2010 HBA Comedy Night

The Highland-White Lake Business Association and Women In Business is hosting a Comedy Night at the White Lake Inn on Saturday, November 13th, beginning at 7pm.
Tickets are only $15 per person and are available at the HBA office, or may be purchased by credit card on our web site at www.theHBA.net. Food and drink available for purchase during the event. White Lake Inn is located at 3955 Ormond Road in White Lake.

Connie’s engaging, animated delivery on a variety of topics from “ladies’ nights out” to those who would not think twice about taking a hair dryer into the shower will draw the audience, regardless of background, age or sex, into a shared appreciation of life’s little ironies, guaranteeing that a good time will be had by all! This year’s Make-Over winner, Leslie Ruggles will be revealed, and we would like for you to celebrate her success with us!

For more information on the HBA Comedy Night or the make-over, please contact the HBA office at: 248-889-1422 or email to info@thehba.net.

New Sign Ordinance has been Finalized

To provide an update on the status of Highland's new sign ordinance, it was passed last night (November 4th) at the Township Board Special Meeting. It is expected tol go in effect November 18th. Here’s a link to the revised ordinance: http://www.highlandtwp.com/uploaded_pics/pdf-20101110115822.pdf

The Township Officials did make a few adjustments to what was originally proposed including eliminating the tighter limits on interior window signs (it will remain at 75% coverage allowed) and increasing the number of times per year that businesses will be allowed to have Special Event Temporary Signs from 3 to 6 times per year per property. Businesses will need to apply for a permit each time these are done and they cannot be placed within 15 feet of the driving portion of the road. (See pg 14-9 &10). They’re also allowing businesses to place a temporary sign just outside their door each day and bring it in at night (these were illegal in the old ordinance).

After much discussion about vehicles with advertising on them, they assured HBA Staff that this ordinance would not be used to harass businesses who have vehicles that are used regularly in the course of their business that are parked in their own parking lots. We wish they had put more specific wording into place about what exactly that means. If area businesses will help to keep HBA staff informed of how these rules are being enforced, we will continue to interact with the township staff and officials to pursue policies that are as business friendly as possible.

New Sign Ordinance Update

Highland Township is considering a revised ordinance which includes the sign rules for businesses. Some of the proposed changes for signs were:
- Some LED changeable copy will be permitted
- “Sandwich Board” type signs permitted near store entrance (must be taken in at night)
- Allowance for temporary signs (14 days, three times per year)
- Tighter limits on interior window signs (25% coverage)
- Six foot maximum height on freestanding signs (discourages new “pole” signs)
You can read the proposed ordinance here: http://www.highlandtwp.com/uploaded_pics/pdf-20100824095612.pdf

HBA requested the township board to consider revising the ordinance on several issues. You can read our letter here: http://www.highlandbusinessassociation.com/1/84/news.asp?artID=31937

The board discussed the portion of the ordinance that relates to signs during a special session on October 27th and decided to make a few adjustments including eliminating the tighter limits on interior window signs (it will remain at 75% coverage allowed) and increasing the number of times per year that businesses will be allowed to have Special Event Temporary Signs from 3 times to 6 per property. (Businesses will need to apply for a permit each time these are done and they can not be placed within 15 feet of the driving portion of the road)

It doesn't seem likely that there will be any further discussion on altering the sign rules. The board does plan to continue to discuss the other portions of the zoning ordinance at a special meeting this Thursday, November 4th at 5:30 at the Township Hall. At the end of the discussion, they may decide to hold a vote to accept the ordinance, which would be preceded by a opportunity for public comment.

We strongly encourage area businesses to review the proposed ordinance and voice your opinions to the township officials before this vote is held. You can contact the Township offices by phone at 248-889-3791 or email Supervisor Pilchowski at pilchowskit@twp.highland.mi.us (please send a copy of your email to the HBA at info@thehba.net). Attending the meeting is a great way to show the officials your concern. The Township Hall is located at 205 N. John Street in Highland.

There has been a moratorium on enforcement on the use of temporary signs for some time - which will end when the new ordinance is accepted. The new ordinance could take effect in as little as 7 days after it is accepted.