State of the Community
Posted on 04/29/2026
Mayor Brian Turnbull

NORTHVILLIAN 

This week, the Northville Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual State of the Community Luncheon. This event truly personifies the unique, bonded relationship of the City, Township and the School District. Together, we strive for the betterment of all in our “Way Forward” plan as we celebrate transformational community activities.

Currently, we have 7% of our citizens on task forces, committees and boards, engaging on the future of the community we love. The latest Task Forces are the Bicentennial and Cemetery Restoration groups, which are a mix of City & Township citizens along with NHS students.

BEFORE LOOKING @ COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS, LET’S SEE TODAY’S NEWS….

  • Tipping Point Theatre presents Gene & Gilda through May 3rd Link
  • Northville Chorale Chasing Rainbows Concert – 5/2, 4PM, FUMC (777 Eight Mile)

  • Northville Cars & Coffee – 5/9, 8-10AM, 550 W 7 Mile – Join us for the first gathering of the season. Bring a car, yourself, a friend … sponsored by Alexander’s Custom Clothiers & the Mayor.
  • Food Drive – Postal Letter Carriers – 5/9, Place non-perishable items in a bag by your mailbox – Northville’s Civic Concern will be the recipient of your generosity
  • Northville Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale – 5/16, 9-12PM, City Hall Park. Link
  • Birthday Tea Party for Clara Ford – 5/16, 1PM, Mill Race Village. Link
  • Veterans Honor Plaza Dedication - 5/23, 10AM, Mill Race Village. See you there!
  • Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony at Rural Hill – 5/25, 10AM. Link
  • Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Marquis Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link, Northville Winery Link

    INFO FOR CITIZENS … Projects Around Town

  • FORD FIELD – Playscape assembly is taking shape and the excitement is building. Work is almost complete on the waterfall area (Serenity Point), the ADA entryway and the Vista (Gateway) overlook will be finished by summer… Exciting!
  • RIVERWALK – The pathway system at the Downs along the Rouge River and the Johnson Creek is spectacular. Additionally, DTE is working on their section of the river walk north of the Downs – they are investing over $4.0M in the future of Northville, including decorative fencing & landscaping and a connected pathway.
  • DOWNS INITIATIVE – Work on River Park (Ribbon Cutting 6/17) & Central Park is continuing. Beal St. bridge construction with its new decorative & functional cement wings is outstanding.Detail work is in full swing on the 7 Mile/Sheldon roundabout, too.
  • NORTHVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET AREA – Paving/upgrades happening this week
  • GRANTS that Support Northville’s Initiatives (Over $17.6M) – Link

TASK FORCE MEETINGS

  • Bicentennial Task Force Mtg – 5/6/26, 7PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
  • Cemetery Renewal Task Force – 5/11/26, 7PM City Hall (Dave Marold – Chair)

 

City of Northville “State of the Community” Highlights:

We (City, Township, Schools) continue to Bolster Our Strengths:

  • Businesses in Town – Small Town Charm (Shops, Restaurants & Neighborhoods)
  • Greenspaces in our Parks – Scenic Beauty (Rivers, Hills, and Parks)
  • Schools – Education (Our Top-Ranked school system)

Community Cooperation & Involvement is at an All-Time High

Our Citizens have volunteered Time, Talents & Treasures to support the following initiatives:

  • Ford Field – The playscape, Gateway Vista, ADA entryway & the waterfall projects are all nearly complete. A Million-dollar restroom structure will be ready by year-end.
  • Ford Field East (behind Planet Fitness) – Work begins this summer on a Riverwalk section, pedestrian bridges, and placemaking areas.
  • Riverwalk Happenings in Various Sections
  • Ford Field East Section– Pathway, placemaking, bridge crossing over pond
  • South Main Park Area – Bridge by Waterwheel, pathways, placemaking
  • Foundry Flask vicinity – Readying for a connected pathway system
  • DTE Substation – Over $4M is being invested into Northville by DTE where they designed a riverwalk section, beautiful fencing & landscaping.
  • Downs River Park (10.3 Acres) - Daylighting of the river, transformational planting of 1400 hardwood trees, log cabin renovation & 2.5 miles of pathways.
  • Central Park – Our three-tiered central park south of the Presby church will take shape by late summer and options for its three tiers are being discussed.
  • Downtown (DDA) will be investing over a Million dollars yearly in ’26, ’27 & ’28.
  • The Farmers’ Market location was purchased jointly by the Township & the City.

Additionally

  • The Cemetery Restoration Task Force (Chair – David Marold) is setting plans for the future. Take a look at the restoration efforts at our historic Oakwood Cemetery. Additionally, our Bicentennial Task Force (Chair – Rick Sharpe) has spent the last few years planning outstanding activities for 2027.

The Northville TEAM (Township, Schools, and City), are working together building a “Way Forward” Plan, providing pathways for the future and connecting all in the community on many levels. We can truly accomplish great things … but only Together!

Keep that Northville Community Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville