Wall That Heals, Festival of the Senses still a go
 
CLINTON TOWNSHIP – Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon announced today the cancelation of the Township’s annual Gratiot Cruise, scheduled for Sunday, August 2. It would have been the eighteenth year in a row for the car cruise event that draws thousands of spectators and participants.
 
“The fact that more than 200,000 people from all over the region attend the Gratiot Cruise is why the decision was made to cancel this year,” said Cannon. “We can’t take a chance bringing that many people to crowd together with the unpredictable nature of the coronavirus and the Governor’s executive orders to social distance and stay safe,” he said.
 
All is not lost, however. On August 2, the Gratiot Cruise Committee still plans to hold its annual classic car show with social distancing in the parking lot of the McLaren Macomb building on the southeast corner of Gratiot Avenue and Metro Parkway. Along with the car show, the committee plans to schedule their pre-cruise events during the week leading up to August 2. Check for more information on the Gratiot Cruise website at www.ctgratiotcruise.com.
 
“All of us who support the Cruise will miss what has become a big, summertime family event,” said Cannon. “The barbeques, the parties, the fun zone for kids – there is nothing like the sight and sound of seeing those classic cars rolling up and down Gratiot.”
 
Although the coronavirus pandemic has led to the cancelation of other large-scale events in Clinton Township, namely the annual fireworks show and concert in the park, Cannon said he’s optimistic that the two-day Festival of the Senses Art Fair will take place as expected on September 26 and 27.
Also, Cannon is looking forward to the arrival of The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial scheduled for set-up on the Civic Center grounds from July 14 to July 19.

Since its beginning in 2003, the Gratiot Cruise takes place on the first Sunday of August. It began as a small car event, attended by less than 20,000 people, and supported by about ten businesses. Today, the Cruise has grown into one of Macomb County’s most anticipated summer events, drawing more than 200,000 people and supported by about 100 businesses.

This year’s Electronic Recycling Event (for Clinton Township residents only) is set for Saturday, August 8th, 2020, from 9 am until 12 noon at the Civic Center located at 40700 Romeo Plank Road.  

CLINTON TOWNSHIP – Long before economic development was identified as one of the top five priorities in Clinton Township’s Strategic Plan, Bruce Thompson, Director of Planning and Community Development, was working to improve the business climate of Groesbeck Highway.
 
Groesbeck, also known as M-97, is a major road that runs through Clinton Township. The corridor is lined with a wide variety of businesses, offices, light industrial companies, and residences. However, economic swings and the evolution of online shopping led many of its industrial and commercial companies to vacate properties along the highway.
 
“I was brought on board to develop a Groesbeck Highway corridor plan,” said Thompson. “The Township Board has targeted Groesbeck as a reinvestment opportunity, and I’m working with MKSK, a firm that will help us to create guidelines for improvement.”
 
MKSK is a collective of planners, urban designers, and landscape architects who are passionate about the interaction between people and places. Collectively, they are a network of seven regional metropolitan studios in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.
 
In looking at the potential to keep and attract new investment, MKSK found the Township’s Groesbeck corridor to be lacking in cohesiveness, walkability, and aesthetic value. Currently, MKSK is putting the finishing touches on proposed design guidelines for future business investment that will keep the corridor attractive and vibrant. The guidelines are a culmination of an extensive study that includes market analysis and existing conditions. The process was led by a consulting team, guided by a technical working group and stakeholder input.
 
“Applying design guidelines consistently will add value to businesses on Groesbeck,” said Thompson. “Overall aesthetics and consistent design will improve the experience of visitors, the employees working in businesses, and increase the safety of those traveling up and down the corridor,” he said.
 
Thompson explained that the design guidelines are visual recommendations to be adopted into the Township zoning ordinances to help staff and officials, developers, business owners, and property owners as sites are redeveloped and upgraded.
 
“The guidelines provide design standards that become applicable when owners invest in their property,” Thompson said. “They also provide flexibility to encourage investment of high-quality development along Groesbeck.”
 
The objectives of the M-97/ Groesbeck Highway Design Guidelines are to:

1. Provide for functional, attractive new development and redevelopment of sites,
2. Encourage reinvestment in vacant and underutilized properties, while establishing pride in ownership,
3. Enhance the public realm and pedestrian experience through aesthetic improvements, and
4. Provide a transparent and consistent framework for decision-making.

 
The guideline components are comprehensive in scope. For example, guidance for landscaping includes buffer walls and screening. Redeveloped building design guidance covers size and place on site, materials, lighting types, signage and style. The guidelines will apply to all new developments and substantial building expansions, alterations, or significant changes that increase traffic, noise, the need for more parking, and other external impacts. Projects that don’t fall within these categories are still encouraged to follow the design guidelines when investing in their property.
 
“Our Department of Planning and Community Development will oversee the implementation of the guidelines,” said Thompson. “However, other Township departments, typically involved in the site plan review process, will also be responsible for ensuring that the design guidelines are incorporated into proposed site plans,” he said.
 
Clinton Township invites residents to a public presentation of the guidelines on June 24, at 6 p.m. The presentation is hosted by MKSK on the Zoom platform at https://mksk.zoom.us/j/96259736241.
 
Following the presentation, a draft version of the guidelines will be posted to the Clinton Township website at www.clintontownship.com, and public comments will be welcomed by email. Comments can be submitted to b.thompson@clintontownship-mi.gov until July 8, 2020.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​June 11, 2020
Contact: Vicky Rad, Director of Macomb County Planning & Economic Development
Phone: 586-469-5065
Email: Vicky.rad@macombgov.org
Macomb County to distribute $20 million in small business sustainability grants
County to use federal CARES Act funding to support local businesses
Executive Mark A. Hackel today announced a plan to distribute $20 million in small business sustainability grants using federal CARES Act funding. Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) will lead the grant program, which will benefit businesses affected by the shutdown during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The business community in Macomb County has helped us respond to this public health crisis in so many ways,” Hackel said. "Our small business sustainability grant will aid us in reacting to the economic crisis we now face. Our objective is to inject much needed resources into our economy by supporting local companies."
The grants are part of the Macomb County CARES for Small Business Program, a $70 million initiative made possible through the county’s $152 million allocation of federal CARES Act funding. The program includes PPE kit distribution, grants and a variety of efforts to prepare organizations for safe opening operations and future emergency preparedness needs.
The small business sustainability grant program and application process opens today. Each grant will be worth $5,000. MCPED anticipates the funding will provide direct relief to 4,000 businesses in Macomb County.
“This type of funding may not cover all of the losses our businesses have incurred, but it will have a definite impact,” said Vicky Rad, director of MCPED. “Our grant can help them pay employees, cover rent and utilities and purchase supplies and materials that are essential for operating. Our goal is to aid in recovery in any way we can.”
The grant application will be available at www.MacombBusiness.com through June 24 at 11:59 p.m. Small businesses can apply for funds if they meet the following criteria:

• Must have a physical location in Macomb County (office/building/store front).
• Employee size is 1- 49 employees.
• Must be a for-profit organization.
• Business must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Business must have been in business for at least 12 months.
• Business must showcase a verifiable need for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses and/or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business.
• Business must be able to verify they have been negatively impacted or experienced a loss in revenue or business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An application must also include:

• A signed W9 from within the last 12 months.
• A recent utility bill (within the last 6 months) that lists the business address. This can be a rent or mortgage payment, water, gas, electric, or phone bill. The address must match the location you are submitting for a grant.
• A signed and dated affidavit.

Businesses will be notified of their grant status no later than July 1. Funds will be distributed starting July 2. Additional information on eligibility and grant scoring can be found at www.macombbusiness.com.
About Macomb County Planning & Economic Development: The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development supports an environment where businesses prosper and people thrive.  Its activities and programs are focused on stimulating the local economy through business retention, expansion and attraction while improving the overall quality of life for residents.  The department specializes in providing services to businesses at all stages of development with a concentration on the high-growth industries of aerospace, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, defense, and homeland security. For more information, call 586-469-5285 or visit www.MacombBusiness.com
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Follow @MacombNewsNow on Twitter.
For media inquiries only, please contact John Cwikla at 586-463-3523

CLINTON TOWNSHIP – If you or someone you know has not completed their 2020 Census, the Clinton Township Senior Center is making it easy for you to do so at its Drive-up Census Assistance Day event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 12.
 
Filling out the Census is easy anyway, but having help is always welcomed, and so is the free goodie bag that each household receives upon completed the Census.
 
“For a variety of reasons, not everyone is comfortable taking the Census online,” said Township Deputy Supervisor Elizabeth Vogel. For many people, access to a computer and the internet is difficult, and places that offer free Wi-Fi like libraries and cafes have been closed, so our event at the Senior Center fills the void.”
 
Senior Center director Matt Makowski encourages households in Clinton Township that have not yet taken the Census to schedule an outdoor drive-up appointment by calling 586-723-8121.
 
 “We will have computers and tables ready at your assigned time, and we will help you complete your Census form,” said Makowski. “It doesn’t take long, and everyone who completes the Census with us will receive a home goods goodie bag valued at $20,” he said.
 
“The home goods bag is our way of thanking Township residents for coming out to take the Census,” said Vogel. “People have been cooped up at home for months and are still hesitant about going out to shop. Well, we did the shopping for them, so as life slowly returns to normal, why not venture out, stop by the Senior Center and spend a few minutes on the Census.”
 
The Clinton Township Senior Adult Life Center is located at 40700 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township.

​CLINTON TOWNSHIP – As Governor Whitmer eases the restrictions on businesses, municipalities like Clinton Township are taking advantage of a Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) decision that helps boost the safe reopening of bars and restaurants.
 
On May 19, the MLCC announced it is streamlining the licensing process for outdoor service to customers, provided that social distancing guidelines are observed. As a result, at their June 1 meeting, the Clinton Township Board of Trustees unanimously passed Ordinance 828, which allows for the review and approval of temporary outdoor restaurant seating during a crisis such as the present pandemic.
 
“We think this will help boost the reopening of those restaurants and bars that have the ability to expand outdoors, but we must still take every precaution necessary to protect Township residents,” said Supervisor Bob Cannon. “Our local restaurants are struggling, and if appropriate, allowing for extra seating areas outdoors, on sidewalks or where there is space, will help economically and encourage social distancing, which the Governor is still advocating,” he said.
 
Cannon went on to say that the in developing Ordinance 828, the Board received input from various departments such as Planning, Building Fire and Police to set conditions on approving requests from businesses. 
 
Applications, along with seating plans, can be submitted in writing to the Township Clerk. Call 586-286-9422 for more information.

 From Sterling Heights Police

​June 3, 2020
 
Dear business owner/manager:
 
Due to events happening nationally there is a public march scheduled in your area on Saturday, June 6th on Hall Road/M59 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.  We want to assure you we are planning for the event and are expecting a peaceful group.
 
Our goal is to allow for a peaceful gathering keeping everyone safe and their property protected.  We have been working with multiple jurisdictions to have an organized response. Preliminary information is that the march will start near M59 and Schoenherr Road and proceed east to Macomb Community College in Clinton Township.
 
We understand as a business owner you may want to keep your business open during this time and it is your decision to stay open or closed.  We do know in other cities during a large public event, businesses have decided to close including major malls.  It does offer some assistance to the police to be closed because we know what the person’s purpose is once we ask them or tell them a store is closed. 
 
We also ask that if you see anything suspicious around your place of business to contact the police immediately.
 
It takes all of us as a community to work together to keep our community and businesses safe. We hope everyone stays healthy during this event in preparation for the continued healing and reopening of all businesses after the COVID19 pandemic.
 
Any additional questions or concerns can be directed to Sgt. Susalla at 586-446-2939 or email at asusalla@sterling-heights.net.
 
Respectfully,

Chief Dale Dwojakowski
Sterling Heights Police Department

​NOTICE: THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AS A VIRTUAL MEETING DUE TO COVID-19. DETAILS CAN
BE FOUND ON THE SECOND PAGE OF THIS DOCUMENT
OR BY CONTACTING THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AT (586) 723-8083.

ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA

1. THE REDWOODS CONDOMINIUMS (1.63 vacant acres N/Canal, E/Hayes – Parcel 16-11-07-126-023 & -024)
To permit the development of a condominium development in the RML Multiple-Family Residential (Low-Density)
District (The Redwoods Condominiums) having:
1) A 17-foot front yard setback, being 18 feet less than the minimum required 35 feet; and
2) A 25.89-foot side yard setback, being 9.02 feet less than the minimum required 35 feet.

2. HENRY FORD MACOMB HOSPITAL ADDITION (15855 19 Mile – Parcel 16-11-06-400-051)
To permit a five-story 160-bed tower addition to an existing hospital facility in the SP-2 Special Purpose
(Hospitals) District (Henry Ford Macomb Hospital) with:
1) A side yard setback for the east side of the proposed tower addition being 32.8 feet, which is 91.7
feet less than the minimum required setback of 124.5 feet;
2) A side yard setback for the east side of the power house addition being 44.1 feet, being 5.9 feet
less than the minimum required 50 feet; and
3) A height of 79 feet 8 inches, being 19 feet 8 inches in excess of the maximum permitted height of
60 feet.

​3. DUNKIN DRIVE-THRU @ BP GAS STATION (44975 Gratiot – Parcel 16-11-01-201-020)
To permit the addition of a drive-thru window for a business in the B-3 General Business District (Dunkin
Donuts @ BP Gas Station) having a 10-foot-wide driveway adjacent to the drive-thru lane, which is 14 feet
less than the minimum required 24-foot width.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

REPORT OF MEETING: APPROVAL OF MAY 20TH, 2020 REPORT

MEETING SCHEDULE: CONFIRMATION OF NEXT MEETING – JULY 22ND, 2020 AT 6:30 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the Clinton Township Board of Appeals may modify or change the variance as requested, including grant of variance or said purpose, which may create another and different variance from the requirements of the above-cited Clinton Township Ordinance, all within its discretion and as otherwise permitted by law. Any interested person may appear or be represented at said hearing. Written comments may be directed to the Clinton Township Department of Planning and Community Development at the aforementioned address.

Robert M. Campbell, Secretary
MD: 06/03/2020 CLINTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF APPEALS

​

The June 17, 2020 Township Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting will be conducted by electronic means, only as a result of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan’s Governor issued Emergency Order 2020-15 authorizing remote participation in public meetings in order to avoid person-to-person contact.

A dedicated email address has been established directing your emails to Zoning Board Members which allows you to contact them to provide your input with regard to the upcoming agenda items and ask questions prior to the meeting. The email is ZBA@clintontownship-mi.gov

Throughout the meeting and on agenda items, your email relating to a specific agenda item will be read prior to the Zoning Board voting on each agenda item. Further, following consideration of all the agenda items, persons who have connected remotely will be permitted to speak. Existing rules regarding public participation otherwise fully apply.

There are three ways to connect to the meeting, by smartphone, PC, and phone:
Smartphone: Go to the Appstore and download the free app: GoToMeeting, select join meeting, use the access code and phone numbers below.

PC: Chrome Browser preferred, type in: GoToMeeting.com, select join meeting and follow prompts. Use the access code and phone numbers below.

Clinton Township Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting June 17, 2020
Wed. June 17, 2020 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM (EDT)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://www.gotomeet.me/BruceThompson2

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States (Toll Free): 1 877 568 4106

United States: +1 (571) 317-3129

Access Code: 710-129-181 Access code may change without notice, please verify updates by going to the

Clinton Township Planning Department website at the following link:

https://clintontownship.com/planning.html

*Please note: message, voice and data rates may apply to the use of this service. Please check with your provider.

Persons with disabilities should immediately contact the Township in order to provide sufficient time to provide reasonable accommodations, if necessary. Please call Bruce Thompson, Planning Director.