State of the Community

NORTHVILLIANS,

This month, the Northville Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual State of the Community address (4/26). If you would like to attend, check out the link in the info section below. This event truly personifies the unique, bonded relationship the City of Northville has with both the Township and the School District. Together, we strive for the betterment of all in our local community. This is also our chance to present the City’s “Way Forward” plans for 2024 and to celebrate the progress we’ve made – currently, over 6% of our citizens are involved with task forces, committees and boards engaging on futuring for the community we love.

Summary of City’s “State of the Community” Highlights:

We Will Continue to Bolster Our Strengths

• Businesses – Small Town Charm (Shops, Restaurants & Neighborhoods)
• Greenspaces – Scenic Beauty (Rivers, Hills, and Parks)
• Schools – Education (Our Top-Ranked school system)

Community Cooperation & Involvement is at an All-Time High

Our Citizens have volunteered Time, Talents & Treasures to support the following initiatives through various task forces:

• Ford Field West (Gateway Vista, Bank stabilization, ADA accessible entryway, restrooms, playscape and pathway upgrades connecting our Riverwalk to downtown)
• Ford Field East – Riverwalk section, pedestrian bridge over Rouge River, and crossing on Main St., Pathway and placemaking construction
• Riverwalk
  • Ford Field East – Pathway, placemaking, bridge crossing over Rouge River
  • South Main Park – Waterfall spillway/Waterwheel and Well infrastructure
  • Foundry Flask Area – pathway on previous manufacturing site
  • DTE Substation Riverwalk section connecting to River Park to the south
  • Downs River Park – Daylighting of river in development – 14 acres / $14 million
• Potential Farmers’ Market new permanent location on Riverwalk
• Relocated Mary Gilbert Log Cabin
• Bicentennial Task Force initiatives incorporated throughout City
• Cemetery Restoration Activities for our historic final resting places
• Sustainability/Mobility Actions (Placemaking, green canopy, traffic flow & safety)

NEW ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Downtown

• Rooftop dining available at the Exchange (a top-ranked spot in Metro Detroit)
• Great White Buffalo Brewing Company now on their 2^nd year on Main and Center
• Historic Yarnall Gold Cure building renovation on Main – a community Gateway
• Multi-use structure being completed (Dunlap/Center) on site of historic opera house
• Just approved – (Main/Rayson) – Multi-use gateway structure (previous location of Pizza Cutter) starting summer using architectural cues from our 200-year history

City Initiatives

• Riverwalk & Rouge River Restoration – Northville’s mobility pathway systems are one of the last connectors in the State’s integrated walkway network, connecting south to Ohio and north to Mackinaw (interlinking City, Township, County & State Parks).
• Farmers’ Market Activity – A Farmers’ Market task force reviewed location options over the past several years, attempting to create an all-new community event site (Northville Commons Area) through a partnership between the City & Township, along with the Northville Chamber of Commerce. Working together, we will create a dynamic “Commons Area” that includes learning and cultural activities with the support of both private and civic partnerships.
• Ford Field Initiatives – Rejuvenating our outstanding Ford Field greenspace into a true “Central Park,” with an accessible vista, new ADA entryway, restrooms, play structure, and erosion renovation initiatives.
• Tree Carving – Northville Tree Champions Group is transforming one of Michigan’s largest elm trees (behind City Hall) into a history icon with a dozen local scenes carved into it.

The Northville TEAM (Township, Schools, and City), working together, are building a “Way Forward” Plan, providing pathways for the future and connecting all in the community. Just a few years ago, we started various task forces whose work now is coming to fruition on the River Walk, Ford Field, Farmers’ Market, and the Sustainability touchpoints. Presently, we are preparing groups to lead us on our Bicentennial Celebration activities and the Renovation of our Cemeteries as we get ready for 2027. We can accomplish great things … Together!

Keep that Northville Community Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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