DEAR NORTHVILLIANS,

I want to thank each & every one of you for being #NorthvilleStrong through this COVID-19 situation locally … and for all you’ve done to assist those in need in this community. I’m truly proud of every one of you for sharing your unique time & talents.

Communication continues to be a top priority for all of us …
At the Federal, State & especially at our local Northville level, we will re-engage in person when it’s safe ... but until then, we will communicate electronically through “Zoom” type meetings.
Earlier this month, I conducted a Virtual Town Hall Q&A meeting on April 9, for all Northvillians (here's a link to the transcript) and also participated in a Northville Chamber podcast for our Business folks (listen here).  Because of your overwhelming input, an additional Q&A Virtual Town Hall session will take place Thursday, April 30, at 7:00 PM. (Details & link to follow shortly)

In my note this week I’ll try to address issues I’ve heard from you over the past few days. As always, I write to you on behalf of your Northville TEAM, including myself, Pat Sullivan (your City Mgr.) and your City Council of Marilyn Price (Mayor Pro Tem), Barbara Moroski-Browne, Pat Giesa, and Sam Ekong. Everyone’s goal at the City is to keep our community of Northville as safe as possible.

Since the quarantine started March 13^th, it’s been an extraordinary time as the world moves toward the future in a different way. And in going forward, I believe we will look at life differently, as it relates to our work environment, socialization, gatherings & social distancing.  
 
Please know, as previously said, I don't have all the answers. And the truth is, no one does right now, but my commitment to you is to continue to be very transparent while keeping all Northvillians connected & safe.

Happenings this week…

• As I walk our town daily and try to drive its streets nightly, I‘m encouraged to see citizens wearing masks, scarfs & bandanas (CDC guidelines) and adhering to social distancing while running essential errands, walking the town & visiting our city parks … We all appreciate that!

• I continue to urge people to stay home (except for essential trips and occasional walks for mental & physical well-being).  Importantly though, stay close digitally through your phone, Facetime, emails and/or text messages with those you know & love in the community.
• Your diligence and actions are evident in the data this past week – we have flattened the curve of infection locally. Daily, I look at all data points shared with me by the State & County, and they suggest that the Northville community reached our peak of infection last week. Further, Hospitalizations should top out, along with those on respirators, in the weeks to come.  

• Congress’s $2.2 Trillion support package for COVID-19 included the (CARES) Act, designed to aid our small businesses and gives us resources from FEMA, the National Guard & the Army Corp. of Engineers. I believe an additional stimulus bill should be approved by the time you read this, and I’m enthused that a third one could be in front of Congress soon after that.
• Many citizens & businesses shared with me that they received their stimulus checks last week. Also, local small business grants & loan programs have continued to be bolstered by the Feds, the State, and our local counties. I’ve been involved with Business task forces and understand that Simplicity & Speed for all is the key.
• The TCF Center (Cobo) is up and running as a COVID-19 facility, along with the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.  Northville Downs offered its facility as a medical center, too.
• I’ve supported keeping Ford Field, the Mill Race Village, and our Dog Park open for you to walk.
• Additionally, I encourage you to support our local Northville Civic Concern activity.  I spent time there again this week. They are doing great work … our local Civic Concern serviced again this week close to 180 families and supported over 300 meals daily for our youth & seniors.

• Northville school officials & teachers began their distant learning instruction curriculum last week (two weeks ahead of the state deadline) … and distributed over 550 electronic devices to students for online classes.
• The Schools have posted closures of their playgrounds, athletic fields & tracks for your safety.

• Funding for roads, bridges and other infrastructure; Hospitals, emergency response, and data used in reports that support other funding mechanisms.
• The census is used to allocate funding for education in communities, including special education, classroom technology, teacher training, after-school programs, and school lunch assistance.
• In the event of natural disasters, The U.S. Census Bureau produces timely local data that are critical to emergency planning, preparedness and recovery efforts. 
• Plus, the count determines the number of Congressional representatives each state has and is used to draw legislative districts. 

• Senior Transportation services (as needed) have continued.
• Essential Businesses remain open: Grocery stores, take-out restaurants, pharmacies, gas stations, liquor stores, banks, auto service & pet stores... others will be added in the weeks to come.
• Service by your First Responders has continued without any interruption.  We’ll continue to coordinate response efforts & best practices with surrounding communities – we’re working well with our Northville Township partners (Alan Maciag, your Police Chief & Steve Ott, your Fire Chief are doing an outstanding job along with their Teams). I’d like to thank our local Health Care Workers for all they are doing … we as a community will continue to display our white & blue bows in their support.

• I encourage you to support your local businesses in Northville – the survival of many of your favorite businesses is dependent on our patronage now.  The strength of our community is our walkability downtown ... your City Center is truly the downtown section for not only Northville but Northville Township, Novi & for a great deal of Livonia. Let’s support it in their time of need!
• Remember to reach out & check-in with our seniors, family members, friends & others who are part of your lives.