AROUND TOWN Monthly e-Newsletter July 2021
STAY CONNECTED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Join the Citywide Email List at www.bhamgov.org/citywideemail
IN THIS ISSUE
LATEST NEWS
CUSTOM UPDATES FOR YOUR TOPICS OF INTEREST Select topics of interest at bit.ly/bhamnews EMERGENCY ALERTS
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
For emergency alerts directly from the Birmingham Police and Fire departments through Nixle, register at www.nixle.com or simply text "48009" to "888777"
WELCOME
SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us for the latest news from the City of Birmingham!
NEW BUSINESSES RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Please forward this e-newsletter to your family and friends!
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
LATEST NEWS SHARE YOUR IDEAS ON ENGAGE BIRMINGHAM The City is pleased to announce several new projects on Engage Birmingham. The new projects include a sculpture in Poppleton Park, paving on Latham Street, and Phase 3 of Old Woodward reconstruction. More than 400 residents have already offered their ideas on Engage Birmingham. Register at engage.bhamgov.org and share your feedback today!
MEET THE STAFF SCOTT ZIELINSKI ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER Meet the Engineering Department's Assistant City Engineer, Scott Zielinski! Scott has been with the City for about a year and a half, and is looking forward to continuing to serve the community!
NOMINATIONS OPEN! 2021 BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD CULTURAL ART AWARDS Do you know someone who has made an impact on the arts in the local community? Nominate them for the 2021 Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Arts Awards! Past honorees have included artists, musicians, philanthropists, writers, thespians, teachers, photographers and more! The deadline for nominations is July 25, 2021. For more information on this program and to submit a nomination, visit www.culturalcouncilbirminghambloomfield.org
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
COVID-19 UPDATES CITY OFFICES Birmingham City Hall has initiated a phased re-opening to the public to ensure continued service to the community while maintaining the safety of all residents, employees, local contractors and businesses. The City Hall lobby is 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. Those who are not fully vaccinated should continue 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 will take place at a designated location on the main floor of City Hall. Please note that 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 will continue 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
In-person City Meetings Begin July 1 with Virtual Option Available to the Public Beginning July 1, 2021 the City Commission and other City boards will meet in-person with a virtual option available to the public. The virtual option will be 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. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a mask during meetings and while in City Hall. Members of the public who prefer to attend meetings virtually may continue to do so and 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.
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
SOUTH OLD WOODWARD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT DOWNTOWN INFRASTRUCTURE - PHASE 3 PROJECT OVERVIEW & HISTORY In 2013, the City began to address the aging infrastructure in the core of the Central Business District with portions of Pierce Street from Maple to Merrill and Merrill Street from Pierce to Old Woodward. In 2016, Hamilton Avenue was reconstructed from Old Woodward to Woodward Avenue. These projects included new water lines, sewer lines and roads. In 2018, efforts continued in the Central Business District with downtown infrastructure improvements scheduled in phases. The 2018 project included larger areas involving both Old Woodward and Maple. These areas had some of the oldest water and sewer lines in the City, as well as a streetscape that was on a different grade than the road. Much of the old infrastructure was installed in the 1940s and had exceeded its useful life. Learn about the 2018 Old Woodward Reconstruction Project here. The city completed the Maple Road Reconstruction Project in 2020. The project stretched from Chester to Woodward Ave., and included safety improvements to the Southfield Rd. and Maple Rd. intersection. Learn about the 2020 Maple Road Reconstruction Project here. The South Old Woodward Reconstruction Phase 3 project will begin in 2022. Similar to the award winning 2018 Old Woodward Reconstruction Project and 2020 Maple Road Reconstruction projects, this project will result in new underground infrastructure, new streetscape and much more. Design features will include: Curb bumpouts at each intersection will improve crosswalks for pedestrians. Mid-block crosswalks, raised planter beds and landscape features will also be added. Enhancements will include: exposed aggregate concrete, granite bench seating areas, new street lights, and cell phone charging stations. Improved on-street accessible parking spaces, each served with an individual sidewalk ramp to improve conditions for the disabled. Similar to the messaging for the previous downtown infrastructure projects, 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. Updates will also be posted on www.bhamgov.org/oldwoodwardphase3 and on the City's social media platforms. Visit Engage Birmingham to share your feedback about Phases 1 and 2, and opportunities for public input pertaining to the 2022 project coming soon!
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
PARKS & REC BOND PROJECT UPDATE PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m. Topics on the agenda include: Potential Art Sculpture at Poppleton Park, updated Wedding Ceremony Agreement, and various project updates including the Birmingham Ice Arena Renovation/Addition project and Adams Park. 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.
PARKS & RECREATION BOND PROJECT UPDATES ON ENGAGE BIRMINGHAM Progress continues on the Birmingham Ice Arena Renovation/Addition Project. The arena, utilized by more than 6,000 people each year, will benefit from the following upgrades: locker room expansion and remodel of the existing locker rooms, adding an additional locker room and dedicated team locker room, a new observation area and meeting room space, and new concession area upgrades. The latest information regarding the Birmingham Ice Arena/Renovation project can be found on the City’s new public engagement platform, Engage Birmingham. Visit engage.bhamgov.org to view the June dashboard report featuring before and after photos, project highlights, work completed in June and work scheduled for July.
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
PICKLEBALL COURT UPDATE The Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board, through its Capital Projects Sub-Committee and City Staff, is evaluating potential locations for Pickleball Courts. Last fall, Birmingham voters approved a Parks and Recreation Bond, which provides for the possibility of adding Pickleball Courts to our park system. The City surveyed the public for input on Engage Birmingham, engage.bhamgov.org, presenting five potential locations: the North East Corner of Lincoln Street and Eton Street (part of Kenning Park), Crestview Park, St. James Park, Poppleton Park and West Lincoln Well Park. As the Parks and Recreation Board moves forward with a recommended location, considerations will include survey results, comments from the public, available parking, other park activity, other planned improvements near or at the location, and other notable site conditions. Keep an eye on the Parks and Recreation Board meeting agendas and Engage Birmingham for updates and more public input opportunities on this exciting park project!
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
FIREWORKS: ORDINANCE AND SAFETY BIRMINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT In 2020 the Birmingham Fire Department responded to three structure fires that were caused by fireworks. It was determined these fires occurred as a result of airborne fireworks such as bottle rockets, floating lanterns, and other fireworks that leave the ground. Please consider watching professional displays on television, or locally, instead of do-it-yourself displays. Fireworks that are designed for use on the ground also pose a risk for injury or accidental fires, as well as other property damage. Although fireworks are exciting and fun, your money is literally going up in smoke and the risks of injury or accident involved are not worth the benefit. For the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, per state law fireworks are permitted from 11:00 a.m. through 11:45 p.m. on June 29 and 30 and July 1, 2, 3, and 4. Please visit bit.ly/bhamfireworkscode to learn more about the fireworks ordinance.
PET ETIQUETTE AND ORDINANCE REMINDERS CITY CLERK'S OFFICE Complying with ordinances pertaining to pet care and safety is extremely important for the protection of our entire community. The city has several pet regulations designed to keep pets and people safe. With the summer officially here, it's a good time to review these reminders: 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. All dogs and cats four months old or over must have a license. All dogs and cats shall be immunized against rabies, prior to issuance of a license. Licenses are issued by the City Clerk's Office at City Hall. 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.
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
SUMMER PROPERTY TAX REMINDERS A MESSAGE FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT Summer property tax bills should arrive in the first part of July. These taxes are due without penalty on August 31. Payments must be received by the City by August 31 in order to avoid penalty, so please plan ahead. The City does not accept postmark dates or other proofs of payments such as online banking transaction dates. When using online banking, please make sure you are using the correct address on the top of the bill. Also, make sure that the transaction will actually be a next-day ACH transaction. Some banks will send a check rather than an electronic transaction, which will delay posting of your payment. If you are unsure, please contact your bank. You will find a lot of valuable information on your property tax bill. Please take time to read the front and back of your bill. Many of the questions you may have can be answered by reading this content.
PAYMENT OPTIONS The City provides many options for paying your tax bill. These options, along with instructions, are listed on the back of your tax bill. You may pay by mail, online, at the Treasurer's Office, or use one of the two drop boxes located at City Hall. A payment drop box is located on the south side of City Hall near the back entrance. There is also a drive-up drop box located at the Henrietta entrance to the back lot behind City Hall.
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY JOIN BPL FOR SUMMER READING 2021! Register online until August 8 at baldwinlib.org/summer-reading. See the full schedule of events at baldwinlib.org/calendar
BPL OFFICIALLY GOES FINE FREE!
The BPL Board of Trustees voted on June 21 to discontinue collecting late fines on all materials checked out by BPL patrons. See full details here.
ANIMAL TALES FAMILY STORY TIME - CATS!
Saturday, July 24 at 10:30 AM Join Ms. Caroline on Zoom for animal stories and activities featuring cats! Registration required.
LET ME TELL YOU A STORY: BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE DIA Tuesday, July 27 at 7:00 PM Join librarian and DIA docent Kathleen McBroom for an exploration of the many ways visual artists use stories as a source of inspiration. Registration required.
PLANT-BASED EATING 101 FOR TEENS WITH PLANTHROPIE Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to this virtual presentation. Attendees have a chance to win a gift card to Planthropie! Registration required.
The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. Visit www.baldwinlib.org/reopening to view current information on the Library's hours and services.
NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM MUSEUM BEGINS PHASED RE-OPENING With the easing of the pandemic, the museum has developed a
phased approach to reopening. As of July 1, the museum’s Allen and Hunter Houses will be open to the public Tuesday through
Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. The museum’s 2020 exhibit, “Beyond Suffrage:
extended
Empowering
through
the
2021.
Women
This
exhibit
of
Birmingham”
explores
some
will of
be
the
groundbreaking women who have contributed to Birmingham’s
story, including early pioneer sisters, suffragists and activists, politicians, aviators, and even an astronaut.
Admission to the museum is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children 5 and under and Friends members are free. The Friday Porch Pop Ups will continue through September 30 and are free to the public. After Labor Day, the museum will return to its normal operating hours of Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., and first Thursday of the month until 8 p.m. 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!
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM NEXT WASHINGTON UPDATE: HALEY STEVENS, UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THURSDAY, JULY 8 AT 6:00PM Representative Stevens comes to share updates and highlights from her fist term in Congress. Representative Stevens will share her goal of strengthening the regional economy and her passion as co-founder of the first-ever Congressional Women in STEM Caucus — and as Chairwoman of the Research & Technology Subcommittee of the House Science, Space & Technology Committee. She will also discuss other important issues she is working on including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, the Child Care Stabilization Fund, plastics recycling and efficient Mobility options for Michiganders. Follow this link to register.
TAI CHI FOR HEALTH FRIDAYS BEGINNING JULY 23 10:00 - 11:00AM FREE DEMO: FRIDAY, JULY 16 AT 10:00AM Tai Chi is an internal (soft) style martial art that has been shown by scientific studies to improve one’s physical health. It increases circulation, improves balance, and promotes a calm state of mind. Tai Chi for Health concentrates on improving your physical being through exercise while increasing your concentration and relaxation at the same time. Tai Chi is especially good for those with mobility issues as it can be done effectively seated. This class, taught by Cheryl Goodwin, Tai Chi for Health Institute certified instructor, is appropriate for all ages, body types and abilities. Cheryl is certified in the areas of Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tai Chi for Fall Prevention, and Seated Tai Chi. Welcome to Next, Cheryl! Cost 10 drop-in classes: $80 members /$90 guests Cost 1 drop-in class: $10. Follow this link to register.
DESOTO DRIVE CONCERT & ICE CREAM SOCIAL THURSDAY, JULY 29 AT 6:00PM (ICE CREAM SOCIAL BEGINS AT 5:00PM) Join us in the Next Courtyard for that perfect summer evening
that kicks off with an Ice Cream Social and a toe tapping
concert featuring DeSoto Drive with James Murphy on guitar
and Ken Marten on harmonica. This cool duo delivers a hefty blend of classic blues, heartland rock and outlaw country.
Originals? Check. Covers? Yep. Muddy and Buddy, Johnny and Bobby, Bo, Hank and Gordon Slim and the whole Hee-Haw gang. Follow this link to register.
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
BIRMINGHAM GREEN ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, CITY PLANNER As construction season continues to chug along in Birmingham
and
Southeast
Michigan,
important
questions surrounding the environmental impact of such are often raised. Does the structure have to be demolished? If a structure is removed, how can that process be made more sustainable? How can a new
building
lessen
its
environmental
impact?
Understanding that the most sustainable building is the one that already exists, the Planning Division would like to explore the emerging fields of building deconstruction, reuse and recycling. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, disposal of construction materials wastes resources and landfill space and results in pollution when new building materials are manufactured in their place. Deconstruction can be applied on a number of levels to salvage usable materials and significantly cut waste and reduce disposal. This can range from reusing an entire structure or foundation, to select assemblies and systems, to the careful removal of specific materials or items for reuse. Interested in finding out more about deconstruction and how you can benefit? Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website for more!
KEEP GRASS & WEEDS BELOW EIGHT INCHES To
ensure
maintained,
our
city
the
City's
looks
well-
ordinance
requires grass and weeds to be kept below
eight
ragweed noxious
or
or
inches any
high.
other
unhealthy
Poison
ivy,
poisonous,
growths
are
prohibited. Those in violation of this
ordinance will have their lawn mowed and will be required to pay for the
service. Access the entire Grass and Noxious Weed ordinance (Sec. 118-66) on
the
City's
information,
call
website. the
For
more
Department
Public Services at (248) 530-1700.
of
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT BIRMINGHAM FARMERS MARKET EVERY SUNDAY THRU OCTOBER 31, 9 A.M. - 2 P.M. Visit Public Parking Lot 6 (660 N. Old Woodward Ave.) every Sunday through October 31, and you will be met with colorful produce and floral displays, the aroma of fresh foods and the bustle of the Birmingham Farmers Market! Visitors of all ages are invited to experience the open, outdoor environment and shop for local produce, plants and flowers, meat and dairy, eggs, artisan goods and so much more! The market proudly offers Michigan-grown produce subject to local growing patterns. By July, shoppers can expect to find apples, berries, cherries, broccoli, lettuces, carrots, root vegetables, peppers, tomatoes and more. Visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/FarmersMarket. Follow us on Facebook @BIRMINGHAMFARMERSMARKET and Instagram @BhamFarmMkt.
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
DAY ON THE TOWN SATURDAY, JULY 31 9 A.M. - 6 P.M. Visit downtown Birmingham on Saturday, July 31 for the biggest retail event of the year! Browse unique and discounted high-end merchandise in stores and on the streets and sidewalks throughout downtown Birmingham. There's something for everyone at this lively event. PARKING IS FREE IN STRUCTURES DURING THE EVENT! For more information, visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/DayOnTheTown. Follow us on Facebook @BirminghamShoppingDistrict and Instagram @BhamShopping.
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS SELECT FRIDAYS THIS SUMMER It’s show time! The Birmingham Shopping District’s popular Movie Nights are back at Booth Park this summer! Bring your chairs and a blanket to enjoy a family-friendly
movie
under
the
stars!
Pre-show
entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m.; movie at dusk. As always, Movie Nights are free. Visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/events for details. In the event of inclement weather, Movie Nights will be postponed to the following day. SAVE THE DATES: Friday, July 16 – ELF "Christmas in July" Friday, August 13 – CARS
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
GOLF COURSES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP The annual club championship returns this summer! This two-day, 36-hole event will take place during the first weekend in August at both Springdale and Lincoln Hills Golf Courses. Registered players will play 18-holes at Springdale Golf Course on Saturday, August 7th and 18holes at Lincoln Hills Golf Course on Sunday, August 8th. For more information and to register to play, contact the Lincoln Hills Clubhouse at (248) 530-1670.
FAMILY DAYS Take advantage of Family Days on Sundays through August! During Family Days, children under 10 play free with a paid adult. Family Days are a great opportunity to take your child out on the course. Tee Times will be 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and may be reserved by calling the Pro Shop. Each week, Family Days will alternate between golf courses. There will be no Family Day on the Fourth of July weekend. Learn more at www.golfbirmingham.org.
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES
VESTALIA HOME 794 N. OLD WOODWARD
Vestalia Home offers design services, furniture, window treatments and more to help you love your home. Visit www.vestaliahome.com for more information.
THE SHADE STORE 142 SOUTH OLD WOODWARD The Shade Store showroom features a collection of over 1,300 material swatches, fully interactive product displays and a team of expert design consultants ready to assist you with everything from inspiration to installation of custom window treatments. Visit www.theshadestore.com for more information.
AMERICAN EPOXY SYSTEMS 363 EAST MAPLE ROAD American Epoxy Systems provides turnkey epoxy installation services, including removal of existing floor systems, surface preparation and installation of the proper coating system for unique applications. They specialize in high performance coatings for commercial and residential properties. Visit www.americanepoxysystems.com for more information.
JULY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
RESIDENT REUNITED WITH LOST WALLET Two days after losing his wallet, a Torry neighborhood resident was ecstatic when he received a knock on the door. The neighborhood mailman notified the resident that an anonymous neighbor found the wallet and placed it in his mailbox. Thank you to honest and kind neighbors who continue to go out of their way to do good deeds in the community.
KNOW SOMEONE MAKING A DIFFERENCE? NOMINATE THEM FOR 'RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFRENCE'! Good deeds happen all the time in Birmingham and we love hearing about small acts of kindness. Help us recognize our amazing residents by nominating a friend, neighbor, family member, or anyone who has made a positive impact in the community. Complete the simple Residents Making a Difference Nomination form today: http://bit.ly/39esCPT! You may also submit your nomination and view all previous residents we've recognized on Engage Birmingham.
JUNE 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
Photo Credit:Joel Ingersoll Instagram: @agl_aerial_photography