Hot wheels, hot wings and hot views hit Northville Township!

Fall 2023

The Charter Township of Northville is a vibrant, safe and attractive community. The perfect place to live, work and play! This new e-newsletter is another way for you to stay connected to what's happening in your community!

New High-Tech Drone Aids Public Safety

Northville Township’s Public Safety team has a new partner: a drone. It’s not just any drone. In addition to a camera, it has a spotlight, infrared capabilities and a megaphone. These resources have had an immediate impact on both crime fighting and firefighting in our community.

Purchased by the Township Police Department in the summer, the drone’s infrared camera recently located multiple trespassers at Legacy Park and completed night surveillance in areas where cars have been stolen or riffled through.

“Trying to locate suspects in the dark is difficult and dangerous,” said Deputy Chief Matthew MacKenzie. “The drone has greatly increased the efficiency and safety aspect regarding this.”

The Fire Department benefits from it, too. During an August fire at an apartment complex at 4:30 am, Public Safety Officer Laura Engebretson flew the drone using its infrared capabilities to guide firefighters where water should be sprayed.

“It was a huge benefit to us,” said Fire Chief Brent Siegel. “It allowed a birds-eye view to show us what we were unable to see and that’s exactly where the hot spots were.”

Chief Siegel noted that they were able to extinguish the flames quicker because of the drone’s guidance.

Excellent Resource Quickly Available

There are additional uses, too, noted Police Chief Scott Hilden.

“It will be an excellent resource to help find your missing loved ones, safely monitor hostile situations and assist in a disaster response,” he said.

Previously, Northville Township Police had to ask other departments or the Michigan State Police anytime someone went missing at big properties like Maybury State Park. This translates to speeding up the search to find the missing person even sooner.

The Police Department had five staff members undergo training to use the aerial device and follow Federal Aviation Administration regulations. This includes a sergeant, two police officers and two public safety officers who assist in Dispatch.

The Police team will assist the Fire Department whenever they need a drone for fires. Several firefighter/paramedics who work on the HAZMAT (hazardous materials and safety training) team already have access to a HAZMAT drone and are certified to fly, so this drone augments their capabilities.

Grant Helps Fund Device, Training

Because Northville Township is a good steward of public money, it applied for and won a grant to pay half the bill for both the training and the drone itself. The Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA) picked up $4,381.50 of the cost.

“We are so grateful to MMRMA,” Chief Hilden said. “Technology is a valuable tool in public safety and the drone lets us more effectively do our job and keep the residents and the Public Safety team of Northville Township safe.”

Photo credit: Drew Lehnert

ZF’s Corporate Kindness Allows Township Residents to Host Monthly Car Show on its Campus

ECC Cars and Coffee to Roll at ZF Oct. 14

Once a month, Northville Township turns into a car magnet.

At least that’s what happened in April and then again in May when 17-year-old Township residents David Kibbey and Bennett DiMeo launched their first ECC Cars and Coffee car show on the grounds of ZF near Five Mile and Beck roads.

The show had rebranded and moved from downtown Northville.

At the April ECC show, about 950 cars and 2,500 spectators spent three hours checking out each other’s ride -- more than double what they were expecting. About 600 show cars rolled in May 27.

They anticipate similar results Oct. 14 when they have another ECC Cars and Coffee from 9 am-noon at ZF, an automotive supplier whose transmissions are in many of the classic cars.

“Everyone has been so supportive, ZF and Fresh Thyme included,” Kibbey said. Fresh Thyme Market donates pastries and coffee for the event.

The Engine Behind the Wheels

ECC stands for Exotic Car Connections, explains Kibbey, a senior at Catholic Central High School, who formed the LLC with his buddy Bennett DiMeo, a Northville High School senior. They also are the force behind Northville Concours D’Elegance.

They have a passion for beautiful autos, and their events attract muscle cars, classics, hot rods, exotics, JDMs (Japanese Domestic Markets) and the like.

And they’ve discovered the Northville Township community has that passion, too.

Anthony Sapienza, head of Communications for ZF North America, Inc., agrees.

His company got its start in transmissions and now also creates technologies for safety, such as advanced driver assist systems, chassis, braking and steering.

“Cars are a unique technology that mixes function and art and that allows passionate people to express themselves,” Sapienza said. “Regardless of the make or model, a car tells a story that can span generations. As enthusiasts ourselves, we get it. This is truly a community that has a shared love of the machines that not only get us from point A to point B, but that hold memories and the history of our personal stories.”

Bonus Racing Displays on Tap

After seeing the strong response of the April and May gatherings, ZF in June brought its ZF racing trailer and steer-by-wire simulator to demonstrate the future of mobility. Steer-by-wire technology will be in production with a U.S. manufacturer later this year.

“Steer-by-wire is really an exciting game-changer for what the auto industry calls the ‘Software-defined-Vehicle’ that will enhance safety and ultimately enable autonomous driving,” said Tony Sapienza, Director of Communications at ZF. “Digital advances in technology are taking out weight and space in vehicles, but also serving as the platform for advanced automated driving features and new safety features that aren’t possible with traditional mechanical systems.”

ECC Cars and Coffee has the Nov. 11 show already scheduled, too, Kibbey added. ZF is ready to host and the steer-by-wire technology will once again be in attendance.

“We’re very proud to be a part of this community and we really appreciate the opportunity to welcome enthusiasts,” Sapienza said. “If it has four wheels, we want to see it, talk about it and share stories. It’s in our blood and why we love being in this industry and a part of this great community of people.”

Participating vehicles, whose owners pay $5 to show their car, should enter at 15701 Technology Drive, while spectators should use 15811 Centennial Drive, Kibbey suggested.

“We promote a safe environment, where reckless driving will not be tolerated,” Kibbey said. “It’s a community-centric event” all for fun.

For more information, visit ECC Cars and Coffee’s Facebook page.

New Businesses to Call Northville Township Home

The business landscape is bustling in Northville Township. The following business recently opened up shop in our community or expect to open soon:

Art & Jakes Sports Bar and Grill, opens soon at 39715 Six Mile Road, a sit-down lunch and dinner restaurant with a full menu, drinks and more than 100 televisions.
Athletico provides physical therapy, rehabilitation and worker’s comp services. It opened at 40820 Seven Mile Road.
Bambu Desserts & Drinks, features a menu studded with authentic Vietnamese dessert drinks known as Chè beverages, crisp boba milk teas, signature Vietnamese coffees, real fruit smoothies, yogurt and exotic juices. Find it at 15408 Sheldon Road.
Timeless Flowers by Rita, is open at 20520 Haggerty Road. It sells floral arrangements, custom candles, gourmet chocolates, teddy bears and more.
T.J. Maxx, the off-price apparel and home fashions store, received a permit to locate at 17223 Haggerty Road, where Bed, Bath and Beyond was.
Wingstop, a fast-casual chain offering wings, tenders, chicken sandwiches and more, at 20570 Haggerty Road, has a tentative opening scheduled for Sept. 25.

Tragic MSU Shooting Inspires New Fire Department Training

Inspiration often comes from the most unlikely sources. For Northville Township Fire Training Coordinator Jesse Marcotte, it came from tragedy.

While listening to the live emergency radio traffic during the Michigan State University February campus shooting, Training Coordinator Marcotte recognized Northville Township Fire Department has knowledge it should share with other public safety teams.

He discussed it with new Township Firefighter/Paramedic Frank Dreslinski who was searching for a capstone project to complete as part of his year-long (industry norm) probationary period.

The topic turned to Tactical EMS, which provides emergency care in high-risk situations where there is an increased likelihood for law enforcement, civilian or suspect casualties. Each member of the Township Fire Department is fitted with body armor for situations like this. While they aren’t armed, firefighter/paramedics may enter a scene immediately upon the police department’s process of rapidly clearing areas of the building. This allows fire personnel to begin medical care to those in need while law enforcement continues to engage the threat.

“Unfortunately, in previous active shooter incidents, a lot of victims succumbed because too much time went by before receiving care,” Northville Township Fire Chief Brent Siegel said. “Early intervention is an important key to saving lives.”

Sharing Knowledge, Encouraging Teamwork

Knowing this, Marcotte suggested to Dreslinski that sharing the intricacies of Tactical EMS might help others should another public safety situation like MSU arise. That set the new recruit into motion.

Dreslinski created a curriculum, exercises and a plan for his rescue task force capstone project. He then approached Northville Township Police Officers to partake in this new training, which took place over multiple days in April, June and September. They were happy to volunteer. Not only did they engage in learning with Fire, but also the police officers were instructors on some of the key lessons.

“The Northville Township Fire and Police departments work so well together as a team,” said Training Coordinator Marcotte. “The way the team came together for this training really demonstrated that.

By sharing this specialized knowledge, Marcotte and Dreslinski hope to expedite public safety’s ability to deliver immediate assistance to those in need.

“Getting our resources on scene and into position as quickly as possible sets the foundation for the most successful outcome possible,” Marcotte said.

Park Construction Updates

Stop by Millennium Park to check out the active construction of Unity Skatepark. California-based Spohn Ranch Inc. is overseeing its creation of this 10,000-square-foot amenity.

In the coming weeks, you’ll be able to see a pump track, rails, a bowl, ledges, pads and embankments being created for those who love wheeled sports.

The projected cost is $655,500, with the bulk of the funding coming from individual contributions from various supporters, fundraisers and individuals like you.

We anticipate a November 2023 opening.

Progress continues at Legacy Park. In one year, all of the remaining buildings have been demolished, except Building 14, the former laundry facility, which will be repurposed. Now contractors are demolishing the building foundations and tunnels on Buildings D, F, G, crushing the concrete and hauling the debris away.

New trails are around the corner. Northville Township’s Board of Trustees (BoT) approved the hiring of an experienced trail builder to begin Phase 1 of Legacy Park’s 17.5 miles of non-motorized trail construction. Rock Solid Trail Contracting, LLC, the largest trail building company in the country, which has a presence in both Bentonville, Ark., and Copper Harbor, Mich., was one of four companies that bid on the project. It was selected after a vetting process.

Rock Solid’s bid is not to exceed $432,967.

It will begin pre-work design this fall, with construction beginning in spring. The target completion is fall 2024.

The Essential Services Complex, which will house a second fire station, a new Public Safety Headquarters, a new Public Works headquarters and some Northville Parks & Recreation storage, is in the final design phase. These new facilities are expected to be located at the northeast corner of Legacy Park, near the intersection of Traditions Drive and Seven Mile Road. Groundbreaking is expected later this fall. Construction will continue through 2024 with an anticipated opening in early 2025.

Survey to Shape the Future of Northville Parks & Recreation Plan Closes Soon

Your input is needed today. Northville Parks & Recreation’s online survey to seek public input on the direction and future of the community’s parks and recreation services will wrap up Saturday, Sept. 30. This survey is a crucial first step in creating the Northville 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, a plan of action to set the public’s vision in motion.

The survey is live at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NorthvillePR.

Not only does this 5-Year Master Plan provide a roadmap for growth, but it also opens up opportunities for grants through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to support its vision. The Master Plan must be approved by MDNR and updated every five years.

The opinion survey is the first step in understanding the community’s desires. Let your voice be heard.

New Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Center to Open for Residents’ Use

Residents from Northville Township and the City of Northville will have access to a free new Household Hazardous Waste drop-off center, which opens Oct. 3.

Operated by Washtenaw County in collaboration with GFL Environmental, the facility is located in the Arbor Hills complex at 10843 W. Five Mile Road, just west of Napier Road.

The 2,400-square-foot HHW Center is open for residents by appointment only Tuesday-Friday.

It will begin scheduling weekday drop-off appointments Sept. 25 for when the facility opens Oct. 3.

To make an appointment or find a list of acceptable materials, visit HomeToxicsCenter.org.

The hazardous materials may only come from residential sources rather than businesses, organizations or government entities.

The HHW Center is one of the improvements Arbor Hills Landfill in Salem Township agreed to make in a lawsuit settlement with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). This facility will be available for free for 10 years to residents of Northville Township and the City of Northville. Arbor Hills, now owned by GFL Environmental, constructed the facility and is paying Washtenaw County $75,000 each year to staff it.

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