Downtown Newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

oaKland conFidEntial 26-28 | mEtro intElliGEncEr 66-67

January 2024

POLICE EYES IN THE SKY HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AS DRONES PLAY AN INCREASING ROLE IN PUBLIC SAFETY Ecrwss residential customer Eddm

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33 EYES IN THE SKY: POLICE DRONES With the exception of Royal Oak, and Bloomfield Hills which is just considering getting a drone, the police forces in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and neighboring Troy, West Bloomfield, Southfield and Farmington Hills have drone programs. Most have also developed policies to control their use.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

CRIME MAP

We like to think that this is America and government surveillance of citizens can't happen here, but David Hohendorf provides some history of just that by the state police and some local police departments dating back to the late 1890s and continuing through the mid-1970s.

A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format, plus a reminder about an online interactive map with story details on public safety incidents.

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

MUNICIPAL

Threats to clerks, lawmakers; Benson announces for governor; Fems For Dems pucker up; ZMAYOR in Birmingham; political gadfly and hanger-on moving; musical chairs for top state GOP post; plus more.

48th District Court budget; City Hall improvements; clearing lakes of geese; master plan implementation; expansion plan for The Community House on hold; parks and rec master plan; city ethics board; plus more.

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DOWNTOWN01.24 61 NEXT NOTEBOOK Next Executive Director Braun reviews the list of upcoming events for the community organization.

63 COMMUNITY HOUSE William Seklar, President & CEO of The Community House, writes about the now suspended plans for expansion of The Community House.

66 METRO INTELLIGENCER Gigi Nichols provides readers with quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro area.

70 ENDNOTE Our thoughts on why there must be formal rules governing the use of drones by public safety officials, what should be in the policies and who should approve them. Plus we offer our view on the expansion plans for The Community House.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER raditionally this space in a magazine is used by the publisher to hype the contents of the current issue – not a practice that we have regularly followed here at Downtown Newsmagazine.

We figure there are two index pages to guide readers to what interests them so I use precious space to address what I view as critical issues of the day.

T

That said, I am going to take some space to urge readers to take the time to read the longform piece by Stacy Gittleman in this issue on the use of drones by local police departments. In our part of Oakland County and in neighboring communities, small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are being utilized as the new tool for local law enforcement, including by Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard's department. With one exception, the local departments have policies governing the use of drones. After you check this out, then take a few minutes to read our editorial opinion (Endnote) on page 70 about drone use and the need for transparency when it comes to the rules of the game that local law enforcement will be following.

It's an important issue, one that will require ongoing consideration as technology in law enforcement continues to evolve, increasing even more the opportunities for loss of privacy if not handled correctly.

This longform topic was suggested by me months ago in line with what we do here – attempt to keep track of local government activities. I often tell people that we are fortunate to have one of the more educated populations in the state, so we know our publication in general, along with our longform storytelling, gets read. But we also know that our local residents are busy, therefore we take on the role of providers of what we think is essential to know.

Although we have a general sense of trust when it comes to locally elected and appointed officials, it's important to periodically double check in on issues such as this. We can never just be bystanders when it comes to protecting the freedoms we just assume will always be there.

I will purposely avoid getting lost in the weeds focusing on how in the current contest for president we have the presumed or likely GOP standard bearer talking about taking revenge against his political foes – weaponizing the justice department and “hunting” down and removing “vermin” that include Communists, those on the left and members of the media. Straight out of the playbooks of autocrats.

Can't happen here? Take a look at what history should teach us about our own state and local governments dating all the way back to the late 1800s.

Right here in Michigan, with misdirected people in office, aided by poor policies/laws or complete lack of the same, government ran amuck when it came to monitoring its citizens. Clearly intended to have a chilling effect on the right of redress.

Surveilling citizens on a broad basis – in the U.S. and Europe – really came into vogue in the late 1800s with the push by the labor movement to organize workers at the start of the Industrial Revolution to combat unsafe and inhumane working conditions. The unionization

efforts many times involved physical confrontations, highlighted by what is known as the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago, a labor protest event during which someone threw a bomb at police. Anti-organized labor sentiment lead to spy units, if you will, in most major cities in the country.

Then we had the first Red (Communist) scare in the 1920s and the second Red scare period of the 1940-1950s, most notable for the formation in 1933 of the House Un-American Activities Committee and the reign of terror until 1954, marshaled by Senate member Joseph R. McCarthy.

It was during this time period (1940) that the city of Detroit formed what was referred to as the Criminal Intelligence Bureau (Subversive Detail).

The state of Michigan carried out its citizen surveillance under a 1931 law that was so onerous that it provided that persons displaying a red flag would be guilty of a felony and have their names automatically added to the files. State lawmakers enacted legislation in 1950 requiring the state police to keep records on persons and groups advocating “subversive” activities. So what was dubbed the Red Squad was off to the races with an initial budget of $750,000 that would later balloon to multiple millions.

State police (Subversive Activities Unit) and local police Red Squads were particularly active during what was known as the Vietnam War Era, with which I am most familiar, having spent a couple of years as a counselor at the East Lansing Draft Information Center. Red Squad units were charged with surveilling “political enemies” of the establishment, which included civil rights leaders, Black Power groups, women's rights activists, ethnic groups and, of course, antiwar activists.

The Michigan State Police unit of 29 members was disbanded in 1974 and reportedly had 30,000-50,000 reports on citizens. Files at the Detroit police Subversive Detail numbered between 50,000-100,000.

When a judge in 1984 finally ordered the elimination of Red Squad records, it is estimated that the names of 1.5 million Michigan citizens were in one file or another, often supplemented by a counter intelligence program of the FBI. The courts in 1976 ruled the surveillance practice, as well as the two laws under which they took place, as unconstitutional.

Can't happen here? Think again.

NO MORE X(TWITTER) Here is the last post of Downtown Newsmagazine on X from a couple of weeks ago: Downtown will be leaving X (formerly Twitter) because it has deteriorated into a toxic platform, allowing antisemitic posts and other offensive content that conflicts with our values. We post on Threads.net as downtownnewsmagazine. Please follow us there.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Cris Braun | Dana Casadei | Tracy Donohue | Stacy Gittleman | Austen Hohendorf Grace Lovins | Jeanine Matlow | Gigi Nichols | Susan Peck | Carla Schwartz | William Seklar PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Laurie Tennent | Mackenzie O'Brien | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 970 E Maple Road / Ste. 3, Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 MAILING PO Box 1630 Birmingham MI 48012-1630 DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE GOALS/MISSION The personnel at Downtown Newsmagazine bring a special commitment to the publishing effort, reinvesting in the local communities and working to make sure the Birmingham/Bloomfield area reaches its highest potential.

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CRIME MAP

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder/Homicide

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through December 21, 2023.

Placement of codes is approximate.

Want weekly updates on public safety stories? Sign up for our weekly update email newsletter at downtownpublications.com.

An interactive version of the Crime Locator map – linking to stories about crime incidents – can be viewed online. Scan the QR code above or look for the crime map link on our home page at downtownpublications.com.

INCOMING Voice of shared humanity Thank you for David Hohendorf’s editorial (From the Publisher) in your October publication.

I appreciated being reminded of some of the difficulties of being gay in our community.

Additionally, I appreciate his voice in our community; one that speaks to our shared humanity and the everyday challenges to the ideal of loving our neighbor.

Please keep up your splendid work.

David P. Stanislaw Stanisław Consulting Birmingham

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I appreciate the update on Oakland County's mass transit effort (Downtown/November). But I question whether the added taxes we now pay for this undertaking will remedy the lack of current ridership.

One needs only monitor the current SMART buses to see that they are often times mostly empty, which raises the question of whether just because we build an expanded system, will increased ridership follow?

Some say that mass transit will help retain and draw members of the younger generation but we need to keep monitoring how this mass transit experiment does in the future before I am willing to accept this line of thinking.

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown Newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklandConfidential@DowntownPublications.com.

All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com where you can sign up to receive updates via email.

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RUNNING SCARED: In today’s perversely contentious political world, many elected officials are finding themselves the target of threats to their lives.

Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown acknowledged her office is on the lookout for mail threats, notably so after reports in early November of election offices in at least five states received suspicious letters – some of which contained the highly toxic chemical fentanyl, which can be deadly upon touch. “There are threats of fentanyl for all election officials, but we have not had any yet at the Oakland County Clerk’s Office,” Brown said. She said everyone in the office is BROWN opening all mail wearing latex gloves – and she’s doing the same thing at home, as well. Brown, a Democrat currently in her 11th year in office, has announced she will run for another term in office in 2024. State Representative Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills, Bloomfield Township) said she has been facing antisemitic threats in light of the Israel-Hamas war. As one of only three Jewish legislators – along with state Senator Jeremy Moss (DSouthfield, Bloomfield Township) and state Rep. Noah Arbit STECKLOFF (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce Township, Bloomfield Township) – she said she is feeling truly fearful right now, alluding to threats she has received. Steckloff said she currently has a police officer at all times outside her home.

ONWARD AND UPWARD: As Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited in 2026, the rumor mill has been working overtime on both the Democrat and Republican sides over who will likely run to fill Big Gretch’s leather jacket.

While not official, we’ve received confirmation from lots of big honchos that Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is planning a statewide run for the office. At a Joint Action Pac for Political Affairs (JAC PAC) at a private home in Oakland County in late November, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, who is term-limited in her current position, announced she will be running to replace Whitmer. Look for more announcements from others who are term limited – it’s BENSON presumed to be a crowded field on the Dem side, with Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and Attorney General Dana Nessel possibly joining the race, along with state Senator (and rising national star) Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak, Birmingham, Detroit) and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. After a crowded Republican field in 2022, expect the same in 2026, with only perennial self-funding candidate Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Township so far talking about running.

COME TOGETHER: An interesting – and unusual – phenomenon is occurring in the 2024 race for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District – which was won in 2022 by the “telegenic” newcomer Shri Thanedar. An Indian American, Thanedar’s win represents the first time in 67 years that the city of Detroit no longer has an African American representing it in Congress. Further, some staffers have claimed Thanedar is less interested in governing than in running for the office.

The district – covering Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, the Grosse Pointes, and downriver – has a new strong favorite receiving a plethora of endorsements almost a year before the election – former state Senator Adam Hollier, who narrowly lost to Thanedar in 2022 in a nine-way contest HOLLIER which split the Black vote in the primary. Now, Democratic power players want to avoid that occurring by making sure Hollier gets their anointment – and the contest is just between Hollier and Thanedar. Former Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence – who previously represented Detroit – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Wisconsin Rep. Gwen Moore, Wayne

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County Executive Warren Evans, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate of Detroit, and state Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak, Birmingham, Detroit), as well as other local leaders and clergy have signed up early to endorse Hollier. “We all know that the only way we will win this race and bring real change to Washington is by standing united, from the outset.

Division will only help to preserve the status quo — and we simply can’t afford that,” about 40 leaders wrote to Democratic voters. However, seems John Conyers III, son of the late Congressman John Conyers II, who was the longest serving Black member in Congress, doesn’t want to play nice.

He’s registered his campaign with the FEC and is out raising money to run.

And Mary Walters, council member of Detroit, has been out getting signatures to run in the district. We’ll see what unity looks like in August.

SMACK THOSE LIPS: The progressive Democratic women’s group Fems for Dems, which works to elect candidates in Michigan who support issues consistent with ones they believe in, has a unique fundraiser. It’s called the RUTHLESS Fems Lipsticks, in colors named after local pols, like Dana, a mauve tone, for attorney general Dana Nessel; Jocelyn, a pink, for secretary of state Jocelyn Benson; and a strong red named Gretchen, for of course Governor Gretchen Whitmer. State Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak, Birmingham, Detroit) is a big fan of Hate Won’t Win, a reddish-pink tone, and along with dark pink Power to the People, there’s a new coral color, No Malarkey, in honor of President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign.

According to their website, each shade is $22 and delivers or ships in 48 hours. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is.

VANITY PLATEFUL: We get it. Whatever floats your boat, as the idiom goes.

First, we have to admit, we don’t know it to be fact, but we are told that when Elaine McLain was mayor pro tem last year in Birmingham, she coughed up the added charge of $30 to the Michigan Secretary of State for a personalized license plate that said PROTEM. But we do know, confirmed by her personal Facebook page postings, that her new license plate says ZMAYOR, now that fellow city commissioner members, after last November’s election, voted her to the position. And then there is her coffee cup, which says: KEEP CALM. I’M THE MAYOR. GOODBYE: Speaking of calm, it’s getting positively serene in neighboring Bloomfield Township as know-it-all Marcia Robovitsky, the township’s longtime gadfly, has taken her bullhorn and moved out, perhaps to confuse and besmirch another community. Now word comes that former Bloomfield Township Treasurer Dan Devine, a perennial thorn in the side of elected officials and township department heads, has sold his township home. That could finally put to rest the ongoing rumor that Devine would some day try another election comeback. Devine developed a personal vendetta against former supervisor Leo Savoie in 2011, when then-supervisor Dave Payne chose Savoie, a trustee at the time, as his successor, quashing Devine’s dream and expectation of following in Payne’s footprints.

POSSIBLE OVERTHROW: It’s been a rough ride for Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Kristina Karamo, who hails from Oakland County, since taking over in February of this year the top party spot following a drubbing in her 2022 attempt to be elected as the secretary of state. She came from the ultra-conservative fringe of the party, which itself seems divided and destined nowadays to spend most of its energy debating who is more MAGA, rather than addressing the financial collapse and loss of active membership of those who have held the GOP together in past years – and who are now fleeing the circus atmosphere. But the Karamo reign on thin ice could be nearing its end with what appears to be a growing organized effort, with a call for a late December PATRICK meeting of the party’s state committee where her future will be decided. Insiders say that there may actually be the necessary 75 percent of the state committee willing to vote to end Karamo’s tenure. The antiKaramo train picked up steam in mid-December when the Republican chairs of two of the largest counties – Oakland and Macomb – publicly called out 28

for Karamo to be removed as state party chair. As for Oakland, GOP chair Vance Patrick issued a letter calling for her removal, blaming her for a state party “left in shambles” as far as its near bankruptcy position. Patrick went a step further and expressed interest in being elected by the state committee as the replacement chair, although one insider said he is “already in over his head. I think he is a non-starter.” Several Vance critics agreed he is not well known and doesn’t have the necessary skills to raise the millions of dollars needed for the party to be a factor in the 2024 elections now that big donors are giving directly to candidate committees or the state House and Senate Republican election committees rather than donate to the clown car of a state party. Patrick is not the only Republican with an eye on the state party chair should HOEKSTRA Karamo get the hook. Count among them Scott Greenlee from Ingham County and election denier J.D. Glaser, chair of the 5th Congressional District, both of whom ran but failed to get the party chair position earlier this year. Add to the field, former westside congressman and Netherlands ambassador (as well as one of the unlucky Rick Snyder gubernatorial primary challengers years ago) Pete Hoekstra who said he is willing to serve the party as chairperson. Said one observer: the state chair post is “basically Hoekstra’s” if he wants it.

U.S. SENATE NUMBERS: Polling one year ahead of next year’s general election has to be taken with a grain (a big one) of salt but one released by pollster Bernie Porn of the most reliable EPIC-MRA caught our attention. We took in stride the portion of the poll (+/- error rate of four percent) on the Donald Trump potential Michigan race with President Joe Biden, showing the former prez leading by 46-41 percent, similar to other polls of late. But what caught our attention were the numbers in the general election race involving Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing), the presumed party winner of the August primary, and two of her possible Republican opponents, former Detroit Police Chief James Craig and former U.S. House member Mike Rogers. In a head-to-head poll with Rogers, Slotkin garnered 39 percent and Rogers a respectable 37 percent, with 24 percent undecided. Against Craig, Slotkin polled 40 percent with Craig taking 38 percent. Twenty-two percent of those polled were still undecided in that matchup. No idea if there were polling numbers for former west Michigan Congressman Peter Meijer, who has been wrestling with members of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) who some say have basically written Meijer off because he was one of 10 House Republicans in 2021 to vote in favor of Trump’s impeachment. Just not sellable to the GOP base of voters in the state. Frankly, they may have also written off the U.S. Senate race here entirely. According to Meijer, as he stated in a November 18 radio program, when he met with NRSC members this fall, they said the Michigan Senate race was “not winnable.” A couple of GOP stalwarts agreed, with one of them saying: “I am not at all hopeful of the GOP chances, especially if Trump is top of the ticket.”

WHERE’S HARPER?: Actor Hill Harper, who is running against Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) to be the Democratic candidate for Senate in August, received a lot of attention recently when he announced he had received a call with an offer from a “big Democratic donor” of $10 million of AIPAC bucks if he dropped out of the Senate race and primaried Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Dearborn). AIPAC quickly said, um, they weren’t involved in this matter in any way, and the donor, which POLITICO identified as Linden Nelson of Bloomfield Township, “our records indicate that this individual has not contributed to AIPAC in over a decade.” POLITICO cited a source with HARPER knowledge of the phone call between Harper and Nelson, which said the alleged contributions would be split between $10 million directly to Harper’s campaign and $10 million in independent expenditures.

Harper stated in an email solicitation, “I will not be bossed, bought or bullied.”

Which may be true, however, in Senate campaign disclosures, Harper reported no income or bank account, pretty startling not only for a Senate candidate, but also for someone on a hit TV show, as Harper is. Or was. Harper has starred on ABC’s “The Good Doctor,” for six seasons – but is leaving this season, according to TVLine, as he is running for the U.S. Senate, and cannot do both. His choice? According to the TV mag, he chose democracy.

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01.24

FACES

Kevin Adkisson ost people would probably prefer not to live where they work. But most people don’t work in a 1920s home designed by famed architect Eliel Saarinen. Kevin Adkisson, curator of the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research, lives in the Saarinen House, the Art Deco home nestled in the midst of the Cranbrook Educational Community campus in Bloomfield Hills and for which he is also responsible for the preservation and programming of its possessions.

Saarinen House, and its vast collections, are open for public tours from the first weekend in May until the end of November. “The house,” says Adkisson, “is bigger than you would think.” The fully restored rooms are on view to the public, with Adkisson inhabiting the other three bedrooms.

“It is only through the Saarinen House front door that you come into this jewel box interior where everything is designed. Eliel Saarinen always said the architect’s responsibility was to design to the next smallest thing. Everything is harmonious – it’s a vision statement. It’s also just really beautiful to be in and to enjoy this painterly sense of composition,” he noted.

In many ways, Adkisson’s ascendance to the Center’s first curator was predestined. He recalls his grandmother giving him a book on Eero Saarinen, Eliel’s son, as a young teenager. As an undergraduate student at Yale studying architecture, he lived in an Eero Saarinen design. After graduating from Yale, he moved to New York City, where he worked as a ghostwriter for an architecture historian. When he was completing his master’s degree, he saw a posting for a job where he could live in a Saarinen home and also work with a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright – with whom he says he was “obsessed with” in elementary school.

A two-year fellowship became three at Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research before he was officially named the first curator in 2019.

“The architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Saarinens' still today, is so sweeping in its vision, so radical but also so beautiful. Both as a kid and then as a curator, talking about this architecture and design, it’s a really visionary way of living where the architecture is enhancing the beauty of the nature around it and the beauty of daily life,” Adkisson said. “It’s really kind of intoxicating or enchanting to see so much design that is also very different from how most of the world looks.”

Adkisson’s passion for Cranbrook, the Saarinen House and its cultural properties is palpable, as anyone who was fortunate to have caught his virtual social media tours during the COVID-19 pandemic know. With buildings closed to the public, he filmed detailed tours across the 319-acre Cranbrook campus, sharing “its treasures through the camera.”

This mix of education and access is integral to his role, where he leads tours for Oakland County residents, international visitors and K-12 students alike.

In early February, Adkisson will kick off his seventh annual “History of American Architecture” series, focusing on Detroit architecture. This five-week class, which started with “interested locals,” takes place both in-person at the Cranbrook Art Museum, as well as streamed online, with many of its participants attending from as far as the West Coast and Europe.

Ask Adkisson what is the enduring appeal of these buildings and objects.

“People crave this beautiful environment, these buildings where care and consideration of materials have been exploited to their maximum degree.”

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Story: Hillary Brody Anchill

Photo: Laurie Tennent

POLICE DRONES TAKE TO THE SKIES HERE'S WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW

BY STACY GITTLEMAN im Santilli’s business is taking off. As the president of American Air Operations in Troy, Santilli holds an Airman Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to train clients to operate small unmanned aircraft systems, (sUAS) or drones. Serving as his company’s primary drone flight instructor, Santilli has trained hundreds of public safety clients around the country, including the Michigan State Police, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, and the Bloomfield Township, Rochester and Troy police departments for their drone programs.

At the time Downtown Newsmagazine caught up with him in late November, he was in the process of training more drone pilots who are law enforcement personnel in Bloomfield Township, Warren and Trenton, as well as the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, before heading south to train more clients in Florida.

Some police forces are complete beginners while others are expanding, reinforcing or upgrading their training to activate new capabilities on their drones. With the exception of Royal Oak, and Bloomfield Hills which is just considering getting a drone, the police forces in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and neighboring Troy, West Bloomfield, Southfield and Farmington Hills have drone programs.

For the growing number of law enforcement departments around the state and nation to operate an sUAS, Santilli said they must train and attain either a Part 91 Certificate of Authorization license, which can take months, or a Part 107 license, both issued by the FAA. Any violation of the parameters which allow police to use drones, especially violations of search and seizure laws as set by the Fourth Amendment, would be

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cause for the FAA to revoke a department’s drone license.

“Obviously, as a law enforcement or government agency, you can't just pull a drone out of a box and put it up (in the air),” explained Santilli. “You must comply with FAA regulations. That includes either having an airman certificate of authorization (COA) with a small UAS rating or be certified under Part 107 of FAA regulations. Under the COA, an agency needs to fill out an application and needs to justify that it will safely operate its drone according to the FAA regulations. However, not a lot of government entities go the route of the COA. Part 107, from a safety liability standpoint, is the way my law enforcement clients are going. Plus they can be trained more quickly to pass certification and take it to the next step for the FAA to issue a license.”

Outside of a thorough review of the FAA regulations, Santilli said he offers law enforcement a standard operating procedure guide that includes language on privacy and how data and photographs and other data collected in targeted surveillance missions can be used in accordance with the Fourth Amendment.

To assuage misconceptions that law enforcement can fly routine, random surveillance missions over any street or backyard, Santilli asserted the fact that any surveillance mission must be targeted and requires a search warrant approval.

Santilli said the growing demand for his services proves that as drones become cheaper, smaller and more sophisticated, they are becoming an intrinsic tool in law enforcement and life-saving first responder work, to get into areas too small and too dangerous for even helicopters to enter. From fires to floods to accidents and hurricanes, Santilli has seen up close the numerous examples of how drones are being put to work.

“The opportunities here are endless,” Santilli said. “Obviously, from a privacy standpoint, we would not want the government to be using them to invade or violate privacy rights. And everyone I train in law enforcement is well aware of this. Most departments are pretty strict as far as how they are going to use their drones and that means they are limiting them to emergencies, crash investigations, and search and rescue operations.” hough all law enforcement officials interviewed for this article strongly asserted that they have no intentions to use their expanding drone programs to randomly survey people out in public or the privacy of their backyards, civil rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) caution that there is always a risk that well-intentioned government agencies can overextend their use of drones, as seen in parts of Maryland and California.

Though the ACLU repeatedly turned down requests for an interview, Downtown Newsmagazine was referred to its July 2023 report entitled “Eye-inthe-Sky Policing Needs Strict Limits.”

According to the report, over 1,400 police departments in the United States use drones. Deployment rose sharply after the FAA enacted new regulations in 2016, allowing anyone to fly a drone as long as they follow certain rules.

Under these regulations, all drone operators are still generally not allowed to operate a drone beyond their visual line of sight (BVLOS). A few departments, including the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, have deployed a drones-as-a-first responder (DFR) program. These departments have gone through extensive and time-consuming processes to secure a special exemption from this ban from the FAA so that they can carry out drones-asfirst-responder flights.

The ACLU reported that in 2020, a poll by the organization Drone Responders found that 75 percent of 248 public safety respondents wished to be certified for beyond their visual line of sight flights. The process of applying for an FAA waiver is getting smoother, and companies have already begun marketing drones and software specifically for the first responder market.

The report, which highlighted thousands of DFR drone flights conducted by Chula Vista, Calif., categorized the bulk of the flights responding to serious situations such as fires, accidents and gun violence. But others were related to nuisance calls, wellness checks, mental health evaluations and “suspicious persons.”

The report also revealed that some California municipalities were sending drones on anticipatory missions to scope out parking structures or streets where there had been a rash of vehicle burglaries. Predictive policing software that detects a potential crime wave may be inclined to send a drone for a routine patrol of certain neighborhoods, or police may suggest that people are asking to have their streets surveyed by drones for enhanced security over many street blocks to prevent and solve more crime. But this kind of speculation, combined with the rise of artificial intelligence being used to possibly run through vast amounts of surveillance photos or video footage, the ACLU in this report alluded to a point that there is a large potential for law enforcement to stretch and abuse the technology.

At the state legislature level, there has been growth in drone-related regulations as documented by the National Conference on State Legislatures.

It reported that since 2013, at least 44 states have enacted laws addressing drones and an additional three states have adopted resolutions. Common issues addressed in the legislation include defining what a sUAS, or drone, is, how they can be used by law enforcement or other state agencies, how they can be used by the general public, and regulations for their use in hunting game.

For state legislatures passing such legislation, 2021 proved to be a busy year.

California, Maryland, Washington and the District of Columbia imposed certain restrictions on law enforcement agencies seeking to acquire specific equipment, including drones, from a program operated by the federal government.

Florida, Tennessee and Texas expanded allowable drone uses for law enforcement agencies and first responders. Massachusetts, New Jersey and Oregon appropriated funds for drone-related purposes including drone facility improvements, high-resolution mapping and drone programs.

Mississippi and South Dakota addressed personal privacy concerns related to operating drones. North Carolina required an annual report on drone use by state agencies.

In 2020, Idaho and Minnesota permitted law enforcement agencies to operate drones for specified purposes, including traffic crash reconstruction, search and rescue missions, and training purposes.

Vermont prohibited law enforcement from operating drones while using facial recognition, except for purposes such as search and rescue and assessing wildfires, floods and storms.

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In Michigan, Senate Bill (SB) 992, enacted in 2016, prohibits local authorities from regulating drone operations. The only exception is for regulated drones belonging to a locality. This law also allows FAA-qualified commercial and recreational drone pilots, who comply with federal laws, to fly in the state .

The law states that no drone pilot shall operate drones in a manner that interferes or can potentially interfere with emergency responders, an individual’s right to safety and reasonable expectation to privacy, restraining order violations, nor can they capture images that infringe on personal privacy.

Also, committed sex offenders cannot use drones to communicate, stalk, photograph, film, or record persons the law prohibits them from contacting.

Drone pilots who violate this law are guilty of an offense.

In addition, Michigan does not require a government agency operating a drone to write a drone usage policy or have a written one available to the general public or visible in municipal documents or documentation found on a municipal website. Most municipalities contacted by Downtown Newsmagzine do have written policies on their use of drones, which were acquired by filing Freedom of Information Act requests.

Currently, there is proposed legislation in Lansing, still in committee, that takes aim at the potential for foreign influence and intrusion in government through technology, including foreign-made drones.

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Defense banned the use of all commercial off-the-shelf drones, regardless of manufacturer, due to cybersecurity concerns.

Just this November, a bill was introduced in Congress prohibiting the U.S. government, and local government using federal grant funds, from purchasing drones manufactured in China. At the same time, an amendment to another bill was offered in the Senate to prohibit the FAA from using or providing grants to purchase drones made in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela or Cuba.

Michigan state Representative William Bruck (R-Lenawee and Monroe counties) also shares these concerns and would like to see this federal rule adopted here in Michigan. In September 2023, he introduced House Bills 50665067, which would prohibit state and local governments from using potentially dangerous foreign technology, such as drones, as well as state contracts that could provide personal information to foreign entities.

In addition to the legislation, Bruck has formed the Michigan Legislature’s Working Group for National Security. The working group, which is open to bipartisan participation, will delve into assessing potential threats, provide information and explanations to their legislative colleagues and the public, and guide statutory and regulatory reforms.

“Anybody with a drone can become a Peeping Tom, but I do not think that is what people are concerned with, especially of the possibility of it being done by law enforcement,” said Bruck. “But the newly formed Working Group for National Security here in Lansing is concerned about the insecurity of the drones because where they are manufactured.” ruck said because this technology is manufactured in China, there may be a slight chance that the software and hardware could provide a “back door” for intrusion or a data breach to send sensitive information out of the country, therefore endangering national or state security.

“I think we should adopt federal guidelines at the state and local level,” Bruck said. “Whether it is a local municipality, police department or a county sheriff’s office, they should be aware that they are purchasing a drone that at the federal level has proven to have inconsistencies when it comes to security.

Adapting the federal purchasing guidelines would be a start.”

Based on interviews with law enforcement officials from the Oakland County Sheriff’s office to Farmington Hills, this is not the case.

According to local drone distributors and law enforcement officials interviewed, the drones manufactured and sold by the Chinese company DJI are the top choices for law enforcement for their reliability, sophisticated functionality and affordable price points. Departments from Oakland County Sheriff to Michigan State Police to local departments all deploy DJI drones, and by some estimates 50 percent of drones in the country purchased by law enforcement are from DJI. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has 23 drones and 87 trained pilots.

According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, it is the largest law enforcement drone program in the state and among the top five largest in the country. The OCSO in 2022 launched its drones as a first responder program.

OSCO’s drones range from smaller models that can drop inside a home or building to aid the work of SWAT teams or larger ones to map out traffic accidents along the highways.

Bouchard said in the future, he hopes that all of the county’s 12 substations will be outfitted with a drone and a trained pilot. While smaller drones must be viewable within 400 feet of a drone pilot, other, larger and more sophisticated

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drones used as first responders for more acute emergencies are permitted to fly miles away from their base.

“For certain missions, we have received FAA authorization to deploy a drone beyond the visual line of sight, which means we must watch the airspace and not specifically the drone so we can fly a much farther distance,” said Bouchard. “If we launch from our highest point, such as our office in downtown Pontiac, we can get our drones to most locations extremely quickly and pass on information with this powerful tool.”

For example, in late October, Bouchard recalled an incident when a drone pursued a person with a felony warrant who attempted to escape arrest. When the drone arrived on the scene and a deputy vehicle activated its patrol car lights, the suspect took off again. The deputy terminated his pursuit, the drone followed the suspect to a point where he stopped in an area where more deputies had gotten to the area ahead of time thanks to being alerted by the drone.

Bouchard said there is a popular misconception that law enforcement is using drones for long-scale regular surveillance.

“Drones do not have that long of a battery life for starters,” explained Bouchard. “Unless you receive FAA authorization to go great distances, they are not a great surveillance tool. Surveillance from the air is best conducted with a manned aircraft (like a helicopter) that can follow a suspect for miles.

Drones are used for finite, immediate breaking situations and we have very robust guidelines when it comes to privacy concerns.”

For transparency’s sake, details of the sheriff’s office first responders drone program and policy are publicly available on the department’s website. There, the department states that its drones as first responders program “brings updated technology to the traditional 911 response. In addition to a deputy being dispatched, a drone could also be launched to give units on the ground an aerial observation platform. This enhances a deputy’s situational awareness and makes drone operations safer.” ccording to the policy, the program launches a drone from a central location to cover a predetermined radius of responses. It can arrive at the scene of a crash or a crime in five minutes or less, half the time of a responding law enforcement car. Once on scene, the drone pilot can assess the situation and report to officers who are on their way to the scene, who can see what’s going on through live video sent to the deputies in their vehicle, enabling them to plan the best deescalation tactics for the situation. By observing the real-time dynamics of an incident, deputies increase the probability of positive outcomes.

The OSCO’s procedures dictate that a drone’s camera is focused only on the specific location of the call incident. When the deployment ends, the camera points up to the sky to prevent accidental intrusion into people’s privacy.

The OCSO’s policy also states that unmanned aircraft: “are only deployed to support investigations and any citizen’s or deputy’s call for service. They must be operated consistent with the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions and all other applicable laws. Agency personnel shall abide by the Fourth Amendment and not use drones to conduct an unreasonable search or seizure. When a search warrant is required by law, and no warrant exception exists, flight is prohibited unless a search warrant is obtained.”

The policy continues: “Unmanned aircraft may not be used solely for the purpose of monitoring activities protected by the First Amendment or the lawful exercise of other rights secured by the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions, except as necessary to protect people who are exercising their constitutional rights. Drones shall not be used in any manner that would violate any law; discriminate against any persons based upon their ethnicity, race, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity; may not be used to intimidate any person; and may not be used for any type of random patrol.

The use and operation of drones will be recorded, documented, and reported in the transparency webpage available for public view and Patrol Services Year End Report.”

As far as imaging, the policy states that drones “shall not intentionally record or transmit images of any location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Operators and observers shall take reasonable precautions to avoid inadvertently recording or transmitting images of areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Reasonable precautions can include, for example, deactivating or turning imaging devices away from such areas or persons during sUAS operations.”

Bouchard said that any photos taken with drones, just as photos and video taken with bodycams, are purged within a designated timeframe unless they are needed for a specific investigation. He also added that while his office uses drones manufactured in China, he said there should be a push from Congress to ease the way for American manufacturers to make drones that are equal to the quality and sophistication of Chinese drones.

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In 2015, the Michigan State Police (MSP) became the first statewide police agency in the country to win approval to use drones in accident and crime scene investigations.

MSP purchased its first drone in 2013, but didn’t receive FAA approval until two years later. The arrangement also allowed MSP to assist other municipalities requesting drone support. Among the operations a drone might support are search-and-rescue missions and crime scene and crash investigations.Now, MSP has four drone pilots which operate a fleet of five drones and is looking to hire at least one more pilot next year. The drones are mainly used for documenting crime scenes traffic analysis and aiding officers in the event of crashes. For search and rescue operations, MSP relies on its helicopters and planes.

“Unlike the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, which has a larger fleet because they are using them in their first responder efforts, MSP only uses drones in active crime scenes or for documenting the scene of a crash,” said Sgt. Michael Darrow of the MSP Aviation Unit - sUAS. “If we are performing documentation of a crime scene and using a drone for documentation, that means we already have a search warrant. If it’s a homicide and we’re there documenting that crime scene, then a search warrant has already been issued for preservation of evidence. Everything we do with a drone would be done like that. We don’t just fly drones to fly drones around people’s property.”

At the time that the MSP was launching its drone program, the ACLU called for strict limits on the deployment of drones and data retention and said under no circumstances should they be equipped with lethal or non-lethal weapons. ACLU-Michigan worked with MSP on their policies and had no issues with the MSP using drones for accident reconstruction.

The Birmingham Police Department purchased its first DJI Matrice 350 RTK safety drone in October 2023 for $23,000. The price included the drone, a camera with infrared capabilities, extra battery packs and charging units.

Birmingham Police Chief Scott Grewe said that two officers were FAA trained through the OCSO and additional officers will be trained in 2024.

“Our goal is to make sure that we have as many of our personnel as possible trained to operate the drone so the use and deployment of the drone would be available any time we need to deploy it,” Grewe said.

He said in the months the city has had a drone, which resides in city hall, they have not yet used it for any major incidents and do not intend to use it on a day-to-day basis.

Grewe stressed that a police department cannot abuse its use of a drone if it wants to keep its operating license. Grewe allayed fears of residents who believe that its drone will constantly be hovering over the streets of Birmingham, taking random pictures that could be used as incriminating evidence. He stressed that is just not the case.

“This is not about randomly monitoring people,” maintained Grewe. “In the case that we have a missing person, be it a child or an adult with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or if a crime suspect is fleeing, that is when we would use it. We will not be using it on a day-to-day basis just up there in the air monitoring the town.”

Grewe explained one area where the drone will come in handy is the recent implementation of the city’s overwatch program, which is used for special events that bring crowds into town. rewe said that Birmingham activated this heightened security program in the summer of 2022, when a mass shooter at a July 4 parade in Highland Park, Ill., killed seven people and injured dozens. In its overwatch program, police are stationed on rooftops to survey crowds during special events, art and farmers markets, and other public gatherings. A drone added to the mix would just enhance the department’s capabilities.

“Ever since that shooting, we have heard from residents and business owners alike that they would appreciate ramped-up security during special events,” Grewe said. “Many of those events take place in the heat of the summer. Our drone will give us more eyes and ears overhead. Additionally, it costs the taxpayer extra in overtime in manpower on special event days with officers spending a lot of time stationed on hot tar roofs. As long as its battery lasts, a drone can hover over a crowd without breaking a sweat.”

With that said, Grewe said the technological capabilities of a drone, no matter how advanced, can never replace “boots on the ground” skills of a police officer.

“The drone provides an extra level of service during a major incident. We can have one officer operating a drone giving information to others on the ground, and we can provide greater coverage with less manpower and reserve those officers to be more readily available for other emergencies.”

Birmingham has a drone policy that Downtown Newsmagazine acquired after filing an FOIA request. Active as of October 2023, the policy states that “only FAA licensed pilots may operate the city’s drone or Unmanned Aircraft

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System (UAS). During operations, there is pilot, a person controlling the UAS during a flight, and the visual observer, who is responsible for the visual observation of the UAS while in flight. The observer will alert the pilot of any conditions which will affect the safety of the flight.”

The policy states that when the UAS is being flown, “operators will take steps to ensure the camera is focused on the areas necessary to the mission and to minimize the inadvertent collection of data of uninvolved persons or places.” rones will not be equipped with weapons, and missions will be limited to specific life-saving applications, as well as cases that involve barricaded suspects, hostage situations, active shooters, apprehension of armed and dangerous or violent fleeing suspects and high-risk search warrants. All missions will require approval by commanding officers before deployment.

Birmingham’s policy also details the use of data gathered by drones. After each mission, recorded data will be reviewed and evaluated to see it is of evidentiary value to specific criminal cases..

It states: “Data of unidentifiable individuals captured during a UAS mission shall not be retained unless there is a reasonable belief that evidence of criminal activity is present. All retained data shall be maintained or destroyed pursuant to our Department’s Record Retention and Security Policy and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The UAS will record only when necessary for evidence collection.”

When purchasing its drone, Birmingham worked with NOAR Technologies, a family-owned drone technologies dealer based in Clawson. The 14-year-old business’ clients also include the MSP, several other local law enforcement agencies, as well as law enforcement and intelligence clients around the country. Their go-to brand for law enforcement clients is DJI’s Matrice line.

Until drones are made domestically with the same quality, reliability and capabilities, NOAR said it will continue to recommend this Chinese manufacturer.

“Even if you can find an American-assembled drone maker and manufacturer, the components are still made in China,” said NOAR Technologies Vice President Michelle Studer. “When it comes down to a drone’s capabilities, price points and the quality of the way they fly, there really is not a match out there from a domestic manufacturer.”

In addition to hardware and software sales, NOAR offers a two-day course in preparation for the FAA 107 certification exam. It also works with law enforcement departments to customize and deploy their drone program.

Studer highlighted the advantages of a drone’s heat-sensing capabilities in both firefighting and police work. The same heat sensors that can detect human life to locate victims overcome with thick smoke in a burning building were also the ones used April 2012 by Boston law enforcement to capture the Boston Marathon bomber who was hiding in a boat in someone’s backyard.

“In firefighting, drones with sophisticated sensors working outside a structure give first responders efficiency in a way that gives them a visual where otherwise their vision would be blocked by smoke,” Studer said. “In both firefighting and police work, the thermal capabilities of a drone bring an advantage to those people that are putting their lives on the line to go into these situations to mitigate or lessen the risk and hopefully, essentially save lives. If I had it my way, going forward, every officer should always have some type of drone model in their vehicle readily available to be deployed. Drones are a fast, reactionary tool which can be deployed in situations and boast a vast number of capabilities.”

Studer explained that in cases where police are in pursuit of a barricaded active gunman, a drone can be a lifesaving tool for them as it gives the police the advantage of the element of surprise.

“Police in certain situations are unsure what is waiting for them on the other side of a door,” Studer said. “Unfortunately, there have been instances when a police officer lost his life because it was unknown if the person who was barricaded was still active and armed. As soon as they entered with force, the officer was shot and killed. Imagine if we can invert this scenario. Instead of sending in police, they can send into the building a drone with a camera to track an active shooter. Even if the active shooter shoots down a replaceable $3,000 drone – it is not the loss of a human life. I’m always going to push forward for that piece of technology going forward.”

Bloomfield Township purchased for around $4,000 a DJI Mavic system with thermal imaging that can remain in flight for about 25 minutes. According to Bloomfield Township Police Chief James Gallagher, the drone is shared by the police and fire departments and resides at the township’s firehouse. The drone is operated by three trained pilots; two from the police department and one from the fire department. Gallagher said the township is looking to possibly purchase a second drone.

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Outside of its FAA license, the township does not have a written policy regarding its drone program. Yet, after sharing that information, the next point Gallagher made is that Bloomfield Township cannot fly its drone to randomly survey its neighborhoods because that would be in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

“If someone calls in a complaint about something going on in a neighbor’s backyard, for example, whether it be a noise disturbance, or if someone is doing something suspicious, or constructing or storing something in their backyard that goes against a town ordinance, we as a police department cannot just fly a drone over your house to verify a complaint,” insisted Gallagher.

Just as law enforcement must adhere to airspace rules set by the FAA, so do drones flown by hobbyists, Gallagher added. For example, while law enforcement drone pilots with a surveillance permit are allowed to fly over special events such as the Dream Cruise, if hobbyist drones are flown over the same route, law enforcement will work to locate the drone operator and force them to bring it down. Gallagher said that the drone may also be used at demonstrations to keep an eye in the sky to look out for agitators in the crowd that could endanger public safety.

“The main purposes of why we deploy our drone are for searching for missing persons, a serious crime emergency, or severe traffic accidents,” explained Gallagher.

Gallagher said Bloomfield Township’s drones are deployed for specific emergencies. For example, in the summer of 2021, a woman went missing and drowned after taking her canoe into the lake behind Kirk on the Hills. Her body was located with the drone, which was able to fly around parts of the lake that would be too intrusive with a helicopter.

Bloomfield Hills from time to time has benefitted from the deployment of the OCSO’s drones and now Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Department Captain Dustin Lockard said the city is in the beginning phases of considering the purchase of a drone, which would mainly be used in firefighting and locating missing persons.

“Drones do a variety of things that can be accomplished on a cost effective basis,” Lockard said. “Though it could not replace helicopter use, there are specific situations such as the thermal camera that can locate lost people such as children, or patients who wander away from a memory care facility. We have seen a spike of incidents like this happening. If one missing person is found alive thanks to a drone, it pays for itself.”

Lockard pointed to a drone’s usefulness in putting out fires, as was seen at a recent house fire on Lone Pine Road in Bloomfield Hills.

On October 31, 2023, firefighters from multiple municipalities were called to the scene to fight a house fire on the 100 block of Lone Pine Road and deployed the drone from Bloomfield Township to fly over the scene to better direct firefighting personnel to position the hoses to extinguish the fire. Two firefighters received minor injuries and no residents were injured.

“The drone pilot helped direct our aerial ladders and their water streams from the air,” Lockard said. “So instead of them having to have somebody out there and telling us what they’re seeing, from our command post we could see where the water was aimed to better extinguish the fire because of the drone’s thermal imaging capabilities. For us, law enforcement is just one component of how drones can be utilized.” ith about $25,000 in drug forfeiture money, the Farmington Hills Police Department in 2019 purchased two DJI drones – the Matrice 210 and Mavic 2 Pro, along with the cameras that go with them. Together the drones can help police and firefighters track people at night, find hot spots in fires and make better decisions with overhead images of crime scenes, car crashes, barricaded buildings, pollution spills and buildings ablaze.

Farmington Hills Chief of Police Jeff King said now the municipality has 11 FAA-trained pilots using six drones. At the peak of the program, 14 staff were trained but some have recently retired. It is the municipality’s goal to train enough of its staff so there is always someone on duty with the know-how to deploy a drone.

King said one high-profile case used a drone to track down and ultimately catch and apprehend a serial prowler in March 2023. Investigators used the police department’s drone to find the suspect at night in a wooded area near Interstate-696 and Orchard Lake Road.

“With the drone, we were able to search through a complex large, wooded area at night,” King said. “It is very difficult to technically and safely conduct a grid search to locate a suspect in such conditions. By deploying a drone over the area, with its infrared capabilities, we were able to highlight all the heat sources in the area and distribute this data through the procedure with our coordinated officers safely and effectively to check on each one of those heat

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sources. Officers found him hiding under some debris in the heavily wooded area. With the element of surprise, we were able to safely and tactfully take him into custody in a way that he did not flee, resist arrest or attempt to attack any of the officers.”

King also recalled two separate incidents of juveniles who also went missing in the same day. One had special needs and the other was at risk of committing suicide with a knife after fleeing his home due to a domestic disturbance.

“We simultaneously deployed two drones to two parts of the city in the daylight. And with the information collected from the drones and then sent to traffic officers in pursuit, we were able to locate and safely approach both youths before any harm could happen to them.”

In terms of collecting and storing photos, videos and other data on drones, King said this cannot be done without a warrant.

“For certain criminal cases, we have used photos taken with drones with a search warrant. For surveillance, this is not a way we use drones because we are aware and mindful of privacy rights. We know that the optics of a police drone flying over someone’s home is concerning. Big Brother is not watching them. Drones are used in specific targeted areas in a way to minimize danger to both our officers but the individuals in the immediate area. Avoiding dangers to our officers, residents, and those who are being pursued outweighs any kind of a privacy issue. We have never violated anybody’s privacy issues while we were utilizing them,” King emphasized.

In its internal sUSA policy, obtained by Downtown Newsmagazine Farmington Hills police policy through a FOIA request, states the operators of the drone are ordered to “uphold the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Michigan, all state laws and local ordinances when conducting operations of the sUAS. The rights against government intrusiton without due process shall not be infringed.”

The policy states that a drone operation to conduct surveillance may require a search warrant and that the drone is to be used for limited and specific missions pertaining to search and rescue, fire, and other emergencies and “will not be utilized for random, undirected surveillance of persons or places.”

The policy further states that “drone recorded data will not be collected,disseminated, or retained solely for the purpose of monitoring activities protected by the U.S. Constitution,such as the First Amendment’s protections of religion, speech, press, assembly, and/redress of grievances.

Collection, use,dissemination,or retention of SUAS recorded data shall not be based solely on individual characteristics (race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, or gender), which is a violation of the law.”

There is detailed language contained in the policy pertaining to the capture, recording, storage and use of digital images and videos. All drone flights are recorded with an onboard video retention system and recorded media will be retained for 180 days. Media is uploaded to a video storage system monitored by drone coordinators. Pilots will forward the onboard SD cards to the drone coordinators after each flight. ieutenant Steven Richter of West Bloomfield Police said the municipality since 2019 has deployed one drone operated by seven pilots. Just like other police departments interviewed, the drone is mainly used to find missing persons, track suspected persons fleeing a crime scene, and for specific traffic patrol incidents. It is also deployed for aerial viewing of special events such as the annual Friendship Walk. Richter said the high pixelation of the drone’s camera, which can zoom in to within fractions of an inch, have made the drone an essential tool in documenting and reconstructing accident scenes.

“When we are investigating a crash along a public roadway, there are no expectations of the protection of privacy, as we have clearance to fly around the scene of an accident to take aerial photographs according to FAA regulations,” Richter said. “However, where it gets tricky, because we are still unclear where the law is headed on this, is as it stands now, we are not permitted to fly over someone’s backyard to see if they are breaking the law.

Technically, no one owns the airspace overhead and we can fly our drone anywhere. That is national airspace. But we will have to see where the courts weigh out. The courts have yet to rule on whether or not law enforcement can use drones to look into people’s backyards, but that is not why the West Bloomfield Police got our drone.”

The issue of limitations on where drones can fly is currently the subject of a case before the Michigan Supreme Court.

Hannah Zhao, staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, has filed an amicus brief involving a drone in Long Lake Township, Grand Traverse County (Long Lake vs. Maxon), on behalf of her clients, Todd and Heather Maxon. In this case, Long Lake Township hired a private drone operator to repeatedly scope out the Maxon’s property and took photos for a zoning investigation. The township did this without a warrant and then sought to use

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this documentation in a court case against them.

Though this is a case where a township, not a law enforcement entity, did the surveillance, Zhao said the same laws apply. “Legally, there is not much difference between the government buying a drone and using it themselves or a government contracting with a private entity to operate a drone,” Zhao said.

“In either case, this (private) entity becomes an actor of the government for the purpose of that drone operation.”

Zhao said that there are no specific state laws in Michigan that require the securing of a warrant when using a drone.

“There are some specific states that specifically require a warrant to be attained by the court before a government drone is deployed. In Michigan, the way the laws are written, it is more of an open question. So we are arguing that under the normal interpretation of the Fourth Amendment and the Michigan Constitution that there exists privacy and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure provisions that that that also requires a warrant. The Michigan statute does have a requirement that drones cannot violate a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy. And as the Supreme Court has said before, a person does have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their backyard or in the curtilage of their home.” he is also closely watching the actions of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Although the city has a drone policy in place that forbids random surveillance of private residences, Zhao said at a Labor Day press conference, Adams said NYPD would use its drones to fly over certain backyard barbecues to look for “suspicious activity” if the department received calls of larger than usual crowds from neighbors.

When law enforcement officials said they are only going to use it for specific deployments and the drones cannot do regular surveillance because of a short battery life, Zhao just isn’t buying it.

“From Mayor Adams’ remarks this summer, you can see (drone use) is certainly increasing across government,” cautioned Zhao. “This is in spite the fact that the NYPD in its internal policy states that it will not use drones unless there is an emergency or if they have a search warrant. One of the things we know is that law enforcement acquires a lot of materials and equipment from the military. So right now, police are saying that their drones don’t have such a long battery life for extended surveillance. But what we see in the military are solar-powered drones that can stay up in the air for months. This military equipment is getting into the hands of more domestic arms of government.”

She continued: “Saying that a drone will not fly for a long time is just a technical barrier and one day, that barrier will no longer be there. What we really need right now is robust regulation and a lot of community input into what kind of surveillance folks want their communities to be subjected.”

At the conclusion of its July 2023 drone report, the ACLU recommended that local municipalities put the brakes on embracing and expanding the use of drones until they are further studied and a more comprehensive set of laws governing their use can be written.

It stated: “Given the uncertainties, we recommend that communities hold off on creating drones as first responder (DFR) programs until we have a better sense of how they play out in the communities that have already deployed them.”

The ACLU stated that existing DFR programs must adhere to a strict set of limits to make sure they don’t evolve into broader surveillance programs. Because drone use is so new and it is unclear what long-term implications they will have in our private lives, the ACLU urged that municipalities using them create policies that address transparency, useage limits and handling data.

Additionally, the report stated that “suspicionless aerial surveillance is against the Fourth Amendment” and therefore it is against law enforcement deploying surveillance technologies without the consent of the community it serves. Policies should not be written by the departments which use them but instead “be given legal force by a city council or other legislative body as part of a vote to approve a DFR program.”

ACLU recommendations include the creation of transparency policies which would outline the features of a drone’s sensor capabilities (such as night vision, radar and cell phone tracking tools) and other capabilities such as battery life, top speed and maintenance schedules. In its report, the ACLU recommended that enforcement agencies should have available a written list of reasons why a drone would be deployed, how data is stored and who can access the data.

“The public deserves to know to what extent these aircraft are offering practical real-world benefits for the community, and whether any such benefits outweigh their disadvantages. Law enforcement agencies tend to trumpet their successes and bury their failures, so communities should carefully consider how they can obtain independent auditing or other disinterested evaluations of the technology over time.”

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FACES

Avery Gach urrently being recruited by every major college football program in the country, Avery Gach, a junior at Birmingham Groves High School, has been playing the sport ever since he can remember.

“I started with flag football. There was no offensive lineup, so I played quarterback. I began playing tackle in seventh grade in the same position I play now, offensive tackle. I play defensive end as well,” said Gach, who is 6’5” and 285 pounds.

When Gach was in eighth grade, COVID restrictions put a hold on football. “I finally started hitting the weight room and getting stronger. In ninth grade, I started varsity most of the year,” he recalled. “It’s only my fourth year of playing tackle football, but I had a lot of fun with my senior friends and I learned a lot. We didn’t finish as we wanted and I know how bad it feels to not be playing in the playoffs. I am wanting more for next season. I want to do better.”

His future looks bright, with the many schools trying to recruit him include the University of Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, University of Wisconsin, University of Georgia and University of Southern California.

“It’s hard for me to think about it right now with so many opportunities, but the time will come where I will feel at home somewhere,” said Gach, who looks forward to his official visits in the spring when he will get to know the university staff and the players.

“I’m just enjoying the process right now.”

Gach also enjoys the game. “There is nothing like football. It is the most ‘team sport’ you can get,” he said. “You can’t just be a great player.”

His biggest challenge right now is to not overthink everything.

“You have to just go out there and have fun and trust the process,” added Gach.

Endurance is essential. “In football, your body goes through so much adversity with pain and injuries during the season. You have to be tough. It’s one of the toughest sports out there,” said Gach, who plans to major in business in college and hopes to pursue the NFL. He is a Lions fan and he also likes the Kansas City Chiefs.

Special highlights for him so far include his first Division 1 offer from the University of Toledo. “I put in so much hard work. It was a big relief that a college believed in me,” he said. Ohio State would soon follow. “That was the huge offer for me,” Gach recalled. “The achievement feels so much better when you know how much effort you put into something.”

There have been other memorable moments. “I’ll never forget the game last season when we beat Livonia Franklin to get into the semis,” he said. “College wise, the Michigan – Ohio State game [this year] was a thrill to witness in person. It was one of my favorite games I’ve been to.”

Gach stays busy during his downtime. “I love hanging out with my buddies and I spend a lot of time in the weight room training and preparing myself for the season.”

His parents are proud of him. “Avery is such a good son and terrific big brother. He’s also a very good, hardworking student and I always hear from teachers, coaches and parents how respectful and nice he is,” said his father, David. “It’s honestly what gives my wife Amy and I the most pride. He hasn’t changed at all in the last couple years since his journey has expanded and taken us all over the country to meet with different college coaches.”

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Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Laurie Tennent

MUNICIPAL TCH expansion plan put on temporary hold

By Lisa Brody

The Community House of Birmingham, located at 380 S. Bates Street, has suspended plans to expand its facility to incorporate a fitness facility and squash courts, among other uses, and to increase its footprint to three or four-stories.

The confirmation of the suspension of the expansion plans “at this time” is noted in an email from architect Victor Saroki of Saroki Architecture in Birmingham, to Birmingham Planning Director Nicholas DuPuis and City Manager Jana Ecker, which was disseminated to commissioners and department heads. Saroki has been the architect for the proposed project.

The Community House President and CEO William Seklar said in response to an inquiry on the suspension, “Leadership at the Community House has decided to suspend our expansion efforts at this time, to recalculate our needs and the project’s scope, while making certain that our vision and mission is aligned with the needs of the community and those that we serve.”

The Community House is a 100-year old non-profit which was originally designed to be the community's “house,” with numerous non-profit groups using the facility over the years, from a senior men's club, to the newcomer's club, Rotary Club, Birmingham Teen Council, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Lion's Club, Optimist Club, Storyteller's Guild, Women's Club, and others.

Currently, few of these clubs utilize The Community House as costs have risen for use of the meeting space.

At a pre-application meeting to the Birmingham planning board in March 2023, Seklar said the organization identified critical needs of the community they hope to address, such as helping senior citizens and making the organization more relevant to those aged 20-40 years old. The Community House had been proposing to expand services and collaborations with other organizations in the area, such as Corewell Hospital, formally Beaumont Hospital, and they said an expanded campus had been needed to meet the mission.

The Community House also offers a banquet and hospitality facility, which the remodel and expansion would have been a part of. A kitchen redo would have included a demonstration kitchen, Saroki had said in March. An outdoor garden will be found on its rooftop, also 44

Longe complaint tossed by board of ethics

By David Hohendorf

n ethics violation complaint filed in mid-November against city commissioner and former mayor Therese Longe was dismissed by the Birmingham Board of Ethics on Tuesday December 19, under operating rules for the panel that allow for a summary decision when the complaint fails to demonstrate any violation of the city code of ethics and lacks material facts to support the complaint.

The complaint was filed by Birmingham resident Paul Reagan, a friend and associate of city commissioner Brad Host, whose actions as a city commissioner were at the center of the complaint. Reagan, considered by some to be a behind-the-scene player of sorts when it comes to city politics, claimed in his complaint that Longe, while she was nearing the end of her term as mayor in 2023, had violated city ethics rules with her answers to questions about Host from Downtown Newsmagazine relative to Host's violation of a board of ethics earlier opinion concerning proper behavior of city officials.

The article, which Reagan labeled as inaccurate, “offensive” and “derogatory,” was published at the end of October 2023 and later amended in November by the publication. The general thrust of the article was based on email correspondence from city manager Jana Ecker to Host advising him that a recent social media posting he made appeared to violate a May ethics panel decision about Host's past behavior, issued in response to a request for an advisory opinion filed by former city manager Tom Markus.

Ecker's email, a copy of which was obtained by Downtown Newsmagazine, was originally sent to all city commissioners and city department heads.

Reagan's complaint, the narrative of which ran six pages, accused Longe of disrespectful public comment, inflammatory conjecture and comments that were threatening and cast the city in a bad light.

At the Tuesday meeting of the board of ethics, chairperson James Robb noted that as part of the city's ethics panel rules for operation there were two rules which allowed for a complaint to be dismissed by the board without a formal hearing if on the face of the complaint it was apparent that there was no violation of city ethics rules. Robb made a motion to dismiss the complaint which allowed the board to discuss the issue.

Robb cited that there was no lack of integrity on the part of the mayor; no government decision was made outside of a city commission meeting; there was nothing disrespectful or scandalous in Longe's comments; and the mayor's comments were opinions and “known facts” – all items to be considered when attempting to assess the validity of the ethics complaint that she had undermined the reputation of the city. The comments and opinions of Longe, “as presiding officer” of the city commission, were protected by the Constitution, Robb added.

Following discussion with board members John Schrot and Michael Oakley, the board of ethics voted unanimously to dismiss the Reagan complaint.

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intended for educational purposes to teach individuals how to grow their own food. The rooftop area will also have a glass observatory. The fourth level will largely be a terrace with a conservatory, said Saroki.

However, at a planning board meeting in October, Saroki said they had redesigned the building as a threestory building, following an outcry from neighbors, and the revised plan included squash courts, a fitness center and locker rooms, among other uses.

At the October planning board meeting, Saroki and attorney Rick

Rattner argued for The Community House's need for rezoning for “community center development,” which was unanimously denied by the planning board.

“In my opinion the current zoning already meets the planning criteria,” stated planning board chair Scott Clein. Other board members stated they could not understand why The Community House could not continue their development and mandate under the current zoning, which permits and encourages non-profit uses.

“It does not allow us to raise the type of revenue we need to continue,”

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

Seklar responded to planning board members.

On Thursday, November 30, Seklar said, “We will use this time to be assured that our expansion needs are proper and remain a great asset to the city of Birmingham, as well as a benefit to the many surrounding communities and families, children and adults, that seek our educational opportunities, gathering space, programs and services, philanthropically and otherwise.”

Geese can be moved from township lakes

By Lisa Brody

With an overpopulation of Canadian geese walloping Bloomfield Township lakes, the Bloomfield Township board of trustees approved an egg/nest destruction program and goose round up and relocation program at their meeting on Monday, December 11.

Township Clerk Martin Brook explained the township goose program is for 2024 through 2028, and has been in place since at least 1998, following the directive of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “We took the DNR requirements, looked at other communities and tweaked it,” he said.

Brook noted that Bloomfield Township has been impacted by the overpopulation of Canada geese inhabiting the grounds including, but not limited to, the following associations and lakes within the Township: Echo Lake, Forest Lake, Gilbert Lake, Hammond Lake, Heather Lake in the Chestnut Run North Subdivision, Hunter Lake, Island Lake, Kern Lake, Kirkwood Lake, Lower Long Lake, Meadow Lake, Minnow Lake, Orange Lake, Shorewood Lake, Sodon Lake, Upper Long Lake, Wabeek Lake and Wing Lake.

The township, along with the DNR, have determined that the DNR's egg/nest destruction program and goose round-up and relocation program are effective for the control of site specific problems for its residents such as mitigating wildlife damage and various nuisances associated with the birds.

He explained the goal is to not have any of the birds killed during their removal and relocation. All rounding up of geese and relocation must be done by professionals, of which he noted there are several services, such as “Goosebusters.”

A lake or homeowner association must acquire a permit for the program on an annual basis, which can be acquired at no cost to residents.

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Initial budget for 2024-25 presented

By Dana Casadei and Lisa Brody

he preliminary budget for the next fiscal year was presented at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, November 27, with $27.6 million in first draft estimated general fund revenues for the year which ends March 31, 2025.

Based on estimates, that would be an increase from the current 2023-2024 budget, with $26.3 million in general fund revenues.

Based on current property taxes, the township would collect $11 million in property tax revenues in the next fiscal year; $5 million in state revenue sharing; $1.8 million from the township's investment earnings; $1.2 million from the 48th District Court; and $5.2 million in costs across other non-general tax funded departments.

Estimated expenses for the general fund for 2024-2025 are $24.8 million.

The budget presented is primarily an assumption budget, based on trends and projections, explained finance director Jason Theis, and is likely subject to change before being finalized March 2024, when the township’s 2023-2024 fiscal year ends. Presenting a preliminary budget to the board of trustees is a statutory obligation.

“This is a very preliminary budget,” said Theis.

Some expenditures in the 2024-2025 budget are similar to the current one, such as the contractual wage increase, again under three percent, and healthcare costs. The latter is projected to go up a few percentage points, and they should have final renewal amounts and claim projections in January.

One of the largest adjustments for the preliminary 2024-2025 budget’s expenditures came from a request from the department of public works for small paving projects to pre-Covid levels of $750,000, compared to now, currently set between $250,000-$300,000. While it’s a sizable dollar amount increase, it still wouldn’t allow for them to do too much, but it would allow them to do concrete work, which is incredibly expensive.

Theis also brought up millages, noting that none expire in the 20242025 fiscal year, but consideration should be given to timing for those upcoming expirations in 2025 and onward.

Theis discussed the projections for the rest of the current fiscal year ending in March.

Currently, he said, it looks like revenues will exceed expenditures for the three main operating funds: the general fund, road fund, and public safety fund combined.

Revenue for 2023-2024 came from the collection of the renewed and combined public safety millages with an increase for the first year; net investment earrings that are projected to be five times the budget amount at $3.3 million; and the $500,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) the township received, which paid for a large part of the new fire truck arriving next January.

Bloomfield Township received $4,407,946.33 from ARPA in total, and has to have it all obligated by the end of December 2024. About $2.4 million has been awarded and approved by the board of trustees thus far, with another $760,000 going towards projects in various stages of development.

Three remaining projects – document scanning, the senior center parking lot, and Chapter 20 drain study – do not have an estimated monetary amount at this time.

Since the 2023-2024 fiscal year doesn’t end until the spring, the projection could dramatically change from what it’s at now, due in part to the $2.5 million outperformance of investment earnings; an average of 10-12 vacant positions to fill, primarily in public safety; employee healthcare, which is forecasted to come in about 10 percent under budget; and a projection of a lower case load ratio from the courts.

Supervisor Dani Walsh noted that public safety component is an important one to keep an eye on.

“When we hear we have all this extra revenue it’s because we’re trying to hire police officers… all these numbers seem large, but hopefully we can quickly get rid of $1 million of that and get 10 new officers,” she said.

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City's parks and rec master plan adopted

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham city commissioners approved the adoption of the 20242028 Parks and Recreation Master Plan during the Monday, December 18, commission meeting, setting in motion goals and actions to enhance accessibility and sustainability in the city’s parks and recreation system.

The plan – presented by planning, building and design consulting firm McKenna, headquartered in Northville – included an inventory of the parks and recreations’ department current facilities, an analysis of the parks and recreation system using national standards for accessibility, inclusion and sustainability, and defined goals, objectives and actions.

Representatives with McKenna and parks and recreation manager Carrie Laird explained that the development of the plan included several opportunities for public engagement. McKenna staff attended events throughout the city to hear the thoughts of attendees, a public survey and two roundtable discussions on top of the required public hearing.

In the plan, a list of key actions summarized the desires of the community specific to the parks and systemwide. Universally, residents would like to see things like universal playgrounds, bicycle and dog infrastructure, adult fitness stations, sustainability pilots and education programs incorporated throughout the city.

More specific to the parks system, the plan lays out system updates like the installation of accessible entrances and inclusive playgrounds, updating of the Kenning Park master plan, and the development of a master plan for the redevelopment of St. James Park.

“I served on the parks and rec board for 13 or 14 years and I was chair when we developed the 2018 Parks Master Plan, and I want to say that this is just such an improved document,” said commissioner Therese Longe.

“It’s aspirational yet it has strategic goals. I very much liked the flexibility that’s built into it that when you talk about suggested opportunities for doing things, you’re including potential locations. It lays out the work of the parks and rec board for the next several years,” she continued.

Commissioner Clinton Baller noted

that while the plan is well laid out, he would like to see a bigger commitment to the recreation aspect.

According to the McKenna team though, the public gave the impression that the current level of offerings were satisfactory.

“Our intention was to cover recreational opportunities in all facets. What I think we heard resoundingly was that people are pretty satisfied with the offerings that they have and also what I found interesting was that the amount of partnerships you had for recreational opportunities also seemed to be something that a lot of people were satisfied with. We did not sense an imperative to change that balance very much,” said a representative with McKenna.

As noted in the meeting packet, the city plans to submit the plan to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for grant opportunities. The MDNR requires a current five-year plan on file for communities to qualify.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the master plan and direct city clerk Alexandria Bingham to sign the resolution.

First talks begin on 2040 Master Plan

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham’s Planning Board discussed the first steps of implementing the city's 2040 Master Plan during a study session on Wednesday, December 13, with the board agreeing the city’s zoning ordinances and parking should be considered top priorities.

The 2040 Plan was adopted in its entirety by the city commission on May 22, 2023. Included in the plan were roughly 130 recommendations throughout 33 key areas.. Since the plan was adopted, the city’s boards and commission now have to prioritize and consider the plan’s recommendations for implementation.

Planning director Nick Dupuis stated in the meeting packet the city’s planning division thinks the first major step in implementing the plan should be a comprehensive update of the zoning ordinances. Most of the board agreed the zoning ordinances will require a broad overhaul.

Other board members noted specific aspects of the zoning ordinances that they think should be prioritized, including residential areas and the Triangle District. Collectively, the board agreed that the zoning ordinances as a whole should be a priority.

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While the board agreed on important elements they would like to see addressed rather quickly, Dupuis and board member Bryan Williams noted an action plan is needed to report to the city commission.

The master plan lists several of Birmingham’s boards and policies in its summary of the key actions.

Planning board members noted that they feel it would be beneficial to see what other boards think in terms of prioritization before they dive into implementing the plan from a planning standpoint.

“It would be nice if the other boards that are listed in section C had the opportunity to look at this, see what was identified for them and say, ‘Hey, in our mind we prioritize it this way,” said chairperson Scott Clein. “It would be helpful I think. I think ultimately some of that is going to kind of fall in line with wherever we feel we need to go from a planning perspective, but it might be nice to know that up front to start this cooperative process.”

Clein closed out the board’s discussion of the implementation plan by summarizing what board members would like to see at the next study session in January along with what the board’s deliverables would be. He explained there is a portion that focuses on process, mechanisms, communication, outreach, etc. The board also sees a portion discussing the short-term elements of changing the zoning ordinances based on the new land use plan.

“There’s a longer term piece on residential zoning. There’s a longer term piece on parking, if I’m just making big buckets. Then there is another piece that’s the political bucket of, ‘We think it’s important but we can do nothing about it unless you push forward,’” Clein continued.

No formal action was taken by the board. Residents can expect to hear more discussions about the implementation process of the master plan during the planning board’s first meeting in January of 2024.

New emergency radio equipment on tap

By Dana Casadei

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees approved the purchase of a radio equipment package for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at their Monday, November 27, meeting.

To update the EOC in Bloomfield Township, they were awarded an Emergency Operations Center grant 48

Wayfinding signage concepts approved

By Grace Lovins

irmingham may be seeing new wayfinding signage in the future after city commissioners voted on Monday, December 18, to approve signage concepts within a drafted Wayfinding Signage Master Plan.

A wayfinding signage master plan has already been in place for the city since 2004, according to planning director Nick Dupuis, called the 2004 Citywide Wayfinding and Signage Design Program. Four gateway signs were installed as a result of the plan.

The city’s recent update of the logo as well as a car collision damaging one of the gateway signs on Woodward at Quarton had led staff to recommend an updated version of the wayfinding signage master plan. In January of this year, the commission selected Corbin Design as the consulting firm to help update the signage program.

The wayfinding master plan itself is separated into four sections: design intent drawings, sign location plan, message schedules and budget and phasing plan.

“Wayfinding is more than those simple definitions that I mentioned earlier telling people where places are and how to get there,” Dupuis said.

“Wayfinding is an important component of a successful destination. It moves people through an environment and into desired places within it using signage and visual cues. … There is sort of a symbiotic relationship between a city’s brand, which we have recently reinforced, in its wayfinding system,” he continued.

As part of the process for updating the plan and city branding, an ad hoc wayfinding and gateway signage committee was created consisting of individuals with professional experience.

Some of the commission had questions over the scope and comprehensiveness of the proposed plan. City manager Jana Ecker explained that the scope of the project was to refresh what the 2004 master plan had already laid out.

Commissioners Andrew Haig, Clinton Baller and Therese Longe said a more comprehensive look at citywide signage would be beneficial for the plan. Ecker said the intent from the administration side is to create an all-inclusive plan that incorporates all the signage for consistency and branding.

Longe suggested approving the plan knowing that it wouldn’t be the final step, the city could go back with an RFP or addendum and ask for more work. Baller disagreed saying that he doesn’t think the city should approve the master plan if the commission is planning to go back and change it.

Ultimately, commissioner Haig motioned to approve the signage concepts within the plan as presented, as it could be used as building blocks for what the city wants to do next.

Commissioners unanimously approved the signage concepts within the plan rather than approve the signage master plan in its entirety in a 7-0 vote.

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through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for $241,688. This is the second part of how the grant will be spent.

This particular spending – totaling $62,745.63 – will pay for six portable radios and two mobile bases, which would be police and fire programmed and housed at the township’s EOC. Because the FEMA EOC grant is a 25 percent matching funds grant, the township’s 25 percent share for this portion of the project will be $15,686.

John LeRoy, township fire chief, said

that with this new radio equipment, they will be able to talk to other stations all across the state, becoming truly unified.

“We can now have seamless communications across the entire group,” he said.

The EOC currently only has one radio, and there are hopes with the new purchases some of the load will be taken off of dispatch centers.

Often there would be bids from different companies that would come in for this type of project, but that isn’t

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the case with the radio equipment package. Because the equipment is purchased through the state of Michigan and Oakland County contracts, Motorola Solutions is the sole source for this equipment.

The board of trustees voted 5-0 for the approval of this equipment, with clerk Martin Brook and trustee Stephanie Fakih not in attendance.

Firefighters to get new workout equipment

By Dana Casadei

Bloomfield Township fire stations will be gaining new workout equipment after receiving unanimous approval for the purchases at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, November 27.

There were three bids for the workout equipment for the Bloomfield Township fire stations, with Bloomfield Township Fire Chief John LeRoy asking the board to award the project to Exercise Warehouse, which the current exercise equipment was purchased through.

LeRoy sang the praises of Exercise Warehouse, noting that they’re phenomenal to work with and whenever they’ve called to fix equipment their team is out there by the next day.

Items included in the purchase are treadmills, tricep ropes, weights and a variety of other machines.

The workout equipment package for the four fire stations will replace the current workout equipment and cost $46,633. It will be paid in part by the assistance to firefighters grant (AFG) for Firefighter Health and Wellness that the Bloomfield Township Fire Department was awarded this past summer.

Bloomfield Township will only have to pay $4,663. thanks to the AFG’s 10 percent matching funds grant.

This portion of the grant being spent will cover the first part of its spending focused on equipment, with the other two parts coming later before the board of trustees.

It will focus on areas of health and wellness in regards to providing physicals and cancer screenings for firefighters and trainers to come up with firefighter-based workout strategies. They’ll have four people trained pre-shift to make sure everyone is doing it safely.

The total amount awarded to the fire department from the grant was $146,770.

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Ethics panel clears BZA reappointment The Birmingham Board of Ethics on Tuesday, December 19, cleared the way for attorney Jason Canvasser to be reappointed to the board of zoning appeals (BZA) after finding in an advisory opinion that the legal counselor was not prevented from serving on the panel just because his law firm was suing the city over a BZA decision.

Canvasser has served on the BZA since the start of 2016 and had applied to be reappointed as his current time on the panel is expiring.

City manager Janna Ecker had requested an advisory opinion from the board of ethics because the law firm Clark Hill, at which Canvasser is a partner, had applied for a dimensional variance in May for an illuminated sign at the firm's Birmingham office on Park Street.

The BZA panel denied the variance request in June and Clark Hill sued in Oakland County Circuit Court to overturn the denial.

Canvasser, who works out of the Detroit office of the law firm, had recused himself for deliberations and the vote on the variance, both the city and Canvasser said. Canvasser told the BZA board that although he is a partner in the firm and has a fiduciary interest in the firm, he was not working on the lawsuit against the city and he was not a managing partner in the firm, which he said was an “important distinction.”

He also said he would continue to recuse himself from discussion or votes involving Clark Hill. BZA board members, according to the request for the advisory opinion, judged it to be prudent to seek an opinion.

Board of ethics members reviewed a prior decision on a conflict of interest case involving a member of a city panel but ultimately decided it was not relevant to the Canvasser case.

Board of ethics member Michael Coakley said that the situation “might give the public some concern,” but added that he saw “no reason why you cannot be appointed” again to the BZA .The three-member ethics panel unanimously supported a motion to issue an advisory opinion clearing the way for the reappointment.

The ethics panel also said the city commission could reappoint Canvasser in advance of the issuance of a written opinion at a future meeting.

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Limits increased on purchasing policy

By Dana Casadei

n amended purchasing policy was unanimously approved by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at its meeting on Monday, November 27.

While some of the changes simply cleaned up the policy’s language, the most significant changes were about increasing two of the limits for when a purchase order is needed.

Jason Theis, township finance director, said that he worked with numerous departments within the township and discussed purchasing policies with other communities before adding these amendments.

Inflation also played a role in his proposed amendments.

Under the current policy, a purchase order is required for purchases between $1,505 to $4,999, and purchases or contracts costing between $5,000 to $34,999 are competitive and require the solicitation of a minimum of three price quotations.

Under Theis’ proposed changes, a purchase order will not be required for anything less than $5,000, a large leap from what it had been at – anything under $1,000 – but will be required for purchases costing from $5,000 to $9,999. Those considered competitive and needing multiple quotes will now only be needed for purchases between $10,000 to $34,999.

Theis said he was comfortable leaving a formal competition bid needed for purchases of $35,000 or more, which supervisor Dani Walsh agreed with.

His work was highlighted by Walsh, who thanked him for all he had done on this.

She also said that right now a purchasing order goes through four people – herself, Theis, the person who requested it, and the department head, often slowing down purchases for under $1,500.

“There’s a lot of checks and balances along the way,” she said.

Throughout his research, Theis said it was clear many other places had not made these types of adjustments, especially when it came to formal bids, with many communities requiring them for purchases starting as low as $10,000.

Theis noted that while this purchasing policy was amended in 2021, prior to that it had been almost 15 years since it had been. He said that he hoped to make this more of a regular occurrence.

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Budget approved for 48th District Court

By Dana Casadei

Nearly $1.5 million was approved by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees for the 48th District Court’s 2024-2025 budget during their meeting on Monday, November 27.

Patrick Dunn, court administrator, informed the board they were able to keep the total amount for the budget the same from last year, and due to a lower caseload, Bloomfield Township’s advancement to the court did in fact decrease slightly from 2023, totaling $1,487,422 for next year.

Dunn noted that even though costs went up in areas like utilities and medical, which had a four percent increase in the 2024 budget request compared to the one in 2023,

the court was able to save money by not bringing on any new personnel, only hiring to fill positions when someone had left, as well as a massive decrease in the 2024 budget for a variety of operating expenses, such as a 54.25 percent decrease in information systems.

Bloomfield Township will advance the court $1,487,422. It is one of three funding units for the court’s operations due to an agreement executed between the funding units in 2021. West Bloomfield Township and Birmingham are the other two funding units. The three funding communities advance monies to the court to fund its costs.

The cost each funding unit pays for the court’s overall requested budget – which totals $4,834,000 for 2024 – is based on the 2022 audited case load percentages.

Since Birmingham had the highest

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caseload at 38.6 percent, the city is being asked to advance $1,865,924 to the court, compared to the $1,487,422 that was approved by Bloomfield Township, and $1,480,654 for West Bloomfield Township.

The motion passed 5-0 to provide the advancement of funds. Clerk Martin Brook and trustee Stephanie Fakih were not in attendance at the Monday night meeting.

The 48th District court serves the Charter Townships of Bloomfield and West Bloomfield, and the cities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village and Sylvan Lake.

Throughout his presentation, Dunn focused not only on the court’s finances, but also all the court had done throughout the year, and what planned as 2023 comes to a close.

In April, the court launched the second leg of the Clean Slate Act. And while the first leg allowed for those eligible to fill out an application and come before a sentencing judge to try to have their case set aside or become expunged, the second leg created an automatic process to set aside eligible convictions without requiring an individual to file an application. This began on April 11, 2023, and Dunn said on the first day there were about 13,000 charges automatically set aside. Now, the number that have been automatically set aside on the court’s case management system is nearly 100,000.

Given that the records at the 48th District court go back over 40 years ago, Dunn said they are now fielding quite a few calls from people with records requests wanting to know if their case had been automatically set aside and to be sure it had not gone public.

The second project Dunn spoke about will begin on December 5, when the court goes live with the electronic filing system, MiFILE. The goal of MiFILE is to ensure that litigants are able to electronically file documents, 24 hours a day, no matter where they are, and to receive documents and notifications from the court in this same way.

Dunn said the team was excited to be selected by the state to partake in this, and have been training for months.

“We’re going to be dipping our toe into the water, with the end goal that everything eventually goes electronic,” he said.

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summary proceedings. All attorneys will be required to submit filings with the court this way as of December 5.

Given how paper-driven the court still is, Dunn said he hopes this electronic filing process will not only cut down on storage but save money long-term as well, and make the court more efficient. The state will take over updates and security measures when it comes to their server to store case management system moving forward.

“I’m pleased to see the court becoming more electronically driven,” said trustee Neal Barnett. “That’s so helpful not only for the attorneys, but in the long run for clients, and as you mentioned storage, saving a lot of money that way also. It’s a real benefit to everyone.”

After Dunn’s presentation but before the motion was passed trustee Barnett asked if there had been any efforts to try to bring Bloomfield Hills back in as an equal partner to the court.

While Dunn only said that their departure, as well as the operating agreement between the funding units, is a contract the court isn’t a party to, supervisor Dani Walsh did have some insight and background.

A year ago in January there had been discussions of Birmingham pulling out, and there still are discussions of that, a decision that Walsh said would be catastrophic.

This then led to the discussion of what would happen if they did leave, including if Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills would then go on their own or not.

“The reality of the cost of running their own courts is kind of what’s keeping everyone together, but, statutorily, Bloomfield Hills is a third district who are not forced into the funding, they have to opt in,” she said.

What Birmingham is currently asking the four smaller cities to do is give up all revenue – some of which isn’t even over $10,000 – and donate it to the three funding units. But in order for that to happen Bloomfield Hills, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village and Sylvan Lake would all have to agree to it.

As of the last meeting Walsh attended with the other funding units, those four cities had not agreed to this.

Walsh had also not heard any push from Bloomfield Hills to opt back into the funding, and said there would likely be a special meeting in January to discuss all of this again, as well as the fact that Bloomfield Township’s 52

Audit reveals Birmingham in good shape

By Grace Lovins

he fiscal year audit findings for Birmingham were presented to the city commission during the Monday, December 18, meeting, showing an increase in the general fund balance and overall good financial standing for the city.

The audit process begins in September, said Plante Moran partner Tim St. Andrew, and ends in late November. This year, Birmingham was issued an unmodified opinion, which St. Andrew said is the highest level of assurance the city could receive.

Some of the highlights from the audit, said St. Andrew, included an increase in the city’s general fund balance by $4.4 million – from $28.5 million to $32.9 million – with the investment of $21.1 million in infrastructure, machinery and equipment.

Birmingham additionally earned $1.3 million in federal grants during the fiscal year.

The city’s taxable value in 2023 was $2.96 billion and growing at an average of roughly five to seven percent, according to Plante Moran partner Phillip Femminineo, who attributed the growth to continued redevelopment in the city.

Birmingham’s total revenues were up roughly $6.6 million from last year, said Femminineo, for a total of $52.6 million. He noted the increase stems from the increase in property tax values and building permit revenue. The city’s expenditures were also up from last year by about $3.4 million, totaling $49 million.

Fiscal year 2023 was also the sixth year in a row where the city budgeted more than was spent, with this year showing a 13 percent difference between the budgeted and actual expenditures.

The commission did not take any formal action following the presentation.

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portion of the funds for the 2024-2025 budget had decreased.

Agreement continues district court funding

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham city commissioners deliberated funding for the 48th District Court during the Monday, December 18, meeting, ending with the city choosing to continue with the current funding agreement while also pursuing a new agreement with the political subdivisions that are part of the ditrict court.

Commissioners were presented with the court’s proposed budget at the previous meeting on Monday, December 4, which showed the court requesting $4.8 million for total operations. City manager Jana Ecker noted that the commission now had to decide whether to approve the funding agreement between the funding units and political subdivisions or pull out as a funding unit.

Last year, Ecker made a verbal agreement with the political subdivisions for what she stated is a

more equitable solution to the fiscal burden on the funding units.

According to Ecker, the political subdivisions in some years would receive more money from the court than they were required to fund.

With the verbal agreement, the political subdivisions – Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, Bloomfield Hills and Orchard Lake – would take the revenues that they generated from the court for the year and put it towards the cost the funding units are required to pay if the funding units are in a deficit for the year.

City attorney Mary Kucharek said at the most the political subdivisions could receive roughly $20,000 to $50,000 in revenue from the court ranging from all four communities.

None of the political subdivisions actually formally approved the agreement, said Ecker. The commission then had to decide whether they wanted to continue the current funding agreement, ask the political subdivisions again to approve the agreement arranged by Ecker, or pull out as a funding unit and create their own court.

“While I think that in principle, they shouldn’t be making a profit

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when we are investing over our return, I’m not sure that it’s worth staff time to continue to push this for so little financial return,” said commissioner Therese Longe.

Kucharek, responding to a question posed by commissioner Clinton Baller, stated that if the city were to pull out of the funding agreement, it is highly likely the other funding units as well as the court itself would file a lawsuit. In that case, the suit would go to circuit court, then appellate court and, said Kucharek, potentially lead to a new funding agreement created by the court in which the city could be paying more than it does now.

“If we don’t approve this, then we have to find a location … we have to then at our own court have one of the three judges here, so there’s that consideration as well. … It’s not just about how much money we’re losing and that we want a little better deal, it’s that we have to participate or we have to recreate 48-1 District Court in Birmingham,” noted commissioner Anthony Long.

Commissioners voted 6-1 to continue participating in the current funding agreement with Bloomfield Township and West Bloomfield and to continue pursuing an agreement with the political subdivisions that would help offset the expenditures of the funding units. Commissioner Brad Host voted against the motion.

“That doesn’t address the real problem which is, from a governance viewpoint, we need to be fiscally responsible. … This is an unfair situation among the seven but more importantly, we shouldn’t be talking about the seven so much as talking about the expenses of the court,” said Host.

Birmingham Sushi set for liquor license

By Grace Lovins

Japanese restaurant Birmingham Sushi Café has again been approved for a Class C bistro liquor license after the city commission reviewed the final site plan and design and special land use permit during the Monday, December 18, meeting.

According to planning director Nick Dupuis, the bistro lost its liquor license back in 2021 in the process of transferring ownership. They’ve been operating without a liquor license since then but wanted to have it reinstated.

Dupuis noted that the bistro is not proposing any changes to the existing establishment.

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“This is very straightforward what we’re trying to do. … We’re not looking to change anything inside or out of the restaurant. We’re just here for that final site plan approval, special land use and transfer of that Class C,” said Chris Tower, an associate with Adkinson, Need, Allen & Rentrop, PLLC. While the city’s planning board reviewed the application, they noted two items that were not currently in compliance at the restaurant – rooftop unit screening and the outdoor dining area. The board, however, said they found it unfair to stick the applicant with the responsibility of the rooftop unit screening since the building is part of a plaza.

Commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the special land use permit and final site plan and design of Birmingham Sushi Café to allow the establishment to regain a bistro liquor license.

Upcoming changes to parking system

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham city commissioners spent time discussing the upcoming changes to the city’s parking system on Monday, December 4, during a workshop session before the regular commission meeting.

One of the commissioners had previously expressed interest in learning more about the state of the city’s parking system operations, said city manager Jana Ecker. Providing a presentation to the commission was the city’s parking director, Aaron Ford.

One of the major changes to the city’s parking system will be a switch from using an outside parking management company to an in-house department. As part of the process to transition things over, the city is proposing the development of an 11person parking department, according to Ford.

Ford also explained the recently updated parking system equipment has been working well to increase entrance and exit speeds. By shifting the parking in-house, software was purchased along with the new equipment that can make it easier for users with a monthly parking pass. The city is currently working on implementing new software that will let parkers manage their monthly parking.

On top of updates to equipment, Birmingham will also see structural and aesthetic repairs in all five of the city’s parking garages. Repairs to the N Old Woodward parking garage were recently completed, and the Chester and Peabody parking garages are next 54

City hall renovations discussion continues

By Grace Lovins

alk of potential renovations and expansions of the Birmingham municipal building continued during the city commission meeting on Monday, November 27, as commissioners listened to an assessment report and reviewed conceptual designs for a new addition.

In July of 2022, per city manager Jana Ecker, the commission approved a contract with Telluris Architecture to assess the current state of Birmingham’s municipal building, which houses city hall and the police department. Telluris was also tasked with creating conceptual designs for a renovation or expansion.

The goal of bringing the report to the commission was to get input from officials about how they would want to approach necessary updates and changes to the building.

Some of the objectives of the report include analyzing safety and security, accessibility and operational efficiency, according to principal architect Aaron Olko.

Olko reported that the municipal building lacks adequate space for city hall departments and the police department, on top of several deficiencies in safety, security and ADA compliance. The presentation given by Olko showed that both the city hall departments and the police department have several safety and security risks.

Several police procedures such as gun storage, prisoner transport to and from the building, and the prisoner booking room all are visible to the public.

Additionally, several city hall departments do not have emergency exits which do not require employees to leave the building through the public area.

Olko presented a three-story addition to the south side of the current building that would house the police department. With the police department removed from the current building, additional room for renovations and updated security would be possible for the rest of the city hall departments.

Commissioners agreed that they found the assessment report helpful, but would like more information from city staff and the police department as to what are the most urgent issues to tackle. Multiple commissioners also stated that it would be beneficial to look at options aside from a large addition to the building.

“I do think we need to talk about all possible solutions,” said commissioner Clinton Baller. “There was a presumption that was brought into this project, I think, that it’s very important that the police department remains adjacent to the rest of the functions of city hall, but there is no case for that made in the report.”

Baller and commissioner Therese Longe each noted that there is also the possibility of moving the police department or other departments offsite.

“I personally would be interested to know whether there are or can be an interim design that commissioner Baller says answers the question whether all the police functions have to remain on site. Perhaps prisoners don’t belong in the downtown; perhaps they should be processed elsewhere,” Longe said.

Commissioners recommended Ecker and police chief Scott Grewe create a list of the most urgent concerns that the city needs to address. The item was a discussion and presentation, and no formal action was taken by the commission.

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on the list. Ford said repairs should be kicked off for the two garages in 2024, and the following year the city plans to look at the Pierce and Park Street garages.

City staff is also proposing changes to the on-street parking program including converting all one-hour parking zones to two-hour zones, identifying spaces to convert to shortterm and implementing dynamic pricing. Dynamic pricing would mean

the city charging higher rates at select meters at specific times of day, Ford said.

Recently the city also submitted an invitation to bid for electrical vehicle (EV) charging stations in Parking Lot 7 and the Chester Street parking garage.

Ford said they are looking to install five dual port stations at each location.

Commissioner Clinton Baller, who recommended the board look into this, suggested that the city become more

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decisive about their goals for the parking system.

“I think it’s really important that we sort of make a decision that we’re going to run this system like a business. Not that it’s only a business or that its main goal is to make a profit, but we’ve run it for many years as a public service with very little regard for the numbers and I think a lot of money has slipped through our hands,” Baller said.

He also said that the advisory parking committee and city commission need to be more involved in the decision-making process when it comes to expenditures and system improvements.

The commission did not take any formal action since the discussion was a workshop session.

Police cameras for right-of-ways okayed

By Lisa Brody

The annual Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) municipal permit to allow the Bloomfield Township Police Department to install Flock safety cameras in traffic right-ofways was unanimously approved by the township board of trustees at their meeting on Monday, December 11.

Police Chief James Gallagher explained that approving the performance resolution form, MDOT form 2207B, for municipalities, is a requirement to allow the police department to install Flock safety cameras on MDOT right-of-ways in Bloomfield Township.

“MDOT and Oakland County (the Road Commission of Oakland County) must approve the permitting because it's their property,” Gallagher said of the roadways and the right-of-ways, noting the flock cameras will be installed on public right-of-ways.

Bloomfield Township trustees in July 2023 approved the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) technology to capture and store digital license plate data and images, while recognizing the established privacy rights of the public.

Gallagher said at the time that all data and image gathered by the ALPRs are for official department use only.

He explained that with the Flock system, data is not stored beyond 30 days. The system automatically deletes information every 30 days. The data is owned by the township and not Flock, and cannot be shared with any other entity. He said it provides real time crime alerts to a police agency.

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BUSINESS MATTERS 30 Tender years TENDER, the glamorous women’s boutique at 271 W. Maple Road in downtown Birmingham featuring luxury American and European designers, celebrated their 30th anniversary on November 20.

Sisters and co-owners Cheryl and Karen Daskas credit their success to the loyal relationships they have developed and nurtured with their clients over the years.

“Where does the time go? We can’t believe it! The years have flown by...all because of many special relationships we have made throughout the years… The relationship we have with our community and the global fashion industry that supports small businesses like T E N D E R. But the most important relationship of all is with you. Our clients, whose loyalty is immeasurable. Many of you becoming treasured friends along the way. For those of you who discovered the T E N D E R experience 30 years ago, thank you. For those of you who have moved away and still find the time to visit us, thank you. To those of you who are new to T E N D E R, we look forward to getting to know you for years to come,” Cheryl and Karen posted on Instagram and Facebook. They said that in lieu of a party, they were making a donation to Brilliant Detroit.

SHE closes its doors SHE, the fashionable women’s designer clothing and accessory store located at 6400 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township, closed its doors at the end of 2023.

For 15 years, owner Sharon Eisenshtadt had a devoted following, dressing her customers in a wide range of clothing for all events, from the beach and loungewear to lunch and dinner, as well as special event occasions. With a focus on core designers such as Veronica Beard, Yigal Azroul, MISA, and L’Agence, over the years customers stocked their closets with the assistance of Eisenshtadt’s well-trained eye, honed from her early days running the personal shopping department at Marshall Fields, and then at Saks Fifth Avenue before opening her signature boutique. In the 56

wake of the COVID pandemic, Eiseshtadt created SHELuxe, selling high-end designer vintage consignment items from accredited sources, which she has told customers she will continue online and from her home.

EGG scrambles out of town Those seeking luxury baby and children’s clothing will no longer have EGG by Susan Lazar, 244 E. Maple Road, downtown Birmingham, to shop at. As of November 15, the boutique closed its local doors, noting that shopping at its Birmingham store was “inconsistent,” with some days busy, and other days seeing little foot traffic. Devotees can find EGG New York online, where the line’s unique details, beautiful prints and colors and amazing fabric quality is still available.

Silver anniversary for SEE Eyewear are in Richard Golden’s blood. His father, the late Donald Golden founded and ran the former DOC chain of optical stores, and after earning a degree in advertising at Michigan State University, Richard joined the business and it boomed. In 1998, Richard saw the next future of eyewear as licensing of existing brands had become “absurd,” and he was intrigued by the idea of creating a unique, proprietary brand. Along with his brother Randal and an expert development team, they crafted an exclusive collection of high quality, one-of-a-kind styles at an affordable price, resulting in reverse sticker shock for the consumer. SEE opened its first store in Birmingham, 160 S. Old Woodward, 25 years ago, with stores in Chicago, South Beach, Georgetown, Columbus, Ann Arbor and other locales following.

Today, SEE’s one of a kind collection of men’s and women’s prescription glasses can be found exclusively in their optical stores, along with the latest technology in prescription eyeglass and contact lenses.

Todd’s Room 25th year Another Birmingham business celebrating its 25th anniversary is

Todd’s Room, 825 Bowers Street, a favorite since its days on Pierce Street. Todd Skog, who is an internationally renown, awardwinning makeup artist, is the founder and owner of Todd’s Room. Todd’s Room is a unique apothecary shop featuring makeup and eyebrow artists, hair stylists, beauty products for men and women, clothing, jewelry, and unique accessories. With years of experience and continuing education, the dedicated staff is proud and ready to serve their clients and any and all of their beauty needs. Endlessly innovative and with what his colleagues say is a sparkling heart of gold, Skog believes that nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful. Available services at Todd’s include makeup application, private makeup lessons, eyebrow arch, lash and brow tint, brow lamination, lip wax, lash application, lash extensions, and what they call the “20-minute transformation.” If you’re running short on time, one of their highly-skilled makeup artists will take your makeup up a notch. Todd’s also offers a full service hair salon, specializing in cuts, color, event-worthy do’s and “picture perfect blowouts.” In addition, the salon offers keratin treatments and diamond hair botox treatment, which they said can repair even the most damaged hair.

10 years of style Jarbo, 203 E. Maple Road in Birmingham, is a boutique filled with supple, cozy, versatile and sustainable pieces which can be enjoyed from day to night. First opened outside of Seattle, their popularity locally is allowing them to celebrate 10 years in downtown Birmingham. “Proudly womanowned, the Jarbo Collection is defined by a style of new modern classic for the woman who approaches fashion with ageless confidence uncomplicated by passing trends. At Jarbo, each piece is alluringly personal, designed with versatility for the individual.” They are known and desired for their classic and timeless items, including coats,

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

scarves, pants and sweaters, all made with an emphasis on quality over quantity.

Drive thru Panera opens Those who have been missing Panera Bread since it closed on N. Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township, there’s good news.

Panera has reopened in a standalone building with a drive thru at 2125 S Telegraph Road Suite B, in the parking lot of At Home. Panera, known for “good food served in a warm, welcoming environment, by people who care,” offers freshly made soups, salads, sandwiches and paninis, pizza, and has a delicious bakery offering bagels, muffins, a variety of cookies, pastries, baked egg souffles, and freshly baked breads daily.

Law firm moves The Birmingham branch of law firm Clark Hill announced they have moved offices, to a newly redesigned three-story building at 200 Park Street, with the law firm occupying the second and third floors of the building. With approximately 60 attorneys and 40 additional staff members in its Birmingham location, Clark Hill’s new office will follow a design model similar to its other offices around the country, which include using glass to create an open and bright ambiance, integrated spaces for clients, technology-enabled conference rooms, and hoteling options. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to reimagine and further extend our long-standing presence in downtown Birmingham”, said Dan Minkus, member-in-charge of Clark Hill’s Birmingham office.

“We are very pleased with the inviting and forward-thinking layout that emphasizes collaboration and technology.”

Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com.

Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

01.24

downtownpublications.com

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FACES

Paddy Lynch addy Lynch grew up in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills as part of the Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors family that has been operating a network of funeral homes in the Detroit area for three generations. Lynch works at the Clawson location as a licensed funeral director while investing in meaningful historic preservation projects with an emphasis on wellness and self-care.

Lynch is the son of Pat Lynch and Mary Callaghan Lynch and the brother of Caitlyn Lynch. Both mother and daughter are world-class opera singers. While Lynch says he “didn’t get the singing gene,” he attended Holy Name and Brother Rice Catholic schools, then continued his education at Boston College, where he played football and majored in English and Theology. After graduating in 2006, he moved to Haiti to teach and work with Missions of Charity before returning home to earn a mortuary science degree from Wayne State University and join the family business.

“My whole life has been shaped by mortality. A funeral is a form of catharsis, ritual and community care. Funeral homes are a secular business – in essence, big old houses that allow for prayer, reflection and letting go,” he explains. “The projects I get involved in happen organically and involve bringing people together and facilitating community-oriented experiences.”

In 2011, Lynch began his passion for historical restoration by purchasing the Stanley Kresge mansion in Detroit’s Arden Park Historic District. Over the years, he has opened his 10,000 square foot home to a variety of charitable and cultural events.

“It’s a great old house. When I bought it, I was single and rented rooms to friends while renovating room by room.” In 2020, Lynch married his wife, Nhu Truong, a scientist, and she became involved in his passion for renovating historic spaces.

They now live in their historic home with their growing family.

In 2017, Lynch purchased and began restoring The Schvitz, a storied Jewish cultural landmark and the only historic bathhouse left in Detroit. “Being involved with this layer of Jewish history has had an enormous impact on my life. This place was the JCC of the neighborhood. In the 1930s, Polish Jewish community members would come to the bathhouse to purify for Shabbat. It’s a very ritualistic experience,” he said.“I started going there weekly to relax, detach and sweat out stress, then decided to buy the property and help bring it back.”

Recently, Lynch began restoration work on the 4,000 square foot ballroom above the Detroit bathhouse and opened Schvitz North, a second location along Lake Huron in Lexington, featuring a rental farmhouse with sauna and cold plunge experiences.

In 2022, Lynch and Truong launched The Convent, a collective of artists and wellness practitioners in a former Detroit convent. “I started out just wanting to help save the building, but my wife had bigger ideas to create inexpensive studio and wellness space.The nuns who lived here for years had the same art and wellness emphasis.”

Lynch also recently opened the Lynch & Sons Healing Center, which offers a range of cost-free traditional and alternative grief support services that are spiritual in nature but non-religious. The center is located at St. John the Baptist Romanian Church in Detroit.

The busy entrepreneur's latest purchase is Detroit’s beloved Dutch Girl Donuts on Woodward.

“I’m sentimental and nostalgic. I was sad when it closed. I’ve loved Dutch Girl Donuts since I was a child and regularly stopped by. Dutch Girl is worth preserving," Lynch explains. “Donuts are a little piece of joy and accessible to everyone.”

He reflects, “All the projects I’ve gotten involved in are cathartic projects.

Spiritualism and care-ism carry through these buildings. I am blessed with a supportive spouse and incredible staff. I couldn’t do this without them.”

P

Story: Tracy Donohue

Photo: Laurie Tennent

NEXT NOTEBOOK Happy New Year!

There is no better time to connect with Next – and your community.

We are excited to present a week of possibilities – from January 22 through January 26, many of our most popular offerings will be complimentary for members, and future members alike. This is your chance to try that class you have been thinking about, play a new game, learn a new skill and enjoy the fellowship of others.

Next is a vibrant tapestry of shared laughter, meaningful conversations, and a support system that turns challenges into triumphs. Whether it's the warmth of familiar faces or the excitement of discovering common interests, these connections fuel a sense of belonging and make the journey more colorful.

There is a lot to choose from – join us for one, or all of the following classes, clinics and programs!

Strengthen your body: Pickleball Skills and Drills: Tuesday, January 23, and Wednesday, January 24, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Join a licensed pickleball instructor for a clinic covering some of the basics of this very popular game. All levels welcome.

Cris Braun

LeBlast® Chair Fitness; Monday, January 22, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. A fun workout based on the dances seen on “Dancing with the Stars,” combining all aspects of physical fitness.

Flow Yoga: Wednesday, January 24, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. A slow yet strong flow practice suitable for all who may be interested in expanding their yoga practice.

Tai Chi for Beginners: Wednesday, January 24, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Improve your physical health and promote a calm state of mind in this class suitable for all levels.

Low Impact Aerobics: Thurs,day,January 25, from 9 to 10 a.m. We’ll get things warmed up with some small movements, then transition into some basic moves to get our heart rates up.

Learn a new game: Maj Jongg: Thursday, January 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. Join us for an introductory Maj Jongg lesson and an overview of this popular game.

2XU ILQDQFLQJ LV WKH SHUIHFW IRXQGDWLRQ IRU \RXU FRQVWUXFWLRQ QHHGV Whether you’re looking for a construction mortgage or a vacant lot loan, you can count on us for competitive products and experienced, trusted support. Choose from fixed- or adjustable-rate construction loans. Plus, get financing that includes your construction and permanent loans all in one closing — with one set of fees. ū /RZ GRZQ SD\PHQW RSWLRQV ū )LQDQFLQJ IRU UHQRYDWLRQV RU H[SDQVLRQ SURMHFWV ū ,QWHUHVW RQO\ SD\PHQWV GXULQJ FRQVWUXFWLRQ ū &RQVWUXFWLRQ SHULRGV XS WR PRQWKV

Call today to learn more.

Canasta: Wednesday, January 24, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. This is a great opportunity to try a beginner lesson or get a refresher of this fun card game.

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Learn a new skill: Calligraphy: Friday, January 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. Develop a flair with a lesson in simple calligraphy and take your handwriting to the next level!

Photography: Tuesday, January 23, from 10 to 12 noon. See firsthand some of the Photography Club’s amazing work and get a few pointers to make your photos look their best.

Enjoy a Native American Performance: Native Dance & Cultural Program: Thursday, January 25, at 6 p.m. Reg Pettibone, HoChuck Nation Member and Champion Powwow Dancer, will perform at Next.

Together, we create memories, celebrate successes, and navigate through the twists and turns with a shared sense of camaraderie. Whether you are an extrovert that thrives on socializing or an introvert who values more intimate gatherings, Next is a warm and welcoming place to stay active and connected to your community. Visit the Next website for a full list of offerings at BirminghamNext.org.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next downtownpublications.com

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage, home equityand credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2022 U.S. Bank

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE “We need a new spirit of community, a sense that we are all in this together.”

Bill Clinton On January 1, 2023, the venerable Community House entered its “Centennial Year” full of hope, optimism, and excitement for a planned yearlong celebration of this 100-year-old, nonprofit, charitable organization – which has truly, truly stood the test of time. What a wonderful legacy our forefathers and foremothers left behind for us. Free of tax dollars, free of millages, free of reliance on others’ regular support, with a roadmap of serving all who enter our doors regardless of their ability to pay. Self-sufficient. Free.

No strings attached.

Bill Seklar

While we have stayed true to the vision of our founders – we have over the years, pivoted to special “societal needs” of the day; wars, caring for wounded soldiers, economic collapse, stock market crashes, decades-old unemployment/employment services, navigating disease and pandemics…and so much more? But, never have we lost sight of those that we serve in the community and beyond. Or what our founders prescribed to us.

Recent plans to expand The Community House, to serve more, do more, be more – never made it off the ground. Mired in red tape, unable to get past rezoning of our 100-year-old, privately-owned parcel of land, to enable our expanded second century of dreams for the Community House to come true – for the communities and the diverse citizens we serve, our proposed project was sadly torpedoed in the initial rezoning stage. We knew it would be a challenge, but, with the blessing of neighbors, key stakeholders, surrounding businesses – we thought we had a fighting chance.

But, before we were able to even unveil/present our breathtaking, modern, state of the art plans, ADA-accessible, child-friendly, educational-centric facilities with hands-on teaching areas, added early childhood center classrooms, and a rooftop open air meeting space (to take the place of the unattractive, obsolete tent) all with a keen eye on the future needs of our young professionals – absent approval of that modest rezoning request, our project was virtually sent back to the drawing board. Just like the roadmap Ruth Shain and the St. James Altar Guild laid out for us. Free. No strings attached. Sadly, we had no choice but to “suspend” this beautifully designed, award-winning Saroki Architects stunning gateway project to the core business and residential mixed-use districts off of Chester Street.

What a shame.

This experience reminded me and the loyal, most dedicated Community House staff ever that “you can choose to change with the times, take advantage of new opportunities in your industry and grow your business.

Or you can fight the changes, refuse to adapt, and watch your business likely perish.”

The Community House in Birmingham must be preserved, valued and supported, maybe, just maybe, could have blessed/warranted some latitude – from within the city for which it was affectionately named for over 100 years ago. Community jewels and historical buildings are a fundamental aspect of a person's or community's identity. It shapes how individuals perceive themselves and their place in the world. Preserving one's culture helps maintain a sense of identity and belonging, which can

contribute to overall well-being and self-esteem and sustainability of civilization.

“Culture is not just a set of customs; it's a vital part of who we are as individuals and communities. Preserving culture is essential for maintaining cultural diversity, fostering identity and community cohesion, passing on knowledge, and promoting understanding and tolerance in our increasingly interconnected world. It contributes to the richness and vibrancy of our global society.”

Culture encompasses traditions, customs, rituals, and practices that have been passed down through generations. These traditions connect people to their ancestors and provide a sense of continuity with the past. Preserving cultural heritage ensures that these traditions are not lost.

“Preservation of cultural knowledge helps maintain a sense of identity and continuity within a civilization. Culture is a dynamic and multifaceted force that plays a crucial role in the continuity and sustainability of a civilization. It provides the glue that holds societies together, offers a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom, and helps people adapt to changing circumstances. Cultures also contribute to a sense of identity, inspire innovation, and guide behavior, all of which are essential for the long-term endurance of a civilization.”

During this almost two-year process, some have asked “is there really a need for a Community House in Birmingham?” Well…ask the “Grosse Pointe War Memorial and their constituents, donors, city government and supporters – like us - one of only 38 “Community Houses” across the nation – called the Affinity of Community Houses. The Birmingham Community House and the War Memorial are the only two in Michigan.

How lucky are we. Please don’t take my word for it, I invite you to go to the (Grosse Pointe) War Memorial website to see what recent heavy lifting, a “it takes a whole village” mentality looks like. Stunning. Wanted. State of the art. Worth saving and helping it grow at all costs. Good stewardship.

Delivering the same services as us – in an historic building, but add in a full-size public movie theatre, raised ballroom, radio station, Junior League onsite and work-out facilities to boot. Never looking a “gift horse” in the mouth…

A recent gift of $20 million (I am told with no strings attached) and the donation and the eventual sale of two multi-million dollar estates on either side of them, has grown their endowment to eight figures. Surely, we can compete with our east side friends or the other 36 around the country. I understand that their city government, War Memorial leadership, key stake holders, neighbors, donors, and supporters continuously come together to preserve, protect and expand their community jewel, to help it, support it and act as exterior stewards of their cherished nonprofit charitable organization situated within the core residential and mixed-use of Grosse Pointe. Just like the (Birmingham) Community House’s land and building was gifted by St. James Church in the mid 1900’s, the War Memorial land was gifted to them in the mid-1900’s by the Alger Family, and both developed and incorporated as nonprofit charitable 501 C 3 community organizations funded, created and stewarded by visionaries of their time.

Surely, we can come together too. To preserve and protect the (Birmingham) Community House, it will take a village, the whole village.

Everyone rowing in the same direction, without agendas, just importance, just charitable, just a champion of something special, something good. As a Birmingham native, I must remain an optimist. Call me if you want to learn more about our Community House, who we are, what we do. It would be my pleasure. We cannot do it alone. Let’s remember and preserve where are grandparents, parents, and where we came from. I do…Happy New Year! One hundred years strong.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of the Community House Association and Board Chair, President & CEO of the Community House Foundation in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com

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BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIEL' $57 &(17(5·6 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & RESTAURANTS SIGNATURE SPONSORS ,ĂƌǀĞLJ Θ >LJŶŶ sĞƌďĞůƵŶ

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PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220. 220restaurant.com 5th Tavern: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607. 5thtavern.com Adachi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900. adachirestaurant.com Andiamo: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300. andiamoitalia.com Beau’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630. beausbloomfield.com Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. bellapiattirestaurant.com Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday, Lunch, Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations Liquor. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025.

248.642.2355. beverlyhillsgrill.com Beyond Juicery + Eatery: Contemporary.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 270 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009; 221 Cole Street, Birmingham, 48009; 3645 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301; 4065 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301; 1987 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. beyondjuiceryeatery.com Bill’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.9000. billsbloomfieldhills.com Birmingham Pub: American. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham. thebirminghampub.com Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.8880. birminghamsushi.com Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

34244 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. bistrojoeskitchen.com Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.645.6879. bloomfielddeli.com Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Liquor. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. thebrooklynpizza.com Café Dax: American. Breakfast, daily, Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com Café ML: New American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township.

248.642.4000. cafeml.com Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.940.0000. casapernoi.com Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.4555. churchillscigarbar.com Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long

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Birmingham Village Players proudly presents...

Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.540.7220. cityscapedeli.com Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. gocommonwealth.com Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135. dickodowspub.com Eddie Merlot’s: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.712.4095. eddiemerlots.com Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.258.9939. einsteinbros.com Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar: Mediterranean.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. eliesgrill.com EM: Mexican. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 470 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

947.234.0819. embirmingham.com Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner, TuesdayFriday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.645.1033. embersdeli1.com Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. flemingssteakhouse.com Forest: European. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. forestbirmingham.com Greek Islands Coney Restaurant: Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. greekislandsconey.com Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Lunch, Thursday-Sunday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. griffinclawbrewingcompany.com Hazel’s: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

1 Peabody Street, Birmingham.

248.671.1714. eatathazels.com Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301.

248.203.9111. honeytreegrille.com Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.7121. hunterhousehamburgers.com Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369. hydeparkrestaurants.com IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301.

248.333.7522. Ihop.com Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Dinner daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.792.9609. joemuer.com Kaku Sushi and Poke’: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday & Dinner daily. No reservations. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.885.8631. kakusushipoke.com Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. kerbyskoneyisland.com La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Reservations. 43259 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. lamarsacuisine.com La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.480.0492. lastradaitaliankitchen.com

LIVE on stage January 12 - 28, 2024 For tickets, please visit birminghamvillageplayers.com or call (248) 644-2075

34660 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, MI 48009

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

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METRO INTELLIGENCER Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Gigi Nichols who can be reached at GigiNichols@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

Mediterranean influenced Cibo opens The Albert Kahn-designed Walker-Roehrig Building opened in 1936 at Lafayette Boulevard and Third Street as the home of WWJ-AM’s studios. Now, it’s home to the 154-room, Cambria Hotel and its newly opened signature restaurant, Cibo.

“The restaurant’s soaring ceilings and abundant, live trees and plants make our guests feel as if they’ve been transported out of the city and into a Mediterranean paradise. With a DJ in house nightly, you can immerse yourself in the vibe and enjoy the atmosphere, amazing service and excellent food our team provides,” said Nicole Miller, general manager of Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown. The modern Mediterranean menu, helmed by Executive Chef James Sumpter, is influenced by the many countries surrounding the Mediterranean.

The cuisine pays homage to classic dishes while introducing new and unique ingredients and flavors. Some stand-out dishes include: nduja & octopus – hand rolled squid ink gnocchi, with olive oil braised octopus and spicy pork sausage; lion’s mane moussaka – a vegan dish and a favorite among the chef’s, with mushrooms sourced locally from Stony Creek Mushrooms in Ferndale; whole fried branzino – a whole fish deboned then deep fried with coriander and garlic; two-pound tomahawk steak with bone marrow butter and parmesan whipped potatoes; and Neapolitan-style pizzas loaded with the best ingredients. Food and beverage director, Chris Vanderginst, has created a beverage program which complements the unique and flavorful Mediterranean menu including an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. 600 W Lafayette, Detroit cibodetroit.com

Gilly’s Clubhouse and Rooftop Gilly’s Clubhouse and Rooftop is slated to open in the Spring of 2024.

Operated by 7OH2 Hospitality and in partnership with ROCK, the restaurant concept will be a great addition to the downtown Detroit food and beverage scene. Gilly’s is the vision of the late Nick Gilbert, who passed away in 2023 from complications related to Neurofibromatosis (NF). Nick was a huge advocate for Detroit and had a long-time dream of bringing a sports bar to downtown Detroit. Located at 1550 Woodward Avenue in the heart of downtown Detroit, the 10,000 square foot Gilly’s will feature both indoor and outdoor bar concepts.

Gilly’s Clubhouse consists of two floors. The street level features a patio along Woodward Avenue, an indoor café and lounge with a mezzanine to host private events and large parties. The main attraction is a 120 square foot television wall visible from every seat. The rooftop of the venue features a hacienda-inspired haven, offering a tequila tasting room and casual Mexican street classics, with taco service from an in-house, custom-built food truck. Designed with a light industrial rooftop enclosure, it will boast year-round views of the Detroit skyline.

1550 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Dry January option Partaking in Dry January, whether it be for health reasons or as a reset for the new year, doesn’t mean you have to forgo enjoying delicious beverages. Wright & Co., nestled on the second floor of the historic Wright-Kay building in Detroit, has launched a curated selection of sophisticated and imaginative concoctions designed to delight both seasoned mocktail enthusiasts and those embarking on the journey of alcohol-free options. Whether your palate leans towards classic concoctions or avant-garde mixology, the diverse offerings ensure there’s a drink to suit every taste. For the discerning coffee lover, the “Oxford Comma” boasts the robust essence of cold brew coffee, complemented by the sweetness of toasted coconut and the nuanced complexity of non-alcoholic old-fashioned bitters, awakening the senses with every sip. For those in the mood for fruity and refreshing flavors, “Never Been Kissed” is described as a tropical paradise in a glass, blending cucumber, strawberry hibiscus syrup, pineapple, lemon, and topo chico. Sweet tooths will love the mocktail “Untitled Art,” offering velvety richness in a chocolate dark brew with less than 0.05 percent alcohol by volume.

The “Fashionable Guy” is an elegant fusion of vanilla cream, black tea, the tartness of cranberry, and a hint of ginger spice. And to top it all off, “Bittersweet Dreams,” features the nutty notes of pistachio orgeat blended with the citrusy burst of orange and grapefruit and effervescent tonic. 1500 Woodward, Floor 2, Detroit wrightdetroit.com

Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. leosconeyisland.com Little Daddy’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.647.3400. littledaddys.com Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051. luxebarandgrill.com Madam: American. Brunch, weekends. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com Mare Mediterranean: Seafood. Brunch, weekends. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.5525. maremediterranean.com Market North End: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.712.4953. marketnorthend.com MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican.

Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. mexbloomfield.com Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2079 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581. nipponsushibar.com Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. olgas.com Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5775. oph-mi.com Phoenicia: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, 48009. phoeniciabirmingham.com Planthropie: Vegan. Dessert and Cheese.

Tuesday-Sunday. 135 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.839.5640. planthropie.com Roadside B & G: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.7270. roadsidebandg.com Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. salsbirmingham.com Shift Kitchen & Cocktails: Small plates. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. shiftbirmingham.com Sidecar: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily.

Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. sidecarsliderbar.com Slice Pizza Kitchen: Pizza. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.3475. slicepizzakitchen.com Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. socialkitchenandbar.com Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Breakfast and Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. stevesdeli.com Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Thursday & Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. streetsideseafood.com Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.3887. sushihanabloomfield.com Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday and Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations. 315

Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.258.9830. sythaibirmingham.com Sylvan Table: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake, 48320.

248.369.3360. sylvantable.com Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.731.7066. tallulahwine.com Thai Street Kitchen: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867. thaistreetkitchen.com The Franklin Grill: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Road, Franklin, 48025.

248.865.6600. thefranklingrill.com The French Lady: French. Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. 768 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480. 0571. zefrenchlady.com The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. galleryrestaurant2.com The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. moosepreserve.com The Morrie: American. Dinner, Friday & Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.940.3260. themorrie.com The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5999. rugbygrille.com Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. eatattoast.com Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.0500. tomatoesapizza.com Touch of India: Indian. Lunch, ThursdayWednesday; Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. thetouchofindia.com Townhouse: American. Brunch, weekends.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.5241. eatattownhouse.com Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Liquor. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.566.3566. whistlestopdiners.com ZANA: Modern American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.800.6568. zanabham.com Zao Jun: Asian. Dinner and Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.949.9999. zaojunnewasian.com

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

248.268.1917. alemarysbeer.com Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

No reservations. Liquor. 22651 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. anitaskitchen.com Bandit Tavern & Hideaway: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 419 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.6250. bandittavern.com Beppé: New American. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor.

703 N. S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

224.607.7030. eatbeppe.com Bigalora: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.2442 bigalora.com

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor.

418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. cafemuseroyaloak.com Coeur: New American Small Plates. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.466.3010. coeurferndale.com Como’s: Pizza. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 22812 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220.

248.677.4439. comosrestaurant.com Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria: Italian. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

28939 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072.

248.591.3300. crispellis.com The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations.

22950 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale 48220.

248.399.5150. theflytrapferndale.com HopCat: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 430 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.744.2544.

HopCat.com Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220.

248.691.7145. howesbayouferndale.net Imperial: Mexican. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22848 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. imperialferndale.com Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. inyorestaurant.com KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. gokouzina.com Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 28028 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

410 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. lilysseafood.com Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. lockhartsbbq.com Masala: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. 106 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.850.8284. food.orders.co/royaloakmasala Mezcal: Brunch, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor.

201 East 9 Mile Road Ferndale, 48220.

248.268.3915. mezcalferndale.com Pastaio: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 208 W. 5th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.565.8722. eatpastaio.com Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. oakcitygrille.com One-Eyed Betty’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy Street, Ferndale, 48220.

248.808.6633. oneeyedbettys.com Pop’s for Italian: Italian. Brunch and Lunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. 280 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale,48220. 248.268.4806. popsforitalian.com Public House: American. Lunch & Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420. publichouseferndale.com Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48073.

248.549.0300. redcoat-tavern.com Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 326 W. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

248.546.0888. roninsushi.com Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 215 E. 4th Street, Royal Oak,

48067. 248.544.1141. royaloakbrewery.com Sozai: Japanese. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. 449 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson,48017. 248.677-3232. sozairestaurant.com The Morrie: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 511 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. themorrie.com Three Cats Cafe: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday.

Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 116 W 14 Mile Road, Clawson, 48017. 248.900.2287. threecatscafe.com Tigerlily: Japanese. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 231 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.733.4905. tigerlilyferndale.com Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations.

23144 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220.

248.398.0444. eatattoast.com Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. tomsoysterbar.com Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.4444. trattoriadaluigi.business.site.com Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch, TuesdaySaturday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

7799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711. vinsettagarage.com Voyager: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 600 Vester Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.658.4999. voyagerferndale.com

Troy/Rochester Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Road, Troy, 48084.

248.280.1831. cafesushimi.com Capital Grill: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. ckdiggs.com Firebird Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4845 Rochester Road, 48085. 248.289.9650. firebirdtaverntroy.com Grand Castor: Latin American. Lunch, Thursday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy, 48083.

248.278.7777. grancastor.com Kona Grille: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

30 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083.

248.619.9060. konagrill.com Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9400. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700. loccino.com The Meeting House: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. themeetinghouserochester.com Mon Jin Lau: Nu Asian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. monjinlau.com Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084.

248.404.9845. mortons.com NM Café: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. neimanmarcus.com/restaurants Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester

Lots of brunch options Corktown’s Alpino has announced Sunday brunch. Similar to the restaurant’s dinner menu curated by Chef Colin Campbell, items on Alpino’s Sunday brunch menu are also inspired by regional dishes from the Alps. The almost 20-item menu features cheese and cured meats, savory pastries, salads, crepes, sandwiches, entrees and sweets. In addition, a fleet of new cocktails/mocktails, espresso cocktails, Coffee Haus coffee and lattes will also be available. Stand-out dishes include: traditional German breakfast – rye bread, speck, alp blossom cheese, soft boiled egg with butter and jam; rösti benedict – swiss potato pancake, smoked salmon, poached egg with horseradish bearnaise; savory crepe – truffled ham, salami cotto, gruyere and fried egg; and apple and raisin strudel – spiced apple, rum-soaked golden raisin, mustard seed, rosemary muesli crunch, pine powder with orange sage whipped cream. “As we enter our first winter season, we are delighted to offer this cozy Sunday brunch experience. Chef Colin has put lots of love into this menu and we can’t wait to offer it to our community starting this weekend.” said owner/operator David Richter. Brunch reservations are available on Alpino’s website. Walk-ins are always welcome. 1426 Bagley Street, Detroit alpinodetroit.com

More brunch!

Le Suprême, the new Parisian-inspired brasserie in Detroit’s Book Tower, has expanded service and is now open for weekend brunch. Guests can look forward to French-inspired breakfast specialties, along with house-made pastries and breads.

Additionally, Le Suprême’s full-service bar showcases a traditional absinthe service, a curated cocktail program and a global selection of over 300 champagnes and wines. A few key dishes and brunch cocktails include: eggs Norwegian with smoked salmon, spinach and sauce hollandaise; avocado tartine featuring roasted tomato compote, smashed avocado, basil and grated egg; pain perdu – a brioche, vanilla anglaise, caramelized apples with whipped crème fraiche; smoked salmon tower with smoked salmon, salmon rillettes, cucumbers, tomatoes, cream cheese and house made bagels; “The Happening” cocktail featuring Chambord, Campari, cold brew coffee and tonic; “Le Suprême’s Bloody Mary” with vodka and house bloody Mary mix; “Mon Cheri” with vodka, rose, lemon juice, rhubarb, absinthe and sparkling rosé. Le Supreme’s brunch hours are Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.2:30 p.m. 1265 Washington Blvd, Detroit lesupremedetroit.com

New Chef at Tigerlily Hometown Restaurant Group has announced the appointment of Ivan Dalou as executive chef of Tigerlily in Ferndale. Dalou first came to Tigerlily in August of 2022 as Tigerlily’s opening sushi chef, then helped to lead the kitchen as their sous chef. After pursuing his own brand earlier this year, Dalou recently returned to Tigerlily, where he will oversee all kitchen operations and guide the menu program.

Prior to coming to Tigerlily, Dalou served as head sushi chef at Adachi, and previously worked at Chen Chow in Birmingham. He got his taste for sushi at 14years old when he landed his first job at Sakana in Ferndale. In addition to Asian cuisine, Dalou studied French cooking techniques in culinary school, landing him a position at The Lark, in West Bloomfield, and later at Craft Work, where he worked with his mentor, chef Matt Dalton. As executive chef at Tigerlily, Chef Ivan said he plans to explore where local influences and Japanese cuisine intersect in hopes to bridge the gap between different styles of cuisine with the potential for kosher, halal and vegan options. “That’s why I do sushi,” he said. “French food is good, Italian food is good – but sushi is the new kid on the block.” 231 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale tigerlilyferndale.com

Elephant & Co. coming to Detroit Eastern Market Brewing Company’s new concept, “Elephant & Co.” is slated to open in 2024 and will include dozens of self-serve taps featuring the brewery’s wideranging beer offerings alongside artisanal Detroit-style pizza. Elephant & Co. is located on Charlotte Street in Detroit in the former space occupied by Founders Brewing Co. They will also be open throughout the day with coffee roasted on-site as part of a Dooped Donut café – the company’s vegan donut venture. Dooped Donuts opened its first location at 1555 Broadway, across from Comerica Park, and also distributes its small batch, handcrafted vegan donuts to local cafes. “Six years ago today, we poured our very first beer at Eastern Market After Dark. We’ve come a long way, and this location will be a representation of everything we’ve learned. The name ‘Elephant & Co.’ is an ode to where it all started, with our elephant logo in Eastern Market, while ‘& Co.’ represents our many other brands. Charlotte Street will be a showcase for our beer, as well as our offerings beyond beer,” reflected Dayne Bartscht, managing partner of Eastern Market Brewing Co. 456 Charlotte Street, Detroit

Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. oceaniainnrochesterhills.com Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Highway, Troy, 48084.

248.458.0500. ocean-prime.com O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. oconnorsrochester.com Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Road., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. orchid-cafe.com P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. pfchangs.com Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084.

248.614.5390. recipesinc.com RH House: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch and Dinner, daily. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. No reservations.

Liquor. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.586.1000. rh.house.com RH Social: Pizza/Sports Bar. Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6870 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.248.759.4858. rochesterhillssocial.com Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. ruthschris.com Sedona Taphouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 198 Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083.

248.422.6167. sedonataphouse.co Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.652.4500. silverspoonristorante.com Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. tooraloorochester.com

Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.7463. prime29steakhouse.com Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor.

6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. redcoattavern.com Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor.

Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585. dineshangrila.com Stage Deli: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.855.6622. stagedeli.com Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282. yotsuba-restaurant.com

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday – Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. gravityrestaurant.com Volare Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771. ristorantevolare.com

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Breakfast, Sunday, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

54 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346 248.620.6100. clarkstonunion.com Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com The Fed: American. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch, Saturday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833. thefedcommunity.com Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.8500. joebologna.com Union Woodshop: BBQ. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346.

248.625.5660. unionwoodshop.com

West Bloomfield/Southfield

Detroit

Aurora Italiana: Italian. Dinner, WednesdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor. 6199 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.782.3000. auroraitaliana.com Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034.

248.356.6600. baccoristorante.com Cornbread Restaurant & Bar: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, Thursday-Tuesday. Reservations. Liquor.

29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. cornbreadsoulfood.com Bigalora: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

248.544.2442. bigalora.com The Fiddler: Russian. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. fiddlerrestaurant.com Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. menesususi.com Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500. nonamariasbistro.com Pickles & Rye: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.737.3890. picklesandryedeli.com Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6545

Ash-Bar: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1509 Broadway Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.277.4736. ash.world/hotels/the-siren.com Bar Pigalle: French. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 John R Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.497.9200. barpigalle.com Barda: Argentinian. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, 48208. 313.952.5182. bardadetroit.com Basan: Asian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

2703 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48201.

313.481.2703. basandetroit.com Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, 48207.

313.965.3111. bucharestgrill.com Cash Only Supper Club: American. Dinner, Friday & Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold Street, Detroit, 48226.

248.636.2300. cashonlydetroit.com Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails: Seasonal American. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 15 E Kirby Street, Detroit, 48202. 313. 818-3915. chartreusekc.com Cliff Bell’s: American. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2030 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543. cliffbells.com Coriander Kitchen and Farm: Farm to table. Lunch and Dinner, Wednesday-Monday.

Reservations. Liquor. 14601 Riverside

68

Boulevard, Detroit, 48215. 313.338-9466. corianderkitchenandfarm.com Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Road, Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110. cuisinerestaurantdetroit.com El Barzon: Mexican. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction Street, Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070. elbarzonrestaurant.com Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.965.4600. fishbonesusa.com Freya: Price fixed. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations, Liquor. 2929 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.351.5544. freyadetroit.com Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Detroit, 48217.

313.841.0122. giovannisrestaurante.com Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.5588. greendotstables.com Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243.

313.567.6837. joemuer.com Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort Street, Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946. johnnynoodleking.com Leila: Lebanese. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1245 Griswold Street Detroit, MI. 48226. 313.816.8100. leiladetroit.com Le Supreme: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1265 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, 48226. 313.597.7734. lesupremedetroit.com Mad Nice: Coastal Italian/American. Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4120 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201.313.558.8000. madnicedetroit.com Mario’s: Italian. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

4222 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201.

313.832.1616. mariosdetroit.com Mezcal: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 51 W Forest Avenue, Detroit, 48202. 313.974.7441. mezcaldetroit.com Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Avenue, Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669. midtownshangril-la.com Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine.

470 W. Canfield Street, Detroit, 48201.

313.832.2700. motorcitybeer.com Oak & Reel: Italian Seafood. Dinner, ThursdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor. 2921 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.270.9600. oakandreel.com PAO Detroit: Asian Fusion/Pan Asian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 114 W. Adams, Detroit, 48226. 313.816.0000. paodetroit.com Parc: New American. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48226.

313.922.7272. parcdetroit.com Prime + Proper: Steak House. Brunch, Weekends. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

1145 Griswold St, Detroit, 48226.

313.636.3100. primeandproperdetroit.com Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499. greektowncasino.com Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100.

Selden Standard: American. Dinner, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations.

Liquor. 3921 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201.

313.438.5055. seldenstandard.com

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 438 Selden Street, Detroit 48201.

313.315.3992. shewolfdetroit.com Sinbad’s: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 100 St. Clair Street, Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000. sindbads.com Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.9828. slowsbarbq.com/locations/corktown Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216.

313.462.4133. supergeildetroit.com Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1234. mgmgranddetroit.com The Apparatus Room: New American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 W. Larned Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.800.5600 detroitfoundationhotel.com The Block: American. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 3919 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. theblockdet.com The Dime Store: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Thursday-Tuesday. No reservations. Liquor. 719 Griswold Street #180, Detroit, 48226.313.

962.9106. eatdimestore.com The Peterboro: Chinese American. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 420 Peterboro Street, Detroit, 48201.

313.462.8106. thepeterboro.com The Statler: French. Brunch, Sunday. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 313 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226.

313.463.7111. statlerdetroit.com Townhouse Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 500 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 48226.

313.723.1000. townhousedetroit.com Selden Standard: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3921 Second Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. seldenstandard.com Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Steakhouse. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1128 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226.

313.591.2495. sullivanssteakhouse.com/ Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.462.4133. supergeildetroit.com Symposia: Mediterranean. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor.1000 Brush Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.9366. atheneumsuites.com/symposia Vertical Detroit: Small Plates & Wine Bar. Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1538 Centre Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.732.WINE. verticaldetroit.com Vigilante Kitchen + Bar: Asian/French influenced cuisine. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 644 Selden St, Detroit, 48201. 313.638.1695. vigilantekitchen.com Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market Street, Detroit, 48207.

313.393.1711. viviosdetroit.net The Whitney: American. Tea Service, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor.4421 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. thewhitney.com Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Avenue, Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711. wrightdetroit.com Zuzu: Asian Fusion. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 511 Woodward Ave suite 100, Detroit, 48226. 313.464.7777. experiencezuzu.com

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ENDNOTE

Setting and disclosing drone use policies hey're up in the sky, whether from hobbyists, businesses and, increasingly, law enforcement. Small unmanned aircraft systems, (sUAS) or drones. They are actually small aircraft designed to be flown without any human pilot, crew or passengers on board. They're nimble, able to get into tight and tiny spaces, and to quickly ascend to assess and oversee a situation, as well as get into spaces where a helicopter is just too big and takes much longer to get in the air.

There is much to celebrate with the addition of drones to the toolbox of law enforcement. But there is also the potential for misuse, for a drone to be utilized to spy on someone or a group of people in a “Big Brother” fashion.

There are some national guidelines generated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As reporter Stacy Gittleman explains in the longform article in this issue, a drone cannot be just pulled out of a box and put up in the air. The FAA has established requirements, including that a law enforcement officer must be trained and licensed as a drone pilot. Any violation of the parameters which allow police to use drones, especially violations of search and seizure laws as set by the Fourth Amendment, would be cause for the FAA to revoke a department’s drone license.

Local law enforcement departments explained they are using drones as part of a first responder’s drone program, to assist their police work in finding missing children, dementia or special needs patients, to assist in finding a fleeing suspect, for traffic accident and crime scene

T

investigation work, firefighting, or other severe crime fighting situations.

What can't be done is use of drones for surveillance just for the hell of it. There is a world of difference between proactive safety surveillance of a million-person event like the Dream Cruise and scoping out a neighborhood event or a local march where drone presence can have a chilling effect. And that needs to be clearly enunciated by every police department and municipality with a drone, which is where a policy comes into play.

Although Bloomfield Township does not have a written policy, other police agencies contacted for our story had written rules for drone operation. It is incumbent upon every department with a drone to have a written policy that clearly states how and when a drone can and will be used.

The best approach would be for Michigan to join with the growing number of states that have enacted laws governing how public safety departments can use drones so there is some consistency from community to community. Failing that, we think the details of a policy should at least be a matter that is approved by the governing board of each community, which gives residents a body to direct redress should there be perceived violations of the operating rules.

Every policy should contain rules dictating when drones are allowed to record events, rather than just filming everything in a drone's path on the way to a specific public safety event, much like what is outlined in the policy now followed by the Birmingham Police Department which says, “operators will take steps to ensure the camera is

focused on the areas necessary to the mission and to minimize the inadvertent collection of data of uninvolved persons or places.”

How long information recorded by a drone will be stored should be detailed. The policy must also specify where the public can go to review the record of a department's incidents for which a drone was put to use.

A good starting point for any community would be to mirror what Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, has done – there is a “Drone as First Responders” policy on the Oakland County Sheriff Transparency Dashboard, available to anyone accessing the department's website. It provides the official policy on the department's use of drones, notably that drones “may not be used solely for the purpose of monitoring activities protected by the First Amendment or the lawful exercise of other rights secured by the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions.” The sheriff's website also contains a record of incidents for which the drones have been used.

Once a policy is adopted, there must be some way for the public to view it now and in the future if changes are made without having to file a FOIA request. Lastly, the policy should outline a specific time period when the policy will be reviewed to address the rapidly changing advancements in drone technology that are taking place.

While we welcome the use of drones to strengthen and improve the efforts of public safety departments, as a society we need assurances that there are firm and transparent guidelines to prevent encroachment on citizen rights.

The Community House's next 100 years he Community House (TCH) in Birmingham turned 100 years old in 2023, a magnificent milestone for any organization, but a truly Herculean one for a community center located in the heart of downtown Birmingham which was created to be a non-partisan, non-sectarian, nonexclusive and non-profit community center.

Located at 380 S. Bates Street, west of Shain Park and just south of the Baldwin Public Library, and bound by W. Merrill, S. Bates, Townsend, and S. Chester streets. According to its website, “This nonprofit has been home to tens of thousands of residents, dozens of charities, hundreds of classes, thousands of private and public events, and some of life's most memorable experiences. To this day, we welcome young and old from near and far to start their experience right here at their second home at the heart of the community...The Community House.”

Where TCH goes in the next 100 years has been a challenge for officials at the organization, especially when fulfilling its mission has become very costly and the need for revenue, from donations and special events, has been and continues to be a major concern. That is why we were pleased to hear that TCH leaders have put on hold their most recent plans for expanding its physical structure..

We were concerned by a proposal that CEO William Seklar, along with noted Birmingham architect Victor Saroki, presented to the

T

Birmingham Planning Board to significantly expand the facility to four stories – and when that met with resistance from the city and neighbors, to three stories – and to include squash courts and a full fitness facility, and in addition to meeting the needs of seniors, making the organization more relevant to those aged 20-40 years old. There has also been talk of expanded services and collaborations with other organizations in the area, such as Corewell Hospital, formally Beaumont Hospital.

A rezoning request for the site, which they said would better accommodate the expansion, was unanimously denied by the city's planning board in October.

A recent decision to suspend expansion plans “for the time being” is the wisest decision they have made.

As The Community House takes time to reassess what comes next, we offer some thoughts.

We don't pretend to have all the answers and we certainly understand the tough task facing The Community House to balance the financial needs in the coming years while not losing the vision laid out by its original founders to service those families in Birmingham, Bloomfield and the larger community who can best benefit from its gathering spaces, educational offerings, programs and services.

Further, we offer a cautionary note – another local nonprofit, the Jewish Community Center of West Bloomfield, developed a state-of-the-art fitness center, built squash courts and a pool, and competed with area health clubs for members. Other newer and better fitness centers opened, and they shuttered the health club in September 2020. To date, nothing has filled the spaces.

As officials at The Community House review their next move, they must keep in mind that there is a fine line that must not be crossed in terms of a non-profit organization competing with tax-paying, brick-andmortar businesses offering the same services.

Lastly, TCH used to be the central meeting place for smaller non-profit groups, a number of which have moved their gatherings to other locations in the general area when charges were announced in recent years for use of the TCH facility. There must be some way to mend fences with those groups which have found other meeting places to bring them back to TCH as the place for local groups to gather. While it may not add much to the bottom line, the importance of community groups having an emotional tie to The Community House cannot be overstated..

It's important that The Community House survives and we look forward to seeing future plans that may come from this period of reassessment.

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