Area wide election redistricting is Zoom topic

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) will host a virtual town hall meeting and June 6 to provide details about election district maps for the Michigan Senate.

  Commissioners will share insight about how and why proposed boundaries for Senate districts 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, and 11 were drawn. The maps were drawn using specific criteria, including population, geography, diversity, partisan fairness, and density.

The public is invited to attend remotely and may register to make written or live comments using this sign-up form: https://forms.office.com/g/JymDHUgHd9. Comments are limited to 90 seconds. Arabic, Bengali and Spanish translators will be available.

The hearings are set for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7:30 p.m. June 6. To join a morning Zoom meeting, starting at 10 a.m., go to https://bit.ly/3WR1i4s   Passcode: 403865  Or via telephone:    USA 215 861 0692  USA 888 251 2909, US Toll-free Conference code: 818211 To join an evening Zoom meeting, starting at 5 p.m., go to  

https://bit.ly/4bu7MLb  

Passcode: 515561. 

A livestream of each meeting will be available at: 

bit.ly/3ic3XRq

  Draft Senate maps proposed by the commission are available at https://www.michigan.gov/micrc/mapping-process-2024/draft-proposed-maps-2024-senate or call 1-866-627-3247 (1-866-MAP-FAIR) for more information.

A grateful nation

 Communities mark Memorial Day with parades, ceremonies

Memorial Day in area communities was marked Monday with parades and ceremonies to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service for our country and our veterans.  In Plymouth, fallen servicemembers were honored with a parade up Main Street followed by a ceremony at Veterans Park, located in front of the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex. Participants said the ceremony was moving tribute that reminded participants of the ultimate sacrifice so many made for our country to protect our freedom. Masters of Ceremonies were Lt. Colonel Krista McKinley, and World War II veteran Col. Charlie Cone. The ceremony included the laying of the wreaths at the veterans’ Memorials Memorial and playing of taps. In Northville, spectators lined downtown streets to show support for veterans and mourn those who gave their lives in support of their country. Parade marchers stopped briefly at Oakwood Cemetery and continued to Rural Hill Cemetery in the city where a memorial service honoring the fallen took place.

Registration open for Canton Liberty Festival Fun Run

Canton Leisure Services is again joining forces with Running Fit to host the 10th Annual Liberty Run, including 5K, 10K, and One Mile events during the 31st Annual Liberty Fest this year.

The three-day festival is planned for June 13, 14, and 15, in Heritage Park and the Fun Run is planned for Saturday morning.

“Fun Runners” are encouraged to register at www.cantonlibertyrun.com and run, walk, or stroll during the various events and will receive finisher medals, as well as a race T-Shirt. Plus, running-theme awards will be handed out to the best “Red, White, and Blue” running outfit. The patriotic and often outlandish outfits have become a traditional part of the Fun Run event.

The various races will begin starting with the 5K at 8 a.m.. The 10K event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the theme award judging will take place from 7:30 until 7:45 a.m. The 1-mile Fun Run is set to begin at 10 a.m. Awards in the races include male and female honors in various races, some age group winners, along with the finisher medal and finisher party. Entry for the 1-mile Fun Run is $14’ the 5K entry fee is $34 and the 10K fee is $37. The fee to participate in the Uncle Sam Slam which includes both the 5K and 10K race is $59. For more information or to register, access the Canton Liberty Festival Fun Run web page.

All races will start and finish in Heritage Park. This year, officials are offering a la carte entry pricing with various pricing available for selected events based on participation. Registration will close at noon, June 13. Officials said adults are welcome to escort children or push them in strollers on the 1-mile course but will not receive a medal. Heritage Park is located on Civic Center Blvd in Canton. Directions are available on the internet.

This year, organizers have launched a  mobile app currently available for Apple and Android operators.  Festival-goers can download the “Canton Liberty Fest” app at both the App Store and Google Play. This free app will provide users with access to significant Liberty Fest information. Users will also receive news alerts and updates throughout the three-day festival.  Access the online web version of the new mobile app at https://canton-liberty-fest.aisweb.app

Once again, Canton Township will be hosting the fireworks display on at dusk Friday night. In the event of inclement weather, Liberty Fest fireworks will take place Saturday night evening. The presenting sponsor of the 31st Canton Liberty Festival is NeeHee’s and Pizzawala’s.

Double honors

Northville Township received not just one, but two first-place Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards at the National Association of Government Communicators conference. Rene Wisely (at left) was recognized for her outstanding work on our Internal Crisis Communication Plan. Additionally, the collaborative effort between the Northville Township Police Department and communications team on the Public Affairs/Outreach News Release regarding Operation Max’s Vault, showcased the award-winning service and detailed communication coming out of Northville Township.

Deputy chief of police is appointed in Wayne

City of Wayne officials approved the promotion of Finley Carter to the rank of deputy c of police. Carter is a 22-year veteran of the department. Prior to his promotion, Carter was the detective lieutenant in charge of the city investigations bureau. During his career, Carter has served various roles at the Wayne Police Department, including Training Coordinator, FOIA coordinator, Public Information Officer, and head of the Firearms Training Program. Carter was the first African American officer at the Wayne Police Department and officials said he is well known in the community, inside and outside the department for his “ hard work, integrity, positive attitude, and commitment to helping others, particularly young people starting out in the field.” Police Chief Ryan Strong stated, “I could think of no one better suited for this role than Deputy Chief Carter. He is an enormous asset to the Wayne Police Department and law 

enforcement as a whole.”

New councilman named

The newest member of the 

Westland City Council is a familiar face.

DeLano Hornbuckle was appointed by a 5-1 vote of members of the city council to complete the council term of Peter Herzberg who resigned following his election as a state representative. Hornbuckle, who will serve until the end of this year, formerly served on the city planning commission and was previously appointed to a seat on the council but failed in an election bid in 2023

“When I was a kid, I never imagined that I’d be here serving a community of this size,” Hornbuckle said at the meeting earlier this month. “Thank you to everyone for being here and thank you to everyone for the support.”

The dissenting vote on Hornbuckle’s appointed was cast by Councilwoman Emily Bauman, who nominated former candidate Josh Powell to fill the unexpired term.

Construction under way at $44 million services complex

Northville Township took a step into the future of public safety last week with the official groundbreaking at the 96,000-square-foot Essential Services Complex (ESC).

The new complex will include a second fire station to reduce response times to the northeast quadrant of the community, as well as a new state-of-the-art police 

headquarters. The building will provide a new temporary holding facility, a garage to protect cruisers’ sensitive electronic equipment, an expanded dispatch center and multiple shared spaces for police and fire to eliminate redundancies, officials said.

The new building is also the future headquarters for the Township Department of Public Works, which has outgrown the current facility, and to a Northville Parks & Recreation facility. The recreation building will serve as a trailhead to Legacy Park, providing parkgoers with restrooms and running water, officials said.

“We are laying the foundation for a safer, stronger and more resilient Northville Township—one that will continue to thrive and flourish for years to come,” said Northville Township Manager Todd L. Mutchler.

Northville Township Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Scott Hilden agreed.

“The Essential Services Complex will make us more efficient, more effective and it will save lives,” he said.

Guests at the ceremony got a peek at the footprint of the building being constructed at Seven Mile Road and Traditions Drive, west of Haggerty Road. The Essential Services Complex will occupy  4.3 percent of the 350-acre Legacy Park,  leaving the remaining acreage for recreation. The site was once occupied by the former Northville State Psychiatric Hospital, which closed in 2003.

In 2022, Northville Township had 11 asbestos-clad buildings on site which were demolished after removal of  hazardous materials. Only one building remains and it will be repurposed for a yet-to-be-determined Northville Parks & Recreation building.

“We are taking steps today to transform this site to be a 

beacon for our residents, whether they are in need of service from our Police and Fire Departments, our Water & Sewer team or want to walk in the park,” Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo said. “This is an exciting day for the future of Northville Township.”

The possible remodeling of the current Public Safety Headquarters on Six Mile Road was evaluated by outside 

consultants who determined that a new building would be more cost efficient. With the need for a second fire station in the township to ensure efficient 

response times, were 

determining factors in the construction of the new $44 million building, officials noted. Northville Township secured a low-interest rate for $15 million in bonds to partially finance construction the ESC. Other funding sources include enterprise funds, general funds, public safety funds and grant funding, according to a statement from the township.

Construction management firm Cunningham-Limp, 

Partners in Architecture and OHM Advisors are collaborating to build the ESC, expected to be complete next spring.

“On behalf of the board of trustees, I want to thank all of those involved in making the new Essential Services Complex a reality,” Abbo said. “Our 

residents deserve this nod to their safety. We are taking a big step forward to continue to deliver exceptional public service for those who live, work and play in Northville Township.”

11 candidates seek terms on Plymouth Township board

  Plymouth Township voters will have a wide selection of candidates seeking election to the board of trustees with 11 Republican candidates seeking four expiring terms. The field will be reduced to four Republicans in the Aug. 8 primary race and those top three vote getters will face the three Democrats, Robert Miler, Angela Nolan and Michael Westra who have filed for election.Republican incumbents Jennifer Buckley, Audrey Monaghan and John Stewart have filed for reelection and will be challenged in the primary by Mark Clinton, Gregory Bill, Daniel Callahan, Sandra Groth and Paul Schulz. Longtime Trustee Chuck Curmi is challenging incumbent Supervisor Kurt Heise for the top township office. Curmi, 69, has opposed much of the development in the township while Heise, 58, has been a proponent of development in the community. Curmi has been reelected to the township board every four years since his first term beginning in 1992. He is a retired automotive and product development manager and a lifelong township resident.An attorney, Heise served as state representative for the 20th House District from 2011-2016 when he was term limited from seeking reelection. He was elected to the supervisor’s office by write-in votes in 2016. He was reelected in 2020. Incumbent Township Clerk Jerry Vorva, 71, will be challenged on the Republican side of the primary ballot by Andrew Miller. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Nancy Conzelman, a former township clerk, on the November ballot. Current Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz, 62, will also face a Republican challenger in August. Janai Stepp, 54, hopes to be the Republican candidate in November. Doroshewitz, a long-time township trustee, was appointed in 2022 to replace former treasurer Mark Clinton who resigned due to health issues. 

Money Talks

 Rotary donates funding for 88.1 upgrades

Plymouth Canton school radio station 88.1 is $200,000 closer to needed upgrades at the 50-year-old student operated facility.

During a special meeting of members of the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club at Salem High School, club officers announced a $200,000 grant to the student station to fund significant improvements to broadcast equipment and studio space. The funds will be matched through station fund raising and used to complete a studio expansion, that will also provide for a video element and podcasting.

The student station has operated from the same space for half a century, noted Station Manager Bill Keith, and the equipment is in need of significant upgrades. The station launched an amplification capital campaign on May 10 to raise funds to convert a classroom into a series of editing, recording, and interview studios, a staff room, and storage space. The $517,000 estimate for the capital campaign includes architecture fees, construction costs, HVAC considerations, sound attenuation measures, enhanced lighting, security considerations, ADA accessibility, video 

capabilities, and significant equipment purchases and upgrades resulting in four additional studios, Keith explained.

The grant from the Rotary Foundation will make these goals more attainable, noted Rotary member and Superintendent of Plymouth-Canton Schools Monica Merritt as she thanked the club members for the donation during the special luncheon.

“We often don’t know the difference we make in people’s lives,” she told the crowded meeting room “This grant will help us get our students prepared for the world. You’ll continue to hear your input,” she said.

The planned upgrades will allow for significantly more student participation and more than double the current studio space, allowing for more on-air content, recorded news/programming, and edited news podcasts, Keith said. These upgrades will put the broadcasting 

environment at 88.1 the Park on par with professional studio space—helping to maintain their award-winning broadcasting quality, while 

creating a more professional experience for students and studio guests, he added.

Rotary President Chris Porman said the grant, announced by Warren Mussen, president of the Rotary Foundation, was a reflection of the club members’ values.

“This was important to our club belief in the power of education and communication and ultimately 
community building,” Porman said.

The grant was awarded, in part, in recognition of the centennial anniversary of the Plymouth Rotary Club, originally founded in 1924. The student station must raise another $200,000 in order to receive the grant before Dec. 31, 2026.

27-year veteran Northville police officer retires

 Northville Police Department Capt. Greg Hannewald was honored for his 27 years of public safety service with a retirement celebration at city hall this month. Hannewald’s family, staff and members of the city council along with police colleagues, active and retired attended the event honoring Hannewald. Mayor Brian Turnbull read a resolution that proclaimed May 15, 2024 as Capt. Greg Hannewald Day in the city of Northville.Hannewald spent his entire career at the Northville Police Department. He started as a part-time officer in 1996, became full-time 15 months later, and advanced steadily – from detective in March 2006 to sergeant four months later, to captain in July 2020. One of the advantages he had as a young officer was name recognition – his father, Norm, was a 7th grade life science teacher in the Northville Public School District and many students and parents extended the favorable connection from father to son, officials noted.Hannewald said building relationships with residents, business owners and his brothers (and sisters) in blue meant the most to him. On a rough day, when he had to deliver news of a death to relatives, he did so with compassion while also deeply feeling the loss. On the best of days, when he had saved a life, he said he felt a deep sense of fulfillment in his chosen career. When the downtown was part of his patrol duties, Hannewald said he got to know the shop owners and people who worked there and made his visibility a priority. The Business Watch program set up by the department strengthens that bond, he said and a new camera set up downtown adds a downtown safety measure. Education provided Hannewald with the right skill set for the job, he said. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University in 1996. He is a 2017 graduate of the 33rd session of the School of Police Staff and Command sponsored through Eastern Michigan University. He has attended the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police New Chief and Executive School, as well as the Michigan Police Executive Development seminar hosted by the Detroit Office of the FBI. Hannewald recalled that when he started at the Northville department, there were no in-car video cameras and DNA evidence was just beginning. Adding those components has vastly improved police procedures by aiding in arrests and obtaining justice for victims, he said. The use of body-worn cameras has been another positive aspect. “Body cams have been beneficial in a lot of ways,” he said. “They are used for evidence collection and also help reduce liability for police officers because it shows what the facts are.  “As a whole, technology has served to improve policing,” Hannewald said. “It’s given us more tools to solve crimes and provide top-notch policing to the community.” While on patrols in the early days, he said he liked taking a case from start to finish. That involved investigative work, crime scene evidence collection, interviews, and even going to court when needed. Past assignments included being a field training program officer and program supervisor, an evidence technician, a member of the serious/fatal Accident Investigation team and an instructor in defensive tactics. Throughout his career, Hannewald was active in both the Northville Police Officer Association, holding leadership positions, and the Northville Command Officer Association, serving as president of both groups. He has served on both sides of the table on bargaining teams and has successfully negotiated several labor agreements. For the past four years, he has been an administrator, managing day-to-day operations of the department. He has found it “most gratifying to be able to watch this department grow and advance professionally.” “He will be missed,” said Police Chief Alan Maciag. “Captain Hannewald is a hard worker who has dedicated the past 27 years to citizens of Northville. He has had many accomplishments and successes throughout his career,” Maciag said. “His dedication, professionalism and integrity have helped shape the department into what is it today. I am proud to have worked with Captain Hannewald for the past few years and wish him the best.”  Hannewald said his plans for retirement include finding another job when the time and opportunity are right. He also He also plans to travel and resume deer hunting in the fall. For the summer, he wants to spend more quality time with his two teen daughters and wife, Rochelle. Hannewald was active in both the Northville Police Officer Association, holding leadership positions, and the Northville Command Officer Association, serving as president of both groups. He has served on both sides of the table on bargaining teams and has successfully negotiated several labor agreements. For the past four years, he has been an administrator, managing day-to-day operations of the department. He has found it “most gratifying to be able to watch this department grow and advance professionally.” “He will be missed,” said Police Chief Alan Maciag. “Captain Hannewald is a hard worker who has dedicated the past 27 years to citizens of Northville. He has had many accomplishments and successes throughout his career,” Maciag said. “His dedication, professionalism and integrity have helped shape the department into what is it today. I am proud to have worked with Captain Hannewald for the past few years and wish him the best.”  
Hannewald said his plans for retirement include finding another job when the time and opportunity are right. He also plans to travel and resume deer hunting in the fall. For the summer, he wants to spend more quality time with his two teen daughters and wife, Rochelle.

Groundbreaking for ‘The Downs’ attended by huge crowd

  Following years of discussion, negotiations and planning, the $350 million redevelopment in the heart of downtown Northville is officially under way.Groundbreaking ceremonies for The Downs, a development which will include 443 residential units, commercial space and 15 acres of parks and greenspace on the 48 acres formerly occupied by the Northville Downs harness racetrack took place May 13.Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull told the standing room only crowd at the event that the project, to be constructed by Hunter Pasteur, would be transformational for the community.“We’ve been a long time working towards this groundbreaking.  This is truly a transformational initiative...not only for Northvillians, but for all in southeastern Michigan,” Turnbull said. U.S. Rep., Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, joined elected officials from throughout the area along with a crowd of residents during the ceremony. 

“Everybody’s here because this is about the Southeast Michigan community coming together and what’s happening here helps all of us,” Dingell said. She added that the daylighting of the Rouge River would be one of the “greatest benefits” of the project and would reduce flooding in downstream communities. Plans for the project include removing obstructions and restoring the flow of the river to the previous condition before being covered to accommodate previous development. Riverwalk sections are included in the project and could eventually link to state trails, according to development plans. Demolition of outbuildings at the racetrack began in March with asbestos abatement. Demolition of the large audience structure at the site will begin soon, officials said. The racetrack officially closed in early February after 80 years at the downtown Northville location.

Gunman arrested following 17-hour standoff with police

 A Canton Township man is facing multiple charges following a 17-hour standoff with police at the Glen Ridge Manufactured Home Park May 8.Canton police officers responded to a home on Annapolis Circle at about 6:15 p.m. May 8 following a report of a domestic disturbance. When officers arrived, they found Scott Earl Hoover, 39, armed and barricaded in the manufactured home. According to police reports, officers secured the area and determined that a felony assault had occurred and confirmed that the barricaded man was armed. The standoff continued for nearly 17 hours, according to police reports during which time officers maintained contact with the suspect. Eventually, a police negotiator was able to convince the man to meet outside the home where he was arrested. Hoover is facing charges of felonious assault, a 4-year felony; felony firearm a 2-year felony, reckless use of a firearm, a 90-day misdemeanor and domestic violence, a 93-day misdemeanor, according to court records. Judge James Plakas of the 35th District Court set Hoover’s bond at $20,000 or 10 percent during his arraignment. He is scheduled to return to court tomorrow, May 17

Child sexual misconduct charges filed in 2018 incident

 Nearly 4 years following alleged inappropriate sexual contact with a child, a Westland man is facing second degree criminal sexual conduct charges. Charges against Paul Wheeler Sposite, 57, were filed last month in connection with incidents that allegedly occurred at the Wayne Knights of Columbus building in 2018.  He was arraigned on sexual misconduct charges on April 26 and released on a $25,000 bond. A report of inappropriate contact between Sposite and a young boy was initially filed with the Wayne Police Department in 2018, but no charges were filed at that time. The boy’s father and stepmother reported the incident telling detectives that the family visited the Moose Lodge on Michigan Avenue in Wayne on Sept. 8, 2018 where Sposite was a high-ranking official in the lodge. The child’s father told officers that women at the lodge noticed Sposite’s contact with the child and believed it was inappropriate, according to police reports.  One of the women recorded the incident on her phone. The boy’s stepmother was informed by one of the witnesses and asked Sposite to stop touching the child, according to reports of the initial incident. Sposite left the club following that confrontation, police reports said One of the women who saw the incident alerted the child’s mother who subsequently found numerous Facebook messages from Sposite to the child. During police interviews, Sposite explained that he had never been alone with the child and denied ever touching him inappropriately. During a November 2018 interview, Sposite told detectives that he had been accused of misconduct previously but the incident had been resolved with his receiving professional counseling. There was no further action reported regarding the allegations or interview.  The boy’s father, however, returned to the Wayne Police Department in 2022, claiming that the child had provided more information about the 2018 incident, including a graphic description of Sposite fondling him. He also told his parents and police that there had been a previous incident of inappropriate touching by Sposite. The investigation was reopened and detectives sent findings to the office of the Wayne County Prosecutor in May of 2022. Sposite was arrested April 26, nearly two years later. As part of his bond conditions imposed by the court during his arraignment, he is required to wear a GPS tether and is prohibited from contacting the victim or any minor children and cannot return to the Wayne Moose Lodge or Wayne Knights of Columbus building.

Driver, passenger killed in Plymouth Township vehicle crash

 Two people were killed last Sunday when a driver lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the opposite lanes of Interstate 275 in Plymouth last Sunday. A third person in another vehicle was seriously injured in the incident, according to police reports. Michigan State Police reported that a 46-year-old woman from Jasper lost control of a Ford Edge SUV at about 3:25 a.m. May 12 as she was driving southbound of I-275 near Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth. The vehicle crossed over the median and up onto the embankment on the northbound side of the roadway, police reports said. The vehicle then rolled down the embankment into oncoming northbound traffic and was struck by a Buick LaCrosse. The driver of the SUV and her passenger, a 21-year-old Canton Township resident, were both killed in the crash, according to police reports. The driver of the other vehicle suffered only minor injuries in the crash, according to police reports.

Court order keeps downtown Northville streets open

 Downtown streets in Northville will remain open while a lawsuit against the city continues according to a court decision rendered last month.Plans to close Main and Center streets in the downtown “social district” prompted a lawsuit filed by “Let’s Open Northville,” a group of local business owners and residents who disagree with the city decision to close the streets for six months of the year.Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Charlene Elder granted a preliminary injunction prohibiting the city from closing the streets while the complaint from the Let’s Open Northville (LON) group proceeds. The injunction prohibits the closing of Main Street between Center and Herron streets and Center Street between Main and Dunlap streets as planned by the city to take place between May 1 and Nov. 1. The city spent an estimated $200,000 for the installation of retractable bollards at impacted intersections to block traffic in the affected areas. Temporary closings for special events and festivals are not impacted by the court decision. Scheduled events will continue as planned, according to city officials. “The judge’s decision that Let’s Open Northville (LON) is likely to proceed on the merits is another step towards protecting LON’s members’ rights,” wrote Kyle Konwinski, one of the attorneys representing Let’s Open Northville in the lawsuit. “The judge again rejected all of the city’s arguments and instead entered the extraordinary relief of an injunction.” City officials have requested a reconsideration of the judge’s decision and will appeal to a higher court according to reported statements from City Manager George Lahanas. Court filings from LOP allege city officials overstepped any such legal authority when approving the street closures and have violated city ordinances, state and local fire codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other legal protections. The suit further claims the plan had a serious negative impact on local 
businesses.

Canton B.L.O.C.K. program receives $6,500 grant from BJs

 The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center recently received a $6,500 donation from BJ’s Wholesale Club, a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs, in conjunction with their Canton Township gas location, which opened in 2023. The funds were provided by BJ’s Charitable Foundation and will be used to cover annual gas costs for B.L.O.C.K. vehicles.shanks to the generosity of BJ’s Wholesale Club, B.L.O.C.K staff will be able to keep our tanks filled for a full year and provide even more opportunities for our members to participate in a wide variety of field trips and activities, as well as transportation to and from home without the worry of high fuel costs, and for that, we couldn’t be more grateful,” said Chelsea Straub, Canton youth recreation specialist. “This contribution has the potential to have a major impact on numerous BLOCK participants, and on behalf of all our staff, I want to thank BJ’s Wholesale Club for its generous support.”   Established in 2004 by BJ’s Wholesale Club, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation helps meet essential needs for families in the communities where BJ’s members and team members live and work, according to a company spokesman. Through local and national non-profit partnerships, the foundation focuses giving efforts on three main pillars: hunger relief, education, and health and wellness. The company currently operates 244 clubs and 175 BJ’s Gas® stations in 20 states and has more than seven million members.“We are driven by a shared purpose of taking care of the families who depend on us in the communities where we live and work,” said Kirk Saville, head of corporate communications, at BJ’s Wholesale Club. “With this donation, we are proud to help youth and teens in the Canton community access B.L.O.C.K’s recreational and educational opportunities.”The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center, located on the third floor of the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton, provides a fun, teen-friendly environment where students from ages 11-17 can participate in supervised afterschool programs, social events, and activities. For more information about The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen 
Center, visit www.cantonmi.gov/theblock or call (734)398-5570.

Construction delay

 Failure to follow bid procedure stalls supervisor’s office renovation plan

Failure to follow established purchasing procedure may cause a further delay in Sumpter Township Supervisor Tim Bowman’s plan for $55,860 in renovations to his office.

During a regular meeting of the board of trustees last month, Bowman proposed the renovations including $47,860 for construction costs and $8,000 for fixtures and furniture for approval. None of the trustees in attendance motioned for approval of the expense.  Bowman said the plans include furniture and fixtures for a new meeting room.

During discussion of the project, Trustee Matthew Oddy inquired about the lack of a glass partition in front of the supervisor’s secretary which had originally been proposed. Oddy noted that all other township offices where the public meets officials currently include the glass fixture.

Bowman said that alterations in the original plan included a design variance favored by his current assistant and now include accommodations for disabled visitors, along with a new desk for the assistant. Oddy noted that the changes in the plan were not compliant with the safety precautions initially proposed. Bowman said he was in favor of the new design and that the safety glass was unnecessary and noted that in visits to several other municipal offices, glass between the public and the official or clerk was not installed.

The main objection to Bowman’s plan, however, was his failure to procure three sealed bids for the work. 

Township Clerk Esther Hurst asked Bowman if he had received the required three sealed bids. She explained that the township purchasing policy 

requires three sealed bids for any expense more than $10,000. 

Bowman admitted he had not gotten the bids and disputed Hurst’s 

assertion that the bids were a purchasing requirement. He claimed that three bids had never before bid required, a statement Hurst denied, noting that the bidding process in the township was long-standing.

“It has always been our policy,” Hurst reiterated.

Bowman then claimed he received three bids from contractors for the work as instructed by Finance Director Scott Holtz, “and now you want sealed bids. I’m done with it, do what you want,” he told the board members.”

Oddy reminded Bowman that it is the township policy to present a detailed description of the purchase or work to the board for approval and then advertise for sealed bids. He suggested that with no motion for approval of the expense presented for a vote, the meeting could continue with no action.

“It’s always been our policy,” Hurst said. “We have to advertise.”

Planning commission OKs proposed 4th Canton Township Fire station

Plans for a fourth fire station in the township were approved by members of the Canton Planning Commission during a May 6 meeting.The new structure planned for the southwest corner of Michigan Avenue and South Lilley Road is in the planning states but will incorporate alternative energy sources for an energy net-zero building, according to plans. Costs for the building have not as yet been determined but will be a factor in the construction, officials said. Plans for a fourth station have been discussed for some time by township officials as about 25 percent of calls come from the southeastern quadrant of the township where the new station is planned. Officials noted that the new station would reduce response time significantly in that area. Officials said currently those response time were at 12 to 13 minutes in that southeast area of the township. Fire officials said the optimum time should be 5 to 7 minutes. Plans submitted show the station as nearly identical to Fire Station No. 2 on Warren Road which was constructed in 2021. It is about 13,400 square feet with three firetruck bays, officials said. Funding for the project will be supplied by a $7 million grant from the state and a $1.7 million federal grant. Fire officials credited the efforts of state Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, in securing the funding for the new 
building.

Northville officials celebrate ‘State of the Community’

The recent State of the Community address in Northville drew a large crowd to hear updates from Mayor Brian Turnbull, Township Supervisor Mark Abbo and Northville Public School Superintendent Dr. RJ Webber. Business leaders, elected officials or their representatives, and other members of the community were among those who came to hear the speakers and network. The annual event was sponsored by the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Director Doug Wallace was the master of ceremonies.

Turnbull said downtown businesses are going strong and noted that two restaurants were recently featured on Fox TV. He proudly noted that he and the other leaders speaking at the event work well together to help move Northville forward. 

He provided an overview of new projects in Northville and explained that demolition has started on the Downs site and the redeveloped area will have new parks, residences and commercial space as well as a daylighted river.  He noted that the riverwalk development starts at Ford Field, where the Randolph Drain flows into the Middle Rouge River, and will continue through the Foundry Flask site and onto the soon-to-be daylighted river at the Downs river park. He expects the entire riverwalk to be completed in 2027, just in time for the city bicentennial anniversary.

Ford Field is undergoing improvements with a new west-side, barrier-free entrance and reconstruction of the Randolph Drain outlet into the river at Serenity Point in Phase I.  A new playground and restrooms will come in Phase II. There are plans for tree trimming and removal in some places and buried utility lines to provide a scenic view into the park from downtown Northville.

The mayor noted that 6.5 percent of the city population is involved on boards, commissions and task forces to benefit the city.

He touted the championship trees in the city – four worthy of state recognition and two of national recognition. He said the old elm tree behind City Hall is being carved into a mustang (horse) at the top and historical artwork along the trunk.

Abbo spoke about the Michigan International Technology Center (MITC) that is being developed on Five Mile between Beck and Napier in Northville Township. The township received a $10 million grant from the state for MITC. He proudly touted the township triple-A bond rating, which he said is akin to a 850 credit score and said less than 20 communities in Michigan have that rating level. 

The township received a “Top Workplace” award from the Detroit Free Press; he noted they were the first municipality in Michigan to receive it. He mentioned the Parks and Rec award he received from MParks (Top Local Official) had his name on the award only because there couldn’t be 32,000 names on it (the number of residents in Northville Township). He said the township has the privilege of converting 350 acres of former brownfield into Legacy Park, which was a long time in the making. The first phase of the trails will open this fall.

To address community needs, there is now a cricket pitch at the Marv Gans park and will soon open a new skateboard park, Abbo said.

The new Essential Services Complex, public safety headquarters, being built on 15 acres at Legacy Park received a $1 million grant from U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell’s office to replace the communications system for public safety. 

Webber expressed his appreciation to voters who renewed the school bond in 2023, which provides $134.4 million to the school district while maintaining the current debt millage rate for taxpayers. That money has been applied to infrastructure upgrades at Meads Mill School and district wide, technology purchases for students and teachers, and program enhancements, he said. He touted the new, full-day Young 5’s program that starts in the fall and provides activities and lessons for children. Because it’s free, it will save parents a considerable amount on day care, he explained. Webber also mentioned an underwater “drone” program, the SeaPerch project that uses remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to perform several functions. They were tested by engineering students at the Northville High School pool. Webber called all first responders in attendance to the stage to thank them for their service.  

Branching Out

 Federal grant funds Canton Township tree replanting project

Canton Township officials dug in during a special event during the Annual Fishing Derby last week.

Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak was joined by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, along with members of the township board of trustees and local residents to plant six trees to honor the six U.S. military branches. The tree planting project was funded by $20,000 in federal grant funds that were administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to replant some of the hundreds of trees  damaged or destroyed in and around Heritage Park during the August 2023 tornado that briefly touched down in the community.

Branches of the military honored with a Columnar Oak tree in Heritage Park near the township veteran’s memorial included: the Army; Marine Corps; Navy; Air Force; Space Force; and Coast Guard.  

Funding for this grant comes from the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program, which requires one-to-one matching funds for projects on non-federal, public lands or lands open to the public. The Canton tree restoration project utilized the grant funds to add 83 trees to Heritage Park and 21 trees to Griffin Park. Five species of new trees were introduced that are not part of the current township inventory. These include the American Beech, Bitternut Hickory, Black Tupelo, Cucumbertree Magnolia, and Katsura. All of these trees were selected for their ability to thrive in soil with fluctuating moisture and salt conditions, to adapt to changing environmental conditions, as well as their ability to withstand storm damage, officials said.

“Canton is grateful to have received this grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that will help support our goal to create a greener, more resilient, healthier community for everyone,” stated Marie Graham-Hudak. “These federal funds have helped the township replace the damaged trees in our parks that play such an essential role in contributing to the overall aesthetics and livability of our community.”

Canton Parks and Planning Services staff collaborated on this tree restoration plan to plant a total of 100 trees in Heritage Park and Griffin Park this spring.

New state representative takes official oath of office

State Rep. Peter Herzberg (D-Westland) recently took his oath of office to serve out the remaining term of the 25th House District, which comprises all of Wayne, most of Westland, and parts of Canton and Dearborn Heights. 

The seat has been vacant since late last year, when former state Rep. Kevin Coleman was elected mayor of Westland.  

“I am honored to serve as state representative of my hometown,” Herzberg said. “I look forward to pursuing priorities that will propel our community forward. As we prepare next year’s budget, I will work to bring home investments that will have a lasting impact for folks in my district and for Michiganders across the state.”   

Herzberg grew up in Westland, near Warren and Wayne roads, and has lived in the same neighborhood for his entire life, now with his wife and daughter. He said he loves his community and has served in various nonprofit organizations, such as the Westland Festival Committee and the Westland Veterans Association. His strong community-oriented spirit has led him to help raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, juvenile diabetes research and the Westland Veterans Memorial Garden and Camp Liberty, he added. 

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put the people of Michigan first. This Legislature has been historically productive, but there’s more work to do to keep moving Michigan toward a better and brighter future,” 

Herzberg continued.