6/19/24 Madison-Park News

A LOOK BACK AT 97YEAROLD RON TEASLEY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN LIFE, BASEBALL

Hazel Park’s budget reflects higher home values, development

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

HAZEL PARK — The Hazel Park City Council recently approved a budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year that features a slightly lower city tax rate yet higher revenues due to growing property values and increased development around town.

The budget was unanimously approved May 14 and clocks in at $45 million, up from the current fiscal year’s amended total of $43 million. About $20.2 million is for the general fund. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

“This year’s budget is balanced, and we are maintaining city services. We were able to use grant money to improve our parks and recreation facilities, and we are starting to focus on local road repairs,” said Ed Klobucher, the city manager. “Things are good now, but there are challenges on the horizon. The (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars from the federal government were not allocated fairly, and that placed cities like Hazel Park at a competitive disadvantage. Wage and medical inflation will continue to be problematic, but so far, we have been able to retain our talented workforce.”

The city millage rate is set at 38.7975 mills. This is about 0.36 mill less than the current year. Property owners pay $1 for every $1,000 of taxable valuation, multiplied by the millage rate.

See BUDGET on page 18A

idles at the

of

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON AMPHITHEATER

PROJECT AT CIVIC CENTER PARK

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — On a breezy evening June 6, families strolling up and down the hill at Civic Center Park may have wondered why a large plot of land had been torn up by an excavator and cordoned off with orange fencing.

Work has begun on the city’s amphitheater project — simply called the “bandshell” by many city officials. Poetically, the latest initiative by the Arts Board, created by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss, is right next to its first: “The Power of Imagination” mural by lo-

Photo by Andy Kozlowski

An excavator

end

the day June 6 amid torn-up turf where a bandshell is being constructed at Civic Center Park. In the background is the Jaycee shelter building featuring “The Power of Imagination” mural by Jennifer Ramirez. The mural was the first initiative by the Madison Heights Arts Board, and the bandshell is its latest.

CRIME WATCH

Human trafficking suspect faces charges including torture, assault

• Two counts of prostitution/accepting earnings, a 20-year felony.

• Two counts of human trafficking enterprise causing injury, a 15-year felony.

• Assault and battery, a 93-day misdemeanor.

If you are a victim of human trafficking or know of a human trafficking operation taking place, call the Common Ground Human Trafficking Crisis Hotline at (248) 451-2622.

to a police report, a 46-year-old Detroit resident failed to return a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica that they borrowed from a business in the 30000 block of John R Road between 10 a.m. May 11 and 1:50 p.m. May 14.

Police continue to search for it.

MADISON HEIGHTS — An investigation by the Madison Heights Police Department in partnership with Michigan State Police and U.S. Department of Homeland Security task forces has led to the arrest of a man suspected of human trafficking and other crimes.

At press time, no attorney was listed in court records for Kevin Johnson, 31, of Detroit, who was arraigned in the 43rd District Court in Madison Heights on the following charges:

• One count of torture, a felony punishable by up to life in prison or any number of years.

• Two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree (multiple variables), also punishable by up to life in prison or any number of years.

• Two counts of prostitution/transporting a person, a 20-year felony.

According to Madison Heights Police Lt. David Koehler, the charges are based on allegations that Johnson trafficked at least two people for prostitution. It is further alleged that he sexually assaulted one survivor at least twice and physically assaulted her.

Johnson is currently in the Oakland County Jail with bond set at $750,000 cash or surety.

Koehler emphasized that criminal charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

He also commended the work of the detectives and other units who worked on the case.

“They put in long hours for several days to investigate and arrest this subject,” Koehler said via email. “The Madison Heights Police Department will aggressively investigate crimes of this nature, and seek criminal charges to ensure the public is safe.”

Those who may have more information about the case are asked to contact detectives by calling (248) 837-2732.

Laptop taken

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect entered a 2019 Ford Escape while it was parked in the 26000 block of Palmer Street sometime between 3 p.m. June 8 and 3:30 a.m. June 9 and stole a laptop.

The computer of unspecified make and model belongs to a 29-year-old Madison Heights resident. The vehicle had been unlocked.

Police were investigating.

Vehicle recovered

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a 2012 Chevy Suburban that had been reported stolen out of Detroit was recovered on 14 Mile Road near John R Road around 7:50 p.m. June 6.

The owner is a 49-year-old Detroit resident. Investigations were ongoing.

Failure to return rental

MADISON HEIGHTS — According

Accounts opened

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect used the stolen identity of a 36-year-old Madison Heights woman in the 1000 block of Englewood Avenue to open several accounts in her name between 1:30 p.m. May 17 and 9:45 p.m. June 4.

Police were investigating.

Fraudulent deposits

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect deposited counterfeit checks into the account of an 18-year-old Madison Heights resident in the 30000 block of Garry Avenue between 6:30 p.m. May 14 and 2 p.m. June 3.

An investigation was ongoing.

If you know more about these crimes or others, call Madison Heights Police at (248) 585-2100.

Johnson

Hazel Park District Library announces summer reading adventures

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

HAZEL PARK — Exotic animals, edible slime, treasure hunts, and a tightrope-walking juggler are among the highlights of the 2024 summer reading program at the Hazel Park District Library.

The program began June 11, with signup at the library, located at 123 E. Nine Mile Road. Library patrons can enroll at any time, and there is no charge.

The library also has a new way to earn prizes, in the form of “book bucks.” For each hour that a participant logs reading (or being read to), they earn two book bucks that can be used to purchase prizes out of the display case, such as a Squishmallows plush toy.

In addition, the teens who complete the summer reading program will be invited to an overnight party at the library on Friday, Aug. 9.

The program began with “Animal Magic” on Tuesday, June 11. Mark Rosenthal, a Nickelodeon Entertainer of the Year, brought a selection of live rescue animals not commonly seen in Michigan, giving attendees a chance to meet them up close as he strolled around the room sharing interesting facts about each species, as well as amusing anecdotes from around the world.

Woodpile BBQ, 630 E. 11 Mile Road, was cited as an example of the sort of downtown-style business that the city wants in its new City Center Form-Based District, included in the zoning update. A sidewalk out front, and parking to the back and side, promotes walkability while the splashy mural creates a stronger sense of place.

ZONING REWRITE AIMS TO EXPAND MADISON HEIGHTS HOUSING OPTIONS

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights City Council has approved a wide-ranging update to the zoning ordinance that will diversify land uses in the city, including more housing options.

The proposed changes were approved last month at the council’s May 13 meeting. The first complete draft went before the Planning Commission in March. The effort was backed by a $30,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which paid for technical consultants.

Of note are relaxed standards for accessory dwellings, giving residents more leeway in making modifications to their homes to accommodate relatives, such as

living spaces above a garage or built off the side of the house. The rewrite also creates three new districts, eliminates several others and redefines a half-dozen more, allowing for a greater variety of land uses that include more housing.

The rewrite also updates designations. For example, in the old ordinance, a tattoo parlor or pool hall was treated just as severely as an adult bookstore. Spas were also treated differently before, which is why Madison Heights lacks them compared to neighboring Troy. The rewrite reclassifies them in a way where they are no longer taboo.

As for the new districts, one is the City Center FormBased District, or CC district. Its goal is to help create a highly walkable downtown area. The CC district closely aligns with the city’s existing Downtown Development

Photo by Andy Kozlowski

See ZONING on page 19A

CRUISING ALONG

FAR LEFT: During the 2024 Madison Heights Bike Rodeo on June 8, held by the Madison Heights Police Department at Civic Center Park, Leeland Kempton, 8, rides his bright orange Mongoose bicycle through an obstacle course.

NEAR LEFT: Elliot Keel, 5, concentrates on safely riding his bike.

ABOVE: A vintage 1989 Dodge Diplomat police cruiser belonging to the Madison Heights Police Department was on display during the event.

PRIVATE PARTY ROOM

Photos by Liz Carnegie

‘Trap, neuter, release’ effort aims to control stray cat population

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — If left unchecked, feral cats will multiply like rabbits. A female cat can birth 20 or more kittens in one year, and more than 420 kittens in a lifetime. And the life they face outdoors is one fraught with peril, such as starvation, freezing to death or getting hit by traffic.

That’s why Eve Sandoval, of Madison Heights, a self-described animal lover, advocates a practice called “trap, neuter, release,” or TNR, for short. The idea is to trap a feral cat and bring it to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered, a procedure that takes about 24 hours from drop off to pickup. Then, after a day or two monitoring the cat in its crate — and, of course, feeding it and keeping its crate clean — the catcher brings the cat back to where it was found and releases it back to the wild.

Once neutered, the cat will undergo an adjustment period. Male cats will no longer wander long distances in search of mates, instead becoming porch cats or yard cats. They will usually stop spraying their surroundings as well. Most importantly, they won’t create more cats in need of homes.

To encourage people to do their part, Sandoval’s TNR group has partnered with All About Animals Rescue, a low-cost clinic located at 23451 Pinewood St. in Warren. The clinic offers an affordable service for spaying and neutering TNR cats. It also rents out traps and teaches people how to

do TNR, a free online course that lowers the cost of spaying/neutering to $25 per cat. The usual cost without the course is $40 per cat. The clinic usually takes cats on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is advised to check its website, allaboutanimalsrescue.org, for preferred drop off and pickup times.

As for Sandoval’s group, she operates out of a Facebook group, “Madison Heights, MI - TNR,” which can be found at facebook.com/groups/madisonheightsmi.tnr. As of the end of May, the group had about 110 members and was growing. The discussions there help educate people about how to safe-

See CATS on page 17A

Photo provided by Eve Sandoval Opal rests in her crate, waiting to be spayed. She is among the cats that have been captured, fixed and freed as part of Eve Sandoval’s TNR efforts in Madison Heights.

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING

RON TEASLEY:

SOME CALLED HIM ‘SCHOOLBOY,’ MOST CALL HIM

MR. TEASLEY, EVERYONE KNOWS HIM AS AN ICON

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Growing up, Lydia Teasley couldn’t comprehend the importance of her last name, and who could blame her?

To Lydia Teasley, her father, Ron Teasley, was a renowned basketball and baseball coach at his high school alma mater, Detroit Northwestern High School, compiling numerous Detroit Public School League and district championships across both sports.

Ron Teasley was also the first African American student to play basketball, the first African American team captain, and the second African American to play baseball for the high school.

It wasn’t until elementary school when she first reaped the rewards of the Teasley name by being able to have complete freedom in gym class.

“I got to do anything I wanted to do,” Lydia Teasley said. “I thought, ‘Oh wait, this is pretty cool.’ I still didn’t really understand it, but as I got older, that would happen a lot. I would go somewhere and people would say, ‘Teasley? Like Ron Teasley?’ Then the person is going crazy telling me how he was my coach or my teacher. He was this or he was that. I thought, ‘Oh, this is pretty cool.’”

See TEASLEY on page 7A

Senior Companion Program celebrates 50 years

Volunteers are the heart that drives any outreach program. ere’s no better example of this than the volunteers of the Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program.

On Aug. 1, the program will celebrate 50 years of making a di erence in the lives of the homebound, isolated, or lonely seniors living among us.

Maridenise West represents the ideal of volunteering in the program and how serving others benets her life as well.

“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. It has restored a sense of con dence and a sense of well-being,” said Maridenise West, 65, a volunteer with the program for eight years. “It helps me age gracefully with dignity and pride.”

West said volunteering at the Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan Adult Day Center has allowed her to enrich her life and the lives of others, sharing her “time and talents.”

“I am able to give back to the world what it has given to me. It is satisfying, ful lling and rewarding to know I can make a di erence,” West said.

Carmela LaCommare, the program manager, said the program is funded by AmeriCorps Seniors and the state of Michigan.

“Our volunteers, who are 55 or older, they go out and they visit isolated, homebound adults in the community and try to keep them socialized and engaged. ey also o er respite care for family members and caregivers,” LaCommare said.

ose interested in volunteering can contact Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan by phone or email. ere is an enrollment process.

For those seeking to arrange companion visits, there is a simple intake procedure and a process for matching area volunteers with local seniors.

“My volunteers are amazing,” LaCommare said. “We service both Oakland and Macomb counties. Many of our volunteers serve anywhere between 20 and 30 hours a week.

“ ey found purpose with this program,” LaCommare added. “ at’s the number one thing they tell me.”

For more information about the Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program, go to ccsem.org or call (248) 537-3300 #3937.

Maridenise West: Volunteer

NEAR LEFT: Ron Teasley suited up for the Carman Cardinals from 1949 to 1950, hitting around .300 and making the All-Star team, but the league never received the proper recognition of MLB scouts.

FAR LEFT: The Tigers have called upon Teasley several times to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during the times the former Negro Leagues were celebrated.

Photos provided by the Teasley family

Teasley

Ron Teasley, 97, is much more than a former coach in the dugout or faculty member in the school, and one quick internet search could speak a thousand words about his achievements.

One of three surviving members to compete in the original 1948-era Negro Leagues alongside Willie Mays and Bill Greason, Teasley accomplished just about every feat a baseball player could imagine.

Teasley’s life contains memories with some of the most prolific people across sports, including racing Jesse Owens, hitting a triple off Satchel Paige, signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and conversing with the likes of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, Jackie Robinson, Buck Leonard and other Negro League legends.

Growing up around the game

Like most young ballplayers growing up, Ron Teasley had a player he idolized. The only issue was being able to see him play live.

“When I was young, my father wouldn’t take me to a Tigers game because of segregation,” Teasley said. “I didn’t go to any Tigers games when I was young, but I used to listen to the Tigers games on the radio. My favorite player was a player by the name of Charlie Gehringer, who was a second baseman. He was an outstanding player. He was my hero.”

Baseball was the epicenter of the Teasley household, with six children all invested in the sport, and even his older sister sported the nickname “Babe Ruth” because of her baseball prowess growing up.

“They talked a lot about baseball, and sometimes my father would go to Chicago to watch what they called the Negro League All-Star Game,” Teasley said. “There was a lot of talk about it (baseball), and my father and I would play catch. My brothers and sisters all played baseball. After that, I joined the junior baseball program in Detroit. I became very successful.”

The earliest memories for Teasley began at Hamtramck Stadium, where his father would take him to watch the Detroit Stars play, but Teasley said he was also more focused on playing with rocks under the stands.

That was until he grew into the sport through the junior baseball program. A walk outside the local recreation center one day would be life changing.

“One day I came out of the recreation center and I looked across the field and saw some men playing baseball,” Teasley said. “I said, ‘I think I’ll just go over there and join them.’ So I went over there and started chasing foul balls. I was 13 or 14 years old,

and they were nice to me and told me, ‘Why don’t you come around and practice with us?’ So I started practicing with them.”

The men playing baseball weren’t just average joes taking in a game of pickup, but rather experienced ballplayers, some former Negro League players, who were double the age of Teasley, taking him under their wing and showing him the beauties of the game.

If someone wasn’t able to make it to the game, Teasley would be thrown into right field as a boy surrounded by grown men, earning the nickname “Schoolboy” from his older teammates.

“They usually put me in right field hoping nothing would be hit my way,” Teasley said. “I really think about those fellas, because they taught me a lot of life lessons. They meant a lot to me.”

Creating a baseball legacy

On the collegiate circuit at Wayne State University, Teasley, a Southfield resident, became the first player to ever hit above .400, still holding the single season record with a .500 batting average.

Teasley was a standout basketball and baseball player for the Tartars (now Warriors) before joining the U.S. Navy in 1945 with tours in Saipan and far Pacific areas from 1945 to 1946.

Once he returned home, he picked up right where he left off, dominating his opponents on the baseball field, so much so that the Brooklyn Dodgers caught wind of it and offered a tryout in Vero Beach, Florida, to Teasley and Detroit native Sammy Gee from Miller High School.

Upon his arrival to Vero Beach, Teasley exchanged pleasantries with Dodgers infielder Jackie Robinson, widely known for breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

Teasley spent two weeks before being assigned to the Dodgers minor league affiliate, the Olean Oilers of the PennsylvaniaOntario-New York League, but was promptly cut despite impressive numbers early on.

“When I was in the Dodgers organization batting .270, that wasn’t good enough,” Teasley said. “They released me. I never could understand that. I was actually leading the league in home runs when they released me. It’s something you always think about, no matter how old you are. You think about that, you know? What did they expect of you?”

Instead of being discouraged, Teasley continued his professional baseball career in the Negro Leagues as a member of the New York Cubans, but the league would soon become a picking ground for the MLB following the signing of Robinson, who played in the Negro Leagues in 1945 with the Kansas

City Monarchs, in April 1947.

With Robinson’s performance came plenty of eyes looking for the next talent in the league, and the inevitable downfall of the Negro League began as teams were gutted, their best players departing for MLB clubs.

Robinson was the face of the broken color barrier, and with the title came plenty of scrutiny and racial discrimination towards him, but Teasley said the opinion of Negro League players towards Robinson’s signing

began to split down the middle.

“We had a couple thousand players playing in the league, and then they were taking our best players,” Teasley said. “Then the owners were backing out. Some of the players were suggesting, and even the owners as well, that we have an all-Star team of Negro League players and put them in the league, but that was turned down. They didn’t want to do that. The players were

See TEASLEY on page 8A

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAZEL PARK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at a City Council meeting on June 11, 2024, the Hazel Park City Council adopted the following: Ordinance #06-24, an Ordinance to Amend the Hazel Park Municipal Code, Title 09, Public Peace, Morals and Welfare, Chapter 9.02 – Violation of State Law. The effective date of this Ordinance is June 28, 2024. In addition to this Ordinance, the entire Hazel Park Municipal Code is available for inspection and/or purchase at the City Clerk’s Offce, 111 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park, Michigan 48030. Lisa K. Mayo, City Clerk, CMC.

0399-2425

Published: Madison-Park News 06/19/2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

HAZEL PARK, SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF COUNTY OF OAKLAND, MICHIGAN

AS PROVIDED BY ACT 43, 1963 (2nd EX. SESS.) PARAGRAPHS 141.412 AND 141.413 AND IN CONFORMITY WITH THE UNIFORM BUDGET ACT (P.A. 621 OF 1978) AND OTHER ACTS.

ON THE ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 AND THE 2024 TAX RATE ON NON-HOMESTEAD PROPERTIES THAT WILL BE AT 18 MILLS, THE 2024 SINKING FUND LEVY ON ALL PROPERTIES THAT WILL BE 2.6402 MILLS AND THE 2024 DEBT LEVY ON ALL PROPERTIES THAT WILL BE AT 10.0000 MILLS.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HAZEL PARK, SCHOOL DISTRICT OF, COUNTY OF OAKLAND, MICHIGAN, WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON WEDNESDAY THE 26th OF JUNE, 2023 AT 3:00 P.M.  TO CONSIDER THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE OPERATING BUDGET OF HAZEL PARK, SCHOOL DISTRICT OF, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25. THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING.

COPIES OF THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AFTER 3:00 P.M. THURSDAY JUNE 20, 2024 AT THE FORD ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 1620 EAST ELZA, HAZEL PARK, MICHIGAN, 48030 AND FOR INSPECTION DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS.  AT THE PUBLIC HEARING, ALL CITIZENS, TAXPAYERS, AND PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF HAZEL PARK SCHOOLS SHALL BE AFFORDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD IN REGARD TO THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED BUDGET.

THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HAZEL PARK, SCHOOL DISTRICT OF, COUNTY OF OAKLAND, MICHIGAN.

HAZEL PARK, SCHOOL DISTRICT OF COUNTY OF OAKLAND, MICHIGAN MELISSA BALDWIN, SECRETARY, BOARD OF EDUCATION

Publish: Madison Park News 06/19/2024

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS BID TITLE: KEYS GRACE ACADEMY – Modular Project

For: Keys Grace Academy – 27321 Hampden St., Madison Heights, MI 48071

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Keys Grace Academy (KGA) will receive sealed bids for the Keys Grace Academy Modular Classroom Units Project no later than 06/26/24 at 2:00pm. Forward bids by courier to Main Offce at 27321 Hampden St., Madison Heights, MI 48071. Bids will be opened publicly and read out loud shortly after bid deadline. Bids received after June 26, 2024 at 2pm will not be accepted or considered by KGA. An optional Pre-Bid Meeting on 6/20/24 at 9:30 A.M. is to occur at 27321 Hampden St., Madison Heights, MI 4807.

The scope of the work includes adding two modular classrooms to the Northwest corner of the academy’s campus. This approximately 1,170 sf (50’-0” x 23’-5”) modular building will be built on concrete foundation walls. The modular classrooms are to be connected to the existing academy building with an enclosed cmu breezeway with glazing to match existing buildings, approximately 100sf. To complete the work, the existing playground fencing will need to be reworked. The work also includes adding topsoil and seed around the building. This work will be slated to be completed by October 1, 2024. All bids shall be accompanied by a sworn and notarized statement disclosing any familial relationship(s) that exist between the owner(s) or any employee of the bidder and any member of the School Board or District or the Superintendent of the School District. The Board of Ed. shall not accept a bid that does not include a sworn and notarized familial relationship disclosure statement. All bids must also be submitted with a sworn and notarized Affdavit of Compliance regarding Michigan Public Act No. 517 of 2012 – Iran Economic Sanctions Act. Submit with each bid, a certifed check or acceptable bid bond payable to KGA, in an amount equal to fve percent (5%) of the total bid. For bids in excess of $50,000, a Labor and Materials Payment Bond and a Performance Bond will be required for 100% of the value of the bid. If submitting check, include with bid.

Bidding Documents are available now. The Architect will provide the bid documents. Interested contractors should request bidding documents from, and send questions to ENNEcollaborative via email: Adrienne@ENNEcollaborativecom. Ph: 248.229.6563.

Published: Madison-Park News 06/19/2024

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Teasley

coming and going quite a bit.”

Many players like Teasley, moved north to the Mandak League in Manitoba and North Dakota.

Teasley suited up for the Carman Cardinals from 1949 to 1950 in the league, hitting around .300 and making the All-Star team, but the league never received the proper recognition of MLB scouts.

The league had a solid fanbase, but Teasley said the fans provided a different game day environment than what he was accustomed to.

“I can recall one game where I was playing third base and I made a double play where there was one player running to third base and another returning to third base, and I tagged each one of them out, and the fans were just quiet,” Teasley said. “There wasn’t that much of a reaction. I thought, ‘Wow.’ They enjoyed the game, and it turned out quite well.”

Life outside the dugout

Teasley would turn to factory work after the 1951 season and head back to Wayne State, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1955 and joining the Detroit school system soon after. He earned his master’s of administration degree in 1963.

Life postbaseball was everything Teasley could’ve dreamed of, spending time with his wife of 71 years and high school sweetheart, Marie Teasley, who passed away in 2020, and raising their three children: Lydia, Ronald and Tim.

Marie Teasley was a writer and editor for the Michigan Chronicle newspaper for 25 years, taking after her father, who was the first African American to own and publish a newspaper in Hannibal, Missouri.

“She was an outstanding journalist,” Ron Teasley said. “She started out when she was 7 years old because her father owned a newspaper in Missouri, the home of Mark Twain.”

In true love story fashion, Ron Teasley was his wife’s photographer when they would go to events, which included the controversial 1986 Goodwill Games in Russia.

The Goodwill Games were brought to the forefront after the United States boycotted the 1980 Olympic Games in Russia and Russia boycotted the 1984 Summer Olympics in California.

An array of political issues surrounded the games itself,

THURSDAY 6/20 FRIDAY 6/21

with certain countries being banned from competing.

“The first thing that struck you when you landed (in Russia) was there were no people at the airport,” Teasley said. “There’s nobody but guards. In this country, airports are jammed. There, there was nobody. The guards searched you, and we were detained for about a half an hour or so before we were even allowed to come into the country.”

The Teasleys today

Lydia Teasley knows the prominence of her last name, and her kindergarten students at Dorothy Montessori School in Oak Park also get to share in the knowledge.

Each February, Teasley instructs her students on the Negro Leagues, reading books, playing baseball outside or playing hot potato around the classroom.

She’ll show the children a video of her father talking about his playing days, but at such a young age, Lydia Teasley said, it’s difficult for the children to comprehend the importance of the Negro Leagues and how long ago it was.

She especially found this to be true when her classroom

SATURDAY 6/22

SUNDAY 6/23

watched the Detroit Tigers opening day game, and students asked her if her dad was playing or not.

It’s innocently hilarious, and Lydia Tealsey said it means a lot to her to pass the meaning of the game and her father’s impact on to her students.

“It’s super important, and it also turns out to be fun, because the questions they ask me are just hilarious, but they’re interested,” Lydia Teasley said. “They’ll say, ‘Oh, your dad played baseball?’ I’ll tell them all the history of what happened, and I think they get it a little bit. I think they’re more interested in how to play, so I’ll take them outside and teach them some skills myself. It means so much to me to be able to talk about my dad and for them to see him on the video. It just brings it to life, and they can appreciate the history.”

Even at 97 years old, Ron Teasley is a busy man, but he prefers it that way. Whether it’s taking walks to the park, watching any baseball he can, or playing Wii bowling, Teasley stays active.

The Tigers have called upon him several times to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during the times the former Negro Leagues were celebrated, trading in their traditional home uniforms for the Detroit Stars uniforms.

He’s also made a trip with his family to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, to speak and sign autographs, and is involved in the Negro Leagues Family Alliance, which was founded by families of former players.

Lydia Teasley said her father is a popular man at the meetings because he’s able to tell stories to the families of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, Josh Gibson, Walter “Buck” Leonard, and many other players about their loved ones.

Ron Teasley’s passion for baseball is immeasurable, but it doesn’t compare to the impact he’s made on others around him as a player, a coach and teacher.

Lydia Teasley continues the impact with the Ron and Marie Teasley Foundation, which aims to assist students in metro Detroit through scholarships, mentorships and training.

A person like Ron Teasley should always be reminded of what he brought to the game, and Lydia Teasley said she and her siblings always try to do just that.

“I just want to have him keep talking about all the great things he’s done,” Lydia Teasley said. “I never want him to stop talking about that.”

Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 4981090.

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Photo provided by the Teasley family

The Teasley family continues to honor the name of their parents and what they accomplished. Marie and Ron Teasley (parents) are seen with children, from the left, Tim, Lydia and Ron.

Amphitheater

cal artist Jennifer Ramirez that spans all four walls of the Jaycee shelter building near the hill and Fire Station No. 1.

Also nearby is a pavilion for family gatherings, and a baseball diamond where a youth team was playing that night. The park itself is a popular venue that plays host to annual events such as the Juneteenth Celebration, the Pre-Fourth of July Festival in the Park, and the strolling music festival Trail Tunes. And this fall’s Trail Tunes, set for Sept. 21, is when the bandshell is expected to be open, serving as a stage for various performances, including the climactic Battle of the Bands.

“I’m glad that we’re adding new features to Civic Center Park so that we can host even more events there, like concerts, graduation ceremonies, theatrical performances, all sorts of things,” said Sean Fleming, a member of the Madison Heights City Council. The suggestion for school functions seems particularly apt, with Lamphere High School right next to the park.

“We can also possibly generate revenues off the bandshell as we rent it out to other groups, but I’d assume that if it’s a nonprofit group or good cause, they may not have to pay that rate or the same rate,” he said. “For some groups, making presentations or cultural celebrations, this would allow them to take their programs from indoors to outdoors, which is great as well.”

At its meeting May 13, the council approved Frank Rewold & Sons, Inc., for the roughly $287,000 project, which is subsidized by a $250,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation. The approximate $287,000 figure includes about $71,000 that was previously used to purchase the construction kit back in January.

A 50-by-20-foot concrete pad will serve as the base, with sidewalk access along the front and rear to provide access and prevent erosion. The structure itself will not only include the stage but also storage rooms built behind it. The council initially considered cutting this feature to save costs, but ultimately decided the extra rooms were necessary, especially for special events. To top it all off, upgrades will be made to the park’s electrical systems.

“I think the big picture here is this will allow for incredible shows, events, plays and other opportunities where residents can experience art and foster a stronger, more connected community,” said Quinn Wright, a member of the Madison Heights City Council. “One of the things the HREC (Human Relations and Equity Commission)

is working on is a poetry-reading competition. Now, there will be an open-air platform to have those kinds of things that in the past didn’t have enough space. We welcome those groups and their creativity.”

Some of the difference in cost is covered by way of the city’s special projects fund, which is money set aside by the city for quality-of-life initiatives, as they arise. That system was first suggested by Bliss. In addition to the murals and the bandshell, the Arts Board he created has also been behind events such as Trail Tunes and the Pumpkin Walk.

He emphasized that the bandshell project is possible because of the collaborative effort between city staff, council and the volunteers on the Arts Board.

“We’re getting a quarter-million-dollar grant to fund this project, and we have money set aside in the special projects fund to cover the extra, making sure it’s built to last. That’s why I instituted the special projects fund in the budget a few years ago. It’s expressly for things like this,” Bliss said.

“From that first initiative with the mural, to now this bandshell, it’s this incredible culmination of dozens of volunteers throughout the years, bringing this focus on art and culture into our city. And I truly appreciate that our staff and vendors are also focused on making sure that this bandshell will be around for decades. It will be a permanent structure in our city, not just for performances and events from our city boards and commissions, but also by the general public,” he said.

On that note, he said, “I would love to see budding theater groups renting this out for Shakespeare in the park, or concerts there from our high school and middle school bands and choirs. This structure being there allows a whole lot more programming than what we could do before.”

Roslyn Grafstein, the mayor of Madison Heights, said that it has other benefits, too.

“Having this dedicated space at Civic Center means we aren’t fighting with other communities to book the moveable stage (from Oakland County Parks) that we and our partners use for the Festival in the Park and Juneteenth,” she said by email. “Having this year-round dedicated space will allow us to bring in more musical performances, and potentially add theatrical productions and other community events. We pride ourselves on offering many no-cost events for our community, and this permanent bandshell will be a catalyst to bring in even more family-friendly events to the area.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

‘I

love each of them for different reasons’

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP

— Kevin

Dombrowski always knows which classic car shows to attend with his wife, Karen.

He keeps track of them on an Excel spreadsheet, and many of the couple’s summer weekends are spent at car events at their favorite Michigan sites.

From metro Detroit to the western side of the state — and everywhere in between — the Dombrowskis can be spotted mingling with the other car buffs during cruising season.

The only challenge is deciding which car to take: the 1960 Chrysler Imperial, the 1965 Buick Riviera or the 1947 Ford Coupe. When Kevin purchased each vehicle, he didn’t want the cars to sit in the garage. The idea was to get out and drive them as much as possible.

“It’s about the cars, but it’s really about the people,” Kevin said. “You meet all sorts of interesting people.”

“It’s a really good group of people,” Karen agreed.

Cruisin’ Hines in Westland, the Mount Clemens Cruise and Greenfield Village’s Motor Muster in Dearborn are among the many car shows for the Shelby Township residents. Vicksburg and St. Ignace also are regular haunts. Many times, Kevin and Karen take leisurely drives along scenic back roads instead of main highways to get to or from their destinations.

“We take the country roads. With the sun going down, it’s so nice and relaxing,” Karen said. “It takes the hectic out of the city. You’re floating down the country roads.”

Each car is special in its own way. For starters, the Ford Coupe is just like the one Kevin’s dad had when he was a child.

“He passed away in 1981 when I was 7,” Kevin said.

ABOVE: Every summer Kevin and Karen Dombrowski, of Shelby Township, attend car shows in metro Detroit and across the state with their 1960 Chrysler Imperial, left; 1965 Buick Riviera, center; and 1947 Ford Coupe.

FAR LEFT: Kevin Dombrowski has always been a fan of classic cars with fins, including his 1960 Chrysler Imperial

NEAR LEFT: One feature of the 1965 Buick Riviera are the hidden headlights. Photos by Erin Sanchez

Cars

Kevin holds on to plenty of underthe-hood memories, including the times he played junior mechanic helping his dad, Tony Dombrowski, doing upkeep on the Coupe.

“I would work on the car with him. Then we would go to car shows,” Kevin said. “As a kid, I remember bouncing around in the back seat. The suspensions back then didn’t have shocks.”

Kevin had his dad’s car for many years and was in the process of having it restored. However, too many obstacles got in the way, so Kevin bought a Coupe that looked just like his dad’s. He even kept some of the original parts as a momento.

“The intent of the car is still there,” Kevin said. “When I see it, my dad is still there.”

Because his father spent so much time tinkering with the Ford, it was jokingly named “The Mistress.” Keeping with tradition, Kevin’s orangish-red Ford Coupe also has taken on the same moniker.

“I love each of them for different reasons. The Ford reminds me of my dad,” Kevin said. “In the sun, you see the orange. In the evening, it looks more red.”

“It’s a hot rod,” Karen said. “You feel every little bump.”

“The Riviera is such a pleasure to drive. You just get in the car and go. The other thing that I like about the Riviera, it’s everyone’s second-favorite car,” said Kevin, describing how car enthusiasts who grew up with either Chrysler, Ford or GM often stick with those models when they become adults. “The Riviera welcomes everyone. It’s like the girl next door. You don’t see them as often. That, to me, was one of the things that was sort of special.”

For Kevin, the Imperial — with its Alaskan white exterior — is a throwback to his “favorite era of cars of the late ’50s and early ’60s.”

“The big fins and the chrome, I’ve always been in love with that style of car,” he said.

Kevin first spotted the Imperial a couple of years ago at the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site in Shelby Township. He knew the gentleman, Bill, who owned it and said, “If you ever think about selling that car, just remember me.” About a year later, Bill sold it to Kevin.

“He’s always buying and selling,” Kevin said.

Kevin brought the Imperial home Dec. 22, 2022, right before a snowstorm. There was just enough time for him and Karen to

rearrange the garage to fit in their new 18 1/2-foot automobile that is 6 inches wider than most cars.

Kevin said the original owner of the Chrysler Imperial is a woman who lives in New Jersey. He’s tried to get in touch with her, but hasn’t been successful yet.

“She owned the car until 1979 and then she sold it to a dealership,” he said.

For Karen, the Riviera is her favorite of the three.

“It rides like a dream,” she said. After being at a car show all day, she likes to fall asleep in the passenger seat on the way home. “It floats down the road at 55 (mph).”

Each car attracts a different crowd.

“The ’47, it’s the older, gray guys. The Riviera draws a very different niche of people. Many people don’t know the Riviera. It’s a rather uncommon car. It’s the perfect balance between muscle and luxury,” Kevin said. “The Imperial draws women. It oozes luxury and extravagance. It is a challenge to drive because it is so large.”

Kevin is a member of the Detroit Area Only Twisted Axle Car Club, which meets at 7 p.m. every Friday at Gratiot Coney Island, 28560 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville. All are welcome.

“It’s a growing club,” Kevin said. “We’re always talking about getting out and driving.”

The Detroit Area Only Twisted Axle Car Club is accepting registration for the second annual Track Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Ubly Dragway. For registration details, text or call Kevin at (586) 822-7968.

Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

Passed commonsense gun violence prevention legislation

Strengthened protections for unions & restored prevailing wage laws

Passed the largest education budget in Michigan’s history to support students, families & schools

Massive Investments in Public Safety

Free breakfast & lunch for all public school students

Photo by Erin Sanchez

The 1947 Ford Coupe looks just like the one that Kevin Dombrowski’s dad once owned.

“He’s been here before, and he’s good with the kids. He’s also good with the animals. It’s a rescue, and he treats them well,” said Amy Beem, the children’s librarian.

Attendees will get to safely meet each animal up close as Rosenthal walks around the room. He will also share interesting facts about each species, and hilarious stories from around the world.

At press time, the library planned to continue the adventure theme June 18 with an event called “Pirates and Mermaids,” where guests were set to make crafts such as pirate swords and mermaid purses, and play games like walking the plank and hunting for treasure.

On Tuesday, June 25 — at 1 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. — fans of the “Percy Jackson” fantasy series can enjoy decorating their own shield, crafting wooden bead necklaces or bracelets, creating custom shirts with “puffy paint,” roasting marshmallows in a fire pit, learning archery skills, and trying out different science experiments. At 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, Book Bingo returns. Attendees can play bingo for a

chance to win a book of their choice from a selection displayed on a table. Each successful bingo earns a book.

On Tuesday, July 9 — at 1 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. — there will be a Star Wars-themed party for the entire family, where attendees can create their own Jedi lightsaber, decorate cookies and play games such as learning Jedi skills. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite characters and get their pictures taken in the photography booth. There will even be milkshakes made with the “blue milk” seen in the movies.

On Tuesday, July 16, a program starring “The Mad Slimicist” — real name Amelia Wenn, age 9 — will let guests play with their food by making beach-themed edible slime. Children will start with pudding and then mix in food coloring, tapioca, gummy bears, jellies and more. They will also get to decorate cookies with fondant and paint them with food coloring.

Beem said the idea is to treat food as an artistic medium, one that engages multiple senses including taste, sight, touch, and even sound. Wenn will also teach attendees about her business, and the skills she has developed as a child entrepreneur.

And at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, the

magician known simply as “The Amazing Flec” returns to the library, bringing his signature brand of contact juggling, which uses crystal balls that appear to levitate and whirl along his limbs.

This year, he will also demonstrate tightrope walking. Guests will get to learn more about this performance art, as well as the benefits it provides, such as improved coordination.

“We have added tightrope walking since the summer reading program has an adventure theme this year, and what’s more adventurous than the carnival,” Beem said.

As a side note, the library’s storytime sessions for young children will take place at different parks around Hazel Park this summer, instead of the usual venue at the library. The readings will take place under a pavilion at each park, and the place, date and time each week will be announced at the library’s website. The program is for ages

0-5, but older siblings are also welcome. Randy Ernst-Meyer, the teen and adult librarian, said that the coming months will be an exciting time for the library. In addition to the summer reading program, the library will receive its first three “learning pods” in July. The grant-funded pods are soundproof rooms with ADA-compliant accessibility features that will serve as private spaces for business meetings, school projects, tutoring, instrument practice, and even recording podcasts.

“State Rep. Mike McFall (D-District 8) was able to organize an appropriation so that the library could afford these wonderful and very useful spaces,” Ernst-Meyer said via email. “This will be a very big summer here at the Hazel Park District Library.”

For more information, call the Hazel Park District Library at (248) 546-4095 or go to hazel-park.lib.mi.us.

NEWS & NOTES

MEET A MONARCH

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods, located at 30300 Hales St. across from the Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights, will hold a program called “Meet a Monarch” at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20.

Suitable for those 5 and older, the program will discuss the differences between butterflies and moths, and raise awareness for monarch butterflies — long-distance pollinators that play a vital role in local ecosystems and food production for humans. The program will also teach attendees about the milkweed diet of monarch caterpillars.

The cost is $5 per person. Payment with preregistration is required by calling (248) 858-0916 weekdays or (248) 585-0100 during nature center hours.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR ART FAIR

HAZEL PARK — The 2024 Hazel Park Art Fair will take place at Green Acres Park, located at 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25.

The event is free to the public and appropriate for all ages. Applications are currently open for artists, musicians and food vendors. Other crafts may also be eligible. For more information, email the organizers at artfair@ hpart.org.

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK

MADISON HEIGHTS — The city of Madison Heights will hold its annual Pre-Fourth of July Festival in the Park on Sunday, June 30. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road. There will be live music, activities such as face painting and airbrush tattoos, food vendors and inflatables. The event culminates in a fireworks display at 10 p.m.

MRS. ROPERS

ROMP IN FERNDALE

UPDATE ON CARTS

FERNDALE — Fans of the colorfully-clad Helen Roper from the television sitcom “Three’s Company” paused for a photo at the Ferndale Elks Lodge #1588 on June 8 during a Mrs. Roper Romp Pub Crawl in downtown Ferndale.

The character, played by Audra Lindley, was known for her bright outfits, funloving demeanor and wisecracking banter with her more reserved husband, Stanley. The effort is something of a cultural phenomenon. Mrs. Ropers from across metro Detroit and the state of Michigan attended the Ferndale romp. On Facebook, the International Order of Mrs. Ropers group page has more than 24,700 members.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Due to contractual obligations with an existing vendor, the rollout of new trash and recycling carts for Madison Heights residents has been postponed until 2025.

The new trash carts are 96 gallons apiece, while the recycling carts are 64 gallons. Both will have wheels and a secured lid. The city is spending more than $500,000 on the carts.

They are partially funded by a roughly $403,000 materials management grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), and a roughly $105,000 grant from Recycling Partnership, a nonprofit group.

The city had to pay a 20% match for the EGLE grant; the Recycling Partnership grant covers the city’s match. The program was approved by the Madison Heights City Council in September 2023.

The sole “no” vote was Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss, citing concern for residents who already bought carts, and other possible uses for a half-million dollars.

Photo by Brian Louwers

Cats

from page 5A

ly capture, care for and release cats.

“Ideally, you’ll hold them for a couple days after they’re spayed or neutered, but some people just release them and I don’t blame them, since it’s a lot of work,” Sandoval said. “The females do need a bit more care, because their surgery is more intensive. But I gauge whether the cat is flipping out in the trap and possibly hurting themselves trying to get out, at which point there’s no sense in keeping them — it’s best to just let them out where there’s not much traffic, releasing them where they were first trapped, since it’s important they’re familiar with the area. And, of course, stay in touch with the people who first saw them, and see how the cats are holding up later.”

She said that once the cat is captured, it’s smart to swaddle the crate in an old towel while still leaving room for air, since darkness has a calming effect on feral cats. This can help with transporting them to and from the veterinary clinic for their procedure.

Sandoval said fixing feral cats is the most humane way to help them. She said kittens have about a 25% survival rate living outside, while adults can suffer various medical conditions that can lead to a painful death, as well as all the dangers that exist outside, from weather to traffic. There is also the risk that stray cats pose to others, carrying fleas and parasites and worms, as well as digging and defecating on private properties and in gardens, and preying excessively on birds.

Stray cats are easier to catch once they’re on a routine feeding schedule, she said, since this earns their trust and gives you the upper hand to set a trap. Many cats are wary of traps, however, and Sandoval said she has better luck catching them at nightfall or early morning since cats are more active at dusk and dawn. She prefers a trap called Tru Catch, which she said is especially safe.

Sandoval formed her group in December 2023 after she saw a post on social media about a kitten who needed help in the south end of Madison Heights around late November. She worked with the woman who saw the kitten and was able to trap him, get him fixed and vaccinated, and even find him a home. After four weeks outdoors, he was on the cusp of going feral, so he needed a family that would be very patient with him, but Sandoval said he’s doing well.

However, while in the area where she trapped him, Sandoval noticed four or five other cats walking around. When she asked the resident about them, she was told there

were nearly a dozen strays on the block, and more throughout the area. Sandoval has since learned about certain pockets of the city that are overrun with stray cats. If left unchecked, the population will only grow.

More recently, on Feb. 17, Sandoval helped rescue a cat that was stranded on a power line over a home on Windemere Street. The cat had lost its rear right leg some time ago — it had healed, Sandoval said — and was trapped high up, exposed to the bitter cold.

With the help of Andy’s Arbor Care, Sandoval was able to safely retrieve the cat and get it fixed at All About Animals Rescue. The cat is currently undergoing rehabilitation, Sandoval said.

She added that she’s deeply appreciative of everyone who has supported her group so far, either as a volunteer trapper or as a donor. One of her most dedicated volunteers is Julie Weaver.

In an email, Weaver said she prefers the term “community cats” to “feral cats,” since the latter can sound scary to people. In reality, stray cats are not looking to harm anyone — they are simply trying to survive.

“Community cats never choose this life. They live this life because some were failed by humans,” Weaver said. “Watching them trying to survive on the street is heartbreaking. Holding a dying kitten in your hand is beyond heartbreaking. It truly takes a community to make change, to help these community cats live better lives. I am just a small voice with countless others, trying to make a difference in our community.”

For more information, call All About Animals Rescue at (586) 879-1745.

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

Budget

Within the millage rate, about 17 mills go toward general operations, about 2.1 mills are for waste collection, and nearly 2.2 mills are for the library. In addition, 2.8 mills are for the public safety special assessment, nearly 12.5 mills are for the fire protection special assessment, about 1.9 mills are for the Downtown Development Authority, and roughly 0.14 mill are for economic development.

The fire protection special assessment is through SMORSA — the South Macomb Oakland Regional Services Authority that funds fire operations in Eastpointe and Hazel Park. Its fiscal year 2024-25 rate was not set at press time, and the 12.5 mills are based on the current fiscal year, said Klobucher.

However, Laci Christiansen, the deputy city manager and finance director, said that if the SMORSA rate changes, it will likely be a slight decrease due to rollback.

She also explained that in general, Hazel Park homeowners will see a slight increase in the taxes they pay, due to an increase in assessed and taxable values, as their homes are worth more than they were before, which is “good for homeowners,” she said.

Christiansen added that while the city hasn’t yet received the millage rates from other taxing entities in the community, she anticipates a small decrease in the school rate due to construction bonds being paid off, which should help soften taxes.

The trash collection rates have increased about $26, and water rates have increased by 17 cents per cubic feet. Such costs are largely beyond the city’s control, Christiansen noted, pointing out that they’re passed down from outside contractors and suppliers.

The final result is a balanced budget with no plans to use the unassigned fund

balance, currently set at about $2.7 million.

About $300,000 of the $45 million budget will go toward capital improvements, including the vehicle fleet and parking lot replacements at Green Acres Park. Some of that is covered by grants for efforts such as renovations at the Hazel Park Community Center.

About $800,000 has been allocated for major and local street repairs, one of which will be completing four blocks of Woodward Heights Boulevard from Dequindre Road to the Viking Ice Arena. That particular project is funded in part by the Local Road Improvement Project through Oakland County. Woodward Heights is also set to be re-striped all the way in the next fiscal year, depending on when re-pavement is complete. The bulk of the other major and local repairs involve patchwork replacement.

There are no changes in staffing anticipated in the new fiscal year.

Christiansen said that the new budget benefits from increased revenues due to not only rising property values, but also new construction and development around town. For example, Hazel Park Viking Ice Arena is privately held now, managed by Black Bear Sports Group, which has added more than $50,000 in property taxes.

“It was really wonderful that they (Black Bear) were able to take that property off our hands. Hopefully they can make it prosper,” said Mike Webb, the mayor of Hazel Park. “It’s good for a lot of kids and people who love skating and ice sports like hockey.”

The mayor said that the extra revenues make it easier for the city to focus on issues like local road repair.

“We’ve had a lot of extra traffic because of all the construction on the freeways and other updates on Eight Mile and such. It’s taken a toll on our roads, and we’re hoping that (the Michigan Department of Trans-

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the City Council for the City of Madison Heights will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 8th, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071 to consider the following Special Approval requests: Case # PSP 24-03 – 28245 John R Road

The applicant, Steve Gunn, requests a modifcation to a previously-approved Special Approval application per the procedures set forth in Section 10.201(5) of the Madison Heights Zoning Ordinance. The applicant owns and operates Wash Pointe Car Wash at the subject property (28245 John R Road; PIN 44-25-14-232-014) and requests to increase the number of exterior vacuums from four (4) to eight (8). NOTE: This item was postponed from the May 28th City Council meeting.

The applications and any supporting documents can be viewed during regular business hours at the Community and Economic Development Department. In addition, the agenda item can be viewed online after 4:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the meeting at www.madison-heights.org in the Agenda Center. For further information, please contact the Community and Economic Development Department at (248) 583-0831. Cheryl Rottmann, CMC City Clerk (248) 583-0826

portation) will subsidize some of the repairs we have to do in the future on some of our local roads to keep them maintained,” Webb said. “We’ve struggled with that, keeping it all in good shape so that our roads don’t deteriorate. All communities would benefit from something like the state adding a quarter of a percent to the gas tax and using that money strictly for cities and towns to maintain their roads, based on a scale of miles per road. And it helps make the state look good, too, when they help communities do better housekeeping.”

He said a top priority for the city is also retaining its workforce.

“We’ve been thinking hard about how to keep our staff in place. We’re always looking to maintain our staff and their professionalism over the years,” Webb said. “We, at the city, are also trying to keep up with inflation. It unfortunately not only takes a toll on you and your home, but also on the city and the businesses within it as well. Everyone’s feeling the pinch.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

Zoning

from page 3A

Authority, which generally includes properties abutting John R Road from Gardenia Avenue to 10 Mile Road and along 11 Mile Road from Interstate 75 to Lorenz Avenue.

“It’s trying to take into account the sorts of businesses that people in the nearby neighborhood would want to walk to,” said Mark Bliss, the mayor pro tem, pointing to examples like the Cadillac Straits brewery and the Woodpile BBQ restaurant. “But I also think you will see more retail and multilevel developments, maybe with stores and restaurants below and condos and apartments above. And the big thing is tied into the form of the business. You won’t see parking in the front anymore, but rather in the back or off to the side, depending on the lot. That will really help with walkability. It’s not a quick fix, but something we will see over time. It will also help with the look of the area.

“I don’t think we’ll ever have a downtown like Royal Oak or Ferndale or Clawson — that’s not Madison Heights,” he said. “But with this rewrite, the Planning Commission and I are trying to ensure that if you live in that neighborhood, you’ll have businesses that you want to walk to and visit.”

The other two new districts are MixedUse Innovation 1 and Mixed-Use Innovation 2, or the MUI-1 district, and MUI-2 district, for short. They span a patchwork across the city, the result of the planners having identified sites that were often “concrete jungles” with excessive parking. Bliss said those sites were chosen because that extra space could be better used for mixed-use developments.

The MUI-1 district aims to reuse older industrial structures that have “character” and create a sense of place, but that are no longer suitable for their original purpose. In

theory, buildings that were once restricted to light industrial zoning could now become commercial businesses, office space or even multiple-family dwellings.

As for the MUI-2 district, it aims to redevelop moderate-to-large-scale commercial retail centers into walkable, compact sites featuring a mix of commercial, residential and recreational uses. Multiple-family dwellings could also be there, as could businesses, offices and artisan manufacturing — small-scale operations where people make things by hand.

While three districts were added, several others were eliminated.

The Residential Condominium District, or R-C district, was cut since condos represent a form of ownership, not a building or land use type. Condo-style ownership can apply to different layouts, including site condos and building condos. The ordinance already has processes for each.

The High-Rise District, or H-R district, was cut since it became redundant with the addition of the CC district and MUI districts, which allow for greater building heights and a mix of uses within the same building. The properties that were in the H-R district have been folded into the MUI districts.

The other cut districts are the Vehicular Parking districts (P-1 and P-2). They were deemed no longer necessary, since the new ordinance allows standalone parking lots as special land uses in certain districts with usespecific standards.

Beyond the districts that were added and the districts that were cut, others were simply renamed to better reflect their contents.

One of these — the Residential MixedNeighborhood District, or R-MN district — has been significantly expanded around the CC district, allowing for more duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes. That is something the city’s master plan said is needed to ad-

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that a Meeting of the Madison Heights Zoning Board of Appeals will be held in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, Oakland County, Michigan 48071 on Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. to consider the following requests:

1. Case # PZBA 24-03: 27376 Barrington Street

REQUEST: The applicant and property owner, Magdalena Biriiac, requests dimensional variances from Section 10.401 of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to minimum lot size and minimum building setbacks, as follows: Two (2) variances pertaining to the minimum width of a new lot; two (2) variances pertaining to the minimum area of a new lot; and two (2) variances pertaining to minimum side yard setback. The applicant intends to divide an existing residential parcel into two (2) developable parcels. NOTE: This request was postponed from the cancelled June 6th ZBA Meeting.

The subject property is located at 27376 Barrington Street (tax parcel #44-25-14-476-003) and is zoned R-3, OneFamily Residential district.

The applications and any supporting documents can be viewed during regular business hours at the Community & Economic Development Department. In addition, the agenda item can be viewed online at www.madison-heights.org in the Agenda Center after 4:00 p.m. on Friday before the meeting.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can send your comments via email to: MattLonnerstater@madison-heights.org and your comment will be read into the record at the meeting. Written comments may also be mailed prior to the meeting to 300 West Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan, 48071. All comments will be heard at the meeting. MADISON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (248) 583-0831

dress “missing middle” housing.

“But it isn’t just about a diversity of housing options. The rewrite makes it attractive to the kinds of businesses we want in our city to come here without requesting special approval,” said the mayor, Roslyn Grafstein, via email. “We will see the benefits of these changes as new developments are attracted to the area, investing in our community and creating homes, jobs, and a vibrant economy.”

Matt Lonnerstater, the city planner, was also deeply involved in the rewrite process. He noted the historic nature of the update.

“This is the first comprehensive rewrite of the city’s zoning ordinance in nearly 50 years,” Lonnerstater said by email. “So it was greatly overdue!”

Quinn Wright, a member of the Madison Heights City Council, said he first came to the city around 20 years ago. He started out with a condominium, and since then has bought two homes in the city. He said he wants others to have the same opportunity in Madison Heights, finding their starter home and upgrading as needed.

“What brought me here was good schools, good streets, and I could start my home ownership. Fast-forward 20 years, and I’ve lived in three places here, and I’m rais-

ing my three daughters here,” Wright said. “This rewrite process has taken years, and the residual effect will take years as well. We’re plotting a course making it easier for younger residents to find a space, because they typically bring a lot of development and culture, so we want those newer homebuyers. And we’re making it easier for the city to do business in, as well, which is also important to me as a small business owner. I think we need to remove those barriers for builders to make new developments.”

Josh Champagne, the chair of the Madison Heights Planning Commission, said the process took nearly six years to complete. He said the goal is to foster economic development while improving quality of life.

“Our new zoning ordinance provides more clarity and direction regarding how the city will be built and developed in the future,” Champagne said via email. “As a Madison Heights resident, I’m excited for our city to have the tools we need to encourage and attract the types of future developments and investments that serve our entire community — residents and businesses alike.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

Congrats Graduate

Published: Madison-Park News 06/19/2024

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Red Oaks Waterpark: Open select dates until Sept. 2, 1455 E. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights, (248) 858-0918, redoakswaterpark@oakgov.com, oakgov.com

Play ‘Pokémon Go’: June 20 (Rosie’s Park, 1111 E. Farnum Ave.), July 11 (Madison Heights Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road) and July 25 (Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St.), all in Madison Heights, facebook.com/hpdlibrary

Fun Fridays: Games, crafts, snacks and movies, 3 p.m. every Friday, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib. mi.us

Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/CityofHP

Book clubs: Mind Readers (discussions of self-improvement through self-help books and narrative nonfiction), LitWits (general club for avid readers), Novels & Neighbors (focuses on range of viewpoints and life experiences) and Golden Bookworms (for ages 50 and older), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, find times, dates and more at madison-heights.org/1907/Book-Clubs

Social clubs: Ham Radio (7:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month), Stitch & Knit (4-6 p.m. every first Thursday of Month), Lego/Pokémon (6:30-7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of month) and various book clubs, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us

Hazel Park Garden Club: Workshops and events include Herb Gardening (June 26), Irrigation and Rain Barrels (July 10), Rain Garden (July 24), Harvesting and Biological Insect Controls (Aug. 14), Fruit Tree Pruning and Berries Care (Aug. 28), Harvest Festival Potluck (Sept. 11), Beekeeping 102 (Sept. 25), Composting (Oct. 9), Vermicomposting (Oct. 23), Putting the Garden to Bed (Nov. 13), and Bug and Bat Houses (Nov. 27), noon, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 546-7000, facebook. com/HPBeautification

Speaker Series: Hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders, topics are “Unpacking a History of Systemic Racism in the American Education System” (2 p.m. June 20),

“A Visit to Deckawoo Drive with Mercy Watson” for students in grade 2 and younger (2 p.m. July 9), “Surviving the Summer with The Last Kids on Earth” for grades 3-6 (2 p.m. July 16), “Learning the Power of Poetry” for grades 9-12 (2 p.m. July 23), and “Graphic Novels are Life!” for grades 5-8 (2 p.m. July 30), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 588-7763, libraryc.org/mhlibrary/upcoming

from hotel

BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to a hotel in the 100 block of Townsend for a reported theft on May 13 at approximately 10:30 p.m.

A witness informed hotel personnel that he had seen a woman with two males take a small brass lion’s head that was affixed to the hotel’s front wall and walk toward a vehicle parked on Henrietta Street. Officers observed the lion’s head in the vehicle’s front passenger seat. Two men returned to the vehicle, and officers stopped them at Henrietta and Merrill. After initially denying knowing the woman or how the lion had ended up in their vehicle, the men admitted that she is a business associate and that she had taken the lion after they all had dinner in Birmingham that evening.

The vehicle’s owner, a 46-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, was charged with concealing stolen property. The woman, a 43-year-old from Bloomfield Hills, said that she had seen the lion’s head on the ground and picked it up. She was charged with larceny.

Expired license plate check results in arrest

BIRMINGHAM — An officer traveling northbound on Woodward noticed expired license plate tabs on a vehicle around 8:30 a.m. May 14.

A check of the vehicle’s registration found a felony warrant for the arrest of its registered owner on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Police arrested the suspect, a 23-year-old South Lyon man, and transferred him into the custody of the Michigan State Police.

Police investigate school bomb threat

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Someone going by the name “Alex” called the West Bloomfield Police Department around 7 a.m. May 20 and said that he had placed a bomb at West Bloomfield High School, according to a press release.

Police were immediately dispatched to the school and began to investigate, the release states.

The preliminary investigation concluded that there was no credible threat.

Detectives researched the phone number the caller used when calling in the bomb threat and learned the number was linked to several similar incidents around the country over the last two months.

Ex-tenant suspected in break-in

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 9 a.m. May 11 and 9 a.m. May 15, a former tenant had broken into the complainant’s apartment

being evicted.

Urn stolen in family dispute

SOUTHFIELD — After a dispute with another family member, a resident noticed that between 8 p.m. May 20 and 7 a.m. May 21, a relative’s urn was removed from the home on Russell Street.

Boyfriend returns to empty home following eviction

SOUTHFIELD — A man who had moved in with his girlfriend’s family on Lahser Road returned May 22 to the home to find that the residents had been evicted and the family members had taken his TV, clothes, PlayStation 5 and laptop.

Victim loses around $30,000 in pop-up message scam

TROY — On May 15, at 10 a.m., a resident on Round Tree Drive reported she had been using her computer when a pop-up message appeared telling her that the computer was locked and to call the provided phone number for Microsoft Security.

The victim called the number and spoke with an unknown suspect, who told her that the computer had been hacked and that her bank account had been compromised.

The suspect was able to convince the victim to withdraw $24,900 from her credit union and convert the money to bitcoin using a bitcoin machine. The victim was then instructed to go to Nordstrom, purchase $10,000 in gift cards, and provide the numbers on the card to the suspect, which she did.

At that point, the victim realized it was a scam and notified her credit union, but she was informed it was too late to recover the funds.

Inebriated woman apprehended while parked in front of private drive on highway

TROY — While on patrol around 1:57 a.m. May 9, officers observed a 2024 Mazda CX30 with its hazard lights on parked on the right shoulder of Stephenson Highway, near East Maple Road, blocking a private drive.

Upon speaking with the 38-year-old driver from Mexico City, Mexico, officers noted that her eyes were glassy and there was a strong odor of intoxicants emanating from her. Police said she performed poorly on sobriety evaluations. A preliminary breath test showed a result of a 0.225% blood alcohol content.

She was arrested and issued a citation for operating with a blood alcohol content of 0.17% or more.

unregistered weapon, Adderall

TROY — Officers initiated a traffic stop at 12:35 a.m. May 11 near Rochester and Wattles roads for the driver of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado for multiple traffic violations.

Upon speaking with the driver, a 29-year-old man from Royal Oak, officers noted his eyes were glassy, his speech was slurred, and there was an odor of intoxicants emanating from his person. The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, and officers noted he performed poorly. He submitted to a preliminary breath test, with a result of a 0.170% blood alcohol content.

During an inventory search of his vehicle, officers located a loaded handgun in a holster and a loaded spare magazine, both underneath the center console. The gun was unregistered, and the driver was found to not have a concealed pistol license.

In lock-up, several pills that were identified as Adderall were located in a plastic bag in the driver’s jacket pocket.

The case was turned over to the Detective Bureau for appropriate warrants.

Wallet stolen at Home Goods

TROY — A victim reports that, on May 5, between 2:30 and 2:50 p.m., an unknown suspect stole her wallet from her purse while she was shopping in the Home Goods store at 624 John R Road.

While shopping, a female approached the victim and asked for advice about purchasing a product. The victim now believes this may have been an attempt to distract her while her wallet was stolen.

Multiple fraudulent charges were subsequently attempted on the victim’s credit cards at various locations at a local mall.

Woman accused of assault at party

FARMINGTON — Around 10 p.m. May 22, a woman went to the police station to report an assault that allegedly took place May 12. The woman told police that a 54-year-old woman had struck her in the back with a log for use in a bonfire at a party.

Officers spoke with the suspect, who denied the allegation. The case was forwarded to the city attorney for review.

Cash snatched from purse

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown person stole $2,700 from the purse of a 71-year-old Madison Heights resident while the purse was in a shopping cart. The incident occurred at a business in the

5:30 p.m. April 27. An investigation was ongoing.

Tractor-trailer taken

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown person stole a tractor-trailer from a business in the 32000 block of John R Road sometime between noon May 18 and 3:30 a.m. May 19. Police were investigating.

Student to be assessed after drawing pictures of guns in school

ROCHESTER HILLS — The school resource officer at Avondale Middle School was made aware of some drawings by a student that concerned school staff at 2:30 p.m. May 1. The school resource officer gathered further information and discovered the drawings were of firearms. The school counselor interviewed the student, a 14-year-old boy from Auburn Hills, while the SRO stood by. The student stated that the firearms he sketched were concepts for video games. The student’s parents were called to the school. The father stated there were no firearms in the home. A check showed no firearms registered to the father. The father advised that his child had an evaluation coming up for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder. The student was sent home for violation of the school code of conduct and was advised that he could not return to school until a threat assessment was completed.

Drone helps find lost man ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies became aware that a man was disoriented/lost and in medical distress at 1:04 a.m. May 3. Live911 indicated the subject was inside Flynn