Complete Streets Resolution Passes Oakland County Commission

In a very pleasant surprise to many of us, our "Complete Streets" resolution passed the Oakland County Commission unanimously today, Thursday August 16, 2011. The vote was 25 - 0.

Designed to be a new framework for creation, maintenance, and repair of streets and roads, the concept means that design includess use and accessibility for all modes of transportation, including bicycles, pedestrians, mass and public transit, handicapped accessibility for persons, as well as for cars and trucks. While it may sound like a no-brainer, the concept is not universally accepted or followed.

While there was initial resistance from a few of the Republican members, the measure had gained full support from the Democrats on the board, as well as five or six Republicans. With a few minor changes in an amendment, we gained full support, including from the Road Commission of Oakland County. Dave Woodward D-Royal Oak played the key role in getting this written and passed.

This is just a start to change the way we view and implement transportation, but it was a very critical step, and an important portent of things to come.

First Annual Hazel Park Pub Crawl Friday Aug 26

For Immediate Release August 16, 2011

Contact: Craig Covey 248-721-6434 or Shelley O’Brien 810-955-4080

First Annual Hazel Park Pub Crawl Fri. Aug. 26th
Event to Visit 10 Venues, Raise $ for Hazel Park Promise

(Hazel Park) Hazel Park will hold its first charity pub crawl on Friday August 26 visiting all ten of the pubs and bars in this small southeast Oakland County city. Modeled after popular and successful pub crawls in Royal Oak and Ferndale, the event is expected to raise thousands of dollars for the Hazel Park Promise, a new program that will enable that city’s high school graduates the chance to attend college or trade school after graduation.
For a fee of $10, which is tax-deductible, crawlers will register at the Hazel Park City Hall at John R and Nine Mile Road and then proceed in groups to the ten venues, beginning at 7 pm Friday August 26, 2011. A limited number of seats will be available on small buses and vans, and crawlers may also use non-drinking designated drivers, bicycles, and even walk to the clubs and restaurants. The event is designed to promote these businesses in the city, generate camaraderie, and enjoy the last weeks of summer as well as support the important local charity.
Top sponsors include Neighborhood Enrichment; a non-profit created by local Councilwoman Jan Parisi and her family, as well as Derby’s Sports Café. Additional sponsors include Pizza Connection, Joey’s Jewelry, BDT Tobacco & Smoke Shop, Councilwoman Jan Parisi, Attorney Howard Shifman, Councilman Andy LeCureaux, and Phillip LaForme. Venues on the crawl include Eddie’s, Starting Gate, Kozy Lounge, Derby’s, Max Duggan’s, End of the Park, Hazel Park Eagles, House of Shamrocks, Loui’s, and the Hazel Park Race Track.
Mayor Jack Lloyd will help lead off the crawl, and Congressman Sander Levin is expected to visit the first venue to welcome the crawlers. 100% of all proceeds are being donated to the Hazel Park Promise.
Event founder and Co-Chair Craig Covey, who is also the area’s County Commissioner, said “This is a fun way to support local businesses and charities as well as get out and meet new friends and neighbors.” I’m proud of this hard-working community and their energy in making this new event a success,” he added.
More information can be gleaned from the website:
www.HazelParkPubcrawl.webs.com
Facebook: Hazel Park Pub Crawl

"Complete Streets" Resolution Going to County Commission

For Immediate Release Wednesday August 3, 2011
Contact: Craig Covey 248-721-6434 or Dave Woodward 248-894-6650

“Complete Streets” Resolution Coming to Oakland County
Commission Committee to take up Issue Next Week
(Pontiac) The Oakland County Commission is taking up the issue of “Complete Streets” next week when a resolution supporting same will come before the General Government committee on Monday August 8 at 9 am. “Complete Streets” is the design and planning concept for transportation and government agencies that includes all modes of transportation in the creation, construction and repair of roadways in the transportation network. The resolution was submitted by Commissioner Dave Woodward of Royal Oak and Commissioner Craig Covey of Ferndale.
The concept of “Complete Streets” recognizes the importance of multiple methods of transportation beyond cars and trucks, and is inclusive of pedestrians, bicycles, public and mass transit. The emerging and popular new planning and construction system has been adopted by cities, counties and states across the nation. The State of Michigan has adopted the concept as have many cities in Oakland County, including Ferndale, Novi, and Clawson.
The resolution reads, in part, “…increasing active transportation (e.g. walking, bicycling, public transportation) offers the potential for improved public health, economic development, a cleaner environment, reduced transportation costs, enhanced community connections, social equity, and more livable communities. “Complete Streets” can also reduce traffic congestion and reliance on foreign oil.
The resolution is expected to gain bi-partisan support on the County Commission. It must first be vetted and passed by the General Government Committee before coming to the full Commission. A free public discussion of the issue will also be held on Tuesday August 9 at the Ferndale Public Library beginning at 6:30 pm, led by Commissioners Covey and Woodward, as part of the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission “Green Tuesdays” initiative.

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