AROUND TOWN MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2021
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WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
LATEST NEWS SHARE YOUR IDEAS! Visit Engage Birmingham to share your feedback about the South Eton Street bikeway, located between East Maple Road and East Lincoln Street. The city is evaluating its design and seeks your input about potential improvements. Register at engage.bhamgov.org and share your feedback today!
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 is currently 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 will 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 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 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.
CITY MANAGER'S 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.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE GENERAL ELECTION UPDATE Birmingham’s next election will take place on Tuesday, November 2. Voters will choose from seven candidates for three city commission seats, three candidates for three regular term library board seats, and one candidate for a partial term library board seat. The City Clerk’s Office advises anyone placing signs in the city to refer to the sign ordinance, particularly sections 1.03, 1.06 and 1.09. Applications for absentee ballot applications from the City Clerk’s Office were mailed to voters on the permanent absent voter list in late August.
You may also apply online at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/avapplication.
Absentee ballots will start to be mailed at the end of September to all voters who request one. Please make sure the clerk’s office has your current address and phone or email. By law, official election mail cannot be forwarded by the post office. We also need a method to contact you with questions about your absentee ballot or application, or if you forget to sign. For more information on all things voting in Birmingham, visit bhamgov.org/voting.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE (Cont.) PRECINCT LOCATIONS Also note that precinct 6 voters have had a permanent polling location change. In person voting on election day will take place at the locations shown here. You may also view the full map at www.bhamgov.org/votinglocations.
BALLOT DROP BOXES Birmingham’s ballot drop boxes are a secure 24-hour option for returning ballots, and – keeping in mind the deadlines above – voter registrations and absentee ballot applications. Drive-up and walk-up ballot boxes are located behind city hall.
BECOME AN ELECTION INSPECTOR Interested in becoming an election inspector? Please contact the clerk’s office at 248-530-1880. A downloadable inspector application and additional details are available at www.bhamgov.org/electioninspectors.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
UPCOMING PROJECTS SOUTH OLD WOODWARD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT Downtown infrastructure improvements will continue next 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 in 2020 on Maple. 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. 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 at bit.ly/oldwoodwardphase3faq. More information about the project can also be found at www.bhamgov.org/oldwoodwardphase3.
PARKS & REC BOND PROJECT UPDATES 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 August dashboard report featuring before and after photos, project highlights, work completed in August and work scheduled for September.
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, September 14 at 6:30 p.m. Topics on the agenda include a review of the Adams Park Concept Plan, an Ice Arena Project Update and the annual Golf Report. 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.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
PET ETIQUETTE AND ORDINANCE REMINDERS 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. Please review the following 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.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
ORDINANCE REMINDERS KEEP SIDEWALKS CLEAR OF GROWTH During the summer months it is important to ensure sidewalks are not blocked by plants, shrubs, trees, etc. Per City code, no privately owned tree, shrub or plant may encroach upon, under or over any sidewalk in a manner to interfere with the free passage of persons using such sidewalk. City code prohibits planting trees, shrubs or other plants in the city rights-of-way, parks or public areas without approval of the staff Arborist. When planting something close to the sidewalk, think about the width of the plant at maturity. If you have plants that are encroaching upon the sidewalk, please cut them back. Those in violation of this ordinance after receiving a notice and citation will have their sidewalk cleared and pay for the service. Access the entire ordinance pertaining to vegetation and maintenance of trees and plants on public property (Chapter 118, Section 118-19) at bit.ly/bhamtreecode. Thank you for helping to keep our sidewalks clear! For more information, call Code Assistance at (248) 530-1859.
KEEP GRASS & WEEDS BELOW EIGHT INCHES To ensure our city looks well-maintained, the City's ordinance requires grass and weeds to be kept below eight inches high. Poison ivy, ragweed or any other poisonous, noxious or unhealthy 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 website. For more information, call the Department of Public Services at (248) 530-1700.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY SEPTEMBER IS LIBRARY CARD SIGN UP MONTH Do you know about all the great stuff available with a library card? BPL offers the items you expect from your public library – books, DVD’s, music, audiobooks. But did you know that you can also read newspapers, consult Consumer Reports reviews, learn a new language through Mango Languages, and get homework tutoring through Brainfuse. And we provide access to online learning with Gale Courses or LinkedIn Learning. Plus, you can use your card to check out passes for free or discounted admission to over 400 places of interest around the state with the Michigan Activity Pass. For more information about these, and all the other ways you can use your card, visit baldwinlib.org.
STORY TIME IS BACK! Youth staff will present some story times via Zoom and some in Barnum Park. Check baldwinlib.org/storytime for the schedules and to register. The 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 SEPTEMBER PORCH POP UPS THEME: BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS Have you visited the Birmingham Museum’s Porch Pop Ups this summer? September is the last month to come see our free outdoor exhibits. This September, to celebrate the new school year, our theme is “Birmingham Schools.” Each Friday a different theme will be featured, focusing on the unique histories of some of the schools that graced Birmingham throughout the years. The pop up displays are family – and dog – friendly, and you can visit them every Friday, between 1 and 4 p.m. on the front porch of the Allen House. The Friday Porch Pop Ups will continue through September 30. Want a little more local history? The Birmingham Museum is currently open Tuesday – Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and features our current exhibit, “Beyond Suffrage: Empowering Birmingham’s Women.” 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!
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM NEXT 2021 GOLF CLASSIC AND AUCTION TO BENEFIT NEXT The Golf Classic to benefit Next is Friday, September 10th at Springdale Golf Course. For the first time ever, instead of holding the Silent Auction only on the day of the Golf Classic, we are also bringing the auction to you before the event! From August 30th through September 8th from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, the Next halls will be filled with one-of-a-kind, unique auction items that everyone can view and bid on. Auction items include great seats for Andrea Bocelli in December, a beautiful silver and white sapphire bracelet from Astrien's, spa packages, gift cards to many local restaurants and stores and so much more! The auction is open to everyone, so stop by Next to bid on these great items! More information on the Golf Classic event and auction, including the full list of items, can be found on the website at www.BirminghamNext.org or by contacting (248) 203-5270. Next is located at 2121 Midvale Street.
BIRMINGHAM GREEN ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, CITY PLANNER When it comes to quality buildings, there are none more so than Birmingham’s sturdy stock of historic
homes
and
buildings.
A
preliminary
analysis of 2018 data suggests that there are nearly 500 houses in Birmingham that are over 100 years old, with nearly 1,800 more homes turning 100 by 2030. Why have these buildings lasted so long? Why do new builds and new features (windows, trim, roofs, etc.) deteriorate and require replacement more often? 100 years ago, there was both good and bad construction. In general, the centenarian buildings that exist today
were
the
ones
built
with
expert
craftsmanship and sufficient investment, which have lasted the test of time. These buildings also typically contain design elements and quality materials that mitigate water damage that causes rot. Emphasizing quality, some estimates show that old growth wood is 30% stronger than new growth wood. Old growth wood, in most cases, is only available in old buildings. The forests that provided this lumber no longer exist. These buildings are important to Birmingham and important to the environment, and should be preserved as best we can.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Join us in Shain Park for the final two concerts of the season on Wednesday, September 1st and September 8th at 7:00 p.m. During this safe, fun and substance-free concert series, visitors will enjoy the vibrant outdoor atmosphere and beautiful park setting while listening to performances from local bands playing a variety of music genres. We hope to see you there! Our final two concerts are as follows: September 1, 7:00 p.m. – Sun Messengers (R&B Showband) September 8, 7:00 p.m. – “The Byron Legacy Show” Bringing Vegas to You, Starring Byron Cancelmo Shain Park is located at Merrill Street and Bates Street. Parking is available at the Chester Street and Pierce Street Parking Structures (first two hours free). In the event of inclement weather, please call (248) 530-1650 to check the event status. For more information about the In the Park Summer Concert Series, visit www.bhamgov.org/summerconcerts.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
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. In September, shoppers can expect to find apples, berries, corn, plums, pears, broccoli, lettuces, carrots, root vegetables, peppers, tomatoes and more. Visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/FarmersMarket for more. Follow us on Facebook @BIRMINGHAMFARMERSMARKET and Instagram @BhamFarmMkt.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
GOLF COURSES BIRMINGHAM NEXT GOLF CLASSIC FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 REGISTRATION AT 1:00 PM, SHOTGUN START AT 2:00 PM SPRINGDALE GOLF COURSE
Birmingham Next is hosting its annual Golf Classic at Springdale Golf Course on Friday, September 10. Registration is $100 per golfer and includes: 9-holes with a golf cart (4-person scramble format) Dinner and silent auction Contests from Next including longest drive, closest to the pin, putting and hole-in-one A dinner-only option is available for $25 (no golf) Springdale Golf Course is located at 316 Strathmore Road. Follow this link for more information or to register, or contact the Golf Course at (248) 530-1670.
SHADES OF PINK FOUNDATION NINE, WINE AND DINE LADIES GOLF OUTING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 (REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 15) REGISTRATION AT 3:00 PM, SHOTGUN START AT 4:00 PM LINCOLN HILLS GOLF COURSE
Shades of Pink Foundation is hosting the Nine, Wine and Dine Ladies Golf Outing on Tuesday, October 5 at Lincoln Hills Golf Course. Registration is $125 per golfer and includes: 9-holes of golf with a cart (scramble format) Dinner and one drink ticket Entry into the putting/chipping contest and 1 mulligan Prizes, gift baskets, raffle and more A dinner-only option is available for $40 (no golf) Lincoln Hills Golf Course is located at 2666 W. 14 Mile Rd. Follow this link for more information or to register, or contact the Golf Course at (248) 530-1670.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
ICE SPORTS ARENA LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAM The
Birmingham
Ice
Sports
Arena's
LEARN
TO
SKATE
program offers ice skating classes for ages three and up, including adults! Whether you're looking to further sharpen your skills or learn something new this season, the LEARN TO SKATE program has classes for all skill levels. Follow this link to view the program brochure for session pricing
and
registration
information.
Registration
begins
online September 13 at 8:00 a.m. All classes are limited to seven students and meet once per week. Skate rental is available. All students must wear masks. The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena is located at 2300 East Lincoln Street. Contact the Ice Sports Arena at (248) 530-1642 with any questions.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES
SUSHI JAPAN 176 South Old Woodward Avenue
Sushi Japan specializes in sushi and ramen dishes, and features many other delicious menu items. Dine-in and carry out options are available. Stop by today!
LUX TRAVEL GIRL 114 South Old Woodward Avenue
Lux Travel Girl has over 15 years of experience in the luxury travel market - focusing on entertainment, leisure and sports travel and has worked with high profile clients from the Sports industry to Wall Street. Lux Travel Girl captures the luxury of fashion, spiritual, culinary and entertainment travel. Visit www.luxtravelgirl.com for more information.
TAPPER'S JEWELRY EXCHANGE
251 East Merrill Street
Tapper's Jewelry Exchange buys and sells gold, estate jewelry and timepieces. Visit the company's website for more information www.tappers.com.
DIMAGGIO FINE ART AND JEWELRY
175 West Maple Road
DiMaggio Fine Art and Jewelry offers jewelry, art, gemstones and diamonds. Visit their new location on West Maple Road downtown. For more information, visit www.dimaggiofineartandjewelry.com
Photo Credit: Chris Cook Instagram: @jchriscook
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
THANK YOU TO RESIDENT AND AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICER, ALEX CALDERONE, FOR HIS SWIFT, LIFE-SAVING ACTIONS This month, we recognize Birmingham resident and Auxiliary Police Unit Officer Alex Calderone, for his swift, live-saving actions during his neighborhood's block party. The funfilled day deteriorated from normal to crisis in a matter of minutes. During the party, eightyear-old Violet began to choke on a piece of watermelon. According to Calderone, "Initially, Violet was panicked and crying but when she couldn’t cry anymore I recognized that to be a sign that her airway was totally blocked." Auxiliary Officer Calderone immediately reacted by performing the Heimlich maneuver, ultimately clearing the airway. He then transported Violet, and her father, to the hospital for further care. All of the doctors and nurses praised Officer Calderone for his quick reaction, training and ability to remain calm and take control of the situation. In a choking situation, there is only about a two minute window to react before lack of oxygen can cause severe brain damage or death. "It was a surreal experience. Violet looked at me and thanked me for saving her life and it took every ounce of strength I could muster to keep it together," said Calderone. "Later that evening my neighbors thanked me, telling me I was a hero. I told them I'm not a hero, just someone who was fortunate enough to be a part of the City's Police Auxiliary program where we are trained to recognize and react to many different kinds of emergencies. The credit should go to first responders and the people who, year after year, invest time, money and other resources to maintain this program." We are proud to have Alex Calderone as an Auxiliary Officer and resident, and recognize him as a hero within our 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 previous residents we've recognized on Engage Birmingham.
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
FREE FRIENDS & FAMILY CPR COURSE
The Birmingham Fire Department is committed to providing educational programs to ensure our citizens are prepared in the event of an emergency. Friends & Family CPR is just one of many programs and resources offered to everyone in the community. Register today: (248) 530-1900
FREE, 2-hour course!
Open to adults and children
Held on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm
Covers rescue skills in CPR and foreignbody airway obstruction and recognizing signs of heart attack, stroke, choking and more for both pediatric and adult
Visit bhamgov.org/fire for more information and educational resources
SEPTEMBER 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
Photo Credit:Joel Ingersoll Instagram: @agl_aerial_photography