Friday, October 17, 2003
Number 59-Oct. 17, 2003
1) Comment: Your vote will determine whether city struggles or thrives economically
2) Comment: Eccentric was only half right
3) Comment: Eccentric backs McDaniel, Moore, Chafetz and Dixon for city commission
4) Comment: Lanzetta shamelessly takes credit for Baldwin House, enlists project’s chief foe
5) Majority of commission says ‘fix’ Plan Board
6) Apply for absentee ballot if you can’t get to polls
7) Officials jockey for Ryder Cup committee
8) City on the prowl for wolf-dogs
9) Office building planned for downtown gateway
10) Dixon wants to keep bringing order to commission
11) Sign on to sign, distribute campaign handout
THE BIRMINGHAM BUZZ
"Cast your vote for intelligence and reason"
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Birmingham Buzz # 59 -- Oct. 17, 2003
VISIT OUR HOME PAGE FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS:
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info@bhambuzz.org
In this edition:
1) Comment: Your vote will determine whether city struggles or thrives economically
2) Comment: Eccentric was only half right
3) Comment: Eccentric backs McDaniel, Moore, Chafetz and Dixon for city commission
4) Comment: Lanzetta shamelessly takes credit for Baldwin House, enlists project's chief foe
5) Majority of commission says 'fix' Plan Board
6) Apply for absentee ballot if you can't get to polls
7) Officials jockey for Ryder Cup committee
8) City on the prowl for wolf-dogs
9) Office building planned for downtown gateway
10) Dixon wants to keep bringing order to commission
11) Sign on to sign, distribute campaign handout
1) Comment: Your vote will determine whether city struggles or thrives economically
Oct. 17, 2003
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Birmingham voters will elect four City Commissioners, We urge you to vote for Tom McDaniel, Dianne McKeon, Scott Moore and Julie Plotnik.
We're supporting only one incumbent -- McKeon -- because change is desperately needed on the Commission. This election will determine whether Birmingham thrives or struggles economically over the next decade; whether city services will be maintained or cut, and whether our tax burden will decrease or increase.
We think the current Commission is irresponsible and headed in the wrong direction.
They are not minding our municipal checkbook. They are voting to spend foolishly on such pet projects as the $1 million Adams Rd. sidewalk-to-nowhere and an unnecessary -- and costly -- "historic survey" of every home in Birmingham. They are focused on overbearing legislation that threatens our property rights and privacy -- the tree ordinance, the ethics ordinance, the historic survey, and more.
Their micromanagement of a capable city staff has resulted in a crisis in morale at City Hall. A Planning Board that many Commissioners call "responsive" is called "broken" by McKeon, who has demanded the chairman's removal.
Current Commissioners give only lip service to "neighborhood preservation," but what have they really accomplished for our neighborhoods? Many streets are falling apart, and they have neglected many of our parks and other public spaces.
McDaniel, McKeon, Moore and Plotnik understand the proper role of Commissioners in the administration of our city.
Their idea of fiscal responsibility is fiscal conservatism: They will focus on how to manage a municipality in the face of such tax-limiting laws as the Headlee Amendment and Proposition A. They will keep out of your business (and out of your backyard!); they will let city staffers do their jobs, and they will respect your judgment.
For example, when we voted two years ago in favor of a $25 million parks bond issue, we said we wanted improvements. Two years later, few have been made. We purchased Barnum School a year ago, but since then, the Commission has made little progress in determining its future.
Another example: When Birmingham residents participated in the Downtown Birmingham 2016 Plan several years ago, we helped chart a course for reasonable development of our downtown -- the kind of development that would bolster our tax base and help pay for the city services we have all come to expect.
But the current Commission has turned its back on the judgment of the community and a team of eminent city planners, and along with appointed cronies on the Planning Board, gutted the 2016 Plan and pursued a strategy of open hostility to virtually anyone willing to invest in our town.
The result: Our city's reserve accounts are dwindling, and city services, including police and fire protection, are at risk. Without fiscal responsibility and conservatism, there will be no alternative but to increase your taxes.
The choice is simple on Nov. 4: You can stick with an overbearing Commission and see services cut, taxes increased and our city struggle. Or elect McDaniel, McKeon, Moore and Plotnik for a more responsible government that will truly preserve our neighborhoods.
2) Comment: Eccentric was only half right
Oct. 17, 2003
The Birmingham Eccentric got it right this week when it endorsed Tom McDaniel and Scott Moore for City Commission. But it missed the mark with its endorsements of Russell Dixon and Seth Chafetz.
We agree with the Eccentric that it's time for Commissioner Dante Lanzetta to be turned out of office. Many astute observers of Birmingham city government believe this election will be won or lost on the outcome for Lanzetta. That's partly true, because with Lanzetta gone, a dark cloud will be lifted from the city, no matter who wins.
But there are good reasons why Dianne McKeon and Julie Plotnik should be elected, and Dixon and Chafetz should not.
One of the most obvious reasons to favor McKeon and Plotnik is the simple notion that more than one woman ought to sit on the seven-member commission. The Eccentric apparently would be happy with only one: Rackeline Hoff. We wouldn't.
We think the Eccentric was way off the mark when it said of McKeon: "It's time for a more involved and connected person." McKeon may have some shortcomings when it comes to leadership and an ability and willingness to speak out, but if she is anything, it is involved and connected. We think McKeon has already begun to show leadership and courage in speaking out with her call for the resignation of Planning Board Chairman Gary Kulak.
Julie Plotnik is simply a better representative of many Birmingham residents than Dixon or Chafetz.
As for those candidates: The Eccentric was 100% on the mark when it said Chafetz "has wavered." The fact is, one never knows how Chafetz is going to vote because he has been so susceptible to political pressure from Lanzetta and commissioners Donald Carney and Gordon Thornsby. We think Chafetz has compromised principles several times to keep in the good graces of Lanzetta's crowd.
Dixon, on the other hand, is capable of leadership but too often abdicates his responsibilities. He says too little too late too often. He is intelligent and reasonable, but he rarely tries to persuade anyone of anything. Furthermore, he holds himself out as the design professional on the commission, but he has shown little inclination for leadership on the many, many design issues that the commission has faced over the years.
The Eccentric was right: It's time for change. Three excellent candidates promise change for the better: McDaniel, Moore and Plotnik. And McKeon is the incumbent most likely to go with their flow.
3) Comment: Eccentric backs McDaniel, Moore, Chafetz and Dixon for city commission
>From the Birmingham Eccentric
Oct. 16, 2003
It would be an overstatement to say that Birmingham is at a critical juncture in its history, but clearly the city has drifted from the course it should be taking to ensure a solid future as one of Michigan's best communities.
Overall, the city commission has let politics and personal philosophies overshadow what is best for the town's 18,000-plus residents. The rigid, anti-development stance of some of the commissioners coupled with questionable spending decisions and ill-conceived proposals such as the ethics law and the original tree ordinance shows that some of the commissioners have lost touch with residents.
It's time to make some changes. Four seats on the city commission will be on the ballot in the Nov. 4 general election, and as the absentee ballots go out to voters this week, we urge voters to re-elect incumbents Seth Chafetz and Russell Dixon and support challengers Tom McDaniel and Scott Moore.
Chafetz, who currently serves as mayor, has wavered on some issues but ultimately has shown flexibility to make decisions based on facts and in the best interest of the residents. He promotes himself as an independent thinker, but he needs to demonstrate that more. Dixon also has demonstrated steady leadership and a reasonable approach to the development of the city and the way business should be conducted.
McDaniel is making an impressive first run at office. He clearly has an understanding of the issues facing Birmingham and has a solid vision for the future. His background as a General Motors executive no doubt helps in focusing on what needs to be done, but he also has a common-sense approach to problems that is refreshing and promising.
Moore is not a newcomer. He served on the city commission from 1995 to 1999 and did a turn as mayor. He has the experience and an understanding of Birmingham that a commissioner needs. Further, he has the vision of what Birmingham needs to be, which is neither heavily developed nor frozen in some impossible vision of returning Birmingham to a small, rural town.
And that brings us to our non-endorsements. Incumbent Dianne McKeon has consistently provided a lackluster performance on the commission when the city needs dynamic leadership. It's time for a more involved and connected person.
As for Commissioner Dante Lanzetta, he has given many years of productive service to the city, having been a commissioner for 18 years.
But he should have learned by now that by taking a virulent anti-development stance he is doing harm to the city. We do not advocate unbridled development. We have consistently stressed the need for balance.
Lanzetta has tipped the scales so far to the anti-side to the point that the city is suffering. Birmingham is developing a reputation as a place not to do business.
Lanzetta has lost sight that Birmingham needs to evolve and can do so without destroying its character as a community of neighborhoods surrounding a business core.
Unfortunately, Lanzetta has shown no indication of seeking a compromise path, and indeed, his campaign literature plays on the fears that development will ruin the city.
Fear may be an effective campaign tool, but it is not good foundation on which to build city policy.
And it does not reflect well on the commissioner.
4) Comment: Lanzetta shamelessly takes credit for Baldwin House, enlists project's chief foe
Oct. 7, 2003
Dante Lanzetta achieved a new low this week in his desperate bid for City Commission when he shamelessly took credit -- not once but twice -- for the Baldwin House senior citizens housing project.
Astonishingly, in some of the same literature he trumpets the support of a Birmingham resident who was one of the chief opponents of the housing project.
A campaign brochure boldly claims he "forged an innovative compromise that won affordable housing for seniors at Baldwin House."
A letter to Baldwin House residents that went out over the signature of Troy resident Paul Lin (but was paid for by Lanzetta's campaign committee) says "Baldwin House would not stand today without the vision, support and hard work of Dante Lanzetta." It goes on to say "Baldwin House residents owe their very homes to this man."
A short history lesson might be in order for Lanzetta and anyone who would believe his outrageous claims:
Baldwin House was built under a federal court order from U.S. District Judge Robert DeMascio. With or without anything Lanzetta may have contributed to the project -- and those who actually contributed to the project have difficulty remembering any significant contributions by Lanzetta -- Baldwin House would have been built. If DeMascio had to hire the contractors and supervise construction himself, the thing would have been built.
"To give credit for Baldwin House to Lanzetta is an insult to all the people who worked to bring senior housing to Birmingham," says Dorothy Conrad, who was recalled from the Birmingham City Commission in the late 1970s over her support for the project.
That Lanzetta in some of the same campaign literature invokes the support of former City Commissioner Don Jensen only adds to the insult. Jensen led not only the campaign against senior housing in the 1970s, but the recall campaign against commissioners who supported the housing, says Conrad.
An Oct. 7, 1996, Detroit News story marking the opening of Baldwin House said:
"Donald Jensen, a resident who opposed the complex, said at the time that residents were miffed they were paying astronomical mortgages to live in Birmingham only to have the poor move in nearby."
" 'Most of us worked hard all our lives to earn our way to Birmingham,' Jensen said. 'I think the citizens felt it was unfair for the government to put people in Birmingham on a subsidized housing basis.' "
With supporters like that, Lanzetta hardly needs enemies.
We've asked Lanzetta to support his claims. Don't hold your breath waiting for a substantive reply. Instead, use your energy to influence the vote Nov. 4.
Turn Lanzetta out of office. It's time to say "Enough!" to a City Commissioner who twists the truth so shamelessly and relentlessly.
5) Majority of commission says 'fix' Plan Board
Oct. 9, 2003
A majority of the Birmingham City Commission thinks the Planning Board is broken and needs to be fixed.
Criticism is focused on board Chairman Gary Kulak. Commissioner Dianne McKeon has called for his resignation or removal. Echoing many observers, she said Kulak is "out of control... Mr. Kulak treats citizens, staff and others with total contempt and disrespect. His only interest is to gain total control over all aspects of building and development in our city. He is attempting to accomplish this by micro-managing the Planning Department and the unnecessary re-drafting of many of our ordinances."
At a Chamber of Commerce candidates forum Tuesday, three other commissioners -- as well as candidates Tom McDaniel, Scott Moore and Julie Plotnik -- expressed concern over Kulak and the Planning Board.
Plotnik said the Planning Board is the "No. 1 deterrent to business" in Birmingham. She said "the current commission allows our Planning Board to bully businesses, and that has to stop."
Commissioner Russell Dixon, quoted in today's Eccentric, told attendees: "Something is not working properly at the Planning Board. It has deviated from site plan review to personal agendas. It's broken and needs to be fixed, and it is the commission's job to do so."
After the forum, Mayor Seth Chafetz and Commissioner Rackeline Hoff agreed that the commission must address the problem soon. Chafetz said the commission should take up the issue publicly at the next joint Planning Board/City Commission meeting Nov. 17.
Hoff said the problem has "gone on too long," but questioned whether a public airing, or removal of Kulak, is necessary.
McKeon, meantime, has called for Kulak's ouster. "I have asked the city manager to seek the advice of our city attorney on how Mr. Kulak can be removed. Of course, if Mr. Kulak wants to resign, that would also be acceptable," McKeon has said.
Kulak was nominated for re-appointment earlier this year by his mentor Commissioner Dante Lanzetta, who has called the Planning Board "responsive."
6) Apply for absentee ballot if you can't get to polls
Oct. 10, 2003
The City of Birmingham is accepting applications for absentee ballots. Visit http://www.bhambuzz.org/pdfs/abballot.pdf to download an application, which can be mailed or dropped off at City Hall.
7) Officials jockey for Ryder Cup committee
Oct. 16, 2003
>From the Birmingham Eccentric
By Larry Ruehlen
It seems one too many city commissioner hopes to get into the 35th Annual Ryder Cup for free.
The city formed a host committee that will decide how best to approach the world's largest golf event, which will take place the week of Sept. 14, 2004, at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township.
The pro golfers involved are staying in Birmingham and the city wants to make sure it has a handle on traffic and security concerns long before 38,000 fans per day swarm the area.
No one knows what perks committee members will get but other Ryder Cup officials have hopped planes to see first-hand how such competitions are run in other towns. At the least, people on the Birmingham host committee may get a chance to meet the golfers at a party or two.
That prospect had commissioners competing Monday. Donald Carney, Rackeline Hoff and Gordon Thorsby all wanted in the select club but only two spaces were open. Carney said he was already involved in the Ryder Cup and could provide necessary background. Hoff said her experience as a public relations executive would be helpful and Thorsby said he was interested in the event and wanted to do his part to help.
With two commissioners absent, only Carney could muster the four votes needed to nab a spot, though he had to cast the deciding vote himself. Hoff got three votes and Thorsby received two and both voted for themselves.
The other seat will be determined at an Oct. 27 meeting when a full commission is expected.
8) City on the prowl for wolf-dogs
Oct. 16, 2003
>From the Birmingham Eccentric
By Larry Ruehlen
Wolf-dogs can no longer stalk the streets of Birmingham with impunity.
"No we don't have a rash of wolf-dogs in town," said Don Studt, deputy police chief. "This is just a precautionary measure."
City officials adopted a new ordinance Monday that effectively bans the critters. Studt said the city had a suspected wolf-dog running the streets months ago and wanted to make sure proper rules were in place should another "Canis lupus Birminghamis" unexpectedly wander in.
"We caught the dog and had an expert examine it," said Studt, on the former suspect. "It turned out to be a shepherd mix, so we gave it back."
The city's new rule mirrors a state ban on wolf-dogs. The law includes an exception for wolf-dogs registered before 2000, but none are registered in Birmingham. If an owner came forward and admitted to harboring such an animal, it would likely be confiscated.
Police have no record of a wolf attacking anyone, but King Boots, a prize show dog, ate portions of his deceased owner before police killed him more than a decade ago.
9) Office building planned for downtown gateway
Oct. 9, 2003
>From the Birmingham Eccentric
By Larry Ruehlen
The second half of the Maple and Woodward Ave. gateway to Birmingham will be an office building.
"It should be very easy to construct a handsome building without making it identical to the hotel," said Birmingham developer Edward Fuller. "We still have to go through the planning process, but the site will be developed office."
Fuller recently signed a purchase agreement for the former Shell gas station at Maple and Woodward.
He said he plans to turn it into a four-story office building that will complement a planned Hilton Hotel across the street.
Officials have complained for years that the pair of gas stations don't project a suitable image for the city.
In the Downtown Birmingham 2016 Plan, urban planner Andres Duany recommended transforming what are now two gas stations into a gateway to the city. He said the twin buildings should have a retail component.
"Concerning the twin buildings proposed, they are so rare in the United States that, if Birmingham were to conjure up a pair like the ones illustrated, they may well become a regional or even national landmark," said Duany, in the report.
Fuller said he is willing to build a complementary building, but much of it depends on the city's approval process.
Another developer is going through the approval process for a project that would replace the Sunoco Gas Station at 35001 Woodward with a five-story hotel with more than 100 rooms.
Under the proposal, a local landmark, Hunter House restaurant, would be torn down and rebuilt within the footprint of the hotel. The Hilton proposal includes underground parking. Building the parking garage would require dismantling Hunter House brick-by-brick so parking could be installed under it. The hamburger place is a throwback to the 1950s and it is the oldest restaurant on Woodward from Detroit to Pontiac.
The planning board has approval powers over granting a fifth story. The board can deny the fifth story of a building if it would, in the board's opinion, negatively impact the sunlight and air of neighboring residential or historic districts. The board can also deny a fifth story if the building isn't harmonious with adjacent structures.
Under city zoning rules, the fifth story must be residential, and the proposal includes 10 apartments on the top floor. It also includes retail spaces for the Maple Road frontage, which meets another requirement. Fuller's new office building can't be five stories under current zoning law so Duany's gateway concept won't be possible.
Fuller is the same developer who lured advertising firm McCann-Erickson into the former Jacobson's department store at 336 W. Maple. That building is being remodeled and the agency will come to Birmingham 2004.
Construction projects typically take at least two years in Birmingham.
10) Dixon wants to keep bringing order to commission
Oct. 9, 2003
>From the Birmingham Eccentric
By Larry Ruehlen
Russell Dixon wants to continue bringing order to complex issues.
"I've been able to make a significant contribution to the work of the city commission," Dixon said. "Whenever there is a stalemate, I make a motion that moves the process along and it is unanimously approved. ... I am a clear thinker who is sensitive to the process."
Rather than choosing sides on divisive issues, Dixon is running for a third term on his track record of leadership.
"I've been talking to residents and they aren't interested in dealing with polarizing issues," Dixon said. "They are looking for people who can lead. They are looking for people who can make local government work."
Dixon said candidates often take positions on matters that aren't clearly defined, which leaves them back-tracking when all the information is available.
One issue that typifies the Dixon approach is sewer laterals. Some residents want immediate action, but Dixon takes the measured view of allowing study, then quietly offering possible solutions. Dixon said he favors doing more to help residents cope with expensive repairs, but he isn't willing to shout for change until he knows what changes should occur.
While much of the city is immersed in the question of whether development is good or evil, Dixon prefers to stay on the sidelines and offer guidance.
"When a town is new, zoning ordinances are written to encourage growth," Dixon said. "When it matures, there is a constant and necessary fine-tuning of the ordinances. That is occurring in Birmingham and it's a healthy process."
He said the city does, however, need to do a better job of defining where five-story buildings can be built. He wants to prevent them on narrow streets and eliminate discretionary approvals of them on wide streets.
Dixon is an architect with a local studio. His record of public service dates back to 1977, when he was appointed to the city's first historic district commission. He was instrumental in establishing the first historic district and later adding the Grand Trunk Train Station to it.
He also served on the board of zoning appeals from 1979-1986, then turned to neighborhood issues in 1993. As president of the Birmingham Villas Homeowners Association, Dixon led a movement to save Derby Middle School. The school district wanted to close it to save cash and Dixon and others convinced officials that the school was indeed an irreplaceable part of the community.
He later led successful initiatives to prevent the relocation of the Maple Road Kroger store and the expansion of East Maple to five lanes. He assumed a leadership role when elected to the commission in 1995.
His skills were tested in 1999. Dixon was named mayor following an acrimonious city election that once again centered on development. Dixon brought calm to turbulent times -- which is exactly what he wants to keep doing.
11) Sign on to sign, distribute campaign handout
Oct. 17, 2003
The Buzz is soliciting signatures for a campaign handout that will support the election of Tom McDaniel, Dianne McKeon, Scott Moore and Julie Plotnik to the City Commission.
The piece will touch on our campaign themes of limiting tax increases, being fiscally responsible, not wasting tax money and protecting property rights.
Your name would be a valuable addition to this handout.
Please join us in calling on our neighbors to support the election of these fine candidates.
We also need help distributing the handouts.
Please send an email to info@bhambuzz.org with your name, address, phone number and occupation, and please indicate if you would be willing to help with distribution.
If you have any questions about this, you may inquire via email to the above address, or you may contact any of the candidates directly:
Julie Plotnik
(248) 647-4319
jap1103@aol.com
Tom McDaniel
(248) 540-2677
mcdaniel_tom@hotmail.com
Dianne McKeon
(248) 644-8929
djmckeon@aol.com
Scott Moore
(248) 644-2875
sdm984@ameritech.net
Please: Aside from voting, this may be one of the most important steps you can take to support these candidates.
You can also:
* Send money. Donations of up to $500 per person (personal checks only, please; no cash) will be greatly appreciated.
* Put up lawn signs. Call or email Neighbors for a Better Birmingham, or any of the individual candidates, to arrange pickup or delivery.
* Walk with a candidate. Call or email any of the candidates.
* Host a get-together. Invite a group of friends to your home for an informal meet-the-candidates tea or coffee. Contact the committee or a candidate.
To be removed, send mail to info@bhambuzz.org
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