Building for our Little-Big Downtown

May 31, 2018May 29, 2018 insideauburnhillsLeave a comment

As construction occurs downtown we optimistically look forward to what lies on the other side of the dirt, dust, noise, and inconvenience that is associated with these kinds of projects. As I’m sure most of you know at this point, the construction in our downtown was necessary to replace and upsize an aging water main, and to remove and replace the deteriorated road surface throughout our downtown. When completed, we will have a narrower road section on Auburn Road between South Squirrel and North Squirrel Road which will create a more appropriate downtown environment.

In addition, we will also be installing a functional roundabout at the current faux traffic circle at the intersection of N. Squirrel and Squirrel Court. Lastly, we just completed the ground breaking for our new amphitheater and splash pad in Riverside Park which is scheduled to be completed this fall. Additional details regarding these projects can be found at our Department of Public Works page.

In conjunction with our projects, there are also a lot of private investments that are scheduled to happen in our downtown this year.

Midwest Innovation Lofts (The MiL)– a four-story 25,243 square foot mixed-use building on a 0.16 acre parcel located at the southeast corner of S. Squirrel and Auburn
Riverside Townes Condominiums– 14 townhouse units on a 1.08 acre site located at 3321 Squirrel Court, just east of Riverside Park
Residences at Thirty-Two 50– a four-story mixed-use building on the southwest corner of S. Squirrel and Auburn
Primary Place– six new townhome buildings on the southwest corner of Primary Street and Grey Road.

As we move into the future I couldn’t help but think of some of the downtown businesses of yesteryear. I still remember the Bowling Alley, Patrick’s (before the fire), Pontiac State Bank, and the True Value Hardware to name a few. However, if I had to pick a favorite, I’d pick Tony’s Donuts!

As you can tell there is a lot happening in our downtown this year, so we ask for your patience as we remember the past and build our future.

Anyone else have fond memories of our little downtown?

Downtown Auburn Hills in the early 1980s

Don Grice, Assistant City Manager of Auburn Hills

A Month Full of Giving

May 9, 2018 insideauburnhillsLeave a comment

The City of Auburn Hills and Rochester Neighborhood House partnered together to host a community food drive for our sponsor the Auburn Hills Food Cupboard. Throughout the month of April, each of the city’s buildings on campus had a collection box where our staff and citizens could drop off any canned or dry goods. In total, we as a community were able to collect a total of 727 pounds of food!

In addition to the food drive, and thanks to an anonymous donor, we were also able to deliver over 300 cases of household and personal care items to the food pantry at the Neighborhood House. This included items such as, laundry soap, dish soap, cleanser, and much more.

All of these donations are given back to our residents and the surrounding communities in need that are served by Neighborhood House. We would like to thank all those that have donated.

Torri Mathes, Media Communications Specialist

Auburn Hills residents receive the 2018 Governor’s Service Award

May 4, 2018May 8, 2018 insideauburnhillsLeave a comment

Two Auburn Hills residents have received the 2018 Governor’s Service Award. On June 5th, a special ceremony will be hosted by the Community Service Commission for both Doris McCutcheon and Lee Ellen Kerr. They will be receiving an award for their outstanding community service.

Doris McCutcheon, Senior Volunteer of the Year
Photo Credit: Michigan Community Service Commission

Doris McCutcheon was named Senior Volunteer of the Year. She has spent more than 50 years helping young women reach their potential. Doris started a nonprofit program called Girls First. This program emphasizes the importance of young girls taking care of themselves and prepares them for many life experiences they might face.

Lee Ellen Kerr, Mentor of the Year Photo Credit: Michigan Community Service Commission

Lee Ellen Kerr was named Mentor of the Year. She has mentored over 20 young women and has helped them identify a path for their future. Kerr has helped these young women create a five year plan for college and a career path for success. She also created the GLAD program at DOW Automotive. This program provides training for allies as they support the LGBTQ community at DOW.

We are proud to have these outstanding women a part of our Auburn Hills Community.

Alanna Weber, Executive Assistant to the City Manager

Development Plan Events

February 9, 2015February 9, 2015 insideauburnhillsmaria willettLeave a comment

In 2014, we worked hard to create opportunities for residents, community leaders, and business representatives to share their solutions to create a community that is an ideal place for people of any age. This included our seven Community Conversations, Focus Groups, a city survey, and a Business Roundtable.

Now that we have collected that information, we are ready to begin writing our Age-Friendly Action Plan. But we can’t do that without you! Residents are an important part of planning for the future, and we want you to share what we’ve learned with you and identify together what the next steps should be.

Volunteers who are interested in participating will meet at the Auburn Hills Community Center on the following dates from 2-4 PM.

Tuesday, February 17 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

If you are interested in working to make Auburn Hills a better place to live, work, play, and age, sign up today by calling the Community Center at 248-370-9353 or Senior Services Director Karen Adcock at kadcock@auburnhills.org by February 13 to reserve your spot.

Maria Willett, Community Planning Assistant

Clinton River Clean-Up This Saturday

September 18, 2014 insideauburnhillsshawn keenanLeave a comment

It’s not too late to sign-up! We encourage all who are interested to participate in this year’s Clinton River clean-up. The event will be held this Saturday, September 20th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at River Woods Park.

Volunteers clearing a log jam in the Clinton River

The purpose of the event is to preserve and protect our river. It’s an excellent opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to work together to make the City better.

So, meet us at River Woods Park at 8:30 a.m. to register. Wear work clothes, sturdy shoes, and bring a pair of gloves.

For additional information please give us a call at 248-364-6926. Advanced notice of your participation is appreciated, but not required.

Hope to see you there!

Shawn Keenan, Assistant City Planner

RSC Soccer Fields are Taking Shape

September 12, 2014 insideauburnhillssteve cohenLeave a comment

As an update, the outdoor soccer complex being constructed for the Rochester Soccer Club (RSC) south of Dutton Road, east of Bald Mountain Road is moving along according to schedule.

RSC is building four practice fields in Auburn Hills

People often ask us when it will open, so we contacted the club to confirm their construction timeline. Since turf grass for soccer fields must be designed to handle heavy use and abuse, it actually takes two growing seasons before the fields can be used for practices. The grass was planted in Fall 2013, so they’ll have to wait one more year.

The club will make a final determination after this winter, but they’re hopeful the fields will be ready by Summer 2015.

Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

“Primary Place” Proposed Downtown

September 8, 2014 insideauburnhillssteve cohenLeave a comment

There will be a new “place” for people to live on Primary Street.

An application has been submitted to the City of Auburn Hills to develop 1.12 acres of vacant land located at the southwest corner of Primary Street and Grey Road.

primary-placemap — Location of the proposed Primary Place housing development

The developer, Steuer & Associates, Inc., intends to construct three new six-unit townhome buildings on the property. All 18 units will have approximately 1,500 sq. ft. of living space. Each unit will have an attached two car garage. The investment is estimated at $3 million.

Upon receiving City Council approval, this attractive development is expected to break ground in the Spring. It’s part of a slate of new residential housing projects valued at $90 million scheduled to start construction in Downtown Auburn Hills in 2015 .

Those interested in learning more about Primary Place are encouraged to attend the public hearing at the Planning Commission’s meeting on Thursday, September 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall.

Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

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