MADISON HEIGHTS/HAZEL PARK – A day after President Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union address, the mayors of Madison Heights and Hazel Park spoke about the state of the city in 2024.
The speeches were held March 8 at a spacious facility of defense contractor Navistar Defense in Madison Heights. The 2024 State of the Cities addresses were held through the Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Oakland Thrive and the Michigan Defense Center. of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Patriotic music blared over the loudspeakers next to a podium set on a tapestry of red, white and blue curtains, flanked by a row of armored personnel carriers that glowed with fluorescent lights. Among those in attendance was a group made up of local and state elected officials, branch chiefs and business leaders.
Mike Webb, Mayor of Hazel Park, spoke first, followed by Roslyn Grafstein, Mayor of Madison Heights. Each said there was much to celebrate, with new investments that would spur expansion that would bode well for each city’s finances and quality of life.
He said Hazel Park prides itself on being “open for business,” pointing to the five-star score of the University of Michigan’s eCities program, the highest score imaginable in an in-depth study assessing the entrepreneurial climate in communities across the state. The study is particularly interested in whether a network has business-friendly policies.
The mayor indexed businesses that opened in the city last year, adding Shredderz, Craft Salon, Chop Detroit at Viking Arena, United Staffing Agency and Flawless Fur, among others. BorgWarner, a major player in the electric battery industry, acquired Akasol. which operates out of the Tri-County Commerce Center at 10 Mile and Dequindre Roads (formerly Hazel Park Raceway) and continues to expand new technologies at Hazel Park.
Webb also announced good news for two established companies: award-winning restaurant Mabel Gray and environmental generation company Exlterra. James Rigato, founder and chef de cuisine at Mabel Gray, is planning an extension of Hazel Park called “The Cellar,” while Exlterra, which cleans up radiation at the site of the Chernobyl crisis before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, works with new technologies. According to the company, this could revolutionize the agricultural sector.
Last year, the city’s Viking Ice Arena was sold to Black Bear Group for $2. 9 million. The privatization of the rink will put the facility on Hazel Park’s tax list, Webb said, and the site is expected to gain advantages from the new owners through experienced rink managers, who are committed to keeping the site running as an ice rink in the community.
On the housing front, Robertson Brothers recently completed a 54-unit condominium project, while Milford Singer
“Vacant residential land is the most sought-after by developers, who continue to build new homes in our city,” Webb said.
The mayor noted that last year, the city focused on the southern end of Hazel Park, which recently underwent a road regime put in place to facilitate walkability in the area. He said businesses such as Eastern Palace Club and Smoked Lotus, the site of last year’s State of the Cities Address, continue to be a success and Hazel Perk Cafe, one of the city’s newest venues, is gaining popularity. Webb said he’s also looking forward to the release of Pop-Up Hazel Park, a grant-funded show. opportunity for new start-ups.
“This year, we’ll try to reflect some of that good fortune at the northern end of the network, implementing a road regime to create a more walkable network in that area,” Webb said.
The mayor praised the work of the municipal administration in finding new strategies to finance pension relief, structural projects, tree planting, recreational systems and municipal services.
“Our administration, led by City Manager Ed Klobucher, has had good luck taking advantage of a diversity of public and personal grant opportunities over the next two years,” Webb said.
“Cooperation is key,” he continued after a video presentation on the community’s businesses. “Hazel Park’s legislative team has been running to help the Michigan Municipal League’s legislative relations team secure pension fund relief, and those efforts have generated more than $12 million. To the Michigan Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) retirement program in Hazel Park, which will mitigate the effect of any long-term increase in pension contributions, we were also able to achieve a modest replacement of income-sharing payments.
He highlighted the city’s new partnership with Madison Heights, Ferndale and Royal Oak on a co-responder program that will allow trained intellectual fitness professionals to respond to and track intellectual fitness crises. He thanked Melissa Marsh, Madison Heights City Manager, for her efforts. to mobilize the 4 communities to implement the project. Webb also thanked Klobucher for running with Dave Woodward, president of the Oakland Board of County Commissioners, to secure the county’s investment for the program.
“We also look forward to running with Madison Heights and our committed state representative, Mike McFall, to push the state of Michigan to secure a federal investment to cover our EMS prices by participating in the federal Emergency Ground Medical Transportation Program,” Webb said. The state’s refusal to participate in the program is costing Michigan cities millions of dollars in reimbursements. “
Other grant opportunities come with several grants awarded through Oakland County to the city’s recreation department, adding $300,000 for the Recreation Center and $400,000 for Green Acres Park. The city recently completed the structure of a new playground at Green Acres Park, which will open this spring.
“This is the first major upgrade to Hazel Park’s largest park in more than 30 years,” Webb said. “Our County Commissioner, Gary McGillivray, was instrumental in helping Hazel Park win those grants, as was County Manager (Dave) Coulter, Board President (Dave) Woodward and Oakland County Parks Superintendent Chris Ward.
“Again, cooperation is key,” he continued. “The City of Hazel Park is also partnering with the Hazel Park School District to provide recreational opportunities for youth in our community. The jointly funded Junior Vikings sports program has been very popular with our youth. people, re-establishing the football and cheerleading systems and helping fund our amazing youth wrestling program. Expect more sports and recreational activities to be added in the near future, not only for our youth, but also for others of all ages.
As for recreation, he noted that Hazel Park is also on schedule in the pre-construction phase of managing a federally funded allocation that will convert the underutilized pole barn next to the recreation branch into a new network assembly space.
“This task will add much-needed space for network equipment and events taking place in our area,” Webb said. “Speaking of network teams, we couldn’t run our city without our committed volunteers. I must thank all the other people at Hazel. Park that give their time to make our town a bigger place.
He cited teams such as the Hazel Park Lions Club and the Hazel Park Eagles, as well as public protection efforts through police reservations, beautification paintings at the Flower Club and others.
He also thanked members of the city administration as well as his peers on the council.
“Hazel Park is the ideal position to work, live and raise a family,” Webb concluded. “The city of Hazel Park is strong and we’re not going anywhere. “
After the speech, Andy LeCureaux, a longtime Hazel Park City Council member who has held the position since 2001, said that in his opinion, the highlight is the planned progression at the site of the former Landmark Community Church.
“This will be one of the biggest breakthroughs in Hazel Park’s history,” LeCureaux said. “The assets have just been replaced in hands, so entry permits have not yet been issued. They have to come up with the plans, and then there’s the cash and programs for abandoned sites, as well as entry permits to demolish what is a giant asset that adds the building, the parking lot, and the school. But we may see something start this year. Once finished, the assets will be re-entered into our tax list. It is a way to access our tax base through new constructions. And there is a real need for housing in the area.
He also said he was excited about the road regime at the north end of John R Road.
“Sometimes we hear negative things when things change, because other people get nervous about it, but I think it’s smart to take a look at the far north like we did at the far south and take a look at new modes of transportation for walking and cycling. It spurred progress in the South, which has encouraged others to walk more and benefited businesses in the area. Hopefully, the far north will see similar results.
He said Madison Heights’ network is varied and includes other people of other faiths, histories and cultures. Some came to the U. S. with dreams of a better life, he said, while others came here to flee war or prosecution. He then shared his own story as an immigrant.
“20 years ago, when I left Canada for Madison Heights, I never dreamed that I would not only be taught to love the community, but also participate as one of our leaders, contributing to positive expansion and prosperity,” Grafstein said. which is an honor to say on March 8, International Women’s Day.
She said her pursuit of the American dream began in 2004 when she left Toronto and married former Madison Heights Mayor Ed Swanson in what is now the dining room of the new Center for Active Adults. The American Dream doesn’t just include freedom, protection, and security. for everyone, regardless of background or social status, he said, but it also ensures new opportunities for future generations and improves the quality of life.
He described all the innovations made in the past year as “unprecedented,” adding improvements to facilities, parks and infrastructure, including the finishing touch on a multimillion-dollar redesign of Civic Center Plaza at 13 Mile Road west of John R Road. with a renovated City Hall and library, as well as the structure of a new active adult center with the logo. The same task also included innovations at Fire Station No. 2, off-campus on John R Road.
“In 2018, a year after I was elected to the City Council and about a month after I appointed Melissa Marsh as City Manager, she and I were in the library parking lot discussing some of the issues at our Center for Active Adults. I looked at the empty area between the library and City Hall and asked, “Why don’t we sell the assets and build a new center in it?”Five years later, a global pandemic, meetings with many public votes, a total of 12 other board members, “A year and a part of construction, and $14. 2 million later, and in the fall of 2023, we had our last grand opening and ribbon unveiling, a rite my mother brought from Canada to help celebrate,” Grafstein said. In the end, this allocation not only helped increase participation in programming, but also reduced our energy footprint. “
Grafstein said Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County will contribute approximately $1 million in home maintenance this spring to eligible homeowners under the “Rock the Block” program in partnership with the city. He said the city has been focused on community revitalization, with roughly six hundred building permits processed in the city in 2023, a notable increase from last year, he said, and completed construction values reached $4. 6 million, nearly five times the amount recorded in 2023. 2022.
He said a $75,000 grant from the state’s Housing Development Authority has allowed the city to complete 16 tiny home repair projects. He also praised the opening last year of Red Run Reserve, which added more than 130 housing complexes for seniors 55 and older.
“Overall, 2023 saw an expansion of residential and advertising development, demonstrating our commitment to creating opportunities for all,” Grafstein said.
On the front, he highlighted last year’s new additions, such as family-owned group Dinoland, electric car company Rivian and Feel Good Cookies. Others have noticed improvements, such as Celina’s Bar.
“Next year, Madison Heights will be 70 years old, and there’s been a lot of replenishment here over the last seven decades,” Grafstein said. “But despite all this, in true American fashion, Madison Heights remains a position where The Net matters. Our local businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, providing jobs and contributing to the energy of our city.
A new street progression plan around 11 Mile and John R Highways was also initiated last year, which aims to make the neighborhood more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly.
“I’m looking forward to seeing this box for years to come,” Grafstein said.
He said he’s also looking forward to the structure of the new pavilion at Civic Center Park thanks to a $250,000 grant from Consumers Energy. The purpose is to get it up and running in time for the 4th of July festival in the park.
During the holiday, he praised the nonprofit Madison Heights Citizens United for its paintings at the 17th anniversary birthday party at Civic Center Park, saying it promotes racial reconciliation. He also praised other network painting teams, such as the Environmental Citizens Committee with its ongoing tree plantings, and the Council of Canada with its paintings on Trail Tunes, art installations, and more.
He also highlighted the inauguration of public services in honor of several key community members, adding the Youth Library Room named in honor of the late Councilmember Robert Corbett, the renaming of the Monroe Park Pavilion in honor of the late Councilmember Bob Gettings, and the renaming of Twelve-Sherry Park in honor of Gary McGillivray, the former Oakland County commissioner, who lived until the inauguration in August before dying in November.
On a less somber note, Grafstein said he revered last summer to salute Jack Huffman as the Army veteran neared the end of a two-month march across the country to raise awareness for the Fund for the Fallen and Wounded. Giant check for over $1,200 donated through local businesses.
“Being here at a company committed to defending our country, I know that you more than others recognize the importance of public safety and security,” Grafstein said of the venue, Navistar Defense. “Whether it’s in our country or in our city, everyone has the right to feel safe. “
After the speech, Madison Heights Mayor Mark Bliss shared his thoughts.
“As Mayor Grafstein shared in his speech, Madison Heights is on a wonderful path,” Bliss said in an email. “This hyperinflation has been incredibly difficult to manage, either with emerging prices or with the ongoing projects of declining economic progression. But we’ve risen to the challenge by mobilizing more grants and trade partnerships than we’ve done in decades. Our volunteer organizations are also thriving. . . and we get a special thank you from Mayor Grafstein for his efforts to provide free and cheap systems to our residents.
“No year is easy on the council, and the demanding situations we face now are unlike anything I’ve noticed since I was elected (in 2013), with all of our monthly grocery expenses looking more like paying off a loan,” he said. “But our strategic plan helps us stay focused and in a position to take advantage of grant opportunities that will help our residents. There is optimism in the City Council and we will continue to do everything we can to keep moving forward.
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