By Corrine Stocker
Photos by Bernie Laframboise & Hazel Park Historical Museum

HAZEL PARK LIBRARY HISTORY THROUGH THE YEARS
1912-1936
THE ORIGIN OF LIBRARIES IN HAZEL PARK STARTS with the creation of a library in the one room-school built at the southwest corner of 9 Mile Road and John R on July 8, 1912, by the school board of the School District # 8. The first librarian was the school teacher at that time, Minnie Brooks.
The Board established a fund with the Township for a library, and books were purchased. In 1920, the library was moved to Lacey School, and functioned as a school library only during these years.

1936-1970
IN MAY 1936, the Hazel Park Parent Teacher Association Council invited representatives from all religious, fraternal, business, social and community groups to meet to discuss the establishment of a public library in Hazel Park. Twenty-eight organizations responded. A temporary organization was instituted, with Mr. John E. Erickson appointed as temporary chairman and Mr. William Jewell as temporary secretary. The P.T.A. Council appropriated$227.00 as an initial gift.

A house-to-house canvass for books was organized and, at 1:30 P.M., a colorful parade of school children, dressed in costumes to represent characters in children’s books, was held. During the afternoon and evening a community fair was conducted with Mr. Carl Frostman acting as chairman; the net proceeds from this fair amounted to $403.00.

On November 4, 1936, a permanent library organization was established, a Constitution adopted and officers elected. Each organization involved elect-ed or appointed its own representative. With the $630.00 available from the Parent Teacher Associations, council donation and the Community Fair, books and equipment were purchased, and the library was formally opened on December 12, 1936 in a room loaned by the Board of Education in the basement of the Lacey School. There were 1,617 volumes in the library on the opening day. The library continued to function in the basement of the Lacey School until June 1, 1939, when it was moved to a room on Woodruff Street in the Lofft Building.

In May, 1937, a movement was started for a building as a permanent home of the library. A drive for funds was conducted through the community during the week of June 14, 1937, which netted $892.70. The fund grew steadily with contributions from 20 organizations and many individuals all over the district, until it amounted to $1,939.82.

On November 12, 1937, two lots at the corner of Pearl and Rhodes Streets were purchased at a net cost of $368.89 as a site for a library building. This left a balance of $1,579.93 for building purposes. Besides the material purchased, many private contractors in Hazel Park and Detroit donated material toward the building. All supervision and labor was donated by residents of Hazel Park and friends from neighboring cities. Not one penny was paid out for labor or supervision. The building was erected under the guidance of a building committee consisting of Campbell, Frostman, Erickson, and Mr. Sam Durbin, with Campbell acting as general superintendent. Most of the work was done on Saturdays.

The laying of the corner stone was held on Saturday afternoon, September 28, at 4:00 P.M. For some time, the personnel for the operation of the library was furnished by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. The library was truly a community project, as more than 1,000 individuals contributed either money or labor toward the building and equipment. Hazel Park pioneered in this field and proved that no community need be without a library.

The total cost of the building was approximately $3,100.00. The official open-ing of the library in the new building was January 6, 1941. It was well-décorated with flowers sent by friends of the library. Tea and cookies were served and about 300 people attended the opening day.

In October, 1960, the Board of Education decided there was just not enough money available to continue supporting the public library, and made a formal request that the City of Hazel Park take over its operation. Eventually, after several failed millage votes, the operation of the Library was taken over on a permanent basis by the City, and City officials set up a regular budget to operate the library, starting July 1, 1961. Through the 1960s the Erickson library continued to serve Hazel Park from its location on Rhodes.

1970-Present
THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK CONSTRUCTED A NEW LIBRARY BUILDING on 9 Mile and John R in 1970, to become known as the Hazel Park Memorial Library. This building was designed by Machida and Associates, who also designed the Hazel Park City Hall and Fire Station. The new library building was built to replace the former Erickson Library, which was overcrowded.

The Library became a victim of City budgetary problems in 1989. Through the efforts of many civic-minded volunteers, a dedicated library millage was passed. This millage guaranteed the library a relatively stable source of funding for operations and services for many years. In November of 2011, the citizens of Hazel Park chose to reaffirm their commitment to the HPML by voting for a supplemental millage to enable the Library to continue to assist the community.

As the years passed, the library took on a greater role, not only as a source for reading material, but as a center of the Hazel Park Community. Services increased and changed with our increasingly technological times. Computers were installed in the 1980s for Library staff, then for the public as the Internet grew and became an indispensable research tool. Movies on tape and music on CDs became available for borrowing in the 1990s, and listening stations were installed in the library for patrons to enjoy the Library’s music collection. WI-FI access was installed in 2010, so patrons could bring their own computers and Internet-connected devices to the Library as well, without waiting for an available computer. We now have 19 computers available for our patrons’ use.

Also, the programs the Library provides the Hazel Park community increased as well. Book clubs, children’s story hours, movie nights, craft programs, Detroit Institute of Arts programs, and many others have been added to provide a rich cultural experience for the Library’s patrons in Hazel Park. In 2012, Hazel Park started offering outreach services to senior citizens in the community, which include a monthly Bingo program as well as monthly visits to the city’s senior-living communities.

In December of 2014, the Library partnered with the City of Hazel Park and the Hazel Park School District to become the Hazel Park District Library under the District Library Establishment of 1989. In August of 2016, the Library passed a 0.50 millage increase, which solidified its status as a district library.

Thanks to the continuing support of our tireless volunteers, the City’s elected Library Board, as well as the help and assistance of the Hazel Park Library Friends, the Hazel Park District Library continues to grow and develop its resources to adapt to the needs of its patrons.

Hazel Park hopes to continue the traditions forged over 75 years of service to the Hazel Park community. The Library also relishes the challenge of creating new experiences to further the educational goals and aspirations of our patrons. The Hazel Park Memorial Library strives to accomplish both goals, and we hope that you can join us to experience what the Library has to offer!

By Maggie Boleyn
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

POLICE AND FIRE PROTECTION PROVIDE THE BACKBONE OF CITY SERVICES. In his 1928 argument for incorporation, Howard Beecher blasted the 1920s Township fire services as being “very inadequate.” Lack of adequate fire fighting equipment, and lack of sufficient fire hydrants were two major problems Beecher noted. Also, as with police protection in the 1920s, firefighters were on call to nearby areas. “The Township …maintains one fire engine, chemical fire extinguishers and the Township’s ambulance,” Beecher wrote. “The Fire Department could give better service than it does if there were more hydrants.”

Although Hazel Park formally became a city in 1942, challenges with fire protection did not immediately end. World War II was in full swing, causing shortages of vehicles, manpower and materials. This made it very difficult for the Fire Department to organize. As pointed out in the “History of the City of Hazel Park,” the first fire chief, Sam McCreedy, was not named until August of 1943.

Then, as now, sufficient funding is the crucial factor in providing adequate City services. A “History of City of Hazel Park” noted, “The new City was without operating funds until the summer taxes, due in July.” A special population census was granted by the Federal Census Bureau in order for Hazel Park to garner a share of State Gas and Weight monies.

Jeffrey C. Woodcock, a Hazel Park firefighter and paramedic, writing at the time of the City’s 70th anniversary, reports that soon after the City’s founding, fire services were separated from Royal Oak Township. One new fire engine was purchased as well as one used fire engine. Woodcock notes that the used engine was “a 1920s model…upgraded with parts purchased from the Battle Creek Fire Department.”

Woodcock also noted that Hazel Park did not have an adequate building to use as a fire station, requiring construction of a new building. Woodcook said the Fire Department began service in a partially completed building.

Fire services continued to improve and expand to meet the changing needs of the new city throughout the 1950s. Woodcock noted that in 1953, ten years after the department was organized, the HPFD assumed responsibility for ambulance services, which were previously operated by the Hazel Park Police Department. In 1957, the position of Fire Inspector was created, which, Woodcock reports, “allowed Hazel Park to perform its own fire inspections.” Previously, these duties were handled by the Ferndale Fire Inspector.

The sixties and seventies brought more change to the HPFD. As Woodcock noted, in 1962, the Fire Department joined the International Associate of Firefighters. In 1964, the HPFD moved to the current location at 22830 Russell. During the turbulent summer of 1967, the HPFD assisted the City of Detroit during the riots. In 1972, the first ladder truck was purchased.

Woodcock noted that the HPFD provides “assistance and mutual aid” to surrounding communities. According to the HPFD website, the department is, “man-for-man, one of the busiest departments in the area,” averaging well over 2,700 emergency runs per year. “The statement regarding run volume still holds true,” said Rich Story, present-day HPFD Fire Chief. “Last year, we ran 2,555 medicals and 666 fire calls, for total of 3,221 runs for 2016.”

HPFD is currently comprised of 20 full-time firefighters. Story says this includes the fire chief, fire marshal and three six-person shifts who provide fire and advanced life support service to the community.

Chief Story added that his department continues to offer additional services to residents including blood pressure checks, providing smoke detectors and a “file of life.” The file of life contains a resident’s medical information and contact phone numbers.

By Maggie Boleyn
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

POLICE AND FIRE PROTECTION ARE CRITICAL TO THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF A COMMUNITY. In 1928, Howard Beecher, who later became principal of the high school, marshalled some very strong arguments for Hazel Park to become a city. A few of Beecher’s stated reasons included providing the opportunity for better police and fire services for a growing population. At that time, police and fire services were under the jurisdiction of Royal Oak Township officials.

Beecher wrote that four deputy sheriffs “appointed by the County Sheriff of Pontiac” were headquartered in a police booth located at “the main corner of the district” at John R and 9 Mile. The police booth was paid for and moved to the corner by the local Exchange Club. According to Beecher, these deputies wore their own clothes, until the spring of 1928, when new blue uniforms were purchased.

The four-man force was stretched thin. Beecher wrote, “They are good officers but are subject to calls to other parts of the Township at all times. Sometimes when they are needed badly in Hazel Park, they can’t be found.”

Hazel Park’s proximity to Detroit and nearby Windsor, Canada, where alcohol was still legal, meant challenges for police protection during Prohibition. Beecher’s account pointed out that the community “feels the effect of crime as it exists in the city.” With the start of the Great Depression just a year away and Prohibition peaking, Beecher noted that “Blind pigs and all forms of vice that go with them carry on in various parts. There is an endless number of petty robbery cases and very few of the offenders can be caught.”

Hazel Park’s 25th anniversary guide provided a dramatic account of policing efforts during the 1920s: “During those years it was illegal to make, buy, or sell alcoholic beverages. ‘Bootlegger’ was the name given to those who disobeyed that law.” Sometimes a raid on “an establishment where they knew alcohol was being sold” resulted in gun fights.

The four deputy sheriffs were also responsible for other areas, and were often required in other parts of the Township, thus making a difficult job even more challenging. Beecher wrote, “There are cases that need immediate attention, but by the time they get to the county authorities they put the offenders on probation and allow them to go free. Stolen automobiles are often found harbored in the district.”

Richard Robbins, writing at the time of Hazel Park’s 70th anniversary, noted that the 1930s Township force continued to be “too small” for the size and scope of the area. The Hazel Park Police Department (HPPD) began operating on May 15, 1942 with three police officers. Robbins wrote: “It became their job to attempt to correct the many years of relative lawlessness and vice that had taken hold in the township years.”

21st Century policing remains no less challenging than during the years of alcohol Prohibition and the Great Depression. Via the HPPD website, Hazel Park’s present Chief of Police, Martin P. Barner, says, “It is the goal of the men and women of the Hazel Park Police Department to provide our citizens, business owners, and visitors with exemplary service through professional integrity, unwavering honesty, and uncompromising sacrifice.”

That type of community policing has already provided amazing results. The City’s crime statistics reveal that most of the misdemeanor and felony crimes are at their lowest levels in decades. The recent efforts of the Hazel Park Police Department are making the residents and our businesses more secure, resulting in more home sales, higher home values and more businesses attracted to Hazel Park.

Barner graduated from the Oakland Police Academy in 1993 with a Top Gun Award, and joined HPPD in 1994. He has a wealth of policing experience, having held almost every position within the HPPD.

Barner is upbeat about the future of Hazel Park. His web page post concludes: “Together we can and will make a difference in our neighborhoods and schools. It is by this cooperative effort that we can all make sustainable changes for the betterment of the community.”

By Malissa Martin
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS, CITY MANAGER ED KLOBUCHER HAS STUCK TO THE FIVE PRIORITIES he wrote on the whiteboard right outside his office at City Hall. He wrote the list in 2002 after taking office and has not erased them since. They are:

● HAZEL PARK IS NOT FOR SALE.
● HONESTY MATTERS.
● WE EXIST TO SERVE THE RESIDENTS.
● ALL WHINING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
● TREAT EVERYONE FAIRLY.

Klobucher says he tries his hardest to stick to these priorities because they have helped residents through very rough times.

Now, these same values are ushering in a comeback for the City. In 2016, Assistant City Manager Jeffrey Campbell led the charge to commission the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) to help guide the City to new planning options for growth and development. According to their web site, the Congress for the New Urbanism “helps create vibrant and walkable cities, towns, and neighborhoods where people have diverse choices for how they live, work, shop, and get around.”

Hazel Park was one of four cities selected to participate. “Basically, we sent a proposal about improving an aspect of planning in the city. We focused on the John R. corridor,” Campbell explains. Two members of CNU came to Hazel Park and worked with Robert Gibbs of Birmingham. “Over three days, people came and talked about what they would like to see on John R., and CNU submitted a report study at the end of it,” Campbell says. More than 120 residents, business owners, and potential business owners attended the meetings. “There was a very diverse group of all ages and all types of people from across the community showed up. People were happy to participate, happy we were undertaking the process, and glad somebody was listening to them,” Klobucher says.

Klobucher came up with five planning criteria for the city:
● A unique destination with two districts;
● A slower and narrower traffic thoroughfare;
● A first-class pedestrian environment;
● A mix of historic and new buildings;
● & a rich mixture of commercial, civic & employment activities.

Klobucher and his team have already begun implementing the suggested plans for the culinary district. Mabel Gray, owned by Chef James Rigato, is a very popular restaurant in Hazel Park, and won the 2017 Detroit Free Press Restaurant of the Year award. Chef Rigato also recently purchased an ice-cream facility in Hazel Park. “He’s going to be rehabbing it and turning it into something similar with his twist on it,” Campbell says.

Another popular stop is Cellarmen’s, a brewery which opened in 2016 and already has over 100 five-star reviews on their Facebook page. Recently, a customer wrote this on Cellarmen’s social media page: “Great vibe here, sampled almost everything, and really enjoyed the session-able meads and the milk stout. Crowlers to go, too! Staff is really cool and overall just a fun place to hang out.” Cellarmen’s plans to expand with a food truck and outdoor seating soon. Another new restaurant is Joe Bar, which will open this Spring.

Providing residents and visitors with different local-based dining experiences is what makes Hazel Park special. “You go to Mable Gray – it’s different. You go to Loui’s Pizza – it’s different. You go to Brayz – it’s different. Not every community has a large donkey on top of its restaurant. It’s all unique. I would rather see us have cool, unique places than all of the chain restaurants and things like that,” Klobucher explains.

The culinary district has taken off faster than the retail district. However, Klobucher says implementing this type of planning takes years. “The biggest hindrance I think that we’ve had with retail is, again, just like the restaurants, finding the right building with the right parking and the right area that will accommodate them.” Klobucher explains. The city has hit a few roadblocks in bringing these plans into fruition. “The fact that we don’t own the buildings and we can’t control the interaction between the potential investors and the current property owners is the biggest problem. We have a lot of interest. If we could control that and make it reasonable, then absolutely we would have even more cool things and developments happening here.” Klobucher says.

Expanding the types of retails and eateries offered in Hazel Park does not mean the city is changing its identity. “We’re not trying to be Ferndale. We have our own identity about who we are. We’re a little more blue-collar than Ferndale, maybe a little edgier. But what we really want to make sure people understand is the identity of our town: Who we are and where we’ve been (because) they’ll help dictate what happens in the future,” Campbell says.

Klobucher says the secret sauce to Hazel Park’s comeback is cooperation. As the longest-serving City Manager in Hazel Park’s history, Klobucher says he’s excited to see where Hazel Park will be in ten years. “I would like to see us continue on this path to growth and vibrancy. I would like to see us have a more walk-able downtown area that is rich with things to do. The people want to come and live in Hazel Park because it is a fun place to be. We’re getting cool rest-aurants now and cool bars. I would like to see us have some cool shops in the future. We are constantly on the look-out for new businesses that make Hazel Park a destination for Hazel Park and Metro Detroit residents.” Klobucher says.

Regardless of the ups-and-downs ahead for Hazel Park as it moves into a new phase, Klobucher says, “Hazel Park is a resilient community. We’re innovative and we don’t give up easily.”

By Sara E. Teller
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

THE HAZEL PARK RACEWAY IS MORE THAN JUST A TRACK. “It’s a destination,” says Race Secretary, Ladd Biro, who has been in his position for 20 years. “There aren’t too many cities that can boast they have a raceway,” he says, adding that the historic site offers more than just racing.

The raceway, in fact, is home to many events and charity fundraisers through-out the year, including golf tournaments and 5k runs. At one point, it even hosted a ‘color run’, titled Run or Dye, in which members of the community partook in a fun and messy, colorful race where participants were showered in rainbow-colored, eco-friendly, plant-based cornstarch every kilometer. “There were couples out here with covered strollers!” Biro says.

The Hazel Park Raceway has also been home to other well-known venues, including the Shrine Circus, Octoberfest and car shows. “I’ve had as many as 60 vehicles inside here,” Biro says of the auto show events. They host an annual 4th of July celebration with a barbeque and a live performance by Moose & Da Sharks, a Detroit oldies-style ‘50s and ‘60s tribute band, with their infamous Sharkette girls. “They’ve performed every year for the past 20 years,” Biro explains, and the event-goers have come to anticipate their performance.

“We’ve always worked closely with the City,” says Biro, and the city of Hazel Park has partnered with the raceway to offer community festivities, including its annual fireworks display. This year, the display will take place just before Independence Day, on June 30th.

Currently owned by Bernard Hartman and Herbert Tyner, owners of Hartman and Tyner Inc., Hazel Park Raceway generates approximately $550,000 in revenue annually for the City and is one of Michigan’s largest and most profitable raceways.

The raceway staff proudly participate in CANTER, a non-profit organization that began in 1998 in Michigan to help thoroughbred racehorses find new homes and careers. CANTER was started by retired Channel 7 news anchor Robbie Timmons. And the track continually donates to Children’s Miracle Network.

The raceway site began as a mere landfill in the mid-1900s. This land was purchased with the intention of building an auto track, but the original purchasers ran into financial trouble along the way and were forced to stop construction. A businessman then stepped in and acquired the 140-acre property. With the track already in place, he finished it out as a horse track instead, and the first race was held four years later in 1953.

Concession stands are available throughout the structure as well as clubhouse dining at the Top of The Park Grill and bar, making the raceway a great entertainment spot even for patrons who don’t wish to place bets. It’s open year-round with live racing taking place from May to September every Friday and Saturday night starting at 7:30 P.M.

As a “pari-mutuel” thoroughbred race track, Hazel Park Raceway participates in a betting system in which all bets are placed together in a pool, a percentage is taken out by the race-way, and the remainder of the funds are split between bet winners. The track also offers simulcast wagering seven days a week, all-year long on thoroughbred and harness races, so race-goers can view and place their odds on horses all across the country. The Triple Crown racing days always draw a large crowd. These include the Kentucky Derby, followed by the Preakness Stakes race and the Belmont Stakes race. Simulcasting opens at 11:30 A.M. daily. Admission and parking are both free.

“Raceways have fallen by the wayside over the years,” Biro says, but he’s proud to be able to say Hazel Park’s is still going strong.

By Malissa Martin
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

HAZEL PARK IS A SMALL CITY WITH A BIG HEART located in the far southeastern corner of Oakland County. Many residents call it the “Gateway to Oakland County.” The Hazel Park Parks and Recreation Center is designed for its community members to engage in outside activities and fellowship with neighbors.

Within Hazel Park’s 2.866-miles, the city has several parks and other amenities for the community including:

● Green Acres Park (adjacent to Recreation Center)
● A BMX Course at Fuller Park (on Melville between Woodward Heights & Tucker)
● Felker Park (on Felker between Easterling & Battelle)
● Tuski Park (on Tucker between Vassar & Cayuga)
● Madge Park (on E. Madge between Russell & Hughes)
● Karam Park (on Couzens between 10 Mile Rd. & Woodward Heights)
● Maxlow Park (on W. Maxlow between West End & Ford)
● Scout Park (on E. Otis & Russell)
● Sutar-Sutarek Park (on Caledonia between E. Granet & E. Meyers)
● The Dog Park (on Couzens between E. Mapledale & E. Garfield)
● The Community Garden (on Merrill between E. Elza & E. Milton)

Many of the parks have sheds, picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, and bath-rooms. Although residents use all the parks, a few have become favorites through the years. One favorite is the dog park, which opened in late 2014 and has features for canines of all sizes. Small dogs and large dogs have separate, enclosed areas for safe playing. There are also picnic tables, extra parking, and waste stations for easy clean up.

Green Acres Park is another favorite, and is also the largest in the city. It is bordered by Ferndale on the west side, I-75 on the east, and Woodward Heights on the south. It works as a destination park and as an integral part of the neighborhood. It is also home to the city’s Recreation Center and Department offices. Recreation Director Sareen Papakhian leads a team of 15 part-time employees.

The Recreation Center houses several events throughout the year, and one local favorite event is the annual Memorial Weekend Festival. It’s a five-day celebration with a carnival, music, bingo, concessions, and a Memorial Day Parade. Other recurring events are kids camp, Easter egg hunt, lunch with Santa, and a tree-lighting ceremony to bring in the holidays.

They also rent three rooms for private use. The pavilions at Green Acres Park and Scout Park can also be rented for private use from May through October.

Socializing with fellow community members is what makes Hazel Park special. The parks and recreation center provide leisure areas and outdoor activities that families can enjoy. The Hazel Park Parks and Recreation Department wants to enrich the lives of its residents by providing spaces for them to congregate. Papakhian says residents deserve great parks, and she’s happy to assist in providing it for them.

By Sara E. Teller
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

THE HAZEL PARK ARTS COUNCIL EXISTS “TO ENCOURAGE, DEVELOP AND FACILITATE AN ENRICHED CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT IN HAZEL PARK, to serve the art community by ‘making art happen’ through resources and connections, and to advise the city on the acceptance, purchases and integration of art into public and private development.” The Council hosts a number of events designed to promote community involvement in the arts. These events showcase the creations of local artists, and help to fund import-ant local charities. Several notable festivities occur throughout the year.

The Hazel Park Art Fair happens annually during the fourth weekend of August at Green Acres Park, behind the Department of Recreation located at 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd. “The Festival celebrates the hard work and creativity of artists,” according to Council members. Artists are invited to rent booths to display and generate sales of their work. There is live music, and food and beverage vendors are available. Proceeds are donated to local charities, including the Hazel Park Promise Zone (which helps Hazel Park high school graduates with college tuition assistance and scholarships), Hazel Park Animal Control and the Hazel Park Library.

ArtOber Art Walk takes place annually in October. Art installations are placed throughout the city, including some interactive pieces. Participants can obtain a map from the Arts Council to view each exhibit, while entering various raffles to win prizes and learning about ways to participate with the Arts Council.

The Arts Council also partners with the Hazel Park Growers & Makers Market by hosting an arts and crafts booth. This booth includes free, hands-on activities for children during the summer months. The purpose of the arts and crafts booth “is to provide Hazel Park children with an avenue to express themselves through art, and to entertain and create a positive impression on local kids,” according to the Council.

The Annual Art Challenge encourages Hazel Park residents and students to participate in designing projects. The first annual challenge took place in 2016. The theme was the Sculptural Bike Rack Challenge, which encouraged participants to create functional pieces of art to showcase new growth and business investment in the community’s retail shops and entertainment, and specifically to celebrate improvements being made to local parks and bike lanes. The press release for the event stated the Arts Council sought “members of the arts and design community to submit a design solution for a sculptural bike rack that combines the idea of function with beauty.” The Council plans to reach out to Hazel Park schools and the art departments to recruit more student participation in the challenge moving forward.

The Hazel Park Arts Council participates in and subscribes to arts organizations throughout the state of Michigan. The Council develops strategic relationships with local art professionals, helps to facilitate grants and seeks out additional funding wherever available to promote artists and nonprofit organizations dedicated to the development of civic art in the city.

Current Council Chairs include Jeffrey Keeton, President; Charlie Rysenga, Vice President; Richard Gage, Treasurer; and Linda Yono, Secretary. Additional members include Andrew LeCureaux, Alissa Sullivan, Amy Aubry, Michael Pearce, Halena Fisher, Nina Cairo and Steve Gamburd.

Anyone interested in getting involved & volunteering their time to local art events and related causes should contact the Arts Council at thehazelparkartscouncil@gmail.com. Volunteer applications are also available at Hazel Park City Hall, in the City Manager’s office. The Council’s Facebook page, facebook.com/HazelParkArts, and Instagram, @hazelparkarts, provide detailed information on events.

By Maggie Boleyn
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

ONE GREAT BUILDING DOES NOT MAKE A GREAT CITY,” is a quote attributed to the British architect Thomas Heatherwick. However, when the building in question is the seat of most city services, as well as a courthouse and jail, an adequate building is a practical necessity. On the eve of the City’s 75th anniversary, the citizens of Hazel Park received a great building in the form of a remodeled and expanded City Hall.
“I feel that the expansion and remodeling gives the ‘official’ corner of the city a badly needed update,” said Richard Robbins, a member of Hazel Park’s Historical Commission. “The exterior remodel meshes with the architecture, since both are Japanese-based design,” he continued.

Chuck Gladue, another member of Hazel Park’s Historical Commission, adds “I was happy to see it done. The building was in sad shape. This has turned one of the worst buildings into one of the best-looking on John R.” Gladue pointed out that the project was achieved without costing additional taxpayer dollars.
The timeline for a single structure providing a variety of governmental serv-ices in Hazel Park begins nearly 90 years ago. In 1928, Howard Beecher, who later became principal of the High School, made a passionate plea for Hazel Park to become a city. He argued that a seat of local government was needed in Hazel Park, which was a rapidly expanding area. At one point, Hazel Park had the largest population residing in an unincorporated area in the entire country.

“There are many things that could be done under local government that cannot be done under the present form,” Beecher wrote. At that time, Town-ship offices were inconveniently located in Royal Oak, four miles away. Even worse, county offices were “16 miles distant” in the city of Pontiac. “It is a real job to make progress in a community where there are 14,000 people with no local government,” Beecher argued.
Beecher also pointed out that four deputy sheriffs appointed by the County Sheriff of Pontiac, were headquartered in a police booth located at “the main corner of the district” at John R and 9 Mile. The police booth was paid for and moved to the corner by the local Exchange Club.

Robbins notes that the present-day City Hall is also home to the courthouse. “It was built as a multi-purpose facility,” he said of the building which has stood on the corner of 9 Mile and John R since the 1970s. In addition to court offices on the upper floor, the Hazel Park Police Department (HPPD) is headquartered on the lower floor. A door from one of the court rooms allows police to bring prisoners from the jail right into the courtroom. Prior to the original construction of the present site, Robbins said, there really were no previous courthouses, “unless you consider the other two city halls.”

Gladue said that previous city business and City Council meetings were held in the original library building on Pearl Street. Later, City offices were located on 9 Mile east of John R where the present-day Checker’s Restaurant stands. This location, built in the 1940s, was chosen to be close to the police and fire departments. “The first full city hall was located at Stephenson and Rhodes,” Gladue said.
The turbulent decade of the 1960s brought dramatic change to our nation and also to the city of Hazel Park. As Lucille Lacey documented, the I-75 freeway expansion uprooted a portion of the John R business district as well as the “modern era” City Hall. During the construction on the present-day site, city offices were moved to the present-day Recreation Center on Woodward Heights.

At present, in addition to space for the usual City services such as the Water Department, Code Enforcement, the Hazel Park Police Department (HPPD) and other City offices, the remodeled building has expanded the space used for the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park. Hazel Park’s City Council also holds meetings in the building.

During the remodeling project, Longfellow School was revamped and put into service as a Courthouse. HPPD transported prisoners from the jail to Longfellow and back again.
Beth Holland, a member of the Historical Commission and a city council-person, notes that the completed remodel has reaped benefits for residents. She said that the first Council meeting in the new space provided improved acoustics and a better quality of sound for broadcasting meetings via cable TV. Holland points out that the remodel has made the building fully compliant with Americans with Disabilities regulations. “We’re in 2017 now,” she said of the new space.

THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS MAINTAINS MANY FUNCTIONS OF THE CITY. Many of these duties change with the seasons. In the warm weather, the department cuts many acres of lawn at our 13 parks and municipal buildings, the street sweeper sweeps the entire city every two weeks, tree crews maintain over 4,100 city trees, and road crews do their best to keep our streets free of pot holes. In the cold weather months, crews keep our roads safe by salting and plowing the streets when needed.

Throughout the year, DPW crews use our garbage truck to empty all city garbage cans along John R and 9 Mile Roads and all City parks. Our mechanic staff maintains all city vehicles and equipment at the DPW garage. The DPW also prepares and sets up special events such as the Memorial Day Festival and Parade, the Art Fair and the Santa Hat 5K run. The Department of Public Works is on call 24/7 for any issues that may happen after hours, including the flood of 2014, the 9 Mile Bridge fire of 2009 and any other issues big or small.

The City of Hazel Park’s Water-Sewer Department was established in 1951. The Water-Sewer Department is responsible for monitoring and servicing the city’s water distribution system, sanitary sewer system and storm sewer system.

Year-round preventative maintenance with many other tasks is the key to keeping the city’s water-sewer system operational and in compliance with all state and federal regulations. Constant care to the system is essential, not only for the consumer’s daily needs, but also the need to be ready for unforeseen emergencies. Fire fighters rely on good water pressure and availability to combat fires quickly.

So, just how big is the water-sewer system for the City of Hazel Park? Most people do not understand the magnitude of a water-sewer system because it is mostly underground and out of sight.

The city’s water system consists of just less than 60 miles of water main, with an approximate 643 operating water main gate valves which serves just over 7500 water consumers. The City purchases clean, safe drinking water from the City of Detroit’s Water & Sewer Department (DWSD); this is the same for just about all cities in the Tri-County area. The City also has three large pressure control valves at each DWSD connection to keep the water system stabilized.

There are approximately 483 fire hydrants, each with an auxiliary valve, throughout the city. About 1,869 storm sewer catch basin drains within the city are each connected to underground pipes to take away surface water. About two-thirds of these city storm drains go directly to the Michigan Great Lakes system, thus the city over- sees a “Watershed Protection” program to protect the natural waters of the state. The
other one third of the city’s storm drains discharge into a combined storm/sanitary sewer system. The sanitary sewer system (including the combined system) is just about equal to the same mileage as the water system. It carries sanitary sewage to a DWSD waste water treatment plant.

The City has an aggressive cleaning program to keep both the sanitary and storm sewer systems working properly.

This great task of maintaining the city’s water-sewer system is performed by a dedicated staff consisting of a full-time supervisor, six full-time employees, two part-time employees, two full time office staff, and two mechanics. Though our team works a 40-hour work week, they are on call 24/7 for city emergencies that occur at any time day or night. This division is overseen by the Director of Public Works.

In addition to their water-sewer responsibilities, the staff and crew also assists other city departments in times of emergencies and other miscellaneous issues that occur from time to time. Municipalities are always facing new challenges, in good times or bad, their dedication never wavers.

By Sara E. Teller
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

THE ERICKSON BUILDING, LOCATED AT 45 EAST PEARL STREET IN HAZEL PARK, WAS ORIGINALLY HOME TO THE CITY’S FIRST LIBRARY. Built in 1940 and given its name by John Erickson (former superintendent of the city’s schools), with the help of a dedicated team of local volunteers, construction was funded by card parties and various community fundraisers. “There is an architectural drawing done around 1937 that we still have in our possession,” explains Hazel Park’s Historical Commission Chair, Richard E. Robbins, of the original site plans. “This shows an art deco look to the building. It was not built to concept, but has been built with styling cues for the 1940s.”

In 1942, the Erickson Building was the site of Hazel Park’s first city council meeting. However, as the community’s population grew following the boom of the Ford Motor Company and library demand increased, it became evident that expansion of the Pearl Street site was too limited to continue using the building for its original purpose. A new library was constructed at 123 E 9 Mile Road and, realizing the importance of maintaining the Erickson fixture, the Historical Commission approached the school board to ask if it could be used instead for displaying artifacts and hosting historical tours. “The Erickson Building is the oldest civic building left in the city,” Robbins says. It had become a staple in the community and simply needed to be re-purposed.

In response, a cooperative agreement was drafted by Dr. Amy Kruppe, current superintendent of Hazel Park’s schools, with the help of Edward Klobucher, City Manager, to lease and maintain the building. “Amy and Edward as well as the maintenance staff…have worked tirelessly to make the building ready for use again after about ten years,” Robbins says.

The Hazel Park Historical Commission now hosts its regular meetings at the Erickson Building, having relocated from its original space. 200 people were in attendance at the Commission’s first meeting held at the new location, including John Erickson himself. The Erickson Building became home to Hazel Park’s Historical Museum on February 2, 2017, Hazel Park’s 75th Anniversary. “It is currently being refurbished inside for the new Historical Museum, and is serving as a meeting space for the surrounding community as needed,” says Robbins.

The revamped site is meant to be utilized by Hazel Park natives and visitors alike. And, although events are currently limited, the Commission hopes to expand the use of its space as the museum evolves. “The building is intended for the use of residents and nonresidents interested in viewing the museum and those interested in using [it] as a meeting space,” Robbins says. The Historical Commission is still throwing around ideas for other regular and special occasion events that could be planned at the Erickson Building. Children’s and family-friendly events are among options being
considered.

in attendance at the Commission’s first meeting held at the new location, including John Erickson himself. The Erickson Building became home to Hazel Park’s Historical Museum on February 2, 2017, Hazel Park’s 75th Anniversary. “It is currently being refurbished inside for the new Historical Museum, and is serving as a meeting space for the surrounding community as needed,” says Robbins.

The revamped site is meant to be utilized by Hazel Park natives and visitors alike. And, although events are currently limited, the Commission hopes to expand the use of its space as the museum evolves. “The building is intended for the use of residents and nonresidents interested in viewing the museum and those interested in using [it] as a meeting space,” Robbins says. The Historical Commission is still throwing around ideas for other regular and special occasion events that could be planned at the Erickson Building. Children’s and family-friendly events are among options being considered.

For specific needs, members can be reached at the Commission’s Facebook page at facebook.com/hazelparkhistorical, blog at hazelparkhistorical.x10host.com
or via email at hphistorical@gmail.com.