Livingston County residents are again invited to be the voice of change during an upcoming rally in Lansing.
Unite to Face Addiction Michigan will hold their 2nd annual âRally and Advocacy Dayâ Thursday, May 18th at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing from 9am to 5pm. The group is working to bring awareness to addiction and recovery through the collaborative efforts of stakeholders both locally and statewide. Organizer Scott Masi is a Behavioral Health Community Outreach and Referral Specialist with the Brighton Center for Recovery and says one of the main things they hope to achieve is to change the way that addiction is perceived and treated in Michigan.
Masi says society struggles to accept addiction and relapses as medical issues but recovery is possible and the success rate is no different than any other chronic illness. He says it will take everyone working together to address the issue and encourages attendance at the rally, which will feature over 75 organizations across the state as well as free services like acupuncture, yoga and massage. Youâll find details through the link below (JK)
2nd Annual Rally Set In Lansing To Address Addiction Issues2nd Annual Rally Set In Lansing To Address Addiction Issues
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Changes On The Way For Howell Area Parks & Rec AuthorityChanges On The Way For Howell Area Parks & Rec Authority
Howell Township is looking to become a full-time member of the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority.
Over the course of the next several months, the authority will undergo some changes as Howell Public Schools will no longer have a representative on the board. Meanwhile, Howell Township will begin the process of becoming a full-time member, along with the City of Howell and Marion, Oceola and Genoa townships. The proposed changes were discussed Monday night at the Genoa Township board meeting.
Genoa Township Manager Mike Archinal said the transition seems to be heading in the right direction and the authority does great things for not only his township, but all townships involved.
According to the proposed authority bylaws, Howell Township would pay $52,000 in its first year of membership, $72,000 in its second year, $97,000 in its third year and then the full rate of $103,225 by its fourth year.
As for why Howell Public Schools is giving up its seat on the board, spokesman Tom Gould says itâs to avoid the appearance of any potential conflicts of interests since the district rents and leases space to the Authority, as well as the Aquatic Center.
The transition and entrance of Howell Township into HAPRA are in the beginning stages. At a later date, a more formal document will be drawn up for approval. According to the Executive Director of HAPRA, Paul Rogers, all parties seem to be on the same page. (DF/JK/JM)
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Officials Approve Repair Work For Hamburg Road Officials Approve Repair Work For Hamburg Road
Hamburg Township is moving forward with the first phase of a project that officials say will repair major county roads in the municipality.
On Tuesday, the townshipâs Board of Trustees approved improvement work for Hamburg Road from the M-36 intersection south to Eight Mile, and for roads in the Village of Hamburg. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl says the Livingston County Road Commission still has to set the projectâs schedule, but the plan is to begin and complete repairs this spring.
The project will be financed by millage funds at approximately $970,000, which was brought in during the 2016 winter tax collection. The Road Commission has pledged a $300,000 match to that amount, and the total will cover the work with a little surplus.
The work will entail chip and seal and drainage improvements. Hohl says the roads included in the improvement project will receive âmajor reconstruction in places where itâs neededâ, but that none of them are slated to be completely rebuilt.
The township also authorized repairs to Kress Road, Cordley and Rush Lake Road. Hohl says the township still needs to work with the Road Commission on that part of the program, but the goal is to complete upgrades to those roads this fall. The board plans to loan money from the townshipâs general fund to its road fund to cover the cost of those repairs. Hohl says that loan will be repaid by road millage money collected in the winter of 2017 and the spring of 2018.
Looking about two years ahead, the township also intends to repair county roads located in neighborhoods and subdivisions through a joint funding program. Hohl says those improvements would be paid for with road millage funds, Road Commission contributions, and by a Special Assessment District created by residents in those areas. That program received general approval from the board as well. Though that part of the road improvement project is a little ways off, Hohl says it will take time to get the program coordinated and to contemplate the sale of a bond to fund the SADs.
The Road Commission has estimated that returning all of the blacktop roads in the township to good condition has a $22-25 (m) million price tag. Because thatâs out of the municipalityâs price range, Hohl says they are hoping to maximize the impact they can have by upgrading some primary roads in the township. Picture courtesy of Google Street View. (DK)
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Woman Dies From Injuries In April Crash On US-23 Woman Dies From Injuries In April Crash On US-23
A woman has passed away from injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle crash last month.
25-year-old Sara Miller was hospitalized at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor following the April 23rd crash in which she sustained critical injuries. Green Oak Township Police Chief Jason Pless tells WHMI they were advised by the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner that Miller passed away Monday night.
The crash forced the closure of southbound US-23 for nearly seven hours and involved a semi-trailer and at least six other vehicles. Initially killed in the crash were 51-year-old Robin Brown of Milford and 52-year-old Roby Steele of Davison. Brown was driving a 1997 Escort that was crushed by the semi-trailer as it rolled over and Miller was his passenger. Steele was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic and was also pronounced dead at the scene.
A 62-year-old Sanilac County man was driving the semi-trailer that police say failed to stop for backed up traffic on southbound US-23, south of Lee Road. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt earlier confirmed that the driver was released pending further investigation of crash reconstruction data, including physical and digital evidence. (JM)
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Voters Pass Hartland Sinking Fund & Unadilla Millages Voters Pass Hartland Sinking Fund & Unadilla Millages
Local millage requests and a sinking fund proposal all passed in Tuesdayâs election.
Voters in Unadilla Township passed a dust control and road improvement millage, as well as a police and fire millage. All three were set to expire at the end of the year. Both the police and fire departments requested an increase to offset increased costs and calls for service among other issues. Both millages will support operations and equipment purchases. The dust control and road improvement millage will generate approximately $107,000 for the next eight years. Deputy Fire Chief Dave Curtis says most importantly, they would like to say thank you to the voters of Unadilla Township for coming out and supporting them. He says the millages will put both departments in positions to better serve the community over the next eight years and they work to provide the best possible service they can. Curtis says the fire department will update equipment and is in need few big items. As for the police department, it will be enhancing coverage and being more pro-active in policing practices.
A new operating millage for the Lyon Township Public Libraryâs facility on South Milford Road was approved by voters. The current millage was approved in 2007 and is set to expire this year, thus a replacement millage was needed for the library to continue operation but also give patrons more hours, services and materials. Library Director Holly Teasdle tells WHMI theyâll be able to offer increased hours and services to the Lyon Township community starting in January and are very excited to be able to provide some of the things theyâve been wanting. She says staff and the library board thank everyone for their support and for seeing the value of their library in the community.
A building and site sinking fund proposal for Hartland Consolidated Schools passed but by a small margin. 1,799 voters cast votes in favor while 1,558 voted no. Superintendent Chuck Hughes told WHMI, "The district is thankful to our community for valuing education. We will continue to work hard to ensure that our district remains a Premier Schools of Choice district." The proposal had been in the news lately due to Tea Party Activist Wes Nakagiri, who filed complaints with the State of Michigan for not allowing him access to the districtâs email list and website to share his opposing views on the proposal. Those remain under investigation by the state. (JM)
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Motion To Set Aside 2013 Murder Conviction To Be Heard By Outside JudgeMotion To Set Aside 2013 Murder Conviction To Be Heard By Outside Judge
A motion to set aside the 2013 conviction in an Oceola Township double-murder case will be heard by an outside judge.
Thatâs after 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan recused herself from the case, in which she is accused of having an affair with the lead detective in the investigation, who also served as the lead witness for the prosecution of Jerome Kowalski. Because Livingston Countyâs other five judges also disqualified themselves from hearing the motion, the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office assigned the case to Shiawassee County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Stewart.
The motion to set aside the conviction was filed by Peter Van Hoek of the stateâs appellate defender office and is based on revelations from Judge Brennanâs divorce proceedings that she was having an affair with Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Sean Furlong. They insist it didnât begin until after the trial, but information from the divorce case suggested it may have started much earlier and continued through the trial itself.
Brennan sentenced Kowalski to life in prison for the 2008 murder of his brother and sister-in-law in their Lyngre Drive home. While Kowalski did confess to the murders, he has since recanted that and maintains the confession, which was given to Detective Furlong, was coerced. Defense attempts to have an expert witness testify about false confessions was repeatedly rejected by Judge Brennan, and upheld on appeal. (JK)
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Open House To Showcase New Child Welfare OfficesOpen House To Showcase New Child Welfare Offices
Recent funding from a local foundation will benefit Livingston County Catholic Charities' Child Welfare program.
Livingston County Catholic Charities received a $5,000 grant from The Kellogg Family Foundation to outfit a family visitation room and reception area in the agencyâs new Child Welfare offices. Officials say the funds allowed them to create a home-like, comfortable setting where families can meet for court-ordered, supervised visits as they work toward reunification. Prior to receiving the funding, families met for supervised visitation at local libraries, LCCCâs boardroom, or other community facilities. LCCCâs Child Welfare programs, Foster Family Care and Adoption, were licensed in April 2012 and began to serve children in July 2012. The main objective of each is to provide safety and permanency for children.
In keeping with their Howell roots, the Child Welfare Team and The Kellogg Foundation chose a hot air balloon theme for a mural in a room that serves children of all ages. Local artist, Pam OâNeil, spent over a week creating the colorful floating balloons of various sizes and clouds.
The community is invited to attend an open house on Friday, May 12th from 2-4pm at the new Child Welfare offices located at 2020 E. Grand River #101 in Howell. A ribbon cutting with the Brighton and Howell Chambers of Commerce will be held at 2:30pm. (JM)
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Conference To Focus On Effects Of Online Technology On ChildrenConference To Focus On Effects Of Online Technology On Children
A training conference is being held for parents concerned about the effects that being online could have their kids.
LACASAâs Child Abuse Prevention Councilâs 2017 Call-to-Action Conference is entitled âThis is Your Brain Online: The Impact of Digital Technology on Child Development and Resilience.â Originally designed for professionals, interest in the topic has led LACASA to adding a conference specifically aimed at parents. Doctor Scott Becker, Director of the Michigan State University Counseling Center will lead the presentation that will share the latest research that suggests that the widespread use of computers, the internet, video games, and smart phones has a measurable negative impact on the development of the human brain. He will help explain and explore the implications these technologies have on the educational and psychological development of children, adolescents, and young adults.
The event will be held on Thursday, May 11th at the Livingston Educational Service Agency building on Grand River in Howell from 1pm to 3pm. Registration for the event is open through this Friday, May 5th, and is $10 per person. Scholarships are available. For more information or to register, contact Holly Naylor at (517)548-1350, or email hnaylor@lacasacenter.org (MK)
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Michigan Residents Against ET Rover Determined To Keep Fighting PipelineMichigan Residents Against ET Rover Determined To Keep Fighting Pipeline
Local residents fighting an interstate pipeline gathered to update each other on the progress they are making.
The Michigan Residents Against ET Rover, formerly known as ET Rover Go Home, met Tuesday evening at the Hamburg Public Library. The grassroots, volunteer-led group of homeowners, activists, and environmentalists are opposed to the 42-inch, natural gas ET Rover Pipeline that is being constructed in portions of Putnam Township and the Huron River Watershed. Wendy Zielen is part of the group and said that even though work on the pipeline has started, it is not too late to stop it. She recently spent a week in Washington D.C. trying to find out what further they can do. She said that right now the legislators canât do anything about it as itâs in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissionâs hands, but she believes elected officials need to take better notice of it and change what is happening. The group discussed their multiple ways of moving forward, including petitioning and joining together with other groups in the state and across the country fighting similar battles in a show of support for one another.
They are partnering with a non-profit organization in Ohio, which recently saw controversy around the pipeline. Rover had a pair of accidents in Ohio on April 13th and 14th where over 2 million gallons of drilling fluids spilled into wetlands in 2 counties. They also mistakenly tore down a historic house and settled with state historic preservation offices to the tune of $2.3 million. Local residents are concerned that if Rover can make these mistakes in Ohio, they can happen in their backyards, too. More information on the Residents Against ET Rover can be found on their website. The link is below. (MK)
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Activist Files 3rd Complaint About Recently-Passed Sinking Fund ProposalActivist Files 3rd Complaint About Recently-Passed Sinking Fund Proposal
While a sinking fund proposal was passed by voters in the Hartland Consolidated School district on Tuesday, another campaign finance complaint has been filed by a local activist.
Hartland resident Wes Nakagiri had previously filed two complaints against the district for its efforts in connection with the May 2nd Sinking Fund proposal. The first was because the district declined to let him use their email server and website to disseminate his opposition viewpoint. The second was for a mass mailing by the district on the issue. Nakagiri maintains that state campaign laws mandate public facilities, which he insists includes the email server and website, must be made available on an equal basis. Those complaints have been referred to the Michigan Bureau of Elections, whose spokesman, Fred Woodhams, tells WHMI that they have asked the district to respond to them.
But now Nakagiri has filed a third complaint, this one alleging the Cromaine District Library also violated state election law when its email system was used to distribute information on the Sinking Fund (see link below), but denied him equal access. The complaint was filed on Monday, the day before the election, in which voters passed the issue by a 241 vote margin. Library Director Ceci Marlow tells WHMI that Nakagiri contacted her at about 2pm Monday and requested she send another email with his viewpoint included. She said she explained to him that using the system was not as simple as just sending an email and that she would be unable to do so that day. Marlow also says she explained her email never told anyone how to vote yes and even made note of where information could be found in opposition.
For his part, Nakagiri says the way the email was worded makes him believe the library was offering support and that it was âpuzzlingâ why it spent taxpayer funds and âallowed its email system to be used to distribute only one side of the story.â Marlow insists the intent of her letter was not to sway or tell anyone how to vote, but to encourage people to get out and vote. As for the third complaint, Woodhams says they did receive it and are now looking into it. (JK)
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Judge Brennan On Bench As State Police Raid 53rd District Court In BrightonJudge Brennan On Bench As State Police Raid 53rd District Court In Brighton
Another chapter is unfolding in ongoing controversy surrounding a Livingston County judge accused of having a sexual affair with the lead detective in the investigation of a 2008 double homicide in Oceola Township.
Sources tell WHMI that investigators with the Michigan State Police went into the 53rd District Court building in Brighton at around 4pm Wednesday afternoon and asked to speak with Judge Theresa Brennan, who was on the bench at the time with court in session. After a period of time, everyone was instructed that the court was closing and they had to leave the building. The investigators then reportedly seized several computers.
It is believed that the raid is related to revelations made during Brennanâs recent divorce proceedings that she was having an affair with Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Sean Furlong. He also served as the lead witness for the prosecution of Jerome Kowalski, who was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his brother and sister-in-law in their Lyngre Drive home. Both Brennan and Furlong have maintained that the affair began after the trial, although testimony in the divorce case alleged it began years before and continued through the trial itself. While that remains unproven, if true it would represent a potential felony charge against Brennan and Furlong for lying under oath and potentially obstructing justice. Requests for comment about the raid have yet to be returned by either State Police or Livingston County officials.
Meanwhile, a motion to set aside Kowalskiâs 2013 conviction will be heard by an outside judge after Brennan earlier recused herself from the case. (JM/JK)
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Educational "Training Wheels" Course Offered In City of Howell Educational "Training Wheels" Course Offered In City of Howell
"Training Wheels" courses are being held around the state and in the City of Howell next week to help communities provide on-road bicycle facilities for residents and visitors.
The technical course explains how to integrate facilities such as bike routes, bicycle lanes, and shared roadways into existing infrastructure to make bicycling safe and convenient, providing alternate transportation to make roads more complete for everyone. Itâs being sponsored by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Courses will be taking place in various locations next week, including the City of Howell on Tuesday. The City has been making strides in becoming more bicycle friendly, installing bike racks and using different design techniques to create paths.
The course consists of two hours of classroom instruction on the Michigan standards for the development of bicycle facilities, followed by an on- road bicycling segment. That involves a casual ride through the Howell community to analyze the types of on-road facilities presently available or needed, with various stops to point out potential facility types along the way. The ride will be followed by lunch, a group exercise and discussion, questions from participants and a brief wrap-up.
Transportation Planner Cynthia Krupp tells WHMI itâs been a very exciting, positive program. She says a national expert will first discuss guidelines and new tools before participants head outside for a hands-on element, where theyâll talk about different streets and cross sections, what could be done differently and apply different principals for further discussion. Some tools can include buffered or separated bike lanes.
Courses are geared toward MDOT representatives, municipalities, transportation industry professionals, and those with specific interest in the topic. Space is limited and those wishing to participate in the Howell session must register and be accepted. Details are provided in the attachment and through the link. M-DOT Photo. (JM)
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Man Released From Hospital After Car Vs. Train Crash In Lyon Township Man Released From Hospital After Car Vs. Train Crash In Lyon Township
A man received only minor injuries after his vehicle struck a train in Lyon Township Wednesday.
Lyon Township Fire Chief Ken Van Sparrentak says a northbound driver on Griswold, south of 9 Mile initially stopped when the crossing gate came down. He says the subject then proceeded through the gate, running into the side of the train as it was crossing the intersection heading westbound at approximately 30mph.
The driver, reportedly an 88-year-old male, received only minor injuries and was transported to Providence Park Hospital as a precaution by the Lyon Township Fire Department. He was released Wednesday evening. Photo: Lyon Township Fire. (JM)
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Planned Movie Theater in Hartland Township Could Receive Tax Abatement Planned Movie Theater in Hartland Township Could Receive Tax Abatement
The community will have an opportunity later this month to weigh in on Hartland Townshipâs decision to allow the establishment of a district that would provide a tax abatement for a proposed development.
The Hartland Township Board of Trustees met last night with project leaders for the Emagine Movie Theater planned to be built in Hartland Towne Square. Developers say as the project began to unfold, they found its budget was creeping over $17 million and they could not justify the cost with the theaterâs projected patronage. The buildingâs size, number of auditoriums, and seat count was reduced, bringing the budget down to approximately $15 million. However Emagine Entertainment CEO Paul Glantz told the board the budget would need to be around $14.5 million in order to move forward with the project.
After several meetings and discussions, it was suggested that a Commercial Rehabilitation district be established for the 7.5 acres on which the 55,000 square-foot theater would be located. Township Manager James Wickman says under the district, the theater would be eligible for a tax abatement that would help in meeting the desired project budget. Wickman says except for the state education and school operating tax, the abatement would apply to all taxing authorities for the property taxes.
The Board of Trustees unanimously gave approval for developers to move forward with the application process necessary in establishing the parcel as a Commercial Rehabilitation district. The application will need to be reviewed and approved by the county and state. If it receives approval and the district is established, the township would be providing around $500,000 worth of tax relief for the theater. Two public hearings on the issue will be held, with the first scheduled for May 23rd. (DK)
Photo credit: Emagine-Entertainment.com
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Crespi & Conquest Selected For USHL DraftCrespi & Conquest Selected For USHL Draft
Two members of the Brighton state champion hockey team have been selected in the USHLâs annual draft.
Jake Crespi, who went in the second round to the Tri-City Storm, and Adam Conquest, a fifth round pick by Des Moines, are the first members of the Brighton High School team to be selected. Other Brighton hockey players have played in the USHL, but went there from travel hockey.
Crespi (right) finished his senior season as the stateâs Mr. Hockey while Conquest (left), a junior, has the option of going to the USHL or returning for his senior season. Crespi has committed to Lake Superior State, but will have to decide whether to play in the USHL or another league to prepare for college hockey.
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Lyon Township Beginning Risk Free Engineering Of New Water SystemLyon Township Beginning Risk Free Engineering Of New Water System
Lyon Township received a one-of-a-kind offer for the engineering design of a potential new water treatment system.
The Board of Trustees has spent the past few months exploring options for better cleaning and delivering water to residents. Last month they were impressed by a presentation from Ohio-based Artesian of Pioneer, which is owned and run from the South Lyon-born Ed Kidston. Kidston had been conducting his own analysis of the townshipâs water system over the past couple months, and believes he can install 2 treatment plants that will be economical, durable, and eliminate the need for water softeners in homes. To move further forward with engineering would cost Lyon Township a $100,000 deposit. Supervisor John Dolan said that Kidston made a unique offer with that deposit that most companies wouldnât match.
Kidston feels so secure in his companyâs ability to deliver on their promises that he told the board that if they come back to him at any point and say they canât afford the project or that it canât be done for the quoted price, he will refund that $100,000. Many members of the board thought the money-back guarantee on engineering was an extremely fair deal, and they approved it unanimously.
Kidston said that in the next 30 days Artesian will complete more tests on the water and soil, have necessary talks with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and scout viable locations for 1 or 2 new 1-million gallon water towers. Following that, he will come back to the board with a more detailed vision and accurate cost of the overall price. His early estimate for the project is at $16.5-million dollars. (MK)
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Help Feed Families With The Summer Lunch BunchHelp Feed Families With The Summer Lunch Bunch
Volunteers and support are being sought for a collaborative community meals program that happens every summer in Livingston County. The Summer Lunch Bunch is back and getting ready for the Hunger Councilâs Happy Healthy Summer Kickoff event later this month. The Salvation Army-run program offers a diverse array of one-time, daily, and weekly meetings at host sites around the county all summer. This year, the Lunch Bunch has set a goal of serving 50,000 meals to families by way of sit-down lunches, produce deliveries, and pantry packs. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about their efforts is invited to the Kickoff event which will be held on Saturday, May 20th from 10am to 1pm at The Commons at 2|42 Church in Brighton. Registration is free. To RSVP a spot, call (517)295-4347 or by visiting www.livingstonhunger.com/summerkickoff/ (MK)
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Upcoming Ramp & Lane Closures On US-23 Upcoming Ramp & Lane Closures On US-23
Work on US-23 at M-36 and Barker Road will likely cause travel delays for motorists.
The northbound and southbound US-23 entrance ramps from M-36 will be closed this weekend, starting at 9pm Friday until 5am Monday. The ramp closures are needed for concrete patch work.
Then next week, Barker Road will be down to one lane. Starting Monday, there will be one lane maintained on Barker Road at US-23 with flag control for bridge work. M-DOT says the flag control is expected to be in place daily between 9am and 2pm until next Friday.
Additional work is scheduled on US-23 in Washtenaw County. On eastbound M-14 at Barton Road, single lane closures are needed for guardrail installation on Saturday from 7 to 9am and on Sunday from 8 to 10am. Then next week, there will be overnight single lane closures on US-23 in each direction at Joy Road. The nightly lane closures will take place next Monday through Saturday and are needed for bridge work. (JM)
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Judge's Home Also Searched By State Police InvestigatorsJudge's Home Also Searched By State Police Investigators
A local judgeâs home was the subject of a search warrant on Wednesday that also took investigators to 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennanâs courtroom.
Lori Douavito is with the Michigan State Police Public Affairs Section and has confirmed for WHMI that investigators executed two search warrants Wednesday, one at Brennanâs home and the other at her offices in the judicial center in Brighton. However, she said there was nothing more she could say about the reasons behind the warrants or what, if anything was seized by investigators.
Several sources close to the investigation have told WHMI that computers were taken out of Brennanâs courtroom. The sources wish to remain anonymous as they are not authorized to speak on the record about the investigation. The warrants are believed to be connected to revelations from Brennanâs recent divorce proceedings that she had an affair with State Police Detective Sgt. Sean Furlong, who was the lead witness in the 2013 double murder trial of Jerome Kowalski. He was charged with murdering his brother and sister-in-law in their Oceola Township home in 2008. Brennan presided over the trial and later sentenced Kowalski to life in prison after a jury convicted him in the case. Both Brennan and Furlong have admitted to the affair, but insist it began after the trial. Kowalski is seeking to set aside his murder conviction based on information from the divorce proceedings, specifically that Brennan committed perjury when she testified that she spoke to Furlong only once during the trial. Brennanâs ex-husband testified that phone records show Brennan and Furlong spoke 37 times by phone during the course of the trial. (JK)
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Combination Coffee House & Live Theater Approved For Downtown BrightonCombination Coffee House & Live Theater Approved For Downtown Brighton
A combination coffee house and theater is in Brightonâs future.
For a long time, Brighton has lacked a small venue to put on live theater, except for the CoBACH building. In just four months, if all goes according to schedule, a combination coffee house and theater will be coming to the Masonic Building on North Street, on the perimeter of downtown. Marcus Goller and his wife Amy McEwen, who live in Brighton Township, will be the owners of the business.
McEwen has extensive theater experience, on the West Coast and in New England. The couple is in the process of renting Suite 200 of the Masonic Lodge, which owns the building that formerly housed the Brighton Post Office. The endeavor will be called the Brighton Coffee House & Theater. Goller was at the Brighton City Council meeting Thursday night, where council unanimously approved the required special land use permit.
Goller tells WHMI that the coffee house aspect goes first in the title because that will be the coupleâs bread-and-butter, and will help offset the costs incurred by the theater. While the theater will only seat 48 people, Goller says they will be putting on everything from traditional theater fare to avant-garde subjects. And it wonât be just plays, either. Goller says they also hope to have other performing arts, such as choruses and bands.
The coffee house will offer coffees from many exotic coffee-growing regions. He says that many of the coffees used in their artisan brews will be organic and will be fair trade or direct trade to help the small-time coffee grower. Goller says they plan to have the Brighton Coffee House and Theater open right after Labor Day, after extensive renovations are completed to accommodate the new venture. (TT)
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