Council rejects housing proposal for Farmington Hills
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON HILLS — At the Aug. 11 meeting of the Farmington Hills City Council, members voted 6-1 to reject a proposal for a planned unit development spanning Mulberry Park and The Tabernacle, both on 13 Mile Road west of Middlebelt Road.
The properties were described as multi-family housing by Schafer Development, LLC, and would have had 63 units total, with Mulberry Park featuring 31 of the units.
Joe Tangari, a city planning consultant at Giffels Webster, said most of the units in Mulberry Park were slated to be two-story, threebedroom townhomes, with ranch-style units bordering the southern edge of the property. The ranch-style units were a change from the original proposal where they were all two-story townhomes; the change was made to prevent them from obstructing the view of neighbors in adjacent subdivisions. The price of the units would have started around $400,000.
The units proposed for The Tabernacle, meanwhile, consisted of 32 ranches for residents 55 years old and older. It was to be part of The Baptist Manor development on the west of the site. These were
See HOUSING on page 4A
Authorities ID body found in Pine Lake
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Authorities have identified the remains of a man discovered in Pine Lake July 29 as Alfonce Capone Friday, 30, a South-
field resident who had gone missing.
Friday’s mother had filed a missing person report with Southfield police Aug. 13.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and requested several of Friday’s personal effects from his mother.
as Southfield man
Reportedly, she told police that her son had taken all his things with him. Investigators later found some items, including a bottle of lotion they used to extract a DNA sample.
Forensic laboratory analysts at OCSO deter-
The Farmington Hills City Council rejected a proposal for a 63-unit development on 13 Mile Road west of Middlebelt Road, citing concerns by neighboring residents.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
WEEK 2 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL MATCHUPS TO WATCH
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The 2025 high school football season is officially underway as last weekend teams all over Michigan played their first game of the year.
Week 2 looks like it will provide the early season big-name matchups that the state has waited all offseason for.
PREMIER MATCHUP OF THE WEEK
Sept. 5 — 7 p.m.
Port Huron Northern at Madison Heights Lamphere
This matchup features two MAC division winners from 2024 and is a rematch of a game played last season. Lamphere won the MAC-Gold with an 8-1 record last year and beat Northern 21-13. Despite the loss, Port Huron Northern finished with a 7-2 record and a MAC-Blue title. Both teams have high hopes for this season and will look to get a big win before division play starts.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Sept. 5 — 7 p.m.
Harper Woods at Clarkston
An OAA crossover matchup between two fixtures in the MHSAA postseason. Last season, Harper Woods made it to the state semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Goodrich. Clarkston is a blue-blood program that wins playoff games seemingly every year and is coming off of a big week 1 matchup against Belleville in the Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic. The game is
Reporters: Gena Johnson | (586) 498-1069 | gjohnson@candgnews.com
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also “Community Night” and kids ages 12 and younger will get in for free.
Sept. 5 — 7 p.m.
Rochester at Rochester Adams
This cross-town rivalry is a matchup played every season, outside of 2011. Amazingly, and despite its annual setup, Rochester hasn’t defeated Adams since a 1996 game that had a score of 20-14. It will be a tall task, however, as Rochester went 4-5 a year ago while Adams put up a 10-3 record and made the state semifinals.
Sept. 5 — 7 p.m.
Warren De La Salle Collegiate at Davison
De La Salle went 8-3 last year with a pair of playoff wins. This year, the team looks to make a run at the Catholic High School League Central Division championship. Davison lost to De La Salle on opening night in 2024 by a score of 21-3, but the team recovered nicely and finished the season 7-3.
Sept. 5 — 7 p.m.
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep at Jackson Lumen Christi
This is not only one of the most anticipated matchups of the week, but it’s one of the biggest games of the entire season. 2024 Division 5 state champion Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is going to Jackson to face 2024 Division 6 state champion Lumen Christi. The teams went a combined 25-2 last season and look to be two of the best teams in Michigan again this fall.
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HOME FOR LOCAL NEWS CANDGNEWS.COM
Progress being made on new activities center
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Kelly Hyer, the executive director of West Bloomfield Parks, presented an update to the township board Aug. 11 regarding plans to build a new activities hub called the Connect Community Center.
In November 2024, West Bloomfield voters approved a $25 million bond to build a new activities center. This year, the Parks Department is celebrating 55 years of parks in the township, and the new center, spanning 48,000 feet, will be its largest endeavor to date.
See CENTER on page 7A
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — The West Bloomfield Planning Commission and members of the community have expressed concerns about a local developer’s proposal to rezone the site of the former Bloomfield Orchard Nursing Home and redevelop it into single-family housing.
The site is located at 7277 Richardson Road between Forbush and Greendale avenues.
Officials said that the township has a gap in what they referred to as “middle housing” — homes that appeal to empty nesters who are scaling down, young families starting out and individuals looking to buy their first home.
Developer Steven Schafer, of Schafer Development, believes his proposal
See HOUSING on page 19A
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DEVELOPER MET WITH RESISTANCE OVER HOUSING PROPOSAL
Bloomfield Orchard Village Nursing Home sits on 2.06 acres where a local developer seeks to build 15 new single-family homes on the site. The West Bloomfield Planning Commission took issue with how the plan would increase the density of residents.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
West Bloomfield has outgrown its current recreation hub and plans to build a new one spanning 42,000 square foot. The building will be called the Connect Community Center.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Housing
page 1A
described as apartments, with rent starting around $2,000 per month.
Michael Bridges, a member of the Farmington Hills City Council, said the development would have required rezoning from RA1 to RC1, with RC1 being less restrictive in terms of density — the number of people living in an area.
“I always thought that neighborhoods were very strong in our community. People move to Farmington Hills because of the rural character, open spaces, wooded lots,” he said. “This project would somewhat disturb that.”
The residents that spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting were all against the development because of the increased density of people, as well as stormwater drainage issues, increased traffic and potential loss of property value.
Many felt the proposal was a poor fit for an area with many neighboring homes on lots nearly a half-acre or more. As it stood, the proposal aimed to squeeze 63 units onto 12 acres.
“Our lifestyle will totally and completely change, both Holly Hills Farms and West Gate (Franklin Village) subdivisions, because of the density of the homes, the density of the traffic, and the restrictions against the animals that live there,” said resident Katherine Leik. “We live there for the wildlife. I have fawns being born in my backyard.”
Many trees would also have to be removed for the development, although the developer said new ones could be planted.
“This will definitely affect my property value and privacy,” said resident Craig LaPointe.
According to Councilman Randy Bruce, for months, he asked the developer Aaron Schafer for proof that the property had been marketed and put up for sale as an RA1. Bruce said that he never received that information.
“(Whether) this project can be marketed as an RA1 is critical in understanding your proposal,” Bridges said. “Not providing that data calls into question was that the plan all along.”
Schafer said the plan to rezone as RC1 was because RC1 calculates density by the number of rooms per acre, rather than the number of units per acre.
Schafer said the proposal should fall under the flex residential designation, a provision intended to help certain properties sell for redevelopment.
“Flex residential understands the fact that there are challenging parcels in the city
of Farmington Hills,” Schafer said. “I think there was an understanding (that) if the property sat for 30 or 40 years as RA1 and nothing happened, the master plan changed it to flex residential.”
Bruce and other council members assured Schafer they had no issue with the developer but questioned the motives of the owners of the property. Bruce explained how the properties there were left blighted with abandoned boats, cars and trash.
“Statements have been made that the owners have been unable to sell or market these properties (as RA1 that) appear to be false on its face, and more so with the testimony I have heard here tonight,” Bruce said.
One of the parcels had a sale price for about $700,000. Bruce encouraged reasonable pricing for the land and the individual sale of each parcel.
“I believe these properties have been allowed to rot so that they can be packaged and sold to a developer at a premium to maximize the return on the properties,” Bruce said. “I believe this is a scam and we are being played. I do not for a moment believe that these properties could not be sold and developed individually at the RA1 level.”
Residents urged the council to stand firm.
“The precedent that is being set today is if you bully Farmington Hills, they will acquiesce (and) you don’t have to follow the rules,” Eric Schmidt said at the meeting.
The consensus by council and residents was that not all development is good development.
“It is not sufficient by our own standards,” said Councilman Jon Aldred, as he voted no.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Dwyer differed.
“In my opinion, this is a great development for the city,” he said. “I think it is necessary.”
Dwyer was the lone yes vote, noting the developers have gone back to the drawing board after each meeting and study session to implement the suggestions of the community and council since the process began in April 2024.
The project originally featured more than 70 units.
Although Farmington Mayor Theresa Rich and Councilwoman Jackie Boleware were initially going to vote to approve the proposal, citing the housing shortage at all price points in Farmington Hills, they voted no after listening to residents, as did Councilwoman Valerie Knol.
“I like this project,” Rich said. “(But) it is quite clear that this motion is going to fail.”
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Friday
from page 1A
mined Friday’s identity Aug. 21.
“The manner and cause of the death are pending a toxicology report,” said Tyler Sweers, an officer with OCSO.
Officers with the West Bloomfield Police Department were dispatched to the 3200 block of Pine Lake Road when an unidentified man was found dead in Pine Lake July 29.
The county’s Special Investigations Unit arrived at the scene for a search and rescue operation that night, joining police officers from West Bloomfield Township, who determined that the individual was deceased.
No identification was found on Friday’s body. At the time, Friday was described as standing 6 feet tall and weighing about 140 pounds. He was wearing a white T-shirt, black jogging pants and black Adidas athletic shoes.
Anyone who may have seen Friday alive from July 27 through July 29 is asked to call OCSO at (248) 858-4940.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
CRIME WATCH
Debit card fraud
FARMINGTON — A man told Farmington Public Safety around 7:15 p.m. Aug. 21 that his debit card was lost earlier that day, and since then three online purchases had been made by an unknown suspect. The victim had alerted his financial institution and deactivated the card.
Police were investigating.
Disorderly conduct
FARMINGTON — A 54-year-old-woman was reportedly seen near a closed business around 3:30 a.m. Aug. 20. A Farmington Public Safety officer contacted her and allegedly noticed a large puddle near the dumpsters. When asked if she had urinated there, she admitted she had and was cited for public urination.
If you know more about these cases or others, call Farmington Public Safety at (248) 4744700.
— Gena Johnson
NEWS & NOTES
Road closures announced
FARMINGTON HILLS — Haggerty Road will be closed from 13 Mile to 14 Mile roads on the Farmington Hills and Novi borders from now through late September.
This is necessary to replace a culvert that carries the Seeley Drain under the road. The road will be completely closed at the culvert, which is just north of Lancaster Drive.
The detour is 12 Mile Road to M-5 and back to Haggerty Road.
The city of Novi has also closed 13 Mile Road from Haggerty to M-5 for paving projects throughout the month.
GONE FISHING
FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills will be celebrating Grandparents Day at Founders Fishing Pier from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 7. The pier is located at 35500 W. Eight Mile Road in Farmington Hills. The fishing rod, reel, bait and basic instructions will be provided. To register, visit tinyurl.com/fhncfallkidsfishing.
CONSUMERS ENERGY OFFERS PAYMENT
METRO DETROIT — Consumers Energy is offering payment assistance for customers with overdue electric and natural gas bills resulting from high usage this summer.
This is a one-time form of assistance. To qualify, customers must be past due, shut off or have a balance on a former address. To apply, call (800) 866-8429, or visit thawfund.org.
One can also apply through the Salvation Army at salarmy.us/energy.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — The Metro Boat Show is coming to Lake St. Clair Metropark Sept. 11 through Sept. 14 with lots of boat-related vendors and products for boaters to enjoy.
Metro Boat Show comes to Harrison Township
The show is open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 14.
Vendors come from all over including Harrison Township, St. Clair Shores and more. There will be food trucks, a tiki bar, a trolley service, a kids activities and more for eventgoers to enjoy.
Admission is $10 for adults. Kids 12 and under get in for free. Members of the military and first responders get one free ticket with proper identification.
For a full list of vendors and events, visit boatmichigan.org.
NAVIGATING MEDICARE
Photo provided by Road Commission of Oakland County
Photo provided by Farmington Hills Special Services
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
“This project addresses a longstanding need for updated, accessible and centralized recreation space,” Hyer said.
The new building will be in the general location of the current Recreation Activities Center and Nature Room buildings, located at 4640 Walnut Road in West Bloomfield.
Hyer said that a team has been assembled that includes architects, designers and engineers. Several items have been completed so far, such as requests for proposals and reference checks.
The new building will support multigenerational use. It is being designed for accessibility and sustainability, supporting a variety of programming and events.
Fiscal responsibility is another focus.
“We shaved (costs) where we could shave,” Hyer said. “We really didn’t want to change our program. If you look at other community centers, a 48,000 square (foot) building is small. … We didn’t want to go to the voters and ask for more than $25 million.”
Hyer said that the building should support operations for the next 20-30 years. It will feature a high school-style gymnasium, even though a middle school-size gym would cost about $250,000 less, according to Laura Hester, the owner’s representative and project manager.
“From a programming perspective, we thought it was really, really important to have a true high school gym,” Hester said. “Also, there is opportunity for rentable space with it being the larger size.”
Other planned amenities include a three-lane track, where completing 18 laps equals 1 mile.
During the meeting, a rendering of the prospective building was shown, prompting some concern about the narrow shape of the windows.
Debbie Binder, the township clerk and a member of the board, questioned whether the limited view of the outside made sense with a building concept that emphasizes nature.
According to the presentation, the reduced size and number of windows is intended to lower costs and keep birds safe, preventing them from flying into closed
windows.
The windows were also designed to mimic the shape of trees, Hester said. The smaller windows are only present on the north and east sides of the building where they overlook a parking lot and road.
“We are taking a building that is focused on nature, and it is surrounded by parking lots. That concerns me,” Binder said. “We’re moving vegetation to put in parking.”
Another board trustee, Jim Manna, also noted the lack of windows.
“I know from experience that stationary windows are not as expensive as windows that open up,” Manna said. “I’m surprised it doesn’t have more glass.”
A rendering of the building facade was also met with mixed reactions.
Manna admired some aspects of the design.
“I’m really, really happy that this is finally coming to fruition. It is badly needed for our township,” Manna said. “When I look at the center building, I love it.”
The rendering showed the center building with a variety of shapes at the top of the facade in colorful hues of green, yellow, teal and blue, each with a shiny finish
“These are fun colors now in this year, and we love your logo at (West Bloomfield) Parks. We always thought it was fun and popping,” said Teri Weingarden, the township treasurer and a member of the board. “I’m (just) wondering if 20 years from now — 30, 40, 50 years from now — if this is going to be more stylized.”
She suggested using more natural-looking design elements such as stone, rock and brick, while still infusing the design with colors that pop.
Manna raised concerns about the aesthetic of the side buildings.
“The sides look like buildings from the 1970s,” Manna said. “I’m shocked that this is all they could come up with. It doesn’t reflect 2025 whatsoever.”
Hyer was originally going to request a budget amendment to appropriate $3.25 million, which would be the balance of the $25 million bond, but she opted to delay the request. Instead, she will return with additional updates, including design development and construction drawings.
The next update is expected in October.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
CANDGNEWS.COM
8A/SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
AUTUMN FLOWER PLANTING BRINGS FALL CHEER AND A BRIGHTER SPRING
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Planting flowers around your home in the fall can help bring color and cheer to the otherwise dreary autumn season, and it will brighten your spring season as well.
“It’s a great time of year to grow flowers,” said Matt Colonius, co-owner of Piechnik’s Garden Center and Nursery in Oakland Township and Piechnik’s Greenhouse in Clio. “I mean, it’s a great time of year to establish gardens and rework beds.“
He said that as a landscape architect, the flowers do a lot to enhance the entryway of a home. He said the options are “endless,” and there are plenty of things to be added to a flower garden to enhance it, such as gourds, pumpkins and cornstalks.
“It’s endless. It’s not just natural beauty, but there’s other elements to this that can be added,” Colonius said.
“Fall is for planting,” said Nancy Kassab, owner of Flowers by Nancy K in
Whether it’s a design-build plan for new construction or “landscape rejuvenation” of an existing yard, The Landscaping Authority brings vision, expertise and a dedication to positively transforming properties to each and every job. “Our passion is to change things for the better, to improve the curb appeal of someone’s place,” said Jason Iras, the owner of The Landscaping Authority, based in Shelby Township. “We love to do before-and-afters. It motivates us to do an amazing job. To see something that’s down and drab, and turn it into something that’s very photogenic and very pretty to look at, that’s what we love.”
Serving metro Detroit’s northern suburbs, The Landscaping Authority works on new or preexisting projects. “We’re a design-build and maintenance company. We’ll design new construction landscape. We can do everything from sprinklers, sod, hardscape, brick pavers and retaining walls, all that stuff. We can pull weeds, remove stumps and put in trees to give a property a fresh look,” Iras said.
A designer by trade, Iras said a project starts with a free consultation where goals and a plan are discussed. “We implement that by taking a look at the property, seeing what they have, what’s available, and seeing what we can reuse to beautify the property,” Iras said. Creating borders and lines to complement the existing architecture, incorporating desired colors and maximizing their impact is all part of the plan.
“We do annuals and perennials, fall mums and tulip bulbs. We do outdoor kitchens and living spaces,” Iras said. “It adds tremendous value to someone’s home when we can increase that curb appeal.”
When the winter winds blow and the yard goes to sleep for the year, The Landscaping Authority’s team transitions to commercial snow and ice management. “That’s a very big part of our business, making sure we keep our clients and customers and employees safe from the hazards of Michigan winters,” Iras said.
879-5947 or go to thelandscapingauthority.com.
To set up a consultation or for more information, call
ABOVE: Floral designer Amy Carrier shows some of the fall decorations and flowers offered at Piechnik’s Garden Center and Nursery in Oakland Township. LEFT: Pansies are a popular flower that can be planted in the fall.
Photos provided by Piechnik’s Garden Center and Nursery
Planting
Berkley. “By planting now, you’ll enjoy early blooms as soon as spring arrives.”
Colonius said that early fall is the best time for planting your spring flowers, but it can be done until at least Halloween.
“It’s a great time to plant perennials, especially this year with the cooler weather moving in early, they get rooted into the ground really well now and should be in place and ready for spring,” Colonius said.
“Tulips and daffodils are planted in the fall and not in the spring,” Piechnik’s co-owner Stan Piechnik said. “Everybody thinks that because it’s a spring flower you plant it in the spring, and it’s not. Fall bulbs are important.”
Kassab said that fall planting gives perennials and spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils time to establish roots before the ground freezes. She said the cool weather reduces stress on plants, and fall is therefore an ideal time to refresh garden beds.
“It’s more hostile for rooting in the summer than it is in the fall,” Colonius said. “The spring is also a good time for us where rooting is heavier than growth. So, if the plant is not producing a lot of growth, it’s rooting into the ground stronger.”
Kassab said it is also a good time to plant hardy seasonal flowers. She said the most popular outdoor fall flower by far is the chrysanthemum, but other seasonal flowers include pansies, violas, ornamental kale and cabbage, camellias, and winter jasmine.
“For fall color you want to put in a lot of hardy mums; we sell some other hardy annuals like pansies, celosia, and some of the other annual grasses like purple fountain grass, and those are best used in planters for the fall,” said Colonius.
According to Colonius, many people are looking for fall flowers right now to enhance and freshen up their gardens as a result of the heat this summer.
“Hardy mums are a great way to do that, and we sell over 80 different varieties of hardy mums,” he said. “Hardy asters are great this time of year both for gardens and for planting in planters.”
He said the flowers that are not going to come back are best used for color by the door of your home, and the hardy perennials should be put directly into the ground.
Piechnik said that it is important to look into flower bulbs that are more resistant to deer. According to Piechnik, daffodils are much more resistant to deer than tulips; however, there are some newer tulip varieties that are resistant to deer.
Colonius said that in the spring, the flower bulbs come up and the deer like to eat them, essentially eating the flowers and ruin-
ing a garden.
Colonius said that they have a lot of products that offer some resistance to the deer, but nothing is foolproof.
“There’s really nothing that completely works for the deer,” he said. “They may smell at one and back away from it, but long term they might get used to the smell and figure nothing happened so I’m going to go ahead and eat it anyways, so we sell a lot of products that are kind of that way and they begin to work, and when the deer figure it out, they go ahead and chow down anyway. So, the jury’s kind of out on that one,” Colonius said.
He said there have been changes in the flower, nursery and landscaping industry because of the deer. He said they now often consider what plants will grow and not get eaten because of the deer.
Fall bouquets are another option to brighten a home. Kassab said the best flowers for fall bouquets include sunflowers, dahlias, roses, eucalyptus and narcissus. She said winter jasmine is “sunshine in winter,” amaryllis is “festive and dramatic,” paperwhites offer “fragrant elegance,” cyclamen has vibrant petals and heart leaves, and orchids offer lasting beauty.
“Flowers are so beautiful; they add color, texture and variety, instantly brightening up any space,” Kassab said.
She said that sun-loving flowers are usually low-maintenance if watered regularly and are good for those who are new to gardening.
Other easy-to-care-for flowers are marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers and geraniums, Kassab said, while roses, lavender and daisies need more moderate care.
According to Kassab, flowers are proven to reduce stress and boost happiness.
“Coming home to a garden of blooms creates a calming, uplifting environment,” she said.
Nancy Kassab, owner of Flowers by Nancy K, poses for a picture inside her flower shop in Berkley.
Photo provided by Nancy Kassab
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS
FAMILY MARKETS, GARDEN CENTERS ROOTED IN HOMETOWNS
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Creating a lasting business in a community can be quite difficult. Growing that business can be even more stressful.
Some of the longest lasting businesses in metro Detroit are its family markets and garden centers, founded decades ago. Many still can be visited at their original locations.
Impressively, there might not be many other businesses that have lasted longer than Kutchey Family Market. It has been part of the fabric of the city of Warren since the early 1800s. The original farm and store were located at 3202 East 10 Mile Road.
It was eight years ago when David Kutchey decided to sell that land and open a market at 27825 Ryan Road to sell produce and an expanded inventory of flowers and gardening supplies. The land was formerly home to Young’s Garden Mart & Christmas Fantasy, another longtime family farm business in Warren.
Kutchey said they always wanted to stay in Warren when looking for a new spot, as the community has always supported the business. They want to support the community, too.
“We just obviously enjoy the community and we’re so well known in the community,” he said. “People know us from being here for the original farm on 10 Mile. Being there for over 170 years, it’s just been a staple in the community … I don’t want to start all over. We have an excellent reputation and people know us and they trust us, and they know they can get good quality produce when it’s in season. So it was the right thing to do to stay here.”
Over in Troy, Uncle Luke’s Feed Store found its home in the city around 100 years ago in the 1920s selling their products to locals in one form or another, originally as Stiles Feed Store. The market operated out of a shed next to the current location as a farm outlet and hardware store.
Thursday, September 11 5:00-7:00 PM
Standing in front of his produce and previous awards,
David Kutchey holds the historical marker for Kutchey Family Market.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
right: Vince White,
Dewi , Brendan Nester, Garre Baker & Chris Taipale
From providing nancial literacy programs for teens to ongoing educational resources for adults and seniors, Community Choice Credit Union is proud to partner with its members and the community to achieve the goal of nancial wellness.
Simply put: It’s never too early or too late to learn how to save, manage money or build nancial security.
“My role is to develop and deliver educational content around nances which is geared at all ages,” said Beth Riske, a career educator and now an education specialist for Community Choice Credit Union. “We are developing content that is applicable for elementary-aged kids, all the way up to seniors. With that in mind, our goal is to reach them where they are. We know that each generation consumes their content in di erent ways.”
Community Choice Credit Union continues to roll out resources that demonstrate its commitment to nancial wellness.
CCCU o ers educational options for lifelong fi nancial learners
e Cash for Classrooms grant program is built on the belief that learning nancial lessons should start early and change as children grow. In September, teachers in elementary and secondary school classrooms can apply for one of ten $500 grants.
“If we can give them some funds so they can purchase software or other resources, we want to do that. ey may have great nancial lessons they want to implement,” Riske said, “and we know when we reach kids early on, they’re going to be so much more successful when they grow into adulthood.”
For high school students, the credit union’s nancial reality fairs really resonate.
“Michigan high schools now have a personal nance graduation requirement. e nancial reality fair supplements and supports that curriculum,” Riske said. “ e students are given a random career and salary. Some students are given a career where they make $30,000, some are given a career where they make $80,000. Taxes and 401(k)s are taken out. en it’s time to make
some nancial decisions. It’s one of those activities where they take the learning that’s happening in the classroom and put it into practice, to see how their decisions impact a budget. Leasing versus buying a car, having a roommate or living alone. All of
ums and social media.
“We want to make sure we’re giving correct information in this age of misinformation,” Riske said.
All of these opportunities to learn are presented free through Community Choice Union as an outreach.
these decisions they have to make are done in one hour. ey are so engaged. ey love it.”
Ongoing nancial education for adults and seniors can be found in the credit union’s webinars, available on its YouTube channel. Podcasts are planned for 2026 as part of an e ort to deploy resources across various medi-
“Everything that we’re doing is free to the community and it’s for members and nonmembers,” Riske said. “ is is a community-based e ort. Credit unions in general, we’re people helping people.”
For more information, call (877) 243-2528 or go to communitychoice.com.
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From home and auto insurance to will and trust services, our network of dedicated specialists provide personalized fnancial support when you need it – anywhere, anytime.
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From home and auto insurance to will and trust services, our network of dedicated specialists provide personalized fnancial support when you need it – anywhere, anytime.
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Building your trust.
Building your trust.
Professional trust services for members and their families.
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Creating a trust and choosing the right person to manage it are crucial for protecting your wealth and preserving your legacy. While many people consider picking a family member, professional advisors like those at Credit Union Trust ofer a neutral, reliable option that can ease the burden on loved ones during emotional times.
Creating a trust and choosing the right person to manage it are crucial for protecting your wealth and preserving your legacy. While many people consider picking a family member, professional advisors like those at Credit Union Trust ofer a neutral, reliable option that can ease the burden on loved ones during emotional times.
At Community Choice, we connect you to personalized trust services and an experienced team to help secure your future and provide valuable peace of mind.
Creating a trust and choosing the right person to manage it are crucial for protecting your wealth and preserving your legacy. While many people consider picking a family member, professional advisors like those at Credit Union Trust ofer a neutral, reliable option that can ease the burden on loved ones during emotional times.
At Community Choice, we connect you to personalized trust services and an experienced team to help secure your future and provide valuable peace of mind.
Your trusted ally, just one click away. Learn more today.
Your trusted ally, just one click away. Learn more today.
At Community Choice, we connect you to personalized trust services and an experienced team to help secure your future and provide valuable peace of mind.
Your trusted ally, just one click away.
Market
The market eventually found its current home at 6691 Livernois Road in 1946, opening as “Uncle Luke’s Print Shop.” It has been there in Troy ever since.
Longtime employee Gil Tufts said their longevity in Troy has been due to their loyal customers.
“That’s the secret to our business,” he said. “I’ve got one lady that travels from Petoskey down here, and probably some further. … If you don’t have a loyal customer base and you don’t treat your customers right, you’re not going to be in business and that’s something we always strive to do here.”
Troy also is home to Telly’s Greenhouse & Garden Center at 3301 John R Road, where it was founded in 1978.
Telly’s Greenhouse kind of fell into the family’s lap, according to owner George Papadelis, as they had been neighbors next to an old woman with a greenhouse who then died in 1976. Papadelis’ father, Gust, bought that land in 1977.
Papadelis said the business got its start when, as a kid, it was suggested he and his brother grow plants in the greenhouse and
sell them to make money for a family trip to Greece. They then painted a sign and sold flowers from the side of the road, making $1,000.
The business eventually grew and became what it is today, where it took on the name Telly’s, which was the name of Gust Papadelis’ Greek restaurant.
Since its beginnings, Telly’s has grown to include multiple locations in Michigan but currently has its base of operations at its Troy location and in Shelby Township, where they bought several acres of land 15 years ago to grow their flowers and plants. That’s where they do more than 90% of
their growing.
That being said, Papadelis said they plan to stay at their Troy home.
“We’re staying here at the Troy location because it’s an excellent location and we’ve developed a property well to accommodate the store and, quite frankly, I feel like we’ve done a lot to promote gardening in the area and sort of get people to appreciate it more and enjoy it more,” he said.
Papadelis said the city of Troy has grown around them, as has the need for plants from a reputable and family-owned garden center.
“We just grew along with that need,”
he said. “As the market changed, we adapted to it because the same person that was growing the plants was selling the plants, which is me. So things have changed an awful lot since, of course, we started almost 50 years ago, but we’re still all about plants that we grow, and we love doing that and we’re good at it and we’re very service-oriented. Customers expect to see me here and they expect to get their questions answered accurately and, in most cases, passionately.”
In the case of Kutchey Family Market, the business has made such an impact in Warren that it was designated with a historical marker.
Kutchey said the designation was something that made him proud that he could continue his family’s legacy in Warren.
“It makes me very proud that I can continue on the family legacy that my great grandfather and my grandfather and my father and all them, that when they settled on 10 Mile and that was the original property, and then they started farming, that I can continue that and bring people good quality fruit and vegetables … and continue the legacy and keep supporting the community that supports us,” he said.
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
Bringing Women Together for Faith, Worship and Connection
Come gather with women of all ages at Christian Tabernacle Church’s Bloom Conference Sept. 18-21, 2025, and experience four days of powerful worship, inspiring speakers and fellowship.
This faith-filled gathering was born from a desire to give women a space where they feel “heard, seen and valued,” said co-host Pastor Loretta Forbes, who is leading the event alongside her mother, Loretta Morman. “My mom has always made sure women have a place to connect with God and with one another,” Forbes explained. “We want women to know they aren’t alone, that this is a safe space to be their truest selves and leave as better versions of themselves.”
The conference will feature worship led by psalmists Casey J and Naomi Raine, along with messages from global speaker Charlotte Gambill, author and tech innovator Nona Jones, faith leader Dr. Dee Dee Freeman, Pastor Michelle Ferguson and influencer Brelyn Bowman.
Sessions will include topics such as blooming in identity, purpose, wellness, womanhood and motherhood. Workshops and panels will address mental, spiritual, social and physical health.
“The wellness panel will include a medical doctor, nutritionist and marital therapist,” Forbes noted. “We’re targeting the whole woman—not just one part of her life—because we women tend to juggle so many things.”
Sisterhood is at the heart of Bloom. “We’re being intentional about every vendor, speaker and activity,” she added. “We even have sisterhood activation
stations so women can come together to connect, chat over cofee, share a photo and combat the false idea that women can’t get along.”
The event will also feature live Q&A sessions to encourage candid discussions. “Every speaker is going to keep it honest, open and transparent,” Forbes emphasized. “We want that deeper engagement between the women in the audience and the women on stage.”
Attendees can expect special surprises, including giveaways and the Bloom Boutique, a marketplace for self-care items, wellness products and clothing. Forbes hopes every woman leaves with confidence, freedom and a strengthened sense of community. “I want participants to walk away knowing they have sisters around them—women who understand what they’re going through—and that they can do this journey together.”
Christian Tabernacle Church is located 26555 Franklin Rd. in Southfield. Learn more and register at ctabchurch.org/events.
Identity, purpose, wellness, womanhood and motherhood
Kutchey Family Market was founded in Warren in the early 1800s and hasn’t left since. The current location on 27825 Ryan Road was opened eight years ago.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
CALENDAR COMMUNITY
SEPT. 7
Grandparents Day celebration: Includes light refreshments, crafts, jigsaw puzzles, bingo, photo booth and more, 2-4 p.m., Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St. in Farmington, registration required, (248) 553-0321, farmlib.org
Kid’s Fishing Day: Rod and reel, bait and basic instruction provided, for ages 5-8 (must be accompanied by adult), 9 a.m.-noon, Founders Sports Park, 35500 Eight Mile Road in Farmington Hills, register for hour time slot at mifarmingtonhillsweb.myvscloud. com
SEPT. 12
Kid’s Night: Drop-off event with pizza, swimming, inflatables and more, supervised by staff, 6-9 p.m., The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, continues Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 5, register at mifarmingtonhillsweb.myvscloud.com
SEPT. 14
Hear the music of John Williams: Kelly and Darryl Roenicke play selections from “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” “Jaws” and more on violin and piano, 2-3:30 p.m., Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, registration required, (248) 553-0300, farmlib.org
Free car seat safety inspection: Presented by Farmington Hills Fire Department, 8 a.m.-noon, Fire Station #3, 29260 Grand River Ave., make 45-minute appointment at fdevents@fhgov.com by Sept. 12
Apple Island tours: Take pontoon ride to 37-acre nature sanctuary, also see outdoor exhibits, learn from docents and hear presenter, 2-3 hour self-paced tours run 10 a.m.-3:40 p.m., meet at Orchard Lake Museum (home of Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society), 3951 Orchard Lake Road, purchase tickets during event, (248) 757-2451, gwbhs.org/apple-island-tours
SEPT. 18-20
Harvest Moon Celebration: Includes harvest food pairings, 40-plus craft beers and ciders, fine wines and live music, for ages 21 and older, 6-11 p.m. Sept. 18-19 and 6-11:30 p.m. Sept. 20, see band lineup at downtownfarmington.org
SEPT. 20
Hear Detroit Symphony Orchestra: 7 p.m., Mainstage Theatre at The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, free but tickets required, (248) 473-1850, dso.org
Harvest of Hope Gala: Annual fundraiser for The Bonnell Foundation (provides emotional and financial support to families living with cystic fibrosis), includes CF speakers, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and silent auction,
6:30-11 p.m., Laurel Manor Banquet & Conference Center, 39000 Schoolcraft Road in Livonia, www. thebonnellfoundation.org/night-of-hope-celebration
SEPT. 23
‘Ruin to Revival: Restoring Michigan Central Station’: Hear from builders who helped rehab historic Detroit train depot, 6:30-8 p.m., on Zoom or in person at Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, registration required, (248) 553-0300, farmlib.org
SEPT. 26-28
Metro Detroit Women’s Expo: Find 200-plus local businesses specializing in fashion, beauty, wellness, home décor, gourmet treats, handmade goods, financial advice and more, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 27 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 28, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, kohlerexpo.com, suburbancollectionshowplace.com
ONGOING
‘Clybourne Park’: Play about home sold to Black family in white neighborhood in 1950s and then back to white couple in now predominantly Black neighborhood 50 years later, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Sept. 19-Oct. 5, The Farmington Players Barn Theater, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 553-2955, boxoffice@farmingtonplayers. org, farmingtonplayers.org
Farmington Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays until Nov. 1, special dates include apple dessert bake-off Sept. 20, police and pancakes Oct. 11, and haunted market Oct. 25, Riley Park, 33113 Grand River Ave., farmingtonfarmersmarket.com
Wiser Whisker’s Senior Social: Ages 65 and older can hang out with cats and other animal lovers, hour time slots and hot beverage available 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays through 2025, Avocato Catfé & Adoption Center, 38437 Grand River Ave. in Farmington Hills, (248) 482-8271
Car shows: Farmington Cruisin’ the Grand also includes door prizes, 50-50, music and snacks, 4-7 p.m. Mondays until Sept. 29, Sidecar Slider Bar, 32720 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, (248) 536-2907
• Westside Rod & Custom Car Club hosts events from 4 p.m. to dusk Wednesdays through September, CARES of Farmington Hills, 27835 Shiawassee Road, bring unopened box of cereal as donation, find group on Facebook
Senior Social Hour: For adults 60 and older and caregivers, includes crafts, music, games, puzzles, coffee and light refreshments, 10:30 a.m.-noon every fourth Friday of month, Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, registration preferred, (248) 553-0300, farmlib.org
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
16A/SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 • FARMINGTON PRESS
SETTING UP
‘CAMP’ IN A CUSTOM-MADE CARAVAN THAT CRUISES IN REVERSE
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — When it comes to car cruises, Jerry Naumann knows how to make a grand entrance.
For many years, the car enthusiast drove an upsidedown GMC 1984 Rally van that attracted crowds from St. Clair Shores to downriver communities. After owning it for several years, he sold the vehicle to a gentleman in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where the upside-down van currently rests.
But the wheels behind Naumann’s cruising days are still spinning. A couple of years ago, he purchased another offbeat vehicle that looks like a camper riding backward while connected to a 1985 Ford Ranger pickup truck. Naumann drove the memorable trailer in this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise Aug. 16 and made an appearance at the Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade Aug. 15 where he “had a blast.”
Here’s the twist: the trailer isn’t really a camper but is manufactured to look like one.
“It’s just vinyl siding and it has a 2-by-2 framework,” Naumann said.
With a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer floor plan with drivetrain, a front and back seat, and steering wheel, it appears as if the Ford Ranger is backing up with the trailer behind it. But it’s really the trailer driving forward while pulling the Ranger behind it.
“Pretty much the body was removed off the ’98 Chevy Blazer and the seats were left there. The camper is bolted to it. It just drives itself. The Blazer is what pulls the whole framework of the camper,” Naumann said. “You can see the dashboard and the engine is all intact. The four wheels actually propel this camper.”
Naumann said the engine from the Ford Ranger was removed to make the ride lighter. The camper can drive by itself, but Naumann always has the Ranger with it so spectators can get the full illusion.
“The same guy that did the van for me did this,” Nau-
Do you own a vehicle with an interesting history?
Contact Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1045, and you could be featured in an upcoming Behind the Wheel. For more stories, visit candgnews.com/news/auto or use the QR code.
Jerry Naumann, of Berkley, brought his backwards trailer to this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise Aug. 16 and the Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade Aug. 15. Naumann’s camper looks like it rides backward while pulling a 1985 Ford Ranger pickup truck.
mann said. “I saw this about three years ago up in Flint at Back to the Bricks. Very nice, high-end cars go there.”
While en route, Naumann often keeps the speedometer at 40 mph. There is no radio, and the air conditioner doesn’t work, but the windows bring in fresh air. Naumann attaches a wire between the two vehicles so the Ranger’s taillights and turn signals work.
“That way people see when they’re coming up behind the truck if I’m turning or breaking,” he said.
The camper stands about 7 1/2 feet in height. Naumann gets a kick out of driving the rig around town. When people see him driving by, they pull out their cameras to take photos and videos.
“It’s that shock and awe, I guess,” Naumann said. “When driving down the road, you love to see people, especially little kids, smiling and pointing at it. I just love seeing the expression on their faces and the fact they enjoy it.”
Naumann lives close enough to the Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade on 12 Mile Road that he can see people as they mark their spots with lawn chairs and canopies to get a good view of the event. He loves to see so many spectators come to town, which he said boosts the economy and puts Berkley on the map. The same goes for the Woodward Dream Cruise, which stretches through several communities in Oakland County.
Naumann has always been interested in cars, something that was in the family’s DNA.
“I restored many cars and painted many cars,” he said. “My dad was into cars and my older brother was into cars.”
Along with the backward camper, Naumann owns two Plymouth Prowlers: a 1999 model and a 2001 model. The ’01 Prowler has 130,000 miles on it.
“That one, I drove all over the country just to events,” said Naumann, who belongs to the online Plymouth Prowler Enthusiasts car club.
This year, the club met up in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Last year, the Prowler peeps got together for camaraderie in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Classic Cars for the Cure Sept. 20
DETROIT/CLAWSON — The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute will hold its third annual Classic Cars for the Cure from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at a private garage at 1330 N. Crooks Road in Clawson. Funds raised will support cancer research at Karmanos in Detroit.
The event will include a strolling supper by Forte Belanger, live 1950s and ’60s music by Stella and her band Intrigue, a performance and swing dance lessons from the Oakland University Dance Team, and dessert served in a 1950s diner. Guests, too, can learn more about Karmanos’ research.
Attendees are asked to wear cocktail attire or 1950s and 1960s-style flair. Al Trombetta, Classic Cars for the Cure automobile curator, has gathered 25 rare classic cars from museums and top collectors to showcase. The event is personal for Trombetta, whose mother died of lung cancer.
Debra Partrich, of Bloomfield Hills, is a member of the Karmanos Cancer Institute Board of Directors and also a cancer survivor who underwent treatment at Karmanos.
“If it weren’t for a doctor doing research to find a cure for the cancer I had, I would not be here today. I would not be able to watch my grandsons grow up, spend more time with my family, enjoy trips with my husband, or be around with my friends,” she said in a prepared statement. “That’s the most important thing. Just to be present. This event is a wonderful evening full of classic cars, dancing, music and just a lot of fun. And we are raising dollars for research. Research that will hopefully someday cure cancer.”
Helping to make Classic Cars for the Cure a success is Franklin resident and event sponsor Jeff Kopelman. His wife, Sandy, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer but lived for 4 1/2 years because of the cancer treatment she received from Dr. Robert Morris and the Karmanos staff. Tickets cost $250 each at karmanos.org/cars25. — MARIA ALLARD
Partrich
Kopelman
Photos by Liz Carnegie
SPONGY MOTH: THE INSATIABLE LEAF EATER
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — For those who have been to the farther reaches of the region in the summer, a few odd sights stand out to the keen eye. Crop dusters flying low in the morning hours. Bands of burlap or duct tape stretched around trees. Dark green specks covering nearly everything in sight. Scores of trees left bare and unprotected from the coming winter’s harshness.
All of this is the doing of one little bug: the spongy moth.
The spongy moth — scientifically known as the Lymantria dispar, and until 2022 as the gypsy moth — is an invasive insect species brought to the United States in the mid-19th century. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, larvae kept in Massachusetts escaped sometime between 1868 and 1869 and the moths have made their way west ever since. Their travel has been facilitated by the wind, as the species’ larvae are carried away, and the spongy moth makes its presence in an area known with its infamous appetite for nearly all kinds of foliage.
“Generally, the feeding (on leaves) is going to impact stressed trees,” said Cheryl Nelson, a forest health outreach forester with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “The healthiest of trees — those that are watered, yard trees that are watered, trees in a forest that have been managed (and) thinned out to leave behind healthy trees — are going to survive a couple years of defoliation by the caterpillars. But what can happen is that without those leaves to capture the sunlight and create more food, stressed trees can die from it.”
The spongy moth larvae’s ability to defoliate trees has become one way state natural resources officials track its spread. The 2021 generation of spongy moths was able to defoliate 1.3 million acres of Michigan forests. That 2021 generation was the spongy moth’s population peak, giving Michiganders their best chance of seeing what has become a campground pest and arborist’s scourge.
“The spongy moths as caterpillars have both blue and red pairs of dots on their backs, so they’re very easy to see and identify,” Nelson said. “Then, as the adult moths, the females are white and do not fly … The males have the big, bushy antennas to seek out those female pheromones. They
fly to mate with the female, and then the female will lay egg masses. (Spongy moth eggs) are going to be brown and fuzzy and then there are the individual eggs underneath (the fuzz).”
While the DNR does not undertake mitigation efforts against the spongy moth, the species has found itself in the crosshairs of a litany of mitigation methods. One of the more accessible ways of dealing with spongy moths in an area is by “banding” trees. When spongy moth caterpillars are about an inch long, wrapping large lengths of burlap around affected trees creates an easy spot for knocking or vacuuming the caterpillars off the tree and into buckets of soapy water for disposal. Bands can also be made from duct tape covered in petroleum jelly or commercially available insect barrier pastes such as Tanglefoot. More information about making these barriers can be found in the Michigan
State University Extension article “Using Bands to Protect Shade Trees from Spongy Moth.”
Those with more resources at their disposal can arrange to have the microorganism called Bacillus thuringiensis, more commonly referred to as Bt, sprayed to control outbreaks in their area. Bt is a naturally occurring organism that damages the digestive system of spongy moth caterpillars when swallowed. Bt sprays and powders are available for purchase, and larger amounts of Bt can be aerially applied. More information on Bt can be found in the MSUE article “Btk: One Management Option for Spongy Moth.”
But the most meaningful mitigation tool of all is one nobody has to apply — because it’s already inside the Spongy Moth. Nucleopolyhedrosis virus is present within spongy moth communities and, when populations are high during outbreaks, can cause moths to die from the stresses of competing for food and resting space. Alongside the NPV virus is Entomophaga maimaiga, a fungus from Japan that has been used to attack spongy moth populations in the United States since the early 1900s and was introduced to Michigan in the 1990s. When moisture and humidity are high, spongy moth caterpillars can come into contact with Entomophaga maimaiga spores on soil or tree bark. The fungus then grows inside the caterpillars and can kill them within a week.
It is on the back of these mitigation factors that the spongy moth population has shown signs of decline. Since their defoliating heyday of 1.3 million acres in 2021, spongy moths only defoliated around 169,000 acres in 2024. And with one of the mitigation measures being a virus, Nelson says the spongy moth has been naturalized in Michigan.
“Now spongy moths act just like our natural populations of (caterpillars) where we might see outbreak years, but then after two to three years those numbers drop down again because they have those natural biocontrols in the environment to knock them back,” Nelson said. “Spongy moths are now considered naturalized, and we will see the same happen with populations getting high again. We’ll have outbreaks to deal with in the future (and) numbers will drop back.”
People can control the spread of spongy moths by checking their clothes, vehicles and items for any caterpillars and spongy moth eggs after spending time outside. For more information about spongy moths, go to canr.msu.edu/ spongy-moth/index.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
TOP: Creeping along a leaf, the spongy moth caterpillar is known for its insatiable appetite for foliage. ABOVE: The spongy moth caterpillar can be identified by its blue and red spots. Photos by Ferenc Lakatos, University of Sopron, Bugwood.org
would address this need. His proposal, presented at a July 22 work session, is to purchase the land on the site, which is about 2.06 acres, and build 15 new single-family homes there.
The homes would start in the $400,000 price range for a unit spanning 1,400 square feet and increase to more than $500,000 for homes spanning 2,700 square feet.
Schafer also proposed building on lots measuring 5,000 square feet, compared to the 10,000 square feet required by the current R10 zoning.
“This brings great value to the community,” he said. “It is something that doesn’t exist. There is a need for this type of housing.”
Currently, the township requires no more than four lots per acre.
One resident, Stephanie Tuttle, pushed back against the proposed change.
“I am asking you to stay true to West Bloomfield and our standards of 100 feet by 100 feet,” Tuttle said.
The commissioners asked questions and listened to Schafer’s proposal, but many felt that 15 units on 2.06 acres is too dense.
Schafer also proposed rezoning the
property as a Planned Development District, or PDD. Liz Hart, the township’s consultant from municipal planning firm McKenna, explained that rezoning for PDD would allow greater flexibility in terms of open space and sustainable design.
Commissioner Lance Stokes asked if Schafer met any of the current R10 standards.
“You don’t meet any of them,” Stokes said.
A recurring request from the commissioners was for Schafer to produce a proposal with less density. Schafer said that while he did not wish to reduce the development from 15 units to eight units, he suggested a compromise where the township covers the cost of water, offsetting the revenue lost from a possible reduction in units.
Schafer described the proposal as a small project for him. He said he is only trying to help a friend who owns the property.
“It is not going to make or break what I do on a daily (basis), but I would like to make it happen for the community if I can,” Schafer said.
As deliberations continue, Chairperson Karmen Santourian said the result may be neither eight units nor 15, adding that perhaps the two sides can meet somewhere in the middle.
Thank you, Oakland County, MI for raising a scout.
Scout Motors salutes the towns, cities and neighborhoods that shaped our earliest employees—the places that taught them to lead with grit, to go first and go further. To roll up their sleeves. To get their hands dirty. To break new ground and never forget where they came from. Because of them, we’re well on our way developing the Scout ® Traveler ™ and Scout ® Terra,™ and building a factory in South Carolina that aims to hire 4,000 more bold trailblazers. Because of them, we’re building something that lasts.
So here’s to Neil Sitron , our 20th employee, and Kevin Daniels , our 103rd employee, and to you, for helping them get here.
S:9.092"
AUCTION
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Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! We deliver statewide. Call 989-8321866. MyNextBarn.com.
IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800535-5727
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0233-2536
inTroy (E./of-Rochester, N./of-SquareLake) Sept.19th-21st,9-4pm, (Some-Open-Thurs) Clothes/Tools/Dishes/ Dolls/Furniture/Jewelry/ Antiques/Books/Loadsof OtherTreasures.
Software Developer sought by s/ware dvlpmt & IT consulting Co. Must have proof of legal authorization to work in the US. Mon-Fri, 40 hrs/wk. Job to be performed at 38345 W 10 Mile Rd, Ste #360, Farmington, MI 48335. The yearly salary: $138,486 & also Co. will ofer std corporate benefits. For full info about the job opportunity, refer to the internet posting at https://aptdatainc.com/careers, refer to job#: SD081325. To apply send resume to HR, Aptdata Solutions Inc, 38345 W 10 Mile Rd, Ste #360, Farmington, MI 48335 or email to hradmin@aptdatainc.com
EXPERIENCED, Full-Time/Part-Time, Gardening/Landscaping HelpNeededtoPlant, Weed,andMaintain FlowerGardens. WorkrunsMarch-Dec, Wagesbaseduponexp. Monday-Friday Jodi-586-596-5270
A Caregiver Companion, Experienced,Also willprovide transportationto doctorappointments, groceryshopping. ExcellentReferences. 248-270-1226
Bathrooms
BATHROOM REMODELING BasicBathrooms
Startingat:$10,995.00 Experienceofover 500-bathroomsacross Metro-Detroit, Lookatourworkat: andyscarpentryllc.com 248-376-0988
Lic/Insured/References
Brick Work
AA4DABLEMASONRY
586-822-5100
Chimneys,Porches, Steps,Flat-Work, Residential/Commercial Tuck-Pointing,CulturedStone,AllBrick&MasonryRepairs/Needs. FALLSPECIALS Upto30%-OFF Free-Est./SeniorDisc.
A-DMASONRYLLC.
AllMasonryWork Bricks,Stones,Pavers, Blocks,Porches, Chimneys.Tuckpointing. 26-yrsexperience Insured,FreeEstimates. 586-873-8210 Filip
Brick Work
PREFERRED
BROTHERSMASONRY
•Tuckpointing•Brickwork •ChimneyRepair/Rebuild •ChimneyCaps •CementFlatwork•Steps •PorchRebuild/Porch Caps•CultureStone Senior/MilitaryDiscount Upto20%off! 586-944-8898
Brick Work
MOUTON'S MASONRY
Any&allmasonryrepairs. Brick,block,steps, chimneys,porches-tuckpointing,Cementwork, mortar-matching. 25-yrsexperience Free-estimates. References/Insured. 248-252-5331
CENSODEVELOPMENT
MASONRYINC. MasonryRepairs, Tuckpointing, ChimneyRepairs, GlassBlock,Brick/Block Repairs,Mailboxes, Brick/CementSteps. FreeEstimates! Alfonso586-419-7818
Carpentry
BARRY'S CARPENTRY
•Decks•Additions •Bathrooms•Kitchens •Renovations•Plumbing FamilyOwned. 35yrsexperience www.Barryscarpentry.com FreeEstimates 248-563-1733
Cement
Carpentry
GOTROT?
RottenWood
ReplacementSpecialist AllTypesofWoodRepair Fascia,Soffit&Siding PaintedtoMatch AMGAppliedServices 248-828-7998 www.amgapplied services.com
Carpet Cleaning
CARPET WAVY-n-LOOSE?
WePower Re-stretch and Steam-clean ForOneLowPrice MultipleRoomDiscount CallNow:Craddock's CarpetCare,Inc. 586-754-9222
Cement
ALLENCEMENT
"TheDrivewayGuy" Established1999 Driveways/Garage Floors/Patios,etc. Licensed/Insured CheckoutAllen CementonFacebook! VernAllen 586-457-1300
POBLETECEMENT
BrickPavers,LLC. Lic/Ins.•Driveways •Patios•Porches•Walks •Floors•Color•Exposed •ConcreteRemoval 30+years!Troy,MI 248-743-1220 248-496-4964(Cell)
Licensed&Insured CustomGarageBuilders, Garages,Driveways, Patios,Sidewalk,Porch, ExposedAggregate, Porches,ColorConcrete, StampedConcrete. 248-642-2679
Cement
Concrete
WE RAISE SETTLED OR SUNKEN CONCRETE PATIOS • DRIVEWAYS SIDEWALKS • FLOORS CURBS • PORCHES
Commercial • Industrial Residential 1/3 TO 1/2 THE COST OF REPLACEMENT FREE ESTIMATES (586)731-7226
ROZECEMENTLLC CONCRETE,MASONRY &LANDSCAPING •Driveways•Patios •Brick/Stone•Pavers •Decks,Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com Andre-586-354-7791 cementroze.com
Chimney Service
ROYAL EXTREMECLEAN 586-219-0335 AirDuct&DryerVent Cleaning,GasFireplace Tune-ups&Repairs, WoodBurningFireplace Cleaning&Repairs, Multi-ServiceDiscounts. Royalextremeclean.com
Cleaning Service
CLEANINGLADY withover20-yr experienceislooking forwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830
TIREDOF CLEANING? LetMeSweep YouOffYourFeet WithMyExpert CleaningServices. CallLaurieat 248-837-9779
Decks/Patios
2025SPECIALS CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218
LAKESIDEDECKS DECKREPLACE DECKREPAIR Free-Estimates! CallTomat: 248-469-7045
Electrical 586-755-3636
Dr.Electric AffordablePrices! Father&Son MasterElectricians Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting,Backup GeneratorTransfer Switch,License#6109094 SenDisc.V/MC/Lic./Ins.
CASTLEELECTRIC 586-634-1152 (directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359
Gutters
A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 248-828-7998
*”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111
GUTTERSGALORE SeamlessGutters, Gutterguard, 1DayService, Licensed/Insured CallToday 586-634-6910
GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402
Lawn Maintenance
2025SPRING
586-260-5218
Commercial/Residential *Landscaping *Decks *SpringClean-Ups *LawnCutting *LicensedFertilization *Aerating&Thatching VisitFacebook: BrightHorizonServicesInc.
PROCUTTING
313-506-5408
Roofng
AA4DABLEROOFING
Hurry&SaveBig-$$$! FALL-SPECIALS Upto30%-Off!!! Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp.CC'saccepted. 586-822-5100
HandymanService
586-888-9031
Electrical,Plumbing, HVAC,Minor/Major Repairs,AnySizeJob. FreeEstimates 10%Discount
HANDYMANWOW
Painting,Drywall, Powerwashing, SealCoating
*Driveways*ParkingLots
MinorPlumbing, Caulking,Shelving, CallForaFreeQuote! 248-755-0246
Hauling & Waste Removal
***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL
Wehaulitall!Demolition Big&Small,Residential/ Commercial,Rubber WheelDumpsters-10,15, 20-Yards,Clean-outs, ConstructionMaterial, Small-Moving,Appliances,Furniture&More! Free-Est.Sen/Mil/Disc. 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com
BURLYGUYS
JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188
Heating & Cooling
HEATMASTERS
HEATING&COOLING Sale/Service &Installations. A/CSpecialsUntil EndofSeptember. AcceptingCredit-Cards Free-Est.onNewInstalls. Licensed/Insured 586-770-3233 Lic#-7116542
Home Repairs
EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 GUTTERCLEANING LEAFGUARDS
Roofing,Siding, Gutter,Repair.Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511
Landscaping & Water Gardens
ALLTIMATE OUTDOORSERVICES
DrainageSystem Professionals Big/SmallJobs, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202
TEXTTOM CLEANUP'S RE-LANDSCAPING SHRUBS&TREES MULCH www.sfox.biz
Painting
586-792-3117
PETE'SPAINTING FALLSPECIALS!
10%OFF Specializing inVacantHomes, Great-Rooms,Deck Staining&WoodenFence Repair,Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. SeniorDiscount, Free-Estimates,Insured.
(586)229-4267
AmericanPainting FallSpecials!!! Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair •DeckRepairs•Cleanouts•HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts
PEAKPAINTING
Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. *WillBeatAnyOther ReasonableEstimate! 35yrsexp.Sen.Disc.Ins. CC-Accepted/References. 586-722-8381
2BROTHERS
PAINTING
CompleteInterior/Exterior WoodRepair, Powerwash, Free-Estimates CallFrank 248-303-5897 ReferencesAvailable
Painting
ANDERSON
Painting&Carpentry CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall &WaterDamageRepairs. Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012
FARR'SPAINTING
Interior/Exterior
Wood&DrywallRepairs MoldRemediation
FreeEstimates CertifiedMoldInspector 248-345-3308 farrsmoldremoval.com
NEBOPAINTING
ServiceAllYearRound
Interior/Exterior WeMakeIt EasierForYou, AllNeedsAreMet! FreeEstimates Call 248-953-7807
Plumbing
586.524.6752
ANDY'SPLUMBING
33+YearsExp.Lic/Ins. CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254
MASTER PLUMBER
Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852
EAPLUMBING ANDDRAIN
FullServicePlumbing. DrainCleaning,Sump Pumps,WaterHeaters, Leaks,Disposals, CameraInspections, BackflowTesting andMore. 586-477-7777 License#803020312
WATERWORK Plumbing.com
•DrainCleaning •SewerCamera •WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022 SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885
Powerwashing
AJʼsPRESSURE CLEANING& SEALCOATING EndofSummerSale 25%OffAllServices! •StampedConcrete(removemilky/cloudyfilm) •ExposedAggregate •BrickPavers(resanding) Website: ajspressure cleaning.com 586-431-0591
ALLWASHEDUP
POWERWASHING FALLSPECIALS! Weofferpowerwashing& deckstaining.Houses/ awnings/fences/driveways/porches/windows/ gutters/doorsandmore!! FREE-ESTIMATES
SeniorDiscounts 586-360-0827
Roofng
PREFERRED
BROTHERSROOFING
•FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898
SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial, Re-Roofs,Tear-Offs, Flat-Roofs, AllInsuranceWork, Residential/Commercial WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards 248-707-4851
MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC. BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600 Licensed/Insured Since1965 Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds.
Tree Service
DAVE'STREE&SHRUB 25%-SpringSpecial. Insured,Emergency StormDamage, Large-TreeRemovals, Mulchinbeds/spreading, Trimming,Stump-Grinding,Season-Firewood (100acord)30YrsExp. (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com
ELITETREE SERVICE "Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757
Plumbing
