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January 27, 2022 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN PAGE 5

NORTHVILLE
NORTHVILLE

River restoration task force presents report

Northville River Restoration future is bright. We couldn't do it and the culminating presenta-
Task Force members, led by for- without volunteers.” ” tion, noting the report and other
mer council member Nancy Kathy Spillane spoke about The vision is big. task force reports are foundation
Darga, presented their frame- the challenges which include: The steps are small. items that need to be looked at
work report to members of the contamination, habitat, storm strategically and prioritized
city council, during a recent water management, erosion, I'm excited about what we can do. among city goals and objectives.
meeting. topography and park mainte- Mayor Pro Tem Barbara
The group is preparing a plan nance. For example, she said the Moroski-Browne said the city
to restore the health of the Mill Pond and man-made alter- ment, remediation and redevel- rather to look at the benefits that manager is working on a strate-
Rouge River in the area. ations lead to sediment build-up opment, she said she believes the Riverwalk and hub will gic planning meeting with coun-
Darga noted the plan is a liv- and impair the passage of fish contaminated sites can be trans- bring - providing access to water cil and she wants to see it done
ing document that will grow and upstream and downstream. formed into “vibrant places and courses and a series of connect- sooner rather than later. Mayor
evolve over time, such as with The next presenter, Jennifer beautiful spaces.” ed pathways. Brian Turnbull called the report
new opportunities. Some of Maude, spoke about the prob- Don Webb explained that “The vision is big. The steps and vision “transformational.”
these opportunities are the lem sites and noted the Walled some of the older retaining walls are small,” she said and asked During the public comment
redevelopment of the Foundry Lake branch of the Rouge River are failing and much of the council members to be coura- section of the meeting, resident
Flask site and the Northville is probably the most impaired riverbanks will need to be grad- geous, bold and flexible. “I'm Michelle Aniol asked council
Downs property. She noted the due to past industrial contami- ed with plantings for stabiliza- excited about what we can do.” members when the plan would
entire project - local and region- nation. She said there is one tion. Darga cautioned council Council members expressed be on the agenda and urged
al - will need to be a public-pri- superfund site in the city at Ford not to be alarmed at the project awe and appreciation for the them to set a definite schedule
vate partnership. She said, “The Field. With proactive engage- scope or projected cost but year-long effort of the task force for implementation.

Success story

Members of the Knanaya Catholic Youth League recently presented the Northville Township Police Department with a plaque to recognize the successful police programs
and initiatives during 2021. These programs were developed to embody community policing and engagement, highlight the agency and its members, and continue to
bridge the gap between law enforcement and community members, while providing excellent service and resources to Northville Township residents, officials said. Among
the police department programs and outcomes honored by the youth organization were: Action for Autism, which was adopted by multiple agencies, including Michigan
State Police who outfitted 2000+ patrol vehicles with calming bags; Hope for the Holidays which provided Northville Township families in need with $3,800 in gift cards and
countless toys; the food drive with Northville Public Schools which generated more than 300 pounds of food for the Northville Civic Concern and Social with Seniors, a pro-
gram which identified seniors in need of assistance and provided them with additional resources.