Hazel Park, Michigan
Hazel Park is a city in Oakland County of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a suburb of Detroit and the geographical center of the Detroit Metropolitan Area. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 18,963; although a recent estimate by the Hazel Park Police Department placed the population at just over 20,100. The was incorporated in 1941, and bills itself as 'The Friendly City'.Hazel Park is the third most densely populated city in Michigan, holding the position under Hamtramck and nearby Royal Oak Township. However, due to the 2004 Annexation of a portion of Royal Oak Township into Oak Park, Hazel Park now assumes the position as second highest.The city has the second largest Native American population in Oakland County, only halved by Keego Harbor.Pictured to the right is the Hazel Park Racetrack, the Hazelcrest Apartments, the Monument to the Fallen Heroes at City Hall, the Hazel Park welcome sign in Downtown, and Hazel Park High School; all landmarks of the city.
History
In October 1882, a group of farmers gathered in a home located at the present-day City hall and had a meeting, requesting for a school to be built. A one-room school was eventually built in 1883 and later expanded to two rooms. In 1884, John W. Benjamine petitioned the state of Michigan to form a school district out of Royal Oak Township. Hazel Park got its name from Benjamine, Royal Oak Township's School Inspector. He decided to name it Hazel Park School District 8, after the surplus amount of Hazelnut bushes in the area.In 1920, another building, named the Lacey School was built on present-day Woodruff Street. The original Hazel Park school was sold to Frank Neusius, who used it to open a barber shop and a grocery market.It wasn't until Ford, based out of Highland Park began to expand that Hazel Park experienced significant growth. Hospitals, offices and shops began to thrive around the area of 9 Mile Road and John R. In 1924, Hazel Park's first traffic light, post office and Deputy Sheriff's office were established. The city was incorporated in 1941.Conditions were poor during the early years of Hazel Park. Running water was not present in parts of the area, and many large families were forced to live in homes as small as two rooms.During the 1930s and 1940s, there were many rallies and community events involving and eventually leading to the clean-up of the city. A large amount of shacks and garage homes were demolished and rebuilt as larger, more habitable housing. After the city's incorporation, running water was provided to all areas. Almost all of the dirty swampland that caused widespread flooding in Hazel Park was drained and filled with land.In 1942, the Elias Brothers, John, Fred and Louis Elias; established a diner in Hazel Park. This diner, the Dixie Drive-In, was one of the first in the Midwest to offer curbside services. In 1952, the diner was franchised as a Big Boy; although Louis Elias went on to run for Mayor of Hazel Park, and was in office from 1953 to 1961. The Elias Brothers continued to establish Big Boy restaurants throughout the Metro Detroit area until finally purchasing the franchise in 1983.The clean-up of the city paved the way for the return of thousands of soldiers from World War II. Housing demand was very high in the area, causing a boom in construction. Many of the present day bungalows in the city were built just shortly after the war.Hazel Park was a hotspot for mafia activity during the 1950s. Mobsters such as Anthony Zerilli and William Tocco were attracted to business in the city, mostly involving its raceway.[citation needed]The I-75 expressway was not fully completed through Hazel Park until 1966. The area where it is now was Stephenson Highway, which has a current purpose as a service drive. Similarly, I-696 was constructed through what was then Hazel Park, currently Madison Heights in 1979. It was then joined with I-75, creating the highway's busiest junction.On July 15, 2009, a car traveling northbound on I-75 crashed into a gas tanker, tipping it over and creating an explosion causing 9 Mile Road overpass to collapse onto I-75. Police and fire departments from Hazel Park and neighboring cities responded, and no serious injuries or fatalities were reported. The expressway was closed for one week before reopening. Another explosion occurred on the same day, a home on Maxlow Street, caused by a gas leak.In February 2010, the scheduled demolition of the blighted Days Inn Hotel began. It is planned for a brand new CVS Pharmacy and a Tim Hortons coffee shop to be built on the lot. Following the demolition of the hotel, the Hazelcrest Apartments will take the place of the Hotel as the tallest building in the city. The demolition of the hotel was completed on May 16, 2010.Today, Hazel Park mainly faces economical issues such as foreclosure and unemployment. Another issue in the area is lack of foliage, caused by the killing of many trees due to Dutch elm disease in the 1980s and 1990s. Violent crime is quickly decreasing in the city, but property crime still remains a small issue.However, new development is a well-established trend in Hazel Park. Many foreclosed homes have been purchased and demolished in order to use the land to build upscale, modern housing. As of 2010, the business economy is growing at a fast pace as the buildings of former businesses that failed to thrive in the last decade are purchased and utilized, returning success. An artistic community is developing in the area, evident by plans such as those to build sculpture gardens in vacant land and new businesses such as the Phoenix Cafe, a venue offering open mic nights, discussion forums, film nights and meet-and-greet gatherings
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 18,963 people, 7,284 households, and 4,669 families residing in the city. The population density was 6,728.4 per square mile (2,596.3/km²). There were 7,612 housing units at an average density of 2,700.9/sq mi (1,042.2/km²).The racial makeup of the city was 91.62% White, 1.62% African American, 0.90% Native American, 1.81% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 3.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.However, 2009 estimates place the racial makeup of the city at 90.21% White, 2.20% African American, 0.81% Native American, 2.21% Asian and 4.65% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.29% of the population.In similarity to neighboring Warren, Michigan; a large percentage of Hazel Park's population, if not a majority, is of mostly Polish American and German American descent, with a small Italian American minority. The top ancestries in the city were 18.6% German, 14.8% Irish, 10.3% Polish, 9.7% English, 6.0% French and 4.1% Italian. However, the city has also become an enclave for Albanian Americans as well.In 2000, 7.2% of Hazel Park citizens were foreign born. 9.7% reported speaking a language other than English.There were 7,284 households out of which 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.6% were married couples living together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.21.In the city the population was spread out with 27.7% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 18.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.0 males.73.1% of all households in Hazel Park were family households. 20.9% of all households were married couple families with children. 10.6% were single-mother families.The median income for a household in the city was $37,045, and the median income for a family (families making up the majority of the city population) was $43,584. Males had a median income of $33,063 versus $24,362 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,723. About 10.0% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.0% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.A 2008 estimate places the median household income at $40,403; an 8.4% increase since 2000. The per capita income was estimated to be $18,969; an 11.9% increase since 2000.It is ranked as the third poorest city in Oakland County by median household income, after Royal Oak Township and Pontiac, whom are far behind. However, many communities in the Metropolitan Detroit area, including Hamtramck, Highland Park, River Rouge, Center Line; and the city of Detroit itself; have a lower median household income; making Hazel Park an affluent city among gateway communities. Hazel Park is ranked 398th of 634 communities in Michigan by per capita income.Excluding one neighborhood in particular with a majority elderly population, the city's median household income in 2000 was $46,687, surpassing the neighboring communities of Warren, Madison Heights and Ferndale.
Architecture
The City of Hazel Park is exclusive to a few select types of architecture, although very many different styles can be seen in various houses. Many of the city's homes were built in the Cape Cod Bungalow style, shortly after World War Two; and have a second story encompassed in the home's roofing.Michigan Bungalows are also common in the city. These houses were originally built during the 1920s and 1930s by the city's original settlers and can often be found near the Downtown area.Ranch Houses are very common in the city as well. Most of these houses were built in the northern neighborhoods during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Older Ranch Houses were often built with aluminum siding, whereas newer ones, such as the ones built in the Courts, were built in brick or stone.Front Split and Side Split houses are not common in the city. However, Back Split houses - split levels with the second story built into the back - are common in the southern portion of the city near the 8 Mile border. These homes are often built onto one-story bungalows and ranch houses.Colonial Houses are uncommon in the general city, but many are sprawled throughout different neighborhoods. These houses are often built in brick and usually resemble urban Tudor houses. Some are built in stone, often more common north of 9 Mile Road. Others are built in the Traditional Tudor style, such as the Truba House in Three Churches.New Development Homes are extremely common in the city. They can be seen on many blocks of Hazel Park, and often range from Two-Story Snout Houses to detatched single-family Brownstones. Many of these houses are built in the Neo-eclectic style.
Crime
The crime rate in Hazel Park is relatively neutral. Crime is significantly lower than inner communities such as Detroit, Dearborn and Hamtramck; but is somewhat higher than communities in its own radius such as Royal Oak, Ferndale and Madison Heights. The crime rate in the city in 2003 was 83.5% of the national average. Larceny theft was the most popular crime in 2008, making up 43.8% of the city's crime. Property crimes are becoming increasingly common due to Hazel Park's superb transportation network[citation needed] which connects it to two interstate highways.The murder rate in Hazel Park is extremely low compared to other Metro Detroit cities. Since 2000, two murders have been reported, both in 2003. The city's crime rate has been shifting completely, however. The violent crime rate has gone down 57% in 2008 from what it was in 2000. In contrast, the property crime rate has gone up 4.6% in the same time period. Specifically, the decrease has been in forcible rape and robbery crimes; and a slight increase in burglary and arson.Crime is regulated by the Hazel Park Police Department, a force of 42 police officers. Omnipresence, the feeling of police awareness; is something that is well established in the community as well as in the neighboring community of Ferndale; and has caused crime to decrease greatly. The department has auxiliary policing and Neighborhood watch programs available to citizens ages 21 and over. The police department also offers programs such as gun lock giveaways, House watch programs, and programs to put a child up for adoption in case the parent is not capable of raising the child.The current chief of Hazel Park Police is David B. Niedermeier. Niedermeier graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelors Degree in Science in Criminal Justice. He has received numerous awards, including a Life Saving Award and 10-year Safe Driving award from the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police; as well as 1994 Hazel Park Officer of the Year.
Government
Hazel Park utilizes the Council-Manager form of government, and thus is governed by a City Council consisting of a Mayor and four council members. The city council appoints a City Manager, who manages the day-to-day operations of the city. The current mayor of Hazel Park is Jack Lloyd, who until March 2010 was the deli manager of local grocery store, Kroger. The current city manager is Edward Klobucher. City government is located on the same block as the public library, police station and Postal Office at 9 Mile Road and John R.
Neighborhoods
Officially, Hazel Park has two neighborhoods: District One and District Two as defined by the city Police Department for Neighborhood Watch patrol. However, citizens tend to use different names to unofficially name neighborhoods.[citation needed]
Business districts
Hazel Park's Business Districts are mostly focused on John R. Road and Nine Mile Road. The city's Central Business District is focused on where the two roads intersect. Hazel Park's Central Business District contains a Days Inn hotel, the city's tallest building; as well as two shopping centers, a high-rise apartment building, the city's civic buildings, and many small businesses.The North Business District boasts businesses of a higher relative wealth such as a Pittsburgh Paints outlet, a bicycle store, and multiple appliance shops. John R Road, the principal thoroughfare of the North Business district, is also known for its brick paved sidewalks.The South Business District along John R Road consists mostly of less affluent businesses than the Central and North Business Districts. Bars, Convenience stores and automotive shops are common. Other businesses include small shopping centers and office parks.
Industrial zone
Much of the southern strip of Dequindre Road and the eastern portion of Nine Mile Road going through Hazel Park is light industry. Chain stores such as Walgreens and McDonald's are beginning to grow in the southern portion of the neighborhood as well. A popular diner, Brayz, is also located in the area and is one of Hazel Park's most frequented fast food restaurants.
Affluent residential
Tucker Park is an affluent residential neighborhood centered around Hazel Park's Tucker Field. Many homes in the neighborhood were built between the 1900s and 1950s, but there is also a notable amount of large two story homes being developed in the neighborhood. The estimated median household income was $60,837, the highest of any neighborhood in the city.As popularly referred to by Hazel Park citizens, The Courts is a neighborhood focused around Maple, Poplar, Cedar, Oak and Elm Courts, five oval-shaped roads circled vertically around Otis Street. The neighborhood is known for its relatively larger, more expensive houses. The estimated median household income was $52,000.The Scout Park neighborhood, just adjacent to The Courts, is another point of affluence. The estimated median household income was $51,635.As the name suggests, Three Churches neighborhood based around three churches on I-75; Woodlawn Church, Serenity Christian Church, and Landmark Community Church (formerly Calvary). Since the 1980s, wealthier families have began to move in to the neighborhood in large numbers. The estimated median household income was $46,349.
Residential
Southeast Hazel Park is a middle-class neighborhood bordering Detroit and Warren. The Hazel Park Schools Administrative Building is located in the neighborhood after moving from a facility near the High School. The estimated median household income was $44,247East Hazel Park is a neighborhood bordering Warren and Madison Heights. The estimated median household income was $43,134.Southwest Hazel Park is a neighborhood bordering Detroit and Ferndale. The median household income was $40,717.West End is a residential neighborhood on the border of Ferndale. The estimated median household income was $38,503.Located just north of Detroit's State Fair neighborhood, South Central Hazel Park is one of the poorer areas of the city. House prices are generally lower, and the poverty rate is above city average at about 16%. The low percentage of college graduates is considered a main factor in this. The estimated median household income was $35,458.Central Hazel Park is statistically the least wealthy neighborhood in the city. However, the percent of citizens over the age of 65 is the highest in the city at 15%. The estimated median household income was $32,224.
Education
The city is served by the Hazel Park School District, which has some establishment in Ferndale, a neighboring city.
Elementary schools
There are six Elementary Schools operating in the city of Hazel Park.The northern portion of the city is served by Webb Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, and Longfellow Elementary; while the southern portion is served by Webster Elementary, United Oaks Elementary, and Hoover Elementary. Multiple other Elementary Schools also operated in the city, including Lee O. Clark , Henry Ford and Edison Elementaries. Lee O. Clark has since been demolished, and Henry Ford has been converted into the School District Administration Building.
Middle and high schools
There are three Middle and High Schools operating in Hazel Park.Hazel Park has followed recent trend in Metro Detroit suburbs by the consolidation of its middle schools. Formerly, two separate schools; Webb Junior High and Beecher Middle School operated in the city. Webb was converted to an Elementary School in 2004, and the two schools were consolidated to create Hazel Park Junior High School.High Schools in Hazel Park began with the construction of Lacey High School in 1920 and Hazel Park High School in 1929. Lacey High was demolished in the early 1960s, and the Hazel Park High School was re-commissioned as Howard Beecher Junior High. After these changes, a new High School was built in the eastern portion of the city, taking the name of Hazel Park High School.Jardon Vocational School is also in operation in order to separate troubled students from the mainstream curriculum and serves as a high school. The school operates mainly in the Hazel Park-Ferndale-Pleasant Ridge area; but also serves the rest of Oakland County, especially the south east.
Colleges
The city has a local branch of Baker College, an institution of higher education.
Notable citizens
Connor Barwin-Houston Texansdefensive end. Born inSouthfieldand grew up in Hazel Park.
Michael Bobbitt- Local comedian.
Steve Fraser- 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist
James R. Fouts- Current mayor ofWarren, Michigan; whose father also served as Hazel Park City Manager.
Terry Houghton- Thoroughbred horse jockey, renowned for being one of the leading jockeys in the state ofMichiganand theUnited States.
Jonas Grabill- Local youth-based community organizer. Coordinator for the Hazel Park Zombie Walk.
Brian 'Freakin'' Morrell - Former Pro Boxer and current MMA Fighter[citation needed]
Frank Anthony Polito- Author.
Chris McGinnis- Pro wrestler known as 'Kid Hybrid' and has been seen on national television and in national wrestling magazines.
John Panich- Local hip-hop artist and producer, goes by the stage name 'JP from the HP'.
Bill Virdon- Former outfielder for theSt. Louis Cardinals, later went on to be manager of thePittsburgh Pirates,New York Yankees,Houston AstrosandMontreal Expos.
Bob Welch- 1990 Cy Young Winner (MLB),Oakland Athletics2 Time All-Star. Lived in neighboringFerndalebut attended school in Hazel Park.
Hazel Park in popular culture
Scenes in the movieYouth in Revoltwere filmed in and around Hazel Park.
An episode ofDEA, a television series airing onSpike; was filmed in Hazel Park, arising controversy when the city was branded falsely as a 'haven of drug traffic'.
Two novels,Band Fags!(2008) andDrama Queers!(2009) written by Hazel Park native Frank Anthony Polito take place in Hazel Park during the 1980s. Both books feature key scenes set at Hazel Park High School. Also referenced are Roy Sparks' Country Boy restaurant, and the now defunct Elias Brothers Big Boy near 9 Mile and I-75, Farmer Jack supermarket on 9 Mile and John R, and the original Harmony House.
