March Around Town E-Newsletter |
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Stay Informed
Information about YOUR Neighborhood
Topics of Interest
Select topics specific to your interests & receive updates at bit.ly/bhamnews.
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City Updates - Services, Vaccines, Workshops & More |
The Birmingham Fire Department hopes to assist with inoculating Birmingham residents. The department formally requested vaccines from the state and the Oakland County Health Department and will be ready to administer vaccines when they become available. For information about vaccine availability, residents should not call at this time but follow these steps to receive updates regarding the vaccine rollout:
2) Register for the City's Nixle emergency alert system at www.nixle.com or simply send a text message with the zip code 48009 to 888777.
3) Visit www.OaklandCountyVaccine.com and complete the ‘Save Your Spot’ form. Register for updates from the Oakland County Health Department by texting OAKGOV COVID to 468311.
Residents may visit www.bhamgov.org/virusprevention for helpful information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Michigan, the Oakland County Health Division and more.
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City Meetings
New Workshop Series
The City will kick off a new workshop series during the first City Commission meeting of each month as needed beginning Monday, March 8, 2021. The workshops will begin at 6 p.m., immediately before regularly scheduled City Commission meetings.
The workshop on Monday, March 8 will explore future opportunities at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena. Specific topics to be discussed include: 1) Explore pros and cons of using an Enterprise Fund, 2) Discussion about the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena Renovation/Addition design review with Robert Stempien from Plante Moran Cresa, and 3) Deep dive into potential revenues generated by the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena.
Tentative dates and topics for other upcoming workshops include: Monday, April 12 – Unimproved Streets; Monday, May 10 – Parking Assessment District Concept/Deep Dive; Short Term Rentals – June 14; and Commission Standards for Online Platform/Social Media Conduct – date to be determined in July.
Residents are encouraged to attend the workshops to gain a better understanding of projects considered by the City Commission. The Mayor will call for public comment at the end of each workshop to ensure the City Commission has as much time as possible throughout the workshop to learn, explore, discuss and hear community input as well.
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Free Parking in Structures thru March 31
Enjoy free parking in the City's five municipal structures through March 31, 2021. Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the structures, downtown area and city parks. Free and convenient Five-Minute "Buy & Fly" reserved parking spaces are also located throughout the City for curbside pick-ups and quick trips.
City Services
City offices continue to serve the community, however the Municipal Building and Department of Public Services remain closed to the public. Forms and payments may be submitted 24/7 via the drop box located behind City Hall, or use the drive-up drop box located near the driveway entrance off of Henrietta.
Documents such as building permit applications and plans can be picked up at the Police Department entrance on the east side of City Hall and dropped off in the new Community Development drop box located behind the building. As part of the City's operational relief efforts, most City forms, applications and payment submissions are also available at www.bhamgov.org/formsandpayments.
Residents who need assistance are encouraged to contact via phone or email. Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of departmental contact numbers for services needed.
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Birmingham Residents Encouraged to Participate in Citywide Master Plan Public Engagement Opportunities |
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You’re invited to join the Planning Board at their meeting on Wednesday, March 10. They will continue discussions regarding the Citywide Master Plan for 2040 and review a summary of public comments which will be presented to the City Commission this spring.
Residents may easily submit their feedback on the first draft of the Master Plan at www.thebirminghamplan.com. The City's consultants, DPZ and McKenna, created a Master Plan FAQ to help the community understand the Master Plan proposals. Download the Citywide Master Plan FAQ at bit.ly/MasterPlanFAQ. Learn how to participate in all upcoming meetings at www.bhamgov.org/participate.
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Learn about Parks & Recreation Bond Projects at March Meetings |
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Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the virtual Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. Attend and share your feedback on the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena Renovation/Addition design review. Following the Ice Arena design review by the Parks and Recreation Board, the Architectural Review Committee will also review the plan at an upcoming meeting (tentatively set for 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 4).
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Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses |
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Hastens in Birmingham
100 S. Old Woodward Ave.
With roots as master saddlers to Royal Purveyors, Hastens' rich history runs through six generations. Hastens' Swedish bed making tradition is unrivalled in comfort and handmade with passion, using ethically-sourced sustainable resources and natural materials to create beds and accessories to promote the perfect night's sleep. For more information, visit www.hastens.com/us or the Hastens Instagram.
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Perch 313
640 N Old Woodward Ave., Suite 202
Perch 313 offers hand selected, lovingly curated vintage rugs, textiles and unique home decor, sourced from artisans and vendors around the world. Visit www.perch313.com and the Perch 313 Instagram for more information.
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The Lash Lounge Birmingham
856 N Old Woodward Ave #110
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David Abraham Custom Clothiers
261 E Maple Rd, Suite 210
David Abraham Custom Clothiers was created to introduce men and women to the wonderful world of custom apparel. Each garment is personalized to client specifications and quality craftsmanship is ensured. With a selection of fabrics from all over the world, David Abraham Custom Clothier creates high quality, couture clothing. Visit www.davidabrahamclothiers.com for more information.
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Fruition Açai & Coffee Cafe
856 N. Old Woodward Ave.
Fruition was started by two sisters who strive to live healthy & happy lives. Fruition is a fast, simple and healthy establishment serving fresh food. Fruition offers an inspiring atmosphere, many gluten free and vegan options, as well as a diverse menu. Their passion is to provide healthy food to kickstart a healthy lifestyle for all. View the menu and more at www.thefruitionlife.com/birmingham-menu
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Birmingham Bridal
534 N. Old Woodward Ave.
Birmingham Bridal offers an impressive collection of couture gowns and a custom gown shopping experience. Brides will find the perfect gown as they view fine French laces, imported silks, delicate beadwork and the impeccable design that makes Modern Trousseau unique. Brides will discover a complete couture experience with the entire collection of gowns and talented consultants. Visit www.birminghambridal.net for more information.
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Special Siren Test set for Wednesday, March 24 at 1 p.m.
In an effort to promote severe weather safety preparedness, Oakland County will conduct a special test of the Outdoor Warning System on Wednesday, March 24 at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of this test is to raise the awareness level of our citizens and offer schools and businesses an opportunity to test their internal disaster plans during normal business hours. Download the 2021 Siren Test calendar here.
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A Look Back in Time at the Woodward Avenue Tunnel
Residents who have lived in Birmingham for many years may remember crossing Woodward Avenue using a tunnel. The tunnel was constructed in 1937 and closed around 1980. Retired Birmingham City Manager Bob Kenning was contacted about the tunnel and he stated it was frequently used by middle school children to cross Woodward prior to district boundaries changing. The tunnel was sealed off around 1980 due to parents’ safety concerns related to the Oakland County Child Killer case.
Every now and then the City receives a question regarding the validity of reopening the tunnel to resume pedestrian passage across Woodward Avenue. City staff members researched this idea several years ago and learned the tunnel does not meet current ADA standards and the City would incur all costs associated with modernizing the tunnel and its ongoing maintenance. City leaders discussed the tunnel at the February 22, 2021 City Commission meeting and City Manager Tom Markus explained due to the aforementioned reasons it is likely to be impractical to open up the tunnel for pedestrian use.
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Heads Up: Set Out Yard Waste in April
You may start putting yard waste bags curbside for pick up on your refuse day during the week of April 5. Only the kraft-style paper bags are acceptable, or trash containers with a "Yard Waste" decal sticker attached (no plastic bags).
If you have yard waste bags prior to April 5, you can either hold onto the yard waste until the curbside yard waste pick up begins, or take up to 10 paper yard waste bags to SOCRRA, located at 995 Coolidge, Troy MI.
For more information view yard waste guidelines at www.bhamgov.org/yardwaste or contact the Department of Public Services at (248) 530-1700.
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Cicadas Return after 17 Years Underground
Cicadas will make an appearance in Michigan this year after spending some time - as in 17 years - consuming fluids underground. Last year Michigan State University published an article about the unusual bugs that have captured the interest of Michiganders. The article quotes Michigan State University entomologist Gary Parsons clarifying that, "Cicadas do not bite and are harmless to humans and property." Learn more about Cicadas by reading the full article here.
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Annual Licenses Due for Birmingham Businesses
Annual licenses are due for Birmingham businesses! We encourage all applicants to use our online forms and payment options to avoid late fees. Visit the Online Forms, Applications and Payments page. The forms can be found under the Business tab at the bottom of the page.
For any questions, please call the Clerk’s Office at (248) 530-1880.
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A Message From the Police Department on Preventing Identity Theft and Avoiding Scams
Scammers are trying anything these days and we have to be more vigilant than ever. Especially as tax season approaches, its important to protect yourself, detect warning signs, and correct any problems that may arise should your identity be stolen.
We recently received this voicemail from a number in Guam: "Our department is trying to inform you that there’s legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. In order to connect to a federal agent press one…If we don’t hear from you your SSN will be permanently blocked…” How terrifying does that sound?
No one from Windows/Microsoft, the IRS, Covid-19, Amazon, County Jail, DTE, etc., will call and demand personal information over the phone, nor will any legitimate company or service ask for payment via gift cards. Additionally, resist the urge to click links sent via email or text. Visit consumer.FTC.gov for current scam information.
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Residents Making a Difference
Birmingham is full of amazing residents! Each month, one resident is featured in this newsletter and via the City's social media channels.
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Thank You, Kimber Bishop-Yanke!
For many years, Kimber has been serving the local community through volunteer and leadership efforts with various organizations. Throughout the pandemic, she has worked with so many wonderful community members and volunteers to bring resources to those that need it most. Kimber is the founder of Kids Empowered: On the Move 501 3c and Kids Empowered LLC, as well as Chair of the Oakland County Task Force on Poverty and Homelessness.
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In the last several months her teams have completed over 8,000 grocery deliveries, provided 200 coats and hundreds of pieces of furniture and home furnishing items, sponsored Christmas for 175 families, offered assistance to local warming centers and homeless shelters, and so much more. Kimber and hundreds of volunteers are continuing these efforts well into 2021. We are proud to have Kimber, and the many volunteers who have so selflessly given their time and talents, in our community. Kimber invites anyone who wants to be involved, in any capacity, to please join in. |
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There are many new opportunities this season:
To help deliver meals on Saturdays:
To help provide Easter baskets this season:
To be a part of the Book Buddy program:
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Take Advantage of Early Sign-Up Incentives for Golfers |
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Lincoln Hills Golf Course is offering an early sign-up bonus! Residents will receive a complimentary green fee, valid thru May 31st, and non-residents will receive $25 off their membership fee.
Sign-up at Lincoln Hills Golf Course Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. March 15 - 19 and March 22 - 26 to take advantage of this offer. Lincoln Hills Golf Course is located at 2666 W. 14 Mile Rd in Birmingham.
Lincoln Hills is scheduled to open for golf on April 1 and Springdale Golf Course will open soon after. For more information on this offer contact (248) 530-1670.
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The Birmingham Ice Arena is Now Open
The Birmingham Ice Arena is now open and ready to welcome you for open skate sessions. As part of its commitment to the safety of its skaters, the Birmingham Ice Arena has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols. You may preregister and pay for open skate sessions at https://play.bhamgov.org/. Please visit the Ice Arena's website for schedules, COVID-19 protocols and more.
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Apply Now for Open Boards & Committees |
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Would you like to get more involved and make a difference in your community? There's a wide range of available boards and committees in Birmingham! You may be interested in parks and recreation, cablecasting or transportation - wherever you look, we've got a place where you can make a difference. For a complete list of openings and requirements for each board please visit the City's website.
It's easy to apply. Download the online application today, and email, fax, mail or submit it to the drop box outside of City Hall. For more information, you may also contact the Clerk's Office at (248) 530-1880.
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Understanding the Snow Ordinance |
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Winter isn't quite over yet and we could get more snow. Take measures to ensure you don't find yourself in violation of the ordinance regarding snow removal and snow parking bans. Here are the two most important requirements:
1) You are required to clear snow and ice on sidewalks that abut your property. If the snow stops falling during the day, your sidewalks must be cleared by no more than 12 hours later. If the snow stops falling during the night, all sidewalks must be cleared by 6 p.m. the following day. Sidewalks that are not cleared of snow and ice will be shoveled by the city and the property owner will be fined.
2) When a Snow Emergency is declared, residents must remove their cars from city streets so the snow plows can get through. Cars in violation of this ordinance will be ticketed.
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It has been well established that Historic Preservation is a valuable addition to a city’s sustainability agenda, but what else is it with historic buildings that make them so special?
Every old building is unique, with its own identity and its own distinctive character. In Birmingham, that comes in many different shapes, sizes, materials, craftsmanship, and decorative details. Luckily, Birmingham is filled with incredible examples of character-defining features from roof shape to openings to trim work.
The Birmingham Green feature in this newsletter will be exploring these elements through the next several months by studying different architectural character and the identifying visual aspects of our historic buildings as an aid to preserving their character to the maximum extent possible. If the various materials, features and spaces that give a building its visual character are not recognized and preserved, then essential aspects of its character may be irreparably damaged in the process of change. Stayed tuned in March for the first discussion on trim!
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The Birmingham Museum Brings the Museum to You
Through the New "Artifact Shorts" Series
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We’re still closed but that doesn’t mean that we can’t bring the museum to you. Every other week on our Facebook and Youtube, we have been diving into our collection to bring you artifacts and stories from the city of Birmingham. Was Pepsi the drink of choice in Birmingham in the 1940s? What did the summer recreation program look like in 1954? Just how many Birmingham branded games are there? What social behavior would get you kicked out of any proper society home in 1888? We are answering all these questions and more in our “Artifact Shorts” series.
While the Birmingham Museum is currently closed to the public, the staff is here to help with your questions. Contact us at 248-530-1928 or museum@bhamgov.org, or visit the museum’s webpage to find out more about Birmingham’s history. You can also do a deeper dive with our video content on Youtube.
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March Events from The Baldwin Public Library |
LEARN TO BUILD A WEBSITE
Saturdays, March 6, 13 & 20 at 2:00 pm
COLOR FUN STORYTIME: GREEN
Wednesday, March 17 at 6:30 pm
Join Ms. Syntha to celebrate her favorite color - green! Pickup a craft kit starting March 10 and we'll do the craft together during story time. Registration required.
THE MARTHA AWARDS
Thursday, March 25 at 7:00 pm
Movies have The Oscars, Broadway has the Tony Awards, now BPL has The Martha Awards. Librarians H and Belinda host the first-ever Martha Awards in this fun virtual event. Registration required.
The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street. For more information visit www.baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647-1700.
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March Event Update from Next |
GRATITUDE STEEL DRUM PERFORMANCE
Tuesday, March 16 at 6:00 pm at Next
Join Chaz Russell, Gratitude Steel Drum musician as he entertains and transports us to a warm Caribbean beach lined with palm trees! Nothing captures the mood and relaxing atmosphere of the islands like live steel drums.
NEXT IS HONORED TO PRESENT: CULTIVATING MENTAL HEALTH IN
THE ERA OF COVID-19 via Zoom
Wednesday, March 24 at 1:30 pm
Next is excited to be presenting highly acclaimed speaker, Dr. Gretchen Moran Marsh, Ph.D. to share her expertise. COVID has brought mental health challenges to the forefront. As a psychologist, specializing in mental health and the treatment of depression and anxiety, Dr. Marsh will provide guidance on how to navigate life with the constant stressor of COVID. She will go on to share specific coping strategies to help individuals and families during these challenging times.
MOTOWN
Thursday April 1st 6:00 pm at Next and via Zoom
Henry Feinberg, Composer, Musician and Instructor - Oakland Community College
Starting from humble origins in 1959, Motown with Berry Gordy at the helm, became one of the most loved and influential styles in all of American popular music. Join Henry Feinberg as he presents an exciting show on the development of the Motown label amid the revolution and turbulent times of the 1960s.You’ll hear how The Supremes, The Temptations,
Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and many others became international stars and remain popular to this day. Accompanying the presentation will be recordings of many of Motown’s hits.
For information on this and more, please visit the www.BirminghamNext.org or stop in for a tour. Next is located at 2121 Midvale, Birmingham, MI 48009. Phone: (248) 203-5270.
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Thank you for reading Around Town, a monthly e-newsletter from the City of Birmingham. We hope you find the information timely and useful. Please feel free to forward this e-mail to friends and neighbors who may be interested in Birmingham. |
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151 Martin St. P.O. Box 3001 Birmingham, MI 48012
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tel: (248) 530-1800
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