Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Residents protest toxic waste expansion permit

Despite overwhelming local criticism and opposition from elected leaders and Wayne County officials, a permit application to increase the amount of toxic waste from the World War II Manhattan Project is expected to gain approval from state regulators.

Republic Services, which owns the Wayne Disposal Landfill in Van Buren Township, has submitted an application to increase disposal capacity from about 23 percent, from 22.5 million cubic yards to 27.6 million cubic yards to accept elevated radioactive waste from the manufacture of the atomic bomb and hundreds of other toxic chemicals, some considered lethal. The facility is currently permitted to accept 722 types of hazardous compounds considered too harmful to the public or the environment for disposal in a conventional landfill.

During a meeting last week, representatives from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) told area residents and environmental activists that the permit application meets all applicable standards are requirements and will be approved on that basis.

The expansion is vertical, according to company representatives, and is now allowable following the closure of a runway at Willow Run Airport, near the waste facility. The closure of the runway removes the proposed expansion area from an airport flight path. A Republic Services representative said the new expansion was not previously permitted due to flight path regulations. With the closure of the runway, the restrictions on “vertical expansion” are no longer applicable, she said.

During the informational meeting, Christine Matlock, EGLE permit engineer for the proposed expansion at Wayne Disposal, told the audience that federal and state laws do not allow EGLE to deny an operating license if the facility can technically meet the requirements set forth by state and federal laws.

Members of the audience were critical of the proposal, and several local residents responded negatively to the plan to increase the amount of radioactive and toxic waste to be disposed of near a residential neighborhood and in proximity to Belleville Lake. One resident questioned the monitoring or contamination of water from Wayne Disposal into Cork Drain, which drains into Belleville Lake. She asked if that water is tested or treated for radionuclides, elevated radioactivity isotopes.

"The NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit, to my knowledge, does not have any radiological testing," said Jay Paquette, EGLE Radioactive Materials Unit supervisor.

"If we have to live next to this dirty, top-five most dangerous landfill, we deserve to have that level of data," the 20-year area resident said. She noted that her daughter and other children swim in the lake, and nearby contamination is a serious concern.

Public criticism of Wayne Disposal's capacity was rampant in 2023 when a plan to truck hazardous vinyl chloride waste spilled during a train derailment in Ohio to the Van Buren facility was revealed. Protests from local, state, and federal officials prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to stop those waste shipments into Michigan and subsequently dispose of that waste in out-of-state facilities. Public outcry did not halt the acceptance of 6,000 tons of soil and concrete with elevated levels of radiation from the development site of the Manhattan nuclear project last August, however.

Officials from EGLE detailed safety measures at the landfill, including the installation of synthetic liners, compacted clay layers, a leachate control system, which also controls stormwater that may drain through the landfill, along with air and water monitoring at the site.

Another audience member claimed that the EGLE environmental justice screening tool ranks Wayne Disposal in the 98th percentile for cumulative environmental impacts for burden of pollution and environmental stressors, including air quality, proximity to hazardous waste, traffic density, and socioeconomic vulnerability, including income and race-based disparities.

EGLE staff will evaluate the application and issue a public notice regarding the findings and then schedule a public hearing to receive public comments. EGLE acting Materials Management Division Director Tracy Kecskemeti said that it will happen "this calendar year, probably later this summer. Before that decision is made, we will come back here," she said.

"How do you bring the most harmful, the most destructive chemicals known to mankind, and put it outside of Belleville Lake?" asked one audience member. "You're going to put a toxic waste dump and expand it with more toxic waste to endanger our community? Shame on you."




FourGrounds

WDIV studio and coffee shop to open in downtown Plymouth

Plans for a new coffee shop and satellite TV studio are percolating in downtown Plymouth.

WDIV, in partnership with The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company, will open FourGrounds at the corner of Harvey Street and Ann Arbor Trail in the former Focal Point photography studio.

Plans for the conversion of the 1,400-foot space were presented to the city planning commissioners by architect Joseph Philips and WDIV Vice President Bob Ellis. They told the commissioners the primary use of the space would be as a coffee shop with only a small area dedicated to news broadcasts or podcasting.

The plans include the replacement of the sunroom windows, which now face Harvey Street. The proposed plan includes no satellite dishes or broadcast equipment installed on the exterior of the building, officials said.

Planning commissioners noted the approval was conditional that all exterior changes to the building would be in compliance with city ordinances.

The business is tentatively set to open in September.

“At Fourgrounds, we’re bringing journalism out from behind the screen and into your daily rhythm — as familiar and approachable as your morning coffee,” said Ellis.

“This project is a perfect match for us,” said Greg Miracle, President and Founder of Great Lakes Coffee. “Our greatest passion is bringing people together over great coffee, and we’re thrilled to help create a space that keeps Plymouth buzzing with energy, engagement, and local flavor.”

Live daily broadcasts of Live in the D will take place at the coffee shop, Ellis said.

Every product sold inside Fourgrounds will celebrate the local spirit — from Michigan-made goods to menu items named after iconic landmarks in and around Plymouth, he added.

“This will be more than just a coffee shop — it’s a gathering place,” said Plymouth Mayor Suzi Deal. “We’re thrilled WDIV and Great Lakes Coffee chose our city for a venture that blends trusted local journalism with our small-town charm.”



Area Independence Day Parades step off tomorrow

Independence Day parades step off in both downtown Northville and Plymouth tomorrow morning in celebration of the 4th of July holiday.

In Plymouth, the Good Morning USA 4th of July Parade, hosted and organized by the Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth, will begin at 9 a.m. on Main Street in downtown Plymouth. The Plymouth parade includes war veterans driven in vehicles, bands, floats, flags, the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps, cheer and pom teams, and several other participants. Organizers are planning for 1,500 parade participants and thousands of attendees lining Main Street to help celebrate America on the Fourth.

The Plymouth parade line-up will begin at Cordage Park Circle and march south on Court Street to downtown along Main Street and Main Street Extension, turning left onto Water Street, and finishing at Plymouth Rock, according to a social media posting.

The Northville 4th of July parade is a long-standing tradition, with origins dating back more than 130 years. The 1876 Centennial commemoration is also mentioned as a notable event in the community's history. The parade is known for its patriotic fervor and is a highlight of the community celebrations. The parade features a variety of participants, including bands, floats, antique cars, and professional mascots, and has drawn crowds in the tens of thousands in the past.

This year, the parade will start from a staging area at Griswold and East Main and travel to Center Street, then down West Dunlap, turning at Linden Street to travel down West Main Street to Wing Street back to Fairbrook.  The parade is organized and sponsored by the Northville Chamber of Commerce.

Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. In that document, the 13 original colonies declared their independence from Great Britain.

The first annual commemoration of the nation’s independence was in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777.

Playing along

Ribbon cutting celebrates reopening of renovated Barchester Park

 

There were some very special guests at the reopening of Barchester Park in Canton Township last week, when several potential young users attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The reopening of the 10-acre neighborhood park followed extensive renovations, including the addition of several accessible playground features, lawn games, and a bounce house for the littlest participants.  Food trucks were also on-site, including Famous Hamburger and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck. 

“Canton is excited to unveil these park improvements that have been added to Barchester Park, which include the addition of several fun and accessible playground amenities,” said Greg Hohenberger, Canton Leisure Services director. “Canton received a lot of feedback from area residents that was integrated in the procurement of the playground equipment, which includes the addition of new tactile and interactive playground features that invite children of all abilities to play.” 

Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak led the festivities celebrating the improvements, funded in part by a Community Development Block Grant. Park improvements included the addition of four new site amenities that were selected based on community input that overwhelmingly indicated the need for interactive play features, climbing opportunities and swings.

Newly installed playground equipment includes: a Sensory Climbing Dome with bells, an Arch Swing, a Sensory Wave Seat, and a Sensory Ring with Buzz Reactor Game.  In addition, the project included the addition of an expanded play area with accessible ramps, two picnic tables, two Red Horse Chestnut trees, and the replacement of damaged sidewalks around the playground. Additional sidewalk improvements along Barchester Road will be incorporated later this year, officials said.

The park is located at 43021 Barchester Road near Morton Taylor and Hanford Roads and has access to paved and natural trails that are suitable for walking, jogging, or biking.

For more information about Barchester Park, visit www.cantonmi.gov/147 or call (734) 394-5360. 




Students awarded scholarships by Rotary, sororities

College tuition for several Plymouth students will be reduced with scholarship awards.

The Rotary Memorial Scholarship winners were announced earlier this month at a regular Friday luncheon meeting of the club members.

Dr. Bill Weber introduced the students and noted some of their accomplishments. The Rotary Memorial Scholarship takes into account academic achievement, as well as other important factors, including community service, financial need, and the Rotary credo of Service Above Self, a spokesperson noted.

Members of the Rotary Review Committee who determined the six scholarships were Mary Ann Wood, Denise King, Jonathan Solace, and Josh Mrozowski.

Hanna Thomas was awarded $1,000; Tess O’Donnell will receive $2,000; Cecilia Moore was awarded $3,000, and a $4000 award was presented to Priscilla Fernandes.

Shourik Das will receive $13,000 over four years and will be attending the University of Pittsburgh, where he has guaranteed admission into medical school. Saee Pawar will also receive $13,000 over four years and will be attending the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

In addition, the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma sorority awarded annual scholarships during a luncheon and fashion show at the First United Methodist Church of Plymouth.  A majority of Delta Kappa Gamma members are educators and school administrators.

Scholarship winners were Caitlyn McDaniel, a 2025 graduate of Plymouth High School, who will be attending Grand Valley State University this fall.  Kaitlyn Courtney, a 2024 graduate of Salem High School who will begin her sophomore year at Michigan State University this fall.

Graduate students' awards sent to Sarah Perris, who is teaching at Field Elementary and pursuing a Master of Arts in teaching and curriculum from Michigan State, and Pamela Purcell, who is teaching at West Middle School and pursuing an endorsement in School Library Media Specialist, at Wayne State University.

Fashions for women at the luncheon were from Coral Sash Boutique in Brighton. Delta Kappa Gamma women are often teachers and school administrators, as well as in other professional fields.





Wayne Westland district names interim superintendent

Dr. Catherine Cost will serve as interim superintendent of the Wayne-Westland Community Schools District.

Cost’s appointment was confirmed by a vote of members of the Wayne-Westland board of education during a July 18 meeting. Her interim status will continue while a nationwide search for a permanent superintendent continues, according to a letter sent to parents of district students.

Former district superintendent Dr. John Dignan resigned last August after being placed on administrative leave following discovery of a budget shortfall estimated at $28 million. He had led the district since he was hired by board members in 2020. Assistant Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Curry served as interim district leader until Cost’s recent appointment.

In a letter to families last week, School Board President Kimberly May noted that Cost previously served as superintendent of schools in Wyandotte Public Schools for nine years following eight years as an assistant superintendent at Farmington Public Schools.

Most recently, according to May’s letter, Cost served as interim superintendent in the Hazel Park School District. In the letter, May expressed confidence in Cost saying she is expected to provide stability and support during the upcoming transition. Board members have announced plans to employ the services of a professional employment search firm and communicate with parents and others as a new permanent district leader is sought. Board members said the search would be both comprehensive and transparent. An important qualification for candidates will be the ability to foster a positive academic environment and meet district standards, the letter stated.

Cost’s resignation from the Wyandotte district followed a controversy regarding the installation of a cell phone tower, according to internet reports.

Fun Day

Sumpter Family Fun Day planned

It will be Family Fun Day in Sumpter Township July 19.

Sumpter Township Parks and Recreation is planning the family-friendly event set for noon until 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Graham Park, located at 23483 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

Members of the Lions Club will be on hand to provide free vision screening for children, and a water bounce house with a water slide, along with swimming activities, will be part of the fun. The event will feature games including a cupcake walk, a watermelon seed spitting contest, a three-legged race, and others. A food truck and ice cream truck will be on site to purchase refreshments, organizers noted.

The event is free and open to the public.


Sumpter seeking 
2 scam suspects

Sumpter Township police are seeking information regarding reports received from area residents last week about two young men posing as representatives of utility provider DTE. Police said the suspects were going door-to-door in neighborhood approaching residents. Police suspect the two may actually be solicitors for a competing electric utility company. Anyone who can identify the suspects or provide any information is asked to call the Sumpter Township Police Department Detective Bureau at (734) 461-4833.

Community calendar

Art In The Park July 11-13

Plymouth Art In The Park returns July 11-13, for its 45th anniversary, once again transforming downtown Plymouth streets into an outdoor art gallery.

Visitors can explore a variety of original, handcrafted work, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art, and more.

The event includes living murals, street performers, professional LEGO displays,

And more than 90 young entrepreneurs are selling their creations.

Various civic groups charge for parking at the free event.

 

Romulus seeks Residential Ambassadors for meeting

Romulus is seeking individuals to become Residential Ambassadors as part of in-person focus groups occurring on July 17 and 18. Topics will include the current status of housing, home repair, and residential real estate in the city. Participants must be residents of Romulus.

Spots are limited and participants will be selected based on availability and to best represent the range of housing experiences, neighborhoods, and background. The application is available at- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKvvxlxIJmayYCuMcMIFTCceFWTZ6w094M1zWoGFwCb-feSw/viewform

More information is available from Jessica Hobbs t jhobbs@romulusgov.com or (734) 955-4539

 

Sumpter Fun Day July 19

It will be Family Fun Day in sumpter Township July 19.

Sumpter Township Parks and Recreation is planning the family friendly event set for noon until 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Graham Park, located at 23483 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

Members of the Lions Club will be on hand to provide free vision screening for children and a water bounce house with a water slide along with swimming activities will be part of the fun. The event will feature games including a cupcake walk, a watermelon seed spitting contest, a three-legged race and others. A food truck and ice cream truck will be on site to purchase refreshments, organizers noted.

The event is free and open to the public.

 

Romulus seeking heroes

Nominations for the annual Hometown Hero awards are now being accepted in Romulus. The annual awards are presented to individuals who made a real difference in the city.  Educators, community members, seniors, neighbors, students and businesses are all eligible for the award. For more information and qualifications or an application, access fromulsgov.com or UnityAbb@gmail.com

 

Canton Farmers Market now open each Sunday

The Canton Farmers Market returns to Cherry Hill Village for another season of open-air shopping from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 12. 

The market season will initially open at the Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road, and will relocate in July back to the regular location in Preservation Park, 500 N. Ridge Road, for the remainder of the season.  No markets will take place May 25, June 15, July 6, Aug. 31, and Sept. 1.

 

Rotary club seeking host families for exchange student

Plymouth Noon Rotary Club members are seeking hosts for a Swedish foreign exchange student for the 2025/2026 school year. The student, Malte, 17, will arrive in the country at the end of August and will attend classes at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park.

A monthly stipend is provided to the student to cover his expenses, and a Youth Exchange Officer (YEO) provides training, guidance, and support to hosts and student. 

More information about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program is available from Denise King, Plymouth Rotary YEO at (313) 310-1803 and at: dkingply@gmail.com.

 

Lifesaving classes offered

Romulus residents can register for free a hands-only CPR / AED and Gun Safety course set for 1 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Romulus Athletic Center (Cirrus Room). Join us for How to Save a Life with Romulus Fire Department and Romulus Police Department. Limited seats available so sign-up now. https://romuluspsf.square.site/.../romulus-resident.../5...

For more information, call (734)941-855.

 

Craft and merchandise applications available

Applications are now available for craft and merchandise vendors wishing to participate in the Romulus DDA Pumpkin Festival. The festival will take place Sept. 19, 20, and 21. Applications must be submitted by July 1 for consideration. To submit and for more information, visit here- https://www.romulusgov.com/207/Pumpkin-Festival.