A note from from Mayor Brian Turnbull...


** NORTHVILLIANS,
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The year 2024 in Northville was, in a word,
momentous, and we will review it in this Mayoral letter. As we roll into 2025, I again wish you all THE BEST that this New Year will bring and encourage you to engage in our community. Today, I’ll highlight some initiatives we accomplished in 2024.

As this year concludes, I would be remiss if I didn’t slow down and thank each of you that have shared your Time and Talents alongside our City staff, making considerable contributions for the betterment of the Ville. Many in our community are engaged in countless initiatives, including the Riverwalk, additional greenspaces & placemaking areas, Ford Field renovations, Farmers’ Market relocation and planning, downtown events, the moving of our historic log cabin, the bricking of the lane at the Mill Race Village and many other transformational projects.

Northvillians in 2024 have been preparing the town for the next generation. We are so fortunate to have over 6 percent of our local population involved with Commissions, Boards and Task Forces for the betterment of our beloved area. We added two new groups in 2024 (the Bicentennial and Cemetery restoration Teams). These are truly exciting times and with your assistance, the future is BRIGHT!

Before reviewing 2024 highlights, let's see what's going on today:
* Mill Race Village – Stroll through the newly bricked lane at the Village and take in this living history museum. Support the Historical Society by becoming a member (Link ([link removed]) ) or by engraving a brick (Link ([link removed]) )!
* Town Square – Take some pics there and start New Year traditions.
* Tipping Point Theatre – Attend the latest show, Halftime With Don. Link ([link removed])
* Northville Community Awards Dinner (Public Invited) – Feb 6th, 5pm @ Genitti’s, followed by presentations @ the Marquis Theatre, sponsored by the Chamber Link ([link removed])
* Northville: The Winter Water Wonderland history lecture – Wed, 1/22, 7pm at Mill Race Village. I will highlight the Ville's exciting recreational activities on the rivers, lakes and hills through the seasons. Link ([link removed])

Info for Citizens
PROJECTS AROUND TOWN
* Ford Field – Phase I (Winter): Infrastructure, waterfall @ Randolph Drain, Phase II (Spring) Vista overlook, fencing, staircase & ADA entrance, play structure, bathrooms.
* Riverwalk – Retention Pond at Downs dug & Riverbed constructed (rocks & timbers added). Log Cabin positioned, and other sections being prepped.
* Downs Initiative – Streets/Curbs poured in sections and foundation work has begun.
* Grants that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives -

NEW TASK FORCE MEETINGS
* Cemetery Restoration Task Force – Next Meeting 1/13. Stop by Oakwood Cemetery to see progress. Contact Dave Marold for info/support @ [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
* Bicentennial Task Force – Next meeting 2/13. Volunteers are welcome to join interesting work teams (Tours, Transportation, Ford Field and Riverwalk Activities, along with the Time Capsule). For info, write [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Synopsis of the Year in Review in Northville:
We live in a truly special municipality where we have the cooperation of the City, Township and the School District working together for the betterment of all Northvillians.

OUR WAY FORWARD PATH – A LOOK BACK AT 2024:
* We Built on Our Strengths: Thriving businesses, beautiful greenspaces, and top-ranked Schools.
* Community Cooperation: We began to build our Riverwalk sections, Farmers’ Market activities came together with the assistance of the Township & many task force members, Ford Field renovation grants were secured because of the dedicated efforts of volunteers, Cemetery renovation work started and planning for our Bicentennial began.
* Flexibility for downtown events started with the bollards installed (Main St./Center). Additional inside experiences occurred, including award-winning rooftop dining at the “Exchange” and monthly concerts began at the Marquis Theatre, along with productions at the Tipping Point Theatre that continued to attract audiences.

Development in 2024:
* The Downs Project was in full swing in 2024, laying the foundation for a diverse variety of housing selections, retail outlets and an amazing 31% of the development dedicated to greenspace. This includes daylighting the entombed river surrounded by a public bioswale park, occupying over 10 acres and also offering a beautiful central park.

City Initiatives in 2024:
* Northville River Restoration and Riverwalk Task Force – Northville’s pathway systems will complete the State’s trail network from Ohio to Mackinaw City by the end of 2026, readying for our bicentennial in 2027.
* Farmers’ Market Activity – A task force studied options to create an event-oriented site through a partnership between the City, Township, County, Chamber of Commerce, Schoolcraft College, along with Parks & Rec and public entities. This “Market Commons” concept was established to include learning and cultural activities in addition to the Farmers’ Market, festivals, movies, car shows, staging for parades and other events.
* Ford Field Initiative – Rejuvenation of Ford Field into a true “Downtown Central Park,” with an accessible ADA entryway, overlook vista (taking advantage of the elevated topography), a new staircase, enhanced water management and expanded recreational offerings (playscape) along with funding for new restrooms. All this got underway in 2024.
* Bricked Lane in 2024 @ Mill Race Village (our walking interactive history city park). The TEAMWORK and cooperation of many in the community accomplished this initiative.
* Other Community Activities include: Work at the Township’s Legacy Park which will be a gem for all in the community, monthly car shows at Old Village School, and volunteers that have made Northville a “parade city” in Michigan (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Victorian Festival, Lighted parade, & Homecoming) along with other events at the Community Center. Northville is truly a special place.
* Log Cabin – Thanks to the Historical Society, the Northville Community Support Fund and support of many in the community in helping to relocate and create exciting plans for the renovation of our historic log cabin, giving us a unique public welcoming center at our River Park (7 Mile/River St.).
* Awards bestowed on Northville in 2024: Top-Ranked city to live in, academic school system accolades, recognition as a Top Ten Christmas City, along with region-wide recognition for our Halloween celebrations, parades and cider mills. This past year our state and national senators and representatives, our governor (multiple times) and the standing president of the United States visited our town to talk with Northvillians.

You, the Northville TEAM, working together, are building a Way Forward Plan for the future!

Keep that Northville Community Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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