November Around Town E-Newsletter |
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Welcome!
Welcome to the Around Town e-Newsletter from the City of Birmingham. Please forward this newsletter along to friends and family.
Information about YOUR Neighborhood
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Election News
The City Clerk’s Office is open to the public for election business only. The office is open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with extended hours on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3 from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Voters are required to enter City Hall using the Martin Street entrance. Individuals with limited mobility are encouraged to call (248) 530-1880 for assistance with barrier free entry.
Absentee Ballots
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Voters in need of an absentee ballot must apply in person at the Clerk's Office by 4:00 pm. on Monday, November 2.
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Voters who have an absentee ballot are encouraged to return it to the Clerk's Office via the new drive up drop box located at City Hall near the driveway entrance off of Henrietta. Read the directions thoroughly, take your time and be careful. Be sure to use blue or black ink pen to mark your ballot and don't forget to sign and seal the absentee ballot envelope. Absentee ballots must be returned to the Clerk's Office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
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Voters wishing to vote in person after obtaining an absentee ballot are encouraged to surrender their absentee ballot at the Clerk's office before Election Day. There will be procedures and/or paperwork required in the precinct for surrendering an absentee ballot to vote in person on Election Day. Our election inspectors are trained and prepared to accommodate all voters.
Precinct Location Change
Precinct 6 voters who typically vote at City Hall will be directed to the Community House located at 380 S Bates St. This temporary location change was made because there is more room at the Community House to safely accommodate voters. All other voting locations remain the same. View the list of locations on the City's website.
Important Dates:
- November 2 at 10:00 a.m. – Deadline for spoiling an absentee ballot
- November 2 at 4:00 p.m. – Deadline for issuing any absentee ballots
- November 3 – State General Election – Polls are open 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. If you received an absentee ballot and wish to vote in person on Election Day instead, you may surrender the absentee ballot at your polling place to vote. If you lost your absentee ballot or did not receive one, you may vote in person at the polls on election day after signing an affidavit.
- November 3 by 8:00 p.m. – Ballots being hand delivered to the Clerk's Office must be turned in by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
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Share your Ideas for Birmingham’s Citywide Master Plan
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The Planning Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 14 was canceled as the City awaited approval from the State to continue virtual meetings. As such, topics scheduled to be covered in October will now be discussed at the Wednesday, November 11, 2020 Planning Board Meeting at 7:30 p.m. These topics include: review findings and recommendations suggested for Birmingham’s proposed Haynes Square, the South Woodward Gateway and the Rail District. The Citywide Master Plan will guide Birmingham’s future for the next twenty years, so sharing your feedback is key for the future of our community!
Another way to engage with the Citywide Master Plan process is by submitting your comments on proposed neighborhood plans. Visit www.thebirminghamplan.com to view Neighborhood Packets, which convey the 1st draft Master Plan’s proposals relating to Birmingham’s neighborhoods! The comment period is open until November 20, 2020, so visit www.thebirminghamplan.com/comment to share your ideas today! Neighborhood plans will be discussed at the December and January Planning Board meetings.
Throughout the entire process to develop the Citywide Master Plan for 2040, extensive ongoing public engagement has included community surveys, round-table discussions, a drop-in clinic, expert speakers, and charrettes. Recently, in a COVID-19 environment, the community has been encouraged to participate in virtual meetings and submit feedback on the project webpage. Residents may easily submit their feedback on the first draft of the Master Plan and Neighborhood Packets at www.thebirminghamplan.com. Learn how to participate in upcoming meetings at www.bhamgov.org/participate.
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Opportunity to Share Feedback on Draft Plan for Unimproved Streets
The Ad Hoc Unimproved Street Study Committee (AHUSSC) has been working to formulate a recommendation regarding the future of Birmingham’s unimproved streets. After extensive research on the initiation of the petition process, road surface/design alternatives, and funding to support a program of converting unimproved roads, the committee developed a draft recommendation. The committee received community input regarding the draft recommendation at their October 22nd meeting. Those who missed the meeting can watch it here. The committee will again welcome the community's input at their November 12 meeting at 7:30 p.m. Download the draft policy at www.bhamgov.org/AHUSSC.
The committee, which met for the first time in June 2018, was charged with conducting a city-wide study of unimproved streets and provide a recommendation to the City Commission outlining a long-term plan for these streets. They worked to develop an understanding of this complex issue that has been under review for the last couple years. The committee studied: the history of unimproved roads in the City; the City Charter and ordinance as they relate to unimproved streets; special assessment districts; pavement types and their associated life cycles; the cape seal program; and road funding fundamentals.
Learn how to participate in the November 12 virtual meeting at www.bhamgov.org/participate. The committee and staff hope for robust public engagement regarding all sections of the draft policy prior to making a final recommendation to the City Commission later this year. Join us and share your feedback!
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November Events Update
Veterans Day Ceremony - Keep an eye on social media to view the City's Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.
Small Business Saturday - November 28, 2020
Shop in Birmingham and support the local economy! Find unique gifts for everyone on your list. The day kicks off the holiday season with a variety of activities including the Birmingham Bucks promotion - earn $25 for every $100 spent at BSD stores and restaurants, appointments with Santa (sign up mid-November), a scavenger hunt (enter to win a $500 BSD gift certificate), complimentary hot chocolate and more! Information: 248-530-1200 or check our website mid-November for details.
Holiday Tree Lighting - The annual Holiday Tree Lighting event is canceled due to safety concerns surrounding COVID-19. Keep an eye on social media for a special kick-off to the holiday season.
Free Parking in Structures Plus Free 2-Hour Valet
Enjoy free parking in all of our structures through December 31, 2020. Visitors will also enjoy free two-hour valet parking November 28th through December 24th from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at two locations: North Old Woodward at Hamilton, and South Old Woodward (across from Harp's Lingerie). Take advantage of hand sanitizer stations throughout the City’s parking structures (also throughout the downtown area and in city parks). Enjoy contact-free parking with the ParkMobile parking application. Simply pay for parking with your cell phone! To use the ParkMobile system, register for free at www.parkmobile.com.
All holiday activities are in accordance with Oakland County COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
Open Skate at the Birmingham Ice Arena - Open skating resumes on Monday, November 9, 2020. Please visit the Ice Arena's website for the latest information.
Safety Reminders
The City reminds you to take the actions listed below to protect yourself and your loved ones.
- Wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
- Wear a mask in outdoor crowded spaces where you cannot maintain social distancing.
- Wash your hands often and take advantage of hand sanitizer stations in place throughout the downtown area, City parks and parking structures.
- Keep six feet of distance between yourself and others.
Let's all do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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City Services
City Hall remains closed for non-election City business. Residents requiring assistance are encouraged to contact any department via phone or email. Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of departmental contact numbers for services needed.
COVID-19 Information
The City's COVID-19 webpage at www.bhamgov.org/virusprevention continues to provide information from trusted resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Michigan, the Oakland County Health Division and more.
Forms & Payments
Forms and payments may be submitted 24/7 via the drop box located behind City Hall. Documents such as building permit applications and plans can be dropped off or picked up at the Police Department entrance on the east side of the Municipal Building on Pierce Street. As part of the City's operational relief efforts, most City forms, applications and payment submissions are also available at www.bhamgov.org/formsandpayments.
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Melissa Fairbairn, Assistant to the City Manager |
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Maple Road Reconstruction Project Update |
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After a busy fall of construction, the project to transform Maple Road is now complete. Maple Road’s improvements allow it to manage traffic more effectively; provide an attractive experience for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists; and serve the community for decades to come!
With the project now complete, residents and visitors will experience new above-ground amenities such as wider sidewalks, new tree boxes, improved landscaping and mobile device charging stations. The project increased pedestrian and vehicle safety on Maple Road by adding a mid-block pedestrian crossing between Old Woodward and Woodward, and reconfiguring the Southfield intersection to decrease accidents. Combined with the new underground infrastructure improvements, such as new sewers, new water mains and other hardware, downtown Birmingham is more modern, walkable and structurally sound.
The City wants to thank its merchants, downtown patrons and residents for your patience and understanding throughout the project. With the changes now in place, Birmingham is ready for the future and invites you to come and experience it for yourself.
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Birmingham’s Parks and Recreation Bond Proposal - Let's Vote |
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If you’ve been waiting for Election Day to cast your vote, your time is nearly here! While more than two million people have already voted in Michigan, we won’t have the final word on Birmingham’s Parks and Recreation Bond Proposal until every ballot has been cast and counted. If you are an Election Day voter, there’s still time to check out our website for full information at www.bhamgov.org/parksbond.
If approved, the $11.25 million dollar bond will fund improvements at numerous city parks including improved, accessible playground equipment. The Rouge River trail system also will be upgraded. The Birmingham Ice Arena will be renovated and expanded to include a new women’s dressing room, team dressing rooms, a meeting room and improvements to the concessions area. The Springdale Golf Course is in line for a new irrigation system and also proposed are pickleball courts and a splash pad in Birmingham’s future.
Birmingham’s Parks and Recreation Board will work with residents on every parks project, and develop plans for various projects to go before the City Commission for approval and implementation.
The bonds will be issued in two series; the first series of $4,750,000 will be issued in 2021 and the second at $6,500,000 in 2024. The schedule has been planned to minimize the impact on Birmingham residents since two previous bond issues will be retired in those years.
Please remember to vote both sides of your ballot. The Parks and Recreation Bond proposal is the last item on the ballot. Let’s vote!
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Shop, Dine and Celebrate Locally for the Holidays |
The Birmingham Shopping District is excited to kick off the holiday season in downtown Birmingham, a place where people come from near and far to enjoy a picturesque and quaint atmosphere during a truly magical time of year. As we kick off the holidays, we encourage you to support our downtown merchants and shop local. Our business owners are the backbone of the downtown community and given the pandemic, it has been a trying year. Our retailers are offering many options for safe shopping while maintaining the personalized service and care they are known for. Call or order online from your favorite store and receive curbside delivery at one of our 5-minute “Buy and Fly” parking spaces located throughout the city. Some stores are also offering home delivery options. If you are comfortable shopping in-person, our retailers are going above and beyond to offer a safe shopping experience in their stores. We encourage you to reach out directly to retailers with questions or to ask for special assistance. For a list of Birmingham retailers, visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/shop.
After a busy day of shopping, we invite you to also dine at one our many wonderful restaurants. Whether it’s an appetizer and drink at Tallulah’s, a beer with buddies at Dick O’Dows, or a fancy meal at the Rugby Grille, there are so many great places to spend time with loved ones and friends. Visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/dine for a full list of downtown restaurants.
We also look forward to holiday activities such as welcoming Santa Claus back to Shain Park this year for socially distanced visits with children and their families. Visit downtown to participate in a holiday scavenger hunt around town, see live reindeer, and sip on hot cocoa as you stroll through the streets to view the holiday lights aglow. The Birmingham Shopping District board and staff wish you a healthy and happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing you around town!
Holiday Activities
Appointments with Santa
On weekends throughout the holiday season, children are invited to make an appointment with Santa at the Santa House in picturesque Shain Park. Select weekends will feature live reindeer and complimentary goodies and treats. Appointments are required for socially distanced visits with Santa, however the other festivities are first come, first serve. Visit AllinBirmingham.com/calendar in mid-November to make an appointment.
Scavenger Hunt
On select throughout the season, families are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt throughout downtown Birmingham. Participants will use their mobile device to independently complete and compete in the scavenger hunt. A winning participant from each Saturday and Sunday, November 28th through December 20th will be eligible to win a $500 gift card from the Birmingham Shopping District which can be used at participating retailers and restaurants downtown! Visit AllinBirmingham.com/calendar in mid-November for more details.
The Great Decorate
Starting November 28th, visitors can view beautifully decorated trees in restaurants and retail locations throughout downtown Birmingham and vote for their favorite tree by donating online. 100% of donations go to help local foster teens through the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange. More information to come.
Just a reminder that visitors can enjoy free parking in all of our structures and free 2-hour valet throughout the season. All activities are in accordance with Oakland County COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. Please visit AllinBirmingham.com throughout the holiday season for the most up to date information.
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Exchange Internet Purchases in Police Lot
With the holiday season approaching, the Birmingham Police Department reminds residents to use the Internet Purchase Exchange Location for buyers and sellers utilizing websites like Craigslist. The internet exchange location is in the parking lot on the south side of City Hall at 151 Martin Street.
Residents are encouraged to make exchanges during daytime hours, however the lot is well-lit if meeting after dark is necessary. The lot is under video surveillance at all times. While this area may not work for every online sales transaction because of the size of the item(s) being exchanged, it is open to the general public and encouraged for use when possible.
The purpose of the Internet Purchase Exchange Location is to cut down on potential fraud and robberies that can be associated with these types of transactions. The area is intended for completing exchanges; police personnel will not participate or act as official witnesses in the transactions nor are they available for legal advice or pricing disputes between parties involved in transactions occurring at this location.
For more information, contact the Birmingham Police Department at 248-530-1870.
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Still Time to Save with Fall Golf Rates
Take advantage of the little time we have left to hit the links before winter arrives! Head to the golf course and enjoy the following fall rates?
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WEEKDAY
Adult Member
Senior/Junior Member
Guest
Sr/Jr Guest
WEEKEND
Adult Member
Senior/Junior Member
Guest
Sr/Jr Guest
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WALK RIDE
$12.00 $18.00
$ 7.50 $13.50
$14.00 $20.00
$11.00 $17.00
WALK RIDE
$13.00 $19.00
$ 8.50 $14.50
$15.00 $21.00
$12.00 $18.00
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Golf Course Closure Information
Springdale Golf Course is closed for the season. Lincoln Hills Golf Course will remain open through the end of the 2020 golf season (as weather permits). We'll see you soon!
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ADA Approved Ramps Installed in Downtown Birmingham
Every year the City conducts a sidewalk improvement program. This year, approximately 40 ADA-approved ramps were installed near Shain Park, City Hall and the Baldwin Public Library. In the spring, sidewalk repairs will focus on the south-central section of the City—Maple to the north, 14 Mile to the south, Adams/Woodward to the east, and Pierce to the west. Thank you to the community for your patience as crews worked to complete the ramp installation project.
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Leaf Collection Continues |
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Curbed Streets
For streets with curbs only, the city is divided into two zones. Determine when leaves will be picked up within your zone using the curbside leaf collection map shown below. Simply rake your leaves into the street for pickup the weekend prior to your street's designated week.
Uncurbed Streets
Residents living on uncurbed streets may place leaves in approved containers curbside by 7 a.m. on your trash day now through the week of December 14th. For more information, visit www.bhamgov.org/leaves.
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November News from The Birmingham Museum |
Birmingham’s Lover’s Lane
In today’s list of places to take a date, cemeteries are extremely low on the list, but before 1900 in Birmingham, there were few choices for courting couples to talk privately but still maintain propriety under the watchful eyes of the community. This was the reason that Greenwood Cemetery found itself the go-to place for the recently dead - and those in love!
Thankfully, in 1900, Electric Park opened to the public and changed how Birminghammers courted. The park, electrified 8 years before the Village of Birmingham, offered a large pavilion for dancing, bridges to cross the Rouge River, and safe, lighted paths through the woods. The park even offered a special “Lover’s Lane” for courting couples. Couples could now stroll under the beautiful electric lights in peace, undaunted by the dead. Though Electric Park no longer exists, we can be thankful that we can now date without fear of tripping over a tombstone.
The Birmingham Museum is currently closed to the public, but staff are here to help with your questions! Contact us at 248-530-1928 or museum@bhamgov.org. Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube!
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November News from The Baldwin Library |
Learn Connect Discover November Issue: Now Available
Bedtime Tales: I Won’t Eat That!
What do you do with an anteater that won’t eat ants? Put on your pajamas and find out in this virtual story time. The story time video and craft supplies will be available starting on Wednesday, November 18 for those who register.
The Snow Killings: Inside the Oakland County Child Killer Investigation
Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Author Marney Rich Keenan gives a virtual talk based on her book, The Snow Killings, all about the investigation into the case of the Oakland County Child Killer.
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. Visit www.baldwinlib.org/reopening to view current information on the Library's hours and services.
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2121 Midvale
Birmingham MI 48009
(248) 203-5270
NEW FITNESS CLASSES STARTING NOVEMBER 5TH!
ZUMBA GOLD! NEW!
Thursdays beginning November 5 at 10:00 am
Shake it at your own pace! This is the dance party for the young at heart. Join certified Zumba Gold® instructor, LaLa Breton, for a low impact, fun session of great moves and great music.
Cost 10 drop-in classes: $80 members / $90 guests
Cost 1 drop-in class: $10
CHAIR YOGA & MEDITATION
Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning November 5th from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Caryn Ciagne, Concierge Wellness Coach and owner of CC Yoga. Utilizing a chair to sit and to stand beside for support, we will gently stretch and breathe our way into our body. Through this gentle practice, we will release tension and tightness, increase flexibility, strength, body awareness, range of motion and balance, while promoting a feeling of relaxation and calm.
Cost 10 drop-in classes: $80 members / $90 guests
MAGIC, FUNNY SIDE UP WITH JASON ABBOTT
Tuesday, November 17 at 6:00 pm
One part magician three parts comedian, Jason Abbott entertains audiences nationwide with his hilarious Success is his rapport with the audience and combining fresh, original magic with quick wit and outrageous situational comedy!
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2121 Midvale Rd.
Birmingham, MI 48009
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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