DID YOU KNOW

July, 16, 2004

...that it is the homeowner's responsibility to be sure that the shut off valves both ahead of and below the water meter are properly maintained. These are the property of the homeowner and are placed there for the homeowner's protection. Further, these valves are required by ordinance in order to have a water service connection to the municipal water supply.

March 22, 2004

…Redford's Water & Sewer Department workers not only take care of your water and sewer main repairs, but they come back later to restore any damage they do to your property in making those repairs. When appropriate weather arrives and the proper supplies are available, we will repair your lawn or cement if we have damaged it.

March 12, 2004

…that Redford Township residents who wish to dispose of building/construction materials (including fences, decking, etc.) can take them to the Onyx Landfill located at 10690 Six Mile Road (at Napier Road) in Northville, Michigan. Before going to the landfill you should contact them at (888) 443-1717 to inquire about the disposal fees and hours/days of operation.

February 26, 2004

…that Redford Township Water & Sewer Department workers will never collect money at your home or business for any reason. If someone claiming to be a Water & Sewer Department worker asks for money, tell them to wait at the door and go call the Redford Police Department at 911. You have a scam artist at your door.

February 13, 2004

…that Redford Township offers a tree branch chipper service to all residents? The charge for this service varies from $20 for a small pile to $35 for a large pile that would include full size trees (not including logs, which are not picked up). Senior citizens receive a discount and pay $5 for a small pile and $10 for a large pile.

Branches set out for chipping should be no longer than 12 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter. For more information please contact the Department of Public Works at (313) 387-2696.

February 6, 2004

…that the Zoning Board of Appeals meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 8:00am. This Board consists of five appointed Township residents who receive applications from residents and business owners petitioning for a variance of either Zoning Ordinance 152N or Ordinance 58A and 58B (fence ordinance). The Zoning Board conducts public hearings for each of these requests.

In the year 2003 the ZBA held 15 meetings at which they heard 31 appeals, 28 of which were approved. The most common requested variance is for a 6’ fence (45% of total appeals). Variance dealing with accessory buildings (garages, sheds and storage barns) were the next most frequent type of request (22% of total appeals).

January 29, 2004

…that the Planning Commission meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm. It holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the Township Board regarding rezoning of property within Redford Township, as well as amendments to and interpretations of the Township’s Zoning Ordinance 152N.

Throughout 2003 the Planning Commission worked on updating Zoning Ordinance 152N which is now before the Township Board for action. During the seven regular meetings and one special meeting held last year, the Commission considered three petitions for rezoning, one special use permit request and the proposed construction of residential homes (as per Ordinance 61A dealing with minimum lot size). All five matters were approved by the Commission. However, two of the petitions were later denied by the Township Board.

January 22, 2004

…that Redford Township Water & Sewer Department workers will not come into your home without an appointment or unless you invite them in for an emergency situation. Unless there is a maintenance problem, your water meter is read from the outside of your home or business. If someone comes to your home, ask to see their identification, check to see that they are in uniform and look to see if they are driving a Redford Township vehicle. If you have concerns, please call the Water Department at (313) 387-2670 or the Police Department at (313) 387-2551.

January 15, 2004

…that Wayne County has established priorities for snow removal throughout the County? The first roads to be cleaned are the expressways. Second to be cleaned are the main roads (Telegraph, Plymouth, Grand River and all the Mile roads, etc…). Third to be cleaned are the school bus routes as designated by the two school districts. Lastly, the Township’s residential streets are plowed. The County will enter the residential areas if there are four or more inches of snow. Barring additional inclement weather, the County equipment can usually enter the Township residential streets within two days of the initial snowstorm.

January 12, 2004

…that the rental inspection program helps keep the housing stock of Redford viable and maintained. This past year the Department of Building & Safety Engineering registered 677 rental homes and inspected 186 of those homes that came up on a 3-year inspection rotation. This has not only produced revenue for the Township, but helps insure the welfare and safety of its residents.

December 16, 2003

...that the Redford Department of Solid Waste management has cleaned up 45 evictions and/or move outs during the first ten months of the year 2003? Each time the Department is made aware of an eviction or move out they are quick to respond in removing the debris from the curbside to deter any individuals who may want to rummage through the items. Unscheduled pickups of this nature are charged to the property owner. So far this year the Township has collected $3,115.93 from 20 property owners. The outstanding (unpaid) amounts will be placed on the tax roll for collection next year.

December 9, 2003

…how vibrant a community Redford Township is? When there is well-rounded growth indicated by new construction in residential, commercial and institutional areas, it is a sign of commitment to long term strength of community and a barometer of a healthy Township. Even though this is an older community with a fairly dense population, there has been a lot of activity this year in new construction. The Building & Safety Engineering Department has overseen the building of 28 new homes and 9 new commercial construction projects, including Presbyterian Village and the new Redford Library. The variety and extent of the current projects is something that Redford can be proud of.

…that Department of Public Works starts working in late November to set up the holiday decorations in the Downtown areas as well as Town Hall and the Public Services Building. Setting up the barricades and staging as needed for the Olde Fashion Christmas event is also done by the Public Works crew. It takes time to hang all the banners, string the lights and set up the various decorations so our community looks festive and in the Christmas spirit, but they continue to come through and get the job done.

…that Redford Township swept the Township’s main roads four times during the 2003 season? Residential streets were swept twice. However, Township personnel will make every effort to complete a third sweeping of the residential streets until the amount of leaves that collect at the curbside will prevent any more sweeping this season.

November 25, 2003

…there is a greenbelt expansion going on? As each major road in Redford Township is resurfaced, asphalt in the right-of-way (between the sidewalk and curb) is being replaced by grass and the number of driveways reduced to provide an attractive greenbelt. Furthermore, signs are placed in these areas indicating “no parking”. This provides for greater traffic safety and aesthetically improves the appearance of our main roads. We encourage business owners and residents to do their part by maintaining the grass and adding either low growing shrubs or deciduous trees.

November 7, 2003

…that tours are available and may be arranged at the Redford Township CSO Basin. This award winning facility, located off of Beech Daly Road just north of Lola Valley Park, is part of the Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project, a nationally funded program established to clean up the Rouge River. This is a very interesting operation and the Department of Public Services has produced an accompanying brochure explaining the various functions. Groups interested in arranging a tour may contact Ron Caryl, Superintendent of the Redford Township Water & Sewer Department.

October 27, 2003

…that Redford Township has been the recipient of a number of read improvement projects in the past three (3) years? These projects include:

Also, three residential streets:

October 20, 2003

…that the Redford Township 2003 Household Hazardous Waste Day had the second highest vehicle turnout since the program began 9 years ago? The number of vehicles which were processed through the 6 hour collection program totaled 1641! Once again, Redford Township residents proved they are environmentally responsible by disposing of these paints, pesticides, acids and other hazardous items in a safe manner. Nine pallets of discarded computer equipment were also collected. Each computer monitor can contain over 8 lbs of lead.