Keep community informed on its “House”
During the past week we could almost feel a collective sigh of relief in Birmingham when the city commission announced, following a closed door session allowed under the state Open Meetings Act, that the city would be involving itself in the issue of the day – the proposed sale of the iconic building known as The Community House on Bates Street in the downtown area. The Community House on November 3 had announced plans to evolve into the Birmingham Area Community Foundation t
5 days ago
Collaboration benefits library and residents
Birmingham's Baldwin Public Library has long been a jewel in the center of the city. It was first established in 1907, through a city referendum, following the formation of the library association in 1869 by Martha Baldwin and 19 others, with 48 volumes. In 1871, the First Methodist Church was purchased on the northwest corner of Bates and Merrill streets, and by 1879 they had 724 books. The cornerstone of the current building was laid in 1927. Today, Baldwin Public Library h
5 days ago
Don’t delay on financial disclosure at county
Oakland County officials – specifically the county board of commissioners – would be wise to make as a priority in coming weeks the ethics and financial disclosure proposal recently introduced by Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. In early October Coulter put forth a financial disclosure proposal that would apply to all county elected leaders, including members of the county board. The financial transparency regulations would also apply to “senior appointed” officials. Al
Oct 29
Some blunt advice about home for Next
So let’s see if we have this straight when it comes to the city of Birmingham's effort to find a home for the 501(c)(3) non-profit group...
Sep 23
Our recommendations for November ballot
Voters in Bloomfield Hills will be determining the fate of city commission candidates in the Tuesday, November 4, election, while voters...
Sep 23
Focus on moving Next to new home in 2026
While it’s been a long and arduous journey by Birmingham officials, city commissioners and the leaders of the Next group, it appears that...
Aug 26
Voter Guide next month
Voters in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills will be casting ballots in the November general election this year to determine the future look...
Aug 26
Petty games and the loss of representation
There's an old saying in politics that when you throw darts at a board, you better be sure you're going to hit the bullseye....
Aug 26
One last reminder on a city home for Next
The long-running saga over how to redevelop the YMCA building, purchased as a new home for NEXT, the city's senior services organization,...
Jul 24
Invite world of pollinators into open spaces
Modern suburbia has long been a paean to our European forefathers, with lush green lawns, perfectly manicured boxwood hedges, and a...
Jul 24












