DPW

Building for our Future

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Ever wonder what lies behind the development of a city?

Since the dawn of industrial age, communities established essential systems that everyone uses on a daily basis. Much of these structures include water, sewer and sanitation, electric power, and yes, roads . We rely on these resources and expect them to function for us. Whether we are driving on a road or running a faucet to clean dishes, it is established through the infrastructures we maintain and develop.

However, these tasks can be challenging, time consuming and delays can occur.

This year the City broke ground on eight construction projects. The total investment of the projects is 19 million dollars. Of that 19 million dollars, half was funded by non-City sources.

The projects include construction of an amphitheater and splash pad at Riverside Park, road, streetscape and water service improvements in the downtown corridor (Auburn Road), road improvements at Giddings Road, Hamlin Road, North Squirrel Road, and Walton Boulevard. Lastly a bridge, road, and water service improvements at Opdyke Road.

Construction Project Stats

 

All of these projects were undertaken to enhance City services by maintaining our infrastructure, and providing for the safety for all those that live, work, and/or play in Auburn Hills.

For more information about the 2018 construction projects, please contact the Department of Public Works by email at: dpw@auburnhills.org, or by phone at: (248) 391-3777.

If you’re interested in getting more involved, consider joining one of our Boards or Commissions.

 

 

Aaron Stahly, Deputy Director for the Department of Public Works

Building for our Future

Building for our Little-Big Downtown

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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
Downtown Auburn Hills in the early 1980s

 

Don Grice, Assistant City Manager of Auburn Hills

Building for our Little-Big Downtown

2015 APWA Detroit Metro Branch Snow Plow Roadeo

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Untitled2On Thursday, September 10, 2015, seventeen two-person teams from all over southeastern Michigan gathered in the parking lot of The Palace of Auburn Hills for the annual APWA Detroit Metro Branch “Snow Plow Roadeo”!

The competition begins with a written test given to each team member addressing safety and driving rules. Then the competition proceeds to teams testing their skills in driving a large snow plow through eight different stations which simulate situations in actual snow events such as: Parked Vehicles, The Serpentine, Alley Dock, Straight Line, Outside Curve, Offset Alley, Inside Curve and Diminishing Clearance.

Judges at each of the stations score drivers on their accuracy to drive through the obstacles and follow directions at each of the locations. Continue reading “2015 APWA Detroit Metro Branch Snow Plow Roadeo” →

2015 APWA Detroit Metro Branch Snow Plow Roadeo