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City Hall
151 Martin, P.O. Box 3001
Birmingham, MI 48012 
Ph. 248.530.1800
Fax 248.530.1080
 
AROUND TOWN
June 2018


Welcome to the June 2018 edition of the Around Town e-Newsletter from the City of Birmingham. We hope you enjoy this e-newsletter and forward it to friends or family who may be interested in the City of Birmingham!
Inside City Hall with Birmingham City Manager, Joe Valentine


Old Woodward Reconstruction Project Update - 50% Complete!
 
The Old Woodward Reconstruction Project is  50 percent completed as the month of June gets underway.
 
Significant progress continues toward the final removal and replacement of the tired underground infrastructure. As June kicks off, work on the new main line sewer on Old Woodward, south of Maple, is wrapping up. Once sewer service connections are made to a handful of nearby buildings on Old Woodward, the bulk of the underground infrastructure work will be done.
 
Meanwhile, the above ground work kicked off in earnest to start June when crews meticulously poured and smoothed the first vestiges of the new concrete on Old Woodward, north of Maple. The concrete paving will continue throughout the month as contractors work to complete the new city streets on this project.  

With a targeted completion date of early August, the underground infrastructure improvements and the above ground enhancements on Old Woodward will result in a modernized downtown core that City residents, merchants, stakeholders and visitors will be proud of and enjoy for decades to come. In the meantime, the public is encouraged to visit downtown and see the transformation first-hand while supporting city merchants. As a reminder, free parking in all City parking structures is now available on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) along with four, two-hour free valet parking stands strategically located near the construction zone.

Project Quick Facts:
Timeframe: March through early August
Location: Old Woodward from Willits to Brown, plus a small section of Maple near Old Woodward
Contractor: Angelo Iafrate Construction
Improvements Underground improvements include: new water mains, new combined sewers, irrigation, fiber optic system, electrical connections, enhanced soils and much more.  In addition, above ground improvements include a narrower, concrete street with angled parking, a wider sidewalk for better walkability downtown and new traffic signals. All of these enhancements will create a new, up-to-date shopping and business environment that will ensure the vitality of downtown for decades to come. 

Stay Informed:  Learn more about the project at www.bhamgov.org/downtowninfrastructure . Receive regular updates about this project by signing up for the "Old Woodward Reconstruction General Information" group at  www.bit.ly/bhamnews . Residents are also encouraged to sign up for an e-notify system for the project at  www.bhamgov.org/enotify  to get real time updates by email or text.
Paving the Way to a More Beautiful Downtown
 
Businesses are OPEN during construction, and they're counting on your support! The BSD is helping businesses to ensure it's "business as usual" for everyone by offering the following great perks: 

FREE Two-Hour Valet Parking
(then $5 for each additional hour), Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Offered at four locations:
 
- North Old Woodward Ave. near Willits
- Henrietta near Maple
- South Old Woodward near Brown
- Hamilton near Ferndale

Birmingham Bonus Bucks (BBB) PHASE TWO
  • $10 in Birmingham Bonus Bucks will be awarded to shoppers for every $100 spent at BSD shops and boutiques, and for every $200 spent at BSD restaurants until the promotion maximum has been reached.
  • Birmingham Bonus Bucks must be redeemed in person at a participating BSD business by July 25.
  • Individuals are eligible to earn a maximum of $50 in Birmingham Bonus Bucks each month during the promotional period. Monies from submitted receipts may not be applied or carried over for future BBBs.
  • Visit www.ALLINBirmingham.com/BBB for promotion details and the submission form.
 Birmingham Construction Art Contest - Cast Your Vote Today!






Art students, enthusiasts, professionals and even BSD businesses have joined in to enhance the barricades and add something special for those walking throughout town.  Vote for your favorite panel at  bit.ly/2018bhamart . Winning artwork will be displayed in downtown Birmingham at the completion of the construction project. Submit your vote now through July 15th.
Learn more at www.bhamgov.org/downtowninfrastructure .
Experience Summer Concerts & Movies in the Park
 

Head to Birmingham's Shain Park (located at Henrietta and Martin St.) and enjoy a live concert in a beautiful setting. Bring your blanket or lawn chair, kick off your shoes and enjoy performances by local bands playing a wide variety of music genres. Special afternoon concerts will be held on July 11 and August 1 from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Visit Shain Park on your lunch break and enjoy music and entertainment! Mark your calendar to attend these upcoming concerts:

Friday, June 15, 2018 - Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition Youth Action Board's Teen Summer Concert, 7 p.m. 
 
Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Birmingham Concert Band (Orchestra), 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018 - Steve Acho (Pop/Rock), 7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 - No Concert 
Wednesday, July 11, 2018 - Jill Jack (Folk) - Special afternoon performance, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018 - Mainstreet Soul (Variety), 7 p.m. 
Wednesday, July 18, 2018 - Magic Bus (Psychedelic Music, 60's & 70's), 7 p.m. 
Wednesday, July 25, 2018 - The Invasion (Beatles), 7 p.m. 
Wednesday, August 1, 2018 - The Blue Cat (Blues, Rock and Contemporary) - Special afternoon performance, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018 - Gia Warner and Bobby Lewis (Rock Classics), 7 p.m.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018 - Surreal Humdinger (Classic Rock), 7 p.m.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - Joey Vee (Country), 7 p.m.
A special thank you to our 2018  In the Park Summer Concert sponsors!
Learn more at www.bhamgov.org/summerconcerts
.
 
Sit Back and Enjoy the Show in Booth Park
It's showtime in the great outdoors! Head to Booth Park and enjoy family-friendly movies under the stars. The Birmingham Shopping District's popular Movie Night events offer pre-show entertainment at 7:30 p.m. followed by a movie at dusk. Upcoming events are as follows:

- Friday, June 22 -   Featured presentation: Sing
Friday, July 20 - Featured presentation: Back to the Future
Friday, August 24 - Featured presentation: The Incredibles

Learn more at www.ALLINBirmingham.com .
Nine Dine & Laugh at Lincoln Hills Golf Course on June 9th!  
 

Chef Clash Sunday Coming Soon at Birmingham Farmers Market

 
Birmingham's top chefs will compete live at the Birmingham Farmers Market!

The popular Chef Clash Sunday event will take place on Sunday, June 24 from 10 a.m. - noon. Birmingham chefs are challenged with two dishes, one savory and one sweet. Local judges will score the dishes created at the event. Chefs must complete these dishes with the use of mystery ingredients from the market's vendors. There will also be samples for shoppers to taste from each chef's restaurant.

Chef Chris Gadulka from Toast received the Master Chef Champion title for the past two years. Who will go head-to-head this season in attempts to take the title from him? Find out on Sunday, June 24th at the Birmingham Farmers Market! 

The market is located at 660 North Old Woodward, across from Salvatore Scallopini Restaurant and just north of Booth Park. It's open Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. through October 28.  Learn more at www.BirminghamFarmersMarket.org We look forward to seeing you there! 
Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses



White Birch recently opened at 141 West Maple Road. This boutique features women's  clothing, jewelry, home apparel and more! Learn more by calling (248) 385-1500.
June News from the Birmingham Museum
 
We've been busy the last few months at the museum. School tours and the Woodward Reconstruction Project has kept us busy! In addition to the artifacts from the project collected by city employees, individuals in the community have been bringing in their finds.
                
This bottle is from the Cobb & Cobb Pharmacy, founded by two brothers, Jim and Tom, in 1901. Their store was on Woodward Ave. In 1908 Tom left the company for a job at the State Savings Bank and Jim found another partner in George Jenelle, founding Cobb and Jenelle.
                
L ike we told our second grade tour groups, you never know what you'll find if you look down once in a while!
                
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at  556 W. Maple Rd . Parking is available in the Chester St. structure on the south side of Maple. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for students and seniors, children five and under are free. Please visit us on the web at:  www.bhamgov.org/museum  or  www.facebook.com/TheBirminghamMuseum .
Avoid Fines: Keep Grass & Weeds Below Eight Inches

To ensure our city looks well-maintained, the City's ordinance requires grass and weeds to be kept below eight inches high. Poison ivy, ragweed or any other poisonous, noxious or unhealthy growths are prohibited. Those in violation of this ordinance will have their lawn mowed and will be required to pay for the service. Access the entire Grass and Noxious Weed ordinance (Sec. 118-66) on the City's web site. For more information, call the Department of Public Services at
(248) 530-1700. Or, to make a complaint, call the Birmingham Code Enforcement Hotline at 248-530-1859, and leave a detailed message.
Learn Proper Tree, Shrub & Plant Care
As the City of Birmingham is known for its many amenities and beautiful scenery, the Department of Public Services offers helpful hints for proper tree, shrub, and plant care.
  • Per city ordinance, any privately owned tree, shrub, or plant overhanging the streets or highways in the city shall be trimmed so that its branches shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp and so there shall be a clear space of 14 feet above the surface of such street or highway.
  • Any privately owned tree, shrub or plant overhanging a sidewalk of the city shall be trimmed so that there shall be a clear space of eight feet above the surface of such sidewalk.
  • No privately owned tree, shrub or plant shall be allowed to encroach upon, under or over any sidewalk in a manner to interfere with the free passage of persons using such sidewalk
  • All privately owned dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decayed limbs that constitute a menace to the safety of the public shall be removed.
Thank you for doing your part in keeping the city looking fresh, clean, and walkable! Follow these tips to ensure ordinances are not violated: 
  1. Stay Proactive; always look for ways to make sure your property is maintained and looking in tip top shape!
  2. It's almost always best to trim or prune a tree during its dormant season.
  3. Dead or broken branches and limbs can fall off at any time, which is a serious safety hazard. If the branches of a tree obstruct your vision while driving, they should be trimmed away.
  4. Tree limbs and branches occasionally grow too close to utility lines. Contact the utility company to handle such issues.
  5. Thinning the crown of a tree improves airflow, which can be very beneficial. If branches are crossing or rubbing together, they should be trimmed so that they don't fall unexpectedly.
For more information, contact the Department of Public Services at  248-530-1700.
Pet Care & Safety Reminders for Walking Around Town

The City of Birmingham has several pet regulations designed to keep pets and people safe. Here are some useful reminders:
  • All dogs must be on a chain or leash and under reasonable control of some person at all times. A dog cannot go beyond the premises of its owner unless restrained by a chain or leash and under reasonable control.
  • All dogs and cats four months old or over must have a license. All dogs and cats shall be immunized against rabies, prior to issuance of a license. Licenses are issued by the City Clerk's Office at City Hall.
  • Owners cannot allow animals to deposit fecal matter in any place other than the premises where the animal is harbored or kept, unless it is immediately collected and removed.
  • If a person is walking an animal on property they do not own, whether public or private, they must have an appropriate device for the collection of fecal matter in their immediate possession and an appropriate depository for the transmission of fecal matter to the premises where the animal is harbored or kept.
  • No person shall harbor or keep any dog which, by loud or frequent or habitual barking, yelping or howling, causes a serious annoyance to the neighborhood, or to people passing on the street.
Also, please remember dog waste should be collected with a bag and disposed of in your garbage container, not your yard waste bin. If you have questions regarding the Animal Ordinance you may call the Police Department at 248.530.1889 or the City Clerk's office at 248.530.1880.
June News from the Baldwin Library    
 
After Hours Exam Cram with Therapy Dogs
Saturday, June 9 from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Paws from studying and pet a pooch from Therapy Dogs International. Pizza will be provided. This is an after-hours event just for students in grades 9-12. Come and get some wonderful dog therapy.
 
Summer Reading Kickoff!
Friday, June 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Join us as we kick off Libraries Rock! Summer Reading 2018. Register for Summer Reading and join us for crafts, games, and more. There are Summer Reading programs for Adults, Teens, and Youth.
 
Paper Gems: Drop-in
Saturday, June 16 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Use the Idea Lab's laser cutter to make colorful gems and geodes out of paper. This event is a drop-in session, so come in any time!
 
The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. For more information visit www.baldwinlib.org  or call (248) 647-1700.  
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.  
 
Sincerely,