2024 has been a year of accomplishments for our City

DPW Superintendent Brent Jones with newly-planted tree at the new Parking lot on Duncan St. (Mirror file photo).

by Marsha Chartrand

“In addition to our normal business of budgeting, working with our businesses and non-profits on events, maintaining our community, and running the day-to-day activities, our City Staff and Council has completed some significant tasks this year,” said Pat Vailliencourt, Manchester’s Mayor.

Starting out the year as a brand-new City presented challenges and lots of learning opportunities. Chief among them for Clerk Brittany Kuhnle was setting up the procedures for holding two elections during the calendar year 2024. Along with Manager Michael Sessions, she was duly trained, along with other newly-appointed Election Committee staff members, and the transition went very smoothly. The lessons learned in the August primary led to more brainstorming of changes for the November General Election, which also was completed successfully.

Meanwhile, the tasks related to becoming a city continued throughout the year. The existing Rules and Procedures Policy was amended to reflect the new City Charter. Council appointed a Board of Review and hired a City Assessor, Chris Renius. In addition, a $50,000 grant was awarded to the City to develop a Future Master Plan. The Planning Commission will work with planning consultants Carlisle Wortman to develop a timeline for public input, long range visioning, and creation of the Plan itself.

A major accomplishment for the city, just last Friday, was completing the last of 110 lead water line replacements, after receiving $300,000 in earmark State funds. “The efforts of our DPW were a major contributor to making this happen!” Vailliencourt said. At the same time, significant critical upgrades were completed to the wastewater treatment plant.

Some of the recreational and cultural events that happened in 2024 included moving the Farmers Market back to its downtown location on Adrian Street. Dozens of vendors came through town in its first six months, and Market Manager Dana Queen indicates that there is much more new to come in 2025! Manchester hosted the Northville Concours d’Elegance driving tour car show and hopes to see that partnership continue and grow in the future. The Parks Commission saw the completion of a Mountain Bike Trail and saw lots of use of the recently created Chi-Bro recreational facilities. A rain garden was developed and planning begun for improved parking, a walking path, and fencing in Kirk Park.

City Council approved the use of a cold storage area on the grounds of the City Hall for a Senior/Community Event Center if the
renovation funds could be raised. The Manchester Area Senior Citizens embarked on an ambitious $235,000 fundraising campaign. With amazing support from the entire Manchester Community and matching grants, the funds were raised and work has begun on the project, which the City will oversee as fiduciary.

The Downtown Development Authority began the renovation of the downtown alley and purchased hanging baskets for the light poles. Board members began exploring the Michigan Main Street Program to attract both residents and businesses, promote
commercial investment, and spur economic growth.

On the growth scale, the Phase 2 section of the Wexford development behind Carr Park has been purchased. Plans are expected to be submitted for approximately 29 new homes.

And on an industrial addition, Damian Craft Meats presented a preliminary site plan and received approval to proceed with a final site plan to establish a meat processing plant at M52 and Hogan Road. This facility will provide a much-need service to our farming community.

Beyond the day-to-day work at City Hall: The leaking roof was replaced over the DPW storage area. Purchase of and demolition of the house at 134 Adrian Street (along with prior removal of the old Comerica Bank drive-through) allowed a much-needed new parking lot to be constructed between Ockrow and Duncan Streets. Finally, a Structural Analysis and Dam Disposition Study was completed on the Ford Dam and has been submitted to the State. No decision will be made concerning the future of the dam until the State’s response is received.

What’s coming up in 2025? Check the Jan. 1 edition of the Manchester Mirror to find out more!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.