Royal Oak could get more walkable, bike-friendly - with your help

Do you find it difficult to walk or bike some areas of Royal Oak? Well now is the time to speak up. Residents have organized a Non-Motorized Plan Open House and want to hear from you. Mark your calendar for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28 at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market, 316 E. 11 Mile in Royal Oak.

The event is open to all and offers a chance for residents to discuss possibilities like bicycle boulevards, road diets, bike lanes and more. Tom Regan helped bring the issue to our attention here at The Urbane Life. He’s been working with fellow Royal Oak residents Todd Scott and Melissa Demashke as part of a city commission-appointed task force to explore the possibility of creating a non-motorized plan.

“Cities that create non-motorized transportation plans are much more likely to qualify for government and private grants for infrastructure improvements to make biking and walking safer,” said Regan. “At the meeting we will gather ideas from Royal Oak residents on where they bike and walk and where they wish they could bike and walk.”

Specifically, they’d like to hear answers to the following four questions:

  1. Where do you bike and walk?
  2. Where do you wish you could bike and walk?
  3. Can your child safely walk or bike to school?
  4. How can we improve your transit experience in Royal Oak?

    The task force was created in an effort to enhance safety for walkers and bicyclists in Royal Oak. “Riding on sidewalks is very dangerous; most of the cyclists who are hit by cars in Royal Oak are hit while riding from sidewalk-to-sidewalk,” said Regan. “Motorists must share the road. We need to make is so safe that more children walk and bike, especially to and from school.”

    The matter earned the commission’s attention after the death of a cyclist on Woodward in 2008, Regan said, which was closely followed by the death of a pedestrian in downtown Royal Oak. As a resident who rides his bike around town and is a proponent of the environmental benefits both biking and walking can bring to the city, Regan believes a non-motorized transportation plan can help enforce the necessary safety and encourage more people to choose alternatives to driving.

    Royal Oak’s Pamela Foster responded to the questions noting she’d like to be able to bike from 13 Mile and Woodward to Ferndale and possible from 13 and Woodward to downtown Detroit. There is no safe bike route to Wayne State University, she noted, adding that she’d like to see more bike lanes in the area.

    Regan had a few ideas as to where improvements could start too, of course. Namely, Crooks and Main.

    “Because of the way the railroad track and golf courses cut up streets in Royal Oak it is difficult to find north-south routes on side streets,” said Regan. “Those are also the two streets that could lead cyclists to the high school and middle school, if they were bike-friendly.

    “We could put both streets on a ‘road diet’ – reduce them to 3 lanes (the middle lane is a turning lane) with bike lanes on both side. Cars would still move plenty fast, students could bike to and from school, and everyone could easily bike to and from downtown.”

    What are your thoughts on biking and walking in Royal Oak? Do you find it challenging or unsafe? Which streets are most dangerous or could use a road diet, in your opinion?

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    Urbane welcomes you to the vitaminwater hydration gallery this weekend

    Staying in town this Labor Day weekend? Maybe you’re planning to check out all the festivities metro Detroit has to offer? Maybe you just want to kick back in town with friends. We wanted to let you in on a little secret.

    OK, maybe it’s not-so-secret. If you’re into art and looking for a spot to relax in Royal Oak, the public is welcome to stop by the vitaminwater hydration gallery  – opening today through Monday at Suite 202, 612 S. Center Street in Royal Oak.

    One of our Urbane Apartments has been temporarily transformed into a chic lounge atmosphere, thanks to help from sponsors like  vitaminwater for providing an array beverages to quench your thirst and Sharpie for all the tools you need to spark some creative inspiration.

    Four easels will be set up around the lounge. When the mood strikes create something cool. Enjoy music provided by Livio Radio or just kick back on the couches and enjoy the experience.

    Some of the artwork created over the course of the weekend will be chosen for display at the Royal Oak Music Theatre lobby. Or, if you prefer, you can take your art with you.

    The vitaminwater hydration lounge will be open daily throughout the weekend from 1-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday and 1-6 p.m. Monday.

    Social media types can check out the Facebook event and stay tuned to Twitter for updates by following @vitaminwater @sharpiewhit @sharpiesusan @livioradio and @urbanelife as well as the hashtag #vwdet and foursquare users will want to be sure to check in to “vitaminwater hydration gallery” when they arrive.

    Which vitaminwater flavor is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    Wanna get more work done? Bring your dog with you

    It’s no secret: At Urbane, we love pets. Whether you’re a resident of one of our apartments or co-working at the Urbane Space, pets are an important part of the Urbane experience.

    And there’s even more good news: Pets, specifically dogs, can actually improve productivity.

    Research out of our state’s own Central Michigan University sought to determine whether or not the presence of a canine in the office would help people collaborate more effectively.

    The details of the university’s two experiments, led by Christopher Honts, were recently laid out in The Economist. The first experiment included 12 groups of four individuals who were charged with developing an advertisement for a fake product — and the groups had to decide on only one final ad.

    Some of the groups had dogs in the environment while others did not. When asked afterward about how they felt about working with their human counterparts, those who had a dog around rated their teammates more highly than those who did not.

    In the second experiment, researchers used a game known as “the prisoner’s dilemma.” A total of 13 four-member groups were involved, and each member of the team was “charged” with a crime. Players had to decide whether or not to snitch on their teammates, and the fate of the individuals was dependent on those choices. The results? Those volunteers who had a dog around were 30% less likely to snitch than their dog-less counterparts.

    We’ve all heard the other research that tells us that owning a pet can help lower blood pressure, that pets encourage people to exercise, which can help with stress management and overall health, and that having a pet can even help us increase our social circles (How many times have you been stopped by a stranger who wants to pet your dog?)

    Keep in mind that with pets comes great responsibility, but if you’ve got the time and patience, the benefits of unconditional love make it all worthwhile.

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and the Urbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    Maker Faire Detroit makes over The Henry Ford for a full weekend

    The Motor City to Maker City transition is complete. This past weekend crowds descended upon the parking lots of The Henry Ford to take in the area’s first ever Maker Faire and experienced everything from hands-on robot and guitar-assembling exhibits to DIY events of all kinds. I think it’s fair to say so much was packed on the grounds it was virtually impossible to experience it all without at least a full day devoted to the event.

    There were plenty of chances to get hands-on and even toss some paint at Maker Faire.

    I found myself drawn to the life-sized color mouse-trap and anxiously awaiting the mentos-and-coke waterfall demonstration, though I admittedly stood far from the spray. In the heat of the day, the water swings looked absolutely refreshing. Imagine swinging through a sprinkler and you get the general idea.

    Robots-in-the-making at Maker Faire

    Robots-in-the-making at Maker Faire

    I was partial to the Handmade Detroit craft tent of course, where I located so many amazing DIY finds I could’ve shopped for hours if I’d had the time. I did score an amazing copper cuff bracelet and some cards I can’t wait to send to friends – courtesy of Ann Arbor’s Nicole Ray and her line, Sloe Gin Fizz (which I first stumbled happily across on Twitter). My friend Diana and I cooed over this Hooked on You card.

    All my standard favorites were there - City Bird and Glass Action – But I also found some great newcomers including Burnt Desserts, a Michigan-based company that makes adorable hair clips and accessories reminiscent of cupcakes and strawberries. It’s really adorable (and calorie-free).

    And some of the best finds were hidden near the fire arts:

    What was your favorite part of Maker Faire?  Tell us about it.

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    Savor summer on Detroit’s RiverWalk and take a ride from Wheelhouse Detroit

    Last weekend I finally made it down to the RiverWalk and for the first time had a chance to wander the 2.5 mile span from Cobo Hall where there’s an amazingly majestic view of the Ambassador Bridge to just beyond the spot where the Dequindre Cut begins.

    Detroit’s Riverfront may never rival New York’s High Line park or the beaches that encircle Chicago just beyond the Magnificent Mile. But it’s still fairly amazing to wander through Hart Plaza, festival or no festival, pass the towers of the Renaissance Center and feel the breeze off of the water as the sun begins to set.

    There’s also something special about knowing you’re a short waterway from another country, a brief trek from exploring downtown Windsor’s restaurants and nightlife too if you remembered your passport.

    On this particular night, though, I was content enough to explore the Detroit RiverWalk. From the friendly passersby to children frolicking in the fountains, it’s really a thoughtful addition to the downtown area.

    Next time, I’m coming prepared for a stop at Wheelhouse Detroit. I’m currently bike-less and my car is a bit too tiny to transport a bicycle downtown anyway, which is what makes Wheelhouse a perfect solution. They rent cruisers, hybrids, tandems and road bikes. Prices started around $10-$15 for 2 hours and they offer specials for lunch break rides and more.

    Wheelhouse Detroit also sells bikes and bicycles related goods and services. And they book bicycle tours, which is an amazing way to see any city – Detroit included.

    As if that isn’t enough to entice you, Wheelhouse Detroit has joined forces with Discover Detroit Dining this weekend to host a brunchtime bike tour of Eastern Market. At 1 p.m. Saturday, July 31, participants can meet at Wheelhouse Detroit in Rivard Plaza and ride Dequindre Cut to the market. Stops are set at Gabriel Import Co. for samples of olives, feta cheese, meats, spinach pies, tabbouleh and hummus. Then, hop back on your bikes and head over to R. Hirt Jr. Co. to learn about cheeses from an expert and sample crackers and salami, among other treats at this old-fashioned general store.

    From there, the troops head to Vivio’s for Bloody Marys with a beer shooter and a sampling of five kinds of mussels. The dining tour costs $40 per person or $50 with bike rental. Tickets available at www.wheelhousedetroit.com. There will also be plenty of time for shopping around the market.

    Let us know if you go. It sounds like an amazing way to spend a Saturday in Detroit.

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    Shakespeare returns to Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak July 22

    Water Works Theatre Company is celebrating its 10th anniversary season this summer, and presenting the Shakespearean classic The Two Gentleman of Verona. Nothing says summer quite like an engrossing Water Works production at Royal Oak’s lush, green Starr Jaycee Park. If it’s something you haven’t experienced yet, I highly recommend grabbing a ticket. From the sunset and open air to the heart-felt performances to the candle-lit path post-show, it promises to be a memorable night out.

    The Two Gentlemen of Verona tells the tale of two best pals who chase the same women around Italy only to find that the woman they left behind has donned a man’s suit and sought out behind them to find the truth. An ensemble cast includes Water Works veterans Sara Cathryn Wolfe as Julia and Rusty Mewha as Proteus, as well as Berkley’s own Stephen Blackwell taking on the role of Thurio. The play is directed by Barton Bund, founding artistic director of Ann Arbor’s Blackbird Theatre.

    In addition to The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Water Works will present a daylight family show – for the second year – Lane Riosley’s The Commedia Tales of King Arthur. Bring the whole family for the discounted price of $6. It’s showing at 7 p.m. Tuesday or Wednesday or 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday from July 27 through Aug. 8, 2010.

    Two Gentleman of Verona runs 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Sundays from July 22 through Aug. 8. Tickets are $18 at www.waterworkstheatre.com.

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    At Royal Oak Antique Garage Sale what’s old is new again

    I’m sure any therapist could have a field day with this statement but – I blame my mother.

    She’s the sort who - while loving and nurturing as can be – just couldn’t wait to get rid of our old toys and anything she deemed out-of-date. She’s not a saver, you see. Not in the least. Maybe that’s why I’m fascinated by estate sales, garage sales and the ocassional quaint antique shop.

    So early Sunday morning I wandered my way from my Ferndale apartment over to downtown Royal Oak. I grabbed tea and scone from Bean & Leaf and headed straight to the annual Royal Oak Antique Garage Sale nestled among the many floors of the Lafayette parking garage. Treasures galore were stacked upon tables and racks. From record bins to vintage clothes, toys I hadn’t seen since age 2 to sweet little aprons, I was browser’s paradise.

    By far my favorite booth - and the one I sought out – was by Reware Vintage. Owner Bethany Nixon didn’t disappoint. She had a full display of classic DVDs (Wonder Woman, anyone?), vintage tour tee shirts, clothing and accessories. We also had a great chat about our mutual adoration of Strawberry Shortcake – a childhood trend we think may have led to an adult fixation on dessert-scented lotions and potions.

    Bethany – I’m still on the lookout for a great Duran Duran tee (Seven and the Ragged Tiger-era perhaps?) and that old elusive Journey Atari game.

    What vintage finds are among your most coveted at home? We’d love to hear about them.

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    Hot on our Heels winners represent local shoe boutiques, high style

    Congratulations to Urbane Apartments Royal Oak resident and Jessica Knoph (above) who rocked The Urbane Way’s Hot on Our Heels contest last night  with these pink and black BCBG sling-backs. She strutted away with the $550 first place gift certificate to Pink Pump.

    Second Place went to Ponti Ang for her strappy zippered silver pumps from Royal Oak’s Incognito. She earned a $300 gift certificate to Pink Pump.

    Rounding out third place was Kristy Piper who sported an array of heels for the event, including these 5″ beige heels from Aldo. Kristy sauntered off with a $150 gift certificate to Pink Pump.

    The winner of our random drawing – and sporting a truly fabulous pair of Farenheit heels by Pucci, was Krystal Ventimiglia. She won a swag bag by Pink Pump.

    Thanks also to all of our participants (including those pictured below), as well as sponsors Blackfinn American Saloon for the fabulous afterparty, Pink Pump for the prizes, Photographer Kenny Corbin, M-1 Studios for video production and extra loud voices. We were so happy to meet all the contestants and to mingle with everyone, including friends from PickMiDate.com and Streetculturemash.com.

    Jane Fader

    Kelly Scheuher

    Kelly Scheuher

    Heather Clement

    Heather Clement

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    In Detroit movie-going is more than a pastime, it’s a slice of history

    Last weekend I made a snap decision. When I noticed my all-time favorite Alfred Hitchcock flick, Rear Window was showing at the Redford Theatre, I just had to see it in all its big-screen glory. I jetted out of my Ferndale apartment, hopped into the MIni Cooper and headed west on 8 Mile to historic theatre, snapped up a bargain ticket (can you believe it was just $4?) and grabbed a seat in the balcony.

    Every time I go back to the Redford I remember why I love watching movies. There is something magical about the experience. It goes beyond the big screen that envelopes you, the sound that fills the theatre, the smell of fresh popcorn and real butter.

    The Redford Theatre was just a neighborhood movie house when it was built in 1928. A neighborhood movie house with a fancy marquis, a giant pipe organ and ornate Japanese garden decor that transported visitors to a faraway land right there at Grand River and Lahser roads.

    Thank goodness for The Motor City Theatre Organ Society, a non-profit organization and group of dedicated volunteers who saw the value in restoring the theatre and its pipe organ to its original glory. The Redford Theatre has the capability to show both 35 mm and 70 mm films and seats 1,661 patrons currently on two levels. Candy is priced at just $1-$2 and during each show volunteers hold a raffle at intermission. Lucky winners often go home with more money in their pockets, not less.

    I’ve seen James Stewart and Grace Kelly solve the mysterious backyard murder in Rear Window countless times, but I’ve never seen it quite like I did last weekend. I’ve never seen the details – the expressions looked sharper. I felt the tension in my fingertips. It’s just something you have to experience to understand.

    From the starlight and moveable clouds in the “night sky” of the auditorium’s ceiling to the ornate detail that surrounds every turn, the Redford Theatre is truly a gem of a movie house in Detroit.

    Check out these upcoming events:

    • The Postman Always Rings Twice – 8 p.m. July 23; 2 p.m and 8 p.m. July 24. Tickets: $4
    • It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World 8 p.m. Aug. 6; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Aug. 7. Tickets: $4
    • Monty Python and the Holy Grail 8 p.m. Aug. 20; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Aug. 21. Tickets $4
    • Laurel and Hardy Film Festival 8 p.m. Aug. 27; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Aug. 28. Tickets $6

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    The dog days of summer are heading to Ferndale

    The extreme temperatures may be on everyone’s mind these days, but in Ferndale, the dog days of summer are yet to come. The city’s pet-friendly annual event, Fido Does Ferndale, is set for 5-9 p.m. Thursday, July 15 in the downtown district.

    Dogs, of course, are welcome, but must be accompanied by owners and placed on non-retractable leashes for safety. Fido Does Ferndale is a free event in its 3rd year. There are plenty of pet-centric activities to try out – from an open-mutt mic at AJ’s Cafe to a Pet Psychic and Pet Chiropractor, a Pooch Parade and a K9 Treasure Hunt, and of course, PhoDography to capture the moment.

    Whether you’re a dog owner or not, many downtown shops will stay open until 9 p.m. – and they welcome pets. More than 30 local vendors will be on hand at Fido Does Ferndale. Learn about grooming from groups like Bubble & Bark or Scrubbers Self-Serve Dog Wash. Get training tips from FIDO Personal Dog Training. Learn about pet safety and health from MI Mobile Pet Care and Troy Veterinary Hospital.

    If you’re not yet a pet owner but would like to be, talk with Waggs and Wishes of Ferndale or Companion Pet Rescue, who will both host adoption services during the event. And don’t forget to pick up a free copy of Modern Dog magazine - just be one of the first 100 people to visit the stage at 9 Mile and Planavon during the event.

    For all the details, visit www.fidodoesferndale.org.

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    We’re giving away up to $550 in Pink Pump prizes at Hot on our Heels July 15

    We’ve been up to something over here at headquarters. We’ve been reaching out to hotspots like Royal Oak’s Pink Pump shoe boutique and Blackfinn American Saloon for our monthly party. Urbane’s Summer Swarm continues Thursday July 15 when Urbane residents and the public are encouraged to gather at the Urbane Underground, 310 Sixth Street in downtown Royal Oak, for Hot on our Heels Contest.

    The sizzling summer contest calls for all interested contestants to strut in – between 6-8 p.m. – wearing their highest or most fabulous heels for a chance to enter to win one of three fabulous prizes. Our photographer will snap you in your best Carrie Bradshaw-inspired pose. Sponsor vitaminwater will be on hand to keep us hydrated. Just be sure to check in at Urbane Underground on your smart phone. We’re going for a Swarm badge here, those bees are just too  cute for words.

    From there, the party moves promptly down Sixth Street to Blackfinn American Saloon. All you have to do is show proof of your Urbane Underground check-in or Swarm badge and you’ll get VIP access, free appetizers and $3 drink specials. The Urbane staff will be on hand, along with a great BlackFinn crowd – to present and judge the winners of the Hot on our Heels competition. Must be present to win.

    Winners will receive a gift card to Royal Oak’s Pink Pump worth $550 (first place), $300 (second place) or $150 (third place) respectively and we’ll randomly draw a winner for a fabulous Pink Pump swag bag worth $100 in merchandise. The party is open to everyone - high heeled contestants and those who just plan to cheer them on. Just don’t forget your smart phone.

    Join us, won’t you?

    This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.

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    Brandon’s Back!

    Urbane on Washington

    Urbane on Washington

    I’m back!

    After a hiatus of several months, I’m happy to announce I’ll be blogging again for The Urbane Life.  I hope to continue covering gay rights issues, an issue that is particularly exciting right now.  My goal is to post at least once a week.  I’m also planning to continue covering politics, zeitgeist, art, gadgets, and more.  If you have any special requests, please let me know.

    For now, here are a few of my favorite posts . . .  Let me know in the comments if there is anything you would like to write about!

    Buy Local:  Gayle’s Chocolates

    Noble Fish:  The Best Damned Sushi in Metro Detroit

    LGBT:  Gays & Catholics in SE Michigan

    Royal Oak Parking Gestapo

    Shame on Somerset!

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