A note from from Mayor Brian Turnbull...


** NORTHVILLIANS,
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This series on “Northville Through the Centuries,” which you’ve been reading the past few weeks, is designed to give you background on where we’ve been in our past, where we are today and what we can do together, for our future.

Soon, we will start planning our bicentennial celebration. It’s time to look at the trajectory on which we are journeying. We started as a milling community on three rivers, then we embraced the “Industrial Revolution” and now we are setting our eyes on what’s to come …

Before we look at where we are going, let’s review some of the events that are happening today.
* Tipping Point Theatre – (361 E. Cady) The Theatre is getting into the Holiday spirit performing “It’s a Wonderful Life” until Dec. 18, see link for details. LINK ([link removed])

* Christmas in the Village (Mill Race Historical Village) – Stroll around the Mill Race Village at your leisure and think of Holidays of yesteryear viewing all the Christmas trees on display.

* Meet Santa in Town on December 17-18 – Admission is Free. Bring your camera! LINK ([link removed])

* Northville High School Choir & Band “Gift of Song” Holiday Concert – 12/20 and 12/21 at 7pm…See link for info and tickets. LINK ([link removed])

Northville Dreams
I hope you’ve been enjoying this historical series, where we 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 Northville’s potential FUTURE.
* As a historian in the area, I speak about lessons from our past while planning for our future. Growing up here in a multi-generational family, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to dreams of the past, experience concepts of today and assist in guiding the Northville of tomorrow with our talented City Council Team.

* RIVERWALK BECOMING A REALITY – Today, we are taking advantage of the serene beauty of our river systems for the benefit of our greater community. We are planning a fully integrated trail system, perhaps sustainable permeable paths, to achieve the goal of joining the community, county and state parks together.

* CHECK IT OUT – Stop by and experience the hard work of residents on one of the first sections of the future riverwalk (called South Main Park), located on Northville Road between the Water Wheel and the Northville Well. In fact, you can now see the waterfall and the river from the road. This will be integrated into the total Northville Riverwalk trail system, which is the final connector in the State pathway system running from Ohio to Mackinaw City.

* FORD FIELD “CENTRAL PARK” – Additionally, we’re reimagining our historic Ford Field into more of a City Central Park. These aggressive plans include vista lookouts from above the park area, aesthetically pleasing fencing, perhaps an upper walkway all around the park, drainage for the greenspace, permanent restrooms, a children’s play area (or even a splash pad!) and eventually, a possible grand amphitheater-type entrance close to Dunlap and Hutton. We are in the process of obtaining grants that would support this, including the State of Michigan’s $910K for ADA accessibility entrances and walkways.

* FARMERS’ MARKET PLANS – The Farmers’ Market Team has worked for several months on an outstanding long-term vision for the market that includes a year-round, multi-functional space and events venue. Their work also addresses the need to relocate the Farmers' Markets Market, providing it with ample property space and ideally connecting to our future riverwalk system. All-in-all, an intriguing future concept that both the Township and City are partnering on.

* THE DOWNS AND FOUNDRY FLASK – If that’s not enough, the opportunities that build on our goal of “Thoughtful Development” for our city should integrate many initiatives we have in play, creating exciting options for Northvillians. Two of these opportunities are major milestone projects for Northville:
+ The 4.9-acre Foundry Flask area on the Middle Rouge (S. Main/Cady area) is an approved 80-unit apartment development, ideally situated to integrate the riverwalk pathway and activity. Won’t it be amazing to see the current foundry grounds transform into a vibrant residential and commercial area.
+ Just south of this section, the Northville Downs Development was recently given Preliminary Site Plan Approval to move forward. Plans include 18 acres of greenspace, a Central Park behind the Presby church, and a River Park that runs adjacent to the planned daylighted river (which currently runs underneath the Downs property). Unearthing the Rouge River under the Downs is transformational and will offer all in our community new expanses to relax, play and connect.

* These are inspiring times! I applaud and congratulate all of the hard work done by members of the City’s 27 Boards & Commissions, and who are truly dedicated to leading this town into the future. Extraordinary work has also been done over the past year by our task forces in the areas of Sustainability, Mobility, Farmers’ Market planning and specific efforts surrounding placemaking and walkability. Without question, it takes the whole village to direct the future of our Town.

* To assist in making our vision of the future a reality, I encourage you to be part of this exciting next chapter of Northville through the Northville Community Support Fund ([link removed]) , which is a 501(c)(3) foundation created to help support our plans and aspirations.

As you have seen, Northville transitioned from a “Mill Town” to an industrial stronghold while continuing to be a picturesque area for recreation and enjoyment. The downtown remains a gathering touchpoint in the Detroit metro area and will soon be connected to more pathways, parks, and markets. One of our recent transitions, the Exchange Bar & Grill now offering rooftop dining, has been a gathering place for Northvillians dating back to the late 1800’s, when it was first built. So be part of history – come downtown this winter with all its fire pits, music, eateries and everything else in our Social District that makes our town unique and fun.

Again, I would like to thank all you futurists for being part of our trajectory of progress, helping to lead this community in the short AND the long term.

Keep that Northville Visionary 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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