Message from Mark
Hello and welcome to the November edition of Focus Macomb! I’d like to start by highlighting the annual State of Macomb County address, which will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. I’d like to invite you all to watch the stream on the Macomb County website so you can hear important updates on our community and the progress our teams have made in this last year and preview what’s ahead.
Now, I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to spending time with family and friends, my November has been spent attending amazing events like the Macomb Reads Literacy Carnival where bright young minds came together to showcase literature, technology, engineering and more. In particular, I had the privilege of speaking to local robotics team LAM.Robot 4810, a part of Macomb MARZ based in Clinton Township. Not only were these students exceptional, but their passion, teamwork and dedication acted as a reminder of what it means to support hands-on learning and make a positive impact on our children’s futures.
On Veterans Day, I had the opportunity to host the Veterans Day WJR live radio show at Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace. Guests from across Macomb County were invited to sit down with me and discuss the strives made towards making Macomb a great community for those who serve. You can stream the WJR radio event here.
And speaking of serving, SMART and Meals on Wheels continue to serve our community by being there for our residents. Thank you to everyone who works or volunteers for these organizations. Whether it’s giving our seniors a ride or a warm meal, what you do matters. For those interested in volunteering for Meals on Wheels, you can join the program on the Meals on Wheels website.
Earlier this month, the Macomb County team and I put together our Paws, Claus & Second Chances Christmas tree for the Gardner White Furniture Twinkle Town tree competition. The contest is a chance to win $10,000 for the animals we care for at Macomb County Animal Control. You can vote today on the Gardner White website until December 7 – make sure to select tree “J” for the Paws, Claus & Second Chances tree!
Lastly, as some of you may know, November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. We pay tribute to those who stand beside our nation’s service members with unconditional support and remind ourselves that behind every uniform is a family whose sacrifice and resilience help protect the freedoms we all cherish.
Stay safe and take care,
Mark Hackel
Department of Roads hosts community open house for Schoenherr Road reconstruction project in Shelby Township
The Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR), in coordination with Shelby Township, has plans to reconstruct and widen Schoenherr Road between 23 Mile Road and 26 Mile Road. MCDR hosted a community open house on November 18 to share preliminary plans and recommended improvements with the public.
“Macomb County’s transportation infrastructure connects people, communities and commerce and the Schoenherr Road project is a vital investment in safer and more efficient travel for Macomb County motorists,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “Through community engagement and collaboration with Shelby Township, the project was identified to ensure Schoenherr Road meets the needs of the community and serves the public well into the future.”
The proposed project is anticipated to be constructed in two phases with the first phase in 2027 between 23 Mile Road and 25 Mile Road and the second phase in 2029 between 25 Mile Road and 26 Mile Road that will include the bridge over the Middle Branch Clinton River. The project includes:
- Widening the road from two lanes to three lanes between 23 Mile Road and 26 Mile Road with added right turn lanes at specific locations for high volume entrances
- A center turning lane and two lanes for through traffic
- Improved drainage and shoulders with new storm sewers, curb and gutter, and pavement markings
- Enhanced safety and traffic flow
- No major changes to driveways or access points
“Schoenherr Road is an important corridor that provides essential north and south access through Shelby Township and throughout Macomb County,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “Reconstructing and widening Schoenherr Road will help enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, improve safety for drivers and pedestrians and improve access for emergency services.”
The project is anticipated to address traffic congestion, enhancing vehicular and pedestrian safety and improve deteriorating road and bridge conditions. The need for the project includes current and projected traffic volumes, multiple conflict points for vehicles and failing pavement conditions. The project was also identified as a priority by Shelby Township and local stakeholders.
“There is no higher duty of government than to protect the safety and well-being of its people. These critical improvements aren’t just about fixing a road, they’re about keeping a promise to the people we serve, a promise that every child, resident and first responder has a safe path home,” said Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis. “We’re deeply grateful to our partners at the Macomb County Department of Roads for standing shoulder to shoulder with us in this effort. Their support reflects the best of what government can be, neighbors working together, putting safety above bureaucracy, and building a stronger, safer community for generations to come.”
The federally funded project allows MCDR to complete needed enhancements while reducing costs to both local agencies. The first phase of construction is estimated to cost $9.2 million with $7.9 million in federal funding being applied to the project. The second phase of construction is estimated to cost $13.1 million with $6.5 million in federal funding being applied to the project. The cost of the project will be split between MCDR and Shelby Township after federal funding is applied.
As part of preliminary planning and the environmental review process, MCDR is studying natural resources and cultural sites and is actively communicating with and engaging nearby residents, property owners, local schools, emergency services and the nature sanctuary south of 26 Mile Road.
Additional details regarding the project, including the project limits and community open house materials, are available at the Schoenherr Road reconstruction website.
Volunteers needed for annual Macomb County Point-in-Time Count of homeless population
Macomb Community Action is currently seeking volunteers for its Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, an annual census of those who are experiencing homelessness in Macomb County. Volunteers can elect to participate in the 2026 Point-In-Time Count in either of two shift options -- the late-night shift beginning on the night of Wednesday, January 28 from 9 p.m. – midnight, and the early morning shift on January 29 from 2 – 5 a.m.
Groups of three to four volunteers per vehicle will canvass the County in search of those who, during the PIT count hours, are found outside unsheltered. The volunteers will be provided a geographic portion of the County to monitor. “Hot spots” - where homeless people are known to be - will be provided. Volunteers will complete forms on those they encounter to ensure data is collected appropriately. A bag of items will be provided to everyone they meet along with a sheet of resources including shelter information, health care information, etc.
Those interested in volunteering with Macomb Community Action for the night of the PIT Count must complete an online registration form and attend volunteer training. Those unable to volunteer, but still wishing to contribute, can make donations for fast food gift cards that are distributed during the Point-In-Time Count.
For more information, interested individuals can send an email to Kristin.DeFranco@macombgov.org.
Register here to volunteer for the Point-in-Time Count.
Shop Local Macomb returns with revamped prizes
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) has once again announced the return of its Shop Local Macomb contest, an effort to encourage supporting small businesses during the holiday season. The 9th annual competition asks shoppers to visit independently owned and operated retail establishments during the holiday shopping season. In return, participants can enter into a drawing to win one of three $350 gift cards donated by First State Bank.
To enter, participants must:
- Snap a picture shopping with a local retailer Friday, November 21 through Sunday, December 7
- Submit the entry via our Shop Local Macomb page
- Share the images on Facebook or Instagram using the #ShopLocalMacomb
Businesses highlighted by consumers through photos will also be automatically entered to win a $5,000 grant for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. A free, one-year membership in each of the participating chambers of commerce is also available. Winning shoppers and businesses will be randomly selected on Monday, December 8.
Shop Local Macomb is coordinated by the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development with support from area chambers, including Connect Macomb, the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, the Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Macomb Regional Chamber and the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Start shopping for your chance to win! More information on the competition can be found on the Shop Local Macomb website.
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