Trees, deer habitat cleared by road project

A large, wooded area along Interstate 94 near Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus has been reduced to stumps, small logs and twigs to make way for the Restore 94 road project.

The formerly wooded area in the median in the area of Inkster and Ecorse roads was home to a large deer population but has been taken “down to the dirt” as rebuilding of the freeway is under way, according to Diane Cross of the Michigan Department of Transportation. Signs now caution drivers to be cautious of deer in the area but no increase in deer-related crashes have been reported, she said.  Wildlife behavior in the area was considered during the planning of the reconstruction, according to Cross. 

The Restore I-94 project is a 3-year, $353 million, 12.7-mile construction effort that began early this month to rehabilitate the I-94 corridor from Romulus (east of I-275) to Dearborn (west of U.S. 12/Michigan Avenue. Motorists have been advised to expect significant delays, with traffic reduced to two lanes in each direction through 2029. 

The Romulus area is part of "Segment 1," specifically focusing on the stretch between Wayne Road and Middlebelt Road, officials said.

The rebuilding will include bridge work, drainage improvements, and a new Ecorse Road interchange.

Officials said access to Detroit Metro Airport will be maintained throughout the project using Merriman or Middlebelt roads as well as I-275 and Eureka Road.

Cross said more than 100,000 drivers use the freeway daily and the reconstruction will reroute part of the aging roadway through what was the wooded area, requiring the removal of the trees. The trees will be replaced when the construction is complete, Cross said.

“We are putting back 3,000 trees once the project is done,” Cross said. “They will be along the outside lanes because we want the trees to help absorb the fumes coming off the freeway and help with noise, that kind of thing.”

According to Cross, the planting of the replacement trees is intended, in part, to discourage a large deer population from reestablishing itself immediately next to the roadway.

Hometown heroes

Members of the Romulus Fire Department were recently honored for their outstanding service to the community during the Annual Awards Ceremony.

Firefighter of the Year and Paramedic of the Year honors were presented to recipients for their exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving the citizens of Romulus. Honored were Firefighters Ewing H. Joyce V and Anthony Pegouskie. Pegouskie, pictured at right with Fire Chief David Havener, received double honors during the ceremony as he was named as Firefighter of the Year for two consecutive years. Paramedics Ryan Mehrhof, Ryan Wilson and Melani Arnold were honored for their outstanding service during medical emergencies in the city.

“These honors reflect the hard work, compassion, and excellence they bring to our department and community each and every day,” noted Havener.

Special recognition went to Capt. John Thiede for his 35 years of service to the Romulus community. “This incredible milestone is a testament to his unwavering dedication, leadership, and years of faithful service to the Romulus Fire Department and the community we are proud to protect,” Havener noted.

Law Day celebration set at Romulus 34^th District Court

The 5th Annual Community Day is planned for Friday, May 1, on the grounds of the 34^th District Court in Romulus.

Every year on May 1, communities across the country celebrate Law Day May 1 as a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of the rule of law in protecting citizens’ rights and supporting justice. It's an opportunity to reflect on how the legal system helps safeguard the freedoms the rule of law provides, according to court officials.

Throughout the day, there will be public safety exhibits; a community car show; live entertainment; local vendors offering complimentary giveaways and a variety of food trucks on site.

Community Day is designed to bring residents, educators, students, and public servants together in a spirit of unity and shared purpose, organizers said.

The first half of the day at the Romulus court, from 9 a.m. until noon, will be dedicated to area fourth-grade elementary students. Students have been invited to participate in the court Art and Writing Contests centered on themes: The Rule of Law and/or The American Dream.

These activities are designed to promote civic understanding and inspire young minds to appreciate the role of the judicial system in their everyday lives, a court official noted.

The 2nd Annual Fieger Law “All We Do Is Win” High School Quiz Bowl will begin at noon featuring competition among students from Romulus, Belleville, Summit, and Huron high schools. Teams will compete for The Fieger Law All We Do Is Win trophy in what promises to be “an exciting and engaging academic showcase,” the spokesperson added.

The court is located at 11129 Wayne Road in Romulus.

Wayne 29^th District Court offering month long amnesty program

The 29^th District Court in Wayne is offering a limited-time amnesty program during March for individuals with delinquent court cases. The program provides an opportunity for participants to settle outstanding financial obligations at a reduced cost, while also assisting the court in efficiently clearing a backlog of cases without additional court resources or collections costs, explained Court Administrator Denise S. Steffens in a prepared statement.

The program will continue only until March 31, she said and is open to any individual with a past due payable violation. To participate in the amnesty program, individuals must contact the court to determine eligibility and for instructions on participation.

Eligible participants will have default, late fees and warrant fees waived, reducing total amount owed to the original fine. Warrants will be canceled upon full payment of the original fine although a $45 clearance fee will still apply and cannot be waived.

“This is a one-time opportunity,” Steffens said. “After Marach 31, 2026 the curt will resume aggressive enforcement and collection efforts, including the full imposition of penalties and late fees,” the court administrator explained.

Payment must be made by cash, credit card with a 4 percent service fee applied, certified check or money order. Personal checks will not be accepted.

More information and eligibility requirements are available by contacting the court at (734) 722-5220 or at cityofwayne.com/200/29^th-Distrcit-Court.

Mental Health and Wellness Fair set in Plymouth Kellogg Park next month

Plymouth Community United Way will participate in the 5^th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Fair set for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth.

More than 120 mental health and wellness booths are expected including therapy dogs, a walk-through brain experience, free vision screenings and Healing with Horses exhibit.

Children’s activities planned include a petting zoo, face painting and a clown and a magician performing at noon.

The event is hosted by the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools to promote mental health and to recognize the number of mental health resources available in the community.

The event is free and will include food and music, organizers said.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Sumpter celebrates Easter

Sumpter Township will host an Easter celebration from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday;, March 28 at Graham Park, 24560 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

An egg hunt, coloring contest and egg relay race are planned along with photos with Flop-E-Bunny.

There is no admission fee.

 

Parking deck repairs begin

The 2026 Central Parking Deck Maintenance Project in downtown Plymouth is expected to begin March 23. Crews will begin staging for the project the week of March 23, with extensive work beginning the following week. Approximately 15-20 parking spaces will be blocked off on both the lower and upper levels for the duration of the project

For approximately one week, at some point in mid to late April, the entire upper level will be closed for some traffic coating

The project is expected to be completed in May of 2026 Updates on the project will be provided at www.downtownplymouth.org and on Facebook.

 

Yard waste pickups resume

Plymouth Township waste haulers will begin sidewalk pickup of yard waste April 6.

Yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, garden debris, branches and twigs can be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on residents’ regular collection day but no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before.

 

Farmers Market dates set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Markets will take place at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Markets are set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

Opponents continue to battle Northville street closures

 Traffic patterns in the City of Northville were expected to change this summer with the approval of a special event permit by members of the city council.

Councilmembers approved a special event permit during the Feb. 2 meeting which authorized the closure of Main Street between Center and Hutton streets from 3 p.m. Fridays to 7 a.m. Mondays during summer months. Center Street was to remain open except during larger, long-running festivals.

The decision follows a continuing dispute about the street closures. A letter to the city from an attorney representing Let’s Open Northville, a group battling the street closures, claims the latest permit violates a court order opening the downtown streets to vehicle traffic.

Attorney Kyle Konwinski claimed in the letter that the repeated weekend closures amount to the same type of seasonal closures the court previously ruled against.

“Meaning, the City authorized its own consecutive 27-weekend closure of Main Street,” the letter said.

The group has been battling downtown street closures since 2023 claiming in court filings the closures were unlawful. The court agreed and ruled the streets could only be closed for special events. The court also ruled that all dining platforms along Main and Center streets be removed in a decision last year.

City officials contend the newly approved closures are in compliance with the court ruling.  The new plan will close the streets in alignment with Department of Public Works schedules. The $250,000 retractable bollards installed downtown will be raised Friday afternoon and retracted Monday morning, according to the disputed special event permit.

The Let’s Open Northville group is also challenging a planned 8-week shutdown of downtown streets during a $3.3 million improvement project at Town Square.

Konwinski’s letter claimed the city actions are an attempt to accomplish what the court expressly prohibited.  He suggested the group will seek legal redress if the issue is not resolved.

Northville officials say the special permit plan complies with the court’s order and the actions are consistent and fully within the parameters of the court orders.

The social media post from the city stated that the closures necessary during the Town Square project are routine during “municipal infrastructure work.”

Words from the wise…

Romulus resident offers insights gained in 99 years of life experience

Florence Rupert is hesitant to offer life advice, but if convinced to do so, she will gently provide the benefit of her more than nine decades of experience. “Mind your own business, live a good life and try to be happy.”

Her counsel merits serious consideration as Rupert has seen both joys and sorrows during her near century of life.  Rupert celebrated her 99^th birthday last month and she and her family are looking forward to marking her centennial next Feb. 2.

Rupert has lived on Moore Street in Romulus for 95 years, first moving as a toddler with her parents Rachel (Lewis) and Oliver Wilson Sr. to the family home at 11238 Moore. She and her late husband, Jackson Rupert, moved to a home just a block away at 11095 Moore when the couple married in 1950. She still makes her home there today, helped by family members with daily routines.

Rupert has witnessed world-altering changes during her life including the speeding advances in technology and social norms.

The most significant, she said, affects the lives of women. “The changes for women, that women can vote, work outside the home…the number of choices they have,” are the most impactful advances she has experienced, she said. 

As for technology, her introduction to the wizardry of electronics came decades ago with her first black and white television, after she was married. She said that later the microwave was the precursor to so many other electronic devices including cell phones and computers that have changed the world and daily lives.

Her world was markedly different from that of women today.

As a young housewife, Rupert’s priority was, like women of her generation, caring for her home and children. Her involvement outside her home included volunteering with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) while her children attended elementary school in Romulus and helping to plan social events to raise funds for the school. She never learned to drive and depended on her husband and family for transportation. She never considered a job outside her home until her children were grown.

At that juncture of her life in the 1990s, she took a job working in the Romulus High School cafeteria while her granddaughters were students there. When they graduated, she retired but credits her time working outside her home as providing her one of her first opportunities to understand a changing society during outings with coworkers and friends.

Rupert’s life has included the sorrowful loss of five of her seven children and all six of her siblings. She is obviously a treasure to her remaining family members who help care for her. Her daughter, Mario, 73, lives with her and another daughter, Elaine, 70, who lives in Brownstown, are instrumental in helping her with daily tasks. One of the highlights of her days, Rupert said, are greatly anticipated lunches with her nieces. While the nieces would like to think she wants to be with them, sometimes it might just be about lunch at her favorite local restaurant, she confided.

Rupert’s age continues to surprise to those first meeting the vibrant woman with the beautiful complexion and the jovial laugh. Her health, her family said, is remarkable. She doesn’t wear glasses and her hearing remains sharp. She admits to taking vitamins and a “pill for my blood pressure” as her only medications.

Rupert was a lifelong member of Parks Memorial AME church until it closed following COVID in 2024. In her youth, the family regularly attended church, and she participated in youth activities and Sunday School. As an adult she sang in the choir, ushered on alternating Sundays, was a secretary for the church, helped to serve communion and was a member of Parks Memorial AME Sarah Waters Missionary Society.

Looking back on her life, Rupert said, she thought she might have become an evangelist, studying and discussing the Bible. The church was an important part of her life, she recalled. 

Rupert was one of nine senior women of the Romulus community who were recognized at First Baptist Church during a morning worship service Sept. 18, 2022. Rupert continues to proudly display the trophy she was awarded during the “Showers of Love from God” event. The celebration honored the amazing lives of the elderly women, recognized their contributions in the Romulus community, and proved that their ordinary lives mattered, noted Rupert’s niece, Maria Holmes.

Rupert was also recognized by the City of Romulus with the approval of an honorary street sign with her name on the north end of Moore Street.

Holmes said her aunt is an inspiration and her family plans to celebrate every day with her until she officially marks her 100^th birthday next year.

“From Feb. 2, 2026, to February 2027, she will be turning 100. This is something to celebrate,” Holmes said, “so why wait.”

Sumpter officials demand repair of hazardous roads in township

Sumpter Township officials have declared the condition of gravel roads in the community a Public Safety Emergency and are demanding help from Wayne County, responsible for maintenance of the roads by state law.

An official correspondence to Wayne County was approved by members of the township board of trustees during the Feb. 24 meeting cited the unsafe and hazardous conditions of the roads and detailed the threat posed to area residents. Board members characterized the current conditions as a dire threat to public health and safety are urged Wayne County to take immediate action to repair the roads as soon as possible.
According to township officials, several sections of gravel roads in the township remain severely wash-boarded, rutted, and potholed, currently contain standing water due to drainage failures, and significant segments of road are nearly impassable. Most critically, according to the letter sent to Wayne County by the township, “the current hazardous condition of the gravel roads imposes an alarmingly significant delay in response time for emergency services – police, fire, and ambulance. Transport of a patient whose situation deems higher-level care is likewise severely compromised. When a life is at stake, every delayed second counts,” the board members stated in the plea to the county.
In addition, the current hazardous condition of the gravel roads poses ongoing inconvenience to township residents in terms of the additional time it takes to get from place to place, as well as the ongoing threat of vehicle damage while driving at any speed, the letter detailed.
“Township Supervisor Tim Bowman and members of the Sumpter Board of Trustees formally invite Wayne County officials to personally drive the gravel roads in Sumpter Township for a day to experience firsthand what township residents tolerate on a daily basis,” the letter noted.
Township officials urged Wayne County to take action as soon as possible to correct this ever-worsening situation by conducting an emergency assessment to determine the most affected gravel roads; scheduling immediate grading and repair wherever necessary;
preparing a gravel road maintenance schedule with timelines and dates and preparing a multi-year plan for durable improvements.
The statement from township officials noted that Sumpter Township “will not accept continued delay,” by Wayne County.

Huron Township officials have now followed Sumpter Township in demanding repair to roads in their community, also declaring a public safety emergency regarding the hazardous gravel road conditions.

No response from Wayne County was reported at press time.

Millage disparity questioned by Sumpter Township trustees

Members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees and Supervisor Tim Bowman expressed their criticism of the current inequity in public safety millage payments by mobile home parks during a meeting last month.

The discussion followed Clerk Don LaPorte’s comment that calls for medical assistance from the Sumpter Township Fire Department had increased to 133 incidents during the past 31 days. Fire Chief Jamie Goode supported LaPorte’s report, telling the board members that from 2020 to 2025 the department saw a 58 percent increase in calls.

LaPorte cautioned the board members that currently Goode is the only full-time member of the fire department, something LaPorte suggested may have to be considered as calls for aid increase.

The reported increases in service calls and subsequent service cost increases prompted Trustee Matthew Oddy to comment on the disparity in tax structure between residential public safety tax rates and those paid by mobile home parks. Oddy explained that while the population density in mobile home parks is higher than other residential property, the tax rate for public safety is much less than other property owners pay.

He told the board members that currently 30 percent of township residents live in mobile home parks and those residents should be paying for public safety services at a tax rate commensurate with other township residents. He noted that the same costs for fire services exist whether the emergency calls are to a home, business or mobile home park. The fire and police millage rates should be equally applicable to mobile home parks, he said.
Township attorney Rob Young noted that currently the manufactured housing community has legislative lobbyists encouraging state officials to maintain the status quo. Currently, according to Young, mobile homes pay $3 per month per unit or $36 per year. Young said at some point the state Legislature should reexamine the current tax rate.
“We can’t discriminate against the manufactured housing community,” Young stated.
Bowman said he has witnessed township police officers writing tickets in the mobile home parks and he was aware that the parks are considered private property. He said he could recall when the mobile home parks were privately patrolled by pickup trucks with “Security” painted on the doors.
Currently, Bowman said, township police are policing private property by patrolling in the mobile home parks.

Young explained that emergency calls could not be ignored and that first responders could not discriminate between apartments, trailer parks and other residences. He reiterated that the inequity in taxing could only change at the state level.
Public Safety Director/Police Chief Eric Luke noted that while 30 to 35 percent of the township population resides in the mobile home parks, these residents pay only about 2 percent of the current public safety millage amount.

The discrepancy, however, is not the responsibility of the mobile home residents, Luke said, and officers continue to enforce the 15-mph speed limit in the parks and stop sign violations along with school bus safety laws.
Bowman continued his criticism of the inequity and current situation.

“I can’t get over it. We are patrolling private property,” Bowman said.

Building owners dispute proposed downtown Northville zoning change

A recent public hearing scheduled by members of the Northville Planning Commission drew conflicting opinions about the impact of a new proposal to prohibit new street-level offices in key blocks of the downtown area.

The proposed change to zoning laws is an effort to protect retail spaces from office tenants, supporters said. Currently, some retail spaces are being displaced by tenants willing to pay a premium for street level office space. Those in opposition to the proposal, including building owners, are not in favor of the change, claiming it could limit their rentals,

During the packed hearing at city hall last week, Community Development Director Justin Quagliata said the Central Business District, at the intersection of Main Street and Center Street, is a prized commercial area in the city. He said rising property values are creating pressure on the spaces that make it thrive. He noted that currently, there are no vacancies downtown.

He cautioned however that as demand for downtown space grows, businesses looking for office space are increasingly offering higher lease payments for restaurants for street-level storefronts than retailers and restaurants.

The zoning change would require office users to occupy upper floors in the area including two blocks on Main Street and one block on North Center Street.

Quagliata also emphasized that the ordinance would not force out any existing street-level offices.

"They would be able to continue to operate under the ordinance without any ramifications," Quagliata said.

Northville business owner Dan Welch said the proposal was overreach, arguing that the city cannot legislate consumer demand. He said the new ordinance would place a financial burden on property owners looking to attract or build out tenants and limit his options as a property owner.

Several audience members opposing the proposed zoning change suggested planning commissioners delay moving forward with the proposal, which ultimately would have to go before members of the city council for any final decision.

Northville Library seeks public input for future

Members of the Northville District Library Board of Trustees want to know exactly what city and township residents would like to see in the future of the facility.

Residents are being asked to complete a brief, 10-question survey available through April 15. The survey is designed to take approximately five minutes to complete, officials said and city and township residents of all ages are being asked to participate and help the library officials better understand community priorities regarding space, services, access and other features, according to a prepared statement.

The survey follows two community forums on space planning hosted by the library in October and November of last year. During the meetings, library trustees, Library Director Laura Mancini, and attendees discussed key challenges with the current building, along with the common complaints from the public. Among the most frequently cited concerns were inadequate parking, insufficient space for programming and collections, and overall constraints of the existing facility.  The Community Forum presentation and additional supporting documents are available on the library website: https://nvillelib.org/NDLSpacePlanning

Trustees are now seeking broader community feedback with the online survey, officials noted.

“This survey is an important next step in our listening process,” said Mancini. “No decisions have been made. We are counting on hearing from residents across No
rthville to help guide thoughtful, community-informed planning.” As a thank you, participants will have the option to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of ten $50 Barnes & Noble gift cards after completing the survey.

The input gathered will help trustees evaluate community preferences and priorities as part of ongoing planning discussions to address current limitations and ensure the library continues to meet the evolving needs of Northville residents, Mancini said.

The survey is available at: https://nvillelib.org/SpringSurvey2026 or visiting the library to complete a paper copy at the checkout desk.

More information is available on the library website or by email at nortref@northvillelibrary.org, or phone at (248) 349-3020.

Community calendar

Township Egg Hunt planned

The annual Plymouth Township Easter Egg Hunt will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4 at Plymouth Township Park baseball fields. The community event is sponsored by the Plymouth Lions Club and is for children 10 and younger. 

 

Yard waste pickups resume

Plymouth Township waste haulers will begin sidewalk pickup of yard waste April 6.

Yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, garden debris, branches and twigs can be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on residents’ regular collection day but no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before.

  

State of the Township address set for March 12 in Canton

The State of the Township address by Supervisor Ann Marie Graham-Hudak is set to begin with networking reception at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at the Village Theater. The featured presentations will begin at 6 p.m.

There is no cost to attend but guests must register in advance.

The event is hosted by the Canton Chamber of Commerce. For more information or to register, call (734) 453-4040.

 

Mental Health Fair set

The Plymouth Community United Way will host the 5^th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth.

The event is free and will include 120 booths, therapy dogs, a walk-through brain experience, free vision screening, chair massages and entertainment. There will also be a petting zoo, magician and face painter on hand.

Officials claim proposed ICE facility violates federal laws

Federal officials appear to be in violation of multiple state and federal regulations regarding the acquisition of property in Romulus for a planned immigration detention center.

Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight cited the violations of federal rules regarding the acquisition of property in a local community in a recent letter to Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Kristi Noem, secretary of Homeland Security.  McCraight detailed the violations of federal rules, stressing the official requirement of notice to the local community along with details of the proposed use of the property. In his letter, McCraight also cites the portion of the federal law that provides the opportunity for local communities to object to the acquisition. These required stipulations were not met in Romulus, McCraight said.

The detailed regulations for such acquisitions require the federal department to consider all local objections and comply with local zoning ordinances “to the extent the Administrator determines is practicable.”

McCraight informed the federal authorities that the current zoning of the proposed ICE detention center at 7525 Cogswell Road is “light industrial” and does not permit the interment facility proposed for the site.

The concerns McCraight cited include, but are not limited to, the non-compliance with city zoning ordinances, the inappropriate ? mile proximity to residential areas and schools, a lack of adequate road access to the building and the impact on local public safety resources.

McCraight also notes that permits for renovations at the office space at the building were recently granted to accommodate the needs of a large automobile manufacturer which, McCraight said, now appears to be a significant loss in job creation, business opportunity and tax base for the city and the region.

His objections have been supported by United States Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, several state legislators, and State Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Both Slotkin and Peters immediately responded to McCraight’s letter and fired off written demands to Noem and Lyons seeking justification for use of the building as a detention center for 500 immigrants and the “community impact study” along with the “rigorous due diligence process” the federal department claims to have completed prior to purchasing the site.

Nessel also sent a letter to ICE officials objecting to the detention center plan. She asserted the proposed facility “violates the sovereign interests of Michigan and federal and state law and must immediately be halted.”

“Through its conduct, ICE appears intent to operate a mass detention facility a stone’s throw from a middle school, an elementary school, and a protected wetland. What’s more, ICE purchased the warehouse before any attempt to communicate with the State of Michigan, its agencies, or any local governing body about it,” Nessel said.

Nessel argues that the “floodplain notice lacks the details necessary to assess whether the project would comply with federal laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the National Flood Insurance Act, the Flood Disaster Protection Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act. The property is located within a floodplain, yet ICE has not yet applied for, or even initiated discussions, regarding permits from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).”

Nessel called on ICE to “immediately cease further development of the property, plainly and publicly articulate the planned use and construction for the warehouse, engage in meaningful consultation with the appropriate state, county, and municipal officials, and comply with all state and local laws and permitting requirements for the project’s impacts to the environment.”

Hundreds of area residents have attended protest demonstrations regarding the proposed facility and members of the Romulus City Council unanimously approved a formal resolution in opposition to the proposed ICE facility.

Protestors were joined last week by State. Sen Darrin Camilleri, State Sen. Matt Kolezar, several local religious leaders and State Sen. Mallory McMorrow along with Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Tlaib has been a vocal critic of the project, labeling it a "warehouse prison" and stating that "ICE is not welcome in Michigan".  Congressman Shri Thanadar has also publicly voiced his opposition to the project.

Proposed state legislation called threat to local government control

Nearly 100 local municipal leaders packed a crowded meeting last week, urging state lawmakers to reject a sweeping set of proposed housing bills limiting local control of zoning and home construction. Local officials contend House Bills 5529 through 5532 would impact property values in local communities and limit public input of environmental issues.

The bills were introduced last week as part of a broader effort to address housing supply challenges by limiting local regulatory barriers, according to State Rep. Joseph Aragona, chair of the House Committee on Regulatory Reform.

More than 1,300 local officials, however, representing 6.2 million Michigan residents, voiced opposition to one-size-fits-all legislation during the first 48-hour period of the introduction of the new regulations. Last week, SEMCOG (South Eastern Michigan Council of Governments) and partner organizations Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Townships Association hosted a bipartisan event in opposition to the statewide zoning preemption legislation introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. Officials called on state leaders to protect local voices, support flexible housing policies, and strengthen partnerships between state and local governments.

Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak expressed her opposition, along with that of more than 100 other mayors and supervisors in the state.

"I'm grateful to the many elected officials who joined in opposition of the one-size-fits-all zoning preemption bills currently under consideration in the Michigan House of Representatives," said Graham-Hudak.

“The bills, as proposed, could significantly impact property values in the community by limiting resident input on important environmental issues, utility upgrades, and housing stock in the community,” she said.

Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight and members of the Romulus City Council are also opposed to the new bills. Members of the council unanimously approved a resolution opposing the proposed legislation noting that the bills “would reduce a community’s right to enforce their own ordinances”.

“Why develop and approve zoning ordinances or a master plan if the state hopes to strip away your authority and hand it over to developers. Please contact your state representatives and tell them to vote no,” McCraight commented in a post on the official city website.

The legislation would pre-empt certain local zoning ordinances by prohibiting local units of government — including counties with zoning authority — from requiring minimum lot sizes greater than 1,500 square feet for new residential construction, provided the proposed dwelling has access to public water and sewer services. Supporters of the bills argue that reducing the allowable minimum lot size would open the door to higher-density development, lower land costs per unit, and create more attainable housing options in communities with existing infrastructure.

The proposal represents a significant shift in the balance between state authority and local zoning control, according to opponents of the legislation. Counties and municipalities that currently impose larger minimum lot sizes could be required to amend their ordinances to comply with the new statewide standard.

If enacted, the package would mark one of the most significant state-level zoning pre-emptions in recent Michigan history, reshaping how communities regulate residential development in areas served by public utilities, according to SEMCOG

Review the proposed bills at: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill. Comments can be addressed to: State Rep. Peter Herzberg: https://housedems.com/peter-herzberg/contact-us/ State Rep. Ranjeev Puri: https://housedems.com/ranjeev-puri/contact-us/ State Sen. Dayna Polehanki: sendpolehanki@senate.michigan.gov  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: https://somgovweb.state.mi.us/ContactGovernor.

Township ‘hostile work environment’ prompts clerk’s resignation

Plymouth Township Clerk Jerry Vorva has submitted a letter of resignation to the members of the board of trustees.

Vorva, who submitted his resignation letter Feb. 18, cited both his health and a hostile work environment including a lawsuit against a board trustee as his motivation for leaving his 4-year term after only 16 months.

Vorva said he has been under treatment for cancer for nearly a decade and the disease has progressed to Stage 4, so “it’s probably time.”

He also cited the current tensions among board members and the conduct of Trustee John Stewart as motivation for his early departure. A recent incident, he said, when Stewart came to township hall “screaming and yelling” at Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz prompted his decision. Vorva and Stewart are also involved in a lawsuit further escalating tensions among officials.

Vorva filed a lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court against Stewart following a closed session of the board members which took place last February. In his suit, filed in August, 2025, Vorva claims that Stewart  “stood up from his seat and, with fists clenched, lunged across two other trustees...toward (Vorva) in an aggressive and threatening manner.” Vorva claims that his repeated instructions to Stewart to stop interrupting a briefing by the township attorney to the board members prompted Stewart’s alleged outburst. The court filing also claims that Stewart was aware of Vorva’s health situation and that Stewart’s conduct made Vorva believe he was “in imminent danger.”  Vorva’s suit is requesting damages in excess of $25,000.

The incident was referred to the Michigan State Police and following an investigation and review, no charges were filed against Stewart by the office of the Wayne County Prosecutor.

Stewart, a practicing attorney, denied all Vorva’s claims in his response to the lawsuit and asked for an immediate dismissal of the claim as “frivolous.” He also requested he be awarded court costs and attorney fees in his response to Vorva’s allegations regarding his conduct. The suit is pending in the courts.

Members of the township board have 45 days to appoint a new township clerk and the term will then be on the ballot in November, as required by state law. The job currently pays an annual salary of $120,000 and a 15 percent contribution to a retirement plan.

Firefighters appreciate new helmets, badges

Romulus Fire Department Chief David P. Heavener along with the Romulus Public Safety Foundation, have made some welcome changes in the department since Heavener’s appointment to the top position about four months ago.

Heavener recently established a sequential badge system beginning with Badge #1 honoring the first full-time firefighter in the department. From that starting point, 75 badge numbers have now been formally assigned to the sworn firefighters currently serving the community.  Those sequential badge numbers will also be displayed on the new helmets provided to the firefighters by the Romulus Public Safety Foundation. The new Cairns 1836 helmets are lightweight and combine a traditional look with modern technology and safety features, according to website specifications.

The design honors the history and tradition of the fire service, and each helmet is equipped with newly designed shields that clearly represent each firefighter’s rank and badge number.

The complete badge number roster will also be permanently displayed at department headquarters.

Heavener, a 30-year fire safety veteran, formerly a Fire Chief for Pittsfield Charter Township, spent 27-years with the Livonia Fire Department, serving as chief for four years.