We All Have A Role To Play In City’s Future

In last month’s issue, we ran a story about all of the projects the City of Northville either already has in the works or they’re on a wish list of things city leaders would like to see accomplished in the not-so-distant future.

It’s a long and ambitious list with a hefty price tag of more than $20 million. The projects include daylighting the Rouge River currently underneath Northville Downs, developing a river walk along the Rouge (from Ford Field to Hines Park), purchasing property on Seven Mile for a permanent Farmer’s Market site, and making major upgrades to Ford Field.

Along with the story we included a photo of an artistic rendering for an archway to be built over the entrance at Ford Field. Several of you contacted me to express your disdain for the arch design. Well, Lori Ward of the DDA also contacted me to inform me the design in the photo was created by a consultant about a decade ago and by no means represents what will ultimately be designed and built at the park. to be completed by the city’s bicentennial celebration in 2027. That is certainly ambitious, but not impossible if the city finds the funding. for their work thus far. We are blessed to have an abundance of talented people in this town, which they have proven with their work.

Ward wanted to make sure people knew that the project is still in its early stages, and there is still plenty of time to influence what ultimately occurs at the site.

She makes a good point. Most of these projects are only on the ground floor. Up to this point, the majority of the work has been preliminary planning to secure funding -- either federal money through the American Rescue Plan Act and STAG Clean Water Act, or via Wayne County through its parks millage. Northville Township is also kicking in to help, offering to provide a substantial amount to purchase the old McDonald Ford property for the Farmer’s Market. City leaders are also hoping to partner with the private sector via sponsorships or grants.

Once the necessary money is secured, the design and other work can proceed on the various projects.

Multiple city council members have said they would not support raising taxes, so the city will have to find the money in other ways. But the timing probably couldn’t be better, considering the federal monies that have been made available to help the economy get restarted after the Covid pandemic. A lot of Northville’s projects fit perfectly with the intent of the legislation. They will be good for the environment, offer recreational opportunities for our residents, and improve our infrastructure – something that is good both for our residents and businesses.

But I think it’s important to remember that if you live, work or own a business in this community, you should have the chance to offer your two cents as these projects get off the ground floor. Remember, it’s easy to complain about something once it’s built. There will be plenty of opportunities in the coming months and years to get involved and play a role in what our town will look like in the not-so-distant future. There’s no doubt we truly are at a crossroads in Northville with so much going on at one time. We should all be involved in that process. That’s what the concept of community is all about.

Mayor Brian Turnbull has said repeatedly that he would like to see most if not all of the projects

Mayor Turnbull created a number of task forces made up of local residents and business owners to work on the plans for the Farmer’s Market, Riverwalk, and Ford Field. They have donated their time and talents, and they should be commended

Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@ thevillemagazine.com. Laba