NORTHVILLIANS,
This past year has been eventful in the Ville, with task forces, city commissions and boards setting our Way Forward with projects such as the Riverwalk, Farmers’ Market, Ford Field, thoughtful development, mobility, connectivity and city walkability.
Many of these initiatives have been considered for years, but now they are coming together as we ready for our bicentennial… these are truly exciting times! We have set ourselves on a transformational path that will create an impact across Southeast Michigan through our “connected vision.”
Recently, my family sat down and shared individually what our Word of the Year was going to be and the 22 things we wanted to accomplish in 2022. Following is a condensed version of my list:
My word of the year (no surprise) – TOGETHER! In past years, my word or themes were sincerely, genuine, thoughtful.
Top things I would like to accomplish this year include:
- Having balance in the five pillars of life … Family, Friends, Health, Spirituality and Vocation (City)
- Start readying Northville for its bicentennial and plan connected gateways into the City
- Try to always be positive in my journey and to assist others in achieving their goals
Now, think about YOUR word for the year and the 22 things you may wish to accomplish (or begin) in 2022.
This week, I will look at some past visions of Northville citizens who were attempting to trailblaze a better future for our City, but first let’s see what’s happening in town today …
- Winter Evening Hike at Maybury State Park, Saturday February 5th, 6:00 PM. (Pets are welcomed on this guided tour – Meet at Trailhead building at the 8 Mile entrance)
- Community Engagement – Last week, five citizens were appointed to city boards:
- Janice Cantelon – Board of Review
- Michelle Aniol – Brownfield Authority
- Caarin Kogut – Northville Youth Network
- Leanie Bayly and Tom Gudritz – Historic District.
- Previously, we announced that AnnaMaryLee Vollick and Paul DeBono joined the Planning Commission and Mike Jaafar started his term with the DDA.
- PUBLIC MEETING CHANGES: As of January 1, State law required the City to return to in-person meetings. When the pandemic hit, the City of Northville reacted quickly, establishing an emergency edict to enable public zoom meetings (broadcast digitally). With the January 1 change, we are streaming major meetings in a “watch only” mode, but are looking at “Hybrid” participation options for our audiences. Related to this, City News has published a template for citizens to express their opinion to state-elected officials that represent Northville:
- The city has developed a form letter that you can sign and send to the governor and legislators in support of the effort to resume online meetings. View the letter on the city website. (State official contact information can be found in last week’ s City News.)
Now let’s take a look at the latest COVID data:
COVID-19 CONFIRMED CASES: Northville has had 656 cases/9 fatalities, Township 5178/63, Michigan 2.2M/32K, Nation 72M/869K, Global 349M/5.6M. (CDC) * Wayne County Data
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Let's look back on past initiatives that have guided our Goals & Objectives, readying us all for the balance of 2022 in the Ville...
As we mentioned last week, our town’s history includes transitioning from a pioneering area to a milling town, to an industrial power to a special place to live in southeastern Michigan. As I look back at Northville’s history, and as we plan the trajectory and initiatives for the future, we should learn from these past activities, as reported by The Northville Record.
Mill Race Village – After years of planning, on July 6, 1972 (50 years ago), I remember the first building rolling down Main St. on its way to the Village. This structure served the community as a church, meeting hall, library and Board of Education office, along with being Northville Township’s hall. With that, the Mill Race vision started to become a reality. Today, there are over a dozen structures there.
Mainstreet 78 – Governor Milliken (above) was in town in 1982 for the official unveiling of “Mainstreet 78”. It was the culmination of innovative planning by citizens who had a united faith in Northville’s future. This took five years and included improved sidewalks, streets, parking lots and public park areas that placed utility wires underground. Gov. Milliken said as he strolled the town, “the downtown renovation will be a model for other towns and cities for years to come…this is the result of creatively joining state programs with local energy and imagination,” (similar to Riverwalk today).
Civic Concern – In 1983 (close to 40 years ago), The Record noted that Civic Concern was celebrating their first year of operation with a fundraiser at Meadowbrook. The establishment and operation of Civic Concern is a story of people helping their neighbors on a local level. According to a 1992 Record article, Civic Concern’s director Marlene Kunz (who still is the director some 30 years later) stated the organization’s overall purpose: “It provides emergency food, clothing, medical, utility and housing assistance for those in need in the greater Northville community.”
Pathway System – Today’s vision, as we look at our goals and aspirations for 2022, is to “intertwine our initiatives” through pathways created along our rivers connecting city, county and State parks. With the creation of this riverwalk trail system, our reimagined Ford Field “Central Park,” new development projects, and the potential new venue for our Farmers’ Market will all be intertwined together.
Bicentennial – As we ready these new projects & initiatives, shepherd new developments and create exciting city gateways, we will also start planning our Bicentennial (2027). The 1927 Centennial celebration was the largest gathering in the State up to that time, who knows what our bicentennial may bring? Stay tuned!
I encourage you to explore your dreams for 2022 and perhaps even write down that special word that embodies your thoughts for the year. Think of the items you may want to accomplish as you balance the various pillars of your life, including Family, Friends, Health, Spirituality and Career/Civic involvement.
I leave you today with a poem upon which to reflect, written by Carol “Turnbull” Farnsworth in memory of her father:
Old Growth is precious
Densely packed with rings of knowledge
End of the line, but not quite.
Though the old tree is gone, the seeds remain
Not Exact copies, but having the strength of core
They grow strong, tall
Encircling the memory of the stump.
And, I just can’t say it enough – We have to know where we’ve been to envision our journey for the future.
Keep that Northville Faith! Let’s move forward…TOGETHER!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849
(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)
https://mailchi.mp/5a31f2ec1a6e/turnbullformayor
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