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AUGUST 20, 2025 Vol. 22, No. 19
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Court rules Roosevelt Elementary can be demolished BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
KEEGO HARBOR — On Aug. 7, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled 3-0 to dissolve an order that had paused the demolition of Roosevelt Elementary. Located in Keego Harbor in the West Bloomfield School District, the school building is more than 100 years old. WBSD is the defendant in the case. The plaintiff is a grassroots nonSee ROOSEVELT on page 20A
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
LEFT: Derek Howard, attorney for the Heart of the Lakes Community, Inc, listens as Lindsay Hazen, attorney for the West Bloomfield School District, presents her argument in the Michigan Court of Appeals Feb. 5. HOTLC seeks to preserve the historic Roosevelt Elementary in Keego Harbor, while WBSD wants to demolish it. RIGHT: Supporters filled the courtroom to champion Howard — third row, center — as he argued to preserve Roosevelt Elementary.
BUDGET HEARINGS START NEXT MONTH IN WEST BLOOMFIELD WEST BLOOMFIELD — Plans are now underway for West Bloomfield’s budget in 2026, and the township is requesting the public’s input. Although many communities in the Bea-
con’s coverage area started their 2025-26 fiscal years on July 1, West Bloomfield’s budget corresponds with the calendar year, and its next fiscal budget begins Jan.1, 2026. Residents can attend meetings starting in September to weigh in on the new budget. “The 2026 budget process has several opportunities for public input, including three
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special budget meetings held at noon at Town Hall on Sept. 3, Oct.15, and Nov. 12,” said Allison Broihier, the township’s budget and pension manager. Broihier noted that the hearing for the final budget will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 inside Town Hall, located at 4550 Walnut Lake Road, with a final vote on adoption at 6 p.m. Dec. 15.
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Although many details are not yet finalized, officials say residents may see a slight increase on their tax bill due to an increase in the taxable value of their property. “If a homeowner makes a substantial improvement, (such as) a home remodel or an addition that increases that value of the
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