently there’s a bill before the Michigan House of Representatives that would further prevent public access to the location of the pipelines. House Bill 4540 would amend two sections of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to allow a public body “to exempt from disclosure information that is presumed to be critical energy infrastructure information… The presumption continues until determined otherwise by the Michigan Agency for Energy.”

“There are already protections in the law for property data that can be exempted with existing FOIA rules, and in (the Pipeline Safety Trust’s) opinion, that is plenty of protection, and there’s no need for Michigan to go above and beyond that,” said Lutz. “It’s so important for the public to access this information. The

regulators need public attention to do their job well, and when it’s difficult for the public to access information, then we can’t help them stay accountable for what they do. The citizens have a big role to play to keep (the pipelines) safe, and keeping this out of the hands of the citizens is really a disservice to the whole goal of pipeline safety.”

Lastly, while many pipelines have been in place for years, there are periodic requests for new lines. The state Crude Oil and Petroleum Act of 1929 gives the Michigan Public Service Commission the authority to approve the construction of new crude oil and petroleum pipelines within Michigan. The act specifically outlines the key role that eminent domain plays in siting new pipelines, stating that an authorized entity “is granted the right to condemn property by eminent domain and the use of the highways in this state to acquire necessary rights-of-way” in order to transport crude oil, petroleum, or carbon dioxide substances.

Although different types of commodities can cause various degrees of harm if improperly transported, the Michigan Public Service Commission doesn’t take into account what is being pushed through the line when it approves a line. “To acquire eminent domain, the interstate pipeline has to have Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval,” said Bloomfield Hills attorney Alan Ackerman.

In a rare, and successful, effort to keep a new line out of northern Oakland County when a section of the 700-plus mile ET Rover natural gas pipeline was slated to traverse Oakland County, neighbors and Oakland County commissioners Robert ‘Bob’ Hoffman and Michael Spisz recently mobilized their community to fight it.

“Rover was not about being on my property,” Hoffman said. “But I represent Highland, Springfield, Holly and Groveland townships.” In some cases, the route was “too close to residents, like the front porch, like really close,” said Hoffman. “It would impact someone’s residential properties and might hurt the value – that would impact the value of your home, you can’t add on, you can't do any construction on the easement because they don’t want the chance of hitting it. A group got together, and commissioner Mike Spiz, representing Brandon, played a hand also, to try to convince them there might be a better route. For whatever reasons, probably a certain amount of pressure, I’m convinced, they found a better route. I know they did because they moved it.”

The Rover pipeline was re-routed to Genesee and Lapeer counties.

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Greg Hildebrandt enowned fantasy and science fiction artist Greg Hildebrandt may be best known for the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings paintings done with his late brother, Tim, but the former Rochester-area resident and young-atheart artist remains as active now as anytime during his 50-year career.

"I've been more busy now than ever," Hildebrandt said from his Spiderweb Art studio in Hopatcong, New Jersey, where he has been focusing on his "American Beauties" pinup art since 1999. "I've got five commissions from last year that I haven't been able to get to. It's interesting, things go in waves."

Though they had been working as artists since 1958, around the time their family moved from Detroit to a 3-acre plot of land near Livernois and South Boulevard in what is today known as Rochester Hills, it wasn't until 1976 that the twin brothers gained notoriety. Known as The Brothers Hildebrandt, Greg and Tim illustrated the first series of Lord of the Rings calendars, which went on to sell over a million copies. In 1977, Lucas Films hired the brothers to create the movie poster for the first Star Wars film.

They also went on to illustrate comics for Marvel and DC Comics; Magic: The Gathering; Harry Potter illustrations for Wizards of the Coast game; and dozens of other projects.

"We were in the business up until our 30s, but it wasn't until 1976 that we had a fan following," Greg said.

Inspired by Disney's 1940 Pinocchio film, Greg and Tim dreamed of being animators for Disney's studio. Moving from Detroit to the spacious Avon Township home allowed the brothers to experiment with their own 8mm films.

"We took over the barn and started building mini sets and blowing them up with magnesium," Greg recalled. "We were into special effects at that point."

R

From the barn, the brothers attended Meinzinger Art School in Detroit before working for six years for the Jam Handy Corporation in Detroit. "We started at 18 years old, and apprenticed in the animation department in 1958 for a dollar an hour," Greg said.

In 1963, the brothers moved from the Detroit area to New York City, where they worked for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen to create art for his weekly TV show and produce films on world hunger. Eventually, their focus moved on to commercial illustrations, leading to the birth of the Brothers Hildebrandt.

Over the years, the brothers worked both together and independently until Tim's death in 2006. Some of Greg's projects include the "Mob Rules" album cover for Black Sabbath, and 14 years of working with the TransSiberian Orchestra providing album and concert art. "That's an incredible gig," he said of the album and concert animations. "I enjoy the hell out of that."

In 1999, Greg decided to focus on painting pin-up art. Based partly on the pin-up calendars he would sneak a peak at as a youngster, Hildebrandt's "American Beauties" are his unique vision of pin-up art. His most recent series is titled, "The Dark Side," which features some of his favorite villains.

At 77-years old, Hildebrandt said he hopes he has another 30 or 40 years of painting left to paint, a likely possibility, according to his wife and longtime agent, Jean Scrocco.

"He's in his 70's, looks like he's in his 60's, and acts like he's 14 years old," she said.

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THE LEAD THREAT MORE THAN JUST WATER SOURCE FOR POISONING

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

H

ealth and environmental experts have been warning people for decades about the health risks associated with exposure to lead. But, as with many health issues, there is often little thought given to potential hazards until a health crisis presents itself.

With much of the nation's attention currently focused on Flint's water crisis, health and infrastructure officials are facing a deluge of questions regarding the potential of lead contaminated drinking water. However, those with such concerns may be overlooking more commonplace sources of lead poisoning.

In Flint, lead water lines were the source of contamination that resulted in a water crisis in the city.

Throughout suburban Oakland County, older lead lines remain intact and are being used to some degree. However, water and health officials say anti-corrosive measures taken by the Great Lakes Water Authority – formerly the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department – have kept lead levels well below maximum limits for decades, a claim that can be supported by local water quality testing reports.

"That was a unique situation from a water source," said Oakland County Environmental Health Services Administrator Anthony Drautz. "The water here is typically purchased from Detroit, or is well water. I don't think the two can be compared that way. It's a different situation in Flint than in Oakland County. We are using water from Detroit, and there is corrosion control."

Still, Drautz said local residents have expressed concern about lead contamination in their drinking water.

"We are answering calls specific to lead. That's more of a situation because of what is going on in Flint," he said. "The lead we are used to being asked to look into is dust in homes, mostly in homes with lead paint. Now it's about drinking water."

Across Oakland County, the main sources of lead exposure in suburban communities are dust and lead-based paint particles that deteriorate and flake off inside older homes. Outside soils also may be contaminated by lead-based exterior paints and exhaust from lead-fueled vehicles of the 20th century, which is why nationally higher lead levels are often detected in more densely populated areas where vehicle traffic is heavier or there are more highways. The lead component in vehicle fuel is heavier and will often just fall to the ground or be carried up against buildings and then fall to the

WE ARE ANSWERING CALLS SPECIFIC TO LEAD…THE LEAD WE ARE USED TO bEING ASkED TO LOOk INTO IS DUST IN HOMES, MOSTLy IN HOMES WITH LEAD PAINT. NOW IT'S AbOUT DRINkING WATER. ground and mix with the soil.

The effects of lead exposure have been evident since ancient times, and in the United States since the 1920s, when leaded gasoline began to fuel automobiles. It wasn't until the 1970s in America that the government took meaningful steps to limit the use of lead in paint, and until 1995 when leaded gasoline was phased out in the United States.

Despite the ban on lead-based products in this country, potential exposure to lead products remains.

Concerns about the use of leaded fuels were raised in the early development of the additives. At the time, car companies were looking for a way to improve engine performance. Engineers with General Motors and Standard Oil Company discovered the addition of tetraethyl lead, or TEL, worked near miracles on engine performance. They also discovered exposure to the product could result in horrific death. In 1924, five men exposed to the additive became "raving mad" and were confined to straight jackets before they died, according to news archives. The incidents earned the fuel the nickname "loony gas," and resulted in a temporary ban of the product in New Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia.

"Using leaded gasoline will produce chronic lead poisoning on a large scale in the population cities," Yale University professor Yandell Henderson said in a

1925 New York Times article. He went on to say that the use of lead in fuel would likely cause "a vast number of the population to suffer from slow lead poisoning."

While lead is naturally found in the ground at low levels, soil with levels of lead at 400 parts per billion (ppb) are of particular concern, according to the EPA. However, a soil sample study conducted by the Detroit Free Press in 2003 throughout Metro Detroit's tri-county area found soil samples as high as 800 ppb in Rochester Hills, which had a median of only 11 ppb at 19 sites.

While the effects of lead exposure were suspected in the 1920s, industry-funded research concluded early on that lead was only a minor health risk. It wasn't until 1975, when automakers began equipping cars with catalytic converters – which are destroyed by leaded gas – that an alternative to leaded gasoline was sought. About 40 percent of all gas sales were that of leaded fuel in 1985, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A final phase out of leaded gasoline in the United States didn't occur until 1995.

Children are the most susceptible to lead exposure. Because their bodies are growing, they absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the effects of lead. Babies and young children are at particular risk of exposure because they are more likely to put their hands and other items exposed to lead dust or soil into their mouths. Lead-based paint was banned for interior use in 1978.

Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in behavior and learning problems, lower IQ and hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems and anemia. In rare cases, ingestion of lead can cause seizures, coma and even death. Lead that's ingested or inhaled doesn't exit the body.

Instead, it is stored in bones along with calcium.

That makes it a particular concern for pregnant women, because lead can be released from the bones to the fetus. Lead exposure to adults can lead to cardiovascular issues, decreased kidney function and reproductive issues.

The health effects of lead exposure have been widely documented recently by local and national news reports covering Flint's water crisis. It has also caused some local communities to reassure residents about the quality of local drinking water.

"With recent water quality concerns in Flint, it is important for residents to understand the water quality standards in their community. Birmingham publishes an annual report on water quality which show the sources of water, lists the results of our tests and contains important information about the city's water and public health," the city said in a missive issued on its website. "These annual reports continually show Birmingham's water quality standards surpass the water quality standards mandated by the EPA and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality."

Local water quality reports measure lead levels in parts per billion, or ppb. Under federal water quality requirements, water showing lead levels higher than 15 ppb must take actions to lower the levels.

Reports also list a "90th percentile value," which represents the micrograms per liter concentration that 90 percent of the taps tested were at or below.

If the 90th percentile value is above the action level, additional requirements must be met.

According to results from Birmingham's 2014

water quality report – the most recent available – no samples in the city were over the action level. The city also had a 90 percent value of 0 micrograms per liter, with no violations in the system. Water quality reports from Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township also listed no samples above the action level, and included a 90th percentile value of 0. The communities receive drinking water from the Great Lakes Water Authority's (GLWA) system, previously administered by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD).

The majority of Oakland County residents receive drinking water from the Great Lakes Water Authority. Others, including a portion of Rochester residents, receive drinking water from local municipal or individual wells. For those hooked into the regional system, water comes from two main sources. Residents living north of 14 Mile Road receive their water from the utility's Lake Huron Water Treatment plant. Those south of 14 Mile Road receive water from the Springwells treatment plant, along the Detroit River.

"Several of our customer communities brought to my attention that they are receiving calls from residents concerned that the water quality issues in Flint may be affecting the water quality in their community. I want to clarify the issue and provide assurance that what is in the press daily regarding Flint is an unfortunate circumstance, limited solely to the homes and businesses served by Flint," said Great Lakes Water Authority CEO Sue McCormick.

McCormick said issues in Flint occurred after the city failed to take steps to manage water chemistry, leading corrosive water from the Flint River to remove protective coatings in the pipes that come in contact with treated water. This caused the lead to leach from service lines and home plumbing – lead that ended up in the water out of the taps. She said Flint has switched back to the Great Lakes Water Authority and improvement in the quality at the tap is being seen.

"We have worked to achieve and maintain optimal corrosion control in our treatment of water," McCormick said. "Federal regulations acknowledge that this treatment technique is the best approach to minimize exposure to lead in drinking water – establishing that protective coating – and minimizing the ability of lead or other materials from the service lines or plumbing fixtures in homes we serve to leach into the water. ... To our knowledge, no community consistently served by GLWA, formerly DWSD, has reported any lead issues."

In Rochester, the western portion of the city, west of the water tower, is supplied by groundwater, while portions east of the water tower are supplied by Utica, by way of the Great Lakes Water Authority.

Regardless of where they receive water, Rochester Public Works Director David Anason said residents should be secure about lead levels.

"The Clean Water Act guides where and how often we test, and lead is one of the many things we test for," he said. “We have a very low levels, and there is no action required. We continue to produce superior water. (Residents) shouldn't be concerned.

Anason said drinking water in the city is tested at two different locations.

"One is at the source, and the Great Lakes Water Authority tests there and produces the documentation. We also do that in Rochester for our well field," he said. "We also have to test at the distribution system, and we take random samples at

multiple locations. We test in multiple private businesses and around town.

"There are some houses that have lead pipes and some older transmission lines that have lead solder, but there is nothing in the water that would cause it to leach."

None of the samples of drinking water from ground wells or the GLWA system in Rochester in 2014 tested above the action level set by the EPA. The city's 90th percentile level was 3.4 micrograms per liter for the city's water wells and .75 micrograms per liter for water from the GLWA. In Rochester Hills, drinking water is supplied by the GLWA. The most recent water quality reports indicate 0 homes tested above the EPA's action level, and a 90th percentile value of 0.

While local water quality reports offer residents a snapshot of water quality, blood testing for lead levels of children in a community are conducted across the state and reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In total, the department states about 70 percent of the state's children are tested for lead in their first few years.

Under state guidelines, all children enrolled in Medicaid must be blood lead tested at 12 and 24 months of age, or between 36 and 72 months if not previously tested.

The federal Centers for Disease Control uses a

SOILS ALSO MAy bE CONTAMINATED by LEAD-bASED ExTERIOR PAINTS AND ExHAUST FROM LEAD FUELED vEHICLES OF THE 20TH CENTURy WHERE vEHICLE TRAFFIC IS HEAvIER OR HIGHWAyS ExIST. reference level of 5 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL) to identify children with blood lead levels that are higher than most children's levels, down from 10 micrograms per deciliter. The CDC said the new level is based on the US population of children ages 1 to 5 years who are in the highest 2.5 percent of children when tested for lead in their blood. Until recently, children were identified as having a blood lead "level of concern" if the test result is 10 or more micrograms per deciliter of blood. Previously, blood lead level testing below 10 micrograms per deciliter may or may not have been reported to parents.

While the reference level has changed, the CDC has and continues to recommend medical treatment for children with blood lead levels equal or greater to 45 micrograms per deciliter.

According to 2012 state data, about 5,734 children less than six years of age had blood lead levels between 5 ug/dL and 9 ug/dL. The data, which is sorted by zip codes, indicates some of the highest percentage of children with elevated lead blood levels are in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, and Holland.

Statewide, about 4.5 percent of children tested had elevated blood lead levels. State data from 2012 shows about 1.9 percent of the 13,701 children tested in Oakland County had elevated blood levels, with 254 having levels of 5 ug/dL or more, and 24 higher than 10 ug/dL. Meanwhile, in Detroit, 8.5

percent of the 27,298 children tested had elevated blood levels.

In the Birmingham/Bloomfield and Rochester/Rochester Hills areas, the percentage of children tested who have elevated blood lead levels is low, but still existent, according to 2012 and 2013 data released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Data for 2014 – the department's most current – suppressed figures if the number of positive results within a zip code fell below 6.

In 2012, 3 of 240 children (1.3 percent) in Birmingham's 48009 zip code had levels of 5 ug/dL or more. None tested were positive in 2013. Positive results in 2014 were less than six children.

Two of the three zip codes in Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills had children with elevated blood levels in 2012 or 2013. In 48301, 2 of 104 (1.9 percent) children tested had elevated levels in 2012. In 48304, 1 of 77 (1.3 percent) of children tested in 2012, and 3 of 80 (3.8 percent) had elevated levels in 2013. Positive results in 2014 were less than six.

All three zip codes in the Rochester/Rochester Hills area included children with elevated blood lead levels in 2012 or 2013. In 48306, 1 of 78 (1.3 percent) in 2012 and 1 of 120 (.8 percent) of children tested had elevated blood levels. In 48307, 5 of 299 (1.7 percent) in 2012 and 7 of 277 (2.5 percent) of

WHILE LOCAL WATER qUALITy REPORTS OFFER RESIDENTS A SNAPSHOT, bLOOD TESTING FOR LEAD LEvELS OF CHILDREN ARE CONDUCTED ACROSS THE STATE AND REPORTED by STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS. children tested had elevated blood levels. In 48309, 2 of 163 (1.2 percent) children tested in 2013 had elevated blood levels.

Despite the recent focus of blood lead levels associated with exposure to contaminated drinking water, the most common exposure to lead is from lead paint in houses built before 1978, and lead in dust and soil. Old painted toys and furniture, as well as some imported items, may also contain lead in the materials or paint. Products that adults and children handle every day are potential lead sources, but paint from homes that have not been updated, renovated or remodeled is the primary source for lead exposure. Lead-based paint inside a home can chip off of window frames, walls and doors and can be ingested or inhaled.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services includes data on housing stock in its annual blood lead level report. In Oakland County – where about 1.9 percent of children tested in 2012 had elevated blood lead levels – about 60.5 percent of homes were constructed before 1978, with 14.7 percent of homes built prior to 1950. In Detroit – where about 8.5 percent of children tested in 2012 had elevated blood lead levels – more than 93 percent of homes were built before 1978, and about 62 percent before 1950.

All zip codes in the Birmingham/Bloomfield and Rochester/Rochester Hills areas, except one, have

less than 12 percent of its total homes built prior to 1950. In Birmingham, about 39.8 percent of homes were built prior to 1950. Likewise, the 48069 zip code of Pleasant Ridge has a high percentage (79.6 percent) of pre-1950 housing, but zero cases of elevated blood levels in 2013. However, the Highland Park/Detroit zip code of 48203 – where 11.8 percent of children tested had elevated blood lead levels – has more than 60 percent of its homes constructed before 1950. The differences are likely due to the prominence of fully renovated homes in the two older Oakland County communities.

The state's health department offers assistance to residents through its Lead Safe Homes program, which provides testing and hazard control assistance to qualifying families through grants.

Those who may qualify include families with a child under 6 years old or a pregnant female; low-tomoderate income families; and those living in homes built before 1978. Additional information and resources may be found at the department's website.

Michigan's Department of Community Health maintains a Lead Safe Housing Registry, which can be accessed online. The site is a listing of singlefamily homes, duplexes, apartments and daycare homes and centers that have received professional lead service. Such services may have been to identify lead paint or remove paint hazards. The services must have been performed by a state certified lead professional or company.

According to data at the registry, about 223 properties in Oakland County have received lead services, including one in Birmingham; two in Bloomfield Township; two in Bloomfield Hills; one in Rochester; and four in Rochester Hills.

Rashard Montgomery, owner of RSM Lead Inspections in Southfield, is a certified inspector who has conducted inspections in Bloomfield Township. In addition to private lead inspectors, Oakland County's health and housing departments maintain several certified lead inspectors.

"Typically, it depends on what the client would need one for. It could be if a child is poisoned, if a homeowner is selling a home, or if someone is looking to purchase," Montgomery said of inspections he conducts, which include interior/exterior home inspections, as well as elevated blood level tests. "Certain cities and insurance companies require inspections for rental properties. If renovation work or whatever kind of work is being done on a home that is older, and children are there, best practice is to have it done."

Montgomery said he often analyzes 200 to 500 different components of a building during an inspection, keeping in mind how adults and children may be exposed. "Usually, kids would get it from ingestion, and adults usually from inhalation," he said. "Lead is sweet (tasting), so a child could be drawn back to it."

Lead-based paint became popular because of its speedy drying and increased durability. While banned for interior home use in 1978, lead-based paint was still popular for outdoor uses, and is still available and in utilized today.

"The state still uses it as road paint. They use it everywhere. They used it on other components, like fire hydrants and old playgrounds," Montgomery said. "It's still used. People don't always realize it's lead paint. They use it in marinas for boats or to whitewash decks because it lasts longer. It lasts a long time, but when it goes bad, it goes real bad."

FACES

Barbara Markham ochester Hills watercolor artist Barbara Markham picked up the paintbrush as a child, but she never really felt truly comfortable working a canvas until a brain aneurysm forced her to learn how to function again.

"I have painted for 60 years,� she said. "I used to be nervous when painting. Now, I don't even worry about it. If I don't like it, I take water and take it off. I'm not upset or nervous."

Instead of following her early passion for painting, Markham did the next best thing: she taught. For 31 years, she instructed young children in the Utica school district how to use art to express themselves, and watched them learn about art from around the world. But after more than three decades, Markham's teaching career came to a halt when she suffered a traumatic brain aneurysm.

It was July 30, 2002 – Markham's birthday, while getting ready to leave for Hawaii on vacation that she developed a severe headache. It wasn't until she woke up in the hospital that she learned what happened. Doctors told her she had slept for two days after a blood vessel ballooned and began leaking.

"I didn't really understand, but I knew I was OK," she said. “I was in the hospital for weeks, and then was in recovery for 18 months. I had to learn how to walk and talk, how to understand. My doctor told me I could never teach again."

In learning how to function again, Markham developed a strong resilience and comfort in returning to the art that had been such an important part of her life. It wasn't long before she had a handful of paintings she felt were good enough to try to sell. Acting on a tip that her

R

local TCF Bank sometimes allowed artists to display and sell their works, she approached the branch manager.

"I asked if I could sell them, and she said if I had 20 paintings, then people could look at the paintings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and have wine and see what I'm doing," she said. "She knew so many people that 170 people came and saw them."

Twelve years after her first showing at the bank, Markham has sold more than 500 paintings. Her work has been selected several times for exhibit by the Michigan WaterColor Society; Rochester Hills' Arts and Apples; Our Town Art Show at The Community House in Birmingham; Rochester Hills Rotary Club; and several others. Her works can also be found online at www.artrising.com.

Markham said the experience has made her feel more comfortable as an artist.

"I'm painting things that I wouldn't paint before. I'm doing more sunsets and colors that I wouldn't do," she said. "I was painting an elephant, and the color was gray and blue, and I hated it. I washed all the colors off and made it brown and yellow, with red around it. I wouldn't have done that before."

The confidence also has spread to other areas of her life.

"I feel like I'm so much more comfortable talking about things like this, and talking has helped. I never did things like this before," she said, adding that her recovery is nearly 100 percent. "It's 95 percent. When I'm reading, sometimes I have to read things another time because it doesn't click. It's not as fast. Other than that, the whole thing has been blessed."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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AIRBNB ITS EFFECT ON THE LOCAL RENTAL ECONOMY

BY LISA BRODY

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or two and a half years, Donald (not his real name), a Birmingham attorney, let people from all over the world come and stay at his house, for a night or two, and up to a week at a time. Sometimes he was at home while they were there, and other times, he left a key, instructions on how to maneuver around his home and the downtown Birmingham area, and he took off. He never personally knew any of the people who stayed in his house prior to their arriving, and yet he had no qualms about their sleeping under his roof, using his kitchen, and being sure he would receive payment for their stay.

The transactions between Donald and those lodging at his Birmingham home were conducted through Airbnb, a website for people to list, find and rent lodging in 34,000 cities and 190 countries around the world. Some consider it a Craigslist-like site for travelers. It was founded in October 2007, by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia not long after the two moved to San Francisco, when they had difficulty affording the rent for their loft. To pay for it they made their living room into a bed and breakfast by hosting up to three people on air mattresses and providing them with a homemade breakfast.

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aving success with that model, they took it a step further. Chesky, Gebbia, and a third friend, Nathan Blecharczyk, began to focus on high profile events in San Francisco where there was a shortage of available rooms to stay, and they launched Airbedandbreakfast.com in August 2008. By March 2009, the name was shortened to Airbnb.com, and according to Details magazine, the site's content had quickly expanded from air beds and shared spaces to a wide variety of properties, including everything from entire homes and apartments, private rooms in homes and apartments, castles, boats, manors, tree houses, tipis, igloos, and even private islands.

Today, there are approximately 1.5 million listings available, including over 300 listings in Birmingham, Bloomfield, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield, and other Oakland County locations. They range from a “room for a medical student,” to more lavish homes and large lakefront houses. Some rentals are inexpensive $20 overnight stays, and locally they can range all the way up to $300 for a night. There are also opportunities for long-term rental stays, which can be convenient for business and educational travelers.

Airbnb is part of what is referred to as “shared economy” services like Uber. Edith Ramirez, head of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in a speech in October 2015, warned that while some targeted regulations may be needed for these services, imposing “legacy regulations on new business models can stifle competition and ultimately leave consumers worse off,” although protection of consumers must be upheld in areas of health, safety and privacy.

“We must allow competition and innovation in the form of these new peer-to-peer business models to flourish,” Ramirez said. “At the same time, where necessary, targeted regulatory measures may be needed to ensure these new business models have appropriate consumer protections; but they should be no greater than necessary to address those concerns.”

She noted that new regulations might be better coming from agencies other than the FTC. Donald, who said he has been very selective about who he has let stay in his house in Birmingham, found the experience of renting through Airbnb a 100 percent positive one. “Overall, it was a great experience,” he said, recently taking his home off the site only because he got engaged. “Airbnb was great. I always got my money, and honestly, I never worried about any of the people who came to my home.”

Donald first became a host in August 2014, when he heard about Airbnb from a friend in Brooklyn. “He was using it for his own business travels, and was renting out his own apartment,” he said. “When I first heard about it, I thought that sounds weird, but you'd be surprised at the quality you get.”

He said he had a wide variety of guests stay with him, from

“venture capital folks, one from Virginia, others from Brazil and France. I had German pop stars who came here wanting to shoot a music video at the Pontiac Silverdome, and Harvard PhD's, as well as police officers who came here for a fellow officer's funeral.

I also had law professors who came for a Cranbrook reunion.

They were all very highly educated.”

An interesting guest stay was a family of doctors from Romania, who came here “trying to raise money to to build an oncology institute in Transylvania.” While he's not sure if they were successful in raising the funds they sought, he said they were pleasant, friendly and considerate, and enjoyed the Birmingham area.

In Birmingham, under current zoning ordinances, there is nothing prohibiting Donald, or other Birmingham residents, from participating in Airbnb as hosts.

“Nothing currently governs Airbnbs under Birmingham's ordinances,” confirmed Birmingham City Manager Joe Valentine.

An ordinance for rooming houses prohibits “renting or leasing a room in a rooming house until either a temporary or annual license has been issued by the building official,” but as Valentine noted, there currently aren't any rooming houses in Birmingham, and that ordinance is only for rooming houses. “That refers to a specific category of building.”

V

alentine said the city has not had any complaints from neighbors in areas where people are Airbnb hosts. “They're typically private arrangements.

From a public health and safety concern, when money is being exchanged, we always want to maintain strong public health and safety,” he said. “There has been some discussions on the state level regarding regulating them on the state level, but nothing has been adopted or evolved from those discussions. But currently there is no legislation in effect to regulate it.”

According to state Rep. Mike McCready (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township), there is nothing currently being worked on to regulate Airbnb, nor has there been any legislation prohibiting it, although some individual communities are enacting zoning ordinances.

“We had an issue with one a few weeks ago, and it was a zoning ordinance violation,” said Jay Cravens, Bloomfield Hills city manager. “It was straight and simple. Single family homes are defined as a single family unit by our own Bloomfield Hills ordinances.” In this instance, he said, “a couple bought a substantial home in the city and was using rental income to augment their income, and that is prohibited.”

Cravens said he had been alerted by a city commissioner that there was an advertisement for the Bloomfield Hills residence on Airbnb's website.

“I typed in Bloomfield Hills, and sure enough, there was a picture of the home. With Google Maps, I could identify the house,” he said, getting the address. “I sent out a violation notice and the number of days for them to comply. Typically, we give 30 days to comply. I received a response back from the property owner that they would take themselves off the site. However, they want the city commission to revise our ordinance to reflect modern times to permit this kind of use. I have no intention of bringing it before the city commission.

“I cannot imagine any community permitting this for any of their residential properties,” he said.

Yet, like Birmingham, many municipalities do not have any

zoning ordinances prohibiting the temporary rental situations or the hosting of private property.

“We don't have any ordinances prohibiting it, and we haven't had any complaints,” said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett, who wasn't aware that there were hosting sites in his city, although he could understand why there might be. “It's like Uber.

I can't imagine going to Washington DC and not using Uber. The site was so easy to use – when you can save 50 percent or more, why not?”

At this time, he said it was possibly symbolic of where things are headed with brick and mortar lodging. “They're virtual hoteliers,” Barnett said. “It hasn't come up here, and no one has brought it to our attention, so there are no prohibitions in our community.”

Patti Voelker, Bloomfield Township director of planning, building and ordinances, said Bloomfield Township does not have any rental housing ordinances or inspection programs. “In the township, rental housing and premises are expected to be maintained at the same level as owner occupied homes,” Voelker said.

Rochester is beginning to crack down on Airbnb rentals, which Nik Banda, Rochester economic and community development director, notes is distinctly different from bed and breakfasts in the city.

“I didn't know about Airbnb until about two months ago when some residents brought it to our attention,” Banda said. “In one of our neighborhoods, we got a complaint of people coming and going with suitcases at all times. The neighbors thought it was a drug house. We checked into it, and discovered it was an Airbnb.”

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ochester has an ordinance zoning bed and breakfast homes as principal permitted uses in the central business district, in zoned office districts, and in certain residential areas where they have gone before the planning commission and met specific standards, notably, “on residentially zoned properties that have frontage on and driveway access to N. Main Street or W. University,” the ordinance reads. It further states, “Bed and breakfast homes shall be confined to the dwelling unit, which is the principal dwelling unit on the property.”

In an interesting twist, Banda said The Carriage House, “a real bed and breakfast in our downtown, where our fire chief wanted to book a room, was recently so full, they kicked them down to an Airbnb (in the area). We had no idea. So we sent them a letter that they weren't permitted. We recently went to court on it, because he (the homeowner) is fighting it, and it's going to trial.”

Banda said, according to his reading of the ordinance, “to be legal, it has to be a bed and breakfast, and if it's going to be a bed and breakfast, then it has to go through the zoning process and be approved as a licensed one. It's illegal to be a bed and breakfast unless it's in a certain zoning classification.”

He noted there are rental apartments as Airbnb rentals, which comply to their ordinances, because they fit within a different zoning category. “Our stance is, rentals by the room is not ok.

Rentals in rental areas are fine if they are zoned that way,” Banda clarified. “It doesn't mean by the day or by the room. Having people come in with suitcases every night is not ok.”

He continued, “No one contemplated this. These issues have popped up suddenly, and we're having to catch up. Our planners

are looking at it as it exists across the country. We're going to deal with this in the next six months” with new zoning ordinances.

A Rochester small business owner with an apartment building in the city has had great success using Airbnb as he rents an apartment for executives and educators who travel into the city and are looking for a different experience than a hotel.

“I used to be an auto executive and traveled a lot,” the business owner said. “I found hotels to be unsatisfactory. I purchased a business in Buffalo (New York), and I rented shortterm rentals there, and it was a dynamic experience.”

H

e had the epiphany to recreate a similar situation in Rochester, for people seeking a homelike environment. In a small apartment building he purchased in the city, he completely furnished and set up a unit for long-term rentals, that is ideal, he said, for one, two, three, or six-month rentals. He does not do nightly rentals. “It's not viable for me, because that's a hotel's job.”

Initially, he rented the apartments in a more traditional way, with long-term leases because he couldn't find people to rent short-term. “When I learned about Airbnb, now I had an avenue to access these short-term rentals. What it lets me do is run a calendar and make it available to travelers. But most importantly, it has a vetting process. Airbnb allows me to look at their rental history, their feedback on Airbnb, and their reviews, and make sure that their rental history and scores are compatible with what I'm expecting.”

Airbnb makes it very easy to set up an account, and once that is done, the site recommends users look at profiles and reviews of potential hosts and guests, and advise guests to read the listing descriptions closely. “It's a good idea to read everything hosts have posted about their listings in the description, the amenities, and the house rules so there won't be any surprises,” they state on their website. “After learning more about your host's Airbnb history, start a conversation with them about your plans and what you can expect. Trust your intuition: if you don't feel right about a reservation, don't book it!”

Similarly, hosts are encouraged to read the feedback and reviews on serial guests in order to protect themselves.

As protection for both the host and guest, the site strongly recommends going through them for payment and communications. “Paying or communicating outside Airbnb makes it harder for us to protect your information and puts you at greater risk of fraud and other security issues. That's why we prohibit paying outside our website in our terms of service and strongly encourage you to communicate using our messaging system.”

“It (the apartment) was furnished and set up for this model of business travelers – but I had no access to them,” the Rochester businessman said. “Then I learned about Airbnb through my kids.”

Like Donald, the Birmingham attorney, he has never had a problem with his renters nor with Airbnb. “Airbnb handles the credit cards, cleaning fee and the security deposit. I've had professional people come and stay here, from the business manager for Ringling Bros. Circus, to people from Rochester who want to come back and visit family, and now I have

someone with a six-month contract for business in the Rochester area, which is what I want,” he said. “In December, I got about 10 to 15 calls from people looking for short-term three-month rentals from medical students at the Oakland University medical school, and from visiting professors at Oakland University looking for a furnished place to stay.”

He has no interaction with any of the guests. “I just provide them with the keys, and do a walk through. I'm more like a bellman. I usually have a bottle of wine for them, I have a Keurig for coffee for them, and a book of Rochester for where the restaurants are for them.”

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et, not everyone who uses Airbnb has no complaints. Nationwide, there have been horror stories – of out of control parties that have trashed host homes and other safety issues.

While the Rochester neighbors Banda recalled disliked people traipsing through their neighborhood at all times of the day and night with suitcases, assuming it was a drug house, there have been serious problems arising from some rental situations, and Airbnb rentals have no required follow up on health and safety regulations.

While there are no reports of unfortunate incidents from Oakland County, that is not the case in some other places. In 2013, a Canadian woman visiting Taiwan with friends died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a leaking water heater and the failure of proper ventilation in an Airbnb rental. California freelance writer Zak Stone has reported that at Thanksgiving 2013, he and his family rented out an Airbnb, and the property had a rope swing attached to a tree. His father got on the swing, and was then killed with a large piece of the trunk broke, falling on his head.

On New Year's Eve 2015, in Oakland, California, an Airbnb host family had their home completely trashed when their guest decided to throw himself an 18th birthday party by inviting 200 teenagers. According to a local news station who reported on the incident, “The renter cleared out most of the furniture and put it in other bedrooms or in the back yard. The furniture that was left inside was stepped on and dirty. There was even blood on the wall.”

The homeowner said she had used Airbnb about a dozen times before, and never had a problem before. “She thought she was renting to an adult man who was visiting from Chicago,” ABC 7 News reported.

Airbnb reported they had banned the guest from their website, and police arrested the teenager and charged him with vandalism.

As for the other incidents, Airbnb disclaims responsibility for accidents that happen at properties booked through them.

According to an investigation by Inc., “In general, its safety policies are meager in the extreme: The company offers liability insurance for landlords and homeowners; it offers free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to hosts in the U.S.; after the death of Stone's father, it began requiring new hosts to view safety tips during onboarding.”

Both Stone and Inc. recognize that severe incidents are rare, but with the possibility of anything happening, Stone, in particular, feels Airbnb should prepare for them. “If Google can photograph every surface of the earth and the U.S. Government can conduct a census, couldn't Airbnb peek inside 1 million

properties if it would make its 'community' safer?” he asked in Inc. That, however, could potentially make Airbnb open to massive liability claims. By just providing a hosting site, it attempts to stay neutral in lodging negotiations.

And Airbnb has no friends in the hotel industry, which looks at it as a penny-pinching interloper, a business that swoops into a community at often lower prices, and one that does not contribute back to the local economy by paying state corporate business taxes, as hoteliers do.

In a recent FTC executive summary, it states, “Sharing our homes has been commonplace for as long as there have been spare rooms and comfortable couches...Airbnb changes this basic formula. By incentivizing the large-scale conversion of residential units into tourist accommodations, Airbnb forces neighborhoods and cities to bear the costs of its business model.

Residents must adapt to a tighter housing model. Increased tourist traffic alters neighborhood character while introducing new safety risks. Cities lose out on revenue that could have been invested in improving the basic quality of life for its residents. Jobs are lost and wages are lowered in the hospitality industry...Airbnb rentals...are largely illegal.”

“As a business person, you're always looking for a level playing field. If you're competing with a hotel, and you're not required to do all the same health and safety precautions, the field is not level,” noted Steven Kalczynski, managing director, Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. “Airbnb has a distinct advantage because they don't have to do that. They don't have to pay taxes, they don't have to comply with city or federal ordinances, fire department testing, or health inspections, which are all there to protect the consumer.”

T

he hotel industry, looking at their loss of revenue, is beginning to fight back. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, they are not trying to kill Airbnb, but to fight illegal, unregulated businesses.

“This proliferation of illegal hotels is compromising consumer safety and endangering the character and security of residential neighborhoods, while these entities are also avoiding regulatory and tax obligations,” Vanessa Sinders, senior vice president of government affairs for the American Hotel & Lodging Association, told Fortune. She said the association welcomes the competition from Airbnb – as long as they play, and pay, by the same rules.

“Hotels are paying commercial taxes, so these Airbnbs are taking money away from us,” Rochester's Banda said. “Hotels are in commercial districts, they're not in neighborhoods. Plain and simple, our ordinances do not allow this. You have to have appropriate zoning for appropriate uses.”

But it can be hard to put the genie back in the bottle. Since the Rochester apartment owner began using Airbnb for shortterm rentals, “I have earned 50 percent to 150 percent more than with a traditional lease.”

He has been in regular communications with Rochester City Hall, and said he is complying with their regulations.

“I will continue to do this because I am a registered business in Rochester, and I pay taxes so Rochester allows the apartment to be rented month-to-month,” he said. “It's a good thing. You bring people to your city who would not normally stay there. It's a positive for the local economy.”

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39

FACES Dr. John Klemanski think people who have a vigorous and long lasting publication career do so because they’re interested, not because they’re driven by the tenure system,” said author and professor Dr. John Klemanski, who’s taught politics for forty years and published six books, in addition to over 40 book contributions or articles.

After Klemanski earned his masters in Public Administration from Wayne State University in 1974, his goal was to be a city manager, but after an internship in government, he had a change of heart and went back to school, earning his doctorate in political science in 1985.

As a graduate student, Klemanski focused heavily on urban issues, and in 1990, published “The Urban Politics Dictionary,” co-written with John W. Smith. The reference book covers topics including economics, policy, urban planning, geography, and provides suggested reading for more in-depth analysis for novices and experts alike.

“I’ve always been interested in answering questions, and I continue to do it,” said Klemanski, who grew up in Ferndale and moved to Rochester Hills in the 1980s, when he was hired by Oakland University. “Some of the research questions I try to ask and answer are about current issues of the time. In an article I did with Roger Larocca, we looked at the effects of election laws and voter turnout. A student of mine was a state senator, and they were considering some election proposals in the legislature, and I sent him my article we had published on election reform and voter turnout.”

By the early 2000s, Klemanski had been teaching and writing about politics for over two decades, and honed in on a policy generating change for the better. “In the '90s, it was depressing – there was a lot of urban decay and decline. I was trying to think if there was anything positive coming out of policy, and it seemed like brownfields was something that had a real ability to regrow cities,” he said, referring to national policy aimed at redeveloping sites contaminated by industry or damaged by blight.

Looking at the effects of the redevelopment process, Klemanski wrote “A Tale of Three Cities: Brownfield Redevelopment in Detroit, Pontiac and Monroe, Michigan,” and “Greenfields, Greyfields and Brownfields: Governmental Response to Land Use Challenges.”

Outside of publishing and teaching, Klemanski opened a firm that evaluated government and non-profit programs, including drug court programs in Oakland County Circuit Court and the sobriety court in Rochester Hills.

“I enjoyed working with folks out of the academic world,” he said. “We had a window on a life we didn’t know. I was trying to keep people out of jail and get them better. To be productive members of society, to have a job, pay taxes, be a contributor to society as opposed to costing society – jails are overcrowded and we’re spending a ton of money, and these are nonviolent (crimes).”

Klemanski has a forthcoming book, “Michigan Government, Politics, and Policy,” co-authored with David Dulio, who Klemanski’s written three other books with, due out in July of 2017.

I

Story: Katie Deska

Photo: Laurie Tennent

MUNICIPAL City’s bill from suit over flooding grows

By Kevin Elliott

Repairs and remediation to a Rochester Hills home from sewage backups and flooding have totaled more than $50,000 and continue to mount, according to court records submitted in a case involving a family that was displaced due to construction work related to the city's Hamlin Road construction project.

Documents filed on Monday, February 1, in Oakland County Circuit Court include tens of thousands of dollars in repair invoices incurred by Philip and Mary Penberthy. The city of Rochester Hills in December was ordered by the court to pay for the temporary housing and personal storage unit of the couple while remediation work and repairs are being conducted at their house, located at 674 Hamlin Road.

The court in December ordered the Penberthy's attorneys to submit repair invoices to the court, and required them to file a written claim against the city by February 1.

The couple had previously estimated damages to exceed $250,000, but a claim filed against the city on February 1 failed to list a specific amount. Instead, attorneys for the couple argued in the filing that the law doesn't require the Penberthy family to quantify its claims at this time, and that such claims are continuing in nature.

Rochester Hills city attorney John Staran said the case is still pending, and likely will be for some time to come.

"Court dates are months out," he said. "There have been two court hearings where there have been efforts to have the city held liable and advance money to pay the Penberthy's expenses. Both of those requests were denied by the court.

The city still defends it's not responsible."

In November, Oakland Circuit Court Judge Martha Anderson rejected a motion by the Penberthys that the city set up an unlimited escrow account with $100,000 to fund the home repairs.

In April of 2015, Rochester Hills filed suit against the Penberthys to obtain a 30-foot wide easement that ran the length of the family's front yard through the eminent domain process in order to proceed with the road widening project. During the summer construction project, the family's private sewer line was severed by contractors, causing the 42

City sells property to expanding company ore than 15 acres of vacant land owned by the city of Rochester Hills was approved for sale on Monday, February 22, to Jenoptik Automotive, which plans to invest nearly $30 million in a new facility at the site and create hundreds of jobs.

The purhase agreement includes 15.6 acres of land in the 1700 block of W. Hamlin Road at their meeting on Monday, February 22. Jenoptik will pay $3.50 per square foot for the property, which marks a sale price of about $2.38 million. The funds will be paid into the city's water and sewer fund, which was used to purchase the property in 1999.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said the two parcels were part of a 22-acre property purchase the city made for the purpose of a joint development with the local school districts. Operational details and conflicts made it difficult to pursue the development. Over the years, two of the four original parcels were sold, leaving the remaining two parcels.

"Finding a proper suitor for the property wasn't not only about finding a good business partner, but a good neighbor," Barnett said.

Jenoptik develops custom optical, optoelectrical and mechatronic system solutions, and has operated in the city for more than eight years.

It is now planning on building a technical campus to accommodate its joint engineering operations. The campus will be developed in three phases with an overall planned investment of $19 million for the first two phases, and a total investment of about $28 million. The company estimates the complete site will create about 400 jobs with an average salary of $80,000.

Barnett said the company will submit plans for the site "in a couple of weeks."

"We estimate this will bring hundreds of thousands in taxes back on the tax roll," he said.

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home to be flooded twice with raw sewage. On July 29, a third incident caused the Penberthy's garage, where they had stored their belongings, to become flooded with water. The court on July 30 issued a temporary restraining order on the project.

After ripping out portions of the soiled house during initial repairs, the Penberthys ran out of personal funds and requested money from the city to pay for their damages.

The city contends the contractors, not the city, are responsible for the damages.

Mixed use approved for N. Main Street A mixed use residential/office development was approved for 804 N. Main Street in Rochester, on the northeast corner of Romeo Road, where a Hollywood Mini Market and gas station currently operate.

Rochester planning commissioners, on Monday, February 1, voted 6-0, with commissioners Jeffrey Cuthbertson, Justen Grech, and Christopher Koehler absent, to approve the site plan and grant a special project exception.

Erich Becker, whose family owns the Main Street property, consulted

with Joe Latozas, of Designhaus Architects, to create a plan for a three-story, 23,750-square foot building consisting of residential, office and medical office units.

Planners gave their approval with a condition that the applicant adjust the layout of the building to decrease office space by 200 square feet, in order to conform to the city’s parking ordinance, and increase the building setback on the property.

The city’s parking requirement for medical/dental clinics is one spot for every 200 square feet of gross floor area. Due to the square footage of the building, it must have 40 offstreet parking spaces. The architects were only able arrange the site plan to create 39 parking space, so 200 square feet will be removed from the office space and reworked into nonoffice space, such as building corridors or residential bedrooms, in order to have a plan that is compliant with the city’s ordinance.

Office space will be housed on the first floor, followed by eight onebedroom units and a dental office on the second, topped off with four condos the third floor. Special exception was necessary for the mixed use project because it’s located in an area zoned as general business.

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Council approves parks master plan

By Kevin Elliott

Rochester Hills' 2016-2020 parks and recreation master plan, which serves as a long-range planning guide for the city's 1,000-acre park system and is the key to obtaining state parks grants for local projects, was approved by the city council on Monday, February 22.

Together with the city's master land use plan, the parks and recreation master plan explains the city's recreational goals and objectives for the community. The plan must be updated every five years, and includes input from the public. More than 550 residents participated in a parks survey, and about 25,000 people were made aware of the process through social media.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said the city received about four times the number of comments on the plan than in previous years.

"Council can be proud of the parks system that we have," Barnett said.

"Our park system is what makes us different than a lot of our neighbors.

There are communities around us that don't have what we have."

The city owns and maintains 1,000 acres of parks and trails, including 13 developed city parks ranging in size from small neighborhood parks to the 206-acre Bloomer Park. Facilities include ball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, roller hockey rinks, picnic areas, playgrounds, a velodrome, swimming, hiking, golf and other activities.

While the city recently retired a .3mill green space millage, funding for parks and recreation comes from the city's general fund. Acquisition and development of parkland is funded through the city's capital improvement fund, which also comes from the city's general fund. The city does have a .1858-mill pathway tax, which was approved in 2006 and runs through 2026.

Rochester Hills Planning Manager Sara Roediger said recommended projects in the plan would total about $5.8 million. Those costs could come from grants, private donors, the city's green space fund and general fund.

The order of projects, she said, is fluid, meaning specific projects don't need to be completed in a predetermined sequence.

The master plan, which covers 2016-2020, provides updated recommendations from the city's previous plan, and expands upon 03.16

Rochester caught in drawn-out lawsuit

By Katie Deska

more recently identified properties – particularly the recently updated Riverbend Park plan, which was adopted by city council on Monday, January 25. The action marked the first park in the city in the past two decades to have an approved strategic plan. The master plan also includes other initiatives underway with the Clinton River Watershed Council as part of the Watertowns program.

City councilman Dale Hetrick said he hoped city staff would include a conceptual plan of the 34-acre Eugene S. Nowicki Park that was developed about four years ago.

Additional input included a public involvement section and a summary of survey results; an updated parkland and facility analysis; reference to and information on the Paint Creek Center for the Arts; and an objective to better integrate art in parks.

Key findings in the public opinion survey showed that the Clinton River and Paint Creek Trails are the two most commonly used parks in the city, and that walking/biking trails are the number one area where residents feel more money should be spent. When asked what types of park features respondents would like to see, a splash pad/water park and dog park topped the list. Park improvements desired to be increased included more paved walking and biking facilities. Natural features preservation and keeping some parks as open space was also listed as a priority for many respondents.

The plan is due to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by March 1, in order to be eligible for grant funding.

17-unit condo plan clears city council The Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, February 8, gave unanimous approval of preliminary plans for a 17unit condominium project between Livernois and Crestline, near Hamlin Road.

The plans will return to the city's planning commission for final review before returning again to the city council for consideration of its final site plan for approval at a later date.

Council members last month told Rochester-based developer Vanguard Equity Management to meet with residents bordering the proposed Nottingham Woods project before the meeting in order to address their concerns. Several residents on January 19 told council members they had

questions and concerns about the development. Of particular concern were issues regarding trees and fencing at the proposed development that would provide a buffer between the properties, as well as questions regarding rainwater retention on the proposed site.

Rochester Hills resident Paul Schira, president of the neighboring Sycamore Homeowners Association, said at the January 19 meeting that homeowners in the area were initially told one thing, and now were being told that plans had changed. Further, he said he was concerned that residents will be stuck with an eyesore if the parcel isn't developed in a timely fashion.

On Monday, February 8, Schira said several of the previous concerns of the homeowners had been addressed.

"There is a small issue regarding retention draining, but it shouldn't be a problem and we should be able to work it out," he said.

Resident Alex Kiwior, who had previously voiced concerns, said Monday that communication between the developer and adjacent residents "has been fruitful."

Under the preliminary site plan, the development would consist of 17 single-family homes ranging from 2,000 to 3,600 square feet, with lot widths of about 90 feet. Homes are expected to sell for about $500,000.

Rochester Hills Planning Manager Sara Roediger said some revisions have been made to the preliminary plans since August, which included relocating one of the two retention ponds on the property, and enhanced landscaping and fencing to provide visual screening for neighbors. She said all stormwater drainage is required to remain onsite.

Mayor Brian Barnett said he was pleased with the improvement in communication between the developer and residents.

"This is how you do it," he said.

"You satisfy our residents, and then you move forward. This is how it's done."

Planners give nod to housing project Preliminary plans for a proposed condominium development at the northeast corner of John R. and Avon roads were unanimously approved on Tuesday, February 16, by the Rochester Hills Planning Commission.

Lombardo Homes, of Shelby Township, on Tuesday sought a tree removal permit, wetland use permit recommendation, natural features

n a court battle that’s been going on for over two years, in which the city of Rochester and the planning commission have been sued for over $5 million, Louis Leonor, of Lilly Investments, doing business as Dentists on Main, 600 N. Main Street in Rochester, filed an appeal with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in January after losing its case to the the city.

The case centers on property at 211 Walnut Avenue in Rochester, which Leonor owns and on which he has built a structure intended to house a dental clinic, of which Leonor owns several in the state. The would-be dental office has remained at a stand still since May of 2013, when the city issued a stop work order, claiming that Leonor’s structure does not comply with the conditions laid out by the planning commission at the time of approval in early 2012.

Leonor first proposed to the planning commission, in the fall of 2011, a plan to raze the existing structure, which was built in 1870, and construct a new building to house a dental office. The planning commission directed the applicant to revise the plan to include historic preservation of the building. After a series of exchanges between the planning commission and the applicant, the plan went before city council where it was well received, according to planning commission minutes. On February 6, 2012 the planning commission approved the plan, with three conditions, including to maintain the building's historic facade, specifying “The historic character of the property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alterations of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.”

Another of the conditions outlined in the minutes from the planning commission meeting states, “that the project demonstrate reasonable compliance with the Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Standards for Rehabilitation… and in case of a disagreement between the two parties, an outside expert will be selected by city administration and paid for by the applicant. The outside expert will reference the SOI Standards.”

The city issued a stop work order in May of 2013 because of concerns regarding the compliance with the SOI standards. “The city of Rochester issued a stop work, over the city building inspector Sid Browne,” asserted David Viar of the Miller Law Firm, representing Leonor. “(Leonor) is substantially done. He was on the verge of opening. He has his lab, all he was waiting for was a final inspection, the building is complete and ready to go.” At the time when the work order was served, Leonor claims he had already invested $1 million into the project.

The city of Rochester has filed a counter claim.

When reached for comment, building/electrical inspector for Rochester, Sid Browne, said, “You can ask (questions) but I can’t answer because it’s pending litigation. I’m under orders not to speak to anyone about this case until it’s settled. I was placed under that when it was first filed.”

Steve Joppich, the city's legal counsel, said, “There's a lot to this case. The judge dismissed the case because they filed the lawsuit before the city had an opportunity to make a final decision about his (Leonor's) changes.”

In early 2013, Ed Francis, fellow of the American Institute of Architects, was selected by the city to review the building for compliance with SOI standards, concluding that “the project did ‘reasonably comply’ with the SOI,’” according to the findings of the magistrate judge David R. Grand who saw the case in Oakland County Circuit Court in early 2014, where it was originally filed by Lilly Investments. The case was removed from the circuit court to federal court, where it was adjudicated at the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan in the fall of 2015 by judge Judith E. Levy, who dismissed Leonor's lawsuit against the city.

“It was dismissed in November. We won,” said Nik Banda, director of economic and community development for Rochester. “On all accounts it was dismissed and (Leonor) had 14 days, and he appealed (in January), and now we wait until that’s set.”

Viar, representing Leonor, said a decision from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals is expected later this year, in September or October.

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setback modification, and preliminary condominium plan recommendation from the planning commission for the proposed Bloomer Woods development. Plans for the project include 30 single-family, detached units on 12.8 acres of land.

The proposed homes will include ranch colonial styles, as well as other home styles, with lot size ranging from 10,800 to about 20,500 square feet.

Units are expected to range in price from $350,000 to $450,000, and consist of brick, stone and vinyl siding exteriors. Slightly less than three acres of the site will be preserved as open space. Access to the development will be from John R., via a boulevard entrance with an internal loop road, according to the preliminary site plan.

The developer is planning to remove about 280 of the 449 existing trees at the site, preserving about 37.6 percent of the trees. The developer would replace the trees with 248 tree credits. Under the project's landscaping plan, the largest number of trees preserved would be in a concentrated area near the wetlands located on the site. About .33 acres of the existing 1.39 acres of

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low-quality wetlands at the site would be impacted by construction.

Commissioners unanimously approved the tree permit, with the condition that tree protective and silt fencing are installed prior to the issuance of a land improvement permit. The developer would also be required to pay into the city's tree fund for any trees that aren't able to be replaced on site. Commissioners also recommended city council approve the developer's request for a wetland permit.

A recommendation that city council approve the preliminary site plan was unanimously approved by planning commissioners, pending six conditions placed on the applicant, including that they provide all off-site easements and agreements for approval by the city prior to the issuance of a land improvement permit; provide a landscape bond of $51,323 for landscaping, replacement trees, plus an irrigation plan and cost estimate; payment of $6,000 into the tree fund for street trees; approval of all permits from outside agencies; compliance with the department memos; and submittal of by-laws,

master deed for condo association, along with submittal of final preliminary site condo plans.

The development will come before the city council for final approvals this spring.

Rochester College to build new facility Plans by Rochester College to construct a 23,400 square-foot field house on the campus property at 800 Avon Road were unanimously approved on Tuesday, February 16, by the Rochester Hills Planning Commission.

Rochester Hills Planning Director Ed Anzek said plans for a field house for the college had initially been approved in 2006, but were put off for years following the economic downturn. The previous approval has since expired and plans were subsequently updated.

The one-story building will be located on the north side of Avon, between Livernois and Rochester Roads. Under the site plan, the exterior will consist primarily of burnished concrete and aluminum composite panel accents, with a metal siding for

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the upper wall and roof to match the other buildings on campus. A bike rack and pedestrian connection from the front of the building to the public sidewalk along Avon and across the parking lot are planned, along with a sidewalk on Avon.

None of the wetlands or natural features setbacks on the campus will be impacted by the development.

Overall, the site is governed by a planned unit development agreement between the city and the college entered into in order to develop the campus. The Clinton River Trail is to the north of the development, the Northridge Apartments to the south; Rochester Church of Christ to the east; and the Clinton River Trail and Rivercrest Professional Offices are to the west.

The site plan was approved with three conditions, including the college provide a landscape bond of $55,350 for replacement trees; the college will proceed with design; and approvals be sought for the installation of the pathway along Avon Road to fill the gap on the college's property within three years of the completion of the field house.

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Brampton Parc receives approval The Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, February 8, gave final approval for the development of a 12unit condominium project in the 1400 block of John R, between School and Hamlin roads.

The 2.93-acre Brampton Parc development will consist of six, twounit duplexes on the east side of John R Road. Developer Jim Polyzois said the homes will range from 1,250 to 2,100 square-feet each with two-car garages. He said they are expected to sell for about $300,000.

The city planning commission on January 19 recommended final approval on the project, as well as the final PUD agreement and wetland use permit allowing the project to move forward. City council on Monday unanimously approved the site plan, PUD agreement, and wetland use permit.

The project received preliminary approval of the PUD agreement in November of 2015, and initial planning commission approval in October of 2015. While additional landscaping was required along the eastern portion of the property as a condition of approval, five ornamental trees were replaced with evergreen trees and an additional 15 evergreen trees have since been added to the plans to comply.

South Street Flats concept discussed

By Katie Deska

Rochester resident and developer Joe LoChiro, who is the chief supervisor for the construction of First Street Lofts, currently undergoing construction in Rochester, returned to the city’s planning commission meeting on Monday, February 1, to further discuss a concept site plan and to seek special projects approval for the South Street Flats, which LoChiro plans to build on the banks of the Clinton River, near Diversion and South streets.

The residential development was designed as two six-story, 55-rental unit apartment buildings. LoChiro informed the commission on Monday that he would maintain his original plan to market South Street Flats as apartments, rather than condos, which he brought up as a possibility at the January planning commission meeting. At that meeting, commissioners reminded LoChiro he would need to present condo downtownpublications.com

100-bed senior living development moves forward

By Kevin Elliott

lans for a proposed twostory, 100-bed senior living facility along the east side of Rochester Road, north of Hamlin, were approved on Tuesday, February 16, by the Rochester Hills Planning Commission.

NP Senior Living Development LLC, of Riverside, Missouri, is proposing an 81,073-square foot assisted living and memory care facility, to be called Stonecrest, on about 3.5 acres of land east of Avon Hills Village subdivision. Planning commission members unanimously approved a site plan, natural features setback modification, tree removal permit, and wetland use permit recommendation, which will now go to city council for final consideration.

The site plan was approved with six conditions placed on the applicant, including: provide all off-site easements and agreements for approval by the city prior to issuance of a land improvement permit; the applicant provide $166,000 for a landscape bond for landscaping and replacement trees; provide an irrigation plan and cost estimate prior to final approval by staff; pay $3,200 into the tree fund for future landscaping deficiency; obtain permit approval from all outside agencies; and comply with department memo comments prior to final approval by staff and the building permit approval.

The site is part of a parcel that was previously approved as the City Place planned unit development. Plans also include off-site improvements to roads in order to connect future development north of the site and an associated retaining wall and detention. Bike racks and sidewalks in and throughout the site will connect to Rochester Road and an internal road that will be constructed in the future. Plans also include an outdoor amenity space at the northeast corner of the site, abutting Rochester Road.

The plans indicated the building itself will consist of high quality materials, including a mixture of cultured stone and textured fiber-cement siding and shake, with fiber-cement panels as an accent and an asphalt shingle roof.

Rochester Hills Planning Director Ed Anzek said the developer met in November with neighboring residents in an open forum, including those from the Avon Hills and Eddington Farms subdivisions. The applicant, Mark Pomrenke, of Senior Living Development, said the outcome was overwhelmingly positive. No public comments were offered during Tuesday's public hearing and request for a wetland use permit.

The applicant is proposing to impact less than one third of the 1.12 acres of city-regulated wetlands on the site. The wetlands are considered medium to low ecological quality and should not be considered a vital natural resource to the city, officials said.

Pomrenke said they are also proposing the removal and replacement of four trees on the site, which are regulated by the city's tree conservation ordinance. Overall landscaping includes "an intense landscaping plan to meet with the rigorous standards of Rochester Hills," according to the submitted plans. That plan includes a right-of-way buffer and parking lot landscaping, including improvements to the front yard area and street trees along Rochester and the newly created streets to the north and west.

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documents. LoChiro had been dismayed by this, and said that preparing the documents for the project costs tens of thousands of dollars. The preparation and presentation of condo documents are a standard requirement of the city in order to obtain approvals.

Also, at January’s meeting, commissioners requested that LoChiro return to the commission in February with a more detailed explanation of how the project would benefit the public. He is seeking a special exception permit, a requirement to build an entirely residential development in an area that has been zoned in the city's 2014 master plan as mixed-use.

To that end, LoChiro and a representative from Designhaus Architects loosely discussed creating a rest area with benches along the Clinton river trail to be used by both apartments residents and the public.

However, once again, no blueprints were provided, and commissioners pointed out they had nothing to look at in order to discuss LoChiro's proposal.

LoChiro also referenced a study, which was not provided to commissioners at the time, which he said illustrates the community’s need for apartments. “(South Street Flats) will fill the need shown in the study that more apartments are needed,” LoChiro said.

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LoChiro was asked by commissioners to return for the March meeting ready to present revised plans, and at that time they will vote on whether to schedule a public hearing for April.

Rochester Hills rejects used car lot Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, February 22, rejected a request for a conditional zoning use in the city's Olde Town neighborhood that would have permitted a used car lot on Auburn Road, near Dequindre.

Syed Ahmed, owner of Auto Rite Sales, 1923 E. Auburn, gained 45

approval on January 19 from the city's planning commission for site plans and a recommendation to approve the conditional use request. Ahmed planned to remove the current building at the location and replace it with a new structure. However, his push for council to modify the commission's recommendations and concern about zoning violations at the car lot ultimately led city council members to reject the request all together.

City council vice president Stephanie Morita, who also serves as the council's representative on the planning commission, voiced her disappointment in Ahmed's request to circumvent the commission's findings.

"It was originally approved for five vehicles, and he was violating that by keeping more cars on the lot next door. The planning commission recommended 12 vehicles on that parcel because of size issues, and it's my understanding you aren't content with 12 cars," Morita said. "Now you're asking for city council to disregard the planning commission's recommendation. This makes me very wary of the applicant's intentions."

Planning commission members in January rejected Ahmed's request to have as many as 18 cars displayed for sale at the .29-acre site. The commission, citing previous zoning violations regarding the vehicles, placed an added condition on his conditional zoning request stipulating that the use would be revoked should he have more than two zoning violations at the property within a year's span.

Ahmed's daughter spoke on his behalf before the council and requested that members go beyond the 12-car limitation set by the planning commission, as it would place a hardship on the business.

She also requested that the enforcement be tied to monetary penalties, rather than the conditional use authorization.

Morita said the request was an indication that the applicant doesn't intend to stay within the 12-car limitation.

"He has also asked us to disregard the condition of the violations. He wants that deleted. To me it implies he doesn't intend to comply with the conditions and that it's easier to pay a penalty than to follow the rules like everyone else," she said. "I was a 46

Commission approves plan for preschool

By Kevin Elliott

site plan to build a 10,992 square-foot day care and preschool facility at the southwest corner of Auburn and Graham Drive, west of John R was approved by the Rochester Hills Planning Commission on Tuesday, February 16.

The facility, which would be one of hundreds of similarly named Goddard Schools throughout the country, is being proposed by Swapna Chada, of Bloomfield Hills. The school would accommodate about 140 students and be located on the site of a current two-story colonial home built in 1901 at 820 E. Auburn.

Rochester Hills City Council in January unanimously removed the current building from the city's list of potentially historic houses, clearing the way for the owner to sell the home and allow Chada to raze the structure in favor of The Goddard School.

Childcare and learning centers are permitted in the area, which is surrounded by a Salvation Army Thrift Store to the north across Auburn Road and the Country Club Village site condos to the south. A church is located to the west and a single home to the east.

Rochester Hills planning director Ed Anzek said there were some concerns regarding parking at the school location, as the facility doesn't permit children to be dropped off.

"They have to walk in and drop them off," Anzek said.

The minimum parking requirement for a child care center of the size proposed is 36 spaces, plus five stacking and two handicapped spaces.

While Chada meets the required barrier free spots, the plan is short on stacking requirements. Chada has said because the school doesn't allow for drop-offs, the proposed parking is appropriate.

The commission approved the plan with seven findings and two conditions. Findings include that access to and from Graham will promote safety of vehicle traffic, and that off-street parking has been designed to avoid common traffic problems. In regards to the stacking parking, the plan authorizes Chada to reduce the requirements from five to zero, due to the school's operation.

The Goddard School operates more than 400 facilities in 35 states, and is open to infants and children up to 5 years old. The schools promote academically endorsed methods to ensure children "have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life," according to the The Goddard School's website.

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planning commissioner who voted in favor of the plan, and I'm really disappointed in the applicant and how he came back to council and asked us to disregard the planning commission. I can't support any requests, and I'm not in favor of the plan anymore. I just don't think he'll follow the rules."

Council member Thomas Wiggins said he was concerned whether the business could succeed under the car limitations, based on comments from the applicant. If that were to happen, he said the city would be stuck with an oddly zoned property with a building that may not be finished.

"If 12 is a hardship, how can you afford to pay for it and stay in business?" Wiggins asked. "If the city has to get involved, it's more

complicated than a hardship for you."

Council members voted 4-3 against approving the conditional use request, with Morita, Wiggins, Kevin Brown and Dale Hetrick voting against it, and council president Mark Tisdel and members Susan Bowyer and Jim Kubicina voting in favor.

The council also voted unanimously in favor of tabling a motion to reject the conditional use request until the next meeting when the council's findings could be added to the motion.

Temporary detour for Clinton River Trail A short section of the Clinton River Trail will be temporarily rerouted while a sewer construction

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project occurs in Rochester near the west end of Bloomer Park.

The stretch of trail that runs approximately from Elizabeth Street to the east side of the Rochester Avon Recreation Authority, where E. 2nd Street becomes Letica Drive, will closed for three months, as of Tuesday, February 16.

Trail users are directed to follow a detour which will lead from the trail, to E. 2nd Street across Paint Creek, onto Mill Street, where the route will then reconnect to the Clinton River Trail.

In January, the city council unanimously approved a $1.467 million contract with Shelby Township-based FDM Contracting for the Clinton River Trail interceptor, part of a larger project addressing sewer challenges. The city’s efforts are necessary to prevent against potential leaks, and to bring the city into compliance with federally mandated clean water requirements.

The trail route is expected to return to normal on May 17.

Parking decks pay off for Rochester

By Katie Deska

From July 2015 through January 2016, Rochester netted $38,349 in parking-related revenue, according to a parking summary presented to council members by city manager Blaine Wing at the city council meeting on Monday, February 8.

“We’re currently on target; revenue is exceeding expenses just slightly,” said Wing. “This is a current snapshot.”

Expenses for the seven-month period totaled $538,703, of which approximately 58 percent went to operational expenses, 41 percent went towards debt payment, and less than one percent went to capital expenses.

Revenue generated for the same period totaled $577,052, of which 68.6 percent, or $395,871, came from meter and deck collections. Parking permits accounted for 6.6 percent of revenue, and parking fines accounted for 7.4 percent. The remainder came from fund transfers and other sources.

No revenue was generated from the special assessment district. “The special assessment that was scheduled for March has been mailed out,” said Wing.

03.16

PLACES TO EAT JOIN US FOR

ST. PATTY’S DAY 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. The complete Places To Eat is available at downtownpublications.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (downtownpublications.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.

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.

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.

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

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

Chomp Deli & Grille: American.

downtownpublications.com

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.

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.

East Side Mario’s: Italian. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2273 Crooks Road, Rochester, 48309.

248.853.9622.

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

Famous Dave’s: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2945 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.852.6200.

Firehouse Subs: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1480 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.9200. Also 3044 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.7827.

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

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

Ganbei Chinese Restaurant & Bar: Chinese. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.266.6687.

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.

SERVING DINNER 6 DAYS, BRUNCH ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY. PRIVATE EVENT SPACE AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES

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301 South Main Street Rochester 48307

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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.

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Outback Steakhouse: Steakhouse. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations, eight or more. Liquor.

1880 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.650.2521.

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. 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.

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.

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 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306.

248.650.2500.

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49

FRONT/BACK Front/Back is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening in both the front of the house and back of the house in the restaurants in the metro Detroit area.

24-hour diner Daily Dinette opened for business on Wednesday, February 10, at 280 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale. The 24-hour diner is slingin’ burgers, breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, “beautifully decorated donuts and cider mill-style donuts, hot out of the fryer anytime,” said Beth Hussey, vice president of operations for Kramer Restaurant Group. Daily Dinette inhabits the space that was formerly Buffalo Wild Wings. Chef Emmele Herrold, of Ferndale’s One-Eyed Betty’s, oversees the kitchens of both restaurants, and in March, will add Pop’s for Italian to her resume, the newest project of restaurateur Brian Kramer. Pop’s will share the building with Daily Dinette.

Bloomfield restaurant closing After 40 years, the iconic Hogan’s restaurant of Bloomfield Township has closed.

“The timing was right. They approached me (to buy it). It was never on the market,” said Rick Bochenak, owner of the long-time establishment. Bochenak said he who sold it to the Barbat Organization of Bloomfield Township. “For me, it’s kinda sad. My dad bought it from Howard Johnson’s in 1961, and turned it into Hogan’s in 1975. It was a staple in the area for three generations.”

Hogan’s was known for its burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and salads in a neighborhood environment. In its place, a new retail establishment will be erected.

Brewery expansion Birmingham’s Griffin Claw Brewing Company, 575 S. Eton Street, is expanding into Rochester Hills. Griffin Claw Brewery will open a new 8,000square foot location on the property formerly occupied by East Side Mario’s, 2273 Crooks Road in Rochester Hills, which recently closed. The LePage family has ownership over Griffin Claw, the now-shuttered East Side Mario’s, Big Rock Chophouse, 245 S. Eton Street in Birmingham, and Clubhouse BFD (beer, food, drink), at 2265 Crooks Road in Rochester Hills. “We’re thinking more along the experimental lines, essentially a facility for increased production,” said a representative from Clubhouse BFD, neighbor to the upcoming location of what’s being called the Griffin Claw Brewing Company ThinkTank and Test Kitchen.

To commemorate Buddy Pizza’s 70th anniversary, the brewery has created new American wheat ale, the Buddy Brew, available on tap at all eight full-service Detroit-area locations. “It’s a permanent addition to Buddy’s,” said Wes Pikula, vice president of operations. “We knew Scott (LePage) and brew master Dan (Rogers). We tried to pair something that worked great with the pizzas. It’s soft and smooth, with coriander and grapefruit peel.”

Sous vide causal dining Slated to open in Ferndale within the month at 310 W. Nine Mile Road, The Conserva, will offer a unique dining experience that involves sous vide cooking, glass jars, and crunchy bread. A project of chef Matthew Baldridge, formerly of Cliff Bells and the Rattlesnake Club, and his fiancé, Janna Coumoundouros, the concept behind The Conserva “is like a more creative Lunchable,” said Baldridge, “you just build your own.” Using a time and temperature controlled water bath to cook various proteins, the food is then removed from its vacuumsealed bag, marinated, and sealed in a jar, “like you would do at home, canning,” he said. “You can imagine different pickled products from fruits to vegetables to proteins in different marinades—tuna collar, tuna belly, oxtail, rabbit, different types of charcuterie applications. Everything is shelf-stable.” Baldridge gave an example, “oxtail with apple kimchi, with this type of mustard, with a poached egg. You pick it, and we’ll bring it to you with a crunchy, toasted baguette and you make your own.” The couple spent the last few years hosting the Dinner Club Pop Up in Ferndale’s Front Street Gallery and other local venues.

Fried chicken adventure A new venture from Zack Sklar and partners is Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. It will be opening in Midtown Detroit at Third and Alexandrine, “Likely in at least six months,” said James Henry, executive chef at Sklar’s Birmingham restaurant Social Kitchen & Bar. The new space will necessitate a complete buildout. The franchise started in Memphis, and currently has 13 locations in seven states, including Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Georgia, Texas, and Illinois, with a handful more on the way. Behind the upcoming Detroit eatery is Schmaltz Hospitality LLC, the newly formed restaurant group composed of Sklar and Jim Bellinson. The two partnered with Wendy McCrory, owner of Gus’s, after Sklar’s longtime friend Zach Goodman, introduced Sklar to the

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 401 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.9300.

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

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

248.759.4825.

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, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845.

NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.816.3424.

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.

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.

Tre Monti Ristorante: Italian. Lunch, Thursdays. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.680.1100.

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.

Arthur Avenue: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.480.0768.

Au Cochon: French. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.7795.

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.

No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630.

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

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

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

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. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.8800.

Cameron’s Steakhouse: American.

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

248.723.1700.

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.

Ironwood Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 6 or more. Liquor.

290 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.385.0506.

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.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.3663.

Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.5222.

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 Bird & The Bread: Brasserie. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600.

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

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

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

34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.4237.

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

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

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.

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.

Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145.

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.

brand, said Jaimee Tepker, Sklar’s assistant. “The menu will be the same in all the restaurants. Wendy developed the recipes that they use, but the seasonings – you can’t quite tell what makes it a little spicy but perfect. It’s practically scientific,” said Tepker. “(The recipe) is about as secret as the chartreuse recipe and the monks that make it.”

Bye to Ann Arbor Katoi in Exile, as the Ann Arbor location of the Thai-inspired concept, Katoi, was affectionately called, has closed doors for good, as the focus shifts to its opening in Detroit. Partner Courtney Henriette expects the new restaurant, at 2445 Michigan Avenue in Detroit, to begin serving this month or next.

Lunch shifts Detroit’s Republic, 1942 Grand River Avenue in the G.A.R. Building has discontinued lunch service, while its sister restaurant, Parks and Rec Diner, located in the same building, has added lunch service. “We decided that instead of competing, we would just shut down the tavern lunch, and do a little more focused lunch menu in addition to our breakfast menu,” said Philip Kitchell, manager at Parks and Rec Diner. “(The diner has) a great brisket Reuben. We’re using the brisket that we have in the tavern for dinner, which is brined and smoked, with kraut, and house made Thousand Island (dressing). Our soups change every other day, are also from scratch and (we have) a couple sweet salads. We play with the lunch menu.” Chef Sarah Welch oversees both restaurants.

Second Social opening Zack Sklar’s Peas and Carrots Hospitality Group will open a second Social Kitchen & Bar in Grand Rapids this spring, said James Henry, executive chef at the Birmingham location, at 225 E. Maple. “The Grand Rapids location will have a few new features that Social in Birmingham doesn’t have. It will offer all the classics that we know and love at Social, and possibly some new menu twists.”

Peas and Carrots also operates Birmingham’s Au Cochon and Arthur Avenue, along with Mex and Beau’s in Bloomfield Township.

Detroit street food 2941 Street Food, the Mediterranean restaurant that recently opened at 87 W. Auburn Road in Rochester Hills, is planning an expansion to Detroit this June.

Coming to 4219 Woodward Avenue at Willis, the Detroit location boasts a large outdoor patio. Jacques Van Staden and Joe Vicari, of Andiamo Restaurant Group, came together to develop a concept Van Staden considers “very fresh and wholesome – wholesome, honest chow.” He added that the Detroit restaurant has a liquor license, does catering, and will accommodate a high volume of delivery orders.

Servers donate tips to Flint To mark the second anniversary of Royal Oak’s Bistro 82, 401 S. Lafayette Avenue, all tips earned on the evening of February 11, were donated to The United Way of Genesee County’s Flint Water Fund. AFB Hospitality Group, the parent company, matched the staff’s donations, dollar for dollar. The fund covers filters, bottled water, emergency support services and more. Approximately $6,000 will be donated to the Flint Water Fund, said a representative of the restaurant.

Cooking with style Cooking with Style, a monthly series of cooing classes and dinner nights, will be presented at The Townsend Hotel with Leslie Jacobs Associates, and will continue throughout the year. Jacobs said the informative cooking classes are held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the kitchen of the hotel, taught by chefs, and cost $125, including dinner. The lineup includes Foods of Spain, March 14; Best of New Orleans, April 11; Summer and Smoke-Grilling Secrets, July 11; Mediterranean Cuisine, August 18; Fall Starters, September 12; Thanksgiving Favorites, November 14. To sign up for a class, contact Leslie Jacobs Associates at cookingwithstyle3@gmail.com.

Pop up Intel Yemans Street, 2995 Yemans Street in Hamtramck: Jessi Patuano, of Bacco Ristorante, March 11. yemansstreet.com Front/Back is reported each month by Katie Deska. KatieDeska@DowntownPublications.com. We welcome news items or tips, on or off the record, about what's happening in the front or back of the house at metro area restaurants.

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/ 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.

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

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

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, 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.

52

248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

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

248.851.8782.

The Lark: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6430 Farmington Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.661.4466.

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.

Sweet Lorraine’s Café & Bar: American.

Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29101 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, 48076.

248.559.5985.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – 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.

Detroit Angelina Italian Bistro: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

1565 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.1355.

Antietam: French. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

1428 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, 48207.

313.782.4378.

Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2040 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.961.2543.

Coach Insignia: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243.

313.567.2622.

Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214.

313.469.0976.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110.

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun.

Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600.

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122.

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837.

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Maccabees at Midtown: American.

Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

5057 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48202.

313.831.9311.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616.

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700.

1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221.

313.863.1917.

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499.

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.2100.

Roma Café: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

3401 Riopelle St., Detroit, 48207.

313.831.5940.

Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit, 48207. 313.567.2900.

Santorini Estiatorio: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 501 Monroe Ave, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.9366.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921

DOWNTOWN

Second Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.438.5055.

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214.

313.822.8000.

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.9828.

Small Plates Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1521 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.963.0702.

St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216.

313.962.2121.

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234.

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

The Block: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.832.0892.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.964.4010.

Top of the Pontch: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservation. Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.782.4313.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.964.3821.

Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.3965.

Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American.

Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207.

313.393.1711.

The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700.

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646.

Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1411.

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.

03.16

AT THE TABLE Dave Mancini may have hit on his hands with La Rondinella

By J. March

astern Market is a really cool part of Detroit. As the largest historic public market district, it can furnish your house, feed your face, help develop your garden, and fill your soul. The shed that houses the market sees 45,000 visitors on any given Saturday. Surrounding the shed are shops and restaurants owned and operated by a diverse community of artists, artisans and business owners. It is here that Dave Mancini opened La Rondinella in January of this year.

Mancini, a native of Troy, ditched his physical therapy job and opened Supino Pizza in 2008. After much success there, he purchased the closed restaurant next door with the idea of running a casual, accessible, neighborhood eatery. Though it took awhile to come to fruition, that is exactly what La Rondinella is.

Zinc table tops, simple lighting, brick walls and an unassuming bar blend perfectly with the casual table settings, menu and service. Though the seating is tight, the atmosphere is conducive to conversation between neighboring tables and provides an overall warm, fuzzy, casual feeling.

After a lovely greeting at the door and the quote of a reasonable wait time, we headed back to the packed bar where the experience was not so great.

Three bartenders on duty, all of whom ignored our presence, desire for a cocktail, and even went so far as to tell us we could not stand on one side of the bar. Upon migration to the other end, we were then told by another bartender that we could not stand on that end either. Though what I wanted to tell them was that I would gladly stand outside if someone would just make me a drink, I instead shuffled to another spot and waited fifteen more minutes until I was acknowledged with the welcoming words of “Whatcha need?” What is the deal with bartenders these days? I get busy. I get that craft drinks don’t come from an Oasis Machine. What I don’t get is the inability to at least be greeted with an “I’ll be right with you,” or “Hi guys, how are you tonight?”It’s a turn off, and an awful way to start any experience.

Luckily, we were seated right as our 25-minute long wait cocktails came. Our server showed up and immediately went into what I was sure the same speech she had given every table before us and most likely every table after. I'm a fan of personality, but her knowledge was spot on so upon her suggestion we ordered the roasted fennel along with the anchovy crostini and the salt cod fritters. The fennel was drizzled in lemon vinaigrette with shaved parmesan and fennel frawns. It was acidic, salty, anise flavored goodness. The anchovy crostini was also perfectly balanced with the briny fish, nuttiness and brightness that came from an unnamed herb that tasted like parsley and mint. The salt cod fritters came with a house tartar that included lemon and dill. Nothing fancy about that, however, the

E

Crespelle di Granchio: Crepes with bechamel, topped with marinara. Downtown photo: Esme McClear

crunchy, fried goodness can only be described as the island to the stream which consists of cold beer.

Our intermezzo consisted of earthy roasted mushrooms with creamy polenta and hints of sharp parmesan and swiss chard with lemon, garlic and a heavy handed portion of olive oil.

With much anticipation we ordered the gnocchi. Though listed as served with chicken, the server sheepishly told us it was came with duck that night and was that okay? Was that okay?

Does a foodie own a camera and two Instagram accounts? Hands down this dish was my favorite.

The gnocchi was perfectly constructed and cooked, which is no easy feat. The collards, pieces of perfectly roasted duck, and light broth had me, with zero shame, using my finger as a spatula.

The squid and potato stew that followed was a flavor bomb with the briny squid, hearty potatoes, a savory, rich brown broth, and the green flavors of kale and chard. The epitome of cold weather food and a great reason for six more weeks of winter.

Though they were out of the lamb that night, they did have a short rib prepared similarly. It was the emotional version of mom's pot roast and the culinary version of comfort food at its best. Tender, moist, rich in flavor with roasted root vegetables and polenta, I again felt lucky for the stray-fromthe-menu listed item.

It's obvious that I'm a fan of La Rondinella.

Forgetting the Stalinist bartenders, the space is inviting and warm. The menu is simple and affordable and, most importantly, executed to a tee.

It also goes to support my theory of less is more.

Smaller menus that are comprised of dishes with three to four ingredients offer up the opportunity for focus on execution night after night. Though I am most certainly not the first to know this, I can say that for as much as it sounds like common sense, it is sorely lacking in restaurants today.

On top of all of that, this neighborhood spot is somewhere you could patronize three or four times a month without any donation of plasma, body parts or first born. The price points are spot on and the space is somewhere that makes you want to hang out. Take your pick of reasons to go.

Just go. And if you don’t agree, go grab a slice next door.

La Rondinella, 2453 Russell Street, in Detroit's Eastern Market, 48207. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m.. Closed Sunday and Monday. Street parking available. Handicap access. Website and phone number pending.

J. March has 25 years experience in the restaurant industry in southeast Michigan, including certification as a sommelier.

FACES

Ali Woerner t’s quite a sisterhood, and a support system” said Ali Woerner, a Rochester Hills resident who danced with the Radio City Rockettes for six years.

“You’re in a snow globe four months every year. I learned a lot. I grew up.”

At age 21, Woerner and a handful of her close friends piled into a pickup truck and drove from the University of Oklahoma, where she was finishing a degree in performance art, south to Dallas for the Rockettes’ audition. “It was a fun field trip, and then all six of us who went to the audition got hired! I performed in Detroit for a couple years as a Rockette. We would rehearse in one city and travel to two different cities.

I could do it from here. I didn’t have to live in New York – I could go into New York when I needed to.”

In between training, performing and traveling for the holiday show that dates back to 1932, Woerner, now 38, met her husband, with whom she has four-year-old boy/girl twins. “They’re dancers in their own right,” she said. “They would tell you they ‘really like to move.’ I watch my children and how they have their own independence and strength and fearlessness, and I think that has to do with the space they’re in – that they feel they can be themselves and that they’re watching their mom do that. I think that’s the best (gift) I can give.”

Receiving her masters degree in choreography from the University of Michigan, Woerner successfully set out to carve a career path in metro Detroit. “I was born and raised here, I love (Rochester Hills), this county. I didn’t feel I needed to leave to be successful, and I’m glad I didn’t. Being

I

from here, and giving back to our community is huge. I really wanted to stay and figure out how to do that.”

In 2013, Woerner co-founded Take Root, a contemporary modern dance company that’s in residency at Oakland University. The non-profit started as a duo composed of Woerner and her business partner, dancer Thayer Jonutz. “Our mantra is connection,” she said, “whether that’s connection to an audience, or children in K-12 education, or the Dance for Parkinson’s,” which is offered once a month, free to those living with the nervous system disorder.

The five dancers, one musician, and lucky apprentice who make up Take Root perform locally as well as internationally. “Our goal is to find untraditional audiences,” said Woerner. “In Berlin, the studio (we performed in) used to be an old swimming pool, so we were surrounded by white tile, and we were in a basin. We danced in a swimming pool in the middle of Germany!” This month, Take Root will be performing in Kalamazoo, Chicago and at the Detroit Institute of Arts, as part of the museum’s multimedia dance exhibition.

Woerner encourages everyone to keep dancing, “to feel the joy and the freedom – you’d be lying if you said there wasn’t one point you didn’t dance in your kitchen, or in your room, and what that made you feel like.

So why can’t we instill that in our children, and the elderly?”

Story: Katie Deska

Photo: Laurie Tennent

BUSINESS MATTERS Driverless car electronics Dataspeed, Inc., dedicated to driverless car development, is relocating from Troy to Rochester Hills where the company has leased a 12,000-square foot industrial space at 1935 -1955 Enterprise Drive. “We create a development kit that allows Tier I suppliers and others that want to build driverless cars,” said owner Paul Fleck. Dataspeed, Inc. serves Ford, Magna Electronics, Dura Automotive and others. A staff of 15 engineers and technicians produce and sell electronics, in the form of a kit, so other companies can adapt a car’s computer to become driverless.

The kit comes in the form of a controller similar to that used for Xbox, Microsoft’s video game system. “We use the Xbox controller because an engineer can easily relate to it,” said Fleck. “This is a tool they can use to develop their technology and sell to the OEMS (original equipment manufacturers).

We use contractors in metro Detroit for the parts and we assemble the system and install the system. We do the Lincoln MKZ. We can drive that car with an Xbox controller.” Fleck said the move was prompted by the need for a larger space, and mentioned the convenience factor of being close to major thoroughfares I75 and M-59.

Skateboard art competition South Street Skate Shop, 410 Main Street in Rochester, is now accepting registration for Deck Art 2016, the sixth annual skateboard art competition hosted by the store. For $20, anyone can get a wooden skateboard deck to decorate and enlist in the competition. The completed decks, which can be twoor three-dimensional, will be displayed from March d19 through May 27 in up to 50 Rochester area businesses. Individuals of all ages are invited to participate.

Royal Park honors At the Worldhotel Annual Conference in Germany, Rochester’s Royal Park Hotel was awarded Best Experience Creator for the second year in a row.

The 143-room Royal Park Hotel is one of 500 independent hotels worldwide under the Worldhotels brand, and is the only North American hotel to receive an award, said Samantha Dabain, assistant in sales and marketing for the Royal Park Hotel, located at 600 E. University. The award was based on guest surveys and feedback from websites such as TripAdvisor, Dabain noted. “We try to downtownpublications.com

hit all the details that (the guests) weren’t expecting initially, and any expectations, we try to meet or exceed.” Through the Peak Points program of Worldhotels, guests accumulate points at each visit, and receive perks, like “a free upgrade to a room or a girt certificate to our restaurant. Once a year points accumulate so you can use it anywhere, at any Worldhotel.”

Music venue name change Meadow Brook Music Festival, the 7,700-capacity outdoor pavilion on the campus of Oakland University, is now called Meadow Brook Amphitheater, located at 3554 Walton Boulevard, west of Adams Road. The music and entertainment venue opened in 1964, and in the mid-’90s, an agreement was made between Oakland University and Palace Sports and Entertainment, which is now responsible for managing, marketing and booking acts. The company has made improvements to the amphitheater’s sound system, stage and seating capacity. Palace Sports and Entertainment manages other local venues, including The Palace of Auburn Hills and Clarkston’s DTE Energy Music Theater. Upcoming announced shows at Meadow Brook Amphitheater include Andy Grammer, The 1975, and Walk the Moon. Meadow Brook Amphitheater is not affiliated with Meadow Brook Theater, a professional theater also located on the campus of OU.

Dental lab expands Nelson Dental Laboratory, a division of Minneapolis-based Dental Service Group (DSG), is moving from Hamlin and Livernois roads to the Industroplex east of Crooks Road, between Hamlin Road and M-59, at 1628 - 1688 Star Batt Drive, units 646 1654. One of 45 DSG labs in North America, Nelson Dental provides lab services for patients on behalf of 500 dentists in the metro-Detroit area, including a handful within the greater Rochester area. Nelson Dental specializes in fixed and removable restorations, such as dentures and crowns, although the lab makes “any dental appliance for the mouth,” said general manager Joe Petruzzello.

“Everything is done through the dental office, (like) the impressions.

(The patient) has to go to the dental office, and the dental office signs a script and we make it from that point.” Nelson offers same day service on repairs and realignment of dentures. The new laboratory is 8,600square feet.

New therapy offices At the end of 2015, Karen EckertSmith and Tobi Russell closed Rochester Hills Counseling, which Eckert opened in 2011. The practitioners went separate ways, and Russell, LPC, LLP and CAADC, partnered with Kaylnn Potter, LLP, and reopened in her former location, 945 S. Rochester Road, suite 101, as Rochester Area Counseling Services on February 1. The two women serve individuals ages 4 and up, and Russell is certified in alcohol and drug abuse counseling. EckertSmith, LPC, CAADC, will open Rochester Counseling Associates at the beginning of March with partner Micheline Sommers, LMSW, at 1460 Walton Boulevard, suite 20, on the northwest corner of Walton and Rockdale in Rochester Hills.

Eckert-Smith specializes in substance abuse counseling and couples therapy. Sommers, who is on the board of the Older Persons Commission, specializes in therapy for the elderly.

Mortgage lender opens National mortgage lender, Envoy Mortgage, recently opened at 120 W. Fourth Street in Rochester. “What makes us different is we fully underwrite our clients before they’re shopping for a home,” sand branch manager Sean Chamberlain. “We give a mortgage loan commitment, not just a pre-approval. Why it matters to a homebuyer is because we can fund and close the loans within 14 to 28 days.” Envoy works directly with Fannie May, Freddie Mac, FHA VA and USDA.

New mortgage location Advantage Mortgage, based in Salt Lake City, opened a temporary location in Rochester nine months ago, and recently relocated down the street to their permanent location, 1202 Walton Boulevard, suite 215. “We close in 30 days or less, even with the new guidelines.

We’ve been prepared (for the changes) since 2013,” said branch manager Matthew Chojnacki, regarding the recently implemented national requirements for lenders, which impact fee disclosure statements and other forms.

Chojnacki has been in the mortgage business for 23 years.

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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.

Christ Child Society Home Tour

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Christ Child Society Home Tour Julie Hamaty and Ann Jordan chaired Christ Child Society’s 2015 Home Tour of six exceptional Bloomingham area homes. Most of the 600-plus Sally Gerak tourists stopped for brunch at Birmingham Country Club and to shop at the 20 boutiques set up there. The generous owners who decorated and opened their homes were Marianne and John Boukamp, Susan and Mark Davis, Jenny and Chris McCuiston, and Karen and Rick Williams. The tourists were unanimous in their praise of the homes. Kelly Martin, who toured with her interior design business partner Amy Fischer, said that “...all were festive and beautiful...especially (McQuistons’) modern farmhouse...that showcased today’s freshest design ideas and perspectives.” Carol Roney, Nora Hamill, and Lori Gothard coordinated the society members (10 house captains and 75 docents) who worked at the homes. Thanks also to sponsors and a raffle, the event raised an all time high $50,000-plus for CCS to help children at risk rebuild their lives.

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1. Ann Jordan (left) of Beverly Hills and Julie Hamaty of Birmingham. 2. Tina Stonisch (left) of Birmingham, Liz Lee of Bloomfield. 3. Katie Serda (left) of Grosse Pointe, Pam Surheigh of Bloomfield. 4. Julie Lunghamer Jenney (left) of Bloomfield, Mandy Lunghamer and Jeannie Lunghamer Petzold. 5. Janet Stenger (left), Sarah Stenger Dodge and Bev Stenger of Birmingham. 6. Dr. Virginia Graham (left), Diane Roelant and Janet Forgione of Bloomfield.

7. JoAnn Patterson (left) of Lake Orion, Mary Jo Dawson of Bloomfield.

Meadow Brook Hall Starlight Stroll Just before Meadow Brook Hall’s 44th annual Holiday Walk concluded, a sold out crowd of 280 ($75 ticket) flocked to the hall for the Starlight Stroll. Guests included MBH director Geoff Upward and his wife Suzanne, who had been married at the estate a year earlier. All the guests savored the butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, the open bar, a grand buffet dinner, dancing in the lower level ballroom to the Sheila Landis Trio and touring the hall. It had been decorated by floral designer Alice Waterous and her crew with a lot of preliminary help from the MBH volunteers and staffers. Originally, the Holiday Walk comprised three days, preceded by a black tie gala. It has grown to encompass, in addition to the cocktail dinner/dance, 27 days of self-guided tours by 16,950 tourists, teas for 94 guests each, Santa events for 115 guests each and private parties. About 100 volunteers work during the events. The 2015 walk raised approximately $160,000 for the ongoing preservation ($1,000 per day) and operation ($6,500 per day) of the National Historic Landmark that was built in the 1920s.

Meadow Brook Hall Starlight Stroll Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary Holiday Splendor Randy Forrester and Dick Lilley co-chaired the Cranbrook House Auxiliary’s new project that replaced the auxiliary’s perennial Holiday Tables. It comprised about a dozen decorated trees and other holiday decor displayed throughout the historic house for viewing by tourists (three weekends) and guests at an elegant tea, a Santa Sighting event, a cocktail party and shopping in the Thistle Gift Shop. The new tradition got off to a good start, with more than 600 total visitors, including the 40 who attended the cocktail party, and it raised some $50,000 for the non-profit Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary.

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Women’s Division Project HOPE’s Luncheon/Boutique Linda Juracek-Lipa chaired the Women’s Division for Project HOPE’s popular annual holiday gathering. It attracted 120 to Oakland Hills Country Club for socializing, shopping and dining. Alice Haidostian’s piano music accented the room before lunch. The program included remarks by Tracy Anderson, who came from PH headquarters in Virginia, and a preview of an historical PH Power Pointe. WD president Bettina Gregg thanked the committee members and honorary chairs Maggie Allesee and Brigitte Krawiec and introduced her board. The cheery event netted $11,000 for PH’s disaster relief and sustainable health care around the world.

1. Geoff (left) & Suzanne Upward of Bloomfield, Pat & Nadine Milostan of Rochester Hills, Tamare Burns and Gene Hopkins of Ann Arbor. 2. Helen & Dr. Neil Matthews of Rochester. 3. Katie Modelski (left) of Northville, Matt Affeld of Bloomfield, Laura & Steve Nastoski of Chesterfield, Christie & Brad Whitmer of Rochester Hills. 4. Carla & Bob Giddings of Rochester Hills. 5. Sandee Rellinger (left) of Rochester Hills, Sue May of Waterford.

Ronald McDonald House Snazzy & Jazzy Tea More than 90 people convened for tea and a fashion show at The Townsend to support the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit. The eighth annual event was chaired by new board members Treva Beckius and Charlene Mitchell and sponsored by Bricker-Tunis Furs. The furrier showcased its new Italian collection in a fashion show narrated by jazz singer Kimmie Horne. Music by jazz duo Mike and Mike (violinist Michael Saxon and keyboard player Michael Evans)

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accented the scene, which also included a silent auction, raffle and program emceed by Fox 2’s Deena Centofani. It included moving testimonials and a video highlighting the comforting environment a Ronald McDonald House provides families with a hospitalized child. A $10 daily fee is charged for a guest room and use of common areas – a kitchen, laundry room, playroom and entertainment areas – but no family who can’t pay is turned away. The tea raised nearly $10,000 which, according to executive director Jennifer Litomisky, will be earmarked for the Detroit Ronald McDonald House’s $3 million expansion campaign.

Detroit Historical Society Ball Trust the Detroit Historical Society to come up with a unique venue for its annual charity gala. The December party site wasn’t easy to find but more than 700 history buffs did find Rick Portwood’s Display Group warehouse tucked inside the old Packard Plant. The 475 who came for dinner were welcomed near the entrance by the three cochairs, Lena Epstein, Alicia Nicholson and Lisa Baruah, before trekking through the huge racks of event furnishings to the cocktail venue. There they socialized, savored passed hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails around a red 1934 Packard convertible. The splendid dinner was served at long tables in a cavernous room with good video screens which helped all appreciate Nicole New’s performance and welcoming remarks by DHS president Tom Buhl. He noted that “…55,000 aircraft engines were made in this very space…and that Winston Churchill said this shortened the war effort.” The live auction of unique packages raised $66,500 and the Educational Initiatives garnered another $33,150 before afterglow guests (185plus) began arriving to dance to Nicole New & Band music and devour late night snacks. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the chic gala raised $507,000 for the Detroit Historical Society.

Angels’ Place Annual Dinner Supporters of the 20 Angels’ Place lifetime homes for people with developmental disabilities turned out en masse (660) for the Annual Dinner at The Henry. It was chaired by the Tim Dugans and the Jeff Hannigans. Both couples were among the 150 Patrons who started the evening at a reception with the very affable guest speaker/retired Buffalo Bills quarterback/NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. Also in that crowd were honorary chairs Patti and Bob Koval, (Bob played one year for the Bills) and Mike Lodish, who played three years for the Bills, as well as Kelly’s teammate, Kent Hull’s sister Kristy Barratt. WXYZ’s Brad Galli emceed the dinner program that followed the socializing. Kelly used good humor to accent his personal story, even though it has been laced with the sadness of a battle with cancer and the death of his only son from Krabbe Disease. “I was mad at God,” he confessed, “I wanted a healthy son.” The subsequent birth of two healthy daughters changed his life.”Thank the Lord I did change,” Kelly concluded. The benediction by Angels’ Place resident Brian who spoke of the difference one person can make was a fitting conclusion to the program.

Thanks to the raffle ($39,000) and generous sponsors, the evening raised more than $305,000 for Angels’ Place.

Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s Kidney Ball Patrick Rugiero chaired the Kidney Ball which attracted more than 800 National Kidney Foundation supporters to the Motor City Casino Hotel. Before dinner they “shopped” the silent auction, especially the items displayed in the children’s toy room. They also applauded downtownpublications.com

Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary Holiday Splendor

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1. Randy Forrester (left) of Birmingham, Denise Acierno and Greg Schwartz of Bloomfield. 2. Beth & Dick Lilley of Birmingham. 3. Lauren & Tom Balames of Bloomfield. 4. Rachael Hubers (left) of Troy, Pat Pampreen and Ellen Dougherty of Bloomfield, Virginia Latimer of Beverly Hills.

5. DelMarie LaGrasso (left) and her son Joe of Rochester, Scarlett Shader of Waterford.

6. Lynn & Bharat Gandhi of Bloomfield.

7. Nancy Kulish of Southfield and Eric Francher of Rochester Hills. 8. Marilynn Rusche (left) and Janice Mies of Birmingham, Janet Cameron of Troy.

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Women’s Division Project HOPE’s Luncheon/Boutique

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1. Sherry Saginaw (left) of Bloomfield, Linda Juracek-Lipa of Birmingham. 2. Bettina Gregg (left) with Anita Hedeen of Bloomfield. 3. Mary Putinta of Bloomfield. 4. Laurie Balian Aiello (left) of Troy, Ellie Tholen of Birmingham. 5. Lidija Grahovac (left) and Tina Prevas of Bloomfield. 6. Serena Orsini (left) of Bloomfield, JoAnn Colliver of Birmingham.

7. Jean Azar (left) of Grosse Pointe, Alice Haidostian of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Detroit Historical Society Ball

when honorary co-chair Ed Peper presented honorary co-chair Duane McLean with the Cynthia H. Shannon Award for his many years of dedication to the NKFM. Following a superb dinner, WDIV ’s Steve Garagiola emceed the program. It featured a live auction and pledging for NKFM Kids Programs ($92,000) followed by the Mars candy bar and dancing to the music of Fifty Amp Fuse. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the gala raised more than $640,000 for the NKFM’s many programs that help more than 900,000 Michigan residents living with chronic kidney disease.

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Kadima Film Discussion For more than 30 years, Kadima has provided residential, therapeutic and social services to people with mental health needs. Its executive director Eric Adelman and clinical director Jean Nemenzik conceived the idea to stage an outreach event based on a showing of the Academy Award-winning film “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” which was celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The evening attracted more than 150 people ($18 ticket) to The Maple Theater. The pre-party in Maple’s café, the movie and the following discussion moderated

by Elliot Wilhelm surely did promote conversation about how mental health services have changed in the years since Ken Kasey’s 1962 novel upon which the film is based. Discussion panelist Nemenzik noted that the mental hospital and the electroconvulsive therapy featured in the film look horrifying. Co-panelist psychiatrist Dr. Dan Guyer opined that “…the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction…our long term care is better but we have a long way to go.”

Nemenzik added, “The good news is today we have agencies like Kadima.” Kadima’s annual Healthy Body Healthy Mind brunch is 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Sunday, April 17 at The Townsend. For tickets, go to kadimacenter.org/healthybody.php or call 248-5598235.

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1. Alicia Nicholson (left) and Lisa Baruah of Grosse Pointe and Lena Epstein of Bloomfield. 2. Sarah & Chip McClure of Bloomfield. 3. Eric Medwed (left) and Margi & Don Epstein of Bloomfield. 4. Frank Ambrose of Bloomfield, Debbie Rowe of St. Clair Shores. 5. Mark Polega of Birmingham and Shelley Roth of Bloomfield. 6. Patricia Ellis & Dick Strowger (center) of Grosse Pointe with Bob & Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield. 7. Lisa Nowak (left) of Rochester, Mary Ann Bury of Grosse Pointe, Diane Farber of Bingham Farms. 8. James (left) & Kevin Cristbrook of Bloomfield. 9. Beatrice (left) & Pierre Boutrous and Sandi & Claude Reitelman of Birmingham. 10. Peggy Daitch (left) of Birmingham, Diane Schoenith and Bob Bury of Grosse Pointe.

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Angels’ Place Annual Dinner

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1. Tim (left) & Patty Dugan of Bloomfield, Jeff & Debby Hannigan of Birmingham.

2. Heather Van Arnem Chidiac (left) of Bloomfield, Jim Kelly, Kristy Hull Barratt of Birmingham. 3. Schuyler (left) & Nora Hamill of Bloomfield, Joe & Carolyn Love of Birmingham. 4. Nancy Strickland (left) of Bloomfield, Sally Mezey and Kelly Cash of Birmingham. 5. Kathleen (left) & Jack McInerney of Birmingham, Carol Chisholm of Bloomfield.

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DSO Volunteer Council Musical Feast Dreams of Lundi Gras dance in my head as I recall the Echoes of Holiday Splendor – the final event in the DSO Volunteer Council’s 2015 series of 18 Musical Feasts. It was hosted by Lucia Zurkowski in her vintage Bloomfield Hills Tudor and prepared by Doug Grech, aka celebrity Chef Duglass Duglass. (Lundi Gras was an annual benefit for the Archives of American Art that moved from the original London Chop House when it closed to Grech’s Restaurant Duglass in Southfield.) As he did for the Lundi Gras events, Grech showcased his consummately creative classicism.

First course selections were set up in the subterranean pub and accompanied by Russian vodka martinis shaken by a handsome hunk. The petite concert by DSO assistant concertmaster violinist Kimberly Kennedy that followed in the balconied and beamed living room did indeed, as Kennedy suggested, “…touch our souls.” The feast that followed featured scallops perched on golden beet pillows, Royal Osetra Petrossian caviar served with a warm blini and pheasant under glass, all paired with perfect pours, including Dom Perignon Champagne and Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1970. The dessert – a large, white chocolate, à la Fabergé egg filled with dark chocolate mousse and fresh raspberries – was so large that the thoughtful chef boxed each in a clear box to take home. Thanks to the 10 guests who 03.16

donated $1,000 each to attend the final 2015 feast, the 28th annual series raised more than $80,000.

Henry Ford Hospital Centennial Celebration The first HFH Grand Ball celebrated the hospital’s 95th anniversary in 2010. It was the first of five trial runs, so to speak, for the finale of the hospital’s Centennial Celebration. That black tie gala attracted nearly 1,400 ($250, $500, $1,000 tickets) to Cobo Center’s Grand Riverview Ballroom just before the holidays. The sold out crowd included descendants of founders Henry & Clara Ford. They got rousing applause during the dinner program when they joined HFHS CEO Nancy Schlicting on stage and she thanked them for their “..bedrock of philanthropy.” Program speakers also included the new HFHS President Wright Lassiter (who noted that his bright blue bow tie represented a new initiative for hospital donors) and HFH President and CEO Dr. John Popovich. He thanked his wife Beth and HFHS’s Kim Streich for planning the stellar party before positing a vision for the hospital’s next 100 years “…with bold innovations for a better, healthier world.” The gala celebration raised more than $600,000 for the new, fivestory, 144,000-square-foot cancer center to be connected to HFH by a skywalk.

Cranbrook Music Guild Afterglow More than 60 music lovers gathered at Christ Church Cranbrook for Cranbrook Music Guild’s January concert. It featured pianist Hsiu-Jung Hou, holder of the guild’s Betty Brewster Scholarship, who is a master’s degree student at the University of Michigan. At the convivial reception sponsored by Camille and Don Breen following the concert, many people commented on Hou’s technique. “Her power is impressive (given her slight stature),” noted Bob Carrington. Two more concerts remain on the season’s schedule.

Go to CranbrookMusicGuild.org for details and tickets.

HAVEN Grand Opening The new HAVEN home, where sexual abuse victims find healing, is a far cry from the agency’s origins five decades ago. At that time, the victims’ safety was thought to require a secret location. However, with the grand opening of the new 36,000 square foot facility, domestic violence and sexual assault have come out of the shadows with safety concerns addressed during the design and building process. Two events – a VIP reception for some 150 supporters and a ribbon cutting the next morning for another 200, both with guided tours of the the new home – celebrated the culmination of the five-year “Seeds of Hope” capital campaign co-chaired by Sarah McClelland and Brad Simmons. It exceeded its $5 million goal thanks to nearly 700 individuals, downtownpublications.com

Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s Kidney Ball

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1. Myra Moreland, center of Birmingham, with daughters Laynie Bryant (left) and Blair Rodriguez. 2. Dr. Jerry & Emilie Dancik of Birmingham. 3. David and Megan Maiuri of Bloomfield Hills. 4. Shelly Hurwitz of Novi, Laura Rosin of Birmingham. 5. Laynie & Josh Bryant of Birmingham.

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Kadima Film Discussion

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1. Eric Medwed (left) & Lena Epstein of Bloomfield and Lilly Epstein Stoltland & Alex Stoltland of Birmingham. 2. Margi & Don Epstein of Bloomfield. 3. Gail (left) & Robert Katz of W. Bloomfield, Julie Marx of Bloomfield. 4. Nancy Henderson (left) and Sally Marx of Bloomfield, Jo Bruce of Livonia.

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DSO Volunteer Council Musical Feast

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1. Chef Duglass of Birmingham, hostess Lucia Zurkowski of Bloomfield. 2. Eileen (left) & Keith Gifford of Rochester Hills, Katie Valenti of Bloomfield.

3. Susie Bluestein (left) of Bloomfield, Kimberly Kaloyanides Kennedy. 4. Sam Valenti (left) of Bloomfield, Dr. Robert Safian of W. Bloomfield.

5. Marlene Bihlmeyer and Bob Bluestein of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK corporations and foundations from all over metro Detroit. The new HAVEN campus is located south of the Oakland County Complex east off Telegraph Road.

To quote executive director Beth Morrison, “It gives hope a voice.”

Henry Ford Hospital Centennial Celebration

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Cranbrook Schools Holiday Tea Exchange Mary Pat Rosen, Lori Thelen and Arlyce Siebert hosted the fifth annual social that attracted more than 70 parents to Cranbrook House. They brought a van-load of toys and food for the families served by Lighthouse of Oakland County whose Liz McLaughlan thanked them profusely. Following her moving expression of gratitude, the guests participated in a spirited exchange of gifts.

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1. Allan Gilmour (front) of Birmingham, Pam Theisen (left) & Nancy Schlichting of Bloomfield, Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom of Southfield.

2. Wright & Cathy Lassiter of Bloomfield. 3. Christina (left), John & Beth Popovich of Birmingham, Drew & Katie Popovich Knoechel of Chicago.

4. Dr. Brent & Karen Davidson of Bloomfield. 5. Roland Trombley (left) of Birmingham, Debra & Jim Berline of W. Bloomfield. 6. Mark (left) & Lisa Kraus of Bloomfield, Dona Goodnuff of Southgate. 7. Norm & Solange Messelian of Bloomfield. 8. Judy (left) & Frank Jonna and Jennifer Harmon of Bloomfield. 9. Dale Watchowski (left) of Birmingham, Ken Till of Beverly Hills. 10. Lisa & Bill Ford of Ann Arbor.

Cranbrook Music Guild Afterglow

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Children’s Hospital Big Shots, Little Stars The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, one of the eight children’s charities that benefits from the sale proceeds of the Charity Preview tickets, staged a donor appreciation event for preview guests.

Three hundred foundation supporters ($200 ticket) flocked to the MGM Grand for cocktails and shuttle service to and from Cobo.

Upon their return, most picked up a pair

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1. Hsiu-Jung Hou (center) of Ann Arbor, Don & Camille Breen of Bloomfield. 2. Rita-Ann (left) and Judy Lindstrom of Bloomfield.

3. Addison (left) & Arlene Brown and Margaret Ann Rendzipeis of Bloomfield. 4. Robert Carrington (left) Patricia Balbiano and Michel Erussard of Bloomfiled. 5. Phyllis Yelick (left) of Birmingham, Julie Yelick Miller of Bloomfield. 6. Alice Berberian Haidostian (left) of Bloomfield, Jeanette Keramedjian of Orchard Lake, Lisa Keramedjian Meer of W. Bloomfield.

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NAIAS The Gallery The Gallery officially kicked off the 2016 North American International Auto Show the Saturday night before press preview days. The swanky evening, coordinated by the Fulkerson Group and sponsored by the Robb Report, attracted 500 ($500 ticket) to the MGM Grand where most first convened in Ignite for some of Chef Wolfgang Puck’s personal culinary attention. They then strolled to the ballroom where 28 luxury cars worth $7.5 million (think Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, and Falcon) awaited their attention. When we asked NAIAS chair Paul Sabatini why the cars on display lacked any signage, he said with a smile, “Signage isn’t needed. These people know what’s what.” They also knew how to shop the Robb Report’s silent auction of 16 luxury packages exhibited around the room, paying $40,000 total to benefit the DADA Charitable Foundation. We learned later that approximately $2 million worth of those gorgeous cars sold at The Gallery.

The press and industry days that followed, accented as they were with car ice sculptures placed around downtown, were capped off by the black tie Charity Preview (13,075 attendees; $400 ticket) which raised $5.2 million for eight children’s charities. When the show closed, ticket counters tallied 815,575, which is nearing the show record of 838,066 set in 2003. No doubt about it, Detroit is on the comeback.

of comfy slippers and some queued up for complimentary foot and neck massages.

All were greeted by co-chairs Larry Gold and Pam Scott, Matt and Jodi Friedman, and Keith & Gretchen Pretty before passing by a handsome display of head-turning cars and proceeding to the Night Club or the Pub – two unique party sites within the ballroom. Each had its own ambiance, food stations, open bars, diversions and, yes, places to sit and rest one’s piggies after cruising the auto show floor. DJ Jared Sykes and his drummer kept the Night Club jumping while the Pub featured lower energy pursuits like billiards and a huge Operation game. Generous sponsors included Brinker/Barton Malow, DMC, Microsoft Store, RDM Associates, MGM Grand Detroit, Phoenix Innovate and Jaguar Land Rover.

Children’s Center NAIAS AutoGlow!

The Children’s Center’s 25th annual AutoGlow! attracted more than 900 Charity Preview guests ($275 and $325) to Ford Field where they boarded round trip shuttles to Cobo. Upon their return, Levy Restaurants ensured all a revolving menu of Michigan-themed hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts. They also danced until 1 a.m. to the band Nightline and had a surprise champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. The soiree, which was hosted by Ford’s Lisa and Bill Ford and Jane and Mark Fields, netted nearly $300,000 for The Children’s Center.

Circle of Friends Preview Party For 20 years, the first notable charity event to follow the auto show hullabaloo has been the CARE House Circle of Friends luncheon featuring an expert speaking about child sexual abuse. In recent years a preview party, this year beautifully hosted by Valerie and Bruce Ahlgren, has offered guests an opportunity to chat intimately with the speaker. As 80 patrons ($150 & up) socialized and savored yummy comestibles like crab cakes and squash risotto from Bill Roberts’ six restaurants and sipped wine from Celani Family Vineyards, some did settle with buffet plates on laps to get acquainted with Erin Merryn. A sexual abuse victim, the author and activist has been on a crusade to get each state legislature to mandate age-appropriate, sexual abuse prevention education under the title Erin’s Law. Michigan was the sixth state of the 26 who have passed it. “I’m not going away (until all states pass it),” Merryn vowed passionately.

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

HAVEN Grand Opening

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1. Beth Morrison (left) of Bloomfield, Sue Perlin of Novi.

2. Neal (left) & Mary Hicks of W. Bloomfield; Elaine Myers of Bloomfield, Kristina Petzer of Birmingham. 3. Jon & Jane Dady Bowman of Birmingham. 4. Rachel Decker (left) of Birmingham, Camille Cherri of W. Bloomfield. 5. Nina Ramsey (left) of Rochester Hills, Carole Winnard Brumm of Bloomfield.

6. Oakland County Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub (left), Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown, Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, and Rep. Tim Griemel. Photos by Doug Ashley.

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NAIAS The Gallery

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1. George Milan (left) of Detroit, Rhonda & Paul Sabatini of Bloomfield. 2. Tavi Fulkerson & Bill Hampton of Bloomfield. 3. Rod & Tammi Alberts of Bloomfield. 4. Eva & Andrew Meade of Bloomfield.

5. Cole Wiand and his mother Lisa Bouchard of Birmingham. 6. Jason Verbrugghe (left) of Rochester, Jeff Lemke & Beth Stalker of Holly. 7. Amanda & Chance Richie of Bloomfield.

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1. Larry Gold (left) & Pam Scott of Bloomfield, Jodi & Matt Friedman of W. Bloomfield. 2. Nicole Gize (left) of St. Clair Shores, Dr. Keith & Gretchen Pretty of Midland. 3. Leslie Fleming (center) of Bloomfield and Kate Kesner (left) and Lynn Kaiafas of Grosse Pointe. 4. Dave (left) & Sandy Rozema of Grosse Pointe, Karen Fordham and Steve Zowrinsky of White Lake. 5. Jessie Beld-Elliott and GM’s Ed Welburn of Bloomfield.

Circle of Friends Preview Party

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1. Valerie & Brad Ahlgren of Bloomfield. 2. Maria & Bill Roberts of Bloomfield, Pat Rosen of Troy. 3. Anna Rea (left) of Bloomfield, Erin Merryn of Elgin, IL, Sarah Thewes of Bloomfield, Kappy Trott of Birmingham. 4. Paul Hoge (left) of Bloomfield, Diana & Steve Howard of Franklin, Sue Conway of Birmingham.

DOWNTOWN

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ENDNOTE

Transparency must be order of the day n Katie Deska's March issue feature story, “What's below the surface? Hazardous pipelines in Oakland County,” we learn that national pipeline companies have four interstate hazardous liquid transmission pipelines bisecting Oakland County, one of which, the Mariner West project by Sunoco, is a liquid transmission line carrying ethane, a hazardous gas compressed into a liquid state for shipping, directly running through the greater Rochester area.

Pipelines are regulated by a consortium of government agencies, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Coast Guard, if it threatens surface water; the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA); and the National Transportation Safety Board. Local first responders get involved only when and if there is a pipeline leak or break, which can be catastrophic, but do not check or monitor the pipelines. Often, they have no idea what is being transported through their own communities unless, or until, there is a rupture.

Further governance is a self-monitoring system.

Sunoco prepares and inspects their pipeline on both a weekly and annual basis. According to local officials, by federal law, Sunoco has to fly over the entire pipeline and inspect it once a week, and physically walk the pipeline once a year to inspect for leaks or cracks. Add to this self-inspection, industry itself has a strong hand in writing the rules which govern transmission pipelines.

This loose system of governance concerns us – having industry basically write the rules and then handle their own inspections. It can lead to problems and deception, and PHMSA should have a much

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more dominant role in the process, including inspections.

If there is a leak, “the pipeline company would have to come in and stop the leak – they're highpriced distribution lines,” observed Sean Canto, chief of fire and emergency services for Rochester Hills.

Despite assurances from several Oakland County fire departments that they would be ready if there would be such a disaster, with requisite hazmat preparations, Bloomfield Township's Lt. William Fritz was more realistic and forthcoming. “Really, there's no way to prepare for it. A small leak could be contained, like a having a natural gas leak if it's caught early. But otherwise, anything else would be pretty devastating.”

There have been a number of incidents around the country, including in Marshall, Michigan, in 2010, where a damaged pipe caused the largest inland spill into the Kalamazoo River in U.S. history, according to the Michigan Petroleum Pipe Line Task Force.

Another 2010 incident, in San Bruno, California, occurred when a gas station exploded as a ruptured pipeline spewed natural gas and caused a blast which killed eight people, injured more than 50, and left behind a 72-foot long crater.

According to First American Financial's JCP-LGS disclosures, regarding where pipelines are located in California, “Pipeline proximity disclosure is not currently mandated by a specific disclosure law.

Why? Obtaining and integrating the federal pipeline mapping information into an automated disclosure system and updating it regularly is very expensive.”

In 2012, President Obama signed into law the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job

Creation Act, which increases federal enforcement authority, grants the federal government expanded authority over pipeline safety, provides for new safety regulations and authorizes completion of several pipeline safety studies.

What it did not do is require public disclosure of where the pipelines are. Here in Michigan, a bill snaking through the state House, House Bill 4540, in committee as recently as February 22, would keep information about oil and gas pipelines, high powered electrical lines, and other critical energy infrastructure “out of potential terrorists' hands,” by exempting from disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) any information about existing or proposed energy infrastructure, said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Kurt Heise (RPlymouth). His reasoning is it “could be useful to a person in planning an attack.”

It would also prevent the public from knowing where any pipelines are, all under the psychology of fearmongering. If we took this thinking further, the public would be prevented from knowing about anything within or surrounding our communities, from electric lines to cable lines to water wells, all to prevent possible terror attacks.

Hiding under the cloak of terrorism is a tool of governments trying to keep their citizenry ignorant, and prevent them from asking questions. We must demand the open, fair and honest government we are guaranteed. As Samya Lutz, outreach coordinator for the Pipeline Safety Trust said, “When it’s difficult for the public to access information, then we can’t help them stay accountable for what they do.”

Demand, and seek, water and soil testing ife in a modern, first-world country brings with it certain expectations. One is the belief that when we turn on the faucet for water, the fluid coming out won't poison us or our children. While local tap water might not be as pure and refreshing as that imported from pristine, mountain springs, nobody should expect a glass of lead-saturated water from their kitchen sink. But those expectations were lowered in light of Flint's water system fiasco.

Of course, it didn't take long for regional officials with the Great Lakes Water Authority and local communities to speak to concerns about their customers' water quality. All is safe in the system's affluent communities. But such statements are no reason for residents in the Rochester/Rochester Hills communities to hold to a false sense of security. Indeed, sources of lead contamination can be found inside local homes and backyards.

State blood lead level testing has already shown some neighborhoods in Detroit and other areas of the state with levels higher than those tested in Flint. While those findings aren't attributed to water contamination, they do illustrate the real threat of lead exposure from other sources. In suburban communities, the main sources of lead

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exposure typically come from lead-based paint inside and outside older homes; from some toys; and soil contaminated from exterior paint and older lead-based gasoline vehicle emissions.

A 2003 study of random soil samples in Rochester Hills found at least one location with lead contamination twice as high as that which would be of concern to the EPA. Yet, there's no regular testing of ground soils by government agencies.

An even greater threat for lead contamination is commonly found in homes constructed before 1978, when interior lead-based paints were banned from use. Most homeowners and renters should be wary of paint chips and peeling or flaking paint in older homes. Certified inspectors test hundreds of items in a home when checking for potential sources of lead. Gardeners should check their soil for possible contaminants.

We feel that residents who suspect that lead, or other contaminants, could be present on their properties should seek the services of a certified inspector, not only when acquiring a property, but at any point if one hasn't been done. While Oakland County doesn't have a home ordinance requiring lead inspections, nor does the state, there are

resources available through the state's Safe Homes program for those in need. Oakland County's health department also may assist with home repairs to remove lead paint hazards.

We also believe local school districts, which regularly test school water sources for lead contamination, should provide those results to the public on a regular basis. Considering districts already conduct hundreds of tests each year, we see no reason not to make such records readily available, as local municipalities do.

State and local government agencies may also take steps to better inform and protect the public.

We have unfortunately learned that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has taken a minimalist approach to water quality. As we have all learned from the Flint disaster, we must each be our own advocates, demanding inquiries into what toxins could be in not only our water, but our soil and our homes, to protect our families.

In a perfect world, our expectation of government ensuring the public's safety would be met. Unfortunately, reality does not often meet those expectations. We must take control of each of our own family's safety, and demand water and soil testing on our own properties.

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