ROYAL OAK — The city of Royal Oak is adopting a new program called RENO, the Residential Enhancement and Neighborhood Opportunity program, that waives all city of Royal Oak building and inspection permit fees for qualifying projects to encourage development that supports the city’s master plan and Sustainability and Climate Action Plan priorities. 

TROY — The Troy City Council has approved a new redevelopment plan for a mixed-use project at the site of the former Kmart headquarters in Troy.

DETROIT — One of the signature projects of the nonprofit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, will mark its grand opening this weekend with special events for all ages, including a concert by The Jacksons.

UTICA — Community members officially welcomed new pickleball courts to Grant Park in Utica Oct. 8 during a dedication ceremony.

ROYAL OAK — The repainting of the dreaded back-in parking spaces on Washington Avenue began Oct. 6 to convert them into a more convenient pull-in space. 

ROYAL OAK — Isaac Kremer has been selected as the new director of the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority and began his role on Sept. 15. 

SOUTHFIELD — Arch Environmental Group Inc, an environmental consulting and testing provider, has moved its office to Southfield. The move also comes with the 30-year anniversary of the business. 

STERLING HEIGHTS — Despite concerns voiced by residents, the Sterling Heights City Council voted unanimously to move forward with plans for a proposed storage facility.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — At a Board of Trustees work session in early September, a site plan for Fire Station No. 1 was presented by West Bloomfield Fire Chief Greg Flynn.

ROCHESTER — A new skate park, designed by Spohn Ranch, is coming to Scott Street Park in Rochester next year.

BERKLEY — The Berkley City Council recently gave its approval for a new gas station in town.

WARREN — A supplier for Stellantis plans to lay off 70 workers in Warren in October.

STERLING HEIGHTS — The city of Sterling Heights is moving forward with plans for a new pickleball facility.

TROY — During its meeting Aug. 25, the Troy City Council unanimously approved the purchase of a new sugar and storage shed at the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center.

METRO DETROIT — Planting flowers around your home in the fall can help bring color and cheer to the otherwise dreary autumn season, and it will brighten your spring season as well.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Even the Grosse Pointe Woods City Council appears to be divided over whether or not to rezone a portion of Mack Avenue.

FERNDALE — The development of a proposed car wash in Ferndale has hit a snag. At its Aug. 20 meeting, the Planning Commission reviewed the special land use application and site plan for the development of an El Car Wash at 22230 Woodward Ave.

TROY — At its meeting Aug. 12, the Troy Planning Commission unanimously approved a preliminary site plan for the Wesley Park project around Rochester Road and Shallowdale Drive.

FARMINGTON HILLS — At the Aug. 11 meeting of the Farmington Hills City Council, members voted 6-1 to reject a proposal for a planned unit development spanning Mulberry Park and the Tabernacle, both on 13 Mile Road west of Middlebelt Road. 

ROYAL OAK — The city of Royal Oak has chosen Meg Trouba as its new economic development director. Trouba began her new role on Aug. 18.