It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Upton House Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Sterling Heights, MI is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Tom and staff are incredible on working with families if you’re having issue with your”
“Best place I’ve ever worked. Not only do they take care of their clients,”
“I’d like to thank always best care for all their support. As this was my”
“I am a past client of this provider We used Always Best Care of Macomb County”
“We used Always Best Care of Macomb County for my friend and they were wonderful.”
“Good review Good review Good review Good review Good review Good review”
“They have always gone the extra mile for me on every call!”
“Tom and staff are incredible on working with families if you’re having issue with your mom or dad or any senior give Tom a call he can help”
“Best place I’ve ever worked. Not only do they take care of their clients, their employees too!! Blessed everyday to work for this company”
“I’d like to thank always best care for all their support. As this was my first experience with any senior care agency, I was a bit apprehensive but they were great right from the start. All the caregivers were very attentive and assisted my parents with proper care at home. Undoubtedly a great caregiving agency..”
“I am a past client of this provider We used Always Best Care of Macomb County for my friend and they were wonderful. We chose them because they had a little edge on the caregiving model that they use and they negotiated the price with us. The caregivers were professional and prompt. They provided my friend with companionship, helped with feeding, and they were available at night for nighttime issues that arose. They were also there to pass meds to her, to facilitate her taking her anti-anxiety pills, and to reassure her. They were always prompt in returning my phone calls and they kept a notebook so we could communicate. They solicited feedback too.”
“We used Always Best Care of Macomb County for my friend and they were wonderful. We chose them because they had a little edge on the caregiving model that they use and they negotiated the price with us. The caregivers were professional and prompt. They provided my friend with companionship, helped with feeding, and they were available at night for nighttime issues that arose. They were also there to pass meds to her, to facilitate her taking her anti-anxiety pills, and to reassure her. They were always prompt in returning my phone calls and they kept a notebook so we could communicate. They solicited feedback too.”
“Good review Good review Good review Good review Good review Good review”
“They have always gone the extra mile for me on every call!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Dodge Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Mangiabevi Urban Italian or visit James C Nelson Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Sterling Heights, MI, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Sterling Heights, MI understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Sterling Heights, MI 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
At the new ABC Supply Co. Inc. branch in Sterling Heights, Mich., a different type of activity buzzed in the warehouse.Tables from vendors and manufacturer partners lined the center aisle, tempting aromas from food prepared by local food truck Beef Daddy’s filled the air, and branch employees handed out ABC Supply-branded hoodies, notebooks and other swag to customers....
At the new ABC Supply Co. Inc. branch in Sterling Heights, Mich., a different type of activity buzzed in the warehouse.
Tables from vendors and manufacturer partners lined the center aisle, tempting aromas from food prepared by local food truck Beef Daddy’s filled the air, and branch employees handed out ABC Supply-branded hoodies, notebooks and other swag to customers.
Amidst the festivities and warehouse staff navigating aisles with forklifts to fulfill orders — the branch was open, after all — there was an unmistakable feeling in the air as the staff hosted a grand opening last March: optimism.
“We’re here to serve the community,” said Branch Manager Christopher Kimber. “There’s a lot to learn when you’re the new guy in town, and that’s where we’re at … it’s all about developing relationships.”
Speaking with a handful of employees at the branch reveals a cross-section of how roofing welcomes people from all walks of life and what a distributor branch looks like as the industry continues to evolve.
Kimber first joined ABC Supply in August 2022 as an inside sales rep in the distributor’s Southfield, Mich., location. Shortly after, he became the location’s backup delivery services manager and was promoted to branch manager in December 2024.
“Christopher is dedicated to building strong relationships with his team and customers,” said Midwest Region Vice President Joe Small in a news release. “I’m confident he and his team will deliver exceptional service and create added value that drives the success of contractors’ businesses in the Sterling Heights area.”
Kimber previously worked in e-commerce and the music industry, building music studios. Like many in the roofing business, he became aware of its potential from family members who work in the industry. After the COVID pandemic, he wanted to make a change and looked into what ABC Supply had to offer.
“ABC seemed like the type of company that I really wanted to work for,” he said. “I was seeing the opportunity for what it was and being able to build something new and fresh, that I could put my experience and personal touch on, was very important to me.”
That personal touch will be important — the area around the branch is dotted with competitors, and plenty of new construction is taking place in the region, where Michigan’s yo-yoing weather can wreak havoc on rooftops.
“I feel good about having a little bit of a different perspective than some of these old guards that are around me that’ll set me apart from the pack,” Kimber said.
Joining him is Josh Martin, who serves as the delivery service manager. He previously worked as a driver and inside sales with ABC Supply, but before joining the distributor five years ago, he worked as executive chef at P.F. Chang’s. When the pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry, among others, Martin obtained his CDL and drove for ABC Supply.
“I thought it would be a fun thing to do because I like constantly moving and working,” he said.
He said he is glad to be a part of something that helps build from the ground up with the new location, having previously worked at the Warren, Mich., branch. He said he finds joy in helping out contractors.
“I get to communicate with contractors to help them get the products and service that they desperately need, and that's awesome,” he said. “We sell our customer service first and everything else second.
“That’s what customers need,” he added. “They need to feel appreciated and that's our job, to make them feel that way, so that way they always come back and that way, they always know that they can call us and we can get them taken care of.”
Contractor customers spoke with manufacturers while snagging ABC Supply swag.
The branch has its industry vets in place but also fosters future leaders with more than a passing interest in the industry.
“One of the really cool things that I like about this this industry is that it's still, and you don't see it a lot, but we're seeing second-, third-, fourth-generation roofers passing along this trade, this skill, this business to the next of kin,” Kimber said. “Fresh eyes, bold eyes, you mix them together — that’s what makes this industry awesome.”
One of the youngest members of the branch is Jenny Quiroz-Lopez, who is working inside sales and is graduating from Detroit's Wayne State University this year. She learned of ABC Supply from her father, a roofing contractor.
She has worked with her father for the past six years, helping with administrative work and making calls on his behalf using her bilingual skills. She became fascinated with the industry to the point where her father took her to jobs so she could learn first-hand.
“I started school and he always told me that I could do whatever I wanted, but I really don't have any interest in anything else, and I've always liked his passion for it,” she said. “I'm like, ‘You know what, I'm gonna study business’ and then I was able to get this opportunity here and hopefully just learn more about the industry, how it works.”
Her goal is to become the project manager for her father’s company and perhaps one day assume ownership, though she also expressed interest in working her way up at ABC Supply. Thanks to her bilingual abilities, she’s already proven to be a valuable asset.
“That’s a big thing here. A lot of the contractors that come by speak Spanish,” she said. “It’s better to have someone who speaks Spanish to communicate with them because it goes a lot smoother.”
Joining her in sales is Devin Webb, who works outside sales for the branch. He is currently studying sales and marketing at Western Michigan University, allowing him to apply what he’s learning in real-world scenarios.
“It’s the little things of don’t be afraid because, at the end of the day, you want to talk to these people like they’re your friends, and if you’re nice to them, they’ll be nice back, and just building relationships,” he said.
His stepfather works at the Taylor, Mich. branch, and knowing the industry's opportunities, he encouraged Webb to apply for the sales position. Since arriving at the branch, he said the atmosphere has been encouraging, which has been helpful as he learns the intricacies of roofing.
“It’s been a real eye-opener for me,” he said. “All these branches together are here to help each other out and the company, and everybody’s all networking. The easy way to put it is there’s no beef — everybody’s here to do their job and if it’s helping each other out to get that, then they’ll do it.”
It’s a lesson Kimber has worked to impart on the new branch’s staff.
“It's all about relationships. It's all about being honest, having good relationships with your clients. We can't succeed unless our customers succeed. That's the big thing,” he said.
KEYWORDS: ABC Supply Co. COVID-19 hires and promotions Michigan new location roofing distribution roofing suppliers
Chris Gray is the editor of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He has worked in the fields of journalism and copywriting for nearly 20 years, ranging from local print newspapers to the multi-media promotion of international artists.
Reach him at 248-244-6498 or [email protected].
and last updatedSTERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Some residents in Sterling Heights are hoping to save a centuries-old tree from being chopped down in favor of housing.On Van Dyke Avenue just south of Canal Road in Sterling Heights, you can find a field with several towering trees.One tree that especially catches the eye of residents like Emily Young is an 88-foot-tall chinquapin oak that's estimated to be somewhere around 250 years old, according to leaders with the Michigan Big Tree Program....
and last updated
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Some residents in Sterling Heights are hoping to save a centuries-old tree from being chopped down in favor of housing.
On Van Dyke Avenue just south of Canal Road in Sterling Heights, you can find a field with several towering trees.
One tree that especially catches the eye of residents like Emily Young is an 88-foot-tall chinquapin oak that's estimated to be somewhere around 250 years old, according to leaders with the Michigan Big Tree Program.
"This tree is from about the year 1750, before Sterling Heights. We had Native Americans still living in this area," Young said. "And it is the seventh-largest chinquapin in the state of Michigan."
According to the Chaldean Community Foundation's website, at the property, they are planning to build an 82-unit apartment complex along with retail space. The project could put the tree's future in jeopardy.
"It breaks my heart because we are a society that values our heritage and it is disappearing at an alarming rate. Once it's gone, there's no do-overs," Young said.
There's also concerns about how cutting the oak down could disrupt other forms of nature.
"Oaks support more life as a tree species than any other tree species in North America," Mark Graf, a Sterling Heights resident, said.
In response, Young has created an online petition to show support for preserving the tree. As of Monday, it had over 1,700 signatures, and petitioners hope it sends city leaders a message.
"I know they can change zoning, I know they can vote," Young said.
The city of Sterling Heights responded to the concerns in a statement:
"Change can be difficult, especially when it involves the removal of a cherished tree. Trees add beauty, shade, and character to our neighborhoods, and we all value the natural environment that makes our community special.At the same time, responsible municipal planning requires balance. The same thoughtful development that once made room for our existing homes, parks, trails, and even the local businesses and jobs we enjoy today also involved difficult decisions about land use. In this most recent case involving the North Van Dyke Avenue corridor, the new development in question will provide much-needed housing for residents who want to be part of our great community, supporting a thriving future for all.Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Sterling Heights Vision 2040 Plan which aims to maintain a city that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. This is evidenced by the City's Think Sterling Green umbrella brand for many different sustainability initiatives undertaken by Sterling Heights in the past 2-3 years including, but not limited to: celebrating nearly 40 consecutive years with the Arbor Day Foundation "Tree City USA" designation, conducting a citywide tree inventory, plans to create green microforests and reforest the city with 18,000 new trees, and a robust tree preservation ordinance applied to all city development projects. Smart Growth initiatives centered on sustainability have enabled the City to revitalize areas like North Van Dyke and the former Lakeside Mall with projects that are far more environmentally friendly then when first developed years ago.The Master Plan for North Van Dyke was developed after significant public input to revitalize an area that has been experiencing vacancies and varying degrees of blight for many years. The Master Plan includes Smart Development initiatives consisting of new pathways along the river, open space preservation, expanded pedestrian walkways, a lineal sculptured art park, roadway improvements and redevelopment of underutilized and vacant buildings. This development includes 10.5 acres, of which eight acres will be preserved as open space. The two acres being developed will be along the roadway, which is mostly void of trees. This $30 million development, along with others outlined in the North Van Dyke Master Plan, will help generate tax revenue necessary to fund the aforementioned amenities in the area including open space preservation, riverwalk and pedestrian connectivity and parks.Our tree preservation ordinance, one of the strongest in the state of Michigan, will apply to this development. As part of the review process, the City Planning department works with engineers, land owners and developers to minimize potential environmental impacts. When unavoidable impact occurs, such as tree removal, we rely on our robust tree preservation ordinance to create the necessary land use balance by requiring the developer to replace any "landmark" trees removed with new trees, inch for inch. In the long run, the large number of replacement trees (in addition to required landscaping trees) will aid in increasing the City’s overall tree canopy, bolstering the amount of carbon that is sequestered and resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Because of our tree preservation ordinance, if this tree ends up requiring removal, the developer will be required to replace it inch for inch with roughly 20 new trees.Sterling Heights remains committed to smart, sustainable growth—investing in green spaces, tree-planting initiatives, and thoughtful community design that ensures both progress and preservation so that we remain a community that is welcoming, vibrant, and environmentally responsible."
Despite the potential for new trees, residents believe the oak is irreplaceable.
"It might be replaced by a lot of little saplings. If they survive, they're not helping the environment like this oak is doing today for 20, 30, 40, 50 years," Graf said.
In a statement, Martin Manna, president of the Chaldean Community Foundation, also responded to worries about the trees at the property.
"We understand the concerns of the residents of Sterling Heights and always strive to be good neighbors. The new development is still in the planning phases. As such, we are always looking at all options aimed at preserving nature, including the implementation of some 15 acres of trees and greenways."
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Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.MACOMB COUNTYThe Detroit News0:000:23The city of Sterli...
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The city of Sterling Heights is planning to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through a variety of steps, ranging from increasing the efficiency of buildings to installing more electric vehicle charging stations to promoting composting.
Sterling Heights City Council approved the city's first-ever Climate Action Plan earlier this month. The plan serves as a roadmap to get the city to net zero emissions, said Alexis Richards, a planner for the city of Sterling Heights. Net zero emissions means that the Sterling Heights community would offset the same amount of greenhouse gasses as it produces.
Sterling Heights said its goal aligns with the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which is the state's plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Richards said Sterling Heights' Climate Action Plan looks at ways to mitigate the city's greenhouse gas emissions and strategies that would increase the community's resiliency to climate change. The plan focuses on five key areas: buildings, transportation, waste, natural resources and public health.
Richards said Sterling Heights city staff and City Council members recognize "the important role" that local government plays in addressing climate change. The plan also takes into account residents' safety.
"If you're not planning for climate change and the impact of climate change, you're not taking into account the future well-being of your citizens," she said.
Richards said the city worked with consultant Fresh Coast Climate Solutions on the creation of the plan, a process that began last May. She said the city spent $195,000 on a rewrite of its Master Land Use Plan, and $65,000 of that sum was allocated to the making of the Climate Action Plan. The city received $40,000 in grants to offset the total cost.
She said that five years into the plan's implementation, the city will evaluate the progress it has made and make any necessary adjustments.
At least 17 Michigan cities and counties have adopted climate plans with specific greenhouse gas reduction targets, according to a 2022 report by the Michigan Climate Action Network, a nonprofit that works with local organizations on climate change solutions. Several cities also plan to become carbon neutral community-wide by 2050 or sooner.
One area Sterling Heights will focus on is buildings. Richards said buildings account for approximately 70% of the community's emissions. She said the city plans to reduce the amount of energy required to operate buildings and source energy from renewable sources.
The city also will focus on transportation, which accounts for about 26% of Sterling Heights' community-wide emissions, Richards said. She said the city wants to increase options for other modes of transportation than cars, such as walking and biking. It also wants to transition the city away from internal combustion vehicles, where possible.
She said that Sterling Heights doesn't "have a lot of EV chargers," which is one of the barriers to people adopting EVs. She said people fear that they're going to get "kind of stranded somewhere."
"So the fact that we can kind of aid in helping reduce that fear is helpful," she said.
Richards said there are no "strict mandates" in the Climate Action Plan. Instead, it identifies way to support residents in responding to climate change. For example, the city wants to help support energy audits for homes, which will save residents' money on their energy bills.
"It's important we act now to ensure a cleaner, healthier and more resilient community for future generations," said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor said in a press release.
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