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Parker Village proposes solar‑charged electric shuttle, EV chargers and two drones for Highland Park
Summary
Parker Village Foundation presented plans to operate an electric community shuttle loop from the former Thompson Elementary School at 181 E. Buena Vista, powered by a new solar array and accompanied by EV chargers; the nonprofit expects a May 5 launch and said it will form an advisory board to coordinate drone and public‑safety use.
Juan Stannon, executive director of the Parker Village Foundation, told the Police Commission the group is building a community transportation loop to help residents — especially seniors — travel within Highland Park to municipal buildings, shopping and medical appointments.
The service will be based at the former Thompson Elementary School (181 East Buena Vista) and use electric buses charged by a new on‑site solar array. Stannon said the campus will host the city's first EV chargers and that Parker Village will offer other services from the facility, including space to serve as a warming or cooling center in emergencies.
Stannon also described plans to use security drones as part of a broader safety and coordination strategy. "We're looking at having at least 2 drones," he said, and added the organization already has a licensed drone pilot on staff. He emphasized the group intends to form an advisory board to coordinate drone operations with police, fire and other city departments.
Why it matters: the project aims to improve mobility for residents with limited transportation options while introducing electric vehicle charging infrastructure and new technology (drones) that will require coordination with municipal regulators and public‑safety agencies.
Funding and timeline: Stannon said Parker Village is a nonprofit that has received funding from the state, the Ford Foundation and the University of Michigan and also relies on donations and fundraising. He said the organization is closing on vehicle acquisitions and is planning a May 5 event to roll out initial services. He told commissioners he has met with the city's CED department and expects to present to the planning commission as part of permitting and coordination.
What comes next: commissioners asked about operating range, coordination with police for drone use, and whether the route would cross city boundaries; Stannon said the initial mission is a Highland Park loop but the group is exploring school‑related routing and coordination mechanisms through an advisory board.
