Berkley DDA Seeks Artists for Mural Project

The Berkley Downtown Development Authority is seeking submissions from Metro-Detroit muralists and designers to design and create an outdoor mural welcoming residents and visitors to Downtown Berkley.

The mural will be painted on the east wall of Tootie and Tallulah’s. The wall is solid brick and measures 58’ x 16’. Application materials are due Aug. 21.

The mural is scheduled to be complete by Oct. 19. Applications will be reviewed, and final approval given, by the Berkley DDA’s Public Art committee and the property/business owner.

Check out the DDA website for additional information.

Dream Cruise Merchandise Available

Official Woodward Dream Cruise merchandise is now available for purchase at the corner of 12 Mile and Woodward.

New VinoTalk Online Now

Wine lovers, be sure to check out the new edition of Vino Talk with John Jonna. This episode features two favorites: pairing wine with cheese.

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Cruisefest Comes to Town This Week

Rev up your engines and head to the Berkley American Legion Cruisefest on Aug. 16 from 4 to 11 p.m. and Aug. 17 from noon to 9 p.m.

Start Your Engines – Cruising Time is Here

Berkley is gearing up for the 24th CruiseFest Classic Car Parade sponsored by DTE Energy. This kick-off event for the annual Woodward Dream Cruise takes place Friday, Aug. 16, between Woodward and Greenfield. More than 400 classic cars are signed up to participate in the parade.

“This is one of the many great annual events that we’re proud to host here in Berkley. It’s a day for the whole family to enjoy,” said Dan Terbrack, mayor of Berkley.

Contact Parks & Recreation at 248-658-3470 for more information regarding the schedule of events and official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise or visit the Berkley CruiseFest Facebook page.

The 2019 Woodward Dream Cruise is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. Visit

www.woodwarddreamcruise.com for more information about the event.

Aerobatic Teams Fill the skies at OCIA Open House & Air Show

The Phillips 66 Aerostars will once again tear into the skies at 250 mph over the Oakland County International Airport Open House & Air Show in four Extra 300L aerobatic planes. They will join other aerial performers at the Sunday, Aug. 11.

Admission is free. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle.

The air show begins at 2 p.m.

Help Conserve Water

It can never be stressed enough how important it is for our state’s biggest asset, water, to be maintained, and we can all do our part to ensure waterways and lakes are kept pristine for generations to enjoy for years to come.

Berkley supports the OneWater campaign initiative started by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, which has a goal of informing everyone of easy ways to keep the lakes clean and all of the water line infrastructure clear as well.

Some easy ways to ensure the pipes are clear and our infrastructure is free to move clean water effectively include:

• Avoid flushing “flushable” wipes, it can clog sewer pipes.
• Don’t rinse grease into your drains, it will cause blockage all through the pipes.
• Keep fertilizer away from storm drains, it contaminates waterways.
• Plant a tree; it can absorb lots of rainfall, preventing runoff into storm drains.
• Clean up after pets; keep their dirty business out of storm drains.

Welcome to City News! Through City News, I’m hoping to connect with each of you, to bring you closer to your community and maybe even tempt you to try something new.

Supporting local businesses is so important to a thriving community. Often, it’s the small business owners who support school functions, civic clubs and sponsor city events.

These entrepreneurs are critical to the health and wellbeing of our communities. It’s wonderful to support these folks and I hope you’ll join me in celebrating them through City News.

I’d like to know what bits of info interest you the most: Upcoming events? New businesses? A little of everything?

Reach out!

Rebecca Calappi
citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

City of Berkley Displays White Ribbons in Honor of Tyler Wingate

As the Berkley community mourns the loss of Tyler Wingate, white ribbons are being tied to trees and homes throughout the community as a show of support for this young man’s family.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Berkley Mayor Dan Terbrack said. “No parent should ever have to face this type of tragedy. I know the entire community is sending prayers and condolences to the Wingate family.”

Tyler, 24, is remembered as a popular student-athlete at Berkley High School, where he played football and was a member of the track team. He was known for his engaging personality and contagious smile. Tragically, the 2013 BHS graduate sustained fatal injuries from being attacked in the early morning hours of July 22, following a car accident in Detroit. Police have identified a suspect.

Friends have organized a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help the family with funeral expenses.

Berkley Energy Plan to be Considered

The Environmental Advisory Committee has approved a City of Berkley Energy Plan and now requests that the plan be adopted by the Berkley City Council. The Energy Plan is expected to go before city council at the meeting on Aug. 12.

The plan aims to make energy efficiency and clean energy a cornerstone in the decision making done by the city in terms of facilities, maintenance and equipment purchases.

To review the Energy Plan please click here.

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New friends,

Welcome to City News! Through City News, I’m hoping to connect with each of you, to bring you closer to your community and maybe even tempt you to try something new.

Supporting local businesses is so important to a thriving community. Often, it’s the small business owners who support school functions, civic clubs and sponsor city events.

These entrepreneurs are critical to the health and wellbeing of our communities. It’s wonderful to support these folks and I hope you’ll join me in celebrating them through City News.

I’d like to know what bits of info interest you the most: Upcoming events? New businesses? A little of everything?

Reach out!

Rebecca Calappi
citynewseditor@localbiznews.net

Tree Planting Program Deadline Coming Soon

Our urban forest is an important part of what makes Berkley so special. Many of the city’s mature trees are silver maples that are coming to the end of their lifespan and are being removed. This is one reason why planting new trees now is more important than ever.

Please check out Berkley’s 2019 Tree Planting Program for information on purchasing a tree. Orders must be placed and paid for by Aug. 16. Trees are limited and can be purchased on a first-come, first-serve basis only.

These trees are available at a subsidized cost to residents. Trees purchased at a nursery will be significantly more expensive. They can be planted in the green belt or on private property. There are many options available. Diversifying the species of trees helps to prevent the decimation of whole neighborhoods when a disease or insect attacks, like emerald ash borer or Dutch elm disease.

Contact DPW at 248-658-3490 for more information about the annual tree sale. Click here to learn more about the Berkley Tree Board.

City of Berkley Energy Plan to be Considered

The Environmental Advisory Committee approved a City of Berkley Energy Plan and now requests that the plan be adopted by the Berkley City Council. The Energy Plan is expected to go before City Council at the meeting on Aug. 12, and aims to make energy efficiency and clean energy a cornerstone in the decision making done by the city in terms of facilities, maintenance and equipment purchases.

Review the Energy Plan here.

Bike Lanes Added to Coolidge Highway

New bike lanes spruced up Coolidge Highway this summer. The bike lanes run in both directions from 11 Mile to 12 Mile. These lanes are intended to become a part of a proposed multi-community bike system that includes Huntington Woods and Oak Park.

The bike lanes are part of the Coolidge Highway Complete Streets Initiative, which involves a 24-month evaluation period to determine if restriping Coolidge between 11 Mile and 12 Mile from four lanes to three will improve traffic flow and make the road safer and friendlier for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Berkley Downtown Development Authority is financing the project and can provide more details about the work on the DDA website.

Ice Arena Demolition Begins This Week

This week, Inner City Contracting will begin demolishing the Berkley Ice Arena located at 2400 Robina Ave.

The ice arena will be demolished, along with the horseshoe pits and select areas of sidewalk and pavement. The site will be restored with clean topsoil and hydroseed. The existing senior center and Parks and Recreation Building attached to the ice arena will remain, as well as the existing fence along the eastern border of the site.

Traffic on roads near the site will be maintained at all times, but there will be construction traffic present during construction hours. The entire site will be enclosed by a temporary fencing system during construction and will be under video surveillance.

Coco Fairfield’s Doubles Seating Capacity

Fans of Coco Fairfield’s, at 2959 W. 12 Mile Road, is doubling its seating capacity from 35 diners to 75. The diner is taking over the Salon Tru space, which closed in March. Now, even more people can enjoy the Coolidge Club.

Berkley Opts in for Recreational and Medical Marijuana Businesses

City council approved a temporary extension at the June 17 meeting that will effectively “opt in” Berkley at the end of the year to begin accepting applications for recreational and medical marijuana businesses. The extension, adopted by unanimous vote, prevents marijuana businesses from opening in Berkley before an adequate regulatory framework is put into place.

By agreeing to the extension, the city is on track to accept applications in January.

The following are documents were discussed by city council at the June 17 meeting:

Marihuana Licensing Memo to City Council
Marihuana Licensing Draft Ordinance
Marihuana Zoning Draft Ordinance

Be a Berkley Block Ambassador

Do you have a neighbor who regularly connects with the residents on your block? Perhaps they organize block parties, reach out to new neighbors, or are the “go-to person” on your block for local information? If this sounds like a neighbor you know, please consider nominating him or her to be a Berkley Block Ambassador.

Berkley Block Ambassadors will work with members of the Citizens Engagement Advisory Committee to help enhance communications between the city and residents, and overcome challenges in connecting with the harder-to-reach segment of our city’s population. Block Ambassadors will be asked to provide feedback on the best ways for the city to communicate with them and their neighbors. They will also be asked what issues are most pressing on their block and how they believe the City can best address those issues.

To nominate a person on your block, fill out the form below, or send an email to Berkley Communications Coordinator Jay Grossman at jgrossman@berkleymich.net.  Please let the person know you’re nominating them and provide contact information, so we can reach them. In addition, please offer a brief explanation on why the nominated person would make a good Block Ambassador. Also, please provide the general location of your neighborhood (main crossroads).