The Bright State of
the City of Novi
by Bernie Fratto
February 2004
 

ZZ Top may have originally recorded it in 1987, but Novi Mayor Lou Csordas sang it with style at the “State of the City” meeting at the Hotel Baronette January 20th.

“The future’s so bright,” Csordas said, "I’ve gotta wear shades!" It’s easy to see why… In the last 10 years, the growth of Novi has been phenomenal in every aspect, and if past is prologue, the next 10 years hold great promise as well.

Novi boasts 4 high quality school districts and a high school that has an athletic program that is the envy of many communities around the state. As Mayor Csordas stated, “Every day is a good day to be a Wildcat.” In the near future, Novi will feature another elite High School, as Catholic Central will move their facility to a new beautifully designed campus, in an esthetically pleasing environment. Work has begun at the site on Wixom Road, south of Grand River.

Novi has become a recognized world-class shopping destination. Twelve Oaks, West Oaks, Fountain Walk, Town Center, and Main Street offer some of the finest choices for even the most discriminating shoppers, diners and folks looking for entertainment.

When it comes to Parks and Recreation, Novi has over 700 acres including the 73 acres recently added adjacent to Quail Hollow subdivision.

When it comes to doing business, Novi office space is at 86% occupancy vs. 81% in the region. And while much of Novi’s land is developed, 32% remains available for future plans.

When it comes to prudent financial management and common-sense money management, Novi scores well in this area as well. City coffers are operating at a 17% budget surplus as a result of smart business practices, a “Rainy Day fund.” As a comparison, please note that the state of Michigan’s rainy day fund was drawn down to zero.

This is not small news. Even with the reduction of shared revenue from the state this year, Novi will not experience any reduction in services or a reduction in staff. Novi’s bond rating was upgraded to a gaudy Aa2, and this rarified air is reserved for only 15% of the entire cities in the country. Much credit goes to Kathy Smith-Roy, Novi’s award winning Government Finance Manager. Smith-Roy was profiled in this feature last year.

One major event that virtually all residents observed was the Grand River widening and the bridge replacement. Upon its completion in November, everyone benefited immediately from the newer, wider, thoroughfare. Traffic flow has been greatly improved and the Mayor and City Council have extended their gratitude to all for their patience.

Speaking of traffic flow, thanks to an $18 million dollar investment by the owners of Fountain Walk, a two-lane road was converted to a 4-lane highway with a landscaped boulevard, making access to Fountain Walk much more amenable, and pleasing to the eye. Utilities have been buried and more attractive signal poles with illuminated street signs have been added.

Looking ahead to 2004, many events, projects, and endeavors will be associated with the burgeoning City of Novi, Michigan.

Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon, is in fact, the Smithsonian Institutions most popular exhibit. It will be featured at the Novi Civic Center from January 25th to March 7th. Novi is the first stop of the Michigan tour! In fact, Novi is one of only six communities selected for this prestigious event.

Additional road enhancements are in play including an interchange, which is the final piece that will open the Grand River corridor for much overdue investment. In addition, Novi Rd and 10 Mile Rd will be the recipient of intersection improvements, and drainage improvements and roadway construction will occur from 10 Mile Rd to Grand River.

Speaking of the Novi Expo Center, they will break ground and eventually move from its current location to their brand new Exposition facility. In addition to attracting additional business entities to Novi, the traffic flow on Novi Rd. near I-96 will be relieved.

Official construction will begin on Catholic Central HS, as well as Novi Promenade Phase II, and Beck North Phase II. A proposed Sam’s Club, and an Office/Research Park in the northwest area of Novi, will make their new homes in this area.

Take time this Golf season to enjoy the Links of Novi, as this year will be their final year of operation. That area will make way for Quail Hollow, a new upscale residential development. The Preserve, which will be located south of Quail Hollow, will feature 69 home sites on 111 acres.

Many other commercial and retail developments are planned as well, including a Hummer of Novi Dealership, and an ABC Warehouse.

Amidst this aggressive growth, it’s important to note the City’s Budget Philosophy remains, “conservative.” As such, Novi is the sixth lowest taxed community in Oakland County! City Manager Rick Helwig has done a masterful job of keeping his eye on the ball.

In summary, these are exciting times for the City of Novi. The people that work and live here truly enjoy a lifestyle that is consistent with the American Dream, and for that we are thankful.

From first-class accommodations, caring people, respectable citizens groups, an eclectic array of business, entertainment, and eating establishments to a Civic leadership that truly has a tangible, visceral feel for the city and its people, Novi is a city on the rise.

Mayor Csordas is right. “The future’s so bright, you’ve gotta wear shades.”

Even if it is the middle of winter…