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The Board of Trustees (BoT) met Sept. 18 for its regular monthly meeting. Here are some highlights of the 53-minute gathering:
Sneak Peek. Assistant Director of Northville Parks & Recreation (NP&R) Greg Morris offered a preview of his department’s new branding. He explained the nuances of the fresh logo, the eye-catching bold colors and the revitalized messaging, which will be revealed to the community at Northville Nite Friday, Sept. 26 from 6-9 pm at Marv Gans Community Park. This celebration launches NP&R’s exciting new chapter as it ushers in a new era of recreation in Northville. The party features live music food trucks, inflatables, yard games for all ages, giveaways, family fun and the debut of the new mobile archery range.
Double Grant Gratitude. NP&R’s Senior Services division will receive a $20,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) thanks to the City of Northville, which applied for the grant to help seniors at the Northville Community Center. The City and Northville Township signed a pass-through agreement, where the Township uses the funds for Senior Services’ expenses and complies with all of the grant’s stipulations. Northville Senior Services, Northville Parks & Recreation and Northville Youth Network are services shared between the Township and the City.
The BoT also approved an inter-agency agreement with The Alliance of Rouge Communities (ARC), which won a $40,000 planning grant from SEMCOG on the Township’s behalf. ARC will develop a storm water and green infrastructure master plan for Legacy Park to guide storm water infrastructure, re-forestation, wetland habitat and native area establishment. The Township will pay a local match of $7,260.
Paving the Way to Engineering Consulting Services. The BoT authorized a contract with Fishbeck to provide professional engineering consultant services on a neighborhood roadway improvement project. The Cascades neighborhood submitted a petition requesting an informational meeting to establish a Special Assessment District (SAD), an area designated by a municipality to fund specific improvements, in this case roadwork. This allows for the assessment of property taxes on individual homes in that neighborhood to cover the cost of the project. The Township requires an engineering consultant to evaluate the existing roads, survey it, design a plan and prep a detailed construction estimate, among several other tasks. The contract award is not to exceed $74,250.
Auto Auction Bound. A Department of Public Works vehicle, a 2015 Ford Expedition, has been removed from service due to poor condition, age of the vehicle and high mileage. Department of Public Services Director Bob Belair pointed out that it was once driven by former Township Manager Chip Snider, who retired in 2019. It’s bound for Midwest Auto Auction in Redford.
Former Police Station Rezoned. The BoT approved the Planning Commission’s recommendation to rezone the former Public Safety Headquarters at 41600 Six Mile Road to Office Services (OS).
Previously, it was zoned Public Recreation, Facilities and Open Space (PROS). Under the new zoning designation, the use of the building as an office will not change but since it will no longer be used as a municipal office use, the zoning change was necessary.
In addition, this rezone improves marketability and saves a step for a buyer to come in and put a business there.
It does not include Henningsen Park.
The BoT also will evaluate the potential closing of the northern exit-only driveway to reduce potential additional traffic in the Lakes of Northville neighborhood when a new user locates in the building.
Seven Mile Pathway Update. The 10-foot-wide asphalt regional pathway along Seven Mile Road will be bid out by MDOT in October, awarded in November, with construction expected to begin in the early spring of 2026. Construction should run throughout the summer with completion by the end of 2026. To add this amenity, Northville Township received $2.1 million in grants from both SEMCOG and the Michigan DNR.
Northville Pickleball Club Opens This Weekend at Ward Church. Northville Pickleball Club, Michigan’s largest indoor pickleball facility, is opening the weekend of Sept. 20 on the grounds of Ward Church.
It has 16 indoor courts, a bistro, a player lounge, a private event room, full-service locker rooms, pro shop, expansive programming, leagues, lessons, tournaments and a pro staff of certified professionals.
Northville Pickleball Club is a unique combination of partnership between Ward Church, private investment and public input.
The address is 40100 Six Mile Road.
Save the Date. The Northville Township Fire Department is hosting its annual free Open House Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11 am-2 pm at Station 1 on Six Mile Road, across from Northville High School.
Northville Township Board of Trustee meetings are held the third Thursday of every month in Township Hall’s Assembly Room at 7 pm, unless noted otherwise. Please join us.
To review the meeting materials, visit the website. To attend a livestream of it, visit here.
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