AROUND TOWN MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
Stay Connected INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Join the Citywide Email List at
APRIL 2022
IN THIS ISSUE LATEST NEWS
www.bhamgov.org/citywideemail. CUSTOM UPDATES FOR YOUR TOPICS OF INTEREST
Select topics of interest at bit.ly/bhamnews.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
EMERGENCY ALERTS & CRIMEDAR
For Nixle emergency alerts directly from Birmingham Police and Fire, register at www.nixle.com or text "48009" to "888777". View and track crime at Crimedar.com. SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us for the latest City news and events.
Please forward this e-newsletter to your family and friends!
NEW BUSINESSES
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
LATEST NEWS SUBMIT QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS USING GOVALERT APP Submit non-emergency concerns or questions directly to the City of Birmingham using the GovAlert Mobile app! Simply download the free app, available for both iOS and Android devices, and follow the user-friendly prompts. Watch this video to learn more: www.bhamgov.org/govalert. Don't
want
to
use
the
app?
That's
OK!
Submit
your
request
at
www.bhamgov.org/citizenrequests.
MEET THE STAFF
JAIMI BROOK OPERATIONS & EVENTS MANAGER Follow this link to learn about the Birmingham Shopping
District's
Operations
&
Events
Manager, Jaimi Brook. You will see her around town at spring and summer events soon!
CITY MANAGER REPORT Looking for the inside scoop at City Hall? Download the City Manager's Report prepared for the City Commission each month. Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus provides the latest updates from city departments and a sneak peek at upcoming events, staffing changes, developments and more.
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
CITY OFFICES & MEETINGS UPDATES CITY OFFICES
CITY MEETINGS
ACCESSING CITY HALL The City Hall lobby remains accessible to the public through
City Commission and other city
the Martin Street entrance on the north side of City Hall
virtual option available to the
during regular business hours, Monday - Friday from 8:00
public. The virtual option is
a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
provided to help reduce the
boards meet in-person with a
volume
of
people
inside
Main floor services including the Clerk’s and Treasurer's
meeting rooms at any given
offices
time.
are
accessible.
Necessary
in-person
meetings
Individuals
who
would
between City Hall employees and the public take place at a
like
designated location on the main floor of City Hall. Social
person
can
distancing of six feet should be maintained during all in-
from
the
person meetings. The Police Department lobby entrance on
entrance
the east side of City Hall on Pierce Street continues to
business hours, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00
operate as the point of contact for all off-hour requests.
p.m. For meetings that occur
to
attend
meetings
access
City
Martin
in Hall
Street
during
normal
after hours, visitors can access MASKS Per the CDC, COVID-19 Community Level for Oakland
City Hall through the Police
County is currently low. The City continues to recommend
Pierce Street. Members of the
the public wear masks while attending city meetings. All City
public who prefer to attend
employees, commissioners and board members must wear a
meetings
mask while indoors when 6-feet of social distancing cannot
how
be maintained. These precautions are recommended while
www.bhamgov.org/participate.
risks for COVID-19 transmission remain from new variants.
You may also watch many City
The City continues to provide KN-95 respirators for all in-
meetings on your local cable
person meeting attendees.
access
Department lobby entrance on
to
virtually
may
participate
channel
and
by
learn at
web
streaming on the City's Vimeo CONTACT US Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of department contact numbers for services needed.
channel.
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
Connect With Us DIRECT EMAIL, NOTIFICATIONS, FORMS AND PUBLIC SAFETY ALERTS Constant Contact e-News (subscribe to receive emails about topics of interest) Webpage e-Notify (receive an email or text when agendas and minutes have been posted) Nixle Public Alert System (alerts from the Police & Fire Departments) City Forms & Payments Crimedar SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook City of Birmingham Birmingham Police Department The Birmingham Museum
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Birmingham Shopping District
The Birmingham Museum
Birmingham Farmers Market
Birmingham Shopping District Birmingham Farmers Market
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Nextdoor City of Birmingham Nextdoor Page
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
CITYWIDE MASTER PLAN UPDATE The Planning Board completed its thorough review of the second draft of the Citywide Master Plan for 2040 on March 9, 2022. A summary of the review and a prioritization will be brought to the City Commission at a joint meeting on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Department of Public Services, located at 851 South Eton. Following this meeting, requested changes to the second draft will be incorporated into a final draft of the 2040 Plan to be considered later this year. Information about how to participate in the meeting can be found on the City's website at www.bhamgov.org/participate. You may also watch many City meetings on the local cable access channel and by web streaming at www.bhamgov.org/watch. We want to hear your opinion, preferences, and vision for the community’s future. You are encouraged to review the plan and share your feedback at www.thebirminghamplan.com. The site includes relevant data, surveys, documents and an email communication option to send comments directly to the planning team.
SENIOR SERVICES Did you know seniors enjoy a wide variety of services all throughout the Birmingham community? From special events and activities to exclusive discounts and assistance, seniors have many special opportunities in Birmingham. Learn more at www.bhamgov.org/seniorservices.
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING Learn
and
Recreation
ask
questions
Bond
projects
about at
the
Parks
and
Parks
and
Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. Topics on the agenda include: Action Items: Nomination
of
2022
Parks
and
Recreation
Board Vice-Chair Parks Natural Areas Maintenance Communication Items: Parks and Recreation Bond Status Adams Park Project-City Commission Approval March 28, 2022 Adams Park Fundraising Initiatives Pickleball Brainstorming Session Ice Arena Party Room Wall Mural Contest Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Committee Update Attend in person or learn how to participate via Zoom
at
www.bhamgov.org/participate.
Find
more information about Parks & Recreation bond projects at www.bhamgov.org/parksbond.
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2022
SOUTH OLD WOODWARD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT Downtown
infrastructure
improvements
will
continue this year with the South Old Woodward Reconstruction Phase 3 project between Brown and Landon. The project will go before the City Commission for final approval on Monday, April 11. The reconstruction project will result in new underground infrastructure and new streetscape between Brown and Landon. Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for the South Old Woodward Reconstruction Phase 3 Constant Contact group at bit.ly/bhamnews to receive updates throughout the project. Download frequently asked questions regarding the project here. More
information
about
the
project
can
also
be
found
at
www.bhamgov.org/oldwoodwardphase3.
STAY SAFE AT THE GRILL THIS SUMMER With the change in season and warm weather fast approaching, people will naturally head outdoors for barbecuing and spending time around fire pits. These activities can be fun as long as important safe practices are being followed. Safety
should
be
paramount
when
using
barbecues or anything that produces an open flame. Follow these tips to ensure safety when using outdoor cooking appliances: Maintain a minimum distance of 10-feet for BBQ grills and 15-feet for fire pits away from
your
home,
garage
or
other
combustible property. Have a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby in the event that a fire gets out of control.
Call
911
in
the
event
of
an
emergency. Always use clean fuel such as charcoal, clean wood, natural gas or propane. Clean your grill after each use to reduce grease and oil build up, reducing the chance for a fire. Always fully extinguish a fire after use and never leave a fire unattended. There are different rules and requirements for multi-tenant buildings, such as condominiums and apartments. These types of structures cannot use propane for cooking. Alternatives for multi-tenant
structures
are
electric
grills.
Also,
inquire
with
building
association members about a common area where tenants can grill safely. Enjoy the nice weather and stay safe!
management
or
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
JOIN US FOR A CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2022 AT 6:45 P.M. Carol
Mastroianni,
Executive
Director
of
the
Birmingham
Bloomfield Community Coalition, will discuss a recent substance use
and
mental
health
survey
during
a
City
Commission
workshop on Monday, April 11 at 6:45 p.m., immediately before the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting. Residents are encouraged to attend the workshops to gain a better understanding of topics and projects considered by the City Commission. The Mayor will call for public comment at the end of each workshop to ensure the City Commission has as much time as possible throughout the workshop to learn, explore, discuss and hear community input as well. Workshop agendas will be available each Thursday preceding the meetings at www.bhamgov.org/commissionagendas.
JOIN A CITY BOARD OR COMMITTEE Join a city board to have a direct impact on your community! The following City of Birmingham boards and commissions have vacant positions or members with terms expiring soon. For more information, please visit www.bhamgov.org/boardopportunities.
BOARD/ COMMITTEE
APPLICATION DUE DATE
Advisory Parking Committee
Architectural Review Committee Board of Zoning Appeals Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Housing Board of Appeals Public Arts Board Storm Water Utility Appeals Board Triangle District Corridor Improvement Authority
4/20/2022 4/20/2022 4/20/2022 4/20/2022 4/20/2022 *until filled *until filled *until filled
INTERVIEWS/ APPOINTMENTS 4/25/2022 4/25/2022 4/25/2022 4/25/2022 4/25/2022
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE CONTINUED UPCOMING ELECTIONS AUGUST 2, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 8, 2022 Birmingham has two state elections in 2022: the August 2, 2022 State Primary and the November 8, 2022 General Election. Below are some important dates to remember: August 2, 2022 Election: End of May – Applications for absentee ballots will be mailed to voters on the permanent absent voter list. *These applications will be dual apps, meaning voters can apply for both their August and November ballot on a single application. Week of June 25 – Absentee ballots will start to be mailed to voters who request them for August 2022. July 18 – Last day to register to vote by mail or at mi.gov/vote July 19 – Aug 2 – Unregistered voters must schedule an appointment to register in person with the clerk’s office. July 29 by 5:00 pm – Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail or at mi.gov/vote Aug 1 at 4:00 pm – Deadline for obtaining an absentee ballot in person at the clerk’s office Aug 2 – Election Day - Polls are open 7:00 am – 8:00 pm. All absentee ballots due at the clerk’s office by 8:00 p.m.
REDISTRICTING With Michigan’s latest political redistricting process complete, final maps have been published. Michigan’s congressional, state senate, and house maps are at this link. Oakland County commissioner districts interactive map can be found at this link. Changes for Birmingham Voters Include: US Congress: The city of Birmingham remains in District 11, no changes Michigan Senate: The city of Birmingham remains in District 8, no changes Michigan House of Representatives: The entire city was formerly in District 5; now it is split between three state house districts: Birmingham voting precinct 5 is now in District 19 Birmingham voting precincts 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are now in District 9 Birmingham voting precinct 3 is now in District 56 County Commissioner: The city had been in Oakland County District 19; now it is split between two county districts: Birmingham voting precincts 3 and 9 are now in District 1 Birmingham voting precincts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are now in District 19 **There will not be any changes to the City of Birmingham Voting Precincts. Follow this link to review the precinct map.
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2022
PET LICENSE AND SAFETY TIPS INFORMATION AND OTHER REMINDERS If you recently welcomed a new pet, and your puppy or kitten is at least four months old, it’s time to secure a pet license from the City Clerk’s office. HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO KNOW: Pet licenses are available in three durations and the license expires with the expiration of your pet’s rabies vaccination: One year for $5 Two years for $10 (available if your pet’s rabies immunization is valid for at least 24 months) Three years for $12 (available if your pet’s rabies immunization is valid for at least 36 months) Pet
licenses
may
be
purchased
online
at
www.bhamgov.org/petlicense, by mail or in person at the Clerk’s Office. You’ll need to provide a photo or copy of your proof of residency, your pet’s valid rabies certificate and a check (if not paying online.) For more information, visit www.bhamgov.org/pets or call the Clerk's Office at (248) 5301880. USEFUL REMINDERS WHEN WALKING WITH PETS AROUND TOWN: All dogs must be on a chain or leash and under reasonable control of some person at all times. A dog cannot go beyond the premises of its owner unless restrained by a chain or leash and under reasonable control. Owners cannot allow animals to deposit fecal matter in any place other than the premises where the animal is harbored or kept, unless it is immediately collected and removed. If a person is walking an animal on property they do not own, whether public or private, they must have an appropriate device for the collection of fecal matter in their immediate possession and an appropriate depository for the transmission of fecal matter to the premises where the animal is harbored or kept. No person shall harbor or keep any dog which, by loud or frequent or habitual barking, yelping or howling, causes a serious annoyance to the neighborhood, or to people passing on the street. Also, please remember dog waste should be collected with a bag and disposed of in your garbage container, not your yard waste bin. If you have questions regarding the Animal Ordinance you may call the Police Department at (248) 530-1889 or the City Clerk's office at (248) 530-1880.
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2022
NEWS FROM THE ICE SPORTS ARENA RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION RECAP Thank you to all who joined us at the Ribbon Cutting Celebration for the newly renovated Birmingham Ice Sports Arena! The large-scale renovation of the nearly 50-year-old facility included a new ice plant, locker room expansions and remodeling, the addition of a team
locker
room,
the
construction
of
a
new
observation area and concession-area upgrades. Be sure to stop by soon if you haven't seen the beautiful improvements!
NOW HIRING SEASONAL POSITIONS! The Ice Sports Arena is hiring! Openings include Ice Arena Concessions and Sales and Ice Arena Maintenance. The City offers competitive wages and provides training as needed. Visit www.bhamgov.org/jobs to find out more and apply! The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena is located at 2300 East Lincoln in Birmingham. Contact the arena at 248.530.1642. For questions about Ice Skating Classes, contact Connie Folk at (248) 5301642 or cfolk@bhamgov.org.
FISHING AT QUARTON LAKE
GRAB YOUR POLE FOR SOME FUN ON THE LAKE
There’s a lot to do around Birmingham as the weather gets warmer, including fishing at Quarton Lake. The rules were recently amended and there are no longer age restrictions. Everyone who abides by Michigan State Fishing Regulations may fish at Quarton Lake. Enjoy!
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT SPRING STROLL SATURDAY, APRIL 9 FROM 11:00AM - 2:00PM The Birmingham Shopping District is excited to announce a brand new family-friendly event! This free event, happening on Saturday, April 9, will feature over 20 local retailers, with special
giveaways
for
both
adults
and
children.
Registration
is
required.
Visit
www.allinbirmingham.com/events for all the details and to register! A special thank you to our sponsor Dan Gutfreund Realty Group, Member of Signature Sotheby's International Realty.
BIRMINGHAM FARMERS MARKET: OPENING DAY CELEBRATION SUNDAY, MAY 1 FROM 9:00AM - 2:00PM The Birmingham Farmers Market returns in May for its 20th season and we have many special events planned to celebrate this exciting milestone! Visitors of all ages are invited to join us for the 20th Season Opening Day Celebration on May 1 from 9:00AM - 2:00PM. Enjoy live music and other festivities as you shop for local produce, plants, artisan goods and so much more! Visit www.allinbirmingham.com/farmersmarket for more information and to see all of the events we have planned this season. We look forward to seeing everyone at the market!
See what's new in the Birmingham Shopping District! Visit www.ALLINBirmingham.com for a list of restaurants, shops and more! Sign up for our enews and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest information on what's happening downtown.
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2022
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
GOLF COURSES GOLF COURSES OPEN FOR THE SEASON! Lincoln Hills Golf Course is now open! Springdale Golf Course will open soon, weather permitting. We are looking forward to welcoming golfers this season for course play, lessons and events. For more information or to make tee times, please visit www.golfbirmingham.org or call (248) 530-1670.
"WELCOME BACK MEMBERS" EVENT SUNDAY, APRIL 24TH AT LINCOLN HILLS Join us for a fun "welcome back" event, as we kick off the season! Tee Times: Starting at 4:00 p.m. Format: 2-Person Alternate Shot Dinner/Awards to Follow Golf Event Fee: $20 per Person Call the Lincoln Hills Pro Shop at (248) 530-1670 to reserve your spot today!
CINCO DE MAYO GOLF EVENT THURSDAY, MAY 5TH AT LINCOLN HILLS Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Lincoln Hills! Shotgun Start at 6:00 p.m. Format: 2-Person Alternate Shot Awards, Food Stations and Drinks Following Golf Fee: $39 per Person Call the Lincoln Hills Pro Shop at (248) 530-1670 to reserve your spot today!
SAVE THE DATE: JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAM REGISTRATION SATURDAY, MAY 7 Registration for the Junior Golf Program begins Saturday, May 7th. Residents and Members can register starting at 9:00 a.m. and will receive special pricing until 11:00 a.m. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. to the public. Registration will remain open online until classes are filled. For program information, visit www.golfbirmingham.org/junior-golf-program or call (248) 530-1670.
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2022
The
Golf
positions!
Courses Openings
are
hiring
include
several
both
Golf
seasonal Course
Clubhouse and Maintenance positions. The City offers competitive wages and provides training as needed. Visit www.bhamgov.org/jobs to apply!
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2022
SPRING AND SUMMER EVENTS RESUME THIS YEAR CELEBRATE BIRMINGHAM HOMETOWN PARADE, IN THE PARK SUMMER CONCERTS & MORE Treasured spring and summer events will return this year!
Join
us
for
the
Celebrate
Birmingham
Hometown Parade on Sunday, May 15 at 1 p.m. Learn how to participate, volunteer or become a sponsor
at
www.bhamgov.org/parade.
Find
out
more about the parade on the next page. Following a hiatus due to COVID-19, the community can expect a full season of In the Park Summer Concerts this year. Concerts are held in Shain Park and
typically
run
from
mid-June
through
mid-
August on Wednesday evenings. Keep an eye on www.bhamgov.org/summerconcerts
for
the
complete schedule and concert lineup coming soon.
YARD WASTE COLLECTION RESUMES Yard waste collection will resume during the week of April 4. Only the kraft-style paper bags are acceptable, or trash containers with a "Yard Waste" decal sticker attached (no plastic bags). For more information view yard waste guidelines at www.bhamgov.org/yardwaste or contact the Department of Public Services at (248) 530-1700.
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE BIRMINGHAM HOMETOWN PARADE RETURNS MAY 15! The tradition continues in 2022 as the Celebrate Birmingham hometown parade marches back into downtown Birmingham on May 15. Sponsorship of the parade is a great opportunity for area businesses to increase their presence in the community and to play an integral part of one of Birmingham’s signature events. Sponsorship packages range from the $3,500 Presenting sponsor, which provides the broadest presence of company name and message, to the $100 Parade Friend Sponsor, which includes a company’s name displayed in Shain Park and on the city website. There are opportunities at all levels to sponsor a specific parade act or party activity. Participants are being sought to march in the parade, create a float, entertain and proudly represent their organization. Contact the City Clerk’s Office at (248) 530-1880 or go to bhamgov.org/parade for information and registration.
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY APRIL NEWS AND EVENTS April’s looking awesome at the Baldwin Public Library! Kids are invited to participate in our Poetry Project, Youth Services moves outside for weekly storytimes, and we celebrate Unicorn Day! Our series with the Birmingham Museum highlights horse history, Dan Fogel takes us to Paris with his piano, Jim Herm discusses the legacy of Emmett Till, and Kamron Reynolds teaches the basics of comic drawing to teens. Find all of this and more at baldwinlib.org/calendar.
Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. For more information visit www.baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647-1700.
NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM PONY TALES BRING THE BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND THE BALDWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY TOGETHER FOR A FUN PRESENTATION THURSDAY, APRIL 7 AT 7:00 P.M. Kids riding ponies to school in Birmingham? You bet! There was a time, not so long ago, when the highly acclaimed and rare Shetland pony was bred at the Watkins farm and was the pride of Birmingham. Where did they come from, how did they get here, and why were they special? We've got the story and the pictures to go with it, so join us for Birmingham’s ‘pony tales’! Presented by Caitlin Donnelly. Register for this Zoom presentation at the Baldwin Library website.
The Birmingham Museum is currently open Tuesday – Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children 5 and under and Friends members are free. Contact museum staff at 248-530-1928 or museum@bhamgov.org for more information or for help with your questions. To see what we’ve been up to, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube! Every year, Birmingham’s ponies were led in a herd from Birmingham down Woodward Avenue to their summer jobs at Boblo Island in Detroit.
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM NEXT DRUMS ALIVE® GOLDEN BEATS - NEW! WEDNESDAYS FROM 9:00 TO 10:00 AM (STARTS APRIL 13) When we drum and dance we are having FUN! This in return releases endorphins and releases negative feelings. The rhythmical patterns of the drum increase synchronization of brain wave activity, which in turn provides feelings of euphoria and improved mental awareness and selfacceptance. Golden Beats® is specially designed for the senior population, those with limited mobility may be seated.
THE MOST FAMOUS SHIPWRECKS OF ALL TIME THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022, 6:00PM - 7:00PM RIC MIXTER, SHIPWRECK RESEARCHER & AUTHOR Ric returns to Next to discuss the most visited and most famous shipwrecks. He will tell us about two European shipwrecks and share details about the Arizona memorial that honors those killed at Pearl Harbor. He will also look back thousands of years, to shipwreck stories that were discovered in ancient Iraq and Egypt. From the biblical floods to St. Paul’s near disaster off the coast of Malta, Ric shares stores from ancient ships to the Titanic and Lusitania disasters. Finally, turning to the Great Lakes, Ric shares stories from the Lady Elgin, the Edmund Fitzgerald and also his family connection to a tragic North Atlantic shipwreck. Follow this link to register.
LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND- 80TH ANNIVERSARY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022, 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. Presented by Kevin Anderson, Foster Parent and Trainer, with his new 16-week old puppy-in-training, Gustavi. 2022 marks the 80th anniversary of Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) helping its clients live the lives they want to live. More than 16,000 guide teams have graduated from GDB since it was founded in 1942. GDB not only improves mobility for its clients, but it also furthers inclusion and advocates for policy reforms that change how the world views blindness. Kevin has been a Leader Dogs for the Blind volunteer since 1997 and is currently raising and training his 28th full-time puppy for Leader Dogs! Follow this link to register. Next proudly serves the growing 50 plus population in our community. Next is located at 2121 Midvale Street in Birmingham. Contact Next at (248) 203-5273, visit www.BirminghamNext.org or like us on Facebook.
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2022
BIRMINGHAM GREEN BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR What do you associate with the start of spring? For us, quintessential springtime means people walking, flowers blooming, and comforting, refreshing sunshine. Central to the
enjoyment
of
these
springtime
sensations
is
an
innocuous organism – bees. Research suggests that the link between bees and sustainable development is crucial and unique in their ecological role as pollinators of a range of flowering plant species. Documented relationships between humankind and bees dates back as far as the Stone Age, and the longstanding mutualistic relationship is something that research suggests is in decline. Although bee activity is associated with broad and consequential fields such as food production and biofuels, their role can also be experienced by an individual through a connection to nature, aesthetics, and health. What can you do to help protect the bee population
in
Southeast
Michigan?
Start
by
introducing
native species
to
your
yard,
constructing a bee hotel with your family, or keeping an eye out for sustainably sourced honey!
SPRING LANDSCAPING TIPS BY HRC Usually landscaping is recognized as the unique natural feature that enhances the aesthetic view around your home. However, environmentally conscious landscaping practices have the ability to not only make your home beautiful, but also protect the rivers, lakes, and streams within your local watershed. Stormwater from lawns, roofs, and driveways flow through storm drains and end up discharging into the watershed. The tips below help reduce the amount of runoff and pollutants that are discharged into your local watershed. ·Use rain barrels to collect rainwater for watering gardens to reduce stormwater peak flow runoff. ·Use Earth-Friendly fertilizers which contain a reduced amount of stormwater pollutants. ·Install a rain garden with native wildflowers to capture stormwater runoff. A rain garden helps trap pollutants and improves the quality of water being discharged into the local watershed. ·Use natural mulches around your home for moisture preservation and to infuse additional nutrients to the soil. A mulching mower will finely cut grass and reduce the need for fertilizer. ·Practice composting leaves and other clippings as an organic method to improve soil quality. For more information on landscaping tips, please visit Michigan Green Industry Association at http://www.landscape.org/.
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2022
WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES
PARIS BAGUETTE 183 NORTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE Enjoy delicious pastries, warm breads, stunning cakes and expertly brewed drinks while feeling right at home. Visit www.parisbaguette.com for more information or stop in to downtown Birmingham's newest bakery.
Photo: Paris Baguette Instagram
CIRCA LIGHTING 250 MERRILL STREET A
comprehensive
assortment
of
decorative
and
architectural lighting allows Circa Lighting to light your entire space regardless of category, style or price. Circa Lighting remains committed to beautiful design and, above
all,
a
brilliant
customer
experience.
Visit
www.circalighting.com or visit the showroom to find out more! Photo: Circa Lighting Instagram
MAJDA DIAMOND VAULT 230 EAST MERRILL STREET Visit Majda Diamond Vault, a boutique fine jewelry store located in the heart of downtown. Visit www.majdadiamondvault.com for more information. Photo: Majda Diamond Vault Website
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2022
WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES
THE APAP REALTY GROUP 135 NORTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE The Apap Realty Group uses a partnered approach to ensure that every client receives a consummate amount of personal attention, exceptional customer service and unparalleled market expertise. Visit their new showroom downtown or website at www.theapaprealtygroup.com. Photo: The Apap Realty Group Instagram
@PROPERTIES 400 SOUTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE Combining
cutting-edge
technology
with
upscale
marketing, @properties quickly became a driving force in the Chicago real estate industry and beyond. Today @properties is one of the nation’s largest and fastestgrowing brokerage firms, also offering mortgage lending, title insurance, and closing services to give clients a onestop Photo: @properties Instagram
shop
for
all
of
their
real
estate
www.atproperties.com for more information.
needs.
Visit
APRIL 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
Photo Credit:Chris Cook Instagram: @jchriscook