Week In Review: Residents Feel Royal Oak House Explosion, New Restaurant Receives Early Approval

Are you spending your Sunday catching up with last week's news? Here's the top 12 stories you may have missed about Birmingham this week:

Police/Fire

Royal Oak House Explosion Felt in Birmingham

At least one man died after a house exploded near Normandy and Woodward in Royal Oak Wednesday afternoon. Birmingham residents, meanwhile, said they felt and heard the explosion as far north as Adams and Big Beaver.

In addition, Birmingham police arrested three drunk drivers last week while two residents say packages were stolen from their front porches.

A man who robbed the Main Street bank in Royal Oak on Friday is believed to be a suspect in five other area robberies, including one in Birmingham.

Government

Apartments in Little San Francisco Neighborhood Shot Down by City Commission

Meanwhile, city commissioners directed city staff and the Planning Board to discuss conditional rezoning and what it means for Birmingham.

Business

Developers presented their plans for The Stand, the restaurant looking to replace Zazios, to the city Wednesday night, noting Zazios "wasn't right for Birmingham."

New Restaurant Crush Coming Soon to Birmingham

The Birmingham City Commission approved the plans for Crush, which is looking to open at 555 S. Old Woodward, as well as the developer's request for an economic development license Monday night.

Schools

The third leg of Birmingham's new school safety plan involves looking at anti-bullying policies and character education programs, as well as fostering a culture of respect among students.

The new security system will cost Birmingham Public Schools around $150,000 and will be installed at all buildings by May 3.

Federal Sequestration Could Mean Loss of Special Education Funds for Birmingham Schools

Birmingham Schools could stand to lose up to $1.8 million, particularly for programs that help special needs students.

West Maple Elementary Awarded Grant for Arts and Culture Field Trips

The Michigan Youth Arts Association and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs awarded $70,000 in grants to area schools this month.

Arts

Out-of-State Artists Invited to Apply for Michigan Fine Arts Competition

The deadline to apply for the exhibit, scheduled for June 28-Aug. 30 at the Birmingham-area art center, is May 20.

Community

Happy March! Here's What's Happening Birmingham This Month

From school plays to spring break, you'll be busy, not bored, in Birmingham this month.