The Paper - April 2010

Congratulations to Kathy Broock Ballard

The Number One Sales Agent

From

Max Broock Birmingham 0LFKLJDQ路V WRS VDOHV RIILFH

275 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

Upper Long Lake Lakefront

Bloomfield Hills All-Sports Lakefront

City of Bloomfield Hills Newer Estate

City of Bloomfield Hills

Orchard Lake Newer Construction

City of Bloomfield Hills

Executive custom contemporary.

Almost 27,000 sq. ft. of recreational living including pool and sports court. Sophisticated owners suite wing. $4,999,000

Grandeur exists in this almost 17,000 sq. ft. Estate home. Over 2 acres of privacy. Guest house.

Exquisite walkout. Five car garage. $4,499,000

On private cul-de-sac street.

Uncompromised details. First floor owners suite. Lower level with extensive amenities. Four car garage. $2,380,000

Adjacent to Cranbrook Educational Community. Newer construction.

Bedroom suites, gracious floor plan.

Seven fireplaces, 4 car garage.

Finished lower level. $1,995,000

With almost 9,000 sq. ft. of living on all 4 floors. Six plus bedrooms.

Finished walkout with second kitchen. Sunset views. Bloomfield Hills Schools. $1,987,000

Country estate with golf course views.

Two separate entrance in-law/nanny suites. Private street. Five car garage.

Indoor pool. $1,499,000

D L SO

D L SO Birmingham New Construction

Pine Lake Lakefront

Newer Construction In Birmingham

Bloomfield Village Classic Country Home

Orchard Lake Lakefront

Bloomfield Village Renovation

Designed to replicate the 1920’s.

Meticulous precision details. Open floor plan. Sophisticated master suite.

Finished recreation room with $1,435,000 bedroom and bar.

In the Interlaken community. Almost 3/4 acre site with 100 ft. of lakefront.

Expansive view of lake. Adjacent to Pine Lake Country Club. Bloomfield $1,397,000 Hills Schools.

With quality appointments and sophisticated details. Exceptional master suite. Finished lower level.

This rare 6,300 sq. ft. manor was rebuilt with a traditional floor plan.

Master suite with dressing area. All bedrooms are suites. $1,200,000

Soft contemporary on over one acre of manicured grounds. This walkout setting is ideal for today’s living or a perfect spot to build your dream house. $1,200,000

Elegant redesign with function in mind. New Euro kitchen opens to family room and breakfast nook.

Formal library. Large master suite. $1,149,000

Private Gated Estate Community

Newer Construction

Quarton Lake Colonial

Lower Long Lake Lakefront

Orchard Lake Lakefront Buildable Site

Union Lake Contemporary Masterpiece

Custom built with almost 6,000 sq. ft. of living. Finished lower level with full kitchen. Four car garage.

Designed for entertaining. $995,000

On golf course setting. First floor master suite. All bedroom suites.

Four car garage. Bloomfield Hills Schools. New on market. $990,000

With almost 5,000 sq. ft. of casual living and open floor plan. Oversized lot with gardens and recreation space. Luxurious master suite. $989,900

With views of Kirk in the Hills. Tucked away on 1.1 acres of rolling grounds. Soft contemporary with open floor plan. Bloomfield Hills Schools. $985,000

One of Oakland County’s most scenic, in-town locations. Water and sewer at road. West Bloomfield Schools. New lower price. $979,000

This spectacular lakefront property was created to redefine architecture in Michigan. Over 5,000 sq. ft. of living.

Three plus car garage. As seen on $939,000 MTV.

Private Lake Angelus

Classic Bloomfield Hills Estate Home

All-Sports Lakefront Setting

Orchard Lake Lakefront 1/5th Ownership

South shore lakefront. Updated ranch with finished walkout lower level leads to patios and fire pit. Casual lakefront living and sandy bottom ideal for swimming. $895,000

On almost 2 acres. Completely remodeled in 2005. Elegant yet incorporating today’s contemporary conveniences. Five plus car garage. $799,000

With sunset views and sandy beach.

City of Orchard Lake. West Bloomfield Schools. Surrounded by multi-million dollar homes. $749,999

With boat docking and swimming on Dow Ridge. Situated on almost 2 acres. Five car garage plus work space for collector and boats. $699,999

Executive Retreat in Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills Soft Contemporary

Newer arts and crafts design with open floor plan. Private setting with tranquil views. Three car garage.

Bloomfield Hills Schools. $599,000

Private nature setting, manicured grounds and patios. Three stories of casual living. Open floor plan with 2 story great room. Finished walkout.

Bloomfield Hills Schools. $569,000

$1,275,000

K A T H Y BROOCK BALLARD All-Sports Pine Lake

City of Bloomfield Hills

Lakefront home with walkout lower level. Southwest facing. Long deep lot. Ideal recreational opportunity or build your dream home. $695,000

With first floor master suite. Kitchen with eat-in, workstation and access to patio. Library. Walk to Bloomfield Hills Country Club. Preferred site condo. $619,000

D L SO

248.318.4504 KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM MAX BROOCK REALTORS 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

Birmingham Custom Remodel

Cass Lake Access

West Bloomfield Ranch Style Home

New Construction in Royal Oak

Located on cul-de-sac setting and large private grounds. Euro kitchen.

Library. Master suite with walk-in closet. Designed by Jeffrey King. $564,999

And beach association and leasable boat slip. Completely renovated with open floor plan and finished walkout.

West Bloomfield Schools. $429,000

This one and a half story is located on private setting with many capital improvements. Open floor plan.

Private natural setting. $419,000

Gourmet kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Master suite with Euro bath and walk-in closet. $320,000

KATHYBROOCKHOMES.COM

■ inside / april ■ 11: CRIME MAP A locator guide to specific categories of crime in the local area

■ SNAPSHOTS ■ 21: Adam Everett ■ 59: Evelyn Peter

■ 29: Dr. James Moeller

■ 61: MUNICIPAL Storm water rate controversy; garage sales request; EMS transport charges; millage campaign spending; golf course clubhouse renovations; new fertilizer ordinance; plus more

■ 71: STATE Attempting to control unfunded mandates; BZP drug concerns; regional transportation authority; Race to the Top funding problems

■ 73: COUNTY Commissioner pay cuts, Cob Hall advisory panel

■ 75: BUSINESS NOTES Cannella Patisserie; Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce; Clavenna Vision Institute; Caruso Caruso; Suhm-Thing; Hall Financial; Churchills; 1-800-FLOWERS; Mirage Cafe: Backcountry North; 110 Couture; Wittock Supply Kitchen and Bath

■ 77: EATING OUT A directory of places where you can dine out; Main Course (Crust) and Quick Bites from the restaurant scene with Eleanor Heald; Focus on Wine with Eleanor and Ray Heald

■ 80: THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

■ 12

The President and CEO of The Community House, Shelley Roberts, on what's coming up in the weeks ahead.

HANGING OUT IN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham officials say that there's no noticeable problems with the groups of teenagers making the city's downtown a destination point.

■ 82: SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK The latest from the society and non-profit circuit

■ 90: FINAL WORD Our opinion on the storm sewer rate debate in Birmingham and unfunded mandate legislation in Lansing

■ OUR COVER

■ 23: PUBLIC ART IN COMMUNITIES

■ 31: UPDATE ON THE PSD EFFORT

■ 78: CRUST TURNS UP THE HEAT

Birmingham and the grounds of Cranbrook Schools offer a wealth of art serving as visual enhancements for the local residents.

PSD Executive Director John Heiney and retail consultant Julie Fielder answer questions about the effort to fill Birmingham retail vacancies.

Crust proprietor Jon Sherer combines Neapolitan thin crust pizza and well-chosen wines for his Bloomfield Township eatery's success.

4

THE PAPER

Bloomfield Hills City Hall off Long Lake Road. Cover art by Chris Grammer, from photos by Amy K. Lockard.

www.oaklandpaper.com

PAPER

PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: James W. Fancy PUBLISHER / VICE PRESIDENT: David P. Hohendorf Administrative Assistant: Carol Barr NEWS EDITOR: Tim Dmoch Staff Writers Lisa Brody, Sally Gerak, Brooke Meier, Leslie Owsley, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Eleanor Heald, Ray Heald, Kathleen Meisner, Mike Scott, Mark Stowers Research/Listings Assistant: Cynthia Stawick Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard Sales Representatives Jill Cesarz, Dan Neumaier, Jules Pickard, Linda Stickney, Laurie Wasker Sales Assistants Nicole Batchik, Jessica Holstein INSIDE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Inside Sales Representatives Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS MANAGER: Chris Grammer Graphics Assistants Denise Jungjohan, Karen Polatka, Marcia Reimer Systems Manager: Chris Grammer CIRCULATION MANAGER: Dennis Boggs Circulation Assistant: Dan Griffin ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER: Carol Barr Supervisor: Carolyn Petherbridge Accounts Receivable: Mable McCullough MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014 OFFICE ADDRESS: 7196 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48327-4113 TELEPHONE: 248.360.6397 • 248.360.7355 OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: We encourage letters to the editor, which can be sent via e-mail to news@thescngroup.com, submitted through the website for The Paper (oaklandpaper.com) or by mail to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387.

â– from the publisher

T

he upcoming May City Commission election in Bloomfield Hills presented a challenge for The Paper.

On the one hand, our May issue is mailed to hit homes April 28-30, in plenty of time for voters to read the interviews with candidates we are planning and the endorsement of candidates we think would be best suited for the City Commission in Bloomfield Hills.

However, like most communities in Oakland, Bloomfield Hills has a large number of absentee voters, a trend that continues to grow across this county.

Our task was to develop a game plan for a monthly publication like The Paper to supply information to registered voters in plenty of time for both the absentee ballots and those who will head to the polls to cast their ballot in the traditional manner.

Our solution is to use both a combination of on-line information and the print product for voters in Bloomfield Hills.

In the 2008 election cycle, our news organization pioneered something very new for election coverage in Oakland County. Every two years our news department conducts upwards of 100 interviews in the August primary and November general election cycle as we look at candidates from the local level up to the level of Congress. We decided in early 2008 that with the rapid growth of high-speed Internet usage in Oakland, we would place the interviews for key races live on-line through streaming video on the website for our newspapers in the western Oakland County area.

The live streaming videos of candidate interviews proved very popular two years ago.

So for the 2010 Bloomfield Hills city elections, we will be conducting interviews with the four candidates (Mayor David Kellett, Douglas Hardy, Sarah McClure and Robert Toohey) at our offices on Wednesday, March 31, starting at 3 p.m. The interviews will be presented as live streaming video at oaklandpaper.com for those who want to see the actual interviews involving the four candidates and News Editor Tim Dmoch and reporter Lisa Brody, who covers Bloomfield Hills for The Paper.

Our format for election interviews is to bring all candidates to one interview session, which allows for some interplay among candidates running for the same office.

We will also archive the video of the interview session on our website until the May 4 election for those who want to view it at another time.

Then, on Friday, April 16, we will post the written version of the interviews on our website, along with our endorsement of candidates, at oaklandpaper.com. The written version of the interview, the video version of the interview and the endorsements will remain on-line until after the election.

In our May issue of The Paper we will print both the interviews and the endorsements.

If you have the time on Wednesday, March 31 at 3 p.m., join us at oaklandpaper.com to witness the interviews for yourself. ____________________________

Letters should be submitted by mid-month to appear in the next issue and must include the writer's name, address and phone number for verification. Only the writer's name and community will be printed.

DISTRIBUTION: The Paper is mailed free of charge to over 29,000 homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills just before the start of each month. Additional free copies are available at newsstand locations.

While I am on the topic of the website for The Paper, we have started to offer a new service to businesses which on occasion run television commercials.

For a very minimal charge we can post your television commercial on our website, an inexpensive way to extend the life of the commercial after you spent hundreds more in producing your spot.

If you are curious about television commercials on our website, check out the commercial for Caruso Caruso in Birmingham now appearing on our site. Frank and Lennon at Caruso Caruso did a great branding commercial, which is posted at oaklandpaper.com.

Paid subscriptions are available for $15.00 per year by phoning our distribution department at 248.360.6397.

David Hohendorf Publisher davidhohendorf@thescngroup.com SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY THE PAPER OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY 50th YEAR OF PUBLICATION

www.oaklandpaper.com

is ...

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4076 WEST MAPLE ROAD BLOOMFIELD HILLS N.E. CORNER OF

TELEGRAPH & MAPLE, NEXT TO LEE’S SPECIALTY

248 594 8181

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FIND US ON

EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES

Holy Name Parish Lenten and Easter Schedule Weekday Masses in the Chapel Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m.

Wednesday and Friday 12:00 p.m.

Exposition & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Wednesdays and Fridays of Lent excluding Good Friday, April 2nd 12:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Sacrament of Penance Communal Services with Individual Reconciliation Monday, March 29th, 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 30th, 7:00 p.m.

Every Saturday, 3:00 p.m.

Lenten Soup Supper Tuesday, March 30th, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Holy Name Gym

Holy Week Services Mass of the Lord’s Supper Holy Thursday, April 1st, 7:30 p.m.

Good Friday Prelude Music 12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m.

Liturgy of the Day, Veneration & Communion 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday Blessing of Food Baskets 1:30 p.m. Chapel Vigil Mass of the Resurrection 7:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday Masses 8:00 a.m. • 10:00 a.m. • 12:00 p.m.

Holy Name Parish 630 Harmon, Birmingham, Michigan 248.646.2244

EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES Holy Week and Easter at the Kirk Sunday, March 28 - Palm Sunday 9:00 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary Service Rev. Karen Carl 9:00 AM St. Andrew’s Service - Refectory Dr. Norman Pritchard 4:00 PM Organ and Voice Recital Organist Glenn Miller & Chancel Choir Soloists

Thursday, April 1 - Maundy Thursday 7:00 PM Communion and Tenebrae - Sanctuary Dr. Keith Provost

Friday, April 2 - Good Friday 1:00 PM Good Friday Service - Sanctuary Dr. Norman Pritchard 7:30 PM A Service of Readings and Music Dr. Norman Pritchard, Glenn Miller & Chancel Choir

Sunday, April 4 - Easter Sunday 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary Festival Services Dr. Norman Pritchard 9:00 AM St. Andrew’s Service - Refectory Dr. Keith Provost

Join Us - All Are Welcome

Kirk in the Hills 1340 West Long Lake Road • Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

(248) 626-2515 • kirkinthehills.org

DOUGLAS H. HARDY

ENTERPRISING, RESOLUTE, TRANSPARENT Challenging times require a person with objectivity, business experience and a proven track record of responding to market challenges. I will bring a new sense of commitment to both preserving the best of the past in our community and embracing the new that will serve as the foundation for a strong and sound city years into the future.

A graduate of Detroit Country Day and the University of Michigan, I have chosen to raise the fourth generation of the Hardy family where I grew up, so I share your concerns.

As a father of two young children, a local business owner and a person that makes decisions based on true and accurate information rather than emotion, it would be an honor to serve my community as City Commissioner.

Thank you for your consideration.

Vote Tuesday, May 4th

BLOOMFIELD HILLS CITY COMMISSION WWW.VOTE48304.COM

Paid for by The Committee to Elect Douglas H. Hardy, M.D. • 6755 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI

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map key

● Sexual Assault ● Assault ■ Robbery ■ Home Invasion ■ Breaking/Entering ■ Larceny ■ Burglary ▲ Vehicle Theft ▲ Vandalism ● Murder ★ Arson ✖ Drug Offenses ✪ Larceny From Vehicle

The latest crime locations by select categories from mid February through mid March, from information provided by the Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township police departments.

O

n a Friday at 9 p.m., if you're the parent of a teenager, and it's a nice spring or summer evening, chances are probably pretty good that your son or daughter is hanging out with friends in Birmingham.

The city, with two movie theaters; coffee and ice cream shops and other places for dessert; Coney Islands; apparel, jewelry, and accessory stores; and well-maintained parks and sidewalks is the destination of choice for young people from Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Bloomfield Hills. The city's attractions also draw in young people from many other Oakland County communities.

Some of the teenagers go to the movies and then to a Coney Island for dinner or fries and a Coke; some lounge at coffee shops, talking the night away. There are teenagers who like to congregate in the parks; while others come into town to see who else is there — for the "see-and-be-seen" factor.

The question is, when does hanging out, flirting and chatting, become loitering?

And when does a group of teenagers grow to such a size that it becomes a threat to the public, and prevents adults from using the same sidewalks, parks and other attractions the teens are habituating?

"Kids are kids. They hang out," said Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt. "With the theaters, ice cream shops, and coffee shops, they come to Birmingham. In small groups, they're never a problem. They try to 'out cool' each other, and frankly, they're kids. But in large groups, they're intimidating."

"Teenagers hanging out is a good thing, as long as they respect the law," said Bob Donohue, principal planner for downtown redevelopment and coordinator of the Main Street Oakland County Program. "Downtowns need to find a way to accommodate them — to give them activities and special events, and retailers ought to take advantage of their buying power."

"I haven't had a lot of issues with the teens," said Kerry Johnson, owner of The Cupcake Station. "I've had to ask them to leave sometimes, because they'll come in and sit wherever they can, and often not buy anything. Other times, 10 will come in, and most will buy cupcakes. They're not a nuisance, and you're not going to get rid of them. Loitering is just being a teenager and looking for a place to go.

"I did change the seating in my window, though, from a couch and a couple of chairs to four chairs, so the kids don't hang out in the window as long and deter adults from coming in," he said.

As a multi-generational town, Birmingham is designed to appeal to many different constituencies. As Birmingham has evolved from a smaller village to a more cosmopolitan small city under the city's 2016 Plan, a goal has been to encourage young people to come into Birmingham and enjoy all it has to offer, without discouraging older shoppers and visitors. A city, in order to grow and thrive, must allow different constituencies to peacefully coexist. A city must also have its welcome mat out, inviting those from outside its boundaries to visit. ccording to Donohue, a growing national movement in downtowns is Third Place, which is creating comfortable, safe areas where people of all ages, races, and diversity can interact.

"Quite often it's at coffee houses, libraries, breakfast spots, lunch counters, church activities, tea houses, and parks," he said.

"We don't have a problem with teenagers," said Barb Zanetti, senior director of business operations for Uptown Entertainment, which owns and operates The Palladium and Birmingham theaters. "We're glad to have them. We feel we provide a safe environment for them. Of course they're loud and they laugh. They're kids.

It's not loitering. It's hanging out. We're a movie theater, and it's a wonderful place for them to go."

"These are our sons and daughters enjoying the downtown," said John Heiney, executive director of the Birmingham Principal Shopping District (PSD). "But we want them to act responsibly. They have other choices. That they choose the downtown as the place where they want to see and be seen in shows that Birmingham is a desirable place for young people to hang out. That means our merchants will benefit. If these kids aren't our customers now, they will be in the future."

Richard Astrein, owner of Astrein's Creative Jewelry, concurs.

"They buy at the restaurants and at some of the stores, like Flash Accessories, Oliver's Trend'z, and Anthropology, and they're our future," he said. "Hopefully, they'll move back here and patronize our stores. Even if they're 14 or 15 now, in four or six years, they could be our customers. At 23, 24, and 25-years-old, they can buy an engagement ring."

Astrein recalls a seminal event from his past that informs his present.

"I remember when I was coming home from junior high, and we would visit Lincoln Drugs (in Oak Park)," he said. "(The owner) would be so rude to us — only letting two of us in the door at a time. I grew up and moved into the same neighborhood, and to this day, I won't shop at Lincoln Drugs."

Heiney noted that over the years he has heard occasional complaints about groups of teens "loitering" on street corners during the evenings.

"But the complaints have not necessarily been from the merchants," he said. "It's been from residents. Some people feel intimidated by larger groups of kids, and if they're expressing concern, they call me."

Heiney emphasized that the teenagers hanging out in Birmingham tend to be younger, more often middle school age to high school freshmen and sophomores.

"Once they have cars, they want to go someplace with a purpose," he said.

"They're not interested in just being seen. They've often outgrown just hanging out without a purpose." ➤

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THE PAPER

APRIL 2010

"They tend to be 13 to 16," said The Cupcake Station's Johnson of the teens who like to hang out in his establishment.

Asked if there is a problem with older teens attempting to get into bars or drink alcohol at the city's restaurants, Police Chief Studt said "no."

"Royal Oak has a younger bar crowd, but that isn't a problem for us," Studt said, adding that twice a year the police department conducts a sting operation at all of the restaurants and bars in Birmingham to look for establishments serving or selling alcohol to minors. Last year, there was only one violation, according to Studt.

"The bar owners and restaurants are really good about that," he said. "The kids people are complaining about are junior high and high school kids, not the college or bar crowd."

"Some people have certainly viewed it as a problem, but sometimes it's a matter of perspective," said Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus of teenagers hanging out in the city. "Young people have to have a place to go, too. Just because they're young doesn't mean they're a threat. Some people are uncomfortable with any kind of a group. (The teens) just want a place to talk, and if they are doing anything illegal, then that's a different issue and we deal directly with that. But it's no different than any other place in the country, be they another city or a mall. (Teenagers have) got to be somewhere, to talk, socialize, and hang out with one another. It's generally not a problem." arkus said that when the city was determining whether to add more restaurants and more liquor licenses via the city's bistro licenses, one argument was that with more restaurants, there would be more adults congregating on the streets of Birmingham, offsetting the groups of teenagers that congregate in the city.

Among the key questions — from both an adult and police point of view — is when does a few kids meeting up metamorphose into a large group? And at what point do they become intimidating?

Police Chief Studt emphasized there is a difference, from a police perspective, between disruptive behavior and illegal behavior.

"It can be threatening to have a group of 30 kids hanging out on a corner, and it can intimidate some adults, but it's not illegal," he said. "We do get calls on that.

But in the police department, there's a fine line between them being there and being disruptive, and being an illegal situation. Just by being a lot of kids, it doesn't make it illegal. However, it could lead to disruptive behavior or illegal behavior."

In order to prevent situations from turning disruptive, or worse yet, into an illegal situation, Birmingham police put extra foot patrols on the streets of the Central Business District. Their presence is both a calming influence and a warning to anyone, young or older, whose behavior could become harmful.

When there are large groups of teens in any one spot, whether they are along Old Woodward Avenue, near the Palladium; farther down Old Woodward in front of some of the coffee shops or dessert locations; at the corners of Old Woodward and Maple; along Maple Road; or in Shain Park, Studt said having police officers walking up to the groups tends to scatter them. "(The groups) jump around," he said.

The police are on high alert for any and all kinds of problems. The hot spots for congregating teens are the city's ice cream stores, the movie theaters, the parks, and the sidewalks linking those destinations.

"They are what they are designed for, for people to come there, and to go to and from," Studt said of the sidewalks.

"It looks like there are roving gangs of teens, but they're mostly just hanging out," said Birmingham Police Detective Ron Halcrow. "They just give the appearance of being raucous crowds. And some movies at the Palladium attract certain crowds.

We'll have a handful of fights in the summer between kids, sometimes at the Palladium. Kids will come from other areas, from some outside jurisdictions, and if they have some grudges or beefs with one another, they might fight." ccording to Halcrow, teen arrests have remained steady in Birmingham for the last 10 or 15 years, at 40 to 50 per year.

"The arrests are for typical teen things, like (minor in possession of alcohol) offenses, runaways, vandalism, domestic violence, and minor drug offenses," he said. "That's a very low percentage for the entire year for the number of kids who come in here."

A key problem, according to Police Chief Studt, is that some parents of young teens will drop their children off in Birmingham and expect the police to "baby sit" them.

"Let's be clear," he said. "The police department is not a baby-sitter. If parents put their kids in town at 6 p.m., and then don't pick them up until 10, with nothing to do but hang out, it's the parents' fault if there are problems."

Assisting the police in their monitoring duties are surveillance cameras situated throughout the city's Central Business District. They were installed not just to watch young people congregating, but to monitor traffic in the downtown area, the use of the parks, and to help watch out for petty crimes and assaults, which often aren't caused by teenagers, but by adults.

"We have surveillance cameras downtown to deploy technology instead of manpower, in case there are problems with anyone," said City Manager Markus. "In a commercial area, there is greater density, therefore there is the chance of having an increase in problems." ➤

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Great Gifts

Markus said some may be aware of the cameras being there, and in that way the cameras can act as a deterrent against wayward behavior; but the reality is that the cameras are a more costany of the state's municiefficient way of monitoring behavior in an palities have enacted curera of cost-cutting, rather than having few ordinances to regulate when more police officers on the streets. children and teenagers must be The surveillance cameras are monioff the streets and indoors, but tored in the central dispatch area of the Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham Police Station. and Bloomfield Township have "There's always a dispatcher on duty, opted to use Michigan's curfew so someone is always watching," said Police Chief Studt. "They provide an eye statute to govern when children in a lot more areas." and teenagers can and can't be he surveillance cameras were outside without adult superviinstalled beginning in 2008, under sion. previous Police Chief Richard Patterson, According to sources in the who wanted to install the video surveilthree local police departments, lance system to assist officers. The netthere hasn't been a need to worked system now serves as a critical enact local curfew ordinance visual aid to monitor what's going on at provisions to supersede the the cameras' locations, and helps to constate's. Det. Ron Halcrow of the trol traffic. Birmingham police use the Boston-based Fluidmesh Networks for Birmingham Police Department, its video surveillance installations, applifor example, said the city's police cations, and technical support. It runs on rarely have problems with curreal time, providing dispatchers the abilfew violations. ity to contact officers immediately if The state of Michigan has a there is a problem or a crime occurring in curfew statute in place under the city. the Michigan Penal Code "It's an eye in the sky," said City (722.751) with provisions for Manger Markus. "It's not up because of children under 12-years-old. the teens. There are lots of adult crimes.

That portion of the code states Adult assault is one of the issues that it's really helpful with. However, it can really that "No minor under the age of combat any criminal behavior."

12 years of age shall loiter, idle Markus noted that video monitoring or congregate in or on any pubwas originally implemented in the city's lic street, highway, alley or park parks because there had been a problem between the hours of 10 p.m. with graffiti in the parks. The monitoring and 6 a.m., unless the minor is exposed youths performing acts of grafaccompanied by a parent or fiti, which are quickly removed as soon guardian, or some delegate by as they are discovered. the parent or guardian." eighboring municipalities don't have Michigan Penal Code section to deal with as many teenagers congregating as downtown Birmingham 722.752, which outlines curfew does. provisions for minors under age "We don't have problems with kids 16, states, "A minor under age because we don't have a downtown 16 years shall not loiter, idle or area," said Bloomfield Township congregate in or on any public Supervisor Dave Payne. "We also don't street, highway, alley or park have a mall; we don't have any movie thebetween the hours of midnight aters, other than the Maple, which and 6 a.m.… except where the shows more art house movies; and we minor is accompanied by a pardon't have any public parks. Most of the ent or guardian to accompany township teens gather in downtown Birmingham. We've never even had kids the minor, or where the minor is hanging out at (township) strip malls." upon an errand or other legitiPayne said the only time the township mate business directed by his ever had any issues with groups of parent or guardian." In addition, teenagers congregating was years ago, anyone aiding a teen's violation when the Showcase Theaters were in of curfew restrictions is guilty of existence along Telegraph Road north of a misdemeanor. ■ Square Lake Road. Today, Costco, Target, an automobile dealership, and several other retailers are on that land.

"But teens don't really hang out at Costco," Payne joked.

"Bloomfield Township doesn't have a single municipal park," said Birmingham Police Chief Studt. Birmingham has more than 240 acres of municipal park land. In the downtown area, there is Shain Park and Booth Park.

Bloomfield Hills Police Chief Richard Matott said Bloomfield Hills also tends not to have public spaces where teens like to hang out.

"About two or three years ago, a group of guys were skateboarding on the railings at Pulte Home Corporation (on Bloomfield Hills Parkway), but we made it clear that would be trespassing," he said. ■

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THE PAPER

APRIL 2010

â– snapshot

adam everett

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etroit Tigers shortstop and part-time Birmingham resident Adam Everett has had a bat and a baseball in his hands for as long as he's been able to walk.

"I started really playing when I was 6- or 7-years-old," he said.

When he signed on to play collegiate baseball at the University of South Carolina, Everett had a hunch that he may, one day, get a chance to play in the majors. Originally from Austell, Ga., Everett got that chance to play for the Houston Astros in 2001. In 2009, he signed on with the Tigers.

Now he says he hopes to stay put for a few years.

"I want to win the World Series," he said. "I think that's a possibility with the Tigers. Sometimes, you just have to put things in the Lord's hands and see where it takes you."

At home, Everett is the lone man of the house. With his wife, Jennifer, who was crowned Mrs. Georgia-America in 2009, and his two little girls, Peyton and Paisley, Everett is a family man above all else.

"My oldest is a daddy's girl. We'll see how she does when I go on the road this season," he said. "A lot of times, the family comes with me.

We're going to play in Atlanta this year, and since it's our hometown, they'll definitely come with me."

Everett's wife has family in the Detroit area, he said, so leasing an apartment-condominium in Birmingham provides a good central location for the family.

"My wife likes to be able to walk to the park and theater," he said.

"And, my kids love to go get ice cream in town."

On the road, Everett said he pals around with fellow teammates Nate Robertson, Brandon Inge and Ryan Raburn.

"I really like the (Tigers) manager, coaches and all the players," he said.

"And, I have good relationships across the league."

At 33-years-old, Everett said he maintains some advantages over the "young bucks" on the field.

"I can still move around pretty well," he said. "I go with my gut a little more than I used to, but none of us would be here if we didn't have the ability."

Asked about young athletes with dreams of one day becoming professionals, Everett said his message is for the parents.

"Let your kids enjoy the game," he said. "I know I'm not going to play forever. There's no telling what's going to happen, so just go out and enjoy every day." — Katey Meisner

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ublic art — large, colorful sculptures for residents and visitors alike to enjoy — is something the Birmingham area has in common with other communities, like Chicago, Seattle, and St. Louis.

“Birmingham is a walkable community, so our public art does two things,” said Barbara Heller, chairwoman of the Birmingham Public Arts Board. “It brings (visual) beauty and diversity to the community, and it provides a visual anchor in the community.”

Heller said, for example, that many Birmingham residents use the sculptures as visual anchors to help remember which parking garage they parked in, or where their favorite parks are located.

“We have a lot of visual people, and the public art gives people visual directions,” she said.

According to Heller, public art also enhances the visual character of the community.

“There are places like Seattle and St. Louis that have nice visuals and public art,” she said. “It engages the community and enhances what the community looks like to visitors.” ➤

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The city’s Public Arts Board was created in 2001. Its objective is to enrich the city’s civic and cultural heritage; to promote a rich, diverse and stimulating cultural environment in order to enrich the lives of the city’s residents, business owners, employees and all visitors; and to establish an environment where differing points of view are fostered, expected and celebrated by providing the opportunity for such great expression through the display of public art, according to the arts board’s web site.

“We were formed to, really, help facilitate the CityScapes program,” Heller said.

The CityScapes program was started by the Cultural Council of Birmingham Bloomfield, and was reinstated in collaboration with the Public Arts Board.

The CityScapes program is managed under the terms of an agreement between the city and the Cultural Council of Birmingham Bloomfield for the temporary installation of art on public property within the city.

The objective of the CityScapes program is to serve as a platform to educate the community on the value of art in public places and enhance the visual character of the community, according to a brochure on the program.

By inserting artists’ works into city life, ideas can be encountered and 24

explored on a daily basis.

“The Public Arts Board was set up to really vet public art in the city,” Heller said. “That doesn’t just include the sculptures, that also includes other art the city owns, whether it’s paintings, photographs or another form.”

The sculptures on display as part of the CityScapes program include the following: 1• “Heart of the Tetrahydren,” by Mark di Suvero, located at Southfield Road and Maple Avenue, near Martha Baldwin Park; 2• “Untitled,” by Jay Wholley, at the southwest corner of Southfield Road and Maple Avenue; 3• “One Meter Interior,” by Jene Highstein, situated at Martin and Chester streets, beside the Chester Street parking structure; 4• “Journey Home,” by Dennis Oppenheim, at Merrill and Pierce streets, beside the City Hall; 56 “Wind Rapids,” by Russell Thayer, located at Merrill and Pierce streets, in front of the Pierce Street parking structure; 6• “Poetry and Truth,” by John Sauve, situated at Merrill and Pierce streets, in front of the Pierce Street parking structure; 7• “Delaware Bronze,” by Harry Gordon, at Brown and Pierce streets, in ➤

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front of the Pierce Street parking structure; 8• “The Counselor,” by Christopher Yockey, situated on the east face of the North Old Woodward parking structure; 9• “TORSO,” by Herb Babcock, located at North Old Woodward and Oakland avenues; 10• “Untitled,” by Nathan Diana, at Oakland Avenue and Ferndale Street; 11• “Split,” by Ken Thompson, located at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center entrance; and 12• “Choopy,” by Mark di Suvero, situated on the Triangle Property south of the 555 Building on North Old Woodward.

• “X-Man Man Ray,” by Terry Lee Dill, located at Brown and Pierce streets in front of the Pierce Street parking structure (story cover photo); The sculptures are placed in the city for approximately two years and changed out as money permits. This year the Public Arts Board and CityScapes program are looking for funds to install new sculptures. The city doesn’t provide any funding to the CityScapes program or Public Arts Board initiatives.

During 2006, the Public Arts Board put out a request for proposals, seeking artists to submit works for public display. A jury of city government personnel and residents then picked which pieces would be submitted for www.oaklandpaper.com

recommendation to the City Commission. The City Commission has the authority to grant final approval on the public display of sculptures, and their locations.

In 2008, John Sauve was selected as curator of the CityScapes program.

“He did all the selections and negotiations himself,” Heller said. “The board either approved the locations or not. We then made a recommendation to the City Commission for approval.”

Heller said the process of placing art on public property includes reviews by city police, fire, and engineering staff prior to recommendations being submitted to the City Commission.

Kathleen Walgren, a member of the Public Arts Board, said the CityScapes program has broadened the types of work considered for placement in Birmingham.

Artists interested in having their sculptures on display can fill out an application, according to Toya Glenn, a management intern with the city.

Application information includes the title and date of the work, the medium/technique, a description of the piece, dimensions, materials used, present location of the work, condition, maintenance required, and the value of the work. ➤

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Birmingham also has permanent public art on display throughout the city.

“This art was either purchased by or donated to the city,” Walgren said of the permanently displayed works. She added that most of the permanent works were donated.

The following are the permanent public art pieces featured throughout Birmingham: 13• “Dancing Fish,” by James Clover, located along Maple Avenue beside the Quarton Lake waterfall; 14• “Upcast,” by Clement Meadmore, donated by Fredrick A. and Barbara M. Erb, located at Southfield Road and Maple Avenue, across from the Birmingham Historical Park; 15• “Siberian Ram,” by Marshall Fredericks, located at Merrill and Bates streets, in front of the Baldwin Public Library; and 16• “Freedom of the Human Spirit,” by Marshall Fredericks, situated inside Shain Park.

The Public Arts Board is always looking for people who want to adopt a sculpture, buy a sculpture and donate it to the city, or simply donate money to help keep public art alive in Birmingham.

While not explicitly public, outdoor sculptures scattered across the 26

Cranbrook Schools campus in Bloomfield Hills can be enjoyed by the public.

Felicia Molnar, public relations manager for the Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum, said she wouldn’t consider any of the other art on the Cranbrook Campus to be public art.

“By definition, it isn’t public art, because it isn’t available to just anyone — you have to pay a fee to see the art in the museum; but the (outdoor) sculptures on campus are on private land open to the public.”

A Cranbrook structure called the “Rainbow Fountain,” or “Flowing Well,” was erected in 1916. The Pewabic tile pattern was designed on site by Mary Chase Perry Stratton. The structure was designed by architect Marcus R. Burrowes.

Other works on the Cranbrook campus include: 17• “Orpheus Fountain,” by Carl Milles; 18• “Triton Pools,” by Carl Milles and Eliel Saarinen; 19• “Europa and the Bull,” by Carl Milles; 20 • “Mermaids and Tritons,” by Carl Milles; 21 • “Harmony,” by Josef Mario Korbel; 22 • “Jonah and the Wale,” by Carl Milles; ➤

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• “Dancing Girls” by Carl Milles; 23 • “Persephone, Goddess of Spring,” by Marshall Fredericks; 24 • “Two Sisters,” by Marshall Fredericks; 25 • “Pair of Lynx with Their Young,” by Jussi Mantynen; 26 • “Diana,” by Carl Milles; 27 28 • “Pair of Running Boars,” by Carl Milles; 29 • “Pair of Running Deer,” by Carl Milles; 30 • “Pair of Wild Boars,” by Carl Milles; 31 • “Siren with Fishes,” by Carl Milles; 32 • “Sven Hedin on a Camel,” by Carl Milles; 33 • “Sunglitter,” by Carl Milles; 34 • “Turtle Fountain,” by Giacomo Della Porta and Taddeo Landini; and 35 • “For Mother Teresa,” by Mark di Suvero.

“We have a lot of sculpture throughout the campus,” Molnar said. “Most of it was made by Carl Milles when the campus was originally designed by Eliel Saarinen. You have the “Triton Pools,” “Europa and the Bull,” etc. We also have small ones scattered throughout the campus.” www.oaklandpaper.com

According to Molnar, there are also some contemporary works scattered throughout the campus.

“There isn’t a lot but there’s a work by Mark di Suvero, and a piece by Michael Hall called ‘Amaranth.’ There isn’t a whole lot else in terms of contemporary work,” Molnar said. “Most of the work on the campus is original to the founding of the campus, and its original design.”

Carle Milles was a Swedish-born American artist who, in 1931, became head of the Sculpture Department at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, and spent 20 years working on his art at Cranbrook.

Milles was brought to the academy by George Gough Booth, the founder of the Cranbrook Educational Community.

Bloomfield Hills City Manager Jay Cravens said there are no formal public arts programs within the city, aside from the art displayed on the Cranbrook grounds.

The same can be said for Bloomfield Township.

“I can’t think of any publicly-funded art displays in the township,” said Leslie Helwig, director of community relations for Bloomfield Township. “I’m sure we have all kinds of private initiatives, but there is no formal public art program funded by the township.” ■ — The Paper photos/Amy K. Lockard

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dr. james moeller

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r. James Moeller never imagined 30 years ago, while watching the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team beat the Soviet Union, that one day he would be the chief medical officer (CMO) for all U.S. athletes at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

"I decided to go into medicine when I was a student at Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills," he said. "It was something that struck my interest when I was studying anatomy. As a kid, I really enjoyed watching the Olympic Games."

Moeller, who lived in Bloomfield Hills from the time he was 2-years-old until he went on to study at Michigan State University, is an athlete in his own right.

"I played varsity soccer for Michigan State University," he said. "I also played hockey; I do triathlons, and I train four days a week."

He was drawn to sports medicine after Dr. Douglas McKeag tended to Moeller's own sports injuries. Now, Moeller has a practice in Auburn Hills that focuses on sports medicine.

Though Moeller had assisted at previous Olympic Games, going to Vancouver as the U.S.'s chief medical officer was quite a different experience.

"The responsibility was greater. It was an enormous difference in preparation and stress," he said. "My job was to make sure that everyone could come in and get to work without having to worry about all the details. I had to oversee that for all 216 athletes and 700 people in the U.S. delegation."

A family man, Moeller was joined by his wife, Marlo, and daughters, Lindsay, Hannah and Kelsey, at the Vancouver games.

"My family wasn't going to miss out on the opportunity to be a part of it," he said. "There were hundreds of special moments that took place.

They got to meet Shaun White and wear Chad Hedrick's bronze metal.

Coming out of the tunnel into the stadium for the opening ceremonies was also a really big moment."

Moeller credits the support of his family and his partner, Dr. Sami Rifat, for allowing him to leave his home and medical practice for a month to act as chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic Team.

"Had it not been for them, I would not have been able to do this," he said. "And, I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

— Katey Meisner — The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

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The adverse effects of the economy haven’t escaped the attention of the city’s Principal Shopping District (PSD), which was created under state law in 1992 as a way to promote the city’s downtown business district. The PSD’s goal is to maintain and promote the downtown center as a vibrant, active, safe, clean, and walkable area for retailers, businesses, residents, and visitors to come together and enjoy. It assists retailers and business owners; offers social, cultural and community events; and facilitates communication and often acts as a conduit between constituencies and municipal leaders. The PSD’s 12member Board of Directors is comprised of Birmingham business and retail owners, and city residents. ➤

PSD Executive Director John Heiney and consultant Julie Fielder at the recently opened Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro. The Paper photo / Amy K. Lockard

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retailers. We’re pleased with the progress.

After working in more traditional ways to help business The Paper: How long do you think it will take? owners and landlords attract new retailers to Birmingham, Fielder: It’s going to take at least a year to 18 months to PSD Executive Director John Heiney sought to think outside see some real progress. The retailers I’m working with the box by creating a new box — hiring a retail leasing generally work one to two years in advance in terms of consultant to play the same game that mall owners do. He their expansion programs, so that’s what we’re looking at and the PSD board hired Julie Fielder of Bloomfield in terms of new stores coming into town.

Township, an independent leasing consultant who had The Paper: Why do they work so far in advance? worked for 25 years at Taubman Cos., a large mall Fielder: Typically, they have their strategies, which takes development and management company, to help Birmingham them time to put together, and that’s the general time and the PSD bring new national and regional retailers to the frame. city. Fielder is also working to encourage and help Heiney: Julie has brought us a lot of information. One of entrepreneurs who might want to open unique boutiques in the learning curves of the PSD and the city has been that town to complement Birmingham’s current mix. if we’re talking with a national retailer, they are working Heiney and Fielder recently sat down to discuss on an 18-month to two-year cycle. Julie has really helped Birmingham’s current retail market conditions, Fielder’s us understand that a little bit better as we’ve been going mandate from the PSD and her progress, and what the PSD through this process. We didn’t understand that before. is hoping to do to foster growth in Birmingham’s business The Paper: That’s good to know. So now you’re what, district.

The Paper: Julie, how long have you been retained by the The mandate was to eight months into this?

Fielder: Yes. PSD? What is the length of your contract? What is your work with national The Paper: If they’re one to two years ahead, are you mandate from the PSD, and how do you feel you are coming starting to see a change? along in meeting it? retailers, and…

Fielder: Yes. I’ve contacted 50 or so retailers, and I’ve got Fielder: I started on July 1, 2009, and I will be working with them for 18 months. I’m being paid a monthly we put together a list a dialogue going with several of them. retainer.

The Paper: John, from the PSD’s point of view, what are of the kind of retailers you hoping Julie can do for the PSD? Do you have a specific The Paper: How much?

Heiney: We budgeted from our recruitment budget, for the frame for progress? What are your preferences in the the PSD would like… time whole year, $55,000. It includes her retainer plus a travel types of retail you would like to have in Birmingham? budget, because she is going to be visiting retailers for us, Heiney: Going back to before the PSD even put out a call and that’s in our recruitment budget. for qualifications in a retail consultant, it became very Fielder: The mandate was to work with national retailers, and right from the clear to all of us that with the economic downturn, with retail struggling in beginning we put together a list of the kind of retailers the PSD would like to Michigan, we needed to do something differently than we had done in the see so we would be on the same page in terms of stores that would be great past. We always had a good, strong committee, and good volunteers, but we for Birmingham. needed a professional. When we went through that process of deciding what The Paper: How do you feel it’s going so far? to do, we thought very clearly of what we wanted a consultant to perform for Fielder: I think there’s good progress. There’s some interest from good us, and we thought a consultant should bring in national clients for us to ➤

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help work with, and bolster, our existing boutiques. We keep using the word “mini-anchors,” which provide areas of interest in town with great, wellcapitalized retailers that advertise to bring people to town. That’s going to help boost the whole town. We were very focused ... on national retailers that could do that for us. There’s a certain expertise and experience level that it takes to do that well.

The Paper: Do you find that national retailers do that, or that certain national retailers do that?

Heiney: There’s definitely a list. Once we decided on bringing in Julie, we wanted to sit down and talk about the kind of retailers it would take, and what retailers are on that list. Because national retailers usually have more capital, they’ll have more advertising dollars, and they’ll be more of a draw.

But there are definitely some retailers that are unique and that we’d like to see, that are special. Once we brought Julie on, then we sat down and said, “What is this going to take?”

The Paper: And I’m sure there are ones that wouldn’t be a fit.

Fielder: Yes, absolutely. We’re looking at certain categories. Women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, accessories and shoes.

Heiney: When we put together the original concept of hiring somebody for this, we knew we didn’t have an indefinite period of time, and we didn’t say we wanted this done by this date, but we wanted an ongoing dialogue. We wanted reporting back to my office, to our executive committee and to our PSD board. So, Julie is in constant contact with us. We think that’s important. We understand that what we are doing, not a lot of other downtowns are undertaking ... In many ways, we feel we are blazing a new trail, so we aren’t sure what to expect. But what we do know is that we have someone out there that is very qualified telling Birmingham’s story, in a way we haven’t had before. So whether you put a time frame or a benchmark on it, as long as that story is being told well and competently, that’s good for now. We’re certainly looking for some progress in the future, but right now, we’re doing more than we’ve ever done. We’re happy to do that.

The Paper: We know you mentioned some of the preferences on types of retail.

Can you be a little more specific? We know you’ve had a list in the past. Can you tell our readers some of the retailers you both would like to have?

Heiney: She’s very particular about not sharing details of her list — she explained that to us — because we’re definitely out there going against some

of the (other) people in the area. There’s proprietary information out there.

It’s one of the things we learned that a professional showed us (to not give out the wish list.) We’ll talk about categories.

The Paper: Do you think there’s a saturation point for anything?

Fielder: There was a study that was done in 2006, and it categorized all of the existing retail, so we looked at the percentages in every category, and looked where there was opportunity, so we’re following that plan.

Heiney: That plan does give us some benchmarks and guidelines for categories. Right now, as we see it, we see opportunities in all of those categories we talked about — any of the soft goods, apparel, and shoes.

We’re definitely open for those to coming to town.

The Paper: John, what is the current number of retail vacancies in the immediate downtown area?

Heiney: We have two different districts in the PSD, and in the immediate downtown area, we have 28 vacancies. That is in District One of the PSD, which roughly covers from the north end, Willits, going south to Brown, going east to Woodward, and going east to Bates Street. If you imagine the five parking decks, that’s the ring inside them. But we have a 95 percent occupancy rate.

We have 1.5 million square feet of first-floor retail space to keep filled.

The Paper: Has that increased in the last six months?

Heiney: Not in the last six months. We certainly saw an increase 18 months ago. Certainly, after the economic downturn, we saw a steady increase in certain areas. Right now, where we’re sitting right now, we’re starting to see a decrease (in vacancies). We’re going to see a decrease in the next few months with some of the new stores that are scheduled to be opening. Most notably, we’re sitting in Tallulah (Wine Bar and Bistro), which just opened (on Bates Street). This location had been vacant for more than five years.

This is an important piece to fill.

Another one we’re very happy to have is Backcountry North outfitters.

That is coming into the Smith & Hawken space. This will be the third location. You might remember a year ago, everyone was mourning the loss of Smith & Hawken. It’s such a beautiful space, and certainly one of the gateway spaces into town. We’re very lucky that space sat vacant just about a year, not even; and in commercial real estate, a year isn’t very long. We’re excited about that coming in, and several other smaller storefronts.

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community, and that position has been very well received.

Coffee was. Very soon we’re going to see (a Powerhouse Also, in terms of tenant retention, I’ve worked with them Gym) where the Oakland Athletic Club was. They’re redoing to keep tenants in town, and given them my expertise in the facility completely, making it an upscale version of their terms of that. gym. That’s a large space. They’ve had a lot of interest from The Paper: Has that helped?

Birmingham residents. That will be opening very soon, as Fielder: Yes, we think that it has. well. Mirage Cafe, they just opened in the old Maple Leaf Heiney: We certainly got a lot of feedback (from the Cafe. It’s Middle Eastern. I got a copy of their menu. It’s property owners) when Julie was making her very nice, and they’re also carrying Caribou Coffee there. And appointments, saying “Glad we have it,” and we heard a we’re anticipating the opening of South and ... little bit of, “It’s about time.” There’s been a lot of Fielder: ... South and Deluxe Bar and Grille. enthusiastic support.

Heiney: We definitely have some good examples out there, The Paper: Do you have anything signed? Close to being and that (vacancy) number is going to decline significantly signed? Strong interest? in the months to come, and that will build some Fielder: Well, I am working with some people that we are momentum. in the negotiation stage, but at this point, nothing has The Paper: Julie, what types of contacts have you made been signed. with retailers? Do you have anything signed? Close to being The Paper: Do you go to the national shopping center signed? Strong interest? conventions? Do you work on that national stage?

Fielder: We’ve done a broker roundtable. We do that twice Fielder: Yes, I attended the International Shopping Centers a year, where we give them information about the available Because national annual meeting in New York in December, and met with spaces ... and some of our sales and marketing materials, retailers usually have several retailers there; and I will be attending the national which we share with them to help them with their job of meeting, the largest meeting, in Las Vegas, in May. filling our retail space. We have a whole community of more capital, they'll The Paper: How do you feel that helps? people working together for the same goal.

The Paper: So if you have another broker working with have more advertising Fielder: Retailers are coming from all over the country, since it’s the national meeting. It’s a great way, in a few someone, they can come and bring that client to you? dollars, and they'll be days, to meet with quite a few people.

Fielder: Absolutely. They can bring them directly to the The Paper: Have you found in the past, that that is when landlords. more of a draw. a lot of business is done?

Heiney: We’re trying to give them tools to do their jobs. All Fielder: Yes. It’s a good time to share information, make of the commercial properties are assigned to a broker. That new contacts, and renew those relationships. hasn’t changed. Julie’s job, and our job, is to assist the Heiney: In my experience, before we were even working with Julie, we went owners and the professionals in bringing in tenants to fill their spaces. We’re to the New York (conference), and twice to Chicago, and one thing I find is here to help everybody. that they get deals done. Having someone with the expertise to get the deals Julie, it might be notable to talk about the work you’ve done with the done, setting up appointments, it’s very important during that time frame. property owners during the initial six months you’ve spent working with Julie’s expertise, her contacts, and her call list all help get things done, much them. more efficiently than we were able to. ➤ Fielder: I’ve introduced myself to the major landlords and business

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The Paper: Do you go also?

Heiney: We’re handing it over to Julie because she knows how to get it done.

The Paper: What do retailers like or dislike about downtown Birmingham, vs. a mall?

Fielder: If I’m working with a teen retailer, for example, they’re looking for different information than a woman’s apparel store. We are anticipating what their needs are and how to answer their questions. That’s part of the marketing materials that I’ve been putting together and refining over the last several months.

The Paper: But do you find certain retailers like to be in malls, and some don’t? Why do some retailers like to go into a downtown area like Birmingham, and are you finding you can sell them on Birmingham? Why don’t some retailers like downtown Birmingham?

Fielder: There’s a lot of benefits to looking at the merits of Birmingham.

First of all, there are over 300 businesses located in Birmingham. There’s very strong demographics, in terms of population density, in terms of income, and in terms of education levels. It’s a walkable community, and it’s an authentic experience that people enjoy. There’s restaurants, there’s entertainment, there’s daytime population here with law firms and architectural firms, and The Townsend Hotel. There’s just so many benefits that the retailers can utilize when they come into downtown.

Heiney: But we also recognize, and Julie’s helped us, that a downtown setting is not for every retailer. There are some that have business plans that say, “We have to be in a strip mall, we have to have drive up parking.” We’re going after the ones that have identified being in more urban areas, that are willing to put up with the things a downtown has to offer.

Another thing a downtown has to offer — whether it’s a mom-and-pop shop or a national retailer — generally speaking, is the price point for doing business here is lower than it would be in a major mall. There’s fewer fees, and usually the lease rate is somewhat lower — more accessible is the word.

So that’s a selling point, as well, and why some retailers come here. It’s why you find a lot of smaller stores in downtowns rather than in malls. It’s a more approachable, more affordable option for them.

The Paper: What unique retailers do you think would fit in Birmingham?

What is the likelihood of getting them signed here?

Heiney: One thing we get from merchants and visitors, is this is a community

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that travels, and they’ll come to us and say, “I think this place in SoHo would be great.” Or, “You’ve got to check out this place on Oak Street in Chicago.”

We do get a lot of suggestions. Aside from the list Julie is working with, we’re certainly open to many different suggestions of things that people think might work here. I’ve heard a lot about Toronto and Bloor Street. We’re a welltraveled, well-educated group here, and we’re not short of recommendations on types of retailers; but to say, “Well, we’d like this particular retailer” — we’ve got our list, we know what we’re going after, and we’ve got to keep Julie focused, but we’re still open to suggestions from people.

The Paper: Julie, What other municipalities are out there actively trying to attract new national retailers in the same way Birmingham is now with your help? What can Birmingham do to differentiate itself from other communities retailers may be considering?

Fielder: I think Birmingham is very proactive and very unique in that regard. I don’t know that other municipalities really do have a dedicated resource out there, like myself, really working specifically to bring retailers to their downtown area. I think the PSD board should be commended for what they are doing to assist in that regard.

The Paper: Even on the national level?

Heiney: You don’t really see it. I participate in a statewide downtown association, the Michigan Downtown Association, and the National Mainstreet Association covers downtown redevelopment across the country. What we’re doing is a pretty unique proposition. In a way, we’re blazing a bit of a trail; we’re in uncharted waters. But we looked at it and said we’re in a unique position. Retail in general is changing, and things in Birmingham are changing. We said we need to think out of the box. You won’t find it in a lot of municipalities.

The Paper: What brought you to the point, you and the PSD board, of saying, “We need to find somebody?”

Heiney: Part of it was listening to the news, listening to the retailers, getting their feedback on how they are doing, and seeing the vacant storefronts pop up. There was a time, before the economic downturn, three or four years ago, when it seemed the vacancies were popping up, and we had a series of meetings with key stakeholders and business leaders. These are elected officials, people who own large and small businesses, and we sat down and discussed what do we need to do. This is before we brought Julie on. ➤

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restaurants, but at all of the businesses in that area.

They said a more dedicated effort to lease retail would be The enhanced parks — Booth Park was first, and it’s very helpful. We want to lease empty storefronts. That’s created quite a nice impact on the north end of town. what got the ball rolling. It took a while to get what we Really, if you look at the north side of town, which is out wanted, and who, but it’s been out there for a while. of our primary district, but still in the PSD, they’ve had (Birmingham is) a community that travels, that sees several new retailers. It has done very well. We feel the great shopping districts all over the world, and they want Farmer’s Market has a lot to do with that, with exposing their town to resemble that; and it has over the years, and people to that part of town. With Shain Park coming on we just want to maintain that. line, technically we’re waiting another year for that, but I The Paper: John and Julie, what positive signs do you see think that’s going to help, too. The streetscaping, and the out there? How far out on the horizon is the recovery for beautification the PSD has been involved with, the flowers retail? (in the pots and hanging baskets throughout downtown) Fielder: Over the last quarter of 2009, retail sales started — all of these things give people a reason to come to improve, and that’s continued into the first quarter of downtown, and the more people are walking by stores, 2010. If that continues, we’re going to see more retailers the more people are looking in stores. with greater expansion plans.

The Paper: With the national, and Michigan’s recession Heiney: Locally, the holidays were good. Many retailers held continuing — despite early signs of a recovery — how their own from (the previous) year, if not improved in some during your tenure with the PSD has that hampered your cases. We’ve had some sporadic reports of the last few efforts in terms of retailers not being willing to add months being very good, in what is typically a difficult retail There's obvious additional stores? period during the cold winter months. We’ve had some downward pressure on Fielder: There is a perception that Michigan hasn’t retailers with strong sales. We’re very encouraged. performed as well at retail as the rest of the country.

Fielder: In terms of Michigan retailers, beginning last July, the rents....There's That’s one the things that we do address. they began to see improvements. The majority of retailers The Paper: How do you address that? are seeing even business, or increased business. been a general Fielder: It’s not all one area. There are micro areas. Our Heiney: It shows we may be turning a corner here.

Fielder: Michigan has been adjusting for several years. This downward pressure in unemployment rate in the trade area (Birmingham and Bloomfield) is actually lower than in the rest of the market may be poised for a quicker recovery than in other the market. country. parts of the country.

The Paper: John and Julie, how do national retailers Heiney: So we may have some opportunity for all business. respond when they learn many existing downtown The Paper: How have the changes in the downtown area merchants close up relatively early during week nights? How would keeping — the bistros, increased entertainment options, outdoors dining, the stores open later during the week help — or perhaps hinder — efforts to beautifully updated parks — affected the retail environment? bring in the kind of retailers you hope to attract?

Heiney: The bistros, all the things you have mentioned, have had a positive Heiney: I’ve been working with that as a town manager for 10 years. First of impact. One of the ideas behind the bistro concept, back in 2007, was to all, if a national comes in, they set their own hours. Most nationals will have create a visual appeal and energy to the streets and get people outside, and an 8 or 9 p.m. closing regardless of what everyone else is doing. Hence, ➤ we believe it has done that, which has enhanced business not just at those

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once again, why if we have more nationals, we have more interest and more later stores.

As a downtown manager, and in talking with my colleagues in other cities, other small downtowns, it’s tough. In this environment of service and meeting the customers’ needs, these are still small business owners. They’re entrepreneurs who are putting in 12- to 14-hour days, even when they close at 6 o’clock. We certainly make recommendations. Thursday night is the late night. In the summertime you see even later. It’s something we deal with constantly. Everyone sets their own hours.

The Paper: Julie, does that affect the retailers you want to bring in?

Fielder: The retailers that I’m bringing in set their own hours, and they’re going to be consistent throughout their chain. That will encourage, as these mini-anchors come in and set their own hours, these smaller merchants to expand their hours even if they haven’t in the past.

Heiney: There becomes a synergy. But they are independent retailers.

Fielder: And 68 percent of the city’s retailers are now on Facebook, and people can log on and check the hours, or go on the city’s website (www.enjoybirmingham.com).

The Paper: We have heard that a number of building owners are now reducing rent in the downtown area, some even down to $15 a square foot for prime locations, from highs of $55 to $65 a square foot. Are you seeing that, and if so, to what extent? How is that affecting the retail market? How are national/regional retailers responding to this latest supply-and-demand situation in downtown Birmingham?

Heiney: There’s obvious downward pressure on the rents. I don’t usually get into it, to talk about numbers. I haven’t heard $15 in the prime area, but anything’s possible.

What you are seeing is the property owners looking at creative ways to bring in quality retailers. You’re going to see that with existing retailers, and new ones coming in. There’s been a general downward pressure in the market.

The Paper: How is that affecting the retail market for national and regional retailers?

Fielder: It’s been a buyer’s market for quite some time now. Landlords have

really had to be more competitive for some time now to attract retail. On the same token, retail has been hit pretty hard by the recession. In order for them to make a go of it, they need lower rents. Hopefully, deals can be structured so that both the landlords and the tenants can work together for a win-win situation.

The Paper: Does or doesn’t that make Birmingham retail more competitive with mall space, from a retailer point of view?

Fielder: I think that Birmingham isn’t really competitive with anything else. It is its own venue. There are other strong retail venues, as well, and they really work together and they aren’t competitive.

Heiney: But in terms of costs, generally, it would be more cost-effective to be in Birmingham. But it depends on what the deal is. There are so many variables in a lease deal, whether in a mall or in Birmingham. But we believe it’s more cost-effective to go into Birmingham. The rent is lower.

Fielder: There are lower occupancy charges, in terms of lower occupancy maintenance costs for the common area maintenance, the taxes and the insurance.

The Paper: What about the PSD assessment, though?

Heiney: The PSD assessment is 50 cents a square foot. It’s a good deal.

Some common area maintenance charges, even in small centers, are $15, $20, $25 a square foot. We feel that’s pretty competitive.

The Paper: John, we have noticed that some of the city’s vacant storefronts have displays from other retailers in them to minimize the impact of the empty street-side windows. Some other cities, like Brooklyn, some areas of Manhattan, and cities in California are partnering with artists who move into the vacant storefronts and run their studios from there, drawing onlookers and foot traffic. Tell us why this would or wouldn’t be something the PSD would be interested in seeing to help create more foot traffic and downtown vibrancy?

Heiney: Your timing is very good, because I’m talking with someone who works with area artists and puts on shows and exhibitions, and we’re talking about that for either one or multiple storefronts. We have looked at it in various ways that the PSD could help with some of these spaces, over the years. You noticed the way some of the stores, over the holidays, like ➤

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Baker Furniture, came downtown. That’s something we The Paper: John, we’ve heard suggestions about arranged because we really felt that they could do downtown merchants offering valet service, which could something great with the store window. It helps them out, make it convenient for more shoppers to visit more and it does create some interest in an otherwise-empty businesses and spend more time in the downtown area. storefront. So we’re looking at creative ways to do that.

Tell us why you would or wouldn’t be interested in having We’ve been approached by many different groups in the last the PSD explore this idea? Is it even feasible at this time? year, and we think there is opportunity with that. We just Heiney: There’s a couple different schools of thought on have to make sure it works for all parties. The PSD, in a valet parking. The New Urbanists say it’s about sense, is just helping the artist with the landlord. We’re walkability, and we recognize we’re in a community where sort of in between in the deal. we’re surrounded by “jump in your car and drive up to a The Paper: You’re the broker. store and run in.� That type of store is all around us. But Heiney: Yeah. If we can get people together, we’re open to we’re not that. The idea of valet parking on every corner that. is convenient, and would satisfy some needs. But it would The Paper: Julie, as a retail expert, what other suggestions also preclude people from walking around and do you have to create vibrancy and excitement in the experiencing the downtown as we would like to see it — downtown Birmingham area? to walk by storefronts, to walk a block or two. For those Fielder: That’s one of the things we talked about was It's been a buyer's of us who’ve traveled to bigger cities, to walk four blocks allowing retailers in a different parts of town get key exposure by utilizing the store windows, and the only thing market for quite some in Manhattan is nothing. It’s just what you do. The New Urbanists, and the people who put the 2016 Plan we requested was they use some professional designers, so time now.

Landlords together who want the walkable, vibrant downtown, say it was a professional storefront. I think there’s been some success, because retailers have wanted to extend that, so have really had to be valet stands on every corner is counter to all of that, because we want people to walk and enjoy. they must be getting some exposure. more competitive for We have five parking decks. At any point in town, The Paper: Any other ideas? you’re never more than a block-and-a-half from a parking Fielder: In other cities, people have done pop-up shops. some time now‌ deck.

We have hundreds of on-street parking spots, and That’s where retailers will go in for a certain period of time, they have one-hour meters for a reason. That’s because it either a month or a few days, or a prescribed period of does make them available. The idea is if you’re coming in for something time, so they can capture ... quick, find a parking space, run in, do what you need to do. But if you’re Heiney: Maybe seasonal, something like that. going to enjoy town, if you’re coming to have lunch or dinner, that’s what Fielder: ... but the jury is still out on that, as far as how successful those the parking decks are for, and some of the surface parking. are. But that is something that we have thought about, and we’ve discussed.

That’s the theory, that’s what’s been in place since 1996. Now, we’re always Heiney: We’ve had a few inquiries, but nothing’s come to fruition. But we do open to new ideas, but right now, this is what we’ve hung our hat on. ■know that other shopping districts are using them, even some malls.

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The answer simply is – it is business as usual. That’s because perhaps never before in our company’s 80-year history has SKBK Sotheby’s enjoyed a greater reputation for strength, security, financial discipline, and doing what’s right for the customer than it does today.

The community trusts us with its business and continues to give us even more of it – last year we had nearly a 10% increase in sales volume – that beat the market averages by nearly 40%. We’re attracting more customers and earning more business from our current customers like you because many of our customers rave about us to their families, friends and business associates. We’re known and admired for our conservative, diligent approach and timetested business model, and it succeeds because you trust us to do what’s right for you, the customer.

Currently SKBK Sotheby’s offers worldwide exposure to all of our listings and with more buyers searching online that presence is no longer a luxury but a requirement to help market our client’s homes effectively – no other boutique brokerage has recognition outside their immediate market. Our results speak for themselves with nearly a 30% overall market share in the BirminghamBloomfield market and well over 40% when focusing on homes over $1.5 million.

We still focus, as always, on what got us here – building lifelong relationships with our customers and communities.

Our team works hard to know you, understand your complete real estate picture, listen to you, provide you value and reward you for doing even more business with us. We put you at the center of everything we do. And we work together to decide locally how we can help support the communities in which you – and we – live and work.

Thank you for entrusting us with your past and future business.

With respect,

248.644.7000 Douglas H. Hardy, MD Chairman

M ore Birmingham and Bloomfield homeowners choose Snyder, Kinney,

Bennett and Keating to market their properties than any other Brokerage.

248.644.7000 SKBK.com 248.644.7000 skbk.com

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Bloomfield Hills $3,599,000 Custom designed home built by Deneweth in the City of Bloomfield Hills across from the Country Club. Wonderful floor plan featuring first floor master suite with sitting room and dual fireplace. Limestone and hardwood floors. Four bedroom suites in upper level with built-ins and custom designs 29157537 Presented by Ronni Keating

Wing Lake Frontage $999,000

Island Lake Frontage $989,000

Sprawling, open floor plan, 2.5 acres on Wing Lake! Spectacular lot with magnificent setting on two lots. Potential masterpiece with today's creative updates. Features separate suite/apartment behind four car garage. Truly unique offering. 210026811 Presented by Ronni Keating

One of the best sites on Island Lake. Wonderful views of the lake and Kirk In The Hills Church! Why drive up north. Well maintained Ranch home on prestigious Island Lake. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 210010343 Presented by Ronni Keating

Ronni Keating

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Franklin Village $1,495,000

Bloomfield Hills $1,375,000

Once in a life time opportunity to secure one of Franklin’s greatest homes.

Mt. Tom sits high atop a 4+ acre hilltop property. Meticulously updated mechanically and cosmetically. Grounds are breathtaking. Four bedrooms, 3.1 baths, 4,581 sq ft. Square footage includes 550 sq ft in finished lower level walkout. 28164472 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Set high upon a hilltop on a private cul-de-sac, this home has been meticulously updated. Style and sophistication, high end amenities and gracious living space. First and second floor master suites, neutral stone baths and gorgeous fixtures. Gourmet kitchen. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 210023765 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Bloomfield $1,295,0000

Bloomfield $1,295,000

Tucked deep into the Estate section, this home sits on three lots. Custom features, first floor master suite with his and her baths. Gracious rooms, granite/cherry kitchen, dual stairwells, mud room with informal powder room. Birmingham Schools. Five bedrooms with 6.3 baths. 210025571 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Stunning and stylish décor with great details in this newer construction.

Great built-ins, wainscoting and thick millwork. Gourmet kitchen open to family room, master bedroom with huge walk in closet and spa like bath, second floor laundry and finished lower level. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 210010160 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Sara Lipnitz

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham $2,099,000 Grand new construction with over 5,200 sq ft and 1,400 additional sq ft in finished lower level. Kitchen is a cooks delight with dual Wolf Ovens and Sub Zero Refrigerator. Wood paneled library and family room. Master suite with walkout deck and his/her closets. Four bedrooms and 4.1 baths. A true must see! 29117427 Presented by Mike Cotter

Birmingham $1,950,000

Birmingham $479,000

Exquisite David Lubin designed in-town house. Granite and onyx countertops, slab marble floors and showers in baths, Brazilian Cherry hardwood on first and second floors. Finished walk out lower level with heated tile floors, wet bar, wine cellar, fireplace and media room. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 210026230 Presented by Mike Cotter

Absolutely stunning! Wonderful updating in exceptional taste and great location within sought after area. Fabulous kitchen, master suite with plenty of closet space and spacious newer bath and special children’s bedroom with play loft. Finished lower level. Three bedrooms with 2.2 baths. 210024468 Presented by Mike Cotter

Mike Cotter

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham $1,275,000 Newly redecorated Gem in the Heart of Town! Gourmet kitchen with floor to ceiling cherry cabinets opens to family room with French doors to patio.

Master suite with spa like bath and two walk in closets. Three additional bedroom suites and upper level study area. Finished lower level with media area. 210001819 Presented by Renee Acho

Birmingham $1,250,000 Stunning, in town soft Contemporary home features custom finishes and hardwood floors, formal living and dining rooms, family room and marble kitchen with white cabinetry and breakfast area with curved floor to ceiling windows. Upper level features two master suites. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 210025489 Presented by Renee Acho

Renee Acho

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham $1,200,000 Exquisite in town home with custom craftsmanship and 5,093 sq ft of finished living space. Masterful foyer with views of the third floor include a decorative fireplace, hardwood floors, crown molding and cook’s kitchen with granite countertops and exotic stove. Master retreat with vaulted ceilings, fireplace and spa like bath. Four bedrooms with 3. 1 baths. 210021684 Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn

Bloomfield Hills $995,000 Stunning and fully updated in 2006. First floor master with huge custom closet and large bath. Hardwood floor throughout. Fabulous kitchen with Bosch and Sub Zero Appliances. Three bedrooms upstairs with hardwood floors and three baths with marble. Lower level new wine cellar with copper and stone and exercise room. Four bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 210026671 Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn

Cindy Obron Kahn

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Lake Angelus Frontage $2,499,900

Lake Angelus Frontage $1,999,900

Fabulous sunsets surround this newer built home on sandy point. Dead end street. Beautiful views. South Shore with every possible amenity, granite and marble heated. 3.5 car garage. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths.

210021645 Presented by Lee Embrey

Contemporary Tudor on over one acre with 6,854 sq ft of modern sophistication. Granite kitchen, Subzero, Viking, Thermador and Bosch appliances. First floor junior master. Three fireplaces. 1,800 sq ft Mahogany deck with hot tub. Five bedrooms with five baths. 210021093 Presented by Lee Embrey

Orchard Lake Frontage $1,399,900

Lake Angelus Frontage $894,000

Fabulous 4,300 sq ft lakefront home with stunning sunset views. Updates include; new kitchen with all upper end appliances, baths and hardwood floors. Private hot tub. Sandy frontage and wooded lot on 1.3 acres. Four bedrooms with four baths. Presented by Lee Embrey

Fabulous views of Lake Angelus. 2,000 sq ft Ranch with an additional 1600 square footage in the finished lower level. Full deck, paver patio, stone sea wall and private road. Three fireplaces. Decorate, update or live in this superior home. Four bedrooms with four baths. 210021618 Presented by Lee Embrey

Lee Embrey

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Lake Huron Frontage $999,999 1,300 feet of frontage on Scammon Cove, Drummond Island. Forty-five plus acres (splitable) with long private gravel driveway but also abuts paved roadway on the east side. Private beach and own deep water boat dock. Great for summer home, bed and breakfast or vacation rental! Eight bedrooms and 3.2 baths. 210015601 Presented by Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky

Bloomfield Hills $799,000 Drastic $550K Price Reduction! Two plus acres in the City of Bloomfield Hills! Serene tranquility surrounds this spacious Ranch featuring 6 bedrooms with 4.1 baths. Over 5,600 sq ft on both levels. Sunroom off the kitchen and large formal dining room with cathedral ceiling. Fenced deck and kidney shaped pool overlook huge private backyard. 210025301 Presented by Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky

Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Grosse Ile $6,900,000 Imagine walking to the magnificence of a five-acre waterfront estate, complete with richly appointed executive residence and an exquisite corporate retreat. Glorious grounds of the gated estate unfold to reveal the Detroit Riverfront. 29122472 Presented by Kathy Lyons

Bloomfield Hills $6,500,000 This true mansion sits prestigiously on a hilltop with spectacular views of its four acres. Absolutely stunning architectural details walk you through the residence. From its captivating grand foyer, palatial two story great room, expansive library and spacious formal dining room. Seven bedrooms and 8.3 baths. 29136982 Presented by Jill Beshouri

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Lake Angelus Frontage $1,499,000

Bloomfield Village $1,495,000

Beautiful Lake Angelus lakefront on three acres. Four bedrooms, 4.1 baths, large custom kitchen with eat-in space. Gorgeous views to this exclusive all sports lake. 29129460 Presented by David Busch

Captivating interior renovation! Reconfigured floor plan is absolutely perfect. Kitchen by Designs Unlimited features fireplace along with Bosch, Subzero, Miele and thermador stainless steel appliances. French doors lead guests from interior living spaces to the beautiful brick terrace and yard. Lovely first floor master retreat provides both privacy and spa luxury. 210001231 Presented by Darlene Jackson

Birmingham $999,000

Holloway Lake Frontage $949,000

Classic newer construction Georgian Colonial. Hardwood throughout first floor, open kitchen with top of the line appliances, library with builtins, two fireplaces, wonderful large master suite with his/hers custom walk-ins. Finished daylight lower level with full bath. Finished studio over garage. 210026078 Presented by Chuck Foster

Spectacular lakefront living at its finest from the elegant grounds to the etched glass front entrance inviting you into this custom built home with views of lake. Great room offers vaulted ceilings and dramatic skylights.

First floor master bedroom with deck overlooking lake. Lower level walkout plus pool house with bedroom, kitchen and bath. Beautiful yard with shed and 2 car garage. 29146170 Presented by Donna Barlow

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

Bloomfield

Northville Township

Birmingham

Contemporary masterpiece overlooking Minnow Lake. Stunning architectural, exotic slate and wood floors throughout. Granite chef ’s kitchen and six bedroom suites. 29141097 $2,890,000.

Marjorie Hirschfield & David Kopko

A private gem nestled on two acres. Beautifully designed center entrance Colonial complete with all imported hardwoods. Four bedrooms, 4.3 baths.

Lower Level is a second home with theater area.

29145714 $1,899,000. Joanne McGuire

Sophistication and style describes this gorgeous in-town residence. Gourmet kitchen, dining area opening to family room with double French doors. Spacious master suite. Three bedrooms and 2.2 baths. 210004479 $950,000. Jill Beshouri

Bloomfield

Bloomfield

Birmingham

Perfect for family life and entertaining. Featuring crown molding throughout, granite in kitchen, all baths and laundry room. Access to Kern Lake for swimming. Bloomfield Hills Schools. 29140499 $789,900. Lisa Sturdevant

One of the most desirable streets in sought after Bloomfield Village. Updated family home. Master suite features fireplace, newer bath, washer and dryer. Large room over garage used as office or bedroom suite. 29065642 $699,000. Ronni Keating

Quarton Lake Estates Gem! Home boasts built-in’s galore, gourmet kitchen, family room with stone fireplace and wet bar. Huge master suite with spa like bath. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. Large private lot. 28103736 $649,900. Sara Lipnitz

Farmington Hills

West Bloomfield

West Bloomfield

Stunning Colonial on private court. Gorgeous kitchen with granite tops and maple cabinets in 2006. Large master suite. Four bedrooms and 2.1 baths. 210018123 $469,000.

Bill Tracy & Chris Johnson

Nicely updated! Open floor plan. Updated kitchen and bath with granite. Finished walk out includes family room, wine cellar and office. Four bedroom and 3.1 baths. Birmingham Schools.

210027761 $399,000. Bill Tracy

Beautifully remodeled in 2008 with two large master suites; one on the entry level. Great room with cathedral ceilings and dramatic floor to ceiling fireplace. Three car attached garage.

29058345 $375,000. Candice Cuyler

Beverly Hills Village

Birmingham

Royal Oak

Exquisite totally renovated home that is perfection. Kitchen with Sub Zero, Wolf Oven, Cook Top and Fisher Paykel dishwashers and custom cabinetry. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 210022627 $375,000. Cindy Obron Kahn

Beautiful Colonial built in 2004. Open floor plan with spacious rooms. An island kitchen with stainless steel appliances, first floor laundry, custom window treatments. Three bedrooms, 2.1 baths. 210002537 $359,000. Avery Weisling

Vintage Colonial in Northwood Subdivision.

Hardwood floors, formal dining room with fireplace, wainscoting, crown moldings and finished basement. Three bedrooms with 2 baths.

210023889 $235,000. Erin Keating Dewald

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Equal Housing Opportunity

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Key Largo, Florida Panoramic Ocean Views $11,900,000

Golden Beach, Florida Exclusive Oceanfront Community $18,900,000

Stunning oceanfront home on 2 lots with panoramic ocean views at Ocean Reef! Ultimate island style home with 8,000+ sq. ft. living space, 6 BR & 6.5 BA. Grand entry with sweeping staircase & Palladian window. Great room opens to the ocean with floor to ceiling windows & doors. Offering great light, infinity edge pool & spa, summer kitchen, multi-car & golf cart garage, media room, beautifully landscaped with walking paths & is completely lighted for a wonderful evening setting.

Two-Story Mediterranean estate in one of Floridas most exclusive private oceanfront communities, 24 hour security patrol in community and beach! New gourmet kitchen with morning room, top-of-the-line finishes.

Formal dining plus open living area. Master suite with his and her bath, walk-in closets, terrace and stunning open views.

Key Biscayne, Florida Magnificent Dream Home $9,800,000

Stuart, Florida Spectacular Oceanfront Mansion $8,800,000

Breathtaking views and complete privacy from this magnificent dream home. Enjoy the bay with dolphins and sunsets in your backyard. This home was designed so all rooms have water views with a split floor plan.

An open second floor family room offers exciting views of the sunrise and sunsets. This 6 bedroom, 6 bath tropical modern home offers privacy gates and tropical landscaping.

Elegance and beauty abound in this oceanfront mansion at prestigious Sailfish Point. Nothing is overlooked with elevator, stone floors, granite baths, Chefs gourmet professional kitchen plus prep kitchen, custom designed stone wine room, exercise room , soaring ceilings, crown moldings, fireplaces, six bedrooms, four car garage, infinity pool with marble patio and outdoor kitchen for al fresco dining--so much more than you could dream of in this spectacular community!

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Equal Housing Opportunity

â– snapshot

E

evelyn peter velyn Peter has dedicated the better part of her life to children's literacy through her tutoring organization, Reading and Language Arts Centers (RLAC), founded in

1993.

"It started as a tutoring center out of my home, and within a year, I moved to a business location in Bloomfield Hills," she said.

For Peter, who moved from Austria to the U.S. as a child, reading was a personal struggle.

"I was put into a classroom where everyone was speaking English," she said. "There was no ESL (English as a Secondary Language program) and my mom was getting concerned because my grades weren't good."

It was the housekeeper at Peter's home who realized that she didn't understand phonics, a method of teaching students how to connect the sounds of the spoken English language, and offered a solution.

"Our housekeeper took me to the grocery store and, using Campbell Soup labels, showed me how to sound out words."

Peter began her ascension from the lowest to the highest reading group at school, but looked back at children still struggling and wondered if they could have been helped by phonics.

At RLAC, the focus is on the multi-sensory and phonetic approach.

Whether a child has a learning disability or not, Peter has used this approach to help students reach their literary goals.

According to Peter, RLAC not only teaches children how to read, but

tutors all subjects and works with teachers throughout the east side of the U.S. Peter's motivation has always been to offer children the skills and confidence they need to succeed. She acknowledged former President George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind program as a method of holding teachers and schools accountable.

"Bush's No Child Left Behind program made schools accountable for the first time," Peter said. "With No Child Left Behind, they must comply or they lose funding."

Through years of work in children's education, Peter has been rewarded through feedback she's received from children who went on to win awards and become very successful in their educational endeavors.

"We turn around children who some have given up on," she said. "We make them feel safe."

Peter's role at RLAC is minimal now that she resides in the Caribbean, but she remains a consultant for the company and is continuing with charitable work in her new community. Her 27-year-old daughter, Brigitte Lawshe, has since taken a leadership role at RLAC. "I didn't realize Brigitte would step in and work with the company," Peter said. "But, she started taking more control and is now the general manager."

While Peter has left the states for warmer climates, her dedication and passion continues to spread through the country and is making a difference, one child at a time. — Katey Meisner

Raising the bar for custom homebuilding and fine renovations‌

Complete personalization on your lot or ours

.

SALES OFFICE (248) 851-6400 3200 L EGACY C OURT | W EST B LOOMFIELD | M ICHIGAN 48323 | (248) 626-3150 | FRANKELHOMES . COM

■ municipal Bloomfield Hills officials working on parking regulations

By Lisa Brody The city of Bloomfield Hills is in the midst of redetermining what the appropriate number of parking spots is for a building, how wide each spot should be, how parking lots should be landscaped, and how much green space they should have.

“We haven’t updated our parking regulations since the 1970s, and parking studies have changed significantly since then,” said Bloomfield Hills City Manager Jay Cravens.

As a result of the city’s Master Plan update, completed last spring, proposed amendments to parking regulations were introduced at a recent Bloomfield Hills City Commission meeting, and then referred to the Planning Commission for review and a public hearing.

“The initial focus was to review the parking calculation requirement, and the parking required for individual uses,” said Brian Borden, AICP, senior planner with LSL Planning, the planning consultants for Bloomfield Hills.

“One of our tasks was to review existing requirements compared to more current standards.”

He said the typical parking ratio is the number of spaces required per square foot of building space.

Consultants reviewed national studies and other local communities’ requirements to see how Bloomfield Hills’ requirements compare.

“We updated all of the parking standards, including expanding the list of usage under parking requirements,” Borden said.

Additionally, the consultants drafted updated and upgraded landscaping requirements for parking lots, such as requiring landscaped islands and greenbelts in parking lots.

“Greenbelt requirements deal with the property between the front property lot and the parking lot. That must be a landscaped area, usually with a lot of grass and trees,” Borden said.

Screening of parking lots would be required if they are adjacent to residential areas.

The proposed parking regulations deal with much greater specifics than the existing regulations. While parking space minimums are usually written into such ordinances, city officials wanted to include a maximum amount of parking spaces, as well.

“We didn’t want developments overparked, with too many spaces,” Borden said.

Also included are provisions for situations where shared parking can be www.oaklandpaper.com

New sewer billing system leads to Quarton Lake study

By Lisa Brody and Brooke Meier

A

new sewer billing system has prompted the Birmingham City Commission to study the potential construction of a separated storm water system in the Quarton Lake Estates neighborhood.

Birmingham commissioners backed the study at a March 8 meeting. According to Paul O’Meara, the city’s director of engineering, the study would cost up to $26,500.

An increase in sewer charges collected by the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office through a new meter-based billing system motivated the study.

For decades, Birmingham — and many other municipalities — have operated combined sewer and storm water systems. Sewer charges have been based on the volume of water used, not on the amount of sewage and storm water flowing through the combined systems and eventually into a wastewater treatment plant, because there was no way to measure the amount of storm water flowing through the systems.

Birmingham Commissioner Stuart Sherman said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John McCulloch — whose office has jurisdiction over the Evergreen/Farmington Sewage Disposal System that serves Birmingham — has introduced a new sewer billing system based on total sewage and storm water flow, which will cost Birmingham an estimated $825,000 more a year.

Bloomfield Township, which also has a combined sewer and storm water system, will also see an increase in costs.

The storm water study for the Quarton Lake area will help determine whether Birmingham should separate storm water from the area’s combined system, and how that would impact costs.

“Then we wouldn’t have to pay for it,” Sherman said of the additional costs. “Economically, it’s the optimized, such as a development where multiple tenants may have different peak usage times, so they would be able to use the same parking spaces at different times of the day.

“The trigger would be up to the owner/developer to provide a parking

logical conclusion. He (McCulloch) is not a friend of the environment.

We’re going to put untreated storm water into the Rouge River, after spending $20 million (in the past years) putting in these retention basins. He is sacrificing the quality of water in Quarton Lake and this community because he wants to meter other areas. But these are the new rules of the game. He’s going to say no one is forcing us, that it’s our storm water. But we have the drains and retention basins on our property, and the costs are excessive.”

“This study is just adding another alternative to the mix,” said Mayor Pro Tem Gordon Rinschler. “We may end up with a split system.”

McCulloch said a new billing system that has angered local officials doesn’t include rate increases, but a new method of metering sewage and storm water. With new technology now available, McCulloch’s office can now accurately measure the flow of sewage and storm water entering the combined systems.

“Birmingham has been objecting vocally because we have changed how we calculate or track the flow into the system,” McCulloch said.

“These new meters are much more accurate, and because they are much more accurate, some communities, like Birmingham, are being charged more — that increase is more accurately reflecting the flow they are putting into the pipe.”

Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dave Payne said the township isn’t pleased with the new sewer billing system. He said the new billing study to support the number of parking spaces they are proposing,” Borden said. “We have added the qualifying language for them to follow. The Planning Commission could then take it under advisement.”

The proposed amendments to the

THE PAPER

system will significantly impact the amount the township pays for sewer and storm water treatment.

The township didn’t have an estimate on exactly how much more the new billing system will cost the community.

“There is some balancing going on that is upping our costs,” he said. “Right now we are working with some other communities to talk to (McCulloch’s office) and get some equities.”

Some communities, such as Bloomfield Hills, may see decreases in their charges, as they have separated their sewer and storm water systems.

“While by and large, Bloomfield Hills will benefit from the new (billing system), we said to the other communities (Birmingham and Bloomfield Township) that we’re with you in support. We want the (billing) to be fair to everyone, and want the (change) to be introduced gradually,” said Bloomfield Hills City Manager Jay Cravens.

“This (new billing system) isn’t a surprise,” McCulloch said. “The meter-based approach has been in all of the communities’ contracts since 1958. This isn’t a new concept, we are just able to integrate it now because of today’s technology; and (with) the addition of new meters in the system, we are in a better position to track what each community puts into the system.

“I can sympathize with communities that are upset, but the reality is, it’s their flow, and they need to now address how they deal with it,” McCulloch said. ■ City Zoning Code are expected to come up for discussion at a Planning Commission meeting. It will be determined later when a public hearing will be held. Eventually the proposals will be referred back to the City Commission for a vote. ■ 61

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■ municipal Bloomfield Hills asked to lift ban on garage sales

Those opposing Bloomfield Township millage hike spent $50

By Lisa Brody

By Brooke Meier

Residents of Bloomfield Hills would be allowed to hold garage sales at their homes if 11-year-old resident Katie Baxter has her way.

Bloomfield Hills currently allows residents to hold estate sales, with proper licensing; but the city doesn’t permit garage sales.

Baxter, an East Hills Middle School student, recently wrote Mayor Dave Kellett and the City Commission a letter requesting changes in an ordinance prohibiting garage sales. She reportedly would like to hold a garage sale to raise money for the Michigan Humane Society.

“We allow for estate sales, especially if a company has a good history with the city,” said City Manager Jay Cravens. “They have to get a permit, and give a general list of what they are selling, like ‘armoires,’ ‘paintings,’ etc. They have to give an indication of where people will be parking, and how the traffic will be controlled. They have to give us a parking layout. People have to be invited (to the estate sale), and the parking layout is usually in the invitation. If some people come last minute, and park on a busy road, they will be ticketed.”

Cravens said that several years ago, some city residents cited concerns about people from outside the community coming to garage sales and casing out Bloomfield Hills homes, which prompted the garage sale ban.

When Baxter’s initiative was discussed at the City Commission’s March 9 meeting, Bloomfield Hills Police Chief Richard Matott raised concerns about an inability to control where garage sale patrons would park and damage to lawns extending directly to the street without curbs.

Kellett asked city staff to research how neighboring municipalities handle garage sales and report back at the April 13 commission meeting. ■

Fire department to recover fees for patient transports Birmingham’s Fire Department will now earn money for something it has had the capability of doing for some time.

An ordinance allowing the fire department to recover fees from insurance companies after transporting patients to area hospitals was unanimously adopted at the March 8 Birmingham City Commission meeting. Commissioners also amended a fee schedule to include charges for patient transport services. www.oaklandpaper.com

Millage advocates raised $80,000

R

ecently filed campaign finance reports indicate Save Our Services, a group that supported Bloomfield Township’s recently approved operating millage increase, raised over $80,000 for the cause, while the Bloomfield Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility relied on a grassroots effort that raised no money for its millage opposition campaign.

According to finance reports filed with the Oakland County Clerk’s Office, Save Our Services raised approximately $83,300 to campaign in support of the millage proposal, and spent $28,223 as of Feb. 12.

Donald Marengere, a Bloomfield Township resident who filed the reports, said there are still some invoices to be paid.

“Depending on how things pan out, we have a few options for the left over money,” he said.

Those options include donating the money to a nonprofit group.

The group’s expenditures covered the cost of printing and a series of direct mail pieces sent to residents, including to the township’s “snowbirds” and absentee voters.

“We ran into a few residents who were under the impression the township paid for the mailings, but that was not the case,” Marengere said.

The millage support group paid $18,204 to Mitchell Research and Communications for the direct mail campaign materials.

Late last year, Mitchell Research and Communications was contracted by the township to conduct a survey of residents to help determine whether the township should move forward with the millage ballot question. The company was paid approximately $8,000 to conduct the survey.

Large contributions to the millage support group included $20,000 from Gregory J. Schwartz and Co., Inc., and $30,000 from David T. Fischer of the Suburban Collection.

Leslie Helwig, the township’s director of community relations, donated $100; Bloomfield Township Trustee David Buckley donated $250; and Senior Center Director Christine Tvaroha donated $200.

Other contributors, and their donations, included: • Wayne Domine, $100; • Thomas Trice, $500; • Gayle Sadler, $250; • Assessment Administration Services, $250; • D’Angelo Bros., Inc., $5,500; • Statewide Disaster Restoration, $2,500; • River’s Edge GIS, LLC, $500; • David Buckley, $250; • Christine Tvarhoha, $200; • American Quality Cleaning, Inc., $200; • Bell Equipment Company, $200; • Marchesano and Associates, Inc., $100; • Oakland Hills Country Club, $5,000; • P. Spencer, $5,000; • Bloomfield Township Association of Professional Fire Fighters, $2,000; • Gunners Meters and Parts, Inc., $1,000; • Johnson Lewis Associates, Inc., $1,000; • Jack Doheny Supplies, Inc., $500; • Raymond Perkins, $250; • Kenneth Brown, $200; • Timothy Flanagan, $100; • Meghan Bonfiglio, $100; • Trade Master, Inc., $100; By using the department’s ambulances and trained paramedics, Birmingham will cut out the “middle

• Michael J. Dul and Associates, Inc., $1,500; • Mickey Shapiro, $1,000; • Whethersfield Apartments, LLC., $1,000; • Leslie Helwig, $100; • Donald Marengere, $100; • Jeanne Kunzman, $1,000; • Liqui-Force, $1,000; • Larry (last name illegible), $50; • Dennis Delano, $1,000; • Debra Partrich, $500; and • Birmingham Lawn Maintenance, $250.

State law doesn’t place a cap on the amount that can be contributed to a ballot question committee.

A member of the Bloomfield Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, who asked to remain anonymous, said the opposition group wasn’t a bona fide ballot question committee, but an informal group of residents frustrated with the entire ballot question process. The group called itself a committee to garner more press coverage because members felt their voices weren’t being heard, according to the source.

Under state law, as soon as an organization or group of persons receives $500 in contributions, or makes independent expenditures totaling $500 in a calendar year to influence voters for or against the qualification, passage or defeat of one or more ballot questions, the organization or group of persons has 10 calendar days to form and register a ballot question committee.

The informal opposition group didn’t raise any money. Individual members reportedly spent a total of $50 of their own money on signs.

According to the opposition group source, members communicated through e-mails and made a few phone calls on election day.

“There were several issues we had with the election,” the source said. “We just felt that our concerns weren’t being addressed. No one was asking questions.”

Bloomfield Township voters authorized a 10-year, 1.3-mill township operating millage increase during a Feb. 23 special election. The 10-year millage will be levied for the first time in December 2010, and will generate approximately $4.4 million in property tax revenue in its first collection year.

A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value.

According to Bloomfield Township Clerk Jan Roncelli, the 2009 average taxable value of a Bloomfield Township home in the Bloomfield Hills School District was $205,133 ($410,266 average market value), making its annual property tax obligation $7,492. Based on projections for 2010, that home’s taxable value will decrease to $184,106, which in turn will reduce its taxes to $6,724, she said, resulting in an overall decrease of $768.

With the 1.3 mills approved, that same home’s property tax will still decrease, according to Roncelli, but by $528, not $768, for a total tax bill of $6,964.

The township faced a $3.1 million deficit for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2010, and a $6 million (20 percent) deficit for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2011.

Without the new millage, the township was expected to permanently eliminate 25 positions this month, and another 20 to 25 positions before the 2011-12 fiscal year. Police and fire/EMS personnel would have been cut, along with staff in every department. ■

man” — the private ambulance company. Fire Chief Michael Metz said the average cost recovery from

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patients’ insurance companies will be $403 for ALS transportation; for BLS transport, it will be $315. ■ 63

■ municipal Special waste collection events slated in township

PUD agreement nixed Senior housing project hits snag

By Brooke Meier The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees has approved dates for the 2010 Clean Sweep and electronic waste, shredding, and medication disposal events.

Both waste collection events will be held near Earth Day, on Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25, to help promote the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Electronic and pharmaceutical wastes will be collected on April 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Bloomfield Township Senior Services Building.

“Electronic and pharmaceutical wastes continue to pose a threat to both the environment and to human health, therefore it’s important for us to remain committed to proper disposal techniques,” Superintendent of Public Works Rich Davis stated in a memo to the township board.

According to Davis, the April 24 date was selected based on strong attendance, the amount of material recycled and the overwhelming support shown by residents at the 2009 event.

Any unwanted or unused medication, including over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceutical products, will be accepted. All sensitive information must be blacked out and the name of the medication must remain on the container.

The following residential electronic waste items can be brought in for recycling or disposal: computer systems/laptops, televisions, keyboards, scanners, PDAs/pagers, cell phones, and fax machines.

No “white goods” or household appliances, like refrigerators, stoves, washer/dryers, or dishwashers, will be accepted.

Shredding services will be limited.

Residents can bring a maximum of five boxes of paper for shredding. Content of the material is limited to officegrade paper. Newspapers, binders and computer disks won’t be accepted.

Davis said 933 vehicles came through the drop-off line in 2009.

Approximately 18,000 pounds of paper were shredded and then recycled, and over 67,000 pounds of electronics were recycled. Also at the 2009 event, nearly 500 pounds of expired or unwanted medications were collected for disposal.

The Clean Sweep program is designed to clean up right-of-way areas near safety paths and at the entrances to subdivisions within the township.

The Clean Sweep program will be held April 24-25. To participate, resi64

By Lisa Brody

A

pproval of the planned unit development (PUD) agreement for The Woodward, a senior housing development planned at 41150 Woodward Avenue, just south of Roeper School, was turned down by the Bloomfield Hills City Commission on Tuesday, March 9.

“We turned it down because we felt the time lines (for development) for the project were extraordinary, and much longer than we expected,” said Mayor Dave Kellett of the commission’s unanimous vote against the PUD agreement.

The Woodward would be a large project, with a density of 184 units on 7 acres. While the development is five stories tall, it’s designed to be constructed into a hill, taking advantage of the sloping site, with underground parking.

“This is a senior development where people can age in place,” said Michael Damone of The Damone Group in Troy, who is proposing to develop the project.

“There will be 104 apartments for independent living, 46 assisted living apartments that they can move in to when they need more assistance, 20 skilled nursing beds, and 24 memory care beds.”

The City Commission voted 3-2 last month to approve a final site plan for the project. Mayor L. David Kellett Sr. and Commissioners Pat Hardy and John dents are asked to register with the Department of Public Works (DPW) by filling out the volunteer sign up sheet on the township’s web site, or by calling 248-594-2800.

The DPW office will provide plastic trash bags for general debris and paper bags for yard waste. Lawn signs will also be available at the DPW office to promote Clean Sweep event in the township’s neighborhoods.

Davis said township officials expect this year to match or exceed the number of volunteers who participated in the 2009 event.

“We will be encouraging our residents to ‘go green’ by providing them with a proper outlet to dispose of their unwanted items, and clean their neighborhoods and community at the same time,” he said. ■

Utley voted for the final site plan approval on Feb. 9, with all three noting the plan had been approved by the Planning Commission.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike McCready and Commissioner Michael Zambricki voted against the plan.

The project has been proposed for development under the city’s PUD ordinance, which allows developers some flexibility from typical zoning requirements.

According to city attorney Bill Hampton, the requirements for PUDs are that if they are of a public benefit to the community, where the city couldn’t acquire the benefits through regular zoning — such as determining building materials, lighting, and other desired accommodations — then a PUD is allowed. Hampton noted PUDs were in place when the city’s Master Plan was adopted last spring.

The approval process before the commissioners at the March 9 City Commission meeting was considered a perfunctory agenda item, as Damone had worked with Hampton to review the details of a proposed PUD agreement.

The commissioners were concerned that Damone had not yet purchased the property for the project. He currently has an option on the property.

“There are also concerns about financing for the project, and that they are not lined up yet, which may delay The Woodward,” Kellett said. ■

Vacant property registration rule changes pending

By Lisa Brody The city of Birmingham is working to combat the blight of vacant and abandoned properties, whether they are residential or commercial.

Two vacant property registration ordinance amendments were introduced at a February Birmingham City Commission meeting, according to Bruce Johnson, the city’s building official. He said that since 1963, vacant property in the city has had to be registered if it has been vacant for more than 120 days.

“With the large number of vacant properties currently in the city, especially those that are bank-owned, we

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would like a new ordinance that is not just for residential properties, but for all properties, even vacant properties, which often become a dumping ground,” Johnson said.

The amendments would require registration after 90 days of vacancy, rather than 120 days; or if the property is in the process of foreclosure, within 30 days, whether it’s a house, storefront, or vacant land.

Johnson said the goal is to put the responsibility back on the land owner, whether it’s a private citizen, a company, or a bank, to visit the property once a week.

Commissioners asked if retailers and the Principal Shopping District (PSD) were comfortable with commercial properties being included in the ordinance.

“We went over this with John Heiney (executive director of the PSD) and the PSD, and they are very concerned about vacant storefronts,” Johnson said.

“This is an issue that has come up repeatedly, especially with the PSD,” said Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus.

One of the proposals, amending Chapter 22, Article VI, Division 5, of the Birmingham City Code, would update the standards for vacant properties in the city. The proposal would revise landscaping, grass cutting, tree trimming, snow plowing, and sidewalk clearing standards.

The second proposal would amend the schedule of fees, charges, bonds, and insurance requirements for vacant property in order to provide for sanctions, remedies, and penalties.

Currently, in order to press for a violation and sanctions and penalties, city staff has to take the property owner to civil court. The amendments would change that, making a violation a civil infraction. For a first time infraction, the penalty would be $150; subsequent infractions would prompt a $500 fine.

“The abatement language clearly spells out the details, and how we can bill for our time,” Johnson said.

Some city commissioners were concerned about how the language in the amendments was written, whether it infers that “snowbirds” who leave the state for more than 90 days in the winter months have abandoned their property; or people who may be current on their bills, but have a home for sale while living elsewhere, have abandoned the property.

It was determined that the ordinance amendments would be referred to the city’s legal counsel to refine the language to eliminate confusion, and then to bring the amendments back to the City Commission in the near future. ■ APRIL 2010

■ municipal Birmingham enacts new charges for permits, licenses

By Lisa Brody After not reviewing some city fees for decades, the city of Birmingham has changed the way fees, charges, bonds and insurance requirements are administered.

Until this time, all of the fees charged for permits, licenses, and city services were included in an appendix in the city’s code of ordinances. This required the City Commission to pass an ordinance every time a fee is changed, added or deleted; and to publish notifications in a newspaper when changes were adopted.

A schedule of all fees, and some increases and changes were presented to the Birmingham City Commission on Feb. 8. After changing language to develop standard insurance requirement language, the commission approved the fee schedule and changes. They all became effective Feb. 14, 2010.

Nancy Weiss, a retired city clerk, said, “The part of the code that included the list of fees and charges has been amended over and over in the past, and in the process has evolved into a document that doesn’t have a logical order of items, or consistent language and format.

Additionally, we thought that the city could save some costs of publication and codification by removing this list from the ordinances.”

Some of the changes include increased building permit fees, and investigation fees for day care licenses, solicitors, and peddlers. Also, parking fines have been increased, from $7 to $10 if paid within 10 days — after that they will go up to $20 (an increase from the previous $15).

Mayor Pro Tem Gordon Rinschler called many of the increases “fairly substantial changes,” such as some involving water and sewer connections, like the cost of connecting a 1inch service line on a paved surface being increased from $1,400 to $3,940. The cost to connect a 2-inch line jumped from $1,900 to $4,630.

The annual fee to operate a day care facility rose from $30 to $150, and the fee for a license to operate a kennel went from from $25 to $300.

“Some of the fees have never been addressed since 1963,” Weiss said. A comprehensive review was conducted of the entire list of fees, charges, bonds and insurance, and they worked with city staff to determine appropriate charges.

Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus said the increases were needed to keep the fees more in tune with the city’s costs for providing various city services.

Commissioner Tom McDaniels warned that the city should be prepared for “a firestorm” of criticism www.oaklandpaper.com

Change orders for Lincoln Hills work granted approval

By Lisa Brody

R

enovation of the Lincoln Hills Golf Course clubhouse has had some minor — but interesting — developments along the way to the building’s planned spring re-opening.

The Birmingham City Commission recently approved Change Order No. 1 for $22,756, as submitted by Usztan, LLC, the construction contractor performing the clubhouse renovations.

According to Bob Fox, the city’s parks and recreation director, the $22,756 doesn’t represent cost overruns, but change orders that have come up circumstantially during the construction process.

“We have received preliminary approval in the past (from the commission), with the intent of coming back to the City Commission for approval,” Fox said. “The way we have to work is, every time there is a change order, which is common in construction, we have to get approval from the City Commission.”

Of the more than $22,000 in changes approved, about $19,000 was to demolish the clubhouse’s existing cement walls, and engineering and design work for a new stud wall and then erecting it.

“We discovered the cement wall when citizens are notified of the fee, fine and schedule changes.

Weiss said the city plans to send letters to everyone who holds annual licenses and permits — which have already been paid for 2010 — to let them know ahead of time that next year’s fees will be higher.

City commissioners determined that they will look at the fees annually as part of the city budget process.

The complete list of fees and fines is now available on the city’s website, www.ci.birmingham.mi.us under the City Government, City Codes and Ordinances links. ■

Township wants teeth in its existing fertilizer regulations

By Brooke Meier staff writer

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees is looking to update fertilizer

had facebrick on it, with glued laminate beams that couldn’t support block walls. It was structurally weak,” Fox said.

Other added expenditures were minor, but unique.

“When we were saw-cutting the cement floor to put in electrical (service), we discovered a cistern under the floor from a previous building from a long, long time ago,” Fox said. “We had to back fill the old cistern with sand.”

Another change order was due to the need to install a fire-rated access panel.

In the golf cart storage area, workers discovered the need to revise the location for the golf cart charger platforms, raising their height.

When brick masons were building a new chimney, they discovered literal garbage between the flue and the brick.

“There was broken pieces of concrete, stone, and other debris use restrictions and guidelines first adopted through a resolution in 2001.

A proposed ordinance, similar to the 2001 resolution, will allow the township to ensure the most environmentally-friendly products are being used.

“We had a resolution in 2001, and in essence we are just mirroring the same language in the (proposed) ordinance,” said Treasurer Dan Devine. “The resolution was really unenforceable. It was more advisory.

An ordinance gives it the teeth of enforcement. The thrust of it is to require the commercial applicators to conform with an approach that subtracts the phosphorous/phosphate component from fertilizers for two reasons. One is because the soil in this area is phosphate rich to begin with, so it isn’t necessary to have the additional phosphate in the fertilizer. The second, and most importantly for the environment, is that the phosphates in the fertilizers ... sticks to the grass and root system.

When it is put in the fertilizer, before it can fully activate with the lawn,

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stuck in there,” Fox said. “It was probably from when the existing clubhouse was built, back in 1964.

But when the masons took down the chimney, and went to build it back up, there was nothing for them to form it around.”

Fox added that while none of the change orders were drastic, they were all necessary.

“We had some skeletons come out of the closet,” he said.

The clubhouse was closed for the winter while renovations continue. Planned improvements include new doors and windows; a new heating and cooling system; a new roof; creating handicap accessibility throughout the building; updating the restrooms; replacing all of the countertops; building a covered storage area for golf carts; landscaping around the building; and adding decorative fencing along 14 Mile Road.

The facility’s parking lot will be completely repaved this spring. ■ it’s washed away by rain and sprinklers and ends up in our local lakes.

“This phosphorous just explodes the amount of algae and plant growth in affected lakes,” he said.

“Ultimately, unchecked, this can kill a lake or pond.”

The proposed ordinance states, “The Charter Township of Bloomfield finds it necessary and appropriate to monitor the application of fertilizers that are used in the township by way of registering commercial applicators and to provide guidelines of fertilizer application rates and schedules for the public use.”

Under the proposed ordinance, any commercial applicator would be required to register with the township prior to applying any fertilizer.

The registration will be valid for one year. If a commercial applicator violates the ordinance, a hearing will be held; and, if found in violation, an applicator will have their licensed revoked for a period of one to five calender years. There will also be a $75 fine for a first offense and a $150 fine for repeat offenses. ■ 65

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■ municipal Commissioners approve 2010 plan for street repairs

By Lisa Brody The owners of property along several Birmingham streets will be assessed this summer to pay for roadway sealcoating and other repairs.

Bob Fox, assistant director of the city’s Department of Public Services (DPS), recently presented the City Commission with plans for sealcoating Birmingham streets this summer.

Some streets will be pulverized and regraded, then have two layers of stone chips applied, followed by a coat of slurry sealcoat. Others will receive that plus readjusted manholes. Fox also discussed which streets will not be on the project list, and will have to wait another few years for repairs.

City commissioners approved the plan, slated to begin around July 15 and finish by the end of September.

Residents living on the streets which will be repaired will be assessed for the work. In general, homeowners are billed when the project begins, and have a year to pay for the assessment. For the 2010 program, city commissioners took the current economic climate

into consideration, and will allow homeowners three years to pay off the assessment, if they choose.

Residents are assessed for 85 percent of the cost of front footage improvement work, and 25 percent for side-foot costs; the city pays the remaining amount.

An average assessment is $535 per homeowner.

“It’s a tough time to be doing this, but if we don’t do it now, it will be much more expensive later,” said Commissioner Tom McDaniel. “It will go from a single chipped coat street to a pulverized street, which is double the cost. I feel for all these people, but not doing routine maintenance is a slippery slope. It’s pay now, or pay a lot more later.”

Commissioner Stuart Lee Sherman concurred.

“We have to be very careful about deferring maintenance before we lose infrastructure,” he said.

The 2010 sealcoat program applies to streets throughout the city’s residential neighborhoods. The 10 streets needing the least amount of maintenance — one layer of stone chips and a final coat of slurry seal — are evenly split between the Quarton Lake Estates neighborhood and the Pembroke area.

“These streets have streetline deterioration, surface emulsion bleeding, utility cuts, alligatoring and

high center crowning,” Fox stated in his report to the City Commission.

The streets are: Winthrop, from Kimberly to Chesterfield; Lyonhurst, from Raynale to Redding; Oak, from the city limits to Glenhurst; Kimberly, south of Pine to the dead end; Brookwood, from Raynale to Redding; Old Salem, from Redding to the dead end; Buckingham, from North Eton to St. Andrews; Yorkshire, from North Eton to Coolidge; Edenborough, from Maple Road to north of Buckinghame; and Dorchester, from North Eton to Coolidge.

Three streets will be pulverized and regraded to reduce crowning, which causes water runoff, difficulty clearing snow and other maintenance issues.

“Milling the surface and pulverizing allows the contractor to grade the material, thus reducing some of the high and low spots and re-establishing a 2 percent crown,” Fox stated in his report.

Contractors will then have two layers of stone chips applied, followed by one coat of slurry seal.

Those streets are: Sheffied, from Woodward to South Eton; Northlawn, from Shipman to Latham; and Latham, from Lincoln to Northlawn.

Ten streets require additional repairs. According to the report pre-

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sented by Fox, these streets will “be milled to reduce the high center crowning. These streets are also narrow, which contributes to the high center crown. With years of sealcoating, and subsequent crown build-up, the manholes, located in the street surface, had to be raised to match the street surface. In this section of the city, the manholes have to be readjusted downward so milling can take place. The milled material will be hauled off site. The streets will then be pulverized and re-graded, manholes re-set and double-chipped and slurry sealed.”

The streets to receive this work include: • Taunton, from Woodward to Lincoln; • Melton, from South Eton to Taunton; • Humphrey, from South Eton to Torry; • Banbury, from Sheffield to Torry; • Penistone, from 14 Mile Road to Torry; • Croft, from 14 Mile Road to Taunton; • Bradford, from South Eton to 50 feet north of Taunton; • Westwood, from Oak to Redding; • Raynale, from the city limits to Glenhurst; and • Hazel from Elm to Adams. ■

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APRIL 2010

■ state Reforms would stem unfunded state mandates

New ‘rave’ drug targeted Lawmakers move to make BZP illegal

By Lisa Brody and Tim Dmoch Oakland County lawmakers are among a group of state representatives introducing legislation to help prevent the state government from enacting unfunded mandates for local governments.

Unfunded mandates occur when the state government enacts laws or administrative rules that require local governments — school districts, community colleges, intermediate school districts, cities, villages, townships, counties, and authorities — to provide a new activity or service without allocating funding to pay for those services or activities.

Under the Headlee Amendment to Michigan’s 1963 Constitution, the state is “prohibited from reducing the state financed proportion of the necessary costs of any existing activity or service required of units of local government by state law. A new activity or service or an increase in the level of any activity or service beyond that required by existing law shall not be required by the Legislature or any state agency of units of local government, unless a state appropriation is made and disbursed to pay the unit of local government for any necessary increased costs.”

Despite this constitutional provision adopted by Michigan voters in 1978, the state government occasionally enacts unfunded mandates for local governments — sometimes unintentionally.

State Reps. Gail Haines (R-Lake Angelus) and Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake) have proposed new processes intended to prevent the state from enacting additional unfunded mandates.

Haines’ House Bill (HB) 5766 requires the state House and Senate fiscal agencies to prepare a fiscal impact analysis prior to final passage of each bill. The fiscal impact analysis must contain the impact of the pending legislation on state revenues, the funding source for any additional revenues required by the bill, and the fiscal impact of the pending legislation on local units of government.

Haines said she has bipartisan support for her bill.

“I simply wanted my bill to start the conversation,” she said. “It’s written in three parts: How much is this legislation going to cost; where is the funding originating from; and what effect will it have on local government?”

Kowall’s HB 5797 reaffirms provisions of the Headlee Amendment by stating “The Legislature shall appropriate and disburse each year an amount sufficient to pay each local unit of government the necessary cost of each state requirement purwww.oaklandpaper.com

By Lisa Brody

A

relatively new synthetic drug which mimics Ecstasy has hit the party scene, and state Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield), along with the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, has launched an effort to make the drug illegal in the state of Michigan.

Brown has introduced House Bill (HB) 5813 to make benzylpiperazine (BZP) illegal in Michigan. The has been adopted by the House, and sent to the state Senate for consideration.

The U.S. government has designated BZP as a Schedule 1 narcotic, but Michigan hasn’t yet listed it as a controlled substance.

It’s currently illegal to sell BZP in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Denmark, and Sweden.

Of particular issue for Michigan is that BZP currently isn’t illegal or controlled in Canada, and it’s coming into Michigan over the border.

BZP is a recreational drug with euphoric, stimulant properties.

There is no known pharmaceutical use of the drug. An amphetamine, its street names are B, Frenzy, and Nemesis, among others. It’s often sold to clubgoers and college students as Ecstasy. In suant to Section 29 of Article IX of the state Constitution of 1963.”

In addition, HB 5797 requires the Legislature to annually appropriate and disburse sufficient funding to pay for the costs of new activities and services or increases in the level of activities and services required by the Legislature or any state agency.

Kowall’s bill would create a local government mandate panel to ensure the state’s compliance with Headlee Amendment provisions. Before enactment of any legislation affecting a local unit of government, the panel must determine whether any new or increased level of activities or services is likely to be required of local units of government by that legislation. If a new activity or service or an increased level of activity or service is likely to occur, a written estimate of the necessary increased costs must be developed and forwarded to the Legislature before enactment of the legislation.

In addition, HB 5797 requires the House and Senate fiscal agencies to monitor the state’s compliance with Headlee Amendment provisions, and annually prepare and publish a report on state compliance for the Legislature, governor, and state

Michigan, it has been primarily sold in pill form, with stamped pictures on it.

“As far as what we’ve seen, it’s in pill form, but they’re very clever,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, who said her office first became aware of BZP in 2007.

“The scariest thing to me is its appearance in pill form — it’s marketed to young adults and teens like candies at raves,” Brown said.

“The stamped pictures on the pills are butterflies and cartoon characters, like Homer Simpson, and even (President) Barack Obama. It made me think of a Flintstone vitamin.”

While it’s uncertain whether there have been any deaths associated with BZP, there have been incidents of seizures, acute psychosis, respiratory failure, and renal failure following its use.

More common side effects are severe headaches, anxiety, insomnia, chest pains, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, tachycardia, palpitations, hyperventilation, and hyperthermia.

It’s believed the drug can be addictive.

“The crash is horrible, so they want another (pill) to get high again to avoid the crash,” Brown said. ■ Court of Appeals.

HB 5798, introduced by state Rep. Pete Lund (R-Shelby Township), includes similar provisions related to state executive departments’ administrative rules. HB 5836, sponsored by state Rep. Cindy Denby (RFowlerville), governs legal complaints seeking money damages for the state’s failure to adequately fund a state-required activity or service.

“The point of these bills is to put more teeth into the Headlee Amendment,” Kowall said. “The state has been ignoring this provision in forcing unfunded mandates for the last 32 years.

“Additionally, too often state departments and agencies, as part of their roles, create even more unfunded mandates,” she said. “We are trying to come at it from every level — legislative, administrative, and judicial.”

State Rep. Chuck Moss (RBirmingham, Bloomfield), a co-sponsor of Kowall’s bill, said unfunded mandates cost local governments about $2 billion a year.

“Basically, it’s the state off loading its costs to counties and local governments,” he said. “Regimes are violating the Headlee Amendment,

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ergo it violates the state Constitution.”

State Rep. Hugh Crawford (RNovi) said the state sometimes enacts unfunded mandates unintentionally.

“I don’t like to impose them on people, especially these days,” he said. “I’m going to do my best not to impose any more, and get rid of some, if we can. It’s something we have to think about every time we pass a piece of legislation.” ■

Pappageorge seeks wage cut for public employees

By Lisa Brody State Sen. John Pappageorge (RBirmingham, Bloomfield) has introduced a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment to implement a salary reduction and temporary wage freeze for all public employees.

Senate and House joint resolutions, once passed by both chambers, must be placed on the ballot for the electorate to vote on as a constitutional amendment.

“The resolution is part of a larger package of reforms Senate Republicans are sponsoring in the hopes of stemming the hemorrhaging of funds in state government,” said Justin Winslow, chief of staff for Pappageorge.

Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) U proposes a three-year reduction of 5 percent in the pay rate for all public servants in the state, based on their pay rate on Jan. 1, 2010. The resolution proposes to begin the pay reduction on Oct. 1, 2010.

According to the resolution, “‘public servant’ means an individual who receives a salary or hourly pay for services from this state or any unit of local government, including public schools and institutions of higher education, and includes an employee and appointed or elected officer.”

The state’s governor, lieutenant governor, all state senators and representatives, judges, civil servants, local government employees and public school and university teachers would be impacted by the pay cut and temporary wage freeze.

“The senator believes it’s a way to decrease the cost of government without sending anyone out the door,” Winslow said. “He believes it’s better to lower everyone’s pay than cutting people’s jobs. While not perfect, it seems a better choice than putting them on the unemployment rolls and Medicaid.”

At a recent state budget conference, it was pointed out that there is a $2 billion hole that will need to be filled this year for the fiscal year 2011 budget.

“When you are staring at that, there are tough choices to be made,” Winslow said.” ■ 71

■ state State not among Race to the Top funding finalists

Regional transit authority proposal Legislation sets up board to oversee comprehensive system

By Lisa Brody Lawmakers and some school districts were disappointed to recently learn that Michigan was not one of the 16 states to be a finalist for $4.35 billion in federal Race to the Top funding.

It’s expected that two or three states will receive the bulk of the funding, and they will be named in April from the group of 16 applicants. A second round of funding will be awarded in the fall.

Michigan hopes to be included in the second round of consideration.

Race to the Top is a competitive federal grant program that requires each state to initiate education reform plans to improve student achievement.

The U.S. Department of Education required states to show local support for their application for the funding. The more districts showing support, the greater a state’s chances of receiving grant funds.

The Michigan Legislature passed a round of educational reforms in late December, in hopes of qualifying for Race to the Top funding.

The Michigan Education Association (MEA) opposed many of the recent changes.

Both the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills school districts chose not to support the state’s Race to the Top plan and application because district officials didn’t believe they would receive enough federal money to cover requirements of the program.

Reforms included the state superintendent of public instruction being required to establish a process for a person to earn an interim teaching certificate that would qualify them to teach in public schools.

Other reforms allow for highquality charter schools to become “schools of excellence;” seniority issues and work rules for educators and performance goals for schools and students; a requirement for students to attend school until they are 18-years-old; teachers being required to receive basic instructional supplies and books from the state; and the creation of a turnaround czar position in the state Department of Education. ■

Lawmaker wants tax credits for school donations House Bill (HB) 5910, introduced in early March by state Rep. Bettie Scott (D-Detroit), would allow tax72

By Lisa Brody and Leslie Shepard-Owsley

B

ills that would establish a regional transit authority for southeast Michigan were taken up earlier this month in hearings before the state House Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs Committee.

House Bills (HBs) 5731, 5732, and 5733 lay the groundwork for creating a transit authority system for Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties and the city of Detroit, and outline who would run it and how to acquire funding for the authority.

The bills set up a transit authority board of directors consisting of a member representing each county and the city of Detroit, and a representative of the state’s governor. The board would plan, acquire, own, and operate a public transit system.

The legislation also authorizes the levying of taxes to help pay for the transit system, and provides for the issuance of bonds and notes.

State Rep. Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak), a sponsor of the legislation, said the biggest concern is funding for a regional transit authority.

“The transit authority will be an entity that will eventually replace the Regional Transportation Coordinating Council (RTCC), and be an umbrella organization that SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) and DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation) buses will be a part of,” she said.

Currently, the RTCC is made up of the mayor of Detroit, the executives of Wayne and Oakland counties, and the head of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. To act, RTCC members must reach a unanimous consensus. Under the new regional transit authority, only a majority vote of board members would be needed to authorize action.

Donigan said the plan is to be phased in, as any tax collection by the authority would have to be authorized by a vote of the people once the transit authority is up and running.

“It would not be ready for the November 2010 election,” she said of a tax proposal. “We will need board members, who will hire an executive director, who will then determine what funding is needed.”

Advocates for the legislation assert that a regional authority is crucial for mass transit moving forward.

On the flip side, opponents say the bill’s language is too ambiguous and doesn’t have provisions in place to protect taxpayers’ dollars.

“There are no cons to this legislation,” said Carmine Palombo, transportation director for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMpayers to claim a tax credit for financial contributions to their local public school district to help pay for core academic curriculum activities.

“The goal is to provide citizens with an opportunity to support their local school districts,” said Roy Jones, Scott’s executive assistant.

“Their donations can only be used for core curriculum activities, not to supplement personnel costs (or benefits).”

Contributions to school districts for extracurricular activities wouldn’t

COG). “We need to have a regional transit authority for continuing public transit.”

However, even Transportation Riders United’s Public Policy Coordinator Steve Gutterman admits the legislation is intentionally short on specifics.

“The legislative sponsors are working with stakeholders to craft a substitute and more detailed version,” Gutterman said. “The legislation is a very useful step in creating a regional transit system and will help in expediting its implementation; and also getting funding for the transit plan, because the federal government wants to see regional cooperation when considering project applications.

“Essentially, the larger the effort is at home, the more the likely the feds will work with us,” he said.

Oakland County officials state that while they strongly support mass transit and have done so for years, there are problems with the legislation that must be fixed before they sign off.

“We don’t want Oakland County dollars being spent in other communities,” said Oakland County Deputy Executive Gerry Poisson. “We’ve been a billion-dollar donor community, and we don’t want to always share our lunch. We want wording in the state statute addressing this, and then protection once it gets there.

“That being said, (Oakland County Executive L.) Brooks (Patterson) has always supported a regionalized mass transit plan from the beginning,” he said.

Past efforts to merge DDOT and SMART have been stymied due to Detroit labor unions’ insistence on the suburbs accepting existing contracts, wage levels, and job protections, which suburban officials aren’t willing to endorse. In addition, there have been unanswered questions about the city’s unfunded pension liabilities, which would also be shared by the suburbs through a merger of the DDOT and SMART bus systems. Those are still significant issues and questions that will have to be resolved before the new transit plan is put into motion.

“Unions worry about preserving their contracts and their collective bargaining rights over the long haul,” Gutterman said.

According to Poisson, the current legislation does nothing to transfer employment.

“It just sets up an umbrella agency to coordinate and accept money to operate that system,” he said.

“At the moment, it’s nothing I could support because (the bills) create a regional authority with taxing authority,” said state Rep. Chuck Moss (RBirmingham, Bloomfield) of the legislative proposals. ■

be eligible for a tax credit; the bill puts the emphasis on local donations for the purpose of enhancing classroom education.

Taxpayer credits couldn’t exceed $1,500 per year if a taxpayer files singly; or $3,000 per year if a husband and wife file jointly. If a taxpayer donates more than the amount available for a tax credit, the credit is non-refundable.

Contributions by an estate or trust can’t exceed 10 percent of the taxpayer’s liability, or $5,000,

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whichever is less.

State Rep. Chuck Moss (RBirmingham, Bloomfield) said the bill has some merit.

“I’ve supported bills where people contribute voluntarily to their local public schools,” he said.

The bill covers contributions made during 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Districts would have to annually report the total number and dollar amount received, and a detailed account of the amount of contributions spent. ■ APRIL 2010

■ county County board votes to scale back commissioner pay The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has voted unanimously to cut the pay for future commissioners.

Commissioners voted Wednesday, March 3, to adopt a miscellaneous resolution to decrease the salary of 2011-12 commissioners by 5 percent. The commissioners who will be affected by the salary reduction will be elected in the November 2010 general election and begin their terms on Jan. 1, 2011.

Beginning in October 2010, all current commissioners will voluntarily give back 5 percent of their salaries for the remaining three months of their existing terms.

Commissioners can’t make changes in pay impacting themselves.

“We have always done whatever the employees (of Oakland County) have done,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Bullard Jr. (R-Highland) of the wage reductions.

All county employees had their pay reduced 2.5 percent during 2009, and by another 2.5 percent for 2010. Oakland County commissioners have agreed to voluntarily reduce their own salaries, “donating” it back to the county.

Oakland County commissioners are currently paid $33,782.

Beginning in October, their pay will be $32,092, after accounting for the voluntary 5 percent donation back to the county. It will remain at that level for 2011 and 2012.

“If you ask people to take a 5 percent cut (in pay), you have to lead the way,” said Commissioner Shelley Taub (R-Bloomfield Township). ■

Commissioners tap Jay Shah for Cobo advisory council

By Lisa Brody The Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday, March 3 to approve the appointment of Jay Shah of Bloomfield Hills as a citizen volunteer member of the Detroit Regional Convention www.oaklandpaper.com

Facility Authority’s newly-formed, eight-member Citizens Advisory Council.

Two citizen volunteers will be chosen from Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties, and the city of Detroit to serve on the advisory council. Shah is the county board’s choice to represent Oakland; County Executive L. Brooks Patterson will make a direct appointment of the second Oakland County volunteer representative in the near future.

Shah has 40 years of experience in infrastructure engineering, as well as construction management experience with water, waste water, transportation, environmental, and structural engineering projects. He also has experience as a planner, designer, construction contract administrator for municipal facilities, and has been called on as an expert witness for municipalities.

Shah has also been very active as a community volunteer.

“He has a background of involvement, and experience in engineering and construction,” said Bill Bullard Jr. (R-Highland), chairman of the Board of Commissioners. “Additionally, many of the commissioners had met and gotten to know him.”

The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority was created last year by state legislation to oversee management of Detroit’s Cobo Center. The regional authority board consists of representation from the city of Detroit and Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

Legislation that established the authority called for a Citizens Advisory Council to provide public input and advise the authority board on the impact of redevelopment and management of a qualified convention facility.

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An overall $288 million expansion and renovation project using regional liquor and hotel tax revenues has been discussed for over a year. The regional authority is preparing to hire a consultant, under an ongoing strategic planning process, to make recommendations on any necessary renovations or expansion work. ■

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■ business notes Cannella Patisserie, a French cuisine restaurant at 300 Hamilton Row in Birmingham has closed. In a letter sent to patrons, Chef Matt Knio and the Cannella staff attribute the closure to economic difficulties.

“After ineffective attempts to renegotiate our current lease terms, it is with a heavy heart that I have had to make the decision to close Cannella Patisserie,” Knio wrote. “We would like to thank you for your support, your comments and suggestions. It is our intention to reopen a new and improved version of Cannella in Birmingham as soon as possible.”

Cannella Patisserie had been open five years in Brmimgham.

■ Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce at 124 W. Maple in Birmingham is preparing to relocate to Adams Square, just outside of downtown Birmingham.

“We hope to be occupying our new space by May 1,” said President Carrie Zarotney. “The current space we are in is no longer working for our needs.”

Unofficial reports suggest that the issue of space and free parking, not available in the downtown area, played into the decision to move.

According to Zarotney, she will continue to serve as president once the move is made. However, reports in recent weeks suggest that she intends to leave her post at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce in future months, which could not be officially confirmed at press time.

The Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber is an organization designed to promote development and invigorate the business conditions in Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Twownship and the Village of Franklin.

■ The Clavenna Vision Institute at 600 S. Adams Rd. in Birmingham will be hosting its fourth annual “Share the Vision, Shades for Pink” trunk show on Wednesday, April 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We will be showcasing the newest sunglasses and eyewear from designers such as Cole Haan, Fendi, BCBG, Ellen Tracy and Izod,” said Melissa Shulman, provider relations. “A portion of the proceeds from the optical sales will benefit the Pink Fund, an organization assisting women and men who suffer from breast cancer.”

The Pink Fund, a non-profit group founded by cancer survivor Molly MacDonald, uses money raised from the trunk show to make direct car, rent and healthcare payments on behalf of those who qualify. “There is a correlation between breast cancer and eye cancer because breast cancer is one of the most common cancers www.oaklandpaper.com

that spread to the eye from another organ.”

Not only is it a good cause to help fund, but Shulman said that customers can expect beautiful designer eyewear at “Share the Vision, Shades for Pink.” “We’ll also have refreshments and it’s a nice way to give back to the Pink Fund,” she said. “And we welcome outside prescriptions.”

The Clavenna Vision Institute, founded in 1965, offers complete eye care, including exams, glasses, medical and surgical treatment of various ocular conditions. “Both Drs. Carl Clavenna and Gregory Fitzgerald are board certified ophthalmologists,” Shulman said. “The Clavenna Vision Institute is one of the few offices that offer state of the art procedures including iLASIK, cataract and cosmetic eyelid surgery.”

■

Birmingham’s popular premium denim store, Caruso Caruso, at 166 W. Maple, has changed its return policy after 30 years in business.

Rather than issuing only store credit for returned items, general manager Lennon Caruso said that merchandise returned before 15 days can be refunded in full, provided the tags are attached, the items are in saleable condition and the customer has the original receipt.

“Our return policy was a continuous concern,” Caruso said. “At Caruso Caruso we cater to our customers.

When we heard the same complaint again and again, we realized it was time to make some changes. Things had been status quo for too long.”

Store credit can be issued for gift items with the original tags attached.

Promotional and marked sale items, along with sunglasses, jewelry, intimate items and swimwear, are considered to be final sales. Selling modern day fashions to Birmingham residents for years, Caruso said that they offer attire to suit all ages from 16 to 60years-old.

“We sell accessible, affordable items,” he said. “We are shopping smarter than ever and we have the best premium labels out there.” Not your typical clothing store, a trip to Caruso Caruso is an experience. “Just

tell us what you need right when you walk in the door if you’d like,” he said.

“You will get the best, attentive service.”

■ Urban hostess gift shop Suhm-Thing, 122 W. Maple in Birmingham, will celebrate its one-year anniversary on April 4.

Co-owner David Zawicki couldn‘t be more pleased with the success of the store. “It‘s been an amazing year,” Zawicki said. “Sales have been great and customers have received the store very well. The holiday was phenomenal, and everyone likes to hear of a new store opening in Birmingham.”

Suhm-Thing carries a variety of jewelry, candles, totes, frames and other gift items. With business partner Michael Collins, Zawicki also owns Oliver’s Trendz, 138 W. Maple, which is in its fifth year of operation.

■ Hall Financial, a new mortgage firm, has recently been launched at 33687 Woodward Ave. in Birmingham. David Hall, a veteran of Michigan’s mortgage industry, said his goal is to bring expert counseling and guidance through FHA loans, reverse mortgages, modifications, zero-down rural development and conventional loans.

He said he is also pleased to be able to bring jobs to the Birmingham area.

“Our goal is potentially to have more locations by the end of the year,” Hall said. “This is our only location right now, but we are planning to grow smart and efficiently and we want to help bring some jobs into Michigan.”

Hall was previously affiliated with Rock Financial, another Michiganbased mortgage firm. “I was part of a group, but my affiliation with (Rock Financial) ended a few years ago,” he said. Hall, a Birmingham resident for seven years, said that he chose Birmingham to launch the new endeavor because it is a great, central location. “I love the area and I think it’s a great place to grow from.”

■

Churchills of Birmingham at 142 S. Old Woodward has recently opened up a new location at 6635 Orchard Lake Rd. in West Bloomfield. Nash

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Zaitouna, co-owner, said he grew up in West Bloomfield and knew there weren’t any other cigar bars in the area.

“There was a need for us in the area. It was the demographic we were looking for,” Zaitouna said. “We have a full bar, a 500 square foot walk-in humidor, and leather couches.”

Churchills isn’t geared just toward male clientele, Zaitouna said. “We get a lot of couples. A lot of women are having a cigar and a glass of wine. It’s just a very exotic place and it’s definitely out of the ordinary.” Churchills features cigars, pipe tobacco, umbrellas, walking sticks, flasks and bar and wine accessories.

■ 1-800-FLOWERS at 195 W. Maple Rd. in Birmingham has closed.

“Business was slow there,” said Michigan district manager Kiran Khalasawi. “Our closest locations now are in Dearborn, Sterling Heights and Shelby Township,” she said.

“While these locations may not be close for Birmingham and Bloomfield customers, the stores can be called directly and clients can still get the benefit of great service and beautiful, fresh flowers delivered by 1-800FLOWERS.” Khalasawi said it was unfortunate to have to close one of their many franchise-owned locations, but said the company’s name is synonymous with a quality product and she has no doubt that there is a great market in Michigan for the remaining franchises.

■ The Mirage Café, featuring Mediterranean fare, has opened at 297 E. Maple (former Maple Leaf Café) in Birmingham.

“We do a lot of catering for offices,” said manager Natalie Boji.

“Customers keep coming back. They like the food and they’re telling their friends.”

Among customer favorites are the chicken lemon rice and lentil soup, chicken shawarma and chicken cream chop. Boji said the best thing about Mirage Café is that the food is healthy and made fresh daily. “We have gourmet desserts like rice pudding and baklava,” Boji said. “We also have smoothies and Caribou Coffee for our customers.”

With the option to dine-in with Internet accessibility or take-out, Boji said business is already off to a great start. This is the first restaurant opening in Birmingham for owners Randal Toma, Sam Attisha, Stephen Yatooma and Carlo Koza.

■ Backcountry North, a sporting goods store specializing in outdoor gear, is coming to 284 W. Maple in Birmingham.

Co-owner and Ann Arbor resident Tracy Mayer will be stepping into the 75

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ownership and management position for that location, and said she hopes to open by April 1.

“We will be having a soft opening and a grand opening to follow when things are under way,” she said.

“There was a need for an independently-owned specialty outdoor store in the area. We’re really excited about the actual space we’re going into. It’s really a beautiful place.”

With six employees from the Birmingham and Bloomfield area ready to work, Mayer said she is thrilled about the new location. “My father, Walter Mayer, managed The Sportsman in Birmingham,” she said.

“Everyone from old-time Birmingham would remember it.”

Backcountry North also operates two other locations out of the Traverse City area.

■ 110 Couture, a unique women’s clothing boutique at 110 S. Old Woodward in Birmingham has closed.

The style and taste of owners Stacie Maier and Bridget Sagmani can still be found at Bridget and Stacie, a women’s clothing store, and Sam and Lola, a clothing store geared toward children, at 580 N. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham.

“They are two separate entities with two separate doors,” Sagmani said. “It just made more sense to operate just these two stores so that women could shop for themselves and for their children in the same space if they’d like. It was simply an issue of convenience.”

■ Wittock Supply Kitchen and Bath at 950 S. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham has added another location in Shelby Township at 50800 Corporate Dr. The company opened the first of their four locations in August 2009.

“I think business has been really great in Birmingham. It continues to grow. Since we’ve opened, the response has been very, very good,” said Chris Richards, sales associate at the Birmingham location. “The traffic has been so positive from here, that we thought we could expand into Shelby Township, and it’s going to be one of the premier Kohler showrooms in the country,” said Jourdan Merritt, branch manager.

Wittock offers plumbing, cabinetry, materials, hardware, heating and cooling, as well as an extensive line of green and energy efficient products.

“We are committed to providing the most extensive, comprehensive and stylish product lines and best inventory and customer service in the state,” said Vern Weber, president.

Wittock also has locations in Gaylord and Imlay City.

■ Business items from the BirmnghamBloomfield community are reported by Katey Meisner. E-mails to kateymeisner@thescngroup.com must be received three weeks prior to publication.

APRIL 2010

■ eating out The Eating Out directory for The Paper is just that, a guide to dining establishments where patrons can go to eat. Many, if not most, of these eateries also allow for takeout orders. If an establishment serves beer(B), wine(W) or liquor (L), the listing indicates such. Likewise, if breakfast (B), lunch (L) or dinner (D) is served, we indicate by code and then the days it is offered.

220: A one-of-a-kind Birmingham restaurant specializing in steaks and fresh seafood with an Italian flair, complemented by a fine selection of distinguished American, Italian and global wines.

Located in the historic Edison Building in the heart of downtown Birmingham. B, W, L. L & D, Monday-Saturday. 220 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.2150.

Akshay Indian Cuisine: Featuring Indo Chinese, South Indian, Northern Indian and Tandoori (Clay Oven) dishes. Spicy flavors compliment the relaxed and elegant atmosphere.

Reasonable pricing makes Akshay Indian Cuisine a local favorite. L & D, Tuesday Sunday. 1615 S. Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.858.2315.

Andiamo: Andiamo’s offers Northern Italian decor amid a chic dining spot. A favorite among many area celebrities. Featuring traditional Italian dishes in an elegant dining room or live music in the lounge. An extensive wine list and selection of desserts. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Beau Jacks: Known for its superior whitefish and popular salads, Beau Jacks offers certified black angus beef as well as vegetarian and heartconscious items. The menu features chili, onion loaf, baked spinach and artichoke dip, croissants and wraps. B, W, L. L, Monday-Saturday; D, daily. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630.

Beyond Juice: Offering Meal-in-a-Cup creations, sandwiches and a variety of desserts.

Greek, seasoned chicken, tuna and garden salads also available, along with homemade Belgian waffles and jumbo muffins. B & L, daily; D, Monday-Saturday. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.

Big Boy: Big Boy features its classic diner burgers, breakfast specials and popular dessert menu. With its famous Big Boy sandwich and soup and salad bar, its a hometown diner for the whole family. B, L & D, daily. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.642.0717.

Big Rock Chophouse: Big Rock Chophouse’s 4-star, award-winning menu offers flavorful recipes centered around enormous, hand-cut aged steaks, lamb chops and fresh seafood.

Featuring an on-site brew house, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine cellar, complete with more than 400 fine wine and champagne selections. B, W, L. L & D, Monday-Saturday.

245 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.7774.

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Featuring Japanese and American fusion-style fare, the cafe specializes in sushi, beef teriyaki, bibimbap and some kobe beef. The atmosphere is a relaxing, familystyle environment. L & D, daily. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880.

Birmingham Tower Deli: Gourmet delicatessen located in downtown Birmingham features Boars Head meats and cheeses, soups, salads, burgers and pizza. Catering available. B, L & D, Monday-Friday. 280 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Ste. 105, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.9730.

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Bloomfield Deli: With a large selection of sandwiches and wraps, Bloomfield Deli also offers several different varieties of grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled chicken wraps and breakfast sandwiches. Also offering fresh salads and a salad bar with 20 different vegetables and fruits.

B & L, Monday-Friday. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879.

Boston Market: Features sirloin, beef brisket, turkey, meatloaf and rotisserie chicken. Boston Market offers soup, steamed vegetables, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and casseroles to pair with a main dish. L & D, daily.

42983 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.334.5559.

Brandy’s Steakhouse: A cozy ambiance, private dining room and traditional dishes can be expected at Brandy’s. Offering salads, seafood, pastas and Brandy’s signature steaks. B,W,L. L, Monday-Saturday; D, daily. 1727 South Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.338.4300.

Breakaway Deli: Breakaway Deli features a variety of house sandwiches as well as a meatfree zone for vegetarians. B & L, MondaySaturday; D, Monday-Friday. 71 West Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.642.2900.

Brooklyn Pizza: Brooklyn Pizza features New York-style pizza by the slice, homemade cookies and ice cream. L & D, daily. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690.

Cafe Via: A high-end downtown eatery featuring an elegant setting as well as a patio courtyard. Grilled salmon, roasted chicken, crabcakes and lambchops are some favorites at Cafe Via. B, W, L. L & D, Monday-Saturday. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.8800.

Cameron’s Steakhouse: Featuring dry aged and prime steak with an impressive wine list.

Cameron’s is a classic steakhouse. B, W, L. D, daily. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.1700.

Chen Chow Brasserie: The decor and menu selection at Chen Chow Brasserie create a most elegant dining experience. Main courses include Pan Seared Tofu, Tamarind Glazed Salmon, Miso Sea Bass, Steamed Halibut, Dashi & Udon and more. Extensive wine list. B, W, L. D, daily.

260 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.2469.

China Village: A warm environment featuring China Village’s famous sesame and General Tso’s Chicken. L & D daily. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221.

Cityscape Deli: Cityscape offers homemade soups and a wide variety of custom carved sandwiches, pasta salads, bean and couscous and Hungarian beef goulash. Homemade healthy sides compliment fresh deli sandwiches. B, L & D, Monday-Saturday. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.

Cosi: With a signature flatbread, sandwiches, melts, soups, salads and a kids menu, Cosi offers options for all diners. B, W. B, L & D daily. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200.

Crust: An upscale restaurant, with an open kitchen and dining room decor with natural wood elements. Full menu includes Neapolitan, thin crust pizzas, salads, sandwiches and small plates. B, W, L. L and D, daily. 6622 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.855.5855.

Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: A menu featuring eight different deli sandwiches and an

extensive breakfast menu. B & L, daily. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.7923 Dick O’Dow’s: Offering Irish classics and home cooking, including stuffed chicken, wild Irish salmon and, of course, shepherd’s pie. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Featuring a huge assortment of bagels, sandwiches and specialty coffees. B & L, daily. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888.

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Lebanese dishes from stuffed grape leaves to taboulee and humus. B, W, L. L & D, Monday Saturday. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.2420.

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Pita sandwiches, soups, burgers, hot dogs and melts available. An extensive breakfast menu includes egg specials, breakfast roll-ups, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches and sides. B &L, daily. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033.

Forest Grill: Forest Grill’s seasonal menu showcases house-made charcuterie, raw bar, clay oven-baked pizzas and traditional bistro dishes. Influenced by French, Italian and contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on simplicity and flavor. Extensive wine list, including a number of regional wines from boutique vinters and Michigan vineyards. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, Monday-Saturday. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.258.9400.

Forte Restaurant: With beautiful decor and lavish cuisine, Forte offers a complete dining experience, including an extensive wine list.

Renowned chefs present a complete breakfast menu as well. B, W, L. B, L & D, daily. 201 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.7300.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: An American steakhouse with a contemporary flair featuring aged prime beef, market fresh seafood and an award-winning wine list. B, W, L & D, daily. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Fuddrucker’s: With simple recipes and madefrom-scratch buns, Fuddrucker’s offers burgers, chicken, fish, salad, and a kids menu. B, W. L & D, daily. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.333.2400.

Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Featuring sandwiches, salads and Coney Island classics.

Breakfast is available anytime. B, L & D, daily.

221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.1222.

Hogan’s Restaurant: Casual atmosphere and homemade fare, Hogan’s offers steak, seafood, burgers, a vegetarian and children’s menu. A tavern-type environment is also available to patrons. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.1800.

Hunter House Hamburgers: Featuring high quality, gourmet hamburgers. Recently voted Number One Burger in Michigan by Food Network Magazine and “20 Burgers You Must Eat Right Now” in June 2009 Gourmet Magazine. B, Monday-Saturday; L & D daily.

35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.7121.

IHOP: From creatively flavored pancakes to steaks, sandwiches and salads, IHOP is best known for its breakfast fare. B, L & D, daily.

2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.333.7522.

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Kerby’s Koney Island: Kerby’s offers a special chili recipe, lean meats and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties. B, L, & D, daily. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills. 248.333.1166.

Kirk’s Open Pit Bar B Que: Serving barbecue ribs that are slow cooked and covered in a smoky sauce, Kirk’s also offers barbeque and broasted chicken, seafood, homemade macaroni and cheese, peach and apple cobbler, and sweet potato pies. B, L & D, Tuesday- Sunday.

33766 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.7010.

Leo’s Coney Island: Greek specialties, burgers and coneys are offered along with omelettes, breakfast specials, soups and salads.

B, L & D, daily. 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301 (248.646.8568) and at 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.8568.

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: Featuring Greek fare, like hand-carved gyros, Little Daddy’s Parthenon offers oven roasted turkey, gourmet sandwiches and house-made food. B, L & D, daily. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.647.3400.

Max & Erma’s: Features a family-friendly environment with a variety of burgers, an assortment of salads and a signature tortilla soup, plus steaks, ribs and fajitas. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.258.1188.

Mirage Cafe: Mediterranean fare with healthy options and menu items made fresh daily.

Among customer favorites are the chicken lemon rice and lentil soup, chicken shawarma and chicken cream chop. The cafe also offers Caribou Coffee, smoothies and an assortment of desserts. L & D, daily. 297 E. Maple Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.731.7768.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Accepting daily delivery of a wide variety of fresh fish flown in from all coasts, the atmosphere is that of an upscale seafood restaurant. Also features a lively bar area. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663.

Mountain King: Chinese restaurant serving fried rice, sesame chicken, General Tso’s chicken and standard Chinese favorites. L & D, daily.

469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913.

New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Featuring a Thai atmosphere and variety of Thai specialties such as duck, noodles, seafood and curries. Also offering soups, salads, fried rice and appetizers.

B, Monday Thursday; L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181.

Northern Lakes Seafood Co: Serving a signature lobster reuben for lunch and a Chilean sea bass for dinner. The seasonal menu includes a soft shell crab, lobster bisque and Columbia river king salmon. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily.

39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.0370 Olga’s Kitchen: Olga’s offers fresh and unique flavored appetizers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Grilled to-order Olga bread available. L & D daily. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500 and at 138 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2760.

Peabody’s: With rustic beams and subtle lighting, Peabody’s offers unique sandwiches and salads, along with fresh seafood, house prime rib, signature steaks and pastas. B, W, L. L & D, daily.

34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.5222.

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■ main course Pizza pizzaz makes Crust a standout

They may include Banana Custard, Caramel Crunch, Strawberry Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Mousse or Death by Chocolate.

(Crust Pizza & Wine, 6622 Telegraph Rd., in Bloomfield Plaza, Bloomfield Township, 248. 855.5855.

Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., until 11p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sunday noon-9 p.m. Check average $14 per person. Reservations for group of eight or more. A sister location is 2595 Rochester Rd., at Barclay Circle, Rochester Hills 248.844.8899.)

■

by Eleanor Heald

A

pparently as Americans, we favor single word names. Thus, Crust Pizza & Wine Bar, launched in 2006, morphed to simply Crust.

Its unique name sets the stage for Neapolitan thin crust pizzas ($8.50 $12), designed for eat-in or take-out, along with soups and salads ($4 - $11), sandwiches ($8.50), and some small plates ($7 - $9). And of course, wellchosen and well-priced wines as accompaniments.

Because it’s the number one food sold in the U.S. (80 percent of Americans eat pizza at least once per month), proprietor Jon Sherer chose the pizza concept in the fast-casual food category, which continues to gain popularity among consumers who want to eat out at modest prices. He could have, but didn’t franchise. “I wanted to create my own brand,” Sherer says.

Crust represents an on-the-edge concept in hand-crafted pizza which follows a traditional dough recipe of imported flour from Italy, salt, yeast and water. Against a backdrop of bright wall colors, natural wood elements in both high-top and regular tables, an efficient open kitchen turns out Neapolitan thincrust pizzas from a gas-fired 900degree oven that bakes generouslysized individual pizzas in 90 to 120 seconds.

QUICK BITES

Crust proprietor Jon Sherer. The Paper photo / Amy K. Lockard

taste buds. The thought of a thick, bread-like crust sends shivers down the spine of a Naples pizza maker. Request pineapple chunks and he nearly faints!

Yet, in the U.S., we prefer to combine the two viewpoints. Those who prefer thin, crispy crusts also like more than minimalist toppings and order Shrimp Pesto with sundried tomatoes, mozzarella, provolone and goat cheese in Crust’s White Pizza category. Another choice is Prosciutto with its toppings of Academia Barilla Prosciutto di Parma, Maytag blue cheese and arugula, sprinkled with extra virgin olive oil.

High-Tech Neapolitan

Keeping it Classic

Fast baking time separates Crust from its pizza competitors. Naples-style pizza (Neapolitan) is traditionally baked in a wood-burning oven. Wood provides high heat needed to bake a crispy thin crust. High-tech gas-fired ovens at Crust perform the same way.

Purists may say that wood-burning ovens provide an additional flavor component that a high-tech gas oven does not. To that Sherer responds, “The wood fire notion is more visual than taste related. When initial studies were done on our gas-fired oven, it was proven that high heat, no matter the fuel, eliminates flavor components that proponents of wood-burning ovens claim.”

When it comes to pizza, two viewpoints prevail. Neapolitan-style views toppings as crust enhancements.

Tomatoes, mozzarella and perhaps some fresh basil are often the only toppings. It’s all about the crust. Other pizza styles consider crust as the vehicle to get toppings in touch with your

From the Naples Classics category, pizza Margherita is topped with crushed San Marzano tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, fresh mozzzarella and hand-torn basil. Although a Margherita pizza is the delight of Naples, Italy, Crust raises the bar with its Original Red Pizza, topped with daily housemade, fire-roasted San Marzano tomato sauce. Hands down, it is the number one seller in all categories. With that sauce base, you get to choose favorite toppings of sausage and peppers. Top quality Molinari fennel sausage is accompanied by red peppers, mozzarella, provolone and a sprinkling of chopped parsley for enhanced eye appeal.

Then there’s “Roni,” topped with Molinari pepperoni, mozzarella, provolone, hand-torn basil and white truffle oil. For meatless, there’s “Shroom,” with an assortment of chianti-roasted mushrooms, mozzarella and provolone or “Cheese, Glorious Cheese,” what Italians refer to as a quattro formaggi.

Pancake House: Best known for breakfast fare, the Original Pancake House has a varied menu. B, L & D, daily. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775.

S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.253.9877.

Panera Bread: A variety of soups, sandwiches and desserts., plus an on-site bakery. B, L & D, daily. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48309. 248.203.7966 and at 2125

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Phoenicia: A special dining experience, Phoenicia offers all the traditional dishes of Lebanon. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 248.644.3122.

If you’d like to challenge the kitchen crew, go for it with a Build Your Own. Choices are endless with each topping priced between $1 and $3 above a $6.50 base price.

Current Trends Over the last three years since opening, Sherer has noticed pizza preference changes. “There’s a trend away from meat,” he notes. “Vegetarian offerings are growing in popularity, not only for vegetarian pizza toppings, but our vegetarian lasagna ($10). We’ve added whole wheat crust made from flour imported from Italy and gluten free is available now.

“For our wine selections, I’ve sought value-priced wines in a broad taste profile. To keep the Crust concept new and fresh, I listen to our customers’ requests.”

Part Two In addition to several attractivelyplated salads, there’s soup and lasagna, or a perfect-for-lunch Special at $8 which includes a half-sized pizza served with a side of Caesar Salad.

The second part of Crust’s name is “Wine,” about 40 by the glass or bottle including a number of flavorful Italian wines. Six-ounce pours average $6.50 to $11 and bottles $22 to $50. Can’t decide? Order a flight of three twoounce samples. Signature cocktails, beers and standard non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

Typically, pizza joints don’t emphasize dessert. Not so at Crust. From a rotating list of 30 layered desserts at $2.50 each, served in shooter-style glasses, there are five choices daily.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern fare featuring chicken shawarma, sweet salad, fattoush, Greek salad, lambchops, seafood and taboulee. Pita Cafe is known for its fantastic garlic spread. L & D, daily. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999.

Pizza Papalis & Rio Wraps: Full menu includes rio wraps, pizzas, salads, soups, pasta

THE PAPER

Deemed “the Oscars of the food world,”

by Time magazine, The James Beard Foundation Awards are the country’s most coveted honor for chefs. One category is Best Chef in the Great Lakes.

The Restaurant and Chef Awards Committee narrows hundreds of entries from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana down to 20. Among the 20 nominees for the 2010 award in the Great Lakes region is chef Brian Polcyn, proprietor of Forest Grill (735 Forest, Birmingham, 248.258.9400) and Cinco Lagos (424 N. Main St., Milford, 248.684.7455).

Polcyn’s name will be placed on a ballot to be distributed to a voting body of 308 former Beard Foundation winners and 17 members of the Restaurant and Chef Award subcommittee plus regional panelists.

According to the James Beard Foundation website, Best Chef nominees must be “Chefs who have set new or consistent standards of excellence in their respective regions ... may be from any kind of dining establishment and must have been working as a chef for at least five years with the three most recent years spent in the region.” The category winner will be announced May 3, 2010.

■ In late February, Culinary Institute of America’s wine program graduate Mindy VanHellemont opened Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro (155 S. Bates, Birmingham, 248.731.7066) “The emphasis,” VanHellemont says, “is New American food and wine pairings in a full-service 65-seat eatery.” More information can be found on tallulahwine.com website.

Eleanor Heald is a nationally-published writer who also writes the wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for The Paper. Suggestions for this feature and specifically for the Quick Bites section can be e-mailed to quickbites@oaklandpaper.com.

and desserts; known for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza. L & D, daily. 4036 Telegraph Road, Ste.106, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7722.

Qdoba: A one-of-a-kind Mexican grill restaurant, Qdoba features tacos, salads, nachos, quesadillas and more. L & D, daily. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941.

Quattro Cucina Italiana: A high-end setting

APRIL 2010

■ focus on wine Tuscan wine traditions wrapped up in brunello

By Eleanor and Ray Heald

B

runello di Montalcino is always 100 percent brunello (a superior sangiovese clone) and often considered the best expression of the grape variety in Tuscany. That, of course, may be disputed by producers of sangiovese in other Tuscan regions. Let’s not go there though and keep focus on brunello from the region of Montalcino.

Since the 14th century, Fattoria dei Barbi is among the original houses of Montalcino and has been owned by the

giovese by another regional name), Vin Santo, Tuscan white wines, several other sangiovese wines such as chianti, as well as a range of grappa and olive oil.

Fattoria dei Barbi can be considered not only one of the classic Tuscan wine producers, but also an estate that carries on the typical production of cured hams, salami and pecorino cheese. The property includes a restaurant serving typical Tuscan cuisine.

Many heralded Tuscan wines have a small production and are difficult to locate for purchase. Barbi’s 247-acre vineyard has an average planting of 5,000 vines per acre, yielding an average of 3.3 pounds per vine, approximately one bottle of wine per vine. Even with the apparently small production per vine, the substantial acreage yields about 67,000 cases of wine, of which 17,000 are its world-renowned brunello. You can find these wines!

The Barbi wine lineup

Cinelli Colombini family since the end of the 18th century. Near the end of the 19th century, the fattoria (farm) began producing brunello and was the first to export it to Europe, America and Asia, where it garnered awards, making its “blue label” Brunello one of the most widely recognized.

Barbi produces a wide spectrum of wines, ranging in price between $17 and $108, including its flagship wine Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, their famous Brusco dei Barbi, a modern styled sangiovese/merlot blend called Birbone, a Morellino di Scansano (san-

offering Osso Buco and Branzino filet among several signature Italian dishes. With a relaxing, open atmosphere, Quattro features a variety of pastas, soups, salads and an extensive wine list.

B,W,L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.6060 Quiznos: A signature toasting style creates crisp edges, melted cheese, sizzling meat and warm bread. Choose from over 20 oven-toasted subs, five flatbread chopped salads, 10 sammies, five torpedoes & bullets and soups.

Offering a full children’s menu and new, on-site catering. L & D daily. 185 N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827.

Rio Wraps: Features burritos, salads and deli wraps. L & D, daily. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.540.7722 .

Salvatore Scallopini: Salvatore Scallopini offers fresh prepared daily Italian dishes, appetizers and a variety of desserts. B, W. L & D, daily. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977.

•Brusco dei Barbi 2006 IGT Toscana ($17), anchors Barbi’s preservation of tradition with its desire for contemporary wine expression. The goal is to produce a wine with many Brunello di Montalcino characteristics, but at a fraction of the price. A patented vinification method produces a generous wine with a good red fruit core and delightful spicy aromas. Grapes are destemmed, but not pressed. They are pumped into stainless steel tanks for a three-month fermentation under a blanket of carbon dioxide. After pressing, the wine is aged one year in tank before bottling, after which it receives six months bottle aging before release.

a wide variety of soups, sandwiches and deserts.

B, L & D, daily. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.932.0800.

Streetside Seafood: Streetside has developed a reputation for fresh fish, oysters and other seafood on a seasonal menu B,W,L. L, MondayFriday; D, daily. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123.

Sushi Hana: Sushi Hana’s menu includes tempura, teriyakis, yakitori, fried egg, seafood, vegetables and more. Offers traditional Japanese fare as well as some Korean dishes. L, MondayFriday; D, Monday-Saturday. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887.

Sy Thai Cafe: A casual dining atmosphere, Sy Thai serves orange duck, noodle dishes, stirfried mussels with onions and all the usual Thai classics. L & D, daily. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830.

Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe: A casual cafe offering health-conscious options. Grilled paninis, sandwiches, grilled flatbreads, chopped salads and quesadillas are featured. L & D daily.

172 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: Featuring wine varieties from regions all over the world, Tallulah offers wine by the bottle, half bottle and glass. American fare is on the menu with a farmto-table concept. Dishes are made fresh daily with organic, local products. Indoor and seasonal patio seating available. B, W, L. B, D, Wednesday-Sunday. 155 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066.

Steve’s Deli: Classic and popular deli featuring

The Corner Bar: Part of the Townsend Hotel

www.oaklandpaper.com

•Established in 1984, Rosso di Montalcino DOC was a means of giving Brunello di Montalcino producers a way to continue a regional tradition of long aging for brunello, while offering a wine that required only six months oak aging and one year total aging before release.

Fattoria dei Barbi 2008 Rosso di Montalcino DOC ($20) is made from younger brunello vines. Although not as rich and full-bodied as mature brunello, it’s well-structured with a lively red fruit expression and finish. A long-held myth contends that aging a Rosso di Montalcino (also monikered baby brunello) will, in the long run, yield a Brunello di Montalcino. Just that, a myth.

•Blue Label 2004 Barbi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG ($53) is an iconic wine. Oak nuances and anise complement red berry aromas and flavors.

Balance and elegance are the hallmarks of this great wine that continues to shape Montalcino history.

•Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Riserva DOCG ($108) is classic complexity with a decidedly cherry component. Powerful yet smooth with loads of structure, it is enjoyable now with a big, juicy steak, but will age for many years if cellared properly.

Wines for spring Sauvignon Blanc matches well with sushi, salads, grilled vegetables, fish, grilled chicken, crab, Asian cuisine and pasta in a light cream sauce. The following are delicious: •2008 Dancing Bull $12 •2008 Geyser Peak California $12 •2008 Greg Norman North Coast $15 •2008 Rancho Zabaco Russian River $18

complex, The Corner Bar offers a lighter fare from 5-7 p.m. that includes sliders and salads. B, W, L. D, Wednesday-Saturday. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958.

The Gallery Restaurant: Family restaurant in an art gallery environment offering full menu.

American fare includes omelettes, sandwiches and a variety of salads. B, L & D, daily. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.851.0313.

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: The Moose Preserve features a full menu, including fresh fish, barbecue ribs and certified black angus steak. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688.

The Phat Sammich: Offers 70 different sandwiches, five daily soup specials and salads.

Homemade fare is prepared fresh daily and weekday lunch delivery is available. L & D, daily.

34186 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.0860 The Rugby Grille: Conveniently located inside Birmingham’s Townsend Hotel and offering a luxury dining experience. B, W, L. B, L & D, daily. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5999.

Toast: With a modern retro style, Toast offers American dishes with a touch of southwestern taste, including signature breakfast food to burg-

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•2009 Drylands Marlborough $18 •2009 Kim Crawvord Marlborough $19 •2008 Peju Napa Valley $22 •2009 Nobilo Icon Marlborough $22 Why we like Chardonnay, especially in spring: some styles have aromas of tropical fruit, often dominated by fresh pineapple. Others showcase apples and pear fruits with hints of vanilla from good oak aging or mineral notes from a particularly gravelly vineyard site. From cooler climates such as California’s Central Coast, a citrus component on the palate refreshes and brings forward tastes of peaches and apples, often accented by smoky or light buttery notes. Today’s chardonnays highlight a symmetry in fruit and oak. If the texture and flavor finish is reminiscent of creme brulee, what more can a wine deliver? The following are sure bets: •2008 Lindemans Bin 65 $7 •2008 Greg Norman Santa Barbara County $15 •2008 Rodney Strong Sonoma County $15 •2008 Santa Barbara Wine Co., Santa Barbara County $17 — cool climate fruit with crisp acidity.

•2008 Frank Family Napa Valley $33 •2007 Chalk Hill Estate $48 •2007 Merryvale Silhouette Napa Valley $48 Eleanor & Ray Heald, Oakland County residents, are contributing editors for the internationally-respected Quarterly Review of Wines, among other publications. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com.

ers. B, W, L. B & L, daily; D, Monday-Saturday.

203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.258.6278.

Tokyo Sushi & Grill: A cozy sushi bar offering sashimi, soba noodle dishes, teriyakis, tempura, all the traditional Japanese dishes, and, of course, sushi. L & D, daily. 225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6501 TOPZ: Offering homemade fare, featuring Michigan vendors and local Michigan products, TOPZ prides itself on its air-baked, non-fried fries, nuggets, onion rings, burgers, chili and soups. L & D, daily. 327 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.1108.

Whistle Stop Cafe: Voted among the best diners in America by Good Morning America, this eatery boasts of its local roots and feel. B & L, daily; D, Monday-Friday. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588.

(Want your eating establishment listed?

There is no charge for this directory in The Paper but there are a couple of rules. An eatery must be located in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township or Bloomfield Hills and must have tables where patrons can dine in. Send your information via fax (248.360.1220) to Katey Meisner or e-mail to kateymeisner@thescngroup.com.

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■ the community house

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FREE COVER With any MHP Grill purchase Expires 5-1-10

Replacement Parts: most makes and models of bar-b-ques.

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1987 E. West Maple (1 1/2 miles W. of Haggerty)

Walled Lake

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lthough there is still a trace of snow on the ground, the Children’s Charities Coalition is anxiously awaiting a sunshine filled Sunday morning on April 25, when over a thousand children and their families will participate in the third annual “Kids Helping Kids One Step at Time Walk.” Presented by Meijer, the Kids Helping Kids One Step at a Time Walk is a one-, two- or three-mile walk through Birmingham beginning and ending at The Community House.

The Children’s Charities Coalition was formed 13 years ago to address the challenge of developing new sources of funding to help children through a synergistic effort of experienced leaders and combined resources. The coalition is comprised of four non-profit organizations based in Oakland County, including CARE House of Oakland County, The Community House, Orchards Children’s Services and Variety The Children’s Charity. Each of these non-profit groups has served as a leader in raising awareness, funding and support for the Shelley Roberts various needs of children in our community.

For over a decade, the coalition has developed many successful fund-raising endeavors, including “Tiger Town” and “Revvin’ With Ford.” In 2008, the coalition felt the timing was right to develop a new event that would not only serve as a fund-raiser, but also as a means to teach children the value of giving back to their communities.

Student Leadership Steering committees have been formed with high school, middle school and elementary school students. These students are charged with getting other kids from their respective schools to take part in the walk.

Students have met at The Community House to discuss their own marketing ideas, like posters, buttons and the use of social media networks, including Facebook and Twitter. Students share ideas and learn that charitable giving is not just about generosity, it’s about giving time, talent and energy.

It’s not too late to get involved in this wonderful community event! The coalition is still actively recruiting walkers to participate on April 25. Students and/or families can register independently or also as a group, such as a sports team or church youth group. Each walker will have a goal of raising $75 and will receive a T-shirt and two raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes such as a Pistons basketball signed by Austin Daye, a Palladium Movie Theater gift basket, a Tiger experience package and a girl’s bicycle, just to name a few.

At the conclusion of the walk, children and families will be treated to a celebration complete with food, DJ, games and giveaways. The goal this year is to raise $120,000 with 2,000 walkers participating. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and you can support the walk by becoming a “Distinguished Walker.”

For more information on how to register, please visit our website at www.kidshelpingkidswalk.org or contact the Children’s Charities Coalition, 248-332-7173.

And speaking of kids, now that the weather is getting better, everyone is thinking about summer and ways to keep their kids motivated and energized.

Our new Director of Programs, Peggy Kerr, is very excited to announce that we have over 20 day camps, ranging from one-day camps to two-week camps, and we offer everything from acting camp to yoga camp. Our current camps are described on our website, www.communityhouse.com, and in our spring catalog.

We are still in the planning stages for more camps which will be included in our summer catalog available on April 28.

Spring is the time for positive thinking, and we are continuing our efforts to help those in our community who are unemployed. On April 20, at 6:30 p.m., we will be offering a program in our series Successful Job Strategies called “Financial Planning Between Jobs,” presented by Jason Close. On May 1, from 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m., Vanessa Denha Garmo will present “Stand Up Speak Up.” This program, for those who need a boost in self-confidence or for those who just want to improve their speaking skills, will give you the tools and tips that you need to confidently and comfortably speak in public. Another great class offering is “Writing Live: For the Unemployed.” The teacher, Mary Kay Connelly, says you may be out of work, but you are not out of talent. She will teach you to identify what comes next. This class will be held for six weeks, beginning on April 27.

Other great programs that you won’t want to miss include: •A lively interactive discussion of the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell at 7 p.m. on April 7. There is no charge for this program, but an RSVP is requested.

•“House in Bloom” on April 14 featuring retired Director of Special Events and Master Floral Arranger for the Metropolitan Museum Chris Giftos. Tickets are $50 for Mr.Giftos’ presentation and lunch in rooms decorated for spring by local florists.

•A Fireside Chat, “No Estate Tax in 2010-Is That True?” at 7 p.m. on April 20.

There is no charge but an RSVP is requested.

•Our sponsored group, the StoryTellers Guild, will hold its annual fund-raiser luncheon on April 22. Guest speakers will be award-winning Michigan storytellers Corinne Stavish and Laura Raynor.

•“Champions of Diversity,” a community-wide breakfast on April 29 where organizations and businesses give special recognition to an individual who has been active in support of diversity and the ideals of inclusion. Cost is $25 per person.

Our new front entrance is completed, and it is beautiful and wheelchair accessible. Come and see it! I look forward to seeing you at The Community House. ■ Shelley Roberts is President and CEO of The Community House.

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www.oaklandpaper.com

• • • •

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Heart of Champions St. Valentine’s Day Gala

Here is the update on the social scene from the past month. Social Lights is posted each week on The Paper’s website at oaklandpaper.com, where readers can sign up for an e-mail alert when the latest column is posted.

Many more photos from each event appear online each week, and past column and photos are archived one the sebsite for The Paper.

St. Valentine’s Day Gala / Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

Top row, left to right: Sponsor Lormax Stern’s Chris Brochert (left) of Bloomfield, DMC’s Cazzie Sobelton of Royal Oak and Bloomfield resident Frank Torre, RIM board chair and event co-chair. Honorary chairs Tom (left) and Doreen LaSorda of Birmingham and event lead sponsor Urban Science’s Jim Anderson and his wife Patty of Grosse Pointe. Event chair Frank Torre (center) of Bloomfield with DMC’s Cazzie Sobelton (left) and Brandi Younce of Royal Oak. Second row: RIM board chair emeritus Frank Stella of Detroit and Jennifer Nasser of Bloomfield. Event chair Frank Torre (center) of Bloomfield with DMC’s Cazzie Sobelton (left) and Brandi Younce of Royal Oak. Third row: Tim (left) and Nancy Cash of Bloomfield with Veronica and Ken DeLaura of Grosse Pointe. GMH’s Lee Wulfmeier( seated left) of Beverly Hills and Andrew Baran of Birmingham with their wives Marcie (left) and Julia. Bottom row: Honorees Jeffrey Fraus(left) of Warren, Greta Scott of Southfield and Col. Greg Gadson of Fort Belvoir, VA. Marcie Wulfmeier of Beverly Hills showing the heart-shaped diamond pendant/broach her husband won in the 52-card raffle to GMH’s Al Nelson of Troy.

The Heart of Champions event benefitting Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan moved from the hotel ballrooms of past years to the Detroit Institute of Arts and attracted more than 450 supporters the night before Valentine’s Day. They cocktailed in Kresge Court before heading to a comfortable lecture hall for the very inspirational and patriotic program emceed by WXYZ-TV’s Carolyn Clifford. It included the RIM success stories of Greta Scott and Jeffrey Fraus, as well as an especially endearing acceptance speech by one of three daughters of the late Roger McCarvillle – Courage Award winners all.

But the evening’s super hero was Col. Greg Gadson, who has adopted RIM and Detroit thanks to a relationship instituted by Urban Science’s Jim Anderso, who befriended him after learning of his accident. Gadson, who lost both legs in Iraq, gave all the credit for his recovery to the Lord and noted that “…recovery is about love of life and family and those who get you through.” Go to the Readers Digest web site (www.rd.com) and type in Gadson’s name in the search window to learn why the RIM crowd gave him two standing ovations Dinner was served in the Great Hall and Diego Rivera Court. There was also a live auction that brought the proceeds of the event to $200,000 for cutting-edge rehabilitation medicine, research and innovative technologies at RIM.

Sundays at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center Art has sparked Sunday afternoons for many choosing to create it at drop-in workshops held 1-4 p.m. at the BBAC. Attendance varies, with some subjects like mosaics and Shrinky Dinks attracting more than 150 enthusiasts. On Feb. 14, Haitian art was the inspiration for embossing metal and some of the artists of all ages did choose to make heart designs for Valentines. For this date only, the $5-per student workshop fee was earmarked for the Birmingham Rotary Club’s project that is supplying “Shelter Boxes” for the homeless in Haiti. The sale proceeds from artful silk scarves and ceramic hearts created by BBAC Teen Arts Board members was also donated to the Rotarian effort. Some in attendance were doing their first workshop. Others, like Mary McCrae and Gayle Kirby, were at their third because they loved the first one.

Motor City Lyric Opera’s A Song for Haiti While some were using art at the BBAC to aid Haiti earthquake victims as reported above, 325 people were helping Haiti at Holy Name Church in Birmingham where music was the creative energy. The concert, coordinated by MCLO founder/director Mary Callaghan Lynch, included flutist Alexander Zonjic, Angela Goetz singing “A Song for Haiti” written by James Stonehouse and Janet Pound, and songs by Rico Serbo and Daniel Washington, Connell Brown, Jr. and the MCLO Children’s Chorus singing “A Heavenly Prayer.’ Callaghan-Lynch’s son Paddy also gave a first hand report of his mission to Haiti last month with Detroit Tiger Gosder Cherilus, with whom Paddy played college football at Boston College, and 28 others from the locally-based Haiti Outreach Mission. They delivered tons of medicine and supplies to an overcrowded and overwhelmed hospital just outside Port au Prince and have plans to return next month. To donate for the essential supplies needed there go to haitioutreachmission.org. To get a grasp of the pre-earthquake Haitian health challenges, read Tracey Kidder’s book “Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World.”

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Junior Council’s event Seventy members of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Founders Junior Council DIA trekked to Livernois Artworks late last month. Inside the nondescript brick building, which is not open to the public, is a feast for the eyes. In addition to the art created in their studios there by owners John Rowland and Tim Thayer, plus Susan Goethel Campbell and Ed Fraga, is some of Burt Aaron’s vast collection of contemporary sculptures and paintings. Accompanied by DJ music, visitors first socialized and studied the art. Then Aaron shared some insights into his collecting passion that started 20 years ago with the purchase of ceramic works by Cranbrook-based artists. “I jumped in feet first,” he admitted, adding that he went full steam ahead to New York and Europe to look at contemporary works by emerging artists. In answer to the question about how an artist catches his eye, Aaron said that he “looks for questions and risk takers…It’s very rewarding to support artists at critical times in their careers.” He advised would be collectors “…to look for work you want to live with for a long time.” He also thanked Rowland and Thayer for having the courage to let a collector invade their space.

■ Sunday at the BBAC benefiting Rotary’s Haitian Shelter Box project

Top row, left to right: Instructor Elizabeth Bondakaenko (left) of Beverly Hills and Cloe Hubbard of Bloomfield. Zoey Tink and her dad Jason of Birmingham. Birmingham Rotary Club president John Westerheide (left) of Birmingham and incoming Rotary president/BBAC board member Mark Farlow of Royal Oak looking over the exhibition by JARC members which concluded Feb. 19. Bottom row: Volunteers Kiki Cougar (left) of Franklin and Carolyn Darr of Bloomfield. Sandra Hubbard and her daughter Sophie of Bloomfield and BBAC instructor Tracey Priska of Oakland Twp. Lisa Must and her daughter Lucy of Bloomfield.

■ Founders Junior Council’s Collector’s Ed event

The Henry Ford’s exhibition For many of the 270 people who attended the opening reception of “Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller” at The Henry Ford museum, the case pieces in the exhibition are familiar objects in their work places and homes. But seeing the collection accented by graphics from the Zeeland, MI firm confirmed the company’s belief that good design is good business.

THF board chair Evan Weiner welcomed guests and praised the leadership of past president Steven Hampton and current (for 10 years) president Patricia Mooradian for making THF “...the really incredible educational machine ...it is today.” Mooradian praised the people here from the Muskegon Museum of Art who assembled “the amazing display” in collaboration with THF counterparts.

Spotted in the crowd were Cranbrook Art Museum director www.oaklandpaper.com

Above left to right: Art collector Burt Aaron (left) of Ann Arbor with event co-chairs Aimee Lanciault and Dante Cerroni of Bloomfield. DIA’s Anne Marie Erickson (left) of Detroit with Ted and FJC president Nicole Wagner of Birmingham. Lauren Rakolta (left) of Birmingham, Nicole Eisenberg of Bloomfield, Sebastian Sullen of Birmingham and Eileen Kiriluk of Bloomfield. Below, left to right: Jeff Antaya and Michael Poris of Birmingham. Foreground sculpture by Sterling Ruby. Kristine Clark (left) of Birmingham, Rachelle Eid and Nedda Shayota of Bloomfield and Bill Burdett of Detroit. Nicole Wagner (left) and Julie Rankin of Birmingham.

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Opening Reception for The Henry Ford’s “Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller” exhibition

Clockwise from upper left: Board chair Evan Weiner (left) of Franklin with vice chair Sheila Ford Hamp and her husband Steven Hamp of Ann Arbor. Fritz (left) and HermanMiller’s Holly Hudson-Hatt of Bingham Farms with Ron and Terry Hughes of Birmingham. Guest curator John Berry of Holland and THF president Patricia Mooradian of Bloomfield. John (left) and Kristine Prebay of Bloomfield and Carole and Keith Deyer of Birmingham. Carol (left) and Tom Halsted of Bloomfield with Karen and John Street of Birmingham. Kelly Services’ Carol Curtis (left) of Bloomfield, Woodbury Design Group’s Phil Melcher of Birmingham and THF’s Betty Speyer of Redford. Donna Bubash (left) of NYC, Lynn Ferris of Franklin and Rosanne and Sandy Duncan of Bloomfield. Renee Puz (left) of Grosse Pointe with Murphy and Associates’ Colleen Murphy of Waterford and Kastler Construction’s Rick Kastler of Royal Oak.

■ Solanus Casey Center Wine and Food Event

Clockwise from upper left: The Solanus Casey Center’s Father Bill Cieslak with retired Detroit Tiger Willie Horton of Bloomfield. Bob Byerlein (left) and sponsor Cloverleaf Fine Wine’s Craig Maass of Bloomfield. Chef Dar Abraham (left) of Bloomfield and her son chef Jake Abraham of Royal Oak. Tina Byerlein (left) and Laurie Maass of Bloomfield. Nancy Kinggo (center) of Birmingham with Judy Canning (left) and Mary Anne Stella of Bloomfield. Dave Robinson (left) and Mary Schelske of Bloomfield and Steve Raymond of Birmingham. Carla (left) and John Libbe of Birmingham, John Schelske of Bloomfield and Judie Murdock of Beverly Hills. Chris Mosier of Birmingham and Marc Shaye of Franklin.

Greg Wittkopp, Michigan Design Center boss Susan Zinger and octogenarian architect Roy Albert.

Albert recalled working as a U-M architectural student with Bucky Fuller on the geodesic dome addition to the Ford Rotunda before its 1953 reopening following WW II. (Area newcomers should know that during the subsequent 10 years of its existence, the Rotunda attracted 18 million visitors and was the fourth most popular US tourist attraction. It was totally destroyed by fire in Nov. 1962 during the installation of its hugely popular Christmas Fantasy display.)

The Herman Miller exhibition will run through April 25. It is a colorful excuse to visit the legendary museum. Check it out at www.thehenryford.org.

Solanus Casey Center Event Father Solanus Casey served the poor and sick from 1924 to 1945 at Detroit’s Capuchin Friary. It now includes a separate refuge named after this beloved candidate for sainthood who is buried there.

Supporters of the center where souls are nourished crowded the Cathedral Cultural Center at St. George Romanian Orthodox Church in Southfield to nourish their bodies at the sixth annual food and wine fundraiser. The Lufty family, retired Red Wing Igor Larionov, the Celani Family Vineyards and others offered tastings that paired nicely with the savory cuisine Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro chef Jake Abraham and his mother Dar prepared for the strolling food stations.

The Capuchins in attendance were thrilled with the turnout (500 - twice as many as in 2009). But you suspected director Fr. Larry Webber was new in town when he mispronounced Ted Lindsay’s last name following the Red Wing legend’s brief stint as the evening’s first live auctioneer. “I have an old body. I have to get to bed,” Lindsay joked before departing early. Before all departed they bid more than $17,000 in the silent and live auctions, purchased wine to take home and raised an estimated $60,000 for the center. For information about the place of peace and healing, go to www.solanuscenter.org.

An Evening with Work It Out Unlike like some of the inscrutable art displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art 84

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Detroit (MOCAD), nothing is enigmatic about Brad Ziegler’s photographic studies of the Boys & Girls Clubs members taking Work It Out classes. The brain child of Danialle Karmanos, Work It Out uses yoga and nutritional education to prevent childhood obesity by empowering children and their families. A preview of Zeigler’s work attracted 120 to MOCAD last month. They socialized, sipped champagne, nibbled savories donated by D’Amato’s Restaurant and bought WIO hats, water bottles and note cards bearing Zeigler’s photos. Many also perused MOCAD’s current exhibit “For the blind man in the dark room looking for the black cat that isn’t there.” The laid back evening even raised $7,500 for WIO programming.

The MOCAD Piñata Party with Grupo Escobar 7-8 p.m., Saturday, April 3 would be A good follow-up visit.

Check it all out at www.mocadetroit.org.

■ An Evening Out with Work It Out

“Annabelle & Bear” premiere Hail to the victors! That would be everybody connected to “Annabelle & Bear”. The allMichigan film produced, directed and co-written by Birmingham’s Amy Weber and her Radish Creative Group premiered Feb. 20 to a sold out crowd (1,300) at Detroit’s Music Hall Center. The evening was a benefit for Starfish Family Services, a good call considering the story. It’s about how an adorable two-year-old (Annabelle played by Olivia Walby) snuggled into the heart of her burly, biker birth father (Bear played by Curt Massoff) after her crack-addicted mother dumped her on him. Disturbing and distressing describe the scenes shot in actual Detroit crack houses, but Bear’s journey to real fatherhood and the hope-filled ending, including his reunion with his alienated mother, left few dry eyes in the house. Here’s hoping the wide distribution this film deserves is not long in coming.

Top row, left to right: Work It Out founder Danielle Karmanos (left) and her husband Peter of Orchard Lake with Leslie and Sean Harrington of Detroit and Roz and Scott Jacobson of Birmingham. Elise and David Foltyn of Birmingham. Second row: WIO volunteer Bill McGraw of Dearborn and Francine Wunder of Bloomfield. Kids Kicking Cancer’s Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg (left) of Southfield with Gail and Mel Ball of West Bloomfield and Cazzie Sobleton of Royal Oak. At left: Photographer Brad Ziegler (left) of Bloomfield with event chairs Joe Hickey of Bloomfield and Tom Anderson of Royal Oak

■ Saks Fifth Avenue’s WEAR show

Saks & Junior League Mixer About 70 gal pals – new, active, sustaining and fallen-away Junior Leaguers of Birmingham – flocked to Saks Fifth Avenue to socialize, sip, sup and shop. Several motherdaughter pairs were spotted in the crowd that enjoyed appetizers from Brio Tuscan Grill before settling in runway-side to see the fashion www.oaklandpaper.com

Left to right: Model Lai Ying wearing David Meister satin leopard print sheath. Model Stephanie wearing Sue Wong pink chiffon and black lace baby doll. Model Tiffany wearing Nicole Miller white collar halter dress. Top right: Model Kylie wearing Troy Burch tunic, white jean & patent flat sandal; carrying Dior purple satchel. Bottom right: Model Tika wearing Missoni cardigan, shirt & tee; carrying MCM purple satchel.

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Saks Fifth Avenue & Junior League of Birmingham Spring 2010 Mixer

presentation that Cheryl Hall Lindsay described with her trademark good humor and practical advice. Five models showed 37 ensembles which Hall placed in seven categories that included sophisticated safari and tuff & tender. Post show shopping was reportedly show-merchandise related, which means the WEAR Collections on the second floor and the Lancôme counter in cosmetics were popular. Funds raised will support JLB’s fund for new member community projects and other volunteer training opportunities.

Knit Michigan Cancer Benefit

Clockwise from upper left: Helen Holmes (left) of Bloomfield with event co-chair Julie Goddard (nee Breitschneider) of Birmingham. SFA’s Kim Nye (left) of Troy with Dawn Rassel of Bloomfield and committee member Patty Ghesquiere of Birmingham. Alia Dietz (left) and Wendy Alterman of Bloomfield. Lori Mohr (left) of Bloomfield with committee members Cindy Evans (left) and Karen Caserio of Birmingham with Jody Jennings of Beverly Hills. Committee members Allison Mayotte (left) of Bloomfield and Jackie Kim and Michelle O’Brien of Birmingham. Ellen Leitch (left), Mary Ellen Tonis and committee member Lynda Panaretos of Birmingham. Sheryl Kammer (left) and her mother Bobbie Chapman of Bloomfield.

SFA’s Jolene Brunett (left) of Bloomfield and JLB’er Stephanie Smith of Northville.

SFA’s Pam Rock (left) of Birmingham and Sandra Elias and Ken Dewey of Bloomfield.

Dawn Rassel (left) and her daughter Lauren of Bloomfield. Julie Weyand (left) and her daughter a committee member Meggie of Bloomfield. Event co-chair Keri Boyd (center) with committee member Cathy Staples (left) and Susan Foley of Birmingham.

Immediately below: Vickie Vlasic (left) of Orchard Lake and Diana Johnson of Bloomfield.

Six hundred people flocked to the Academy of the Sacred Heart last month for the fourth annual Knit Michigan, an all day creative blast to benefit five cancer organizations.

The event is the brain child of yarn shop owners Bridget Dean and Joan Sheridan, who convened 11 other shop owners, instructors and volunteers to provide a colorful marketplace, workshops, games, door prizes, raffle, auctions and garments for an informal fashion show. Vendors came from as far away as Petoskey. Workshops included spinning, knitting, crocheting, weaving, felting and yarn dyeing. Attendees were invited to bring comfort items for cancer patients and many did. More than 640 lovingly hand made caps and blankets were donated. The creative, productive day raised more than $22,000.

Chinese New Year Celebration The Chinese New Year of the Tiger supplied the excuse for the sixth annual Wayne County Medical Society Foundation’s celebration staged at Warren’s Golden Harvest Restaurant, but seniors supplied the inspiration - both vulnerable seniors, who may be victims of abuse and honorees Nell Rhodes and Betsy and Dr. Phil Hessburg.

Rhodes is 101-years young, was a Major during WW II and has been a medical volunteer and philanthropist ever since. And, although Dr. Hessurg retired from active practice in 2005, he is president of the nonprofit Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology which he founded and his wife Betsy, a retired psychiatric social worker, is a medical volunteer. The couple has five children and 17 grandchildren, six of whom attended the party. Among the 213 86

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guests applauding the honorees were family, colleagues, friends and event sponsor St. John’s Hospital CFO Terry Hamilton. They also bid in auctions, applauded a Chinese Dragon dancer, ate Chinese food served family style and raised some money to educate physicians about elder abuse.

■ Knit Michigan Cancer Benefit

Ninth Annual Unabashed Bash Birmingham Education Foundation board president Jerry Rito sounded like a proud father at the foundation’s ninth annual Unabashed Bash fundraiser at the Townsend. The pre-dinner music performed by the Seaholm Chamber Ensemble and the Jazz Band and the post dinner Broadway-style vocals by Groves’ Matthew Whitneyand Alana Walker were capped off by Groves’04 alum Evan Kasprzak’s professional dance performance. He followed it with an earnest statement of gratitude for the valuable lessons he learned at Groves and for the guests’ support for “the extras.” When the applause died down, Ritto observed, “It’s abundantly clear why we support the arts.”

Party planners ditched the former black tie dress code in favor of “festive evening attire” and set the stage for Mardi Gras-style fun. It worked. Who can be stuffy amid boas and beads? Attendance (260) was up 17 percent over last year and sponsorships were up 13 percent. People danced until midnight.

Combined with the silent and live auctions, the spirited soiree grossed more than $90,000 for enrichment programs in Birmingham Public Schools

Clockwise from upper left: Event co-chair Joan Sheridan (left) of Lake Orion and committee members Diane Lammers of Royal Oak and Suzanne Klein of Bloomfield. From Birmingham’s Knitting Room: committee member Margaret Skeckell (left) of Birmingham, Sally Lobaza of Bloomfield and Aviva Susser of Birmingham. Debbie Danielson of Bloomfield modeling hand knit vest.

Sherie Lendo of Bloomfield. Keenie Feiger (left) of Bloomfield and committee member Lisa Renaud of Bloomfield and volunteer Elke Probst of Rochester Hills. Caitlin Davis (left) of Troy with Alexis Danielson of Bloomfield who’s modeling hand knit sweater. Patty Kopmeyer (left) of Troy with door prize and Joan Sneyd of Bloomfield.

■ Wayne County Medical Society Foundation’s Chinese New Year Celebration

Designing with Antiques On March 4 when designer Leslie Pilling should have been working on sets for the St. Dunstan Players’ “Little Shop of Horrors” she was at Judy Frankel’s Antiques Centre of Troy greeting guests at the kick off of Frankel’s The Art of Designing with Antiques. Frankel was quick to credit her manager Cindy Schwartz with the concept. It’s a winner, judging from the inaugural scene in Pilling’s 1930s-inspired vignettes. They featured a beaded crystal and brass swag chandelier, a French industrial metal console with a slate top for a bar and lots of pottery throughout. Other www.oaklandpaper.com

Above, left to right: Past presidents of the Wayne County Medical Society Auxiliary Alice Haidostian (left) of Bloomfield, event honoree Nell Rhoades of Detroit and Norma Henderson of Farmington Hills. Dr. Luisa DiLorenzo of Birmingham with her mentor / event honoree Dr. Phil Hessburg of Grosse Pointe. Tarick (standing ) and Helen Daoud with Bob (seated) and Millie Pastor of Bloomfield. Below, left to right: Dr. Paul and Ann Fecko of Bloomfield. Vicky and Dr. Richard Kulis of Bloomfield. Bonnie Jobe and Dr. Larry Walsh of Bloomfield.

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Birmingham Education Foundation’s Ninth Annual Unabashed Bash

designers to exhibit monthly through year’s end are: Paul Canavasser, Art-Harrison, Kevin McManamon, Jennifer Taylor, Kelter-Schwartz, Shirley Maddalena, Jane Synnestvedt, Amy Weinstein, and LaVictor./Henke, several of whom were spotted in the crowd of more than 120. In addition to strolling the center they toasted Pilling, noshed on Annabelle Cohen’s culinary designs and some made donations to Forgotten Harvest and St. Dunstan’s Theater Guild.

A Night of Glamorous Giving

Top row, left to right: Judge Jerry (left) and Laurie Rosen of Franklin with Foundation board president Jerry Rito of Bloomfield. Nina (left) and BEF board vp Frank Brooks of Birmingham with Dale and Janet Armstrong of Bloomfield. Second row: BEF executive director Laura Couger (left) of Franklin and event coordinator Maria Nahigian of Bloomfield. Neil (left) and Kathy Campbell of Madison heights and Ann and Malcolm Brown of Bloomfield. Shelayne and BPS superintendent David Larson of Bloomfield. Third row: Clarice Aerts (left) of Birmingham and Seaholm PTSA president Susan Gwizdz of Bloomfield. Alan and Rebecca Ross of Bloomfield. Auctioneer Charles Wickins of Birmingham with Kelly Petrocella of West Bloomfield. Rebecca and Dave Smith of Bloomfield. At left: Bill Albertson (left) of Bloomfield and Doug Soifer of Birmingham.

■ The Art of Designing with Antiques

Speaking of education, nearly 75 supporters of ORT’s 130-year-old mission to improve lives through education attended A Night of Glamorous Giving at Neiman Marcus. The hairdressers from FIGO were popular, often with a mom and her daughter sitting side by side for straightening or curling.

There were also stations for hand treatments, reflexology, vitamin C scrub, paraffin treatments, bronzing, dynamic eyes, luscious lips, flawless faces, chair massages and palm reading. Cocktails and hors d’eouvres were passed. Cupcakes and jars of candy satisfied sweet cravings. The ladies night out event raised more than $17,000, plus a percentage of the evening’s sales. A third of the proceeds is earmarked for the Hermelin Resource Center at the Jewish Community Center. It offers free computer training courses to the unemployed and underemployed, Julie Hirsh, Paula Lynn, Robbie Sherman and Sylvia Wolf are chairing Wingo (bingo for women only) the next ORT fundraiser April 28 at Congregation Beth Ahm. Call the ORT office at (248) 723-8860 for tickets ($45).

Go Red for Women Luncheon

Left to right: Designers Jane Synnestvedt (left) of Birmingham and Shirley Maddalena of Bloomfield. Event hostess Judy Frankel (left) and featured designer Leslie Ann Pilling of Bloomfield with Judy Frankel Antiques Centre manager Cindy Schwartz of Huntington Woods. Connie McEwan (left) of Birmingham and Liz Hurbis of Bloomfield. Judy Binder Trumbull (center) of Beverly Hills with Fran Broder (left) and Jolie Schiller Alltman of Birmingham.

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Many of the 475 who attended the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon Feb. 24 at the Renaissance Marriott wore red outfits and could have been in the fashion show. It featured members of the executive leadership team, heart disease survivors and models accompanied by the International Academy of Design and Technology designers of their dresses.

Both event chairs Jean Meyer and Dr. Kavitha Chinnaiyan pitched the importance of making APRIL 2010

healthy decisions. And Dr. Mary Ann Bauman, who came from Oklahoma to speak, was so compelling that Maggie Allesee said afterwards, “I’m going to start paying… attention to these tests (blood pressure and cholesterol) which can save your life. I think I might check into the Ministrelli Women’s Heart Center at Beaumont.”

Two hundred of the guests attended the morning workshops.

All guests received a red goodie bag containing, along with valuable heart information, a recipe book of good food for living well from Merck and a $10 gift card from Macy’s. Merck and Macy’s are national Go Red for Women sponsors. A “sale” of red feather boas raised $22,500 and the silent auction of 100 donated items raised $16,500, bringing the event’s total to $310,000.

■ A Night of Glamorous Giving benefiting ORT

Clockwise from upper left: New ORT Michigan director Nicole Muchnick (center) of West Bloomfield with event chairs Marlo Scott (left) and Laura Gorosh of Birmingham. ORT America national president Doreen Hermelin (left) of Bingham Farms and Elyse Folytn of Birmingham.

Past ORT Michigan president Arlene Barris (left) of Bloomfield and current president Beverley Katz of Southfield. Neiman Marcus’ Revive specialist Georgia Yerant (left) of Rochester Hills and Lauren Weinberg of Birmingham. Ilyse Aaron (left) of West Bloomfield with her sister Andrea Beavers and Stephanie Yates of Bloomfield. Event volunteers Ava Scott (left) and Hanah Gorosh of Birmingham (recruited by their moms, the event cochairs).

Events Honoring Women Last month in Orlando, FL the Women’s Automotive Association International, which was founded

by Lorraine Schultz of Bloomfield Village, gave the Spirit of Leadership Award to five successful business women, including Cadillac National advertising manager Sherrie Weitzman of West Bloomfield. The next morning, Schultz was honored by Northwood University with the Barbara Cox Anthony Woman of the Year Award. Both events were staged in conjunction with the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Exposition.

Closer to home more than 450 women attended the 14th annual Women and Leadership in the Workplace Conference March 4th at the Fairlane Club. Ed Deeb’s Michigan Business and Professional Association sponsors the conference. It included workshops, brunch and the presentation of awards to women leaders: Terry Barclay, Cathleen Wilber, Miriam Noland, Susie Ellwood, Faye Alexander Cheryl Gibson Fountain, M.D., and partners Patricia Nemeth and Linda Burwell.

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 or e-mail samgerak!aol.com or call 248.646.6390. www.oaklandpaper.com

■ American Heart Association’s Women Go Red luncheon

Clockwise from lower left: Rebecca Smith (left) of Birmingham with Kelly Service’s CFO Patricia Liddle of Ann Arbor. Past event medical chair Joan Crawford (left) of Bloomfield with chair emeritus sponsor’s AvinMeritor’s Lin Cummins of Rochester.

Executive committee member Maggie Allesee (left) of Bloomfield with event featured speaker/author Dr. Mary Ann Bauman of Oklahoma City, OK. Event co-chairs Beaumont’s Kavitha Chinnalyn (left) Plymouth and Providence Park Hospital president Jean Meyer, RN/MSN of Northville. Beaumont staffer event volunteers Rachel Sumner (left) of Dearborn Hgts., Joann Ministrelli of Farmington, Irina Valk of West Bloomfield and Sharon Tatarek of Troy.

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■ final word Difficult sewer system decision

T

he Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office has introduced a new sewer billing approach that will increase charges for some area communities, including Birmingham and Bloomfield Township. In Birmingham's case, the change is estimated to result in an additional $825,000 in sewer charges each year. Local officials are understandably upset about the change. Word of the new billing system has resulted in an angry backlash against Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch, including one local official stating McCulloch is not a friend of the environment. We'll chalk that up to shock and frustration over inheriting a situation that current municipal officials didn't create, but are stuck having to address.

For decades, Birmingham — and many other municipalities — have operated combined sewer and storm water systems. Sewer charges have been based on the volume of water used, not on the amount of sewage and storm water flowing through the combined systems to a wastewater treatment plant. That's because there was no way to measure the storm water flowing through the systems.

Technology now makes it possible to meter sewage and storm water flow, and McCulloch has unveiled a billing system that will account for not only the volume of sewage in combined systems, but also the storm water. Measuring the storm water component of the overall flow is what will drive up sewer service charges.

This billing change motivated the Birmingham City Commission's recent decision to spend up to $26,500 to study the feasibility of constructing a separate storm water system in the Quarton Lake Estates neighborhood.

The study will also determine such a project's costs, and how it would impact sewer service charges.

When discussing the need for the study, city commissioners didn't hesitate to express outrage over McCulloch's new billing plan. They aren't the only municipal officials hopping mad about the change. Officials in Bloomfield Township and other communities served by the Evergreen/Farmington Sewage Disposal System, which falls under McCulloch's jurisdiction, share Birmingham commissioners' ire.

Local officials' animosity isn't a surprise.

None of the current Birmingham commissioners — nor the officials in other communities — developed the combined sewer and storm water systems that serve their communities. Those systems, which were constructed decades ago for a different environment and population, are legacies that are admittedly difficult to handle. Separating sewer and storm water systems, or rebuilding a combined system that can accommodate the total volume of waste water without overflowing into the environment or backing up into people's basements, is an expensive proposition.

It's not as if Birmingham, or any other community faced with McCulloch's new billing approach, can casually throw money at the problem and make it go away. The beleaguered economy and depressed real estate market add up to dwindling revenue streams that don't keep pace with increases in operating costs.

Nobody likes to get kicked when they're down, which must be how local officials feel after learning of McCulloch's new sewer service billing system. It's the municipal officials who are more likely to draw individual sewer

customers' direct rage over increased sewer charges, not McCulloch.

However, it's unfair to say McCulloch is no friend of the environment. Since the day he took office in 2001, McCulloch has been an innovator as he's labored to revitalize and overhaul what used to be known as the drain commissioner's office. He has proposed many initiatives specifically with environmental protection in mind. When his office fails to meet some people's environmental benchmarks, that's more likely because the public or local government officials, or both, balked at the hefty price tag that almost always comes with being "environmentally-friendly."

According to McCulloch, municipalities that use the Evergreen/Farmington sewer system have had provisions for a meter-based billing approach in their contracts with the county since the late 1950s. The only thing that prevented a meter-based billing approach in the past was a lack of technology to support it. It's not McCulloch's fault that technology now provides a means to measure the total flow of sewage and storm water. Since that technology now exists, it's entirely fair and logical to expect that users pay for the total volume of waste water sent into the system.

Birmingham commissioners were wise to authorize a study on a separate storm water system for the Quarton Lake area. It will help them decide whether to merely accept the increased sewer charges, or take the path to develop a separate storm water system. One can appreciate apprehension over sending untreated storm water into the Rouge River, which flows through Quarton Lake, via a separate system.

That makes a tough decision even more difficult, but commissioners must choose. ■

Stop the state unfunded mandates

W

e're pleased to report that Oakland County lawmakers are attempting to answer the call of local governments to put an end to the unfunded mandates created by Lansing officials. We hope Michigan legislators have the gumption to implement the proposed reforms, and then live by them.

Unfunded mandates occur when the state government enacts laws or administrative rules that require local governments — school districts, community colleges, intermediate school districts, cities, villages, townships, counties, and authorities — to provide a new activity or service without allocating funding to pay for those mandated services or activities.

Under the Headlee Amendment to Michigan's 1963 Constitution, the state is "prohibited from reducing the state financed proportion of the necessary costs of any existing activity or service required of units of local government by state law. A new activity or service or an increase in the level of any activity or service beyond that required by existing law shall not be required by the Legislature or any state agency of units of local government, unless a state appropriation is made and disbursed to pay the unit of local government for any necessary increased costs."

Although that constitutional provision was adopted by Michigan voters in 1978, the state government occasionally enacts unfunded mandates.

State Reps. Gail Haines (R-Lake Angelus) and Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake) have proposed new processes intended to keep the state from enacting new unfunded mandates.

Haines' House Bill (HB) 5766 requires the state House and Senate fiscal agencies to prepare a fiscal impact analysis prior to final passage of each bill. The analysis must contain the impact of the pending legislation on state revenues, the funding source for any additional revenues required by the bill, and the fiscal impact on local units of government.

Kowall's HB 5797 reaffirms provisions of the Headlee Amendment in regard to the Legislature annually allocating an amount sufficient to pay each local unit of government the necessary cost of each state requirement, and prohibits the state from reducing the level of funding it previously provided local units to pay for mandated services and activities.

Kowall's bill would create a local government mandate panel to ensure the state's compliance with Headlee Amendment provisions. Before enactment of any legislation

affecting a local unit of government, the panel must determine whether any new or increased level of activities or services is likely to be required by that legislation. If so, a written estimate of the necessary increased costs must be developed and forwarded to the Legislature before enactment of the legislation.

Unfunded mandates cost the state's local governments nearly $2 billion a year. That's becoming increasingly significant given local governments' need to cut back budgets over the past several years, and expectations that budgets will continue to need trimming in the foreseeable future.

The reforms introduced in the House would help eliminate that burden. However, if the bills are adopted, it will still be up to lawmakers and administrators serving in Lansing to honor the letter of the law. One would think that goes without saying, but constitutional provisions haven't prevented the state from enacting unfunded mandates.

Lawmakers and executive branch officials have no excuse for not supporting the reform bills, or abiding by their provisions if enacted.

They must honor the wishes of state voters who authorized changes in the Constitution along these lines. ■

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