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2003
residential construction report released Fueled by an average low interest rate of 5.82 percent and strengthened confidence in the economy, Southeast Michigan experienced an eight percent increase in new residential construction in 2003, according to the annual report, Residential Construction in Southeast Michigan, 2003, just released by SEMCOG. A total of 23,413 units were authorized in 2003, 1,671 more than in 2002. Single-family construction grew five percent (up from two percent in 2002) with 15,346 permits issued; two-family construction contributed 212 new units; townhouse/attached condominium construction had 5,360 units authorized, and multi-family units recorded 2,495 new units in the region. Wayne County led the region with 5,741 new residential permits issued, a 20 percent increase from 2002. Oakland County was second with 5,712 permits authorized (a six percent increase) and Macomb County was third with 5,269 new units authorized. Monroe County had the largest percent change increase in units with 37 percent. 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 seventh straight year. The City of Detroit claimed third place on the top 10 list with 872 new units authorized in 2003; it also accounted for 48 percent (1,231 units) of the demolitions in the region. The complete top 10 list follows; this group accounted for 33 percent of the region's new residential construction in 2003.
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.
Ozone Action season underway The warm-weather months are back and so is Southeast Michigan's Ozone Action season. May 1 is the date SEMCOG and the Clean Air Coalition of Southeast Michigan have designated as the official start of the season, the 11th since the program began in 1994. Hot, sunny days combine with existing pollution to produce elevated ground-level ozone which is a health hazard, particularly for the elderly, the young, and those suffering from respiratory ailments such as emphysema or asthma. Southeast Michigan citizens are once again asked to take voluntary measures to help keep our air clean. Typical Ozone Action day tips include:
Ozone Action days are announced in area media and other outlets, such as electronic freeway message signs. Ten Ozone Action days were declared in 2003. Additional information on SEMCOG's Ozone Action program for Southeast Michigan is available on SEMCOG's Web site at www.semcog; find the Ozone Action logo on the home page. Contact: Anita Blasius, SEMCOG Public Outreach Manager.
Executive Committee meeting results The Executive Committee of SEMCOG met Friday, April 23, 2004. All action items were approved, including:
Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Legislative Affairs Coordinator.
Spring Workshop election results SEMCOG announces the final Executive Committee election results from its series of county Spring Workshops. Oakland
County
Nominations for SEMCOG officers due May 10 Nominations for SEMCOG officers (First Vice Chairperson and four Vice Chairpersons) are currently being received by SEMCOG's Nominating Committee. Only elected officials who are delegates and/or alternates on the 2004-2005 Executive Committee are eligible for nomination as SEMCOG Vice Chairs. SEMCOG Bylaws also specify that no more than two officers shall be elected from the same bloc, i.e., county bloc, city and village bloc, township bloc, and education bloc. Officers will be elected at SEMCOG's Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 17, 2004, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Cobo Center, Detroit. The Nominating Committee meets on May 27, 2004 to identify a slate of officers and delegates-at-large. Written nominations (send in care of Durene Brown) must be received by May 14, 2004. Contact: Durene Brown, SEMCOG Membership Manager.
Advisory council membership requests due May 31 Non-governmental representatives interested in joining or rejoining a SEMCOG advisory council have until May 31, 2004 to send a written request for an appointment. Requests should be sent to Durene Brown, SEMCOG Membership Manager, and should include a letter and resume with information about the applicant's organizational affiliations and ability to contribute to the decision-making process. Appointments will be made by SEMCOG's incoming Chairperson who takes office June 17, 2004. Applicants will be notified when appointments are made. Appointments of non-governmental representatives are designed to ensure that there is a broad range of private-sector interest groups and citizen interests on SEMCOG advisory councils. Non-governmental representation cannot exceed 25 percent of the total membership for each advisory council in order to ensure space for SEMCOG members. Contact: Durene Brown, SEMCOG Membership Manager.
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