Grosse Pointe News

Sean Cotton, Owner • Anne Gryzenia, Publisher • Jody McVeigh, Editor In Chief • Meg Leonard, Senior Editor

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2021 in Review: A year of challenges in the WoodsFree Access


File photo
Students at Monteith Elementary School and throughout the Grosse Pointes returned to face-to-face learning in March wearing masks and using face shields.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — The Woods faced its fair share of challenges this year. It endured the loss of two members of council, who passed away within months of each other. Heavy storms left the city dealing with an aftermath of flooding, sewage backup and power outages. A Parcells Middle School student published a school-shooting threat following the deadly shooting at nearby Oxford High School, resulting in his arrest.

This is the year in review.

January

* The city hall flag flies at half-staff in honor of former Councilman George McMullen, a longtime, beloved member of the community who died from pancreatic cancer late December.

* City council approves the Woods-Shores Little League fundraising efforts to hang banners on the fields’ fences at Ghesquiere Park.

* A resident in the 600 block of Peach Tree Lane is uninjured in a house fire, which left the home a pile of rubble by the time the fire was contained.

* The Woods department of public safety receives a new, state-of-the-art firetruck, replacing a 31-year-old vehicle.

February

* A 62-year-old Woods man drives his SUV off the roadway at Mack Avenue, striking a tree, a large garbage can, a parking meter and, ultimately, Merchant’s Fine Wine & Spirits. Alcohol and a single-shot bottle of Tito’s vodka are found on scene.

* A house in the 1800 block of Broadstone Road goes up in smoke, with active fire in the basement. While the two residents of the home escape with no injuries, their 18-year-old cat does not survive.

March

* Mayor Robert E. Novitke passes away Sunday, March 14. Novitke, a resident more than 40 years, served on council 13 years and was mayor of the city more than 30 years. The Woods city hall was renamed the Robert E. Novitke Municipal Center in October 2020, with Novitke present.

* Mayor Pro-Tem Arthur W. Bryant is appointed to fill the mayoral vacancy until the November election. Two vacant council seats are met with 19 applications, of which the city selects Angela Coletti Brown and Thomas Vaughn as its newest members.

April

* The annual public safety report shows a 24 percent reduction in index and non-index crimes in 2020, with 73 reported incidents of larceny, making it the highest reported crime in the city.

* A ribbon-cutting ceremony is celebrated, unveiling a new vehicular bridge over Lake Front Park’s marina.

May

* The Grosse Pointe Woods Beautification Commission hosts its annual flower sale at the Robert E. Novitke Municipal Center, featuring Proven Winners annuals and perennials, hanging baskets, patio pots and Indian Summer Recycling compost.

* Concern surrounding COVID-19 has the Grosse Pointe Woods Historical Commission observing Memorial Day virtually by posting a 54-minute video from Memorial Day 1997.

June

* Flooding and sewage backup occurs in the Grosse Pointes overnight Friday, June 25, as 7 inches of rain hit the cities in three hours. In the Woods, an estimated 100 homes are impacted.

July

photo by renee landuyt
Live animals, including Frankie, a 25-year-old turtle, were part of Fall Fest in September.

* City officials hold a town hall via Zoom regarding the June rain event that left many residents in despair and basements flooded with sewage.

August

* A COVID-19 outbreak reported among lifeguarding staff at Lake Front Park shuts down the pool for three days.

* Two baby sulcata tortoises, Lily and Coco, are stolen from Lou’s Pet Shop. After posting pictures of the suspects to the shop’s Facebook page, the tortoises are returned to the store with the help of patrons and public safety.

* Homes throughout the Pointes are impacted by 80 mile per hour gusts. Woods homes are hit the hardest, with some still without power almost a week later.

September

* Council signs off on a three-year agreement with Vector Solutions, a new public safety training program which will offer a thousand classes for police, fire and emergency medical services.

October

* The city recognizes department of public works crew chiefs Matthew Crook and Edwin Hall at a council meeting for their above-and-beyond service during the June 25-26 storm event.

* City Administrator Bruce Smith announces his plans to retire at the end of the year.

The Woods Department of Public Safety hosted an open house in October.

* Initial design plans are presented for an update to Chene-Trombly Park. Anticipated design measures include upgraded fencing, a more distinct entrance to the park, a sand pit, educational pieces, climbing areas and tot-favorable swings, among other things.

* Oct. 20, 2021, is designated Donnie Cook Day. Cook is the owner of Lou’s Pet Shop and has become a community icon for animal lovers.

November

* Two proposed charter amendments to transfer authority over the city clerk and treasurer from city council to the city administrator are passed handily following the election. City council, uncontested, remains unchanged.

* Department of Public Services Director Frank Schulte will become the new city administrator following Bruce Smith’s retirement, effective at the start of the new year.

December

* A 14-year-old Grosse Pointe Woods boy and Parcells Middle School student is arrested after publishing a shooting threat online. The threat follows a school shooting at nearby Oxford High School, which left four students dead and others injured.