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Monday, December 26, 2016

Test Ride on the New Troy Big Beaver Shuttle



The City of Troy is asking for comments or suggestions for the new Big Beaver Shuttle. After taking a "test" ride on 12/23/16, here are my suggestions:
  1. As soon as possible, have the red line shuttle stop at the Troy Marriott

  2. Eliminate any stops on Big Beaver unless there's a shelter or if it's at an off-street location (office building, restaurant, etc.)

  3. Phase out the small buses and acquire more of the traditional trolleys

  4. As soon as possible, roll-out a mobile app so that riders can see where the shuttle buses are located

Sunday, December 4, 2016

2017 Michigan Fitness Ambassador Application

I'm applying to be a Fitness Ambassador for the Michigan Fitness Foundation. Here's the text of my application:
I believe I would make an excellent Ambassador for three reasons. First, I ran in my first 5K in my mid-50s to improve my health. Now that I’m in my early 60s, I’ve run in several events including seven half-marathons. I continue to run and have joined several organizations that promote running such as the US Track and Field Association and Half Fanatics.

Second, I serve on the City of Troy Zoning Board of Appeals. During my eight plus years of service, I’ve developed an interest in municipal planning that promotes community wellness. Poor community planning may be partially to blame for America's obesity crisis.

And third, a little over a year ago I made a career change and began working in the health insurance industry. During that short period of time I’ve observed that workplace wellness can have a positive impact on health care costs.
I should hear whether I've been selected sometime in the next 2 weeks.

1/2/17 UPDATE: I wasn't selected.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Troy Zoning Board of Appeals - November 2016 Meeting Recap

City staff has posted the video recording of the 11/15/16 Troy Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting to YouTube. At the bottom of this post is the video. (The meeting actually starts shortly after the 1 minute mark of the video.)

Click here to download the entire Agenda Packet from the November 15th meeting.

There were two items on the agenda:
  • A variance for 5330 Standish (to construct an addition to the rear of the house). The ZBA voted unanimously to approve the variance.

  • A variance for 1765 Van Courtland (to keep a shed at its current location). The ZBA voted unanimously to approve the variance.