Westend: September 2014

PLACES TO EAT: OUR GUIDE TO NEARLY 100 LAKES AREA RESTAURANTS SEPTEMBER 2014

SCHOOL POLICE LIAISON OFFICERS USED IN MOST OF OAKLAND DISTRICTS

KU KLUX KLAN REBOUNDING DIMINISHED NUMBERS; HATE GROUP THRIVES

PERSONAL PROTECTION TURNING TO COURTS FOR SHIELD OF A PPO

ENDNOTE: THOUGHTS ON THE NEW COMMERCE LIBRARY ECRWSS Postal Customer PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

Time to start planning for your spring move.

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Jennifer Wrobleski 248-854-3100 Office: 248-360-2900 jwrobleski@kw.com www.MichiganHomeMarketPlace.com

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White Lake Township Home located on All-Sports White Lake. $699,999

Colonial in Meadowbrook Forest Neighborhood of Northville. $574,900

Ranch on quiet Gourd Lake in Highland. $149,900

Estate in Quaker Valley Farms Subdivision of Farmington Hills. $524,900

White Lake Home in Autumn Glen Subdivision. $339,900

Secluded Ranch on All-Sports Cedar Island Lake. $599,900

South Bay Shores Lakefront Home in Highland. $849,900

Waterford Loon Lake Lakefront. $399,999

West Bloomfield Lakefront on Cass Lake. $839,900

Brentwood Golf Community Home Located in White Lake. $274,900

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westend09.14

19

13 25 Ku Klux Klan re-emerging

Police in local schools

PPOs

It's a sordid part of history for this country and Michigan, but the hate group Ku Klux Klan has not completely disappeared from the scene.

Police liaison officers are present in most of the Oakland school districts although it is hard to gauge effectiveness.

Nearly 1,300 personal protection orders were issued by the Oakland Circuit Court last year to safeguard applicants.

PLACES TO EAT: OUR GUIDE TO NEARLY 100 LAKES AREA RESTAURANTS

11 CRIME LOCATOR

SEPTEMBER 2014

A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Commerce, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake and the Union Lake area, presented in map format.

SCHOOL POLICE LIAISON OFFICERS USED IN MOST OF OAKLAND DISTRICTS

KU KLUX KLAN REBOUNDING DIMINISHED NUMBERS; HATE GROUP THRIVES

31 MUNICIPAL Judge Powers resigns; Judge MacKenzie escapes contempt charge; Wise Road plan adopted; DDA developer pulls out while others seek land; Commerce library architect hired; village waste water capacity increased; plus more.

PERSONAL PROTECTION TURNING TO COURTS FOR SHIELD OF A PPO

38 ENDNOTE

ENDNOTE: THOUGHTS ON THE NEW COMMERCE LIBRARY

Safeguarding our surface and drinking waters; library process need not be rushed.

ECRWSS Postal Customer PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

THE COVER Walled Lake Central high school, part of the Walled Lake Schools district.

Westend photo: G.Lynn Barnett.

DISTRIBUTION: Mailed monthly at no charge to homes in the Commerce, walled Lake and Union Lake area. Additional free copies are distributed at high foot-traffic locations.

For those not residing in the free mail distribution area, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual fee. Go to our website (westendmonthly.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order on-line or scan the QR Code here.

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FACES 17Rick Cikowski 23

Grant Yarber

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DOwNtOwN • westeND • tHe GUIDe 124 west MAPLe ROAD BIRMINGHAM MI 48009 P: 248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications • twitter.com/downtownpubs

­Publisher:­David Hohendorf Ad­Manager:­Jill Cesarz Ad­Sales:­Heather Marquis Graphics:­G.Lynn Barnett News­Editor:­Lisa Brody

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WESTeND

INCOMING: we welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Commerce/Union Lake community. the traditional Letters to the editor in westend are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication. Your opinions can be sent to westend@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 west Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

akland County’s sprawling 11th Congressional District has a history of spawning ultra conservative factions in its western environs, so it came as no surprise when Tea Party Republicans successfully turned upside down the recent county GOP convention to elect their state convention delegates.

Matt Maddock, a Milford resident, bail bondsman and failed August primary state senate candidate, led what many described as a disorganized uprising of Tea Party cohorts at the August county party convention to be elected chairman and have his slate of delegates chosen for the state convention that took place just prior to this issue of Westend going to press.

The 11th Congressional District was redrawn to include Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Troy to make it an even safer Republican stronghold prior to the 2012 elections, but its original base of voters still includes the western Oakland lakes area communities of Milford, White Lake, Highland, Wixom, Walled Lake, Commerce, Wolverine Lake and a part of West Bloomfield.

The western portion of this congressional district has always been a hotbed for far right views, albeit a minority then and now. One need only look at the start of the national (think California Prop 13) and state-wide anti-tax movement in the 1970’s and 1980’s to get a taste for this area.

When Shiwassee County Drain Commissioner Robert Tisch in 1978 made his first of several unsuccessful runs at changing the Michigan Constitution to enshrine his radical tax cut ballot proposal, west Oakland County was one of the few areas in the county and the state where he found strong backing and passage at the ballot box, despite overall state support of only about 37 percent in his first try.

Granted, a lot has changed in nearly 40 years as the population expanded and summer lake cottages morphed into year around expensive waterfront residences. Back then west Oakland was dominated more by blue collar, middle class denizens whose families had originally migrated here to work the auto factories in Wixom and Pontiac. Like the rest of Michigan, they were facing serious inflation, 12 percent unemployment levels, and increasing tax rates as the popularity and accompanying value of lakes area property rose astronomically starting in the early 1970’s. So west Oakland became known as an area where it was a constant battle, like in the Walled Lake School District for example, to pass a millage increase. And it was in communities like Walled Lake where small but vocal factions would show at community meetings to oppose the city accepting federal Community Development Block Grant funding, created during the Nixon administration, because

the program included funds for subsidized housing that might draw nonwhites into the area. And let’s not forget that former Alabama Governor George Wallace fared well in some precincts of Waterford during his 1972 campaign to be president.

Now fast forward to 2007-2008, with the state and nation sliding into another recession, this one more severe than those of the past, and a general sense overall in society that government, continuing to grow in size, simply doesn’t work. Enter the Tea Party movement in which candidates, as a general rule, have not been able to expand their base of support to actually get elected, but continue to push their agenda and move Republican Party policies to the far right on the political spectrum. In national and state legislative deliberations, they don’t have the strength to dictate outcomes, but their numbers are large enough to force Republicans to include them in the debate for anything to pass.

In the 11th Congressional District, Maddock was able to elect his slate of 120 candidates as part of the 280 Oakland 11th district delegates who decided at the state level a number of issues, including candidates for secretary of state, attorney general, three Michigan Supreme Court justices, two state board of education positions, and board of regent positions (two each for MSU, U of M and Wayne State). The state convention also picks the candidate to run as Michigan Lieutenant Governor, which is where the battle was fought this election year.

Current Michigan Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley was challenged by Tea Party member Wes Nakagiri of Livingston County. Nakagiri backers in the Tea Party said Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is not a true conservative, given his support for expanding the Medicaid system under Obamacare, proposing increases in gas taxes to fix roads, and for his support of Common Core educational standards. Forunately, Calley was able to beat back the challenge.

GOP stalwarts like to deride Maddock and the Tea Party in west Oakland as the “Taliban” of the Republican Party, as several 11th district participants told me in the aftermath. But like it or not, they – and other like-minded delegates from several counties – may well have an impact on party platform issues, despite losing the candidate battle.

The creeping impact of the far right continues to erode the party’s attractiveness for a growing number of Republicans in what is looking more and more like a march to irrelevance for the state GOP.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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SPECIALISTS IN CUT | COLOR | DESIGN BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPECIAL

Just wanted to send you a quick e-mail after reading the latest edition of Westend. As a Commerce Township resident, I can't thank you enough for your (Commerce Towne Place) editorial (Endnote/August).

What can we do as citizens to tell the DDA that we agree wholeheartedly with your approach for a master plan that is thorough and not "willi-nilly”?

Also, outside of your reporting on the airline trail, there is absolutely no information anywhere online that I can find from any council minutes on the progress. I couldn't even find anything detailed about the M-5 construction on the MDOT or OCRC websites and what specifically they're doing until your articles mentioned the pedestrian bridge.

I'm looking forward to the completion of this trail as an avid biker.

Sermad Bakkal, Commerce

Protecting resources Would you want to eat apples or cherries that you knew were grown in a field where toxic coal ash, a byproduct of coal-burning power plants, was allowed to be spread? I wouldn’t.

But that’s what Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Michigan Representative Klint Kesto wanted when they supported a package of bills allowing big oil companies to spread toxic coal ash on our farm fields. We need to hold the governor and Klint Kesto accountable for putting our families, food and farms at risk to appease big oil companies.

We need people like Sandy Colvin in Lansing who will fight to protect our environment. All Michigan Governor Snyder and Representative Klint Kesto have done is protect their corporate donors and rich friends.

Bronte Payne, West Bloomfield

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WESTEND COMMERCE • WALLED LAKE • WOLVERINE LAKE • UNION LAKE

David Hohendorf’s column (From the Publisher/August) was exactly what I tell my listeners each week and you wouldn’t believe how many don’t believe this is reality.

I’ve heard of the Stingray a couple years ago. I was speaking out about it and no one was interested. After the NSA leaks, people are finally waking up.

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CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

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Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

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Placement of codes is approximate.

NOVI | $659,000 In a word, breathtaking! Quality, unbelievable attention to detail awaits the most discriminating buyer: ultra 31-foot living room, formal dining room with exquisite ceiling and elegant lighting, dream master suite.

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HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP | $329,900 Beautiful home in one of Oakland Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most desirable private golf communities - Prestwick Village. Fabulous floor plan. First floor master.

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WATERFORD TOWNSHIP | $290,000 Beautiful views! Quiet all sports lake lakefront Spacious 2644 sq ft home has 3 walk-out Levels!

Completely updated with an open floor plan.

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HADLEY TOWNSHIP | $289,900 Located on a quiet street, just steps away from Big Fish Lake is your new home. This home has deeded lake access with possible boat docking.

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WATERFORD | $209,997 Simply amazing - over 3,000 sq ft of home. This updated ranch is a once in a season opportunity, separate lot located behind the home included.

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BIRMINGHAM | $249,000 Spacious 3-bedroom ranch in great location with Birmingham Schools and easy access to downtown shops and restaurants.

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HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP | $239,900 Nestled among towering trees and beautiful perennial gardens, this Charming Colonial offers peaceful country living on FIVE gorgeous acres.

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WEIR MANUEL

SCHOOL LIAISON POLICE OFFICERS PROVIDING COMMUNITY PROTECTION

BY LISA BRODY AND KEVIN ELLIOTT

ince there have been kids, there have been kids having fights and disagreements. Their remedy usually was to fight it out with their fists on the playground after school. But no longer. Today, there are weapons, verbal abuse, bullying, school massacres, criminal behavior, all occurring in the hallways of our local high schools.

Most of us were unaware of the transformation from the simpler days of teenage posturing to full out carnage before what we know as “Columbine”, the high school shooting by two quiet misfits at Columbine High School in Colorado on April 20, 1999, which killed 12 students and one teacher before the shooters took their own lives. Since then, we’ve been bombarded with numerous school shootings around the country, from Jonesboro, Ark., at Virginia Tech, at a community college in Houston, an elementary school in Georgia, and of course, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT in December 2012. All tragic and cataclysmic events, each filled with anger, angst, possibly mental illness, and a desire by school administrators and parents to figure out a way to combat the scourge of school dangers and keep their children safe.

S

One way school districts across the nation have been fighting back is through the use of school liaison officers, where police officers work within the school setting, primarily in the district’s high schools, on police and disciplinary matters. Districts across the country began this practice first in the early 1990s, and it has continued to grow, as federal subsidies have helped local school districts, municipalities and police forces pay to provide armed police officers in their schools.

Of the 28 school districts in Oakland County, a majority currently utilize school liaison officers in some or all of their schools. From the northern reaches of the county, in Brandon and Clarkston, to the southernmost ends of the county, in Southfield and Novi, districts are coordinating and employing liaison officers as a way to build relationships with teachers, students, parents and staff, to create healthy and safe environments for students to learn and thrive.

Y

et a debate rages amongst some educators, law enforcement officials and those who provide the funding, as to whether the use of armed officers in schools has actually led to a decrease in crime and dangerous behaviors in schools rather than an actual increase in criminal charges against kids for behavior and activities that would have gotten them a detention if the police weren’t in the building.

Have school liaison officers become an expensive panacea for administrators, staff and parents afraid of the next possible school shooting?

According to the National Association of School Resource Officers, their role within the school is to act as teacher, counselor, and law enforcement officer. “SRO programs across the nation are founded as collaborative efforts by police agencies, law enforcement officers, educators, students, parents, and communities,” their website states. “The goal of NASRO and SRO programs it to provide safe learning environments in our nation’s schools, provide valuable resources to school staff, foster a positive relationship with our nation’s youth, and develop strategies to resolve problems affecting our youth with the goal of protecting every child so they can reach their fullest potential.”

NASRO estimates that there are currently hundreds of school liaison officers nationwide; in Oakland County, there are at least 23 school liaison officers working full time in various districts. Brandon Schools has had one liaison officer in their high school for at least the last 15 years, completely funded by the district’s general fund, while Farmington Schools has three, one in each of their high schools, and they have had police liaison officers for at least the last 18 years. The officers are partially funded by the schools, and partially by the city.

Birmingham Public Schools have four different officers working part time, representing the four different municipalities – Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bloomfield Township and Troy – that the district covers. Birmingham Schools provides partial funding, as does each police department. While Birmingham spokesperson Marcia Wilkinson doesn’t know the history of the liaison program for the district, “It’s been many, many years,” she said.

“It’s been a very positive relationship and experience for the schools, and we really value the work our liaison officers provide.”

Bloomfield Township police provides full time support to the Bloomfield Hills School District, “and they are designated as full time support to all of the schools, including local private schools,” said Shira Good, director, communications and community relations for Bloomfield Hills Schools.

Funding is provided by both the school district and the township in a partnership, Good said.

Since Bloomfield Hills consolidated from two high schools to one, they have maintained both liaison officers, and they work together in servicing the two campuses, as well as working collaboratively to support the district’s other buildings.

Each of Huron Valley Schools’ two high schools have a full time officer, and they float to other school buildings as needed, said director of community relations and fund development Kim Root. With salary and benefits, each officer costs the district a little over $100,000, she said, which the district covers.

“In our buildings, they’re viewed as part of the administrative team,” Root said. “They do everything but curriculum. They coordinate with staff and administrators on all other aspects.”

Southfield Public Schools has had three school liaison officers, one for each of their three high schools, since 1995, and the West Bloomfield School District has one, for West Bloomfield High School, although district spokesperson Pamela Zajac said officer Chuck Mendham bounces between all of their schools.

Lee Van Camp, school resource officer at Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, said this will be another year where he is the only liaison officer assigned to the school district, despite the district having three high

schools. In addition, he said he takes calls at any of the other buildings, middle schools and elementary schools, where he is needed.

“It’s a heavy caseload for one full time officer,” he said. In the past, the district had three liaison officers, one for each high school, but due to budget cuts, the program was reduced to one officer. In addition, during the summer months, he works open cases as a detective in the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Commerce Substation, as well as cases that remain open from the previous school year. “It’s an instance of doing more with less.” The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department has worked with the district for over 20 years to provide police liaison officers in the schools.

Waterford Schools currently has two liaison officers, one at Mott and one at Kettering, provided by the Waterford Police Department, with Waterford Township and the school district splitting the cost of the officers evenly. In addition, the district has hired five safety coordinators to work in all of their schools.

Royal Oak Schools, with one high school, has one school liaison officer, as do Hazel Park Schools and Berkley, Novi, and Madison Heights Schools, where the program began just last school year. Shawn Lewis-Lakin, superintendent of Royal Oak Schools, said they split the funding of the position with the city of Royal Oak, with the district picking up 80 percent of the officer’s cost, which has been an important position in the schools for the last 10 years.

Novi Schools Superintendent Steve Matthews said his district has one full time liaison officer which is funded by the district. “The officer is assigned to the high school; however he will assist in other buildings as needed.”

Troy Schools does it a little differently, with a school liaison officer in the elementary school –and private security services at the high schools.

“We have our own security at the high schools run by a retired police officer that is different from liaison officers,” said Kerry Birmingham, community relations and media director for Troy Schools. “This provides heightened security and relationship issues as well. It’s not run through the Troy Police Department, but they work closely with them. They work on a rotating schedule, but there is one person in each high school at any given time. A big part of that is relationship-building with our high school students. They are safe, but not armed.”

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ut not all local districts have incorporated an officer into their schools, either for financial reasons, or because the district is small and it’s believed the local police department can monitor and handle disturbances. Monique Beels, superintendent of Clawson Public Schools, said, “The police department, the high school, and the middle school campus are on the same lot, and the police station is right there. They can walk right over.”

Lamphere Schools, in Madison Heights, does not have a dedicated liaison officer, but sends over a juvenile officer from the Madison Heights Police Department if a call arises that necessitates one. In S. Lyon, police go in and out of schools during the day, but there is not a school liaison officer.

The Clarenceville School District has eliminated the school liaison officer position. Avondale Schools, similarly, now uses police from Auburn Hills after the district needed to make cuts. Oak Park Schools and Pontiac Schools, both of which once had school liaison officers, are examining whether they can re-institute their programs once funding is restored.

On the benefits of hiring and utilizing a police officer as a school liaison officer, NASRO asserts that, “An officer can not only help stop an active shooter situation, but also helps students deal with the trauma from those types of situations. In addition, the school resource officers are often the first to respond. Many of the officers working in the Colorado school district were trained by the National Association of School Resource Officers – located in Hoover.”

“What we train them to do is not sit or stand and wait for help but to be able to address the incident immediately and find the shooter and end the situation,” said Mo Canady, executive director of NASRO. “After Sandy Hook occurred, our phones rang off the hook. Our training has doubled this past year.”

Yet there is no hard and fast statistical evidence that placing a trained police officer in a school will prevent a school shooting, nor improve overall safety, according to Denise C. Gottfredson, a professor of criminology at the University of Maryland, who asserts that having the officer in the school can increase the number of minor behavior problems that are referred to police, forcing kids into the criminal system, rather than administrators handling the situations themselves. In fact, in both the Columbine and Virginia Tech shootings, there were armed guards on campus at the time of the shootings.

“Middle and high schools aggregate youths who are in their peak crime

years. Hence it is not surprising that crime rates in schools are high,” Gottfredson wrote in an academic paper, “School Crime Control and Prevention.” “Other things equal, youth violence rates tend to be higher when school is in session than not.”

One key reason, she said, is due to zero tolerance policies in schools over the last 20 years for some offenses, as well as the nationwide subsidization of uniformed police officers to patrol schools. “The shift has been from administrative discretion to mandatory penalties, and from in-school discipline to increasing use of suspension or arrest. At the same time, there has been a considerable investment in the use of surveillance cameras and metal detectors. While the increasing formality in school response to crime has coincided with the declining crime rates, there is no clear indication of whether the new approach gets any of the credit. Indeed, the evaluation literature which we review here has very little to say about the likely effects of these changes. As so often happens, there appears to be a disconnect between policy and research.”

The Center for Problem-Oriented Policing concurs. “Despite their popularity, few studies are available which have reliably evaluated the effectiveness of SROs. Addressing this is important in order to inform future SRO programs and to improve our understanding on how to maximize effectiveness with limited resources.”

With or without hard statistical evidence, most schools and districts are looking to increase the overall safety in and outside of their schools, as well as to increase the perception of safety at their schools. Many want to create supportive relationships between students, parents and teachers and staff, and hope having liaison officers from a local police force will allow for fewer distractions, whether criminal or behavioral, for teachers from their teaching and class preparation responsibilities.

“If you have a parent who comes into a building who is irate, just having a police officer come in calms the water,” said Bill Good, communications director for Ferndale Schools.

Jacqueline Robinson, community relations director for Southfield Public Schools, said their district’s three school resource officers serve a variety of roles, including keeping a watchful eye on the schools. “We feel they are very effective. There have been occasions where their presence has been assured to students that all is well. They’re there to escort people out of the building who weren’t supposed to be there. If students get too boisterous, they calm the situation,” she said.

Part of their role in the schools is to conduct educational programs for students. “For instance, they have taught young girls to be alert and aware of their surroundings in order to reduce their chances of being a victim of a crime,” Robinson said.

J

udy Evola, spokesperson for Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, said their district does have quantifiable data to assess the effectiveness of the liaison position. “Each year we’re required to list a variety of ‘reportable’ incidents on state reports,” she said. “We look at these statistics and work with our police liaison officer to continually decrease specific behaviors.”

That helps refine the district’s goals for the program. “The police liaison is a constant safety presence in the school. The primary goal is maintaining a ‘safe’ learning environment – this includes a drug and alcohol-free environment, a weapons-free zone, and a place where students can learn from poor choices and grow as responsible citizens,” Evola said. “In the past, we have utilized the services of the Oakland County Sheriff’s K-9 unit as a preventative measure and we consult with local law enforcement officials when they’re needed.”

“The goals our district has in having school liaison officers is to build relationships with students, teachers and staff, and to create a safe, secure environment,” said Huron Valley Schools’ Kim Root. “Our officers are involved in all aspects with the administrative team. They coordinate with the staff and administrators. In our buildings, they’re viewed as part of the administrative team. They also attend home football and basketball games as a preventative presence, lending a hand to the administration. On the more seamier side, they help orchestrate searches for drug and narcotic activities – they’re front and center with that. In general, we don’t have a lot of issues, but having the liaison officers makes the whole community feel better to have them there.”

Root acknowledged the district doesn’t have any statistical information as to whether the liaison officers are in fact a benefit to the education of its students, only anecdotal data.

“When the district has looked at cuts, either because of declining enrollment or because of state aid decreases, and whenever we bring up police liaisons, the principals fight hard to keep them, so they’re already viewed as a vital part of the equation,” she said. “If the principals say they need this position, this officer, to effectively run their building, that says

volumes about how effective that position is. I know we’ve never had resistance, other than some financial, to having the position. I do think it’s a significant peace of mind for parents, as well as administrators, for them to have police liaisons.”

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heri Kilyk, human resources officer for the Brandon School District, said those in her district feel similarly. “It’s highly effective. “When we ran into some funding problems a few years ago and had to make some cuts, we cut our school liaison officer. That lasted only three months and was quickly restored. He’s been very effective in thwarting drugs and violence in the district, collaborating with our Oakland County Sheriff’s substation. His overall presence has helped decrease the incidences of bullying and harassment. We’ve instituted an anonymous tip line, where anyone can call in and report drug use, bullying, harassment, anything,” she said.

With each school liaison officer costing, with salary and benefits, about $100,000, the question remains for districts and taxpayers, is it all right to pay so dearly for such an expensive salve with anecdotal data?

“Certainly, educators have to make a decision about the kind of atmosphere they want in their schools,” said Justin Long, assistant professor of law at Wayne State University Law School. “They have to balance the need for safety with the negative impression of creating a school that looks like a jail yard. But teachers would rather teach than punish, and typically prefer measures that educate and reform, while the police have a much more punitive approach. School administrators, in a sense, have competing goals when inviting the police into their schools.”

The Center for Problem-Oriented Policing notes that there is research that shows that the presence of an officer in a school can enhance school safety by deterring aggressive behaviors such as student fighting, threats to other students and bullying, and can make it easier for school administrators to maintain order in a school by allowing them to address disorderly behavior in a timely manner, as well as limiting the amount of time administrators actually have to spend on disciplinary matters. They note that today, over half of all public schools have assigned police officers, with the encouragement of federal funding to support local jurisdictions.

The Congressional Research Service has seen an increase in interest in school resource officers since 2012’s shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, with federal funding requested for fiscal year 2014 at $150 million for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). Their data shows that in 2010, fewer children reported being the victim of a serious crime or a simple assault while at school compared to 1994, when there were few liaison officers.

As to the question of whether having additional liaison officers in schools results in more children being placed in the criminal justice system, their research, while small, suggest that answer is no, as “SROs can deter students from committing assaults on campus as well as bringing weapons to school.”

The National Crime Prevention Council has found that law enforcement agencies coordinating with schools have had positive overall benefits.

“Stationing a police officer in schools encourages positive interactions between police officers and youth, which fosters good communications between the two groups. By working closely with schools and students, law enforcement officers can address problems identified by young people and help diffuse potentially violent situations,” the council asserts. “They also watch for crime and vandalism, and follow up on incidents. In addition, they take incident reports and follow up on information on potential crime threats provided to them by students and staff.”

Royal Oak’s Lewis-Lakin said the liaison officer’s work is based on the community policing model, which is defined by the U.S. Department of Justice as a collaborative part between a law enforcement agency and the individuals and organizations they serve to develop problems and increase trust in police.

“Visibility and presence are critical to such a model,” Lewis-Lakin said.

“The police liaison is another adult in the building with whom students can relate, who provides accessibility to students to police resources.

Students use such resources in resolving issues both within the school as well as outside of the school setting. The police liaison works in partnership with our building leadership team, parents and students themselves.”

“We really value the work our liaison officers provide,” said Wilkinson of Birmingham Public Schools. “Our goals are to have positive relationships between students, parents, administrators, the public and the police. They work together on concerns and issues that might need police intervention, and they also deal a lot with preventative measures.”

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WESTEND

09.14

FACES

Rick Cikowski s director and producer for major television networks like HBO and VH1, Rick Cikowski is a Hollywood hot shot who maintains his modest midwestern mentality.

“Growing up in Michigan, (working in film) seemed like a far off dream,” he said. “It seemed like something you were born into, not something you pursue.”

Cikowski went to Walled Lake Central High School and spent two years at Oakland Community College before applying to the Miami International University of Art & Design.

“In college, I decided I was going to take the plunge and see if I was any good. It was tough for my mom. I was the first one to leave the house,” he said. “I was definitely homesick. One time, I had my bags packed and my mom told me, ‘If you give up on this, what’s the point of ever having a dream.’”

As co-founder of Corner of the Cave Media, Cikowski has edited “Behind the Music: Ludacris” on VH1. He has also cut shows for various networks such as “History’s Mysteries” for the History Channel and “Shark Week’s Day of the Shark” for the Discovery Channel.

Throughout his extensive career, he has had the good fortune to meet some of his favorite celebrities. One of the biggest moments of his career was meeting singer Dave Matthews.

“We were working together for seven hours,” he said. “It was awesome.”

Cikowski has also worked with musical artist Pitbull. “Honestly, (Pitbull) is the nicest guy you’d ever meet.”

Cikowski has traveled to Russia and India, where he worked with the Dalai

A

Lama on HBO’s “Little Monk”, a documentary on how a child becomes a monk. The job took him outside the edit room where he was able to do camera work, sound and interviewing.

“It was fascinating to see and kind of heartbreaking. It’s a five-year-old being taken from his family to become a monk. Ultimately, it was a better life and took him out of poverty.”

By day, the Miami-based creative genius is working on film projects with stars like Mike Tyson; by night, he is a dedicated husband and father of three boys.

“My career would not happen without (my wife),” he said. “Everyone says marriage is hard. I find life to be hard. I don’t find marriage to be hard.”

Making use of his skills to help others, Cikowski has contributed editing and graphic work to Paul Simon’s Children’s Health Fund. He has also worked on the REAL Change Project, a venture aimed at improving education.

“We take celebrities to classrooms,” he said. “We had Ludacris go back to his school and surprise (students).”

The once typical Walled Lake Central kid has climbed his way to the top of his field. As successful as Cikowski has become, he has never forgotten his Michigan roots.

“When it really comes down to it, I miss the people,” he said. “Every day I am super, super homesick. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about Michigan.”

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Brandon Dumlao

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KU KLUX KLAN: DIMINISHED BUT GROUPS STILL AROUND

BY LISA BRODY

cott Shephard, who calls himself a reformed racist after over 20 years of membership in four different Ku Klux Klan groups, including the White Citizen’s Council of the rural Mississippi Delta, recounts his own tale, “Over the years I was in the Klan, I participated in lots of rallies and intimidation. There were cross burnings on peoples’ yards, or on public property, and lots of beatings. I witnessed many, and kinda encouraged some. But I didn’t get involved with any violent activities. There’s no other way to put it.”

Shephard eventually rose to become the Grand Dragon – the Klan leader – of the Tennessee state Klan, running for elected office as a white supremacist, before leaving that life after going into alcohol rehabilitation, where he said he “was exposed to people of all races, religions, sexual preferences. We had to sit down with these people. When you get to know people, you accept them.

“I went in one person, and I came out another.”

Today, at 55 years of age, Shephard is a funeral director and embalmer in suburban Memphis and is twice-divorced. He said he became involved with the Klan at 17, and although he insists he did not come from a racist family, “it was an alcoholic family. There was violence and abuse in my family that set some roots to my story.”

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The Ku Klux Klan. It’s a sordid and embarrassing chapter in our nation’s history, a remnant of the Civil War, and a legacy of racial profiling, terror and intimidation. It continued into the 20th century as northern industry moved to integrate factories and businesses, threatening the livelihoods and way of life for those filled with fear and hate.

Yet, in the early years of the 21st century, with an African American president, years of economic turmoil followed by static growth and lingering unemployment and underemployment, along with the hot button social issues of gay marriage, immigration turmoil, abortion and gun control, Ku Klux Klan groups have quietly re-emerged, and not only in the south, where Shepherd lives. Although local law enforcement agencies assert there have been no incidents or activities affiliated with the Klan, numerous websites and the Anti-Defamation League, Michigan Region, reveal that the Klan has rebounded, although certainly not to their historic levels. esperate for publicity, and always eager to spread hate and terror, the Southern Poverty Law Center said the North Carolina-based New Emperor Knights of the Ku Klux Klan says its Missouri chapter is raising money for the white police officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

“We are setting up a reward/fund for the police officer who shot this thug,” the Klan group said in an email. “He is a hero! We need more white cops who are anti-Zog and willing to put Jewish controlled black thugs in their place. Most cops are cowards and do nothing while 90% of interracial crime is black (and nonwhite) on white.”

“The KKK believes the U.S is drowning in a tide of non-white immigration, controlled and orchestrated by Jews, and is vigorously trying to bring this message to Americans concerned or fearful about immigration,” said Deborah Lauter, civil rights director of the ADL. The immigration debate is credited with re-energizing the the Klan in Michigan and 18 other states in the midwest, south, Great Plains, and mid-Atlantic states, she said. Lauter said Phil Lawson, Imperial Wizard of the United Northern and Southern Knights, in Fraser, Michigan, the largest KKK group in Michigan, is quoted as saying that membership has grown at an “astounding pace” over the last decade.

“There is no one Ku Klux Klan, of course, but dozens of different Ku Klux Klan groups of varying sizes scattered around the country,” said Heidi Budaj, director for the Michigan region of the ADL. “The midwest has been a historical area of strength for Ku Klux Klan groups, but everything is relative: the Klan has been in longterm decline for some time, nationally and in Michigan.

“Although various Ku Klux Klan groups may have or claim to have some sort of presence (organized or individual members) in Michigan, the actual presence is small,” Budaj continued.

“Only one Klan group has actually been

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headquartered in Michigan in recent years, the United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (in Fraser).” Recently, they changed their headquarter’s address to Illinois.

Imperial Grand Wizard Cole Thornton, a retired electrician now living in Florida, said on a Klan website that the United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan is active and successfully recruiting. In a story in the Orlando Sentinel on July 21, 2014, Thornton, whose real name is Charles Denton, refused to reveal membership numbers, but said “the Klan advocates for white Christian civil rights.”

According to a message from Lawson, which cited a proclamation from Thornton, qualifications for membership in the order shall be: “An applicant must be a white person, of no Jewish ancestry, a native person born in the United States...The applicant must be of sound mind, good character, and free of any homosexual activities or thoughts, they must have a commendable reputation and a respectable vocation, and they must be a believer of the Christian religion.” Their loyalty, allegiance and devotion is to the Klan order.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which counts chapters of the Ku Klux Klan every year, reported that there are currently three chapters in Michigan, the United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, located in Fraser; New Empire Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in central Michigan Beal City in Isabella County, ; and Invisible Knights of the Fiery Cross, headquartered in Gladwin, in Gladwin County, next to Isabella County.

Gladwin County Sheriff Mike Shea said, “As far as I know, we don’t have any indications of any activity in Gladwin County. If there’s any activity in Gladwin County, I and my administrators and associates don’t know about it.”

Tony Wickersham, Macomb County sheriff, said, “There’s nothing really. Not many hate crimes. I know there has been ethnic intimidation and someone has been provoked because of their race or religion, but nothing with the KKK.” Neither the Fraser Police Department, nor the Isabella County Sheriff, returned calls.

Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe said their office hasn’t observed any KKK activity in 10 years or more in Oakland County.

Yet in 2009, an Oakland County African American family discovered a burning cross in their yard.

Despite smaller numbers and a lower profile, the Klan is still, in every way, a racist and exclusionary organization looking to make its members feel superior to everyone else. Mark Potok, director of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project, which investigates hate and racist organizations, said, “The modern-day Klan, with its membership much shrunken, is fundamentally racist – anti-Latino, anti-immigrant, anti-gay.”

After all, the first question on the Klan’s membership application asks, “Are you a nativeborn, white, non-Jewish, American citizen?”

“I was involved in several Klan groups –

actually four different ones. If any Klan had a white supremacist agenda, I was there,” Shepherd said. “I was also involved with the National Association of the Advancement of White People, with David Duke for several years.”

It is estimated there are about 5,000 members of the Ku Klux Klan nationwide, with strong membership in states like Colorado, Indiana and Illinois, as well as traditional southern states like Mississippi and Arkansas, which Potok hastens to point out is small compared to its historical eras.

“In the 1920s, there were estimated to be about 4 million members of the Klan. That was the second era of the Klan. In the third era, the mid-1960s, during the civil rights era, there were about 40,000 Klansmen. Then the Klan was incredibly violent,” Potok said. “Today, a lot of them are sitting around drinking beer and writing posts on the web.”

The ADL asserts that the Klan has embraced the Internet as a way to spread anti-Semitism and racism, and that it is a convenient publicity tool for them, allowing them to reach a wide cadre of disaffected individuals.

Internet postings by alleged Klansmen are not hard to find, and they exist in Michigan. For example, on the Michigan Rollcall website, a Klan-affiliated website, recent writings include, from January 2014: “I live in oakland county (sic). Warren, Roseville, Troy, Rochester. Area. I DAILY see beautiful whites on dates with negros. Especially at bars they leave 2 a.m to go have sex with them. In europe the RACE TRAITORS are publicly SHAMED! In America its normal & the TRAITORS are treated nice.

WE men! need to UNITE and treat them as there (sic) true form. WHITE TRASH! As alone were not a FORCE! IN GROUPS in public we could shame TRAITORS. IF they have a problem. DEAL WITH OUR GROUP.” hat drives someone to post a hate-filled rant, seeking and receiving responses? Similar to those in other radical right wing movements, whether political or social movements, “There’s a lot of resentment in America right now now about the way America is changing, and all of the cultural changes,” Potok said.

The ADL concurs. “The Ku Klux Klan has experienced a surprising and troubling resurgence due to the successful exploitation of hot button issues including immigration, gay marriage and urban crime. Klan groups have witnessed a surprising and troubling resurgence by exploiting fears of an immigration explosion, and the debate over immigration has in turn helped to fuel an increase in Klan activity, with new groups sprouting in parts of the country that have not seen much activities. They hold anti-immigration rallies and recruitment drives and distribute racist literature, with a new emphasis on the immigration issue, and Hispanics.”

“The biggest reason (for the hatred) is that the American population is changing demographically,” Potok noted. “Whites will be

W

the minority for the first time in 2043. There are changes in very real and concrete ways. There is very real anger and hostility, and it’s driving people to the radical right, whether it’s the Tea Party or other movements.

“The Klan is a little different,” Potok continued. “To some it’s a bit romantic. After Reconstruction, it was portrayed as the great white savior, the white woman’s savior from southern black Negroes. But to other sectors of the radical right, like the Neo-Nazis, they’re ignorant country bumpkins who live in trailers.

They’re not far wrong. Klansmen are all very rural. There are no urban Klan members today.

They’re all working class or below, working in agricultural jobs or minimum wage jobs. Many members of the Klan are made up of Klan members family and friends.” he Ku Klux Klan initially rose in the south during Reconstruction in the years following the Civil War by groups of angry conservative white men.

The Klan was initially formed in 1866 in Tennessee. Since “klan” is similar to “clan”, to members it meant a “circle of brothers.” In March 1867, with the federal passage of the Military Reconstruction Acts, and the prospect of voting rights for blacks, the Klan became more than a social circle, it became a political organization. According to the New Georgia Encyclopedia, “From 1868 through the early 1870s, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) functioned as a loosely organized group of political and social terrorists. The Klan’s goals included the political defeat of the Republican Party and the maintenance of absolute white supremacy in response to newly gained civil and political rights by southern blacks after the Civil War.” This era, which encompassed terrorism and murder, is referred to as the First Ku Klux Klan, and it faded away in the early 1870s as their Democratic candidates triumphed in the south, Jim Crow laws secured white domination, and there was very aggressive federal intervention of the Klan in 1871 and 1872. Some small local Klan groups continued as backwoods rifle clubs, but they lost their political clout and legitimacy.

The KKK sprang to life again in the 1920s, reinvented in 1915 in Georgia by William J. Simmons, an ex-minister and all round rabble rouser, and it spread throughout the country like wildfire, with its tentacles reaching well into Michigan, including in the metropolitan Detroit area. At that time, the KKK broadened its hatred to include not only blacks, but Jews, Catholics, Poles, Italians and Irish, the lower economic immigrant groups of the day, which explains its wider appeal.

Its attraction fed into the militant patriotism that had been aroused by World War I, and it stressed fundamentalism in religion. In the mid1920s, when Klan membership was at its peak, it is estimated there were 4 to 5 million who belonged. It is also the only time when there was one singular Klan, Potok said, united as one Ku Klux Klan group with its headquarters in Atlanta.

“In every other era, including today, there is

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no one ‘the’ Klan. There are 27 different Klans, run by 27 different guys,” Potok said. “Only in the second era Klan was it unitary.”

While Detroit was a station on the Underground Railroad and a meeting place for leading abolitionists, it was also a strong KKK stronghold in the early and mid-20th century.

The Great Migration of the 1920s, when southern blacks moved to northern cities for jobs, filled Detroit with rural blacks in addition to European immigrants. Some referred to Detroit of that time as the “most southern” of northern cities.

In the early 1920s, at least 40,000 Klansmen lived in the city itself, and a KKK-affiliated mayor was almost elected. In 1925, Ossian Sweet, a black doctor, moved his family into a white neighborhood, on Garland Street at Charlevoix. According to historian Kevin Boyle, racist mobs attacked the family in their home, and the Sweets defended themselves with guns, killing one attacker. Sweet was tried and acquitted by an all white jury.

Some Oakland County communities, as well as neighboring counties, became bastions of white working class individuals as factories employed more and more individuals, and grew Ku Klux Klan groups.

In 1924, the Rev. Oren Van Loon of Berkley Community Church, preached to his congregation against cross burnings by the Klan, and on June 30, 1924, he was kidnapped by the Klan. He was found 11 days later, alive, in Battle Creek, with the KKK brand on his back.

In 1926 in Royal Oak, on Woodward and 12 Mile Road, in what was then a predominantly Protestant area, the Detroit Catholic Archdiocese built a church in honor of Saint Therese de Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower. Two weeks after it opened, the Ku Klux Klan burned a cross in front of the church. Then, on March 17, 1936, a fire, possibly set by the Klan, destroyed the original wood structure. It was rebuilt of stone and copper.

A news clip from Macomb County, on September 30, 1925, reads: “Kluxers order family to move. Smash window and attempt to fire home, it is charged. Mother and children alone, flee in fright. Renewal of activities by the Ku Klux Klan in Macomb County was reported last night when the family of Charles Frohm on the Telegraph Road was told to move within three weeks or suffer the consequences. The latter were not long in coming for they seemed to accompany the warning given by a hooded figure who appeared at the farmhouse, smashed a window and then attempted to fire the building with a large dishpan filled with burning oil soaked with rags...It is said that last night’s warning is the second that have been given the Frohms by the Klan.” urther, Potok said, “In the 1920s, the Klan owned the government in a lot of areas. They were intimately connected to real power, and had a close connection.” In 1928, the Klan helped break the Democratic hold on the south; but reaching that pinnacle led to that era’s demise. By 1930, it is estimated that there were

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only 30,000 Klansmen, a sharp decline in membership. A combination of having attained some of their goals combined with several state laws that forbade masks, which eliminated their “secret” element, the economic collapse with the Depression, when members couldn’t pay their dues, as well as a lot of bad publicity about the Klan that it was being run by thugs and swindlers, led to a loss of members.

The Civil Rights era, and its inherent racial turmoil, led to the third era of the Ku Klux Klan.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, this era was the Klan’s most violent in its brutal and thuggish history.

“The Klan arose a third time during the 1960s to oppose the civil rights movement and to preserve segregation in the face of unfavorable court rulings. The Klan’s bombings, murders and other attacks took a great many lives, including, among others, four young girls killed while preparing for Sunday services at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala.,” they wrote.

Desegregation and court-ordered busing led to Klan activities locally. In 1971, Wallace Fruit, the grand dragon of the Drayton Plains (Waterford) KKK, along with five followers, including Robert Miles, the grand dragon of the Michigan KKK, bombed 10 school busses in Pontiac. They were charged, and convicted, by the FBI with violating federal bomb laws, conspiracy to obstruct federal court orders and conspiracy to violate the 1968 Civil Rights Act. But the Reagan era seemed to quiet the Klan down, and little was heard from them or most other hate groups. An auction in Howell, in Livingston County, in 2005, of seven KKK robes and other Klan paraphernalia, brought the Klan back into focus.

Miles had died in 1992, but his legacy in Howell was long. While the auction highlighted the Klan’s history and ties to Howell, today it does not appear – statistically – that there are Klan members in Livingston County.

But that doesn’t mean anger and hatred hasn’t reared its head again.

In New York state in 2013, a Klansman was arrested and stands accused of trying to build a massive X-ray machine to murder thousands of Muslims.

“He was going to put the machine he had built in a large truck,” said Potok. “He was a mechanical engineer working for General Electric. He had built a remote to turn on this mechanical device and was going to pull it in front of a mosque, go to a hotel, and pump out deadly radiation, turn it off, and then drive off.

People wouldn’t get sick for a day or two, and so he could get away clean. He was caught, according to the indictment, because he didn’t have the money to do it and he shopped the idea to two Jewish agencies – ‘I have a weapon that will destroy the enemies of Israel’. As soon as he walked out the door, they called the FBI. He goes on trial this fall.”

Rallies and leafleting are taking place throughout the country, even if actual Klan groups remain small.

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FACES Grant Yarber s a musician and producer, Grant Yarber “YOG$”, created a remix of “Marvin’s Room” by Grammy Award-winning artist Drake. His interpretation of the song earned him 10,000 views overnight and its popularity continues to climb.

“I was heading to Chicago when I dropped it. I had a feeling it was going to blow up. It was getting passed around so quickly. Every day more and more people would find it,” he said. “It’s a different type of remix. I brought in an orchestra and a piano. It gives a whole different feel. It’s not something people would put on at a party. It’s a track that you would vibe to.”

He also recently released his first album entitled Everyday Vacation. “Everyday Vacation really puts it all out there. You should really know who I am after fully listening.”

The up-and-coming hip hop artist was 11-years-old when he found his passion for music. “My parents got me a guitar for Hanukkah,” he said. “And, I was definitely a creative child. I would always have an idea about a story or plotline. I had little ideas for movies.”

Yarber played guitar into high school, but soon found his niche producing hip hop. “All my creative energy shifted from guitar to producing,” he said.

Yarber earned his moniker “YOG$” in school and the nickname stuck. “Everyone used to call me ‘G Money’ through middle school,” he said. Yarber’s friends would say, ‘Yo, G-Money.’ So, my tag is YOG$,” he said.

“That tag is on every song.”

Initially, Yarber produced songs in his parents’ home, but he began to branch out as others in the industry took notice of his work. “I started to meet up with some local rappers and engineers who would invite me to their sessions,” he said. “I worked with Detroit producers.”

After graduating from West Bloomfield High School, Yarber started at the University of Michigan, where he is earning a communications degree.

“I want to be a full-time music producer. I want to get into sound tracking and scoring (films and commercials),” he said. “It’s important for my family and important for me to have my degree. It’s a good experience. I’ve learned a lot of lessons and discipline and time management through college.”

While in Los Angeles for the summer, Yarber has been in the studio, day and night.

“I’m half-Michigan and half in Los Angeles. (My friend and I) have an apartment in West Hollywood.”

During his time in California, Yarber had the opportunity to work for a famous film composer. “I got an internship with Hans Zimmer through mutual connections,” he said. “(Zimmer) did Batman and he did the Lion King.”

Yarber intends to move to Los Angeles to create and produce after completing his bachelor’s degree.

“I’m kind of testing the waters and gaining more fans,” he said. “I’m working on dropping my first single this year. Sometimes I have to take a step back and think 16-year-old me would freak out. I feel extremely fortunate.”

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Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Jean Lannen

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09.14

THE PPO: SUCCESS, FAILURE SEEKING PROTECTION THROUGH THE CIRCUIT COURT SYSTEM

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

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n a Sunday evening in September 2012, West Bloomfield police officer Patrick O’Rourke was killed while responding with fellow officers to a possible suicide in the 4000 block of Forest Edge Lane, near Pontiac Trail.

O’Rourke and other officers were standing outside of a bedroom door at the house where the shooter, Ricky Coley, was waiting with an arsenal of handguns and rifles. As the officers inquired about his health, Coley fired through the door, fatally wounding the 12-year police veteran. Coley then barricaded himself in the house for a 20hour standoff with police, which eventually ended with a selfinflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators said the standoff was premeditated. Coley, who had finalized his divorce about four days prior to the shooting, was supposed to be leaving the house he shared with his wife and son in order to head to North Carolina to start a new life. He had lost custody of his child, and divorce filings indicated he had previously attacked his wife and threatened to take their son. Alone in an upstairs bedroom, Coley fired a single gunshot, which caused the family to flee the home and call the police.

“The most dangerous time is when someone is leaving, whether breaking up or getting divorced. It’s the most dangerous time,” emphasized former assistant prosecutor and current Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Lisa Gorcyca. “All the domestic murders in the past 25 years that I’ve had were all because one of the parties was moving on.”

It’s in those dangerous times when many people choose to seek a personal protection order (PPO) from the circuit court. The goal of the orders is to protect the other party from being beaten, harassed or stalked by another person. Personal protection orders may also prohibit someone from taking another’s children, and restrict a person from buying or possessing a firearm. In order to protect a potential victim, the circuit court’s family division may issue a PPO ex parte, or without an immediate hearing or the other person’s knowledge. orcyca, who had overseen Coley’s divorce, said there was no PPO in place against Coley. Yet, even if a PPO had been in place, barring Coley from possessing any firearms, it’s no guarantee the threat of jail time would have stopped the slaying.

“I always tell everyone to be very careful.

Nobody should have a false sense of security because of a personal protection order,” Gorcyca said. “A lot of people think that because they have a PPO, they are safe, but that’s not the case. When I was a prosecutor, I had two murder cases where the PPO was laying next to the dead body. It doesn’t stop bullets. It doesn’t stop knives. It doesn’t stop strangulations. All it is is a piece of paper. In severe cases, it isn’t doing anything.”

Still, despite some shortcomings on safety and some other potential problems involved with issuing PPOs, Gorcyca,other judges, attorneys, law enforcement and domestic violence counselors say personal protection orders are often helpful.

“They can be helpful in the right circumstances,” Gorcyca said. “Circuit court is a very serious court. People need to treat PPOs very seriously. If you are following it, you are going to be fine, and it will expire. But if there is a violation, you are putting your liberty at risk.

We try our best and hope to get them right.

There are seven judges doing all the PPOs for the entire county – that’s about 200 to 250 each month, with new ones coming in.”

Of the 2,412 total PPO cases that were filed in Oakland County Circuit Court in 2013, just

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1,292 adult PPOs were issued. In 2012, the family division heard 2,708 PPO cases, and 3,052 in 2011. And while the number of PPO cases have gone down each of the past three years, violations of the orders appear to be increasing.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in 2011 made just 15 arrests for contempt of court violations, which include PPO violations. The department made 31 arrests in 2012, and 37 in 2013.

Arrests for contempt of court violations from other local police departments aren’t included in the sheriff’s figures. alled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas said the department works with PPOs on occasion, and that domestic protection orders are the orders most commonly encountered. In general, he said most respondents, or people who have a personal protection order issued against them, are respectful of the boundaries set by the court.

However, occasionally that isn’t the case.

“The nice part about them is that they are very clear cut,” he said about court orders. “If you find someone that is in violation, they are taken into custody, and they are taken to the Oakland County Jail. It’s nice that they are clear cut and to the point.”

There are two types of PPOs that may be issued in Michigan. A domestic PPO is used to restrain the actions of a respondent, or the person against who the PPO is issued, if the parties are either married; live together or have lived together; have a child together; or have or have had a dating relationship. Domestic PPOs can’t be used to restrain a minor.

Non-domestic PPOs can be issued to restrain a person over 18 to whom someone doesn’t have a domestic relationship. There are also nondomestic sexual-assault PPOs, which are to restrain a person over 18 from sexually assaulting or threatening sexual assault.

Specifically, a domestic PPO can restrain the respondent, or the person against whom the PPO is issued, from entering a person’s premises; assaulting, attacking, beating, molesting or wounding a named individual; removing a minor child from the individual having legal custody of the children; purchasing or possessing a firearm; interfering with efforts to remove children or property from premises that are owned or leased by the person to be restrained; interfering with a person’s employment or educational relationship or environment; having access to information in records concerning a minor child that will inform the restrained person of the person’s employment address; and any other specific act or conduct that imposes or interferes with personal liberty or that causes a reasonable apprehension of violence.

Further, domestic PPOs may be issued “ex parte,” or issued and made effective without immediate notice to the individual being restrained. Such orders may be issued if “it clearly appears from specific facts” shown by a

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complaint, written motion or affidavit that “immediate and irreparable injury, loss or damage” will result from the delay required to give notice, or if the notice itself will likely cause an adverse action before the PPO can be issued, according to the Michigan Bench Guide on Domestic Violence.

A non-domestic stalking PPO may stop a person from following or appearing in the petitioner’s sight; appearing at a petitioner’s workplace or residence; approaching or confronting a petitioner in a public place or on private property; entering onto or remaining on a petitioner’s property; sending the petitioner mail or electronic communications; contacting the petitioner by phone; or placing an object or delivering an object to the property of the petitioner, according to the bench guide.

A non-domestic stalking PPO can be issued if a person has made two or more unwelcomed, unauthorized contacts with the person seeking the PPO. Overall, Gorcyca and others spoken with said there didn’t appear to be any major revisions or changes to the state’s PPO law, which was last updated in 1994 to allow for the issuance of ex parte orders. nd, while the state’s PPO law can restrict the rights of a person without being convicted or accused of a crime, Michigan courts have upheld the constitutionality of the law and ex parte orders. However, the Michigan Court of Appeals in a decision, did advise against potential problems with the law, referring to a case in which a man was arrested at his own home. The man, who didn’t share his home with the petitioner, was arrested because the address of his ex-wife was listed at both his former address and his current address, even though she didn’t live there. Police arrested him based on the information in the state’s law enforcement information network.

“Although the personal protection order itself is not at issue in this case, we express our concern raised by the facts of this case,” the court said in People v Freeman. “This case illustrates the need to draft such orders carefully in order to avoid inconsistencies and confusion...

Surely, a defendant must question the wisdom of an order that makes it a violation of a court order to be in his own home, particularly when the complainant has a separate residence and makes a complaint to the police while at the defendant’s residence. This would appear to allow personal protection orders used as a sword, rather than a shield, contrary to the intent of the legislation that was quite properly designed and intended to protect spouses and others from predators.

“When personal protection orders are allowed to be misused because of careless wording or otherwise, then the law is correspondingly undermined because it loses the respect of the citizens that is important to the effective operation of our justice system.”

Lauren Howard, Chief of Adoptions and

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Juvenile Support Services at the Oakland County Circuit Court, oversees the PPO program at the court. Howard said the court operates a PPO office to assist in the process, as required by state statute.

“It’s set up so people can do their own pleadings, with the assistance of staff,” Howard said. “The only thing they have to pay for is the service (notice) on the respondent.” oward said some people seeking PPOs don’t always understand when they are appropriate. For instance, PPOs aren’t usually the proper remedy for neighbor disputes.

“That’s a big misconception,” Howard said.

“We never tell people they can’t file. If they choose to fill out the paperwork, we don’t say ‘you can’t do it, you can’t file, or that’s impossible.’ We don’t decide things for the judges.”

Howard said they recommend all supporting evidence is printed, as electronic devices, such as phones or computers, can’t be brought into the court house, as well as any police reports or other evidence that supports their claims. Once paperwork is filled out, the person filing the PPO must take the petition to the judge’s chambers, where a decision is made. For ex parte PPOs, the entire process can take three to four hours, Howard said.

“It takes a little time,” she said. “It’s a lawsuit they are filing. Some people are more organized than other. They have forms they have to complete, and they have to write things out so the judge can understand them. They really need to be here because the court can do a better job of assessing things. You can hire counsel, but that would cost money. People should plan on being here a few hours.”

Richelle Duane staffs the PPO Advocacy Office at the Oakland County Circuit Court for HAVEN. The program is run independently from the circuit court’s office, and deals specifically with domestic violence situations. She said HAVEN helps with the entire process, from getting the initial order to filing motions regarding modifications of the PPO. “The process is different from county to county, but several petitioners have said they feel the process is rather burdensome and overwhelming,” Duane said. “We usually advise people the process will take about three hours. It is lengthy with several steps involved, including coming to the court house and putting a lot of personal information down for public record.

“That can be very difficult when going through an emotional crisis, and when safety is involved. The benefit in Oakland County, that I see, there is a chance to finish the whole process and walk out with a PPO the same day.”

Duane said new federal mandates now require that information about PPOs that have been issued cannot be accessed online.

As far as the effectiveness of a PPO in protecting a person, Duane said it depends on each individual respondent.

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“The effectiveness of the PPO depends on the respondent, and what their perception of it is,” she said. “It’s an effective deterrent if the respondent has respect for the court’s authority and a fear of getting in trouble with the court. It will be an effective deterrent for those individuals. But, if they don’t believe or don’t care, it’s not going to deter them.

“Something I discuss with any petitioner coming in is that it will help or make it worse, especially in domestic violence situations. It can escalate the conflict, and if they aren’t going to respect it, it could make it worse. But it gives another option on how to address the issues or behaviors that are going on. A lot of that may be things that the person or police can’t do something about right away, like excessive phone calls. It won’t stop a person, but it gives the court and police the means of addressing the behavior because they can enforce the PPO.” Because the issuance of a personal protection order isn’t considered a conviction of a specific crime, but rather an order issued by the court to force specific actions, violation of a PPO is considered contempt of court, and is punishable by up to 93 days in jail. However, continued violations may escalate to “aggravated” stalking charges, which is a felony punishable by up to five years.

Walled Lake Police Chief Shakinas said the PPO process makes handling domestic situations easier for police. Once a personal protection order has been issued, it’s simple for an officer to confirm the order and its provisions with the state’s law enforcement information network, which provides PPO data to all jurisdictions in the state. Shakinas said it’s rare for there to be any issues between the court and law enforcement. If those issues do arise, they must be handled in the court where the PPO was issued, and not by the police department, he said. loomfield Hills attorney David Sucher said he has dealt with PPOs in his practice, and has seen instances where they have been helpful, and others where they have been problematic.

“There is so much discretion when issuing them from one judge to the next, there is nothing consistent about them,” he said. “I have seen judges issue PPOs where I think they aren’t warranted, and others where I think they should be issued and they aren’t.”

Sucher noted a client who was going through a divorce came home one day and found her entire house stripped of its belongings by her then husband, except for a basement bedroom that was being leased by a nephew. The husband had apparently locked the dog in the bedroom, and the wife broke the door to let the dog out.

However, the nephew requested a PPO against the woman and it was issued by the judge.

“I went to court on that because I thought it was an error and we had a hearing,” he said. “To me, that is the kind of abuse (of PPOs) in years past.”

Sucher said a PPO is appropriate if there is a

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history of verbal or physical abuse, stalking or other domestic violence situations. Still, he said problems can arise when a PPO is issued and there isn’t a custody arrangement in place, or if a person tries to have a PPO issued as a way of forcing another person to vacate a residence.

“When someone is taken out of their home, and kids are involved, that can create an issue,” he said.

Matrimonial lawyer Sue Ann Canvasser said while there is a potential for some people to abuse the PPO process, she doesn’t see any weaknesses in the law.

“In the context of divorce, there has to be a significant reason to order one,” she said. “If you get a PPO entered, you can get a person out of a house. I would like to think the court scrutinizes those petitions well. But there have been times that those court orders create havoc in two ways.

One, by locking someone out. Two, to denying access to children if there is no custody or court order in place.”

Canvasser said there usually isn’t a reason to have a custody order in place when two parents are living together in the same house, but beginning divorce proceedings. However, if a PPO restricts one of the parents from entering the home, then that takes them out of the house and away from the children.

Gorcyca said while the potential for abuse exists, the court is careful to take child custody into account when issuing PPOs. “If the petitioner is doing it to get an upper hand in a divorce case or during eviction by PPO, there have been instances like that in the thousands of PPOs we look at, but we look to make sure it’s not happening. We see all kinds of cases. Just when you think we haven’t seen it, we see it,” Gorcyca said.

Gorcyca recalled a case she was working on as an assistant prosecutor in which a contempt of court hearing was being held against a man who was accused of violating a PPO. In the middle of the hearing, the man claimed that the woman drove him to the courthouse that day, and she admitted to doing it, thus violating the PPO herself.

“It’s the court’s PPO, and she could have been held in contempt of court, also,” Gorcyca said.

“There was no violation, but both were borderline in contempt.”

Gorcyca said because it’s the court’s PPO, and not necessarily the petitioner’s PPO against another person, the court must be careful to consider all aspects in a case when issuing or modifying a PPO. “Today, I had a petitioner file a motion to modify because she wanted the kids to have contact with the father,” Gorcyca said. “I reread the allegations, and he had been beating her in front of her children, badly at times, and he was up for a felony. I said it wasn’t right – and he didn’t even appear at the hearing – so obviously, that wasn’t appropriate.

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09.14

FACES

Nebojsa Stojkovic alled Lake Central coach and math teacher Nebojsa Stojkovic recently found himself on the small screen as the guest of the “Live with Kelly and Michael” morning show for their annual Top Teacher Search.

“I was in school and they went over the PA,” Stojkovic said. “They said to turn our TVs on. There was a special announcement. I actually remember being irritated they were interrupting my lesson. My jaw dropped. I wasn’t expecting that at all.”

Stojkovic’s dedication to his students and charity work earned him a nomination by former student Kelsey Prena.

“I see Kelsey a lot. I have regular dinners with (the Prena) family. They still come back to Walled Lake Central and come to track meets.”

The following week, the show announced the top five teachers and Stojkovic was among them. Two weeks later, Stojkovic was on a plane to New York with his girlfriend and Prena. The show put both him and Prena up in their own hotel rooms in the Big Apple.

While backstage at “Live with Kelly and Michael”, Stojkovic met Adam Sandler, who was also interviewed that morning.

“I talked to him for a bit in between segments,” he said. “(Sandler) shook my hand and said, ‘Great job.’ He could’ve left right after his segment, but he stayed around to watch. You don’t expect that from celebrities.”

Stojkovic watched with the rest of the country as Prena’s submission to the Top Teachers Search was read to the audience.

“It was really nice to hear the letter she had written,” he said. Once the

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two returned to the limousine after the show, Stojkovic said they watched the segment again on their phones and they each broke down in tears.

As runner up, Stojkovic was awarded a plane trip to Belgrade, Serbia to see his family and $1,000 in spending money. He was also given 30 iPads for Walled Lake Central High School.

Although he had never been to New York before, the University of Michigan alumnus opted to return to his students and forego a minivacation. “I had commitments with the school and coaching,” he said. “So we went right back home.”

In addition to teaching and coaching football and track, Stojkovic is the founder of Passion for Life, a non-profit that raises money for children’s hospitals nationwide.

The organization also has a local arm that includes a 5K run/walk out of Walled Lake. They choose a local family and offer them $1,000 for the first year. A college fund is then started for the child who was selected.

Because of his hard work and commitment to his students and other children in the community, Stojkovic was thrust into the limelight, but he is content just to be doing what he is doing in his hometown.

“I graduated from Walled Lake Western. I’m a product of the district,” he said. “My immediate plan is to stay on point with (Passion for Life) and continue teaching. I’ve got my dream job.”

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Jean Lannen

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Area Market Report

Karen Thomas

Rolling 12 months ending 8-26-2014

Realtor/Associate Broker Certified Residential Specialist

A Top Producer for 20 Years! # 1 Agent in Lakes Office Since 2001 STAGING

ı PHOTOGRAPHY ı MARKETING

248-505-3066

City

$100,000 - $299,999

$300,000 - $599,999

$600,000 - $899,999

Sales On Market Monthly supply

Sales On Market Month Supply

Sales On Market Month Supply

Commerce

$900,000+ Sales On Market

409 78 2.3 134 87 7.8 7 7 12.0 Farmington Hills 714 158 2.7 152 77 6.1 3 15 60.0 Highland 155 58 4.5 58 55 11.4 4 7 21.0 Keego/Sylvan/Orchard Lakes 54 26 5.8 13 22 20.3 1 6 72.0 Lyon/South Lyon 243 37 1.8 169 58 4.1 1 5 60.0 Milford 133 38 3.4 19 51 32.2 3 10 40.0 Novi 419 75 2.1 265 109 4.9 34 21 7.4 Waterford 683 221 3.9 44 36 9.8 7 12 20.6 Walled/Wolverine Lakes 126 27 2.6 8 5 7.5 2 0 0.0 West Bloomfield 618 164 3.2 276 180 7.8 22 36 19.6 Wixom 131 33 3.0 16 15 11.3 0 0 * White Lake 280 93 4.0 86 71 9.9 0 3 * * Buyers Market - No sales in last 12 months in this area and price range Seller's Market 2 months or less supply of homes

Balanced Market 3-5 months supply of homes

1 2 2 4 0 2 11 0 0 13 0 0

7 7 3 17 2 6 11 7 0 30 0 1

Month Supply

84.0 42.0 18.0 51.0 * 36.0 12.0 * * 27.7 * *

Buyer's Market Over 6 months supply of homes

The market is more balanced or a buyers market in many price ranges and interest rates are still at historic lows averaging between 4-4.25%

Source of data Realcomp MLS

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WEIR MANUEL

MUNICIPAL Judge resigns before misconduct hearing

By Kevin Elliott

Novi district court Judge Dennis Powers announced he will resign his position at the 52-1 District Court effective September 1, about a month before he is scheduled to appear at a disciplinary hearing regarding alleged misconduct.

Powers, who was appointed to the bench in 1998, said he stands by his answer filed with the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission that he didn’t engage in any misconduct, but has decided to resign his position, rather than spend his final years on the bench defending himself against allegations. Powers isn’t eligible to run for office after his current term expires in 2016 due to age restrictions.

“I have a 100 percent disabled, American veteran son, and that takes a lot of time,” Powers said. “There is no way I can deal with that and be at court every morning by 8:30 a.m. I’m going to retire and pursue other interests.”

Powers said he will likely return to private practice law, probably working with his son. Powers’ son, Scott, ran an unsuccessful campaign in the August primary to fill 52-1 District Court Judge Brian MacKenzie’s seat on the bench.

“I made the announcement yesterday,” Powers said on Thursday, August 21. “The fact is, the hearing starts in October. I would have to spend a lot of time preparing, and would rather move along with my life.

I only have two years left and I don’t think I want to muddy it with hearings when I can go back to private practice and help take care of my son.”

In June, the state’s judicial tenure commission announced a complaint had been filed against Powers that alleged he received thousands of dollars in fraudulent mileage reimbursements while being paid to attend non-work related conferences and golf outings. The complaint also alleged Powers misused his countyissued cell phone and computer; failed to perform his duties impartially; participated in extrajudicial activities; engaged in improper and inappropriate behavior and misrepresented financial reimbursement claims. Powers was also accused of failing to arrive to work on time, and to keeping a “ghost docket” to make it appear he was at the court when he wasn’t. westendmonthly.com

Village, township agree on sewage pact ommerce Township agreed on Tuesday, August 19, to increase waste water treatment capacity from the Village of Wolverine Lake to accommodate plans to build a 110-unit apartment project near South Commerce and Oakley Park roads, across from Walled Lake Central High School.

The agreement increases the total wastewater capacity from the village from 535,000 gallons per day to 727,650 gallons per day, and allows the village to accommodate the sewerage needs of the new apartments being built by Redwood Management.

Redwood, of Beachwood, Ohio, is responsible for the Four Seasons development on Union Lake Road, in Commerce Township. The development company specializes in single-story buildings with attached garages for one or two tenants. Rents at the new project are expected to range from $1,300 to $1,400 per month.

Redwood purchased the property from Wolverine Lake Village in June of 2013 and had the 13-acre parcel rezoned from commercial use to multiple-family residential use. The property, which was acquired by the village through a tax foreclosure, was sold to Redwood for $473,000.

The company’s proposed project in Wolverine Lake had already received approval from the village council for a 176-unit project, but discovered the inter-governmental agreement for sewer service between the two communities restricted the density of the development to less than what was approved.

The two municipalities agreed to amend their inter-governmental waste water treatment agreement to change how development density is delineated on the former ER Thomas parcel, where the Redwood development is planned. The overall density on the parcel, however, remains the same under the agreement.

A completion date for the development wasn’t immediately available.

In February, Redwood extended its due diligence period to develop conceptual plans, preliminary analyses, cost estimates and other routine pre-development work. However, issues regarding the property’s master deed and title have taken longer than expected.

The increase in total capacity of waste water for the village was part of an unrelated “housekeeping” issue that Wolverine Lake Village Administrator Sharon Miller said needed to be cleaned up.

“The (waste water treatment) agreement shows that the village only has 1,700 REU of capacity in the treatment plant, however, Commerce and the village agreed to transfer 610 REU from the southern district into the treatment plant from the Benstein Road district. This changes the total capacity allocated for the village from 1,700 REU (or 535,000 gallon per day) to 2,310 REU (or 727,650 gallon per day),” Miller said in an explanation of the issue to Commerce Township Supervisor Tom Zoner.

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The issues were raised last year when Fox-2 News reporter Rob Wolchek did an exposé on the judge, alleging he was taking extended lunch breaks and coming in hours after he was scheduled to be on the bench.

In his response to the allegations, Powers said several work-related documents, as well as personal items, were stolen from his court chambers, making it impossible to defend all of the allegations. Among the items he said were taken were milage forms, medical documents and even a certificate from the George Mason School of Legal Economics that was mounted on his wall.

Powers said the court calendar issues and cellphone and computer allegations are “red herrings,” and

that there is no proof of any wrongdoing or misconduct.

“The allegations of this formal complaint are stated in such a fashion as to prevent the revelation of these facts and are an attempt to sully the reputation of a good judge who deserves the trust and confidence of the electorate,” Powers said in his response to the complaint filed with the judicial tenure commission.

While Powers said he will resign his position effective September 1, the judicial tenure commission will decide on September 8 whether the hearing will continue on October 6, said Paul Fischer, with the commission. However, it is uncertain what, if any, disciplinary actions the Michigan Supreme Court could

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impose if the hearing were to move forward.

Normally in such a situation, the supreme court could order restrictions or changes to a judge’s pension.

However, officials said Powers has a 401K retirement plan, not a pension, which wouldn’t be subject to any disciplinary action.

Governor Rick Snyder will be responsible for appointing a judge to replace Powers. The replacement process, which isn’t subject to public disclosure, requires applicants to submit applications through the Michigan State Bar, which then ranks each applicant. The rankings and subsequent interview scores are submitted to the governor’s office, which then makes the decision on who to appoint to the bench.

Judge dismisses contempt claim

By Kevin Elliott

A contempt of court allegation filed against Oakland County District Court Judge Brian MacKenzie was dismissed Thursday, August 21, by Oakland Circuit Court Judge Colleen O’Brien.

Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper filed a motion on June 16, alleging MacKenzie had failed to follow a February 13 circuit court order requiring he provide Cooper’s office with a list of cases he dismissed under the state’s domestic violence statute since March 24, 2004. Cooper, who claimed MacKenzie failed to disclose at least 33 cases to her office, asked O’Brien to find him in contempt.

Cooper in November 2013 filed a complaint against MacKenzie and asked the circuit court to take superintending control of MacKenzie’s docket and supply the domestic-related cases. In her complaint, she alleged MacKenzie had violated state law and issued illegal sentences to defendants under the state’s domestic violence statute, which allows some first-time offenses to be taken under advisement or dismissed. Circuit Court Judge O’Brien agreed, and in February took superintending control of MacKenzie’s docket, requiring him to provide a list of the cases he dismissed under the statute to the prosecutor’s office.

Cooper, whose office received a total of 78 cases, said there were dozens more that MacKenzie failed to turn over to her office. MacKenzie 31

admitted to inadvertently failing to disclose two cases that should have been provided to Cooper’s office.

MacKenzie said in his response that the remaining 31 cases Cooper cited in her complaint either weren’t taken under advisement under the statute; had never been dismissed under the statute due to probation violations; were handled by another judge; or were taken under advisement pursuant to an alternate statute.

“The Court does not find the failure to disclose two cases would rise to the level of contempt,” O’Brien said in her ruling. “This failure does not evidence ‘a willful disregard or disobedience’ of the authority or orders of the court. The Court does note that several cases did involve the improper granting of MCL 769.4(a) status, but because they were never formally dismissed due to violation of probation, their failure to be disclosed does not technically violate this Court’s order. The same can be said for cases involving domestic violence which were dismissed pursuant to an alternate statue. They technically do not violate the Court’s order.”

The court noted that due to inconsistencies of the register of actions, it’s unclear under what statute some of the 33 cases were actually dismissed. O’Brien said in her ruling that she “shares the Prosecutor’s concern regarding the inaccuracies of the Register of Actions for many of the cases brought to the Court’s attention.” O’Brien also said there are several cases where the deferred status was purportedly revoked, but the information hasn’t been entered into the Michigan State Police data file.

“The Court is appreciative of the fact that such matters have been brought to the attention of the State Court Administrative Office” by the prosecutor, O’Brien said.

MacKenzie said on Thursday, August 21, that the dismissal proves his innocence, and called into question Cooper’s responsibility to her duty in office, calling the proceedings “an enormous waste of taxpayer money and a gross misuse of resources.”

“This public is witnessing repeated neglect by Cooper and her office to perform its legal duties, as well as an attempt to blame a judge for her and her office’s neglect,” MacKenzie said.

Cooper blasted MacKenzie for his statements following the dismissal, rather than disagreeing with the findings.

“It’s irresponsible for Judge MacKenzie to twist the findings of a 32

Township board okays Wise Road plan he Commerce Township Board of Trustees on Tuesday, August 12, approved a concept plan for utilizing some 518 acres of parkland along Wise Road that could cost between $12 and $19 million over the next two decades.

The plan, which was developed by Living Lab Detroit, includes the development of a soccer complex, redesigning Wise Road through the park, and a number of additional developments, such as a dog park, playgrounds, walking trails and a campground. The plan was first presented to the township board of trustees in late June and gained approval from the Commerce Township Parks and Recreation Committee on July 28.

In January, the township board of trustees approved spending about $14,000 to contract with Living Lab Detroit to develop a concept plan for the property, which was purchased by the township in 2011 for about $4 million.

The parkland, of which a majority is located on the north side of Wise Road, is subject to deed restrictions placed on the land by the state.

Under the restrictions, property on the north side of Wise Road may only have “passive uses,” which would prohibit the construction of structures or recreational activities that would alter the character of the land, including the removal of any trees. That leaves about 75 acres of land on the south side of Wise Road available for additional recreation, such as soccer fields, ball fields, playgrounds and other uses.

Under the concept plan, the majority of the development would take place on the south side of Wise Road, between Carroll Lake and Union Lake roads, once home to a Nike missile site which was deactivated in 1974 and demolished in 1994. The township razed the remaining buildings left over from the Cold War after purchasing the property from the state of Michigan.

Major elements in the plan include an eight-field soccer complex, which would include one artificial turf field; a 10-acre dog park; a playground area; some manicured, open fields; a nature center; two camping areas, with accommodations for group outings and individual camping; and enough parking to facilitate all of the activities.

Major elements on the north side of the property would be devoted to trails, which would include several trailheads that would allow them to be connected to the surrounding neighborhoods. The plan also includes a paved walking trail that would span about eight miles, ringing both the north and south portions of the property and would incorporate about 700 feet of bridges and boardwalks to span wetlands and creeks in the park. Smaller, unpaved trails would also exist throughout the northern portion of the park.

In addition to laying the groundwork for the future of the park, the concept plan helps the township qualify for various grants to help fund improvements to the park. The majority of improvements to the park will likely be funded through a 10-year millage renewed by voters in August.

The .3939 mill tax is dedicated for park improvements and acquisition of open space, and generates about $665,892 each year.

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superior court in order to claim vindication upon something that should be labeled as an indictment of his behavior as a judge,” Cooper said in a statement, noting that the court had already found he violated the law on at least eight prior occasions.

Assisted living facility approved

By Kevin Elliott

The Commerce Township Downtown Development Authority at a special meeting Wednesday, August

27, approved a $3 million purchase agreement with a west Michigan development group seeking to build a series of assisted living developments.

The Granger Group, of Wyoming, Michigan, is proposing plans for a continuum of care and assisted living facility, consisting of about 100 units focused on providing assisted living, memory care and Alzheimer’s services. The project would also include another 60 units for independent living condominiums, as well as about 11 duplex-style cottages. Jason Granger, of the

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Granger Group, said the project would be done in multiple phases.

The parcel, which consists of about 15 acres of land, is near a potential retail development in the DDA project area, north of M-5, between Pontiac Trail and Richardson roads, and Welch and Haggerty roads. However, details about the retail portion aren’t currently known, as the DDA approved a non-disclosure agreement with a potential developer interested in the land. The DDA board on August 19 unanimously approved to extend that non-disclosure agreement for another 60 days.

The agreement with Granger came as a move forward for development in the project area, following the withdrawal of a $2 million purchase offer from another developer.

The DDA board in April approved a $2 million purchase agreement with Bloomfield Hills developer Doraid Markus for a 6.2-acre parcel of land at the northwest corner of Pontiac Trail and Haggerty Road. At that time, Markus told the board he was planning a a two-story retail shopping center and a common area. However, failure to secure a major client for the development has since forced Markus to withdraw the offer, DDA Director Kathleen Jackson said at the meeting.

Representatives from four other development companies pitched different ideas for various parcels in the DDA project area at the meeting, which is located north of M-5, between Pontiac Trail and Richardson Road, between Haggerty and Welch roads.

Three developers made presentations to the DDA board for their visions for about 43 acres of land west of Martin Parkway, adjacent to Haggerty Road. The land, referred to as parcels “D” and “E,” also includes 34.4 acres of land bordered by Martin Parkway and Ridgeway Court, east of the Commerce Township Hall.

Representatives from the Pulte Group, one of the nation’s largest developers, proposed developing about 134 lots in the area to construct two-story family homes ranging from 2,200 to 2,900 square feet, priced between $300,000 and $400,000. The company, which has about $1.3 billion in cash available for acquisitions and building, would likely close the deal in 2015, if it were selected.

Sherr Development Corporation, based in Farmington Hills, pitched construction of about 150 homes, which would be priced below $300,000. Roger Sherr, vice president of the business, said the homes would target a fresh group of buyers 09.14

focused on smart home devices, green construction and materials, and smaller homes. He said the proposed homes would eliminate dining and living rooms and provide additional outdoor living space, a trend he said would reduce utility bills and be a popular option for homeowners in the future.

While board members expressed interest in Sherr’s vision, they instructed Jackson to work with Hunter Pasteur Homes to negotiate a purchase agreement on homes targeted at empty nesters and younger families.

Hunter Pasteur, which was the first developer to close on a purchase agreement with the DDA, is proposing construction of about 100 homes, ranging from 1,500 to 2,400 square feet which would sell for between $350,000 and $450,000.

There is also planned space for a 7acre park, which would include walking trails, a pond, fountain and children’s play area.

The Hunter Pasteur project proposed the lowest housing density of the three projects presented at the meeting, which would likely sit well with some Commerce Township board of trustee members, who have expressed opposition to high-density residential homes in the DDA area.

The parcels were previously under contract with Edward Rose & Sons.

However, the developer withdrew its offer for construction of 400 apartments at the site, due to negative comments from board members.

Commerce gives DDA $1.2 million The Commerce Township Board of Trustees on Tuesday, August 19, approved at a special board of

trustees meeting advancing $1.2 million to the Commerce Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to help fund the authority’s obligations through the end of 2014.

The request is part of contributions to be forwarded by the township to the DDA under its budget. The township, in September 2013, advanced $1.8 million to the DDA from the township’s sinking fund. In February, the township approved advancing $1 million to the DDA. The advances to the DDA are used primarily for the DDA’s bond debt service payments. Debt owed by the DDA includes interest and principal on bonds used for the $10 million purchase of the former El Dorado Country Club in 2004, and $14 million spent to purchase the Links of Pinewood golf course in 2006 and 2007, as well as 50 acres of land from the Huron-Clinton Metropark Authority, and contiguous parcels.

The goal of the project, north of M5 between Haggerty and Welch roads, was to alleviate traffic congestion, as well as enhance the economic stability of the township via planned development, and to allow for the preservation of open space. The key to repaying the DDA’s debt is the development of mixed-use areas that include commercial and residential development, named Commerce Towne Place.

The request before the township board on August 19, has already been approved in both the DDA and township’s 2014 budgets. Funds available for the advance may be made from the township’s sinking fund, which has a current balance of $1.5 million; the budget stabilization fund, which has a balance of almost $1.3 million; or the township’s general fund, which has a balance of just shy of $5 million.

Library architects chosen

By Kevin Elliott

lthough the location for a new Commerce Township Public Library has yet to be finalized, the Commerce Township Board of Trustees on Tuesday, August 19, approved hiring Ann Arbor-based Penchansky Whisler Architects to design the building.

The township’s current library, at 2869 N. Pontiac Trail, is essentially a 20,000 square-foot golf clubhouse that was converted into a library with the understanding that the township would relocate the library in the future. While board members have yet to finalize whether the new library will be located in the township’s Downtown Development Authority area, the township requested bids from architects based on

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Commerce approves funds for LAYA group The Commerce Township Board of Trustees on Tuesday, August 12, approved $4,200 in funding for the Lakes Area Youth Assistance organization for fiscal year 2014-2015, which runs from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

The organization, which relies primarily on contributions from municipal sponsors, provides a variety of services for at-risk youth throughout the year. Programs and activities that the organization has provided for in the past include financial support to at least 47 youths to attend summer camps; assisting local families during the holidays; special shopping trips for those in need; and other services. The organization also supported more than 300 families last year with casework and referral services.

“Commerce Township has made a significant and lasting contribution to our efforts in serving local youth and families,” said Lakes Area Youth Assistance chairperson Debra Kirkwood, in a memo to the board.

“It’s wonderful to be working together to strengthen our youth and families, and prevent juvenile delinquency, child abuse and child neglect.”

Liquor licences get city council okay

By Kevin Elliott

Two Walled Lake restaurants received recommendations on Tuesday, August 19, from the Walled Lake City Council for liquor license approval from the state of Michigan’s Liquor Control Commission.

Liquor license applicants must

construction being at Dodge Park 5, at the southeast corner of S. Commerce and Commerce roads.

Penchansky Whisler was one of four architectural firms to submit offers to the township. Commerce Township Clerk Vanessa Magner said the firm had one of the lowest bids, and seemed to understand the project well, as well as appeared to offer the best value.

“I liked their style, and they understand our ideas and what we expect,” she said.

The board approved contracting with Penchansky Whisler by a vote of four to two, with township supervisor Tom Zoner and treasurer Susan Gross voting against the motion to award the contract. Trustee Rob Long was absent from Tuesday’s special board meeting.

Penchansky Whisler, in its bid, estimated a

receive approval from the local government in order to be considered for approval for a liquor license by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

The two restaurants, The Sushi Den at 716 N. Pontiac Trail, and Jeff’s Kitchen at 1130 E. West Maple, are each seeking the one available Class C liquor license currently open in the city. With both restaurants receiving recommendations from the city, the final decision will rest with state liquor officials. The city has a total of six Class C liquor licenses.

Three restaurants had initially sought recommendations from the city. However, the city council voted on July 15 to deny approval to Blue Bliss, located at 209 Walled Lake Drive, as the restaurant’s zoning doesn’t allow for a liquor license under the city ordinance. Council members in July tabled approving the other two restaurants, pending inspections by public safety officials.

Sushi Den’s owner, Seiichi Shokinji, told council members that he is expanding the dining area at the restaurant and would like to make alcoholic drinks available to customers. Inspections by police and fire officials for the restaurant were positive, with the only violation discovered being the use of an extension cord to run a freezer in the kitchen area, which is against the city’s fire code and was subsequently corrected.

Jeff’s Kitchen, formerly Amazing House Chinese, was renamed with a new menu. Owner Jeff Xu Jianfeng is seeking to offer his customers additional refreshments. Inspections by public safety officials also were positive at the restaurant, with only minor violations discovered, including misplacement of the occupancy sign and some service needed to emergency lights.

budget between $5.9 and $6.2 million for construction, with an additional $675,000 to $875,000 for site work.

The firm’s proposed fee for architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering professional services for design through the construction administration phase is proposed to be 7 percent of the building construction cost, excluding site-related civil engineering and landscaping costs.

Architectural firms Quinn Evans, of Ann Arbor; TMP Architecture, of Bloomfield Hills; and MerritCieslak Design, of Northville, also presented proposals at the meeting. Each of the firms spent about an hour presenting their vision and concepts for the project, along with background information before answering questions from the board.

Ginny Fisher realtor 248.593.0518 gfisher@hallandhunter.com

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harming Victorian with Amazing Lake Views!

ALL-SPORTS NORTH COMMERCE LAKE | $1,299,000 759 sherbrooke street in commerce township 3 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 5,200 Square Feet MLS# 214018619

Custom built in 2005, this lakefront Victorian-inspired charmer combines the most sought-after amenities with breathtaking, light-filled views. In addition to its cheerful curb appeal, the home boasts an elevator that services every level. Other features include a 2-story foyer; a chef ’s kitchen with lake views; a master suite with two unique balconies and lake views, plus a heated marble tile floor in the master bath; 3 fireplaces; lakeside 3-season room; artist’s studio and sauna. Possible 4th bedroom in fully finished walkout lower level. Summer is complete with a 25’ pontoon boat with motor and patio furniture included in the sale.

iew ginny’s listings at V ginnyfisherhomes.com

Co-listed with Mona Parlove – 248.514.0685

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442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

ARG:

PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Westend is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The complete Places To Eat is available at westendmonthly.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (westendmonthly.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.

Anaam’s Palate: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2534 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.242.6326.

Applebees Neighborhood Grill: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 9100 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.0901.

Backyard Coney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 49378 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.926.9508.

Bayside Sports Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 142 E. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.669.3322.

Biffs Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

3050 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.366.7400.

Big Boy Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 5834 Highland Road, Waterford, 48328. 248.674.4631.

Big Boy Restaurant: American. Breakfast,

The "Ultimate" Baby Back Rib Lunch $

6.99

OFF $6.00 DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS 1/2 WINE ON Monday through Friday 11am-3pm

FEATURING Tuna Melt: Served atop homemade grilled rye bread with a fresh tomato

Rocky Dog: Deep fried quarter pound hot dog wrapped in bacon

Beef or Pulled Pork Sliders: 3 fresh sliders of your choice (smokey pork, or ground beef)

Michigan Chicken Salad - $6.99 Mixed greens tossed in light raspberry vinegarette and topped with julienne chicken strips, crumbled bleu cheese, sun-dried cherries, cucumbers and tomatoes

September 18, 2014 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm JOIN US AT

Edgewood Country Club 8399 Commerce Rd. Commerce, MI 48382 - CASH BAR -

Enjoy Great Food From Local Restaurants & Help Our Communities Youth & Families • 2Booli • Applebee’s Neighborhood Grille • Big Tommy’s Parthenon • Bonefish Grill • CAYA Smokehouse Grill • CJ’s Brewing Co. • Cold Stone Creamery • Dickey’s Barbecue Pit • Edgewood Country Club • Edible Arrangements • Fiesta Fajita • Great Harvest Bread Co. • Happy’s Pizza • Jet’s Pizza • Nino’s Italian Bakery • On the Dunes • Rudy’s Waffle & Pancake House • The English Tea Garden • The Melting Pot • Tim Hortons • Toasted Oak Grill • Uptown Grille • Willson’s Pub ‘n Grill

RAFFLE SILENT AUCTION DOOR PRIZE

$25 Per Ticket in advance $30 At The Door TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT:

W. Pontiac Trail

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Beck Rd

Grilled chicken breast tossed with romaine, tomatoes and parmesan cheese rolled in a red pepper tortilla

WEDNESDAYS!

S. Wixom Rd

Chicken Caesar Wrap:

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Taste of the Lakes

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

800 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.624.2323.

Big Boy Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 7726 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.363.1573.

Billy’s Tip N Inn: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6707 Highland Road, White Lake Township, 48383. 248.889.7885.

Blu Nectar: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

1050 Benstein Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.859.5506.

Boon Kai Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1257 S. Commerce Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.624.5353.

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

5223 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.674.9464.

Carino’s Italian Restaurant: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 500 Loop Road, Commerce Township, 48390.

248.926.5300.

Carrie Lee’s of Waterford: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

7890 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.666.9045.

Casey’s Sports Pub & Grill: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1003 E West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

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35

248.669.5200.

CAYA Smokehouse Grille: Barbeque.

Dinner, Tuesday - Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 1403 S. Commerce Road, Wolverine Lake, 48390. 248.438.6741.

China Garden: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. 49414 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.8877.

China House: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 901 Nordic Drive, White Lake Township, 48386.

248.889.2880.

China King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 4785 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48390.

248.363.9966.

China Queen: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1130 E. Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.669.8896.

CJ’s Brewing Company: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

8115 Richardson Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.366.7979.

Coffee Time Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

1001 Welch Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.624.0097.

Coyote Grille: American. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 1990 Hiller Road, West Bloomfield, 48324. 248.681.6195.

Dairy Queen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 10531 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386.

248.698.2899.

Daniel’s Pizza Bistro: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2510 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382.

248.363.7000.

Dave and Amy’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

9595 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.2010.

Dave’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations.

901 Nordick Drive, White Lake, 48383.

248.889.3600.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 4825 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.360.4055.

Dobski’s: American, Polish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6565 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.363.6565.

Eddie’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

1749 Haggerty Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.960.1430.

El Nibble Nook: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations for 6 or more. Liquor.

2750 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.669.3344.

El Patio Mexican Restaurant: Mexican.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

7622 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.666.5231.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 5134 Highland Road, 48327. 248.673.5557.

Gest Omelets: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily until 4 p.m. No reservations.

39560 W. 14 Mile Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.0717.

Golden Chop Sticks: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 47516

36

Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.3888.

Grand Aztecha: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6041 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.669.7555.

Greek Jalapeno: Greek, Mexican. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

6636 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.363.3322.

Green Apple Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 7156 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.366.9100.

Haang's Bistro: Chinese/Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 225 E. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.926.1100.

Highland Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 7265 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.666.8830.

Highland House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2630 E. Highland Road, Highland, 48356.

248.887.4161.

Highland House Café: American, Pizza.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

10719 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.4100.

Hong Kong Express: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 5158 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.673.7200.

It’s a Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.360.4150.

Jennifer’s Café: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 4052 Haggerty Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.360.0190.

Jenny’s Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

1186 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.8240.

Jeff's Kitchen: Asian. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Reservations. 1130 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.669.8896.

Kennedy’s Irish Pub: Irish/American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1055 W. Huron Street, Waterford, 48328. 248.681.1050.

L George’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1203 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.960.5700.

Leo’s Coney Island: American/Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6845 Highland Road, White Lake, 484386. 248.889.5361.

Leo’s Coney Island: American/Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 4895 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382.

248.366.8360.

Leo’s Coney Island: American/Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2210 Teggerdine, White Lake, 48386. 248.779.7085.

Leon’s Food & Spirits: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 29710 S. Wixom Road, Wixom, 48393. 248.926.5880.

Lion’s Den: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4444

Highland Road, Waterford, 48328.

248.674.2251.

Lulu’s Coney Island: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

1001 Welch Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.669.1937.

Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

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

248.851.2500.

Mexico Lindo: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6225 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.666.3460.

Mezza Mediterranean Grille: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1001 Welch Road, Commerce Township, 48390.

248.926.2190.

Moonlight Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1123 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.859.5352.

Nick & Toney’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday; Sunday until 3 p.m. No reservations. 9260 Cooley Lake Road, White Lake, 48386.

248.363.1162.

North Szechuan Empire: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39450 W. 14 Mile Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.960.7666.

On The Waterfront: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 8635 Cooley Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.363.9469.

Panera Bread: Bakery, Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

5175 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.618.0617.

Pepino’s Restaurant & Lounge: Italian.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 118 W. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.624.1033.

Red Lobster: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 479 N. Telegraph Road, Waterford, 48328.

248.682.5146.

Red Robin: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 3003 Commerce Crossing, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.2990.

Root Restaurant & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48386. 248.698.2400.

Rudy’s Waffle House: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 674 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.7550.

Samuri Steakhouse: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7390 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.661.8898.

Shark Club: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6665 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.666.4161.

SIAM Fushion: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 6845 Highland Road, White Lake Township, 48386.

248.887.1300.

Siegel’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3426 E. West Maple Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.9555.

WESTEND

Sizzl in Subs & Salads: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2051 N. Wixom Road, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.0009.

Socialight Cigar Bar & Bistro: American.

Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 6139 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.669.0777.

Swasdee Thai Restaurant: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6175 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.926.1012.

Sweet Water Bar & Grille: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 7760 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.363.0400.

Taqueria La Casita: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 49070 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.926.1980.

Thai Kitchen: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 7108 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.886.0397.

The Lake’s Bar & Grill: American. Lunch, Tuesday - Sunday; Dinner daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2528 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382.

248.366.3311.

The Library Pub: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

6363 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.896.0333.

TJ’s Sushi & Chinese Restaurant: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 8143 Commerce Road, Commerce Township, 48382.

248.363.3388.

Town Lake Family Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. 1186 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.7550.

Ultimate Sports Bar Grille: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 47528 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.859.2851.

Uptown Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

3100 West Maple Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.960.3344.

Village Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1243 N. Commerce Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.366.3290.

Volare Risorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 49115 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.7771.

VR Famous Fried Chicken: American, Cajun. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 47520 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.926.6620.

White Palace: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6123 Haggerty Restaurant, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.313.9656.

Wilson’s Pub n Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2256 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.363.1849.

Wonton Palace: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 5562 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.683.5073.

Woody’s Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 235 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.624.4379.

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WESTEND

37

ENDNOTE

Rushing decision on new Commerce library he recent decision by the Commerce Township Board to hire an architect to design the future township library without yet finalizing the location for the library and determining how that future library will service the community isn’t just an example of putting the proverbial cart before the horse, it’s a lack of responsible planning.

On August 19, the township board heard from four architectural firms, each submitting bids to design the township’s future library. Each firm’s plans and presentations were based on constructing the new library at Dodge Park 5, at the southeast corner of S. Commerce and Commerce Road. During the presentations, more than one of the firms expressed excitement about the unique location and surrounding nature areas.

However, the Dodge Park 5 location was one of just three potential sites discussed amongst trustees in recent months, with none being approved.

The township’s current library, a 20,000-squarefoot golf clubhouse that was converted into library space, was established with the understanding that the township would one day relocate the library to a new space. Trustees earlier this year agreed to begin moving forward on planning for a new library, as improvement and maintenance costs for the existing building continue to rise and the land on which it sits is a marketable commodity.

While we agree it makes sense for the board to move forward with plans for a new library, the decision to let a contract with an architectural firm without yet having a definite location isn’t

T

logical or prudent. Further, it appears that the planning process and location decision is being rushed along, like a wheel that is being pushed downhill, moving ever faster, rather than being grounded in well thought-out planning practices or the desire of the community.

Consider, for instance, that the only township survey regarding the location of the future library was conducted online, receiving very few responses, hardly representative of an entire community of 40,000 residents. In fact, the main reason noted, so far, for the Dodge 5 location seems to be that the township already owns the land, thereby providing a potential savings.

While we normally applaud efforts to be fiscally austere, we feel a library should be a priority for a community, and requires a slower, careful approach because you only get one chance to build a library for a community.

Township Supervisor Tom Zoner has said the park location is one of the more geographically central locations in the township, making it easier to access than its current location, or an alternate location inside the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) area, possibly adjacent to township hall. Zoner also argues that building the new library in the park would help keep vandalism to a minimum with increased activity that a library would bring to any location.

We believe the community will ultimately be better served by establishing a civic center in the township’s proposed DDA Commerce Towne Place downtown area where a possible land trade with the township would negate one of the advantages of the park location.

“Libraries transform communities, and the ways in which a library uses its space resources to support the development of its community is crucial to its continuing success,” states a special 2014 report by the American Library Association.

In the case of Commerce Township, it seems to us that it makes more sense to have the library located near the downtown area because it helps create a sense of a community in a walkable downtown area.

A downtown location will also help to strengthen economic development in the DDA as the project area begins to flourish. At least, that’s the premise of a recent national survey by the Urban Institute, which found that libraries are key to building a local economic base.

We should note, at the time of publication, the township board of trustees had a special meeting scheduled for September 2 to discuss, among other things, the future library’s location. What will take place at that meeting, and what decision, if any, the board makes, won’t be known before this issue of Westend is delivered to readers. However, we hope board members will proceed with caution and forethought, remembering that libraries last for generations.

One way they could do that is by gaining a better understanding of the public’s vision, which should then be given to the architects, who, if the contract is already signed, for the time being should be told to halt all work on the park site. A professional survey would likely cost around $25,000, or .003 percent of the overall estimated $8 million cost for the project. It’s a small price to pay, considering what is ultimately at stake.

Wake-up call on the quality of our waters

M

assive toxic algae blooms like the one this August that forced a ban on water to nearly half a million people in Ohio and part of southeast Michigan may have come as a shock to some people, but it shouldn’t.

The algae that covered part of western Lake Erie, particularly near Toledo, is a harmful blue-green algae. The toxic algae is particularly harmful to animals and people, as it releases microcystin, a toxin produced by the algae, when it dies. The toxin may remain in the water for months, and targets the liver of animals, as well as the skin, eyes and throat.

The algae can then get into public drinking water systems through water intake pipes – just like those used in the Detroit River and Lake Huron by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.

This year’s massive algae bloom was the second largest of its kind, with about 2,000 square-miles of Lake Erie covered by the green goop in 2011. A smaller bloom occurred in 2012, but large coverings, such as this August’s bloom, can be expected to increase in frequency, according to a report issued last year by the National Wildlife Federation.

The report, “Taken By Storm: How Heavy Rain is Worsening Algal Blooms in Lake Erie,” states the

potential for more harmful blooms to occur is increasing as factors for algal blooms go unchecked.

Those factors are primarily linked to a high presence of phosphorous in the water, which come chiefly from fertilizer runoff, septic tank failures and animal waste. Phosphorous and other nutrients are washed into creeks, rivers and other tributaries of a lake during heavy rain events. Warm weather speeds the algae growth, and when conditions are right, results in massive growths, as the ones we have seen in recent years.

And while the shallowness of Lake Erie and the presence of nutrients coming from the Maumee River make that lake more susceptible to algae blooms than some of our other Great Lakes, the potential for harmful blooms is present in other areas, and has even closed down some of Oakland County’s smaller inland lakes in years past.

But conditions that breed algae blooms can be reversed. Limiting phosphorus and rain runoff is going to take a concerted effort by state and federal officials, as well as local governments. Officials with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources last month pledged to work with farmers and municipal sewage treatment operators on preventing harmful blooms and state officials are reportedly pushing for

federal regulators to develop a drinking water standard for microcystin.

We have in past months reported on drinking water standards and potential contaminants that aren’t already being tested by municipal water departments, which currently test for about 114 of more than 300 potential contaminants, so algae blooms should not be the only concern for those in charge of safeguarding our surface and drinking water.

More than a decade ago, former Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John McCulloch floated the idea or requiring annual septic inspections, as well as inspections when homes were sold. There has also been a movement in the last decade by some local municipalities to set regulations on the use of fertilizers in landscape maintenance, which also contributes to degradation of inland waters and the Great Lakes thanks to the delicate interconnection of our river basins.

It is imperative that a regional group be developed – immediately – to work at reducing the amount of nutrients entering various waterbodies – from small lakes and streams to the Great Lakes – whether it’s through rain runoff filled with industrial and agricultural toxins or toxins created by residents in the region.

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#214074430 EXT. 163

#214080532 EXT. 167

• 2,470 SF + Finished Walk-Out, 3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, Deck, Patio • Great Room-Stone Fireplace, Dining Room, Granite Isle Kitchen • 1st Floor Library, Master Suite- Jet Tub, LL Rec Room-Kitchenette-Bath

• 2,189 SF, 4Bedroom, 2Bath, Kitchen & Nook-Appliances • Great Room-Fireplace & Door-wall To Patio, Family Room • Fenced Yard, Shed With Loft Storage, 2.5 Car Garage

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$374,900

$389,900

FRESHLY PAINTED BIRKDALE BEAUTY ON PRIVATE LOT BACKING TO NATURE PARK

GORGEOUS CUSTOM BUILT ON PRIVATE (1 ACRE) WOODED LOT. FIRST FLOOR MASTER SUITE

#214075584 EXT. 173

#214069358 EXT. 140

• 3,730 SF + Finished Walkout, 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, Deck • Living & Dining, Great Room-Fireplace, Granite Kitchen, Library • Cathedral Master Suite-Jet Tub, 1st Floor Laundry, 3 Car Garage

*3,424 SF + Walk-Out Basement, Huge Deck, Patios, 3 Car Garage *2-Story Great Room- Stone Fireplace, Granite Isle Kitchen & Nook *French Door Library, Master Suite-Jet Tub Bath, Princess Suite

E ERC MM CO

$449,900

$525,000

GORGEOUS VIEWS AND SANDY SHORELINE ON ALL SPORTS MACEDAY LAKE

CUSTOM CUSTOM CUSTOM, BRICK RANCH – GORGEOUS 1.2 AC LOT ELEGANTLY APPOINTED INTERIOR-COBBLESTONE SUB

LARGE CONTEMPORARY WITH 1ST FLOOR MASTER & WALK-OUT BASEMENT ON PRIVATE (3 ACRE) WOODED LOT

GORGEOUS BRICK COLONIAL ON PRIVATE, WOODED LOT WITH PICTURESQUE POND

#214084127 EXT. 172

#214074323 EXT. 159

#214072163 EXT.179

#214087219 EXT. 196

• 2,087 SF + Fin Walk-Out, 3Bedroom, 2.5bath, 3 Fireplaces, Large Deck • Cathedral Living Room, 2 Story Great Room, Rec Room-Wet Bar • Vaulted Master Suite-Bath & Deck, Lakeside Deck & Dock

• 6,920 Living SF, 6 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath, Great Rm-Fireplace, Library • Granite Kitchen & Hearth Room, 1st floor Master Suite - jet tub Bath • Family Room- Fireplace, 2ND Kitchen, Terrace, 3 Car + 2 Garages

• 3,218 SF, 3/4Bedroom, 2.5Bath, 2 Story Great Rm-fireplace & wet bar • Formal Dining, Isle Kitchen-appliances, Stunning Nook, Master- jet tub • Library, 1st Fl Laundry, 3 car heated Garage, Deck & Paver Patios.

www.TheStocktonTeam.com EQUAL HOUSING

• 2,761 SF, 3Bedroom, 2.5Bath, 3 Car Garage, Beautifully Landscaped Lot • 2-Story Great Room, 2-Way Fireplace, Dining Room, 1ST floor Library • Island Kitchen, Hearth Room, 1st Floor Master-Jet Tub Bath & W.I.C.

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E ERC MM CO

ND HLA HIG

$299,900

GORGEOUS HOME IN PRESTWICK VILLAGE GOLF COMMUNITY

E ERC MM CO

GORGEOUS SUN ROOM & COMPOSITE DECK OVERLOOK .92 ACRE LOT BACKING TO WOODED COMMONS AREA • 2,617 SF + Finished Basement, 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, Deck • Formal Dining Room, Great Room-Fireplace, Island Kitchen • Library, Cathedral Master-Jet Tub Bath, Huge Rec Room

$495,000

CHARMING LOG CABIN WITH 100’ OF SHORELINE ON LOWER STRAITS LAKE!

2730 Union Lake Road Commerce, MI 48382

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ND HLA HIG

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & RESULTS

800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message

• 4,499 SF, 5Bedroom, 3.5Bath, Dining-Hardwood Floor, Deck • 2 Story Great & Family Room, 2 Fireplaces, Florida Room • Granite Kitchen/Nook, Master Suite-Jet Tub, 3 Car Garage