Rochester Hills Mayor Touts Home Values, Safety at SOTC

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Mayor Bryan K. Barnett delivered his 12th annual State of the City Address at Stoney Creek High School last week, complete with guitar riffs and orchestral strikes. With an electric guitar in hand, Barnett descended onto the stage via a fly system to the sounds of the classic song and theme for the event “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” to spotlight the latest accomplishments in the city.

“Every year we look aim to transform what is a traditional of run-of-the-mill event in most communities into a way to tell our story that is engaging, fun, and inspires our community to get involved,” Barnett said.

Barnett used the opportunity to tout the accomplishments of the city and its employees in the areas of planning and economic development, public services, safety, proactive budgeting, infrastructure, administration and parks. The mayor shared positive news for Rochester Hills homeowners: In 2013, the average home value in Rochester Hills was $194,000, while today that number is over $276,000, increasing by 42%. For the third year in a row, the city was recognized as the safest city in the State of Michigan by publications such as SafeHomes and Neighborhood Scout. Rochester Hills was also highlighted as the best place to live in the state by Wall Street 24/7 and USA Today.

The mayor also provided an update on one of his biggest passions and the city’s first park in 25 years, Innovations Hills. One year ago, the city announced their community wide campaign. Thanks to the generosity of several companies and local families, the city has raised $1 million towards the park and will begin installment of the boardwalks, trails and playgrounds this summer.

Two individuals were recognized by Mayor Barnett with Community Excellence awards for their exceptional efforts to provide a voice and empower individuals locally and across the country.

The individual Community Excellence award was presented to accomplished country music artist and Rochester Adams High School graduate Jana Kramer. Kramer was honored for her partnership with Safe Horizons, which aims to empower victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Rochester Hills resident and business owner Ziad Kassab also received an award. Kassab is the chairman of the D-MAN Foundation, an organization that enriches the lives of families and individuals living with physical and mental disabilities. The state-of-the-art DMAN Music Therapy Studio is the first of its kind. Adapted for individuals with disabilities such as quadriplegia, severe mental & physical impairment, emotional impairment and cognitive impairment, the ECUs (Environmental Control Units) and Sip and Puff modules (devices that allow the use of computers hands free) provides individuals with the technology to record and produce their own music.

The event gave guests non-stop entertainment, highlighting local talent including the Rhodes Band, Lia Catello, the Apostolic Church Choir, the Stoney Creek High School Drumline, and the Rochester Symphony Orchestra. The event ended with a joyful celebration of singing, dancing, and a balloon drop that got the audience on their feet.

Watch the event below:

Photo courtesy City of Rochester Hills