Oak Park council awards 11 Mile Social District mural, reaffirms support for M694 and authorizes streetscape furniture

Oak Park city officials on Nov. 3 approved three linked actions to advance work in the 11 Mile Water Tower Social District: they awarded a mural contract, reaffirmed council support for the M694 reconfiguration project after selected scope reductions, and authorized purchase of matching streetscape furniture.

Michelle Bishop, manager of authorities, recommended awarding the mural contract to artist Desiree Kelly after a review by the CIA board and the Oak Park Mural Committee. "We had 20 mural artists apply," Bishop said, and described the installation as occurring in four sections in the West Kingston and Middle Kingston lots. Bishop said the mural is "886 feet approximately" and estimated about 11 weeks for installation once weather permits, likely in spring. Council members praised the selection; Julie Edgar called the submission "beautiful" and said Kelly "knows the city." The motion to award the contract was moved, seconded and carried unanimously.

Bishop also asked the council to reaffirm support for the 11 Mile roads, alley and parking-lot reconfiguration project (M694). She told the council that bids came in higher than expected and staff trimmed elements — removing some bioswales, one 10-foot walkway behind a wall and EV-charging stations while leaving electrical conduit — to keep costs reasonable without altering the overall aesthetic or the drainage plan. "We did have to remove some bioswales, but we're still keeping all the rest of the landscaping that will help with the water runoff," Bishop said. Oakland County and Main Street Oakland County asked the city to reaffirm support; the council approved a resolution reaffirming support for M694 by roll call vote.

Finally, Director Maroney requested authorization to buy streetscape furnishings to match the 9 Mile Road installations. The council authorized the purchase for a total of $87,490.94. Maroney described the planned items as matching park benches and waste receptacles already used on 9 Mile Road and noted that the purchase includes 16 waste receptacles and new picnic tables. Councilmember Julie Edgar asked if recycling bins could be included; staff said previous recycling receptacles on 9 Mile were often filled with trash, and DPW ended up consolidating contents, but the city will "look into" alternatives and suggested an education campaign.

The three actions were taken as part of the same council meeting sequence and are intended to complete finishing elements of the 11 Mile Social District as the M694 project moves toward its final phase. The council took each item by motion and roll call; all carried unanimously.