Politics & Government

In Brief: Fresard Clock Safe for Now

Commission handles short agenda in Monday night meeting.

The Royal Oak City Commission took 90 minutes to work through its agenda at Monday night’s regular meeting.

City supports efforts to save signage on Fresard Clock Tower

Commissioners voted to support Troy-based Suburban Collection’s efforts to . The car dealership business is interested in purchasing and operating the 44-foot tall clock tower for advertising.

Two weeks ago there was some question as to whether the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) was planning t or just the display boards after Fresard Investment Limited Partnership failed to renew its permits with the state agency.

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City Attorney Dave Gillam advised commissioners MDOT is only interested in removing the display boards and not the structure itself.

Tyler Tennent, Suburban Collection’s lawyer, told commissioners the state takes a hardline on offsite signage on Woodward Avenue because of its official designation as an in the National Scenic Byways program.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Suburban Collection is willing to invest in appealing the MDOT ruling now that the city has shown its support. If successful in its appeal, Tennent said Suburban is willing to sit down with Gillam and come up with a new licensing agreement that will address city use of the tower for public service announcements, brightness, hours of operation and restrictions on video displays.

Other agenda items

  • The City Commission also approved a request for a sidewalk café for at 415 S. Washington, and a Planning Commission recommendation to rezone 3822 W. 13 Mile Rd. from multiple family residential to office service.
  • Commissioners also approved Michigan Youth Arts’ request for permission to host the Priority Health Arts in Motion 5K from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sept 1. The 5k run/walk will start at Fifth Street and Williams Street before proceeding down Fourth Street.
  • Before the meeting adjourned at 9:09 pm., commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Chris Ahn to the Library Board.


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