NORTHVILLIANS,

• NCF Holiday Home Tour goes virtual this year. For more info, go online at northvillecommunityfoundation.org or contact Christmas Carol at 248 347 0200.
   
• Christmas in the Village (Mill Race Historical Village) – Take a stroll through the Village and experience Christmas of Yesteryear, embracing our history and the holiday season.
   
• December in Downtown Northville – “A Holiday to Remember!” Fridays feature music, Saturdays Horse & Buggy rides, and on Sundays, live animals including Reindeer.

Now let’s look at where we want to go in the near future…Together!

• I hope you enjoyed this historical series, where we have presented what Northville was known for in the 1800’s, before it migrated to an industrial power fueled by its three rivers.  And now today, we’ll look at what Northville can be and do in the FUTURE.
   
• In the recently published Northville Today, I spoke about lessons from our past while planning for our future. Growing up in a multi-generational Northville family, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to dreams of the past, experience concepts of today and assist in planning the Northville of tomorrow.
   
• Today, we are taking advantage of the serene beauty of our river systems for the benefit of our greater community by integrating a trail system of permeable paths, with the goal of joining local, county and state parks together.
   
• Additionally, we’re reimagining our historic Ford Field into more of a City Park which is connected to the town walkways and recreational facilities. These aggressive plans include restrooms, a children’s play area (or even a splash pad!) and eventually, a grand amphitheater-type entrance close to Dunlap and Hutton.
   
• The Farmers’ Market Task Force just last week presented an outstanding long-term vision to the Planning Commission, unveiling to us a year-round multi-functional space and events venue, right on our future riverwalk, integrated into our pathways system.  All-in-all, an intriguing future concept.
   
• If that’s not enough, the opportunities that build on our goal of “Thoughtful Development,” through the plans for Northville Downs and Foundry Flask, should  integrate the various initiatives we have in play, creating exciting optics for all of us Northvillians.
   
• These are inspiring times…I applaud and congratulate all of our hard-working members who sit on the City’s 27 Boards & Commissions, and who are truly dedicated to leading this town into the future. There has also been some extraordinary work done in the areas of Sustainability, Mobility, Placemaking and Walkability this past year. And I know without each of your efforts, these dreams cannot become a future reality.
   
• I encourage you to be part of this exciting next chapter of Northville.  Strongly consider sharing your resources by donating to the Northville Community Support Fund (NCSF), a 501(c)(3) foundation, or mail a check to The NCSF at 41700 Six Mile Road Suite 101, Northville, MI 48168, to get your year-end tax benefits.

     We are engaged on many grants and opportunities that require a 10% match from the local community.  You can help Northville ten-fold by giving a dollar today to ready our hometown for your children and grandchildren, and quickening the pace of these exciting initiatives that are already underway.
 
     As you have seen, Northville transitioned from a Mill Town to an Industrial Stronghold while continuing to be a picturesque area to recreate. The downtown remains a gathering touchpoint in the metro area and will soon be connected to more pathways, parks and markets.
     Thank you for all you do and for believing in the betterment of this “Hamlet in the Hills” or “Switzerland of Wayne County” we call Northville.
 
Keep that Future Vision of Northville and the Faith we will get there...TOGETHER!