State of the Community

NORTHVILLIANS,

This week, the Northville Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual State of the Community Luncheon (4/11). If you would like to attend, check out the link in the info section below. This event truly personifies the unique, bonded relationship of the City, Township and the School District. Together, we strive for the betterment of all in our community in our “Way Forward” plan together for 2025 and celebrate transformational activities.

Currently, over 6% of our citizens are involved with task forces, committees and boards engaging on the future of the community we love. The newest Task Forces are the Bicentennial and Cemetery Restoration groups, which are a mix of City & Township citizens along with some NHS students.This week, we celebrate April Fools’ Day as the spring season is finally beginning.  It seems in the last week or so we have had ALL FOUR seasons, including thunderstorms in March. As they say, wait 24 hours in Michigan and the weather changes. I will talk about some historical happenings this time of year as the trees and flowers begin to blossom, welcoming the season of Car Shows, weddings and planned outdoor events.

City of Northville “State of the Community” Highlights:

We (City, Township, Schools) will continue in 2025 to Bolster Our Strengths:

• Businesses in Town – Small Town Charm (Shops, Restaurants & Neighborhoods)
• Greenspaces in our Parks– 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:

• Ford Field – Gateway Vista, Bank stabilization & waterfall, ADA accessible entryway, restrooms, playscape & pathway upgrades connecting our Riverwalk to downtown.
• Ford Field East – Planned Gateway to our Riverwalk sections journeying South with pathways, pedestrian bridges, placemaking areas & a HAWK light crossing on Main St.
• Riverwalk Happenings Various Sections
  • Ford Field East Section– Pathway, placemaking, bridge crossing over river
  • South Main Park Area – Waterfall spillway/Waterwheel and Well infrastructure
  • Foundry Flask vicinity – pathway on previous manufacturing site close to river
  • DTE Substation – Riverwalk connecting to River Park through this DTE area
  • Downs River Park – Daylighting of river almost completed, new channel built with rippling effect rocks and timbers at this 10.3 acres bioswale park.
• The Farmers’ Market new permanent location, worked on by the Farmers’ Market Task Force, is on the Riverwalk across from Custard Time/on the old McDonald Ford Site (The City & Township purchased it jointly). It will be used as a “Commons Area” for the Farmers’ Market, festivals, parade staging, parking, car shows, movies, county events, and more. With the additional support of both private and civic partnerships, this Commons Area will include learning and cultural activities for the benefit of Northville and all surrounding communities. 

Additionally

• The Mary Gilbert Log Cabin was relocated to River St./7 Mile to be a gateway to our City
• Cemetery Restoration & Bicentennial task force members are setting plans for the future … take a look at restoration of Oakwood Cemetery on Cady Street.
• Sustainability/Mobility Actions (Placemaking, green canopy, traffic flow & safety)

NEW ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Downtown

• Rooftop dining at the Exchange is a top-ranked gathering spot in Metro Detroit.
• Great White Buffalo Brewing Company has added mixed drinks to their collection of award-winning Beer and Food options & has become a destination.
• Historic Yarnall Gold Cure building renovation on Main is complete.
• Bakery/Condos – Multi Use structure on Dunlap/Center-historic opera house site
• Retail/Housing on Main/Rayson – previous location of Pizza Cutter
• Historic Tree Carving – Northville Tree Champions transformed one of Michigan’s largest elm trees (behind City Hall) into a history icon

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 on many levels. Just a few years ago, we started various task forces whose work is now coming to fruition on the River Walk, Ford Field, Farmers’ Market, and Sustainability initiatives. Presently, groups are meeting to lead the way on our 2027 Bicentennial Celebration activities and the Renovation of our Cemeteries. We can truly accomplish great things … but only Together!

Keep that 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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