Royal Oak Development News
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City Commission -June 22, 2026
Published: Jun 22, 2026
Mixed-Use Development with Affordable Housing Approved for 2800 West 14 Mile Road
The City Commission gave final approval to rezone 2800 West 14 Mile Road from General Industrial to Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a mixed-use development including a Kroger retail store, a filling station, and an apartment building. The development agreement includes community benefits such as 30% of the 85 dwelling units (approximately 26 units) being reserved for households earning no more than 120% of area median income for at least 20 years. The plan also incorporates improved walking paths, EV charging spaces, bicycle parking, and a commitment to work with the city for a SMART bus shelter and a public art display. Traffic studies were conducted and reviewed, with upgrades to signal timing and deceleration lanes planned for safety and flow. The developer, Royal Oak Industrial, is a Royal Oak-based business, and Kroger representatives were present. The project is seen as an adaptive reuse of an industrial site, bringing needed housing, retail competition, and economic benefits to the city.
Royal Oak Adjusts Water and Sewage Rates to Maintain Infrastructure and Meet Provider Costs
During the discussion on water and sewage disposal rates, Commissioner Kolo and Commissioner Hunt explained the necessity of the 'ready-to-serve' fee and rate adjustments. They clarified that the water system operates as an enterprise fund, meaning all revenue goes back into maintaining and upgrading the extensive infrastructure, including hundreds of miles of pipes, some over 100 years old. The ready-to-serve fee covers fixed costs associated with water delivery and removal, regardless of usage. They also explained that the city is a pass-through entity for rates set by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and the Kuhn Drain system, and any increases from these providers necessitate corresponding increases in Royal Oak's rates. The explanation emphasized that the city's rates are benchmarked and remain competitive, and that the current adjustments reflect increasing costs from the GLWA and the need for system maintenance.
Royal Oak Approves Fiscal Year Budget with Strategic Financial Adjustments
The City Commission discussed and approved the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. Key points included a one-time transfer of $1.675 million in one-time revenues to offset a $3.5 million recurring budget deficit. A credit of $500,000 was included in recurring personnel costs based on historical attrition, with a note that reserves would be needed if full staffing is maintained without attrition. The budget also includes a $1.5 million transfer from the general fund to the parking fund, anticipating a deficit in the auto parking fund for 2026 and 2027, which is expected to be made up by future rate increases and capital structure changes. Investments in the golf course and ice arena have been put on hold. The commission also approved several resolutions related to tax rates, administrative fees, water and sewage disposal rates, purchases, transfers, and financial policies.
Royal Oak Celebrates Retiring Principals for Decades of Service
The City Commission honored two retiring principals, Marcy Dryden of Keller Elementary and John Griswick of Upton Elementary, for their long service to the Royal Oak School District. Marcy Dryden served for over 30 years, with 15 years as principal at Keller Elementary, during which she led the school to become an International Baccalaureate school. John Griswick also served for decades, as principal at Upton Elementary, where he implemented programs like the Upton Rock Bands Program and a crisis team. Both were recognized for their leadership, dedication to students, and their positive impact on the community. They expressed gratitude for their careers and the support of the community.
Royal Oak Amends Right-of-Way Ordinance to Strengthen Enforcement and Clarify Responsibilities
The City Commission reviewed and approved updates to the public right-of-way ordinance (Chapter 650). Key changes include defining and assigning responsibility for 'areaways' (basement encroachments) to building owners, clarifying that the city is not responsible for irrigation systems in the right-of-way, and prohibiting water from projecting across sidewalks. The ordinance now reinforces that property owners are responsible for sewer leads in the right-of-way, with provisions for the city to address public safety issues and bill back costs. Enforcement language has been strengthened with escalating violation fines ($50, $100, $250) and the possibility of a misdemeanor for repeat offenses. Bond requirements for right-of-way permits were updated to allow the city to forfeit funds for abandoned permits after a certain period. The ordinance was reviewed by police, building department, and DPW. A clerical correction to the ordinance number (2026-07) was noted.
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The Royal Oak News archive
Royal Oak League of Women Voters Candidates' Night - June 25, 2026 - Michigan House 6th District
Royal Oak School Board Meeting - June 25, 2026
Royal Oak School Board Meeting - June 25, 2026
Royal Oak City Commission Meeting - June 22, 2026
City Commission -June 22, 2026
Royal Oak DDA Meeting - June 17, 2026
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