Contained in this edition...
- Election Day
- September Vaccination Data
- Business is Booming in Berkley!
- Basement Flooding Update
- City Council Updates / La Salette Tax Abatement
- Upcoming Events
- Other News Resources
Election Day
A reminder that Tuesday, November 2nd is Election Day, and of course I am asking for your support.
If you like my perspective, my communication, and what I've been able to do for the city during my first term, I ask for your vote so I can continue to serve the city for another four years. It has been an honor and a privilege helping people in this way has been the most fulfilling work I have done in my life.
Should you have any questions, you can always reach me at [email protected] or by call or text at 248-658-8463.
For those of you that have already voted or shown your support in other ways, thank you. Even your simple words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.
September Vaccination Data
I was able to provide an update for City and School vaccination rates after getting September data from the State. Of note, vaccinations increased by about 5% for eligible children. Check the link for more detailed breakdowns, my methodology, and the raw data.
I recently received the data from the state through mid-October and should be able to get that posted shortly after the election.
Booster shots are now available for many people, and it is anticipated children 5 to 11 years old will be able to get their shots starting as early as this week.
Business is Booming in Berkley!
I wrote an article talking about all the exciting developments happening in the Berkley Business Community.
I especially wanted to give a shout out to Lisa Kempner, Erin Brick, our new Downtown Development Authority Director Mike McGuinness, and all those that helped them with the incredibly successful BOO!KLEY Nights event they put on in October. I had a lot of fun volunteering at the Monster Mash on Saturday the 30th. Despite the rain, there were a huge number of trick-or-treaters and their parents visiting around 70 shops in our downtown.
Basement Flooding Update
I also wrote an article about one of the rumors that has been circulating about how to fix our sewer system. In it, I include a list of the things the city has done — and continues to do — to improve our flooding problems.
City Council Updates / La Salette Tax Abatement
I shared a number of updates for the two October council meetings held on the 4th and the 18th.
Of particular note, a 10 year tax abatement was approved for new apartments in the existing La Salette school building. The developer's request for an abatement on a new apartment building to be built in the parking lot was not granted.
Although this was approved 4 to 3, I was the only true "no" vote. The other two no votes were because they wanted a larger abatement.
While I believe this abatement was worthy of consideration, I also believe the project can be successful without a tax give away. What swayed me was that the developer said the tax savings would be reinvested into the property in large part to charge higher rents. I think Berkley would be better off getting apartments at rates that are more affordable.
Upcoming Events
- The Annual Holiday Lights Parade will be on Saturday, December 4 starting at 5:30. It will traverse 12 Mile, ending at City Hall. That will be followed by a Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa at the Gazebo.
- From 11am to 4pm on December 4, Santa will be driving all the streets in the city again. Watch for more details.
- City Council meetings on November 15, December 6, and December 20. These meetings will likely include final consideration of the City Master Plan and finalizing the retail Marijuana permitting process.
- Planning Commission Meetings on November 23 and December 21.
- A Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 13. There is no November meeting.
- More events are on the City Calendar.
Other News Resources
- Sign up for the city's monthly newsletter or see past editions.
- Follow the city on Facebook.
- Follow me on Facebook.
- I'm active on Nextdoor and the Berkley Residents Forum on Facebook.