McLouth Trenton demolition progress stopped again by EGLE
The ringing of a new decade showed the best promise to clean up the Trenton Riverfront around the abandoned McLouth Steel plant in nearly a generation. However, as was the case with many prior efforts, this particular job would hit another environmental snag.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) issued a written "Violations Notice" to Matty Moroun's company and contractor which pertained to the ongoing clean-up of the McLouth Steel site. It stated that an investigation by EGLE staff found the following alleged violation of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHPA): The staff observed the demolition of one of the ovens at McLouth Steel. The ovens were being demolished as asbestos containing due to safety concerns if they were abated prior to demolition. During the demolition of the oven there was a large cloud of dust (visible emissions) that traveled North of the location and eventually off site. There was water being used prior and during demolition. Per the NESHPA, there can be no visible emissions if the structure is being demolished as asbestos containing. EGLE's Violation Notice requires "actions necessary to correct the violation" and a written response that includes an "explanation of the causes and duration of the violation; whether the violation is ongoing; a summary of actions that have been taken and are proposed to be taken to correct the violation..." |
The violations were corrected rather quickly, and demolition would proceed.
The best chance yet for grade separation at Woodhaven rail crossing
In early February, Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans joined with state transportation officials, Woodhaven officials, and others in announcing a deal that would finally alleviate the annoying backups at the Canadian National rail crossing on Allen Road.
The projects, expected to take up to three years to complete, include reconstruction with both Allen and Van Horn roads as well as the addition of a pump house and relocation of water, sewer and utility lines. |
Coronavirus hits Michigan and Downriver hard, changing the way of life
As early as the autumn of the previous year, there were widespread fears worldwide about a possible Coronavirus pandemic emanating from the eastern hemisphere. Its origins are thought to have been in China, with the disease spreading to the United States by March, 2020. Facing the largest disease known to mankind in the United States since the Spanish Flu of 1918, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer would begin the process of safeguarding all residents.
Following the first two cases being reported in Wayne County on March 10th, Whitmer announced on March 12th that all schools would close until April 5th. Higher levels of education would implement online teaching tools as soon as they were able. |
On March 16th, it was announced that all non-essential businesses, which included bars and restaurants would indefinitely close. By March 18th, there were a total of 80 cases statewide, including the first fatality, a Southgate man who passed away at a local Beaumont Hospital.
From that time period until late May, Michigan would end up ranking third in the total amount of cases and deaths in the United States, despite all concurrent efforts to mute the spread of the Coronavirus. Throughout its evolution, it was stressed in the media to observe social distancing, which required people to stand a minimum of six feet away from each other. Additional protocol called for the frequent washing of hands, and the use of face masks whenever in a business that was open.
It was feared from the beginning that the pandemic would take a gigantic swipe out of the profits of local businesses. With nationwide employment soaring to 20% in roughly two months, unseen even during the Great Depression, some restaurants who were hit hardest began to fade from view, including Logan's Roadhouse and Denny's. It was unknown how other brick-and-mortar stores, particularly in malls, would survive the months-long lockdown. Through the end of May, it was still assumed that Michigan had the toughest and most strict lockdown measures still in place.
From that time period until late May, Michigan would end up ranking third in the total amount of cases and deaths in the United States, despite all concurrent efforts to mute the spread of the Coronavirus. Throughout its evolution, it was stressed in the media to observe social distancing, which required people to stand a minimum of six feet away from each other. Additional protocol called for the frequent washing of hands, and the use of face masks whenever in a business that was open.
It was feared from the beginning that the pandemic would take a gigantic swipe out of the profits of local businesses. With nationwide employment soaring to 20% in roughly two months, unseen even during the Great Depression, some restaurants who were hit hardest began to fade from view, including Logan's Roadhouse and Denny's. It was unknown how other brick-and-mortar stores, particularly in malls, would survive the months-long lockdown. Through the end of May, it was still assumed that Michigan had the toughest and most strict lockdown measures still in place.
Heritage West Mound Church burns in Heritage Park, cause undetermined
In a year marked with uncertainty and tragedy, another incident at least temporarily claimed a landmark located in Taylor. Heritage West Mound Church, which was moved to Heritage Park in the early 1990s and remade into a wedding facility operated by Little Wedding Chapel, suffered a blaze which initiated in the lower front near the deck structure. By the time fire crews were able to get to the scene and begin efforts to extinguish it, it had already lapped to the top of the church's front entrance. Although contained shortly thereafter, opinions were mixed on how bad the damage was, from hopes for restoration to, as Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars put it, a potential total loss. At this time, there was no cause as to the start of the fire, although a construction crew had been observed earlier that morning doing what was likely preventive maintenance.
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Grosse Ile Free Bridge, already closed, sees another one year setback due to piers
In May, officials closed the historic Grosse Ile bridge to all access for repairs, which included the replacement of the bridge viaduct spanning West River Road. Until its scheduled fall reopening, the toll bridge further north on the island would be the only means of ingress and egress. Residents, although weary from having only one route in the past, were in unison in thinking that these short term repairs would mean long term relief.
Not so fast, according to engineers in November, 2020, in declaring the bridge would be closed another year, until fall of 2021, due to the problems with the bridge's pier system.
Not so fast, according to engineers in November, 2020, in declaring the bridge would be closed another year, until fall of 2021, due to the problems with the bridge's pier system.
"The engineering consultants for Wayne County conducted a routine underwater inspection last week of the piers supporting the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge over the Trenton Channel and discovered severe erosion." |
"You're going to have people that are going to be inconvenienced relative to time, relative to expenses," said Craig Pilkington, leader of Opportunity Grosse Ile, a community organization. "It affects just about every portion of island life to some degree."
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Trenton seeks to get back in control of the McLouth Steel property by ordinance
On December 7, Trenton City Council voted to approve a new zoning ordinance and map for the city’s future, focusing on the contaminated McLouth Steel site.
It’s a move that Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa said introduced the Industrial Waterfront District, which significantly reduces the permitted intensity of industrial development by eliminating the heaviest uses altogether and changes other use from “permitted by right” to “permitted subject to special conditions."
The ordinance and map began as a discussion by a committee put together to review the city’s zoning ordinance, make necessary changes and present their work to the Planning Commission.
The Waterfront Revitalization District is designed to support a transition away from the heaviest industrial uses along the city’s waterfront and permit a combination of uses which support an emerging economy more focused on innovation and connection than on extraction and fabrication.
It’s a move that Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa said introduced the Industrial Waterfront District, which significantly reduces the permitted intensity of industrial development by eliminating the heaviest uses altogether and changes other use from “permitted by right” to “permitted subject to special conditions."
The ordinance and map began as a discussion by a committee put together to review the city’s zoning ordinance, make necessary changes and present their work to the Planning Commission.
The Waterfront Revitalization District is designed to support a transition away from the heaviest industrial uses along the city’s waterfront and permit a combination of uses which support an emerging economy more focused on innovation and connection than on extraction and fabrication.
Members of the council, as well as state leaders took an opportunity to applaud the final ordinance and map that will serve as an environmentally and economically sustainable roadmap for the future.
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"As a result of our efforts, the new I-W district has now been re-imagined as W-R Waterfront Revitalization, a commercial-industrial mixed-use district that allows certain customer-facing commercial uses to co-exist with uses of a comparable intensity to those permitted in the I-1 Light Industrial district.” |
Work finally to begin in earnest in restoring the Grosse Ile Free Bridge
After being closed over year while waiting for permits to be issued for emergency structural repair, the Grosse Ile Free Bridge finally received those approvals in June, 2021 from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
It was still unclear at this time when work would proceed on needed repairs to the bridge decking (which was the reason for the initial closure) and the bridge pier system (which was only discovered on a subsequent inspection). The work, expected to cost between $10 million and $15 million, was originally slated to be completed in late 2021, but the delay in receiving permits would likely delay that completion timetable.
The repairs to the bridge, which was last overhauled in 2007, would extend the life of the structure an additional 30 years, although most engineers were in agreement that the structure would need to be demolished and replaced as the best long-term solution.
It was still unclear at this time when work would proceed on needed repairs to the bridge decking (which was the reason for the initial closure) and the bridge pier system (which was only discovered on a subsequent inspection). The work, expected to cost between $10 million and $15 million, was originally slated to be completed in late 2021, but the delay in receiving permits would likely delay that completion timetable.
The repairs to the bridge, which was last overhauled in 2007, would extend the life of the structure an additional 30 years, although most engineers were in agreement that the structure would need to be demolished and replaced as the best long-term solution.
Airport's North Terminal to get a new name, honoring Executive Evans
The newest terminal at Detroit Metro Airport had simply been named the North Terminal since its inception, while various searches to award naming rights were conducted. Finally, in June 2021, it was voted upon unanimously by the Wayne County Airport Authority board to name the terminal after Wayne County Executive Warren Evans. He had initially been in the public eye as the county Sheriff until taking the Executive position in 2015.
Evans was chosen by the Airport Authority for addressing Wayne County's budget deficit and helping it to produce surpluses, according to the official announcement. He also was credited for assisting during the pandemic, helping to provide $90 million in relief for small businesses and service workers.
A re-dedication ceremony of the North Terminal, which did its part to service 36 million travelers as recently as 2019, was scheduled for spring of 2022.
Evans was chosen by the Airport Authority for addressing Wayne County's budget deficit and helping it to produce surpluses, according to the official announcement. He also was credited for assisting during the pandemic, helping to provide $90 million in relief for small businesses and service workers.
A re-dedication ceremony of the North Terminal, which did its part to service 36 million travelers as recently as 2019, was scheduled for spring of 2022.
Riverview Highlands poses query to public regarding possible operation expansion
Coming off a failed initial request by Riverview in 2016, the city once again sought to approach residents in June 2021 regarding the potential expansion of the Riverview Land Preserve (the former ski hill).
Both Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift and assistant city manager Jeff Dobek - who was also manager of the land preserve - touted the benefits of the proposed expansion that would allow the facility to operate longer. Under the proposal, the landfill would extend eastward approximately 45 acres, while promising not to expand its daily intake past the current 3,000 tons per day. Citing the fact the landfill was responsible for 25% of the city's annual operating budget, an early closure (estimated in eight to ten years) would have ramifications involving the possibility of raising property taxes eleven mills, or slashing the funds of the Police and Fire departments. Dobek also elaborated that renewable energy was still being processed on-site, with a gas-to-energy system providing electricity equivalent to powering 3,700 homes, which was being purchased by DTE Energy.
However, as was the case in 2016 when the issue was first brought up, residents living nearby as well as in adjacent communities had extreme reservations about allowing the landfill to continue on. Trenton, for example, had approved a resolution on May 17 disapproving (in thought) the expansion of the site without at least acknowledging environmental as well as aesthetic concerns. One of the major issues brought up was the number of accidents and close calls at the entrance off King and Grange Roads over the years, which critics said could be alleviated by constructing a new entrance to either Sibley or Allen Road. Also suggested was an air quality monitoring system and traffic study which would help ease the impact to nearby residents.
Brownstown Township officials were taking a wait-and-see approavh as the facility was being toured by their DPW director, William Turner, who noted on an initial visit that many improvements had been made that residents were not aware of. Meantime, Dobek stressed the proposed expansion would only be eastward, and not higher in elevation. Public comment would be encouraged to a deadline of July 2.
Both Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift and assistant city manager Jeff Dobek - who was also manager of the land preserve - touted the benefits of the proposed expansion that would allow the facility to operate longer. Under the proposal, the landfill would extend eastward approximately 45 acres, while promising not to expand its daily intake past the current 3,000 tons per day. Citing the fact the landfill was responsible for 25% of the city's annual operating budget, an early closure (estimated in eight to ten years) would have ramifications involving the possibility of raising property taxes eleven mills, or slashing the funds of the Police and Fire departments. Dobek also elaborated that renewable energy was still being processed on-site, with a gas-to-energy system providing electricity equivalent to powering 3,700 homes, which was being purchased by DTE Energy.
However, as was the case in 2016 when the issue was first brought up, residents living nearby as well as in adjacent communities had extreme reservations about allowing the landfill to continue on. Trenton, for example, had approved a resolution on May 17 disapproving (in thought) the expansion of the site without at least acknowledging environmental as well as aesthetic concerns. One of the major issues brought up was the number of accidents and close calls at the entrance off King and Grange Roads over the years, which critics said could be alleviated by constructing a new entrance to either Sibley or Allen Road. Also suggested was an air quality monitoring system and traffic study which would help ease the impact to nearby residents.
Brownstown Township officials were taking a wait-and-see approavh as the facility was being toured by their DPW director, William Turner, who noted on an initial visit that many improvements had been made that residents were not aware of. Meantime, Dobek stressed the proposed expansion would only be eastward, and not higher in elevation. Public comment would be encouraged to a deadline of July 2.
CHAMPIONS! Taylor North earns Michigan first Little League world title since 1959
Cheers and congratulations were the order of the day on August 29 as the Taylor North Little League baseball team brought Michigan its first Little League World Series since the 1959 team from Hamtramck. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, Jackson Surma drove in four runs and Ethan Van Belle stuck out eight in four innings, helping the North defeat Hamilton West-Side (Ohio representative) by the count of 5-2 from Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The celebratory handshakes came for team manager Rick Thorning and his squad after Taylor North reliever Gavin Ulin was able to squeeze out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth and final inning.
"...Their win really sends a message in this time of crazy politics and division, and brings the community together." |
This was the first year that Taylor, who hosts the Junior League World Series, combined their area teams to the north from three (north central, northeast and northwest) to one. They were able to enter the series action after having won district and state titles in 2021, and triumphed in the Great Lakes Regional, setting the stage for the sixteen team bracket in the LLWS. At one point, the Taylor team won 15 of 16 possible games.
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Chemical spill puts Flat Rock residents on high alert; evacuations strongly suggested
The local scene surrounding Taylor’s celebration was tempered barely 24 hours later, as a strange odor resembling benzene began leaking into various homes in the south end of Flat Rock. At the time of the initial leak, it was unknown as to the source and the root cause. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans issued a State of Emergency on September 2 after River Heights Academy and four houses had to be evacuated. Evans strongly encouraged Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state-level emergency declaration in order to help aid residents nearby. There were no reported injuries at this time, nor was school in session for River Heights. The declaration from the governor would come almost immediately.
The benzene-smelling compound was eventually identified as unleaded gasoline, which leaked from an undisclosed location inside the Flat Rock Assembly Plant operated by Ford Motor Company. The evacuation orders, in the coming days, increased to an incident-high 1,100 homes as an estimated 1,400 gallons of gasoline ended up in the city’s sewer system. The majority of these homes were located south of Gibraltar Road. Ford was able to cap the egress to the city sewer by September 3, stopping any additional direct leak. At no point during the initial stages, according to research, was Flat Rock’s drinking water supply in danger.
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During the height of evacuations, Evans addressed citizens’ concerns that Ford was not transparent about the goings-on, even though Evans lauded the automaker as a forward-thinker with a community-first attitude. He attributed the early “hiccups” to “personalities” and “egos involved.”
"Who is the point-person for this and who is for that? Which pocket are we going to put the ego in? It takes a little while to shake out ... The response went almost as smoothly as you're going to find with all of those entities involved." |
By September 10th, it was announced screenings of individual homes would begin. A constant program of flushing the sewer lines had been taking place for several days and, in an abundance of precaution, the city decided to cancel the annual Flat Rock Riverfest, held along the Huron River, for that time period.
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The evacuations, which were identified as Zone 1 and Zone 2 south of Gibraltar Road, were scaled back beginning September 21 as Zone 2 was declared habitable again.
Downriver's tallest building to get new lease on life
Friedman Real Estate company, based in Farmington Hills, announced plans in April, 2022 to invest major dollars in renovating and reopening the former Security Bank tower in Southgate, in the hopes of resurrecting it to contain 201 units of family living space, plus mixed retail development.
“This acquisition represents enormous opportunities for the city of Southgate, and we’re excited to find the perfect ways to utilize the space and enhance this part of the city,” Alex Begin of Southgate Tower, LLC said in a written statement.
“This acquisition represents enormous opportunities for the city of Southgate, and we’re excited to find the perfect ways to utilize the space and enhance this part of the city,” Alex Begin of Southgate Tower, LLC said in a written statement.
Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa commented that, although intruders had broken into the building since its 2016 closure by PNC Bank, and that asbestos would have to be removed traditionally rather than by encapsulating, the project showed much promise when presented by Southgate Tower LLC, in efforts to redevelop the 12.8 acre area on the city's south side. Fencing was erected around the property three days after the initial announcement was made.
Cockroach infestation cancels 20th Street trick or treat
A city letterhead signed by Wyandotte city engineer Gregory Mayhew, and confirmed by city councilman Todd Hanna, decreed that city-wide Halloween festivities would be canceled along 20th Street between Eureka and Grove due to abnormal amounts of cockroaches infiltrating a home in the neighborhood. The cockroaches were first spotted by garbage haulers picking up at the home, which had since been vacated. Human barriers and signs redirected would-be trick or treaters around that section during the posted 4 pm to 8 pm procession time to help prevent migration of the pests.
The letter, which made the local newscasts and newspapers, was dated October 25th.
The letter, which made the local newscasts and newspapers, was dated October 25th.