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Executive Committee meets on May 20 SEMCOG's Executive Committee will meet on Friday, May 20, 2005, in SEMCOG's downtown Detroit office. Action items under consideration include:
In addition, there will be presentations on the Detroit River International Crossing Study and on the 2004 achievements of Southeast Michigan's transportation program. Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Legislative Affairs Coordinator.
SEMCOG encourages residents to properly dispose of hazardous waste Although the majority of Southeast Michigan residents are very willing to properly dispose of their hazardous household waste, many do not. Why? The primary reason is they don't know the locations of waste collection sites in their communities. The fifth of the "Seven Simple Steps to Clean Water," released by SEMCOG and the Southeast Michigan Partners for Clean Water, focuses on how to store hazardous household waste and where collection sites are located. Household cleaners, chemicals, and oil can be dangerous to kids, pets, and the environment if not disposed of properly. If washed or dumped into storm drains or roadside ditches, these materials will pollute our waterways. What can Southeast Michigan residents do? Identify it. Be aware of household products that can harm kids, pets, and the environment. The words "danger," "caution," "warning," or "toxic" indicate that you need to be careful in how you use and dispose of the product. Less is better. Reduce waste and save money by purchasing only the materials you need. When possible, choose less toxic alternatives. For example, try cleaning your windows with vinegar and water. Store properly. Keep unused products in their original containers with labels intact. Select cool, dry storage areas that are away from kids, pets, and wildlife. Disposal is key. Never dump motor oil, chemicals, and other toxic materials down storm drains, sinks, or on the ground. Contact your local community for disposal locations, guidelines, and dates. Information about where residents can dispose of their household hazardous wastes is available on the "Ours to Protect" Web site, accessible from www.semcog.org. Click on the logo on the home page, then on the photo; scroll down to "Information on Household Waste Disposal in Your County." Over 170 communities in Southeast Michigan are required to obtain a permit to operate a separate stormwater drainage system. A component of the permit is educating the public. So, SEMCOG formed the Southeast Michigan Partners for Clean Water to engage the public in activities that protect the region's water resources. The campaign meets the local permit requirements and helps educate the public about clean water. Posters and tip cards on carefully storing and disposing of household cleaners, chemicals, and oil have been mailed to SEMCOG member governments. Additional materials and information can be found on SEMCOG's Web site. Contact: SEMCOG Information Services.
Residential construction grows eight percent in 2004, according to new SEMCOG report Low-interest rates were once again an important factor in new residential construction in Southeast Michigan, as a total of 25,362 new units were permitted in the region in 2004, according to SEMCOG's annual report, Residential Construction in Southeast Michigan, 2004. The eight percent increase over 2003 was also the largest number of units permitted in the region since 1998. Single-family units (15,595 in 2004) increased two percent over 2003. Townhouse/attached condominium units saw the largest increase at 24 percent (6,920 units versus 5,582 units in 2003) reflecting the changing needs of the region's aging baby boomer population as well as first-time buyers taking advantage of low-interest rates. There were 6,453 new residential units permitted in Wayne County, 6,434 units in Oakland County, and 5,401 units in Macomb County. All counties in the region experienced positive percentage increases in authorized units, with Oakland County at the top of the list with a 14 percent increase. Macomb and Canton Townships continue to outpace the rest of the region in residential construction, remaining one and two on the top 10 list for the eighth consecutive year. The City of Detroit claimed third place on the list with 925 new units authorized in 2004; it also accounted for 66 percent (2,662 units) of the demolitions in the region. The complete top 10 list follows; these communities accounted for 32 percent of the region's new residential construction in 2004.
The complete report is available for $20 from SEMCOG or in PDF format on SEMCOG's Web site at www.semcog.org. Contact: SEMCOG Information Services.
Water quality improvement grants available The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) announces the availability of $6 million for water quality improvement projects through a grant application package under the Clean Water Fund. Applications will be accepted for implementing these activities: approved watershed management plans developed under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System watershed-based municipal stormwater permit; water quality protection or improvement activities in approved watershed management plans which emphasize protecting high quality waters; water quality recommendations in Remedial Action Plans and Lakewide Management Plans; and programs to identify and require elimination of illicit connections to municipal separate storm sewer systems. Applications are due May 31, 2005. Contact: Robert Sweet, MDEQ, (517) 335-6967, or e-mail sweetr@michigan.gov.
SEMPeople Vicki Barnett, Mayor of Farmington Hills, has been appointed by Governor Granholm to the State Boundary Commission to represent the general public as a state member for a term expiring November 15, 2006. The State Boundary Commission has the authority for annexation, incorporation, and consolidation processes involving local units of government. Tom Yack, Supervisor of Canton Township, was honored for distinguished service in government by the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan. "H2Oakland," a locally produced cable television show for the Oakland County Drain Commissioner's Office, won the 2005 Environmental Achievement Award from the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies headquartered in Washington, DC. Hosted by Drain Commissioner John McCulloch, the show was selected as the nation's best example of public information and education dedicated to environmental protection.
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