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August 3 – 9, 2023 NEWS YOU CAN USE, NEWS YOU CAN TRUST 75¢

No. 31 www .associatednewspapers.net

Owners protest proposed restaurant patio rent hike

Vol. 138, No. 31 Restaurant owners and oper- ” ing. They explained that each of
The death of retired ators in downtown Plymouth The owners are united in their sharp objections the restaurants is already oper-
Sumpter Township Chief of have some serious reservations ating at a very “slim margin” and
Police James Pierce who about a proposed plan to to a plan which would increase the fees this increase would be cost pro-
died July 26, 2023 is increase the fees their business- the businesses pay by 900 percent. hibitive for them to continue to
mourned throughout the es pay to provide outdoor din- offer the amenity.
area. ing. In a prepared statement, the
See page 4. The owners are united in owners explained that the 3-foot
their sharp objections to a plan the restaurants should pay $15 They are asking the public for decrease in the space they are
which would increase the fees per square foot. If approved, the help in rejecting the plan by allowed to use would also have a
the businesses pay by 900 per- City of Plymouth rate would be appearing at the Aug.7 meeting negative financial impact. In
cent and decrease the amount of the highest in the state. of the commission, when further addition to reducing the number
space they are allowed to use. Currently, Northville restau- discussion of the issue is expect- of tables the restaurants could
Vol. 76, No. 31 The setback proposed would rants are charged $1.50 per ed to be on the agenda. serve, some have spent as much
A special celebration is increase from 6 feet to 9 feet, square foot, Ann Arbor restau- They noted that each of their as $30,000 to adhere to the other
planned tonight in Canton severely impacting the number rants pay $1 per square foot and businesses makes substantial regulations the city has imposed
Township during National of outdoor tables each of the Royal Oak charges the business- investments to create the special regarding fencing and space.
Night Out set for 6:30 until businesses could provide. es a flat fee of $600, according to atmosphere of downtown While Plymouth currently
8:30 p.m. at Heritage Park. Currently, the restaurants pay the restaurant owners. Plymouth. requires a minimum 6-foot of
See page 2. $1.50 for each square foot of Commission members dis- Should the commission pedestrian walkway, other com-
sidewalk or city property they cussed the increase during the approve the plan, the owners munities require only 5 feet. The
rent during the summer months. July 17 meeting, the restaurant said the increased expense owners called the proposed fees
The proposal which came operators said, noting they were could force them to collectively
before the commission suggests “blind sighted” by the issue. close their patios to outdoor din- See Patios, page 2

Vol. 76, No. 31
There will be a one-time Rolling along
opportunity to take the
Inktown Tour without leav-
ing the Inkster Recreation 5th Annual Community Bike Riders fill neighborhood streets
Center beginning at 6 p.m.
tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 4. The fifth annual Community Bike Ride
See page 3. throughout the City of Romulus last
Saturday drew a large crowd of riders
who braved the high temperatures to
share in the 4-mile bike ride throughout
the city. The event was hosted and organ-
ized by the Romulus Police And
Vol. 23, No. 31 Community Together (PACT) organization
along with the Romulus Community
Members of the School. Following the bike ride with offi-
Northville Township police cers and city officials, participants enjoyed
and fire departments joined a picnic at Halecreek Elementary School
the New Hope Center for where DJ Tony Fatta entertained the
Grief Support summer camp crowd and Catered to Design provided
at Maybury Farm last month. food. Colorful Events provided face paint-
See page 5. ing for children and Motor City Sweet
Treats was on hand with an ice cream
truck providing hand-dipped treats.
Members of the Romulus High School
football team participated and helped with
serving and directing the crowd at the
Vol. 23, No. 31 event.
The first of two new sen-
ior transport vans has
arrived at the Plymouth
DPW building where it will
be stored until the second
van is delivered later this
year.
See page 2.

Vol. 138, No. 31

The traditional Romulus
Rotary Parade of Lights set
for 8 p.m. Sept. 15, will offi-
cially begin the popular
Pumpkin Festival again this
year.
See page 3.

The city Amphitheater at Westland retirees fund awarded $26 million grant
Vol. 76, No. 31

Goudy Park has been cor- Retired City of Westland city's finances, ultimately lead-
doned off and closed due to employees just received a $26 ” ing to savings that can be further
dangers discovered during million benefit from the state of We believe that this grant will play invested in the enhancement of
an engineering inspection of Michigan. our community.”
the area. The monumental boost was a crucial role in promoting The savings from this grant
See page 6. awarded through the Michigan the financial stability of our great city. allocation are currently being
Department of Treasury where calculated and will be finalized
the grant of $26,147,293 was and communicated to the public
approved and will be applied to by the fourth quarter of 2023.
the City of Westland Municipal Under the program and recently will result in a marked reduc- “We would like to express our
Employees Retirement System. received confirmation that the tion in future payments needed gratitude to the State of
Vol. 76, No. 31 In 2022, the Michigan application was approved. into MERS, officials said. Michigan Department of
The new Fitness Court at Department of Treasury was The funding under this grant “This critical appropriation Treasury for their support and
Jaycee Park in Westland was appropriated $750 million in the will be directly allocated into from the Michigan Department confidence in our commitment
officially opened with a rib- state budget to establish and the city MERS pension system. of Treasury is a testament to our to sustainable local gover-
bon cutting ceremony last operate a municipal pension Funds are expected to arrive by continued commitment to nance,” Londeau continued.
week and new pickleball grant program for retirement the end of August and the alloca- secure the future of our munici- “We believe that this grant will
courts at Curtis Wood Park systems with a funded ratio tion will significantly strengthen pal employees,” said Mayor play a crucial role in promoting
are also open. below 60 percent. Westland offi- the Westland MERS pension Michael P. Londeau. “This will the financial stability of our
See page 6. cials applied for grant funding system, officials said. The grant have a positive impact on the great city.”

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