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Historic District Commission report accepted; commissioners highlight cemetery monument restorations and Spicer House activity

Farmington Hills Planning Commission · February 20, 2026

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Summary

The Planning Commission accepted the Historic District Commission’s 2025 annual report, presented by HDC Chair Ken Kemler, which detailed cemetery monument restorations, Spicer House restoration and public outreach events including an Oakwood Cottage centennial open house.

The Planning Commission accepted the 2025 annual report of the Farmington Hills Historic District Commission after a presentation by HDC Chair Ken Kemler.

Kemler introduced commission members and outlined the commission’s goals and activities over 2025, including work on the Sarah Fisher site, updating the HDC “blue book” of historic properties, hosting educational gatherings, and ongoing restoration projects at Spicer House. He also reported on a multi-year cemetery monument restoration program: in year five the HDC and volunteers restored 11 broken markers at Utley Cemetery; West Cemetery’s storage building received a new roof, and volunteers from Boy Scout Troops 45 and 179 helped re-level and clean tombstones.

Kemler described Oakwood Cottage (also identified as the Edward Beals House, historic site No. 511) and noted a centennial celebration that drew about 130–140 visitors. Commissioners asked about locations and public access; Kemler identified West Cemetery (Halsted Road at 12 Mile) and Utley Cemetery (12 Mile between Middlebelt and Inkster) and said Spicer House is used for HDC meetings, park ranger functions and occasional events, with plans to increase public access and exhibits.

Speaker 7 moved to accept the Historic District Commission 2025 annual report; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission thanked Kemler for the presentation.