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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
April 2018


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

Inside City Hall, April Edition
Inside City Hall, April Edition

Old Woodward Reconstruction Project Update


Following extensive planning and preparation, the Old Woodward Reconstruction Project is underway! This transformative project along Old Woodward between Oakland and Brown includes improvements such as: new water mains, new combined sewers, irrigation, electrical connections, enhanced soils and much more. In addition, above ground improvements will include a narrower, concrete street with angled parking, a wider sidewalk for improved walkability in the downtown core and new traffic signals.
 
When completed in approximately four months, these enhancements will result in a new, up-to-date shopping and business environment that residents and the public at large will enjoy for decades to come. 

In the initial phase of the work, April kicked off with major digging throughout the project zone. In addition, safety barriers were installed along Old Woodward and Maple that will help keep the public safe during construction as well as the front doors to the city's merchants accessible. It is important to remember all businesses along the Old Woodward corridor are open for business. You are encouraged to visit downtown during construction and support your favorite merchants during the project.

The Birmingham Shopping District (BSD), through its Pave the Way marketing initiative, has designated four strategic locations near the work zone with two hours of free valet parking service during the construction. The locations are: North Old Woodward near Willits, South Old Woodward near Brown, Henrietta near Maple and Hamilton near Ferndale. In addition, the City is working on an initiative that will free up parking spaces on the first floors' of City parking structures to make it more convenient than ever to visit Downtown Birmingham.

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)

-$20 in Birmingham Bonus Bucks will be awarded to shoppers for every $100 spent at BSD retailers, and for every $200 spent at BSD restaurants between April 9 and July 15, or until the promotion maximum has been reached. Individuals are eligible to earn a maximum of $100 in Birmingham Bonus Bucks each month during the promotional period. 

-Birmingham Bonus Bucks must be redeemed in person for their full $20 value (no change will be given) during one purchase at a BSD business by July 25.

-Visit www.ALLINBirmingham.com/BBB for promotion details and the submission form coming soon!

 

Birmingham Construction Art Contest
- Local artists are invited to paint/decorate/enhance approximately 3,000 feet of barricades that will be erected during the project. Winning art will be selected by public jury. Each space will be approximately 8' wide by 4' high.
- The theme is "Pave the Way" which can be interpreted, in many ways, at the discretion of the artist.
- Applications including three art samples are due by April 6. Painting will take place April 25 - May 11 and judging will begin May 12.
- Learn more and download the application form at www.ALLINBirmingham.com/artcontest

Learn more at www.bhamgov.org/downtowninfrastructure .
Stagecoach, Horses and Basset Hounds on Tap for Parade
 
Mark your calendar for the annual Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at 1:00 pm, followed by the Party in Shain Park.

Wells Fargo Advisors joins the parade line-up this year with a reproduction stagecoach and team of four horses. The Basset Hound Rescue, a crowd favorite, returns along with well-loved traditions including Birmingham's Police and Fire Departments, the Groves High School Marching Band and local boy scout and girl scout troops.

The fun continues after the parade at the Party in Shain Park. Children of all ages will enjoy roving street performers, balloon artists, photos with the Wells Fargo stagecoach, inflatables provided by an Oakland County Parks & Recreation grant, a photo booth, live entertainment, face painters, and food.

A special thank you to our major sponsors: AXA Advisors, Bank of Ann Arbor, BELFOR Property Restoration, and Wells Fargo Advisors.  

Register your group for the parade, view the parade route and access other parade information at www.bhamgov.org/parade.
It's Time for Spring Cleaning - Set Out Your Yard Waste

Please note you may now start putting your yard waste bags curbside for pick up on your refuse day! Only the kraft-style paper bags are acceptable, or trash containers with a "Yard Waste" decal sticker attached (no plastic bags). 

For more information, view yard waste guidelines on the City's website or  contact the Department of Public Services at (248) 530-1700.

Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses



Kohler Signature Store recently opened at 724 North Old Woodward. The Kohler Signature Store offers a unique and comprehensive shopping experience with project consultants for design development and assistance. Stop in for project advice, personalized product selections and to experience the products firsthand. Learn more at 
www.kohlersignaturestoredetroit.com or call 248-671-6299.
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.
  Still Time to Sign Up for Birmingham Citizens Academy
 


There are still open spots available for the 2018 Birmingham Citizens Academy. The popular six week, eight course program begins April 24, 2018 at 6 p.m. Birmingham residents who are interested in learning more about their local government attend this interactive program designed to make residents better informed and educated about how their local government works. Hands-on activities and walking tours in and around the city provide a unique approach to learning that makes this an enjoyable experience for any Birmingham resident, age 18 or older. Interested residents can apply by sending in a completed application to [email protected] . View the complete schedule and download the application at www.bhamgov.org/citizensacademy. If you have questions, call Joellen Haines at 248-530-1807. Space is limited, apply soon!
Hit the Links - Lincoln Hills Golf Course Now Open!
SAVE with discounted spring rates through April 15.
 


Spring is officially here and warmer temperatures are on the way, which means golfers are swinging into action at Lincoln Hills Golf Course. Springdale Golf Course is scheduled to open May 1 st and golfers will enjoy newly repaired bridges throughout the course.
 
Throughout April, Lincoln Hills Golf Course is open to everyone; no membership required. The following d iscounted spring rates are in effect through Sunday, April 15:

WEEKDAY RATES        WALK                   RIDE
Member                         $11.00                  $17.00
Senior/Junior                 $6.50                    $12.50
Guest                             $14.00                  $20.00
Guest Sr/Jr                    $10.00                  $16.00
Add $1 for Weekend Rates 

Adaptive Golf Carts
 
"Again this year golfers may call ahead to reserve an Adaptive Golf Cart," said Lauren Wood, Director of Public Services. "The cart makes golf accessible to those who need assistance to play and we're proud to offer them at Lincoln Hills and Springdale Golf Course."
 
Adaptive Golf Carts are easy to handle with ergonomic controls. They can drive over greens and tees with no impact to turf, allow users to drive over rough terrain with confidence, and offers users the ability to easily enter/exit using a 360 Degree Swivel Seat. When reserving a tee time, golfers are instructed to inform the Pro Shop Staff that they would like to reserve the Adaptive Golf Cart, and arrive 15 minutes early to go through a simple orientation for the operation of the cart.
 
Lincoln Hills and Springdale Golf Course offer a quick round of golf for those on the go and are rated as two of the top nine-hole courses in Oakland County. Upon opening, reservations may be made online or by calling Lincoln Hills at (248) 530-1670 or Springdale at (248) 530-1660. Reserve your tee time and learn more at www.GolfBirmingham.org .

Don't be Alarmed by Special Siren Test on Wednesday, April 11

In an effort to promote severe weather safety preparedness, Oakland County will conduct a special test of the Outdoor Warning System on Wednesday, April 11 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. View future  siren testing dates  online here .

Bham Ice Arena
Ice Skating Opportunities Still Available at Birmingham Ice Arena
 
Open skating activities are still available at the Birmingham Ice Arena! Ice skating is fun and a great form of exercise. Visit www.bhamgov.org/icearena for a current schedule and final skating opportunities.


Save the Date: Rouge River Clean-Up Day set for May 19
 
Make a difference in your community by volunteering for the annual  Rouge River Clean-Up Day on Saturday, May 19 from 9 a.m. - noon. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Linden Park and lunch will be served at noon. Volunteers will be removing invasive species and trash along the  Rouge  River. Volunteers should wear boots/sturdy shoes, long pants, long-sleeve shirt, hat and sunscreen. Mosquito repellent, gloves and bags will be provided. To volunteer, please call Connie Folk at  248-530-1642 .
Here are the People of Birmingham 


A history making mayor. A fair housing advocate. A pilot who used Woodward Avenue as a landing strip. All these stories and more make up our exhibit "The People of Birmingham: Celebrating 200 Years of Stories". This exhibit is currently running through December 2018. Stop by to see a different side of Birmingham's history!

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.
April News from the Baldwin Library    
 
Interactive Puppet Show with Alex Thomas and Friends
Wednesday, April 4, 2018, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Registration required.
Get ready for jokes, prizes, stories, and silliness with this audience-engaging puppet show. Stay after the show for a"meet and greet" with these zany Muppet-style puppets. Ages 3 to 10.
 
Ink Stampmaking Drop-in
Saturday, April 14
Visit the Idea Lab and use the laser engraver to make a custom ink stamp and stamp handle. Drop-in any time from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
 
Estate Planning with Patrick, Johnson & Mott, P.C.
Monday, April 23, 2018, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Registration required.
Professional attorneys will tell you everything you need to know about estate planning during Money Smart Week 2018. It's never too soon to start thinking about estate planning.
 
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,