STERLING HEIGHTS
– The City of Sterling Heights celebrated the opening of its brand-new community garden at James C
It marks a significant addition to the city’s expanding collection of green spaces and a major milestone in its long-term sustainability efforts
Nelson Park sits on 15 Mile between Ryan and Dequindre Road
The garden includes more than 115 garden beds and over 32,000 sq
and educational signage enhance accessibility and learning opportunities throughout the site
“These enhancements reflect our long-term commitment to building a more sustainable Sterling Heights,” said Mayor Michael C
and encouraging residents to grow their own food
we’re creating an environment that not only benefits our community today
but also protects and strengthens it for future generations.”
The garden and surrounding amenities will support future programming such as gardening workshops
The project was made possible in part through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and supports several key goals outlined in the City’s Sustainability Plan
These include strengthening local food systems
and encouraging more active and connected lifestyles
The community can reserve garden beds, participate in programs and explore the amenities at James C. Nelson Park on the city’s website.
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(WXYZ) — Some residents in Sterling Heights are hoping to save a centuries-old tree from being chopped down in favor of housing
On Van Dyke Avenue just south of Canal Road in Sterling Heights
you can find a field with several towering trees
One tree that especially catches the eye of residents like Emily Young is an 88-foot-tall chinquapin oak that's estimated to be somewhere around 250 years old
according to leaders with the Michigan Big Tree Program
We had Native Americans still living in this area," Young said
"And it is the seventh-largest chinquapin in the state of Michigan."
According to the Chaldean Community Foundation's website
they are planning to build an 82-unit apartment complex along with retail space
The project could put the tree's future in jeopardy
"It breaks my heart because we are a society that values our heritage and it is disappearing at an alarming rate
There's also concerns about how cutting the oak down could disrupt other forms of nature
"Oaks support more life as a tree species than any other tree species in North America," Mark Graf
In response, Young has created an online petition to show support for preserving the tree
and petitioners hope it sends city leaders a message
The city of Sterling Heights responded to the concerns in a statement:
residents believe the oak is irreplaceable
"It might be replaced by a lot of little saplings
they're not helping the environment like this oak is doing today for 20
president of the Chaldean Community Foundation
also responded to worries about the trees at the property
(WXYZ) — Stellantis has temporarily laid off 900 workers in the U.S.
including employees at the Warren and Sterling Heights stamping plants
The automaker announced the news in an email sent to all employees earlier this morning
They say that they'll be pausing production at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Canada for the next two weeks
with operations starting up again on April 21
"With the new automotive sector tariffs now in effect
it will take our collective resilience and discipline to push through this challenging time," said Antonio Filosa in the email
"But we will quickly adapt to these policy changes and will protect our company
maintain our competitive edge and continue delivering great products to our customers."
7 News Detroit inquired about how many employees were laid off at the Michigan plant
but a rep from the automaker did not disclose those details
Stellantis says they will provide updates as the situation progresses
A Sterling Heights electrical contracting company has paid $1.46 million to settle allegations involving the federal Paycheck Protection Program
which offered emergency financial assistance to businesses during the pandemic
Attorney Julie Beck announced in a news release on April 28
Slifco Electric obtained its first PPP loan for $2.6 million
and later certified its eligibility for full forgiveness of that loan
eligible small businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the U.S
Borrowers were required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of information provided to the SBA when applying for PPP loan forgiveness
including disclosing whether the borrower had paid any dividends or other capital distributions to its owner during the loan forgiveness covered period
government contends that Slifco Electric failed to disclose that from March 13
through the end of the loan forgiveness covered period
it paid $730,000 in capital distributions to its only owner
Slifco Electric countered that it had legitimate payroll expenses during the relevant loan forgiveness covered period that were more than the loan amount
Voicemails and emails left with John Slifco and his attorneys seeking comment were not immediately returned April 28
The Sterling Heights company is one of several Michigan companies that have faced scrutiny over its use of PPP loans. The owners of The Detroit Club agreed to pay $357,699 to settle fraud allegations in a settlement reached earlier this year
More on The Detroit Club's settlement: Detroit Club owners pay $358K settlement to resolve PPP allegations
Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com
A Michigan police department has launched a new program that's getting people talking online
The Sterling Heights Police Department shared on social media they have a new Special Needs Registry
They describe it as "a voluntary and confidential tool to help officers respond to people with disabilities
👇BELOW: IS IT LEGAL? ANSWERING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MICHIGAN LAWS 👇
the goal is to help officers be better prepared when interacting with individuals who may have conditions such as autism
The department says the registry will also support stronger collaboration with local schools and the Fire Department
READ MORE: Get Reduced Pet Adoption Fees at 30+ Michigan Shelters Right Now
Residents are able to register a loved one online here
Online reactions to the program in Sterling Heights have been mixed
Many people applauded the move as a compassionate and needed step
expressed concern over what it means to have personal information tied to a police database
I’m hesitant to register on anything like this due to the current attitudes about autism from HHS
I’m concerned databases like this could be weaponized
READ MORE: What to Expect on Upcoming Episodes of TV Show Following Grand Rapids, Mich., Police Department
some residents suggest alternative options to aid police and first responders in general
Something that could prove incredibly valuable to first responders is for each agency to obtain an AAC device/ iPad
A lot of non speaking autistics communicate with them
How would you feel about a Special Needs Registry in your town
Would you feel comfortable signing a family member up
Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed
Learn about a Michigan police department's new program they say will help them police better assist individuals with unique needs. Is this something you'd want in your town?\nRead More
A Michigan police department has launched a new program that's getting people talking online
The Sterling Heights Police Department shared on social media they have a new Special Needs Registry
READ MORE: Get Reduced Pet Adoption Fees at 30+ Michigan Shelters Right Now
Residents are able to register a loved one online here
Online reactions to the program in Sterling Heights have been mixed
READ MORE: What to Expect on Upcoming Episodes of TV Show Following Grand Rapids, Mich., Police Department
Buoyed by a millage approved by voters last year, Sterling Heights officials are weighing a proposed $318 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year
a 26.2% increase over last year's adopted budget
which includes funding for a new police training facility and sidewalk upgrades
Sterling Heights City Council will discuss the proposed spending plan at a budget hearing at 6:30 p.m
Sterling Heights City Councilman Michael Radtke said the budget increase is due to several reasons
One is that the city is “front-loading” projects for the city's "Pathway to Play and Preservation" millage
but the city has a goal of finishing all the major projects associated with it within three years
Cities also make amendments to their budget during the fiscal year
which can impact the final amount of the budget
The proposed 2025-2026 budget is only a 9% year-over-year increase over the current fiscal year budget
City Manager Mark Vanderpool said the city is going to "hit the ground running" on the projects included in the "Pathway to Play and Preservation" millage
including plans to purchase some land to preserve open space; repair and replace sidewalks; plant 1,600 trees; and break ground on a new pickleball complex in FY 2025-2026
The plan also includes over $12 million in major road work, including the reconstruction of 15 Mile Road from Mound Road to Maple Lane, the resurfacing of Dobry Drive and the revamping of Clinton River Road from Hayes Road to Canal Road
The proposed budget includes a general fund of over $132 million
Sterling Heights is proposing a millage rate of 17.5323 mills
which is an increase over the current year's 16.5823 mills
The Police & Fire Retirement millage will also increase by 0.1368 mill
while three other millage rates will each see small decreases
Millage funds park and preservation projectsThe Pathway millage will help pay for improvements to Rotary Park
the creation of Red Run Park in the southeast area of the city and a new trail in Sterling Heights Nature Preserve
Vanderpool said the city will be working on the design of these projects during the upcoming fiscal year
Sterling Heights also is planning to build a year-round pickleball complex
Varney said the city hopes to begin ― and possibly complete ― construction on the project in the next fiscal year
The city also plans to plant 1,600 trees in the 2025-2026 year
part of a larger plan to plant about 15,000 trees in the coming years
making up for devastation of the emerald ash borer
"When you lose a third of your tree canopy to an invasive beetle and they all get cut down
you don't really realize what a scar that creates on the community," said Radtke
Sterling Heights plans to renovate its unused jail facility into a training facility for the police department
It also plans to start renovating Fire Station No
Vanderpool said the city is also adding two peak-demand ambulances
Sterling Heights is hiring four emergency medical technicians who will respond to calls during peak demand
And three positions will also be added to the police department
- A Macomb County man nearly fainted when he won $6 million playing the Michigan Lottery’s $6,000,000 Wealth instant game
“I play scratch off tickets all the time and have been playing for more than 40 years,” said the lucky 60-year-old player
“When I scratched the ticket and saw I won $6 million
I had to scan it on the Lottery app to double check it because I didn’t believe what I was seeing
“The $50 instant games have been a favorite among players since the Lottery launched its first $50 ticket in July 2022,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli
“Congratulations to the lucky winner who claimed the first $6 million top prize on our newest $50 game - $6,000,000 Wealth!”
The player bought his winning ticket at Najors Liquor & Deli
located at 43903 Van Dyke Avenue in Sterling Heights
He recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize
He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $4.1 million rather than annuity payments for the full amount
he plans to take a vacation and then save the remainder
(WXYZ) — The Sterling Heights Police Department has become one of the first agencies in the area to implement a special needs registry
providing emergency crews with critical information about some of the community's most vulnerable residents
The online registry allows families to confidentially share important details about loved ones with special needs
helping first responders approach situations with appropriate awareness and techniques
finally," James Dziendziel said when he first saw the announcement from Sterling Heights police about the new initiative to assist those with special needs
believes the registry will significantly benefit his family
"You won't have to worry as much about where's my child at this given moment and am I going to get my child back," Dziendziel said
The registry allows families to provide first responders with vital information about their loved ones including behavior triggers and de-escalation techniques
but he has eccentric behaviors that can be kind of confusing to the uninitiated out in public," Dziendziel said
When asked if the registry makes him feel safer
who spearheaded the database and related training
says creating a more compassionate response is exactly the goal
"We want to respond with empathy and compassion and we want families to know there's a human being behind this badge," Cole said
so it is watching or listening to the fear of my sister
It really struck a cord with me that we can do more in law enforcement," Cole said
The registration process is straightforward and confidential
the information is reviewed and then shared with emergency dispatch
how it happens is that once they register through the online site
I go over and approve it and then we send that information our dispatch
Dziendziel said the form took him about 10 minutes to complete and allowed him to include critical information about his son
special things that he likes to talk about
special things that he likes to do in order to calm him down," Dziendziel said
He appreciates the department's efforts to better serve the community
compassionate people within our public safety departments that are willing to go that extra step to do something to help the families and to help the needy," Dziendziel said
More information on the special needs registry can be found on the city's website
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI
Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy
(WXYZ) — If you've driven through Sterling Heights
"I think it’s always shocking when you tell people that we have over 4,000 crashes a year
6 to 7 people die due to traffic crashes in the city
"30 to 40 people are involved in serious injury accidents every single year in Sterling Heights
but also for all of our residents that live in neighborhoods and communities around Sterling Heights."
It's because of this that the City of Sterling Heights said they are taking action
Using traffic data from the last five years and community input
they are rolling out a Comprehensive Transportation Safety Action Plan
there is a whole traffic calming task force behind it; "The task force is made up of all different parts of city government
The Safety Action Plan is part of a global movement aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2050
Sterling Heights said that they have already implemented several traffic calming initiatives to enhance roadway safety
"There’s so many different things that you can do
Residents are encouraged to participate in the plan by filling out this traffic calming request form
7 News Detroit spoke to multiple residents about the Safety Action Plan
Resident Susan Binno told us she's noticed lots of speeding in the city and is encouraged to hear about the plan
Resident Tom Szatkowski said speeding is especially bad on the road his house sits on
"Sometimes I sit on my porch in the summertime and watch these guys go by 35
Szatkowski said that he took his concerns to the city council
and the city then painted a speed limit warning in front of his house
"All of this together will make our roadways safer over the next decades."
(WXYZ) — The impact of tariffs is making it to Southeast Michigan
with Stellantis factory workers in Warren and Sterling Heights learning of temporary layoffs coming soon
FULL INTERVIEW: Paul Fenner with Tamma Capital talks about the tariff impacts
Outside the Stellantis Sterling Stamping Plant on Mound Road in Warren where auto workers proudly help make the Jeep Wagoneer, I talked to several workers sharing thoughts on tariffs and 900 U.S. employees being laid off temporarily as a result of idling plants in Canada and Mexico
including workers at Warren and Sterling Heights plants
Everybody is struggling now,” worker Sam Belt said
Always want to come to work and make money,” worker Kyle Chapman said
Stellantis confirmed workers in Sterling Heights and Warren will be impacted with the temporary layoffs
but they will be temporary,” retired worker Brian Pannebecker said
Pannebecker also told me that a day after speaking at the White House
he is confident the short-term pain will result in long-term gain of jobs coming back
“You’re hearing a lot of that bluster from the companies because they don’t want to have to move back here and produce at higher labor costs,” Pannebecker said
president and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association
says tariffs play a critical role in bringing jobs back
we still have some uncertainty in front of us to be sure
We’re looking at a bit of a tough road,” Walsh said
so we don’t work as many hours as we used to
auto workers told me they remain concerned over the long run with factory jobs in the U.S
2025 - The Ram brand put another notch in its belt when Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) assembled its two millionth Ram 1500 on April 16
The truck is a Flame Red 2025 Ram 1500 RHO
the Ram 1500 RHO expands the brand’s off-road sport truck lineup that already consists of Warlock and Rebel — all three are assembled at SHAP.
“The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant is a core facility in our manufacturing footprint
tasked with the difficult responsibility of assembling the Ram 1500
a nameplate with ten trim levels and thousands of configurations,” said Tim Kuniskis
“Handing keys to nearly 2 million Ram 1500 customers takes a strong team as we start an aggressive product cadence for Ram brand.”
The two millionth milestone comes approximately 6 months after the plant celebrated its 40th anniversary as a Stellantis-owned facility
the Company announced that SHAP would be converted from a car assembly plant to a truck assembly plant to produce the Ram 1500
the first Ram 1500 rolled off the production line as a 2019 model
the facility reached the 2 million milestone.
SHAP’s future was in doubt so this is a remarkable accomplishment
and I am so proud of this workforce for their resilience and dedication,” said Chuck Padden
“We have a lot to look forward to as we start building the Ram 1500 with a range of powertrain options
providing freedom of choice for our customers.”
As the primary home for Ram 1500 production
the Company recently invested $235.5 million at the suburban Detroit facility to produce the all-new range-extended Ram 1500 Ramcharger as well as the Company’s first-ever battery electric light-duty truck
Stellantis began transitioning to its next generation of products built on its multi-energy platforms engineered to offer a variety of powertrain options
The 2025 Ram 1500 earned the prestigious Motor Trend Truck of the Year award
the seventh time Ram has achieved this recognition
(WXYZ) — Westbound I-94 near Nine Mile in Macomb County was shut down early Monday morning for a crash that followed a Sterling Heights police chase
The driver being chased was ejected from their vehicle after crashing while attempting to flee Sterling Heights police in a chase. The driver was seriously injured, according to Michigan State Police
Authorities tell us the chase started around 4:30 a.m.
near Metro Parkway between Ryan and Dequindre
The driver eventually onto the freeway on-ramp when they lost control
We're working to learn more about why the chase started in the first place
the highway is closed as police clean up the wreckage and investigate the incident
This crash may affect your morning commute: traffic reporter Ali Hoxie suggests exiting on WB I-696 and southbound Gratiot to Eastbound 8 Mile and Verner
The Sterling Heights Police Department launched a "special needs registry" earlier this month
which police say will help them better respond to individuals with disabilities and medical conditions during an emergency
The online registry allows family members and caregivers to share medical information
de-escalation techniques and other details about an individual with the police
according to Sterling Heights Police Department
"It helps us respond more appropriately and safely to that specific individual's needs," said Lt
The department launched the tool on April 16
making it the second police agency in Macomb County to implement such a registry
Over 30 families have filled out the form so far
which Cole said is "exciting." The department said the information is securely stored and accessible to officers and dispatchers during emergencies
the executive director of The Arc of Macomb County
a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
gave an example of a situation in which it would be helpful for a police officer to have more information about an individual
She said an officer interacts with someone
and "it's a negative experience." So the next time an officer comes to the individual's house
he refuses to come out of the home when directed to do so
"He's not necessarily refusing to come out because he's being naughty
He's refusing to come out because he's afraid," she said
adding that perhaps he was tased during his last interaction with the police
nonverbal teenager was shot repeatedly by Idaho police from the other side of a chain-link fence while holding a knife and later died
Officers opened fire soon after getting out of their patrol cars and made no apparent effort to de-escalate the situation
"Obviously that is a tragedy that we at the Sterling Heights Police Department want to most certainly prevent and never encounter," Cole said
"I can't speak on behalf of those officers or who was on scene
but the loss of life is an absolute tragedy
and not having the knowledge and the training to respond to those in crisis is tragic."
He said he was already working on the registry before this incident
because other tragedies have occurred previously involving people with special needs
He said individuals of any age with physical
cognitive or developmental disabilities can be registered
The registry allows their caregivers and family members to input de-escalation techniques
behavior triggers and critical information about the individual such as communication needs
He said some individuals with disabilities don't respond well to loud noises or flashing police lights
officers can shut off their sirens and make sure their lights aren't on before arriving to the scene of an emergency
the registry can let police know what triggers or comforts them
Cole said he is an instructor for Macomb County's Crisis Intervention Team program
which is a program that trains law enforcement officers on how to respond to individuals in a mental health crisis or other crisis
he learned from The Arc of Macomb County about special needs registries
"This is something that is extremely important
The idea was first implemented in Macomb County by Clinton Township Police Department. Madison Heights Police Department and Auburn Hills Police Department, both in Oakland County, also have special needs registries, and the Michigan State Police has a Vulnerable or Impaired Person program
Cole said he started working on a registry for Sterling Heights Police Department in February
special education and the SpArc Program at The Arc of Macomb County
said her organization is "so in support" of the special needs registry because of the Crisis Intervention Team training that is occurring in Macomb County
She said police officers are being trained on how to interact with people with disabilities
and the special needs registry is "another tool for them to use through their dispatch services."
Lind said the registry gives the police officer more information so they don't make assumptions that could end up leading to a violent situation
"It protects the law enforcement," she said
"It protects the person with a disability."
A 27-year-old man is in critical condition after leading Sterling Heights police on a car chase and crashing on Interstate 94 early Monday
Police said the Detroit resident was ejected from a Dodge Charger after he lost control of the vehicle
in the area of Metropolitan Parkway and Dequindre Road
Police said they were called by a car owner who reported his vehicle was being stolen from his home's driveway
Officers arrived and license plate readers notified them that the vehicle was still in the area
police saw a suspicious black Dodge Charger
but the Charger's driver tried to elude them
The officers tried to conduct a traffic stop
Police twice deployed devices designed to slow a vehicle down by puncturing its tires
Officers continued to chase the Charger through the neighboring city of Warren
Investigators said the driver lost control of the car as he neared Nine Mile
Authorities said the investigation into the incident is ongoing
They also said the Michigan State Police is investigating the crash on I-94
Anyone with information about the incident should call the Sterling Heights Police Investigation Division at (586) 446-2825
The incident is the latest involving a police pursuit on Metro Detroit roadways
In late March, a man allegedly robbed a Warren marijuana business and led police on a car chase into Detroit that ended when he crashed into an unoccupied home
The same week, a Carleton man allegedly led Monroe County Sheriff's deputies on a chase after he threatened staff at a credit union and demanded money
Earlier last month, a 19-year-old Southfield man allegedly led Berkley police on a car chase after they tried to pull him over near 12 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway
(WXYZ) — A Sterling Heights man says he was riding his bike at James C Nelson Park Tuesday evening when two individuals let their dogs attack him
with 20 stitches and out of work for the time being
Both dogs and bike riders are welcome at James C Nelson Park
but Craig Rybarz says a man and woman who both looked to be around 60 years old became frustrated as Rybarz attempted to pass the two
He says he whistled to let them know he was on their left side
The man and woman had two large dogs with them and allegedly did not want to let Rybarz through
so I pulled my arm back and kept going and he bit me pretty good," Rybarz said
the owners even slightly let go of the leashes
The guy kind of laughed at it and I said 'man
"She says that’s what you get and if you come back you’ll get bit again.”
Rybarz rode off to get medical attention and called police
His family says this could have been a lot worse
“He’s got brain issues and stuff like that
If he would’ve bled out on the trail and they would’ve just left
I would be right now without a dad," Rybarz's son Dominic said
Both Craig and Dominic Rybarz work at their concrete company
and Craig has been out of work due to the pain associated with his injury
he's just happy it was him that was bitten and not the many children at the park and on the trail
it makes me not want to bring my kids here to be honest with you
'Cause if somebody’s gonna do that to my dad
what are they gonna do to some kid that’s just riding their bike," Dominic Rybarz said
Sterling Heights police say they are investigating and detectives are currently trying to get any video that could help identify the two individuals
The presses will stop humming in metro Detroit this summer as the printing facility on Mound Road that publishes Michigan’s largest newspapers closes
The shuttering of the Sterling Heights Operations Facility will shed 115 jobs and transfer the production of 32 newspapers to other facilities
The facility will print its last copies of the Detroit Free Press on Sunday
local media reported the sale of the sprawling printing plant — which also publishes The Detroit News — from Gannett to an Ohio developer
Gannett at the time said it had entered into a lease to continue printing newspapers at the plant
Tuesday’s announcement stated that the lease is expiring and a new deal could not be reached
“Where our newspaper is printed does not impact our ability to provide continued outstanding service to the community,” the company said in a statement
“As our business becomes increasingly digital
we are making strategic decisions to ensure the future of local journalism
The Detroit Free Press will continue to provide readers with quality
local journalism that matters most to them
and to connect our valued advertising partners with the customers they want to reach.”
The company thanked the employees at the printing facility who will feel the impact most
“We deeply appreciate the many years of service our valued colleagues have dedicated to our Detroit facility and the local community,” the statement said
The printing plant closure will not affect the newsrooms at the Free Press or the News
which operate under a Joint Operating Agreement that expires at the end of 2025
which allows for separate newsrooms but combined business operations; the News has a separate owner
The newspapers have not announced whether the JOA will extend beyond 2025
the Detroit News and the other titles will be printed elsewhere in Michigan and in Ohio
Beside the Detroit dailies and several Michigan papers
the Sterling Heights plant also prints USA TODAY
The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal
The Sterling Heights Operation Facility opened in 1972
The site sits on 40 acres of land and is roughly 700,000 square feet in size
Gannett invested $180 million installing six new state-of-the-art Manroland presses
The facility runs 250 press jobs on a weekly basis and prints Gannett newspapers that stretch from Sault Ste
as well as commercial jobs such as the Oakland Press
The city of Sterling Heights is planning to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through a variety of steps
ranging from increasing the efficiency of buildings to installing more electric vehicle charging stations to promoting composting
Sterling Heights City Council approved the city's first-ever Climate Action Plan earlier this month
The plan serves as a roadmap to get the city to net zero emissions
a planner for the city of Sterling Heights
Net zero emissions means that the Sterling Heights community would offset the same amount of greenhouse gasses as it produces
Sterling Heights said its goal aligns with the MI Healthy Climate Plan
which is the state's plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050
Richards said Sterling Heights' Climate Action Plan looks at ways to mitigate the city's greenhouse gas emissions and strategies that would increase the community's resiliency to climate change
The plan focuses on five key areas: buildings
Richards said Sterling Heights city staff and City Council members recognize "the important role" that local government plays in addressing climate change
The plan also takes into account residents' safety
"If you're not planning for climate change and the impact of climate change
you're not taking into account the future well-being of your citizens," she said
Richards said the city worked with consultant Fresh Coast Climate Solutions on the creation of the plan
She said the city spent $195,000 on a rewrite of its Master Land Use Plan
and $65,000 of that sum was allocated to the making of the Climate Action Plan
The city received $40,000 in grants to offset the total cost
She said that five years into the plan's implementation
the city will evaluate the progress it has made and make any necessary adjustments
a nonprofit that works with local organizations on climate change solutions
Several cities also plan to become carbon neutral community-wide by 2050 or sooner
Areas of focusOne area Sterling Heights will focus on is buildings
Richards said buildings account for approximately 70% of the community's emissions
She said the city plans to reduce the amount of energy required to operate buildings and source energy from renewable sources
The city also will focus on transportation
which accounts for about 26% of Sterling Heights' community-wide emissions
She said the city wants to increase options for other modes of transportation than cars
It also wants to transition the city away from internal combustion vehicles
She said that Sterling Heights doesn't "have a lot of EV chargers," which is one of the barriers to people adopting EVs
She said people fear that they're going to get "kind of stranded somewhere."
"So the fact that we can kind of aid in helping reduce that fear is helpful," she said
Richards said there are no "strict mandates" in the Climate Action Plan
it identifies way to support residents in responding to climate change
the city wants to help support energy audits for homes
which will save residents' money on their energy bills
"It's important we act now to ensure a cleaner
healthier and more resilient community for future generations," said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor said in a press release
Sterling Heights is looking at implementing measures to make roads safer with the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the city by 2050
Sterling Heights City Council passed the city's first Comprehensive Transportation Safety Action Plan at its meeting March 17
The plan outlines steps the city can take to improve safety
"The comprehensive traffic safety plan is really just a gigantic toolbox of different things you can do to make roadways safer," said Assistant City Manager Dale Dwojakowski
reforesting a street and narrowing the roadway are some steps
Cities that have gone through the safety planning process get priority when applying for federal grants for traffic calming measures
The city started developing the plan last year with funds from a $400,000 federal Safe Streets for All grant
there were 20,942 crashes in Sterling Heights
resulting in 33 fatalities and 172 serious injuries
producing 6.6 fatalities and 34.4 serious injuries a year on average
Crashes in Sterling Heights occur at an annual rate of 31.2 crashes per 1,000 people
which is higher than Macomb County's rate (23) and Michigan's rate (28.3)
though crashes in Sterling Heights are less likely to result in a fatality or serious injury than crashes in county or state
Sterling Heights wants to achieve "Vision Zero" ― zero fatalities and serious injuries on city roads ― by 2050
"This plan is going to be the vehicle by which we secure further grant funding
which reduces the cost to our residents to make our residents safer," said Councilman Michael Radtke
He said he and his colleagues get calls from residents about people driving unsafely in their neighborhoods
The plan will push forward Sterling Heights' Traffic Calming Program
which is designed to address vehicle speeding and traffic safety concerns
a group of city administrators and consultants
will collaborate with residents to identify concerns
conduct studies and implement solutions to reduce speeds
cut down on distracted driving and otherwise improve traffic safety
which the city acknowledges is "one of the highest crash corridors in Sterling Heights." Dwojakowski said the city will be applying for federal grants for Ryan this year
“The reimagination of Ryan Road is one of our top priorities,” said city engineer Brent Bashaw in a news release
“By taking a proactive approach and seeking federal funding that can help make important safety measures a reality
we are ensuring that Sterling Heights remains at the forefront of traffic safety innovation.”
The city has already implemented some traffic calming measures in a pilot program
which are raised areas of the roadway meant to slow down vehicles
and "mini roundabouts" were placed along Amsterdam Drive
Medians were also installed on Pond View Drive
Dwojakowski said resident feedback has been "very positive" to the measures in the pilot
everything we've done appears to be working
so we're going to keep going in that direction
Tom Szatkowski said he brought concerns about reckless driving past his home on Viceroy Street to the City Council in 2023
"I said I'd like to have a few more speed limits put on, maybe a few stop signs in the street because Viceroy goes from 14 to 15 Mile without any stop signs," he said in a video posted on the city's SHTV1 YouTube channel
the city installed "Slow - 25 MPH" markings directly to the roadway along Viceroy
The city is encouraging other residents to participate by reporting concerns about speeding
bicycle or pedestrian safety and other roadway hazards via a "Traffic Calming Request Form." Submitted requests are analyzed and incorporated into the online Traffic Calming Program’s Progress Report
which provides real-time updates on locations under review
the status of ongoing projects and future implementation plans based on community input and traffic studies
Residents can submit the form, view the progress report and learn more about the program at sterlingheights.gov/trafficcalming
@max_detroitnews
Stellantis has announced it would idle plants and begin layoffs
President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff on imported vehicles was put into action at midnight
The White House has also said it plans to place tariffs on key auto parts and components
Stellantis’ North American COO Antonio Filosa said that despite seeing market growth since January
the company would idle its Windsor Assembly Plant for two weeks and its Toluca Assembly Plant for April and temporarily lay off 900 workers
"With the new automotive sector tariffs now in effect
it will take our collective resilience and discipline to push through this challenging time,“ Filosa wrote
”But we will quickly adapt to these policy changes and will protect our company
and continue delivering great products to our customers."
The layoffs will impact workers at the Warren and Sterling Heights stamping plants
as well as workers at the Indiana Transmission Plant and the Kokomo Transmission and Casting plants
In March, Stellantis offered buyouts to workers.
Filosa said the automaker is working with stakeholders, including government leaders, unions, suppliers and dealers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as they work to adapt to the new tariffs.
Dane Kelly is an Oreo enthusiast and producer who has spent the last seven years covering Michigan news and stories.
A Sterling Heights man convicted of sexually assaulting a girl in 2023 has been sentenced to prison
was sentenced Thursday in Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens to 25-75 years in prison
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido and court records said
His sentence comes about two months after a jury found him guilty of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13 years old; one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13 years old; one count of criminal sexual conduct-assault with intent to commit sexual penetration; and one count of indecent exposure
Lucido said Middleton will serve his sentences on the lesser charges concurrently with the criminal sexual conduct conviction
Middleton will be required to register as a sex offender and be electronically monitored for life if he is released from prison
"This sentence reflects the severity of these crimes and ensures that this man will no longer be able to harm innocent children," Lucido said
"My office remains dedicated to seeking justice for victims and holding offenders accountable
I commend the bravery of the young survivor and the dedication of our prosecutors and law enforcement in securing this conviction."
Middleton's attorney was not immediately available for comment on Tuesday
Authorities alleged Middleton sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions in 2023
A jury found Middleton guilty after a four-day trial
He faced life in prison for each of the first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges
up to 15 years for the second-degree charge
up to 10 years for the assault charge and one year for indecent exposure
Last week, a Metro Detroit urologist and team doctor for several area hockey teams pleaded no contest to 28 felonies for allegedly sexually assaulting patients
Last month, a Shelby Township man with an active immigration hold from the Department of Homeland Security was ordered to stand trial for the alleged repeated sexual assault of a child under 13
MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A Sterling Heights man was arrested in connection to a suspected drug operation bust on Wednesday.
Multiple units from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office were executing narcotics search warrants at three addresses in Metro Detroit: The 1400 block of Maisano Drive in Sterling Heights, the 20000 East 9 Mile in St. Clair Shores and the 2400 block of Murray Street in Harrison Township.
John Gramlich, 39, was arrested during the searches and taken to the Macomb County Jail.
Gramlich was arraigned Friday morning at the 41-A District Court on multiple charges relating to maintaining a drug house, possessing drugs with intent to deliver or manufacture and concealing firearms.
Samantha Sayles is an Oakland University alumna who’s been writing Michigan news since 2022. Before joining the ClickOnDetroit team, she wrote stories for WILX in Lansing and WEYI in Flint.
A Macomb County man accused of fatally shooting another man and holding police at bay for hours is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday
is expected to attend a probable cause hearing in 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights via videoconference
The Center Line resident was charged Tuesday with first-degree premeditated murder
using a firearm during the commission of a felony
as well as resisting and obstructing a police officer
A magistrate ordered Svacha held without bond
He also scheduled a preliminary examination of the case against him for Feb
Court records did not list an attorney for Svacha on Monday
His charges stem from a barricaded gunman situation in Center Line and a man's fatal shooting at a Sterling Heights motel on Feb
Police said Svacha allegedly shot and killed Jajuan Marls
at the Extended Stay America motel on Van Dyke Avenue near 14 Mile Road in Sterling Heights
Svacha allegedly fled from the motel to his Center Line home
Officials said he refused to exit the home in the 8400 block of State Park Street near Van Dyke and Stephens Road when police arrived
Authorities said Svacha dropped his firearm
exited the house and was arrested after hours of negotiation
"This was a senseless and tragic act of violence that took the life of an individual," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement
"Our office is committed to ensuring that justice is served
We will pursue this case to hold the defendant accountable for his actions
Our thoughts remain with the victim’s loved ones as they navigate this devastating loss."
Svacha's alleged standoff with police is the latest incident involving a barricaded gunman in Metro Detroit
Last week, a gunman who kept police at bay took his own life in Farmington after he allegedly assaulted a woman
In December, a Farmington Hills barricaded gunman was arrested after he assaulted his wife while drunk
In September
another Farmington Hills man was shot and wounded by police after he barricaded himself in his home and fired at officers