By Maggie Boleyn
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

HAZEL PARK IS A RESILIENT CITY, able to weather what Edward Klobucher, City Manager, termed a “quadruple whammy” during the early years of the new millennium. The four disasters: Decreased housing values, declines in the racing industry, cuts to revenue sharing and a “broken municipal financing system” were met in traditional Hazel Park style — with a strong sense of a community pulling together to meet difficulties head on.

“The tremendous sense of community, combined with volunteer efforts in the city, is the secret sauce,” Klobucher said. “We came through these chal-lenges in a way that other, similarly situated cities did not,” he continued.

“Hazel Park is the only city of its type to remain masters of our own destiny.” Klobucher is a lifelong Hazel Park resident, Hazel Park’s longest-serving city manager and one of the longest-serving in Oakland County.
The 2008 collapse of the housing market, followed by “The Great Recession,” decreased housing values nationwide. Most of Hazel Park’s homes were built between the 1920s-1960s, and it is a challenge to keep those older homes maintained. “It’s a never-ending battle keeping up with the aging housing stock,” Klobucher said. Lower property values are problematic because this leads directly to lower tax revenues, making it difficult to fund City services.

Declines in the horse racing industry in general, and the Hazel Park Raceway, in particular have been another hurdle for Hazel Park. Klobucher said the City has had a long, “symbiotic relationship” with the race track, and declining revenue took a toll. In the 1950s, the Raceway provided nearly one-half of Hazel Park’s tax revenue. Today, the track revenue is only two per cent.

The Headlee Amendment of 1978 and Proposal A of 1994 interact in such a way as to keep Hazel Park’s revenues obtained from its taxes in a vice. The City can only significantly improve its tax base with new construction. Unfortunately, Hazel Park is a fully built-out inner ring suburb with no avail-able land; thus the City tax revenues will fail to rise significantly no matter how high Hazel Park’s property values rise.

The 2014 flood dealt another major blow to Hazel Park, once more testing the mettle of residents. Again, community members stepped up and boldly faced the catastrophe. “It was a unifying, community-based response,” Klobucher said. Any interruption to garbage collection would have wreaked havoc with public health. However, members of the Public Works Department, the Water Department along with Police, Fire and other city employees immediately pitched in to avert further disaster. Three dump trucks were quickly obtained, and over one-third of the garbage was swiftly removed, ahead of scheduled pickups. “That was done on our own resources,” Klobucher said.

Klobucher outlined three approaches he considers key to moving forward into the future: Bringing new development to Hazel Park, encouraging education through the Hazel Park Promise Zone, and improving property values via participation in Land CURE, Inc. (Cities for Urban Revitalization and Enhancement, a non-profit public charity established for the purpose of “creating better neighborhoods in the inner-ring suburbs of Detroit.”)

NEW DEVELOPMENT IS CRUCIAL TO THE FUTURE of Hazel Park. New businesses contribute to tax revenue and attract people to the city. Klobucher noted it is extremely challenging to “shoehorn new development” into existing spaces.

One very exciting new business in Hazel Park is Mabel Gray, located on John R between Hamata and Chestnut, in a rehabilitated diner. Mabel Gray opened to stellar reviews, and was named one of the best new restaurants in America. Chef James Rigato presents adventurous fare which changes with the seasons.

New construction continues apace at 10 Mile and Dequindre, using space from the Hazel Park Raceway to build a 575-thousand square foot commerce center. Klobucher says that new construction is occurring in “nearly every corridor” in the city. Plans include adding new stores and a Secretary of State’s office at 8 Mile and Dequindre.

Education plays a key role in maintaining the viability of the community. Klobucher said that Hazel Park is becoming a “learning community,” and the “Promise Zone” has a prominent role. According to the City’s web site, The Promise Zone guarantees all resident graduates of Hazel Park Schools “a tuition-free path to an associate’s degree, often through pre-existing scholarships.” Promise Zone tuition monies can be used at any accredited trade school, community college, college or university in the state of Michigan. Promise Zone monies are paid directly to a student’s institution, and cover tuition and fees, excluding books. “Other places talk about providing education,” Klobucher said. “In Hazel Park, we are already doing it.”

The Land CURE program aims to upgrade existing housing stock in Hazel Park. “It’s most important function is to raise property values,” Klobucher said. He points out that improved property values benefit all residents. Klobucher is a co-founder of Land CURE and has served as Board President since Land CURE’s inception.

Drawing on the past and present spirit of Hazel Park, Klobucher is upbeat. “When I look to the future, working with the Mayor and City Council, I want to position Hazel Park to be sustainable; to survive and thrive.”

Information compiled by Richard E. Robbins

Early Years 1800-1923
THE HISTORY OF HAZEL PARK, MICHIGAN begins with Native Americans that hunted and lived on the land Hazel Park lies on. Stone artifacts from prehistory, such as arrowheads and other implements, were found in excavations throughout the area.

Hazel Park starte its official life as Royal Oak Township in 1833, when Shuabel Conant became the first landowner in 1835 with a grant from the U. S. Government. Conant and his heirs sold off parcels of land to settlers. Among the settlers were the Lacey, Grix, Benjamin, Neusius, Meinke, Grow and Truba families. Many street names, schools, and parks were named for these and other pioneer families in the area.

The naming of Hazel Park has two competing origin stories. The first is attributed to the real estate developer Burnette Fechette Stephenson, for whom the Stephenson Highway was named. He, per his son’s obituary, named the Hazel Park Subdivision for his future wife, Hazel Kirk. Howard H. Beecher penning in a paper for his college degree, stated, “The name was given to the area by a real estate company at the time it was bought and subdivided.” The name Hazel Park was also opposed by newspapermen in editorials, as it had an association to the developers of subdivisions in the city and it was felt that the city should have a clean start.

A second naming origin story has its roots in the Hazel brush shrubberies found in Oakland County. The shrubbery was mentioned to also be around Pontiac in the 1912 History of Oakland County, and per some accounts, to be quite abundant around Royal Oak Township’s lowlands. The name of the school district was purportedly named after the hazel brush plant, but that may have been the name of the one-room school house located at 9 Mile and John R’s south west corner. The Hazel Park school district did not get its official name until sometime in the 1940s or ‘50s.

Extensive research has concluded that the stories could both be true. The developer B.F. Stephenson could have adopted the name used by the schools for use in his subdivision, overlaying that named sub over his existing 9-Oakland sub, naming the subdivision for his fiancée.

The area where I-75 lies today was also purchased and developed by B.F. Stephenson, as an area where the Stephenson Line trolley was created around 1916. The trolley reportedly used to fall off the tracks around Goulson Street, according to some accounts. It was removed after 1931, after the closing of the Highland Park Ford plant. It then became the right-of-way for Stephenson Highway, and later I-75. The “S” curve in I-75 is there because the land was not available to B.F. Stephenson and his partners for a straight track run to 4th street in Royal Oak!

Growing Pains 1923-1941
AS AN EXTENSION OF THE EXPLOSIVE GROWTH of the North Woodward area and Highland Park, Hazel Park was “discovered” after a section of Woodward was closed due to construction in 1922. Motorists redirected to John R found an affordable new area with subdivisions in the process of construction. Quickly, the population grew. Henry Ford’s Highland Park plant started operations about 1914, providing jobs for the new residents of Hazel Park. Other subdivisions came into being, with some areas having modest homes built by the people attracted by the wages paid at the Ford plant in Highland Park. Because of the high cost of land in Detroit at the time, the Hazel Park area became an alternative to Detroit. Many early landowners attached family names to streets, including Andresen Court. Many families built homes on weekends and, as the area was unincorporated, zoning and building standards were rather lax.

These were not easy times for the residents of Hazel Park. As Hazel Park was not an incorporated city at the time, the area suffered due to lack of infrastructure. According to Howard H. Beecher, at one point, Hazel Park was the most populous unincorporated area in the country. The following was written about the area in 1928 by Beecher (who later became the principal of Hazel Park High School).

“The housing conditions are bad in some parts of Hazel Park. There are many modern well-kept homes with five or six rooms and quite a large number of modern, two-family income bungalows. On the other hand, there are many garage homes that have only two or three rooms. I have no data so I cannot compute the house congestion but I do know that in many of these small houses, father, mother, and five or six children have to live. It is hard to conceive of the conditions that the school nurses tell about in their report.”

Many busine

sses sprang up in the business district both north and south on John R, as well as on other major arteries including 8 Mile Road and Stephenson Highway. Many stores, restaurants, and theaters were constructed in the city. Boxing matches were held in an arena on John R. Hazel Park Bowl had a facility on John R. Many churches were also constructed, and expanded, as the population grew.
During this time of unregulated growth, the Hazel Park School District grew as well. From the initial one-room schoolhou

se on the southwest corner of John R and 9 Mile (later moved to become Frank Neusius’ barbershop and store), the district embarked on a building campaign. Construction of Lacey School, United Oaks Elementary, and Wanda Elementary began. The old Hazel Park High School (which became Howard H. Beecher Junior High in 1965) was added in 1929.

While times were tough, the citizens improved the area through their own efforts. Clubs like the Hazel Park Exchange Club were responsible for improvements including the first traffic signal, a police booth, and various other civic improvements. Through the Great Depression, the area suffered greatly. Various attempts to incorporate failed, and various attempts by both Detroit and neighboring Ferndale to annex also failed for various reasons. Newspapers came and went in the Hazel Park area as well, some with a purely political agenda. The Hazel Park Palladium, also known as the Hazel Park News, was one of the longest-lasting, publishing through 1978.

Birth of a City 1942-1960
THE YEARS LEADING TO THE OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II brought about great changes to the Hazel Park area. The war effort, as in many other cities, involved scrap drives and other cooperative efforts to defeat the Axis Powers. A consensus of the benefits of civic cooperation also took hold. The citizens began constructing a new library building on East Pearl and Rhodes. Spearheaded by John D. Erickson, the citizens held card parties and various fundraisers to pay for the construction and furnishing of the new library.

In 1941, the citizens finally decided the time was right for incorporation, and on February 2, 1942 the city incorporated. The first council meeting was held in the foyer of the Hazel Park City Library (which was renamed the John E Erickson Memorial Library after John E. Erickson’s death in 1948).

After WWII, the city continued to grow in population. More homes were built, and the business district grew. The addition of the Hazel Park Raceway in 1948 was instrumental in the city’s growth. By providing additional revenue, it solidified the financial situation of the city for many years.

City services, such as enhanced park programs, a new recreation center, and other benefits for citizens were added during this time. A new city hall was constructed on Stephenson Highway, replacing the old city hall on 9 Mile. Though the city itself was thriving, many problems remained from the years of growth as a township. An “urban renewal” project was undertaken to rid Hazel Park of substandard housing. Thus, the area known as “the Courts” was constructed. These homes, after more than 50 years, are still a fine addition to the city.

Civic Changes 1960-1970
THE 1960S BROUGHT A WAVE OF CHANGE TO HAZEL PARK. The expansion of the I-75 freeway doomed a portion of the business district along John R. The City Hall that was built in the ‘50s was also demolished by this expansion. A new city hall was needed, and the city acted. As the Hazel Park Library was too small for further expansion, it was decided that a new city hall and library were to be constructed at the corner of 9 Mile and John R roads for a new civic center. Designed by Josh Machida of Machida and Associates, both buildings were finished by 1970.

During this same period, Lacey school was demolished on the southwest corner, as well as three city blocks of homes and businesses on the north-west corner of 9 Mile and John R. In its place, a ten-story Holiday Inn hotel was constructed, as well as what became known as Cambridge Mall, with shops and a movie theater included in the development.

The Modern Era 1970-present
THE CITY GRADUALLY BECAME RELATIVELY STABLE during the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. In the late ‘90s and early years after 2000, the city and school district undertook additional remodeling of the city landscape.

Streetscape programs and repaving efforts were undertaken along John R and 9 Mile Roads, installing new decorative street lighting. The city also added a new ice arena along Woodward Heights. The school district remodeled all their elementary schools and the high school, demolished the old Beecher Junior High school and United Oaks Elementary, and constructed a new junior high (same location as the previous junior high), and a new United Oaks Elementary.

The calamitous traffic accident and explosion on I-75, and subsequent destruction of the 9 Mile bridge, in July 2009 was an event few will ever forget. The actions of our city’s first responders that day were memorable, and a shining moment in the city’s history. Another memorable event in the history was the flood of August 2014. This flood mirrored the flood that happened in 1948 in Hazel Park. The response by the citizens and city government shows the great resilience of our city.

New home construction and a large expansion of the Hazel Park Raceway have been bright spots in Hazel Park’s recent history. Remodeling of the business district continues with the addition of a new strip mall on the southeast corner of 9 Mile and John R, replacing what was remaining from the older business district. In Spring of 2010, the former Holiday Inn was demolished for the construction of a new CVS pharmacy. The addition of new restaurants in the area south of Woodward Heights in 2016 is a great starting point for what promises to be a walkable downtown area for the city.

At both ends of the city, new developments are also bringing jobs and people into our city. At 8 Mile and Dequindre, a new Save-A-Lot and other retail buildings are adding businesses to that area. Also, a portion of the Hazel Park racetrack property is being redeveloped at the time of this writing for what will become the largest building ever constructed in the city, and which will house light industrial uses. Expansion of warehouse space along 9 Mile Road is also increasing Hazel Park’s tax base, and a remodeling of the first police station and firehouse on 9 Mile Road is being undertaken as well.

The 43rd District court expansion and the remodeling of the City Hall building will remake the look and feel for the John R/9 Mile Road area. The City continues to change and grow. Hazel Park has proven itself to be adaptable to change, and will continue that tradition in the coming years. While Hazel Park has had a remarkable historical legacy, the city continues to look to the future; ever mindful of our heritage.

By Sara E. Teller
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

HAZEL PARK’S SCHOOL DISTRICT, WHICH IS CURRENTLY COMPRISED OF 16 BUILDINGS to accommodate students pre-school through 12th grade, is committed to providing a top-notch learning environment for its diverse student population. The average student-to-teacher ratio is 18-to-one, and the district includes a minority population of 27 per cent. Eighty-four per cent of students are expected to graduate from the district’s high school each year.

The mission statement of the District states: “The Hazel Park School District, in collaboration with all stakeholders, prepares and supports students for the future through innovation and technology.” There are many core values and concepts school officials abide by to ensure this mission is achieved. A notable commitment to learning includes the district’s decision to provide each and every student with a laptop or iPad through its One-to-One Program, meaning one student to one device. Nearly 4,000 Chromebooks and iPads have been distributed to students grades K-12. In addition, each student is given a Google account with unlimited storage. The district believes this program helps to enable the students to learn at their own pace. It also aids in getting families involved in the learning process.

Hazel Park’s classrooms are equipped with interactive projectors, high speed Internet access, and a new video distribution system as well as new audio systems. The district is focused on “creating a college-going culture, starting as early as kindergarten.” The faculty and staff work closely with students’ support networks to provide families with the tools they need to ensure students are successful. Hazel Park has also developed special programs to help students who are struggling with reading and math, and free tutoring is offered for all students at every grade level. The school district is dedicated to providing a caring, healthy, safe and respectful environment for all students, and continually supports the social, emotional, physical, and academic needs of each child. Student achievement is the core of every decision made by the school’s leadership team. All students are given the ability to learn and all students, staff and families are actively engaged in learning.

Hazel Park Schools prides itself on ensuring all stakeholders are provided with high quality, researched-based curriculum which is aligned with all required state standards. Its high school, which offers a variety of programs and initiatives, including advanced placement opportunities for schools to give them a head start toward achieving college credit, earned a bronze model this year in the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools ranking. As far as extracurricular activities, Hazel Park offers 60 after-school activities and competitive sports programs at all levels, in which each student plays for free.

A Brief History
Hazel Park’s school district was established in 1884. In 1882, John W. Benjamin, Inspector of the Royal Oak school district, petitioned the State of Michigan to develop a new district in Hazel Park, and his wish became a reality two years later. The first school in the city was situated on the southwestern corner of Nine Mile Road and John R Road. Twenty five children attended.

It wouldn’t be until the Ford Motor Company of Highland Park expanded, and people became more interested in settling in the area, that the District would begin to expand. In the 1920s, new schools opened, offering music, drawing, penmanship and physiology, among many other subjects. An orchestra and girls’ glee club were also organized. And, the first class of Hazel Park High School graduated in the 1930s.

Wilfred Webb, a longstanding public servant for Hazel Park, was one of the foundations of the Hazel Park schools. Mr. Webb was a State Representative, an educator and Superintendent of Hazel Park Schools. Webb’s name appears on a Hazel Park elementary school, and the library is dedicated in his memory. He served Hazel Park Schools for 35 years, starting as a teacher and then working his way up to principal of the junior high school, high school counselor and, ultimately, Superintendent.

Mr. Webb also helped found the Hazel Park Youth Assistance program in 1953, a collaborative effort between the school district and the courts to “keep kids in the classroom and out of the courtroom.” The program was so successful that it became a model, as Oakland County now works with all communities in the county on Youth Assistance programs. In 1985, he was inducted into the Michigan Education Hall of Fame. Mr. Webb was a pillar of the community and one the school district’s greatest assets.

At the turn of the century, in the early 2000s, it became evident that many of the existing buildings would need to be replaced or remodeled. Voters approved a$56 million-dollar bond in 2002 to serve this purpose. With the funding, a new junior high was built to replace Beecher Junior High, and a new elementary building was constructed in place of United Oaks Elementary School. Webb Elementary School was remodeled, and students from other locations were moved into this facility. The number of elementary schools was reduced overall from eight to six, and two junior high schools were combined into one.

The renovations provided a welcomed change. However, the efforts were short-lived. When Michigan’s economy took a turn for the worse and entered in the recession, student numbers declined. Funding was reduced, and several elementary schools, namely Ford, LongFellow, and Roosevelt preschool, closed in 2007. This led to a more recent plan to redevelop school policies, increase funding and focus on new initiatives, such as a Community Engagement Team, which caused enrollment to increase by over 100 students.

The Road Ahead
The Hazel Park student body continues to excel despite its challenges. Some recent student achievements include an art student receiving a National Gold Key Award at Carnegie Hall and several Hazel Park High School students showcasing their artwork at Children’s Hospital. A varsity girls’ soccer player made it onto an all regional team and a color guard student won the state title. Hazel Park’s robotics team competed nationally and the Hazel Park band played at a Detroit Pistons game.

This year, the Hazel Park Board of Education and the Hazel Park Education Association approved the restoration of certain benefits to teachers, as well as additional training and a longer school year. Five more classroom days were added, with the current school year ending on June 16, 2017. The start time for school was also modified to better accommodate parents who drop their children off in the morning.

The agreement worked toward reestablishing the salaries formerly offered to teachers, with an approved two-percent increase, and the goal of the District is to begin moving out of debt overall by the year 2020. It also helped the District to reopen media centers and add social workers at its elementary schools to address behavioral concerns. The District began participating in Project Lead the Way, which will deepen students’ knowledge of basic computer science and engineering concepts — it received a $20,000 grant to help with the implementation of this program.

Superintendent Amy Kruppe is confident the recent changes will make for a bright future. “We are extremely optimistic for the future of Hazel Park Schools. We have fantastic teachers, our enrollment is increasing, we have an outstanding administrative team and Board of Education. As we work together to increase opportunities for our students such as Project Lead the Way, our Chrysler Program, or new Literacy Programs, we know that our students will be graduating ready to enter into society as complete, productive citizens of Michigan. Our partnership with the City, The Promise Zone and our families make it impossible to not be successful. We are excited about what is yet to come for our students of Hazel Park.”