May 2016 Township Newsletter


Northfield Township News

Summer is on its way!  With the warmer weather here (finally!) our office is bustling. Here’s what’s happening in our area…

  • Clean-Up Day: Saturday, June 11, Northfield Township will once again be hosting a Washtenaw County Clean-up Day.  This is an opportunity for Washtenaw County residents to get rid of some of those items you just aren’t sure what to do with: old furniture and appliances, car batteries, paint cans, tires, etc. NEW this year, we will also have a Prescription Take-back barrel on-site.  Medications should be in their original containers, or paper or plastic bags. No Inhalers or Liquid medications will be accepted, and no glass or metal containers.  This event will be held from 9am-2pm behind the Public Safety Building.  We ask participants to consider a minimum donation of $10.00 to support this effort.  Mark your calendar, and help us keep our township clean!
  • Public Hearing: There will be a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 14th regarding the establishment of an Industrial Development District for the purpose of providing tax abatement on North Territorial Rd.
  • Meet the Candidates:  Join us on Tuesday, June 21 at 7:00 PM to Meet the Candidates running for office in Northfield Township. There will be a formal presentation by the candidates, followed by a screened question and answer session.  Hosted by the Northfield Township Chamber of Commerce.
  • Bridge Construction:  Construction of the 8 Mile Road bridge over northbound US-23 began May 2nd. Construction is expected to be complete, and the bridge reopened to traffic by the July 4th holiday weekend.  During construction, 8 Mile Road will remain closed and impacts on US-23 traffic will be kept to a minimum. There will be a shoulder closure on northbound US-23, with lane closures occurring at non-peak times, such as overnight and weekends.
  • Community Garden:  Do you like to garden?  Would you like to have your own garden, but just don’t have the space?  Development of the Community Garden is well underway, and free plots are available for use.  The Community Garden is located kitty-corner from the Community Center on Main Street. Please call 734-274-5297 for more information.
  • Upcoming Elections:  The State Primary Election is on Tuesday, August 2, 2016.  You must be registered to vote by July 5th in order to vote in the August election.  The State General (Presidential) Election is on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.  YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO VOTE BY OCTOBER 11th in order to vote in the November Presidential Election.  You can register to vote at the Township Clerk's office or at the Secretary of State.  Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to see if you are already registered, or to view a sample ballot.
  • Redevelopment Liquor Licenses:  The DDA was recently approved to begin issuing Redevelopment Liquor Licenses. This allows the DDA to recommend issuance of new liquor licenses for businesses located within the DDA District, above and beyond the number of Class C licenses the state allows. Businesses located within the DDA District that are interested in applying should contact the Township office for details and regulations.
  • Upcoming Events:  There are many events and festivities happening in and around Northfield Township this summer. Below are just a few.  To see even more, check out our “Calendar of Events”, and “Events & Festivities” pages.
    • Memorial Day, Monday May, 30, the Township offices will be CLOSED
    • German Park’s Annual Open Picnics will be held on June 25th, July 30th, and Aug. 27th with their customary German food, beer, and entertainment.
    • Whitmore Lake’s 4th of July Fireworks display will be held on Sat., July 2nd starting at dusk.
    • Whitmore Lake Fun Run - 5K, 10K, and Splash & Dash - Sat., July 2nd - Registration begins at 7:00am with the first race beginning at 8:00am  Contact the Kiwanis Club for more details and sign up.
    • Whitmore Lake’s Independence Day Parade will be held on Mon., July 4th starting at 10:00am.  The parade will begin on Barker Rd., turning south onto Main St. and ending at the Public Safety Building.
    • Old St. Pat’s Old Country Run is being held on Sat., Sept. 3rd starting at 10:00 am.  Please contact St. Patrick Catholic Church at (734) 662-8141 for more information.
  • Property Purchase:  The Township's purchase agreement for the Van Curler Property (next to the Post Office) has been signed by both parties, and a down payment has been delivered.  We are now beginning the due diligence process including an environmental study and soil testing on this property.  We are also beginning the planning stages for this area, with hopes of enhancing our downtown and providing lake front recreational opportunities to Whitmore Lake.
  • Equalization Basin:  We are currently getting soil boring tests done at the Waste Water Treatment Plant for a proposed equalization basin (wet weather storage tank).
  • Facebook:  The Northfield Township Government Office is now on Facebook.   Like our page to get up-to-date notifications about what’s happening in our community. 
  • Township Meetings:  We value your opinion and we want to hear from you!  Our Board members and Planning Commissioners are here to work for the entire community, but we can’t do that if we don’t hear from you.  Please join us each month at our Township meetings and voice your opinions. The Board of Trustees meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. The Planning Commission meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. 
  • Washtenaw County Survey:  Washtenaw County is updating its solid waste management and is seeking input from residents through a short online survey.  If you have difficulty with the survey or have general questions, please contact Jon Tulman, Washtenaw County Solid Waste Program Specialist, at 734-222-3810 or by email at tulmanj@ewashtenaw.org.   Those completing the survey are eligible to enter a lottery for a $50 gift card.

     As always, feel free to contact us at the Township office for additional information.  We are working diligently to make Northfield Township the best community in Washtenaw County.