AROUND TOWN MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2022
Stay Connected INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Join the Citywide Email List at
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!
WINTER SPORTS
FEBRUARY 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
LATEST NEWS
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK: POTENTIAL CRESTVIEW PARK SCULPTURE Visit Engage Birmingham to learn about and share feedback regarding a sculpture being considered for Crestview Park. The Public Arts Board and Parks & Recreation Board recently determined they will recommend the public arts sculpture, titled Astral Projection, be installed at Crestview Park at the corner of Southfield and Southlawn. Their recommendation will go before the City Commission soon. You are encouraged to share your opinion about Astral Projection and its intended location at https://engage.bhamgov.org/public-arts. We look forward to hearing from you!
MEET THE STAFF STACY VAIL, CLERK'S OFFICE Follow this link to learn about our new Clerk's Office staff member, Stacy Vail. Welcome, Stacy!
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.
FEBRUARY 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
CITY OFFICES & MEETINGS UPDATES CITY OFFICES The City Hall lobby remains accessible to the public through the Martin Street entrance on the north side of City Hall during regular business hours, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Oakland County remains classified as a high transmission area, and we ask the public to wear a mask while in the building. Main floor services including the Clerk’s and Treasurer's offices are accessible. Necessary in-person meetings between City Hall employees and the public take place at a designated location on the main floor of City Hall. Social distancing of six feet should be maintained during all in-person meetings. The Police Department lobby entrance on the east side of City Hall on Pierce Street continues to operate as the point of contact for all off-hour requests. Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of department contact numbers for services needed.
CITY MEETINGS City Commission and other city boards meet in-person with a virtual option available to the public. The virtual option is provided to help reduce the volume of people inside meeting rooms at any given time. Individuals who would like to attend meetings in person can access City Hall from the Martin Street entrance during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For meetings that occur after hours, visitors can access City Hall through the Police Department lobby entrance on Pierce Street. Members of the public who prefer to attend meetings virtually may learn how to participate at www.bhamgov.org/participate. You may also watch many City meetings on your local cable access channel and by web streaming on the City's Vimeo channel.
FEBRUARY 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
SECOND DRAFT REVIEW - CITYWIDE MASTER PLAN Join the Planning Board as they review the second draft of the Citywide Master Plan for 2040 on Wednesday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m. They will review Chapter 4 (Support Mixed-Use Districts) and Chapter 5 (Advance Sustainability Practices). Information about how to participate in Planning Board meetings can be found on the City's website at www.bhamgov.org/participate. In person attendees should access City Hall through the Police Department lobby entrance on Pierce Street. You may also watch many City meetings on the local cable access channel and by web streaming at www.bhamgov.org/watch. After the Planning Board review process, a joint meeting of the City Commission and Planning Board will be held to finalize the second draft and authorize distribution of the plan for review by entities required by state planning law. 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.
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m. Topics on the agenda include: Pickleball Design Proposal, Trail Improvements Design Proposal, and Adams Park 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.
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.
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 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. It is a continuation of the work completed in 2018 on other areas along Old Woodward,
and
reconstruction
in
2020
project
on
will
Maple.
result
The
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. The city’s public engagement platform, Engage Birmingham, offers the community an opportunity to share feedback about their experiences as a pedestrian and driver on the previous phases of the project. Download frequently asked questions regarding the
project
here.
More
information
about
the
project
can
also
be
found
www.bhamgov.org/oldwoodwardphase3.
SAVE THE DATE: FEB 21 PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION Join
us
for
a
Public
Information
Session
regarding
the
South
Old
Woodward
Reconstruction project on Monday, February 21 at City Hall from 5:30-7:00pm. Join us via Zoom or in person following current COVID-19 protocols. Tentative topics on the agenda
include:
Introductions
for
Project
Team,
Project
Overview,
Maintaining
Traffic/Access During Construction, BSD Initiatives During Construction and Special Assessments. Find more information at www.bhamgov.org/oldwoodwardphase3.
at
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2022
JOIN US FOR A CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2022 AT 6:30 P.M.
City Commission communications and code of conduct will be discussed
at
the
City
Commission
workshop
on
Monday,
February 14 at 6:30 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.
BIRMINGHAM PD OFFERS ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING The Birmingham Police Department offers free active shooter training to our local groups and businesses. This training can be tailored to your
needs
and
can
keep
you
and
your
associates safe. For inquiries contact Cmdr. Grewe at sgrewe@bhamgov.org.
UNDERSTANDING THE SNOW ORDINANCE Take measures to ensure you don't find yourself in violation of the ordinance regarding snow removal and snow parking bans. Here are the two most important requirements: 1) You are required to clear snow and ice on sidewalks that abut your property. If the snow stops falling during the day, your sidewalks must be cleared by no more than 12 hours later. If the snow stops falling during the night, all sidewalks must be cleared by 6 p.m. the following day. Sidewalks that are not cleared of snow and ice will be shoveled by the city and the property owner will be fined. 2) When a Snow Emergency is declared, residents must remove their cars from city streets so the snow plows can get through. Cars in violation of this ordinance will be ticketed. View more information about snow removal at www.bhamgov.org/snowremoval.
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2022
NEWS FROM THE ICE SPORTS ARENA LEARN TO SKATE CLASSES, AGES 3+ Learn to skate at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena! Winter Session Two begins February 1. Classes are limited to 7 students and will meet once a week. All students must wear masks. Skate Rental will be available. For class information, schedules and to register, please visit https://play.bhamgov.org/.
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) 530-1642 or cfolk@bhamgov.org.
FEBRUARY 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY LOVE YOUR LIBRARY! We’re giving you lots of reasons to love your Library this month. Join us as we continue our series with the Birmingham Museum, offer students and parents help with Battle of the Books prep, share new presentations about the DIA and from the MOT, get outside for storytime, and go live from the Idea Lab! Find all of these and more at baldwinlib.org/calendar.
TEEN WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Are you sick and tired of winter? Your challenge is to find and capture the beauty in winter for the chance to win a disposable camera and a gift card to Woodward Camera! Visit www.baldwinlib.org/teen for details and to enter.
PHASE 3 PROPOSAL Recently, the proposed plan for the 3rd phase of renovation was shared with the Birmingham City Commission. See project progress, video and renderings at www.baldwinlib.org/renovation. The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. For more information visit baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647-1700.
NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM BIRMINGHAM’S BLACK HISTORY The Birmingham Museum is joining with the Baldwin Public Library on February 3 at 7 PM to feature a free Zoom presentation
and
YouTube
video
recording
of
“Black
Families of Early Birmingham.” Museum Director Leslie Pielack will discuss the emerging research on the free and formerly enslaved African Americans who settled in the area and contributed to our local history. Birmingham’s links to the Underground Railroad will be included, as well as the pending
designation
of
Greenwood
Cemetery
to
the
National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Also,
beginning
in
February,
the
museum’s
Jacobson’s exhibit will focus on Stephen Burrows, the first internationally known Black fashion designer whose high end 1970s lines were featured in the Birmingham store. 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!
FEBRUARY 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM NEXT HEARTS & FLOWERS: CHAMBER MUSIC FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022 | 1:00-2:00PM Next welcomes mixed-media artist and instructor Marat Paransky You are invited to a chamber music concert featuring trios of flute, clarient, and bassoon. Windscape Trio musicians will perform pieces centered on the themes of love, flowers and joy. The concert will include classical, ragtime, classic jazz and contemporary compositions. Click here to register.
THE ETHICAL ISSUES OF PHOTOJOURNALISM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022 | 6:00-7:00PM Garry Gilbert, Advisor to Oakland Press, Journalism Program Director - Oakland University Photojournalism has a long and important history of revealing truths. Photojournalists operate as trustees of the public and they carry a responsibility to document society and to preserve its history through images. Due to technology changes, visual ethics is constantly evolving. We will examine the ethics of photojournalism in distinct parts. First, what is acceptable in the editing of photos and in the era of Photoshop, and second, how do news editors decide whether to publish graphic or invasive news photos?
WOMEN'S CONVERSATION GROUP TUESDAYS | 11:00-12:00PM Drop-in every Tuesday at 11:00 am, no preregistration necessary. Join us to get to know other women here at Next. This group will give women the opportunity to gather in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.
MEN'S ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION GROUP WEDNESDAYS | 9:00-11:00AM Drop-in every Wednesday, no preregistration necessary. Gather together to discuss the week’s events, weekend plans, sports — or whatever’s on your mind! No agenda, no mandatory attendance, or pre-planned topics. This is just an opportunity for the men of Next to gather and enjoy each other’s company.
NEXT IS HIRING! Next is hiring a part-time program coordinator. Please visit Next's website if you enjoy working with seniors and want to join a dynamic team while serving the community! 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 FEBRUARY 2022
BIRMINGHAM GREEN PROJECT SPOTLIGHT BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR The Parks Building was built in 1889 by Alex Park. The building underwent renovations in the 1950's and late 1960's that resulted in a travertine façade that was incompatible with Birmingham's Central Business Historic District. The Historic District Commission approved a project through the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation that will resurrect the historic 1889 through a careful reconstruction. During the process of peeling away the added facades, the original 1889 detail that was thought to be lost is seeing its first light in 70+ years. Unfortunately, much of the detail has been removed or significantly damaged, but what was not damaged during the midcentury renovations has beautifully stood the test of time. Make sure to stop by during construction to see the 140 year old façade before the new façade takes place!
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2022
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT RESTAURANT WEEK WEEKDAYS, JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 4 Visit participating restaurants weekdays January 31 - February 4 during the final week of the 2022 Birmingham Restaurant week event! Diners are invited to indulge in unique menus and a variety of cuisines prepared by top chefs from downtown Birmingham restaurants. From fine dining to casual fare, there’s something to satisfy everyone during the Restaurant Week event. Enjoy free 2-hour parking in structures downtown. Visit www.ALLINBirmingham.com/restaurantweek for information. Follow the Birmingham Shopping District on Facebook and Instagram for the latest on what's happening downtown!
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2022
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
WINTER ACTIVITIES IN BIRMINGHAM PARKS BUNDLE UP AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS THIS WINTER! Residents and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of all that Birmingham has to offer this winter season. With 26 parks covering 230 acres, there are many options to satisfy every outdoor enthusiast. For park locations and amenities, visit www.bhamgov.org/parks.
VISIT THE PARKS & ROUGE RIVER TRAIL SYSTEM Each of Birmingham’s 26 parks is unique and amenities include play structures, hiking trails, sports fields, tennis courts and more. Again this year, the tennis nets will remain in place for visitors to enjoy throughout the winter months, weather permitting. Tennis courts are available at Crestview, Kenning, W. Lincoln, Pembroke, Poppleton, Quarton and St. James parks. Nature lovers can access over two miles of beautiful Rouge River trails right here in Birmingham. For the trail map, visit www.bhamgov.org/rougetrails.
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2022
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
WINTER ACTIVITIES IN BIRMINGHAM PARKS SLEDDING AND WINTER SPORTS Bring your sleds and enthusiasm for some fast-paced fun on the hills! When the snow flies, sledding is offered this season at Booth Park and the Birmingham Museum. For those that like to cross country ski and snowshoe, Booth Park and the Rouge River Trail System provide great landscapes. *Please note, Lincoln Hills Golf Course is currently closed for winter sports due to course maintenance. Please be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates!
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING The Barnum Park Ice Rink is open! Bring your skates and enjoy outdoor ice skating. Hockey is permitted from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. daily, and the rink is free to all. City crews work hard to maintain the rink, however
users
are
welcome
to
shovel
any
snow
accumulation to clear an area for skating. For more information, visit www.bhamgov.org/outdoorskating.
FEBRUARY 2022
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
Photo Credit:Chris Cook Instagram: @jchriscook