Farmington and Farmington Hills
Farmington Beat: Library Changes, Local Arts & Election Updates
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Farmington Beat: Library Changes, Local Arts & Election Updates
Sept. 22–29: apartment hearing, fall theater, a new exhibit and your weekly weather.
Robin Nixon

Robin Nixon

Sep 22, 2026

The Farmington Beat

Farmington & Farmington Hills

September 14 to 20 2026

Hello, Farmington! The first week of fall is here, bringing local theater, a new art exhibition, and a few practical updates worth knowing. The Farmington Hills library is operating on a temporary schedule, absentee ballots begin mailing next week, and Farmington residents have a chance to weigh in on a proposed rehabilitation plan. Here’s your guide to Sept. 22–29.

 

-from the editor

Trivia Question❓

What year did Farmington become a home rule city?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

YOUR WEEKLY WEATHER REPORT

A cool opening gives way to sunnier afternoons Thursday through the weekend. The preliminary outlook shows possible showers Wednesday; Monday and Tuesday remain beyond the available detailed forecast.

Farmington Hills library limits hours during renovation

Farmington has scheduled a September 22 public hearing on a proposed brownfield plan for Farmington Place Apartments at 32900 Grand River. The plan concerns rehabilitation of an existing 153-unit, income-based senior apartment building and could reimburse eligible costs through future tax increment. It still requires City Council approval. The hearing falls just after this issue’s date range, at 2:30 p.m. in City Hall, 23600 Liberty Street.

Absentee ballots begin mailing Sept. 28 in Farmington Hills

The Farmington Hills Clerk’s Office says it will begin mailing Nov. 3 general-election ballots on Monday, Sept. 28 to voters who requested one or are on the permanent ballot list. Eligible voters who already requested a ballot can instead pick it up Sept. 24–25, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m., at the City Clerk’s Office with photo ID or the permitted affidavit. If you expect a ballot by mail, the city says no further action is needed.

Farmington weighs plan to rehabilitate senior apartments

A Sept. 22, 2:30 p.m. public hearing at Farmington City Hall concerns a proposed brownfield plan for Farmington Place Apartments at 32900 Grand River Avenue. The proposal involves rehabilitating an existing 153-unit income-based senior apartment building. Reimbursement of eligible costs would depend on generated tax increment, and the plan still needs Farmington City Council approval. LIVE CHECK — Before sending later on Sept. 22, confirm whether the hearing has occurred and update the wording.

Quote Of The Day

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 • 2:30 p.m

Farmington Place Apartments brownfield plan hearing, Council Chambers, 23600 Liberty Street, Farmington.

Friday, Sept. 25 • 6–8 p.m

Kathleen Boettcher’s “People and Places” artist talk and opening reception at Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road.

Friday, Sept. 25 onward

Farmington Players opens The Haunting of Hill House at the Barn Theater, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; the run is scheduled through Oct. 10. LIVE CHECK — Confirm showtime and ticket availability.

Saturday, Sept. 26 • 9 a.m

Farmington Hills City Council special meeting on city manager interviews and related steps, Council Chamber, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road.

Little Diggers in Downtown Farmington

The indoor sandbox playspace lists a Farmington location at 23312 Farmington Road. Check current admissions and hours on its location page before visiting; this is an existing local option, not a newly verified opening this week.

Trader Joe’s opening watch

Trader Joe’s still labels its Farmington Hills store at 27658 Middlebelt Road “Coming Soon.” No confirmed opening date is listed. LIVE CHECK — Revisit its store listing before publication.

Joke Of The Day

Why did the autumn leaf take a walk downtown?

It wanted to turn over a new leaf.🤣

Local Deals of the Week

Use your library card for a Michigan Activity Pass

 

The Michigan Activity Pass connects library cardholders with free or discounted access to participating Michigan attractions. Check the current list and availability before choosing a destination. LIVE CHECK — Confirm the specific offer and reservation terms before sending.

Community Learning Spotlight: t.Lab Helps Students Aim Higher

The Garden City-based learning organization combines academic tutoring, technology, mentorship and parent participation to help students reach ambitious educational goals.

 

Families searching for additional academic support may be interested in t.Lab, a Michigan nonprofit learning organization serving students from pre-kindergarten through the undergraduate level.

 

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Garden City, t.Lab describes itself as a high-performance learning laboratory focused on helping students become independent learners, strong leaders and competitive candidates for college and future careers.

 

Learning Beyond the Classroom

A central part of t.Lab’s approach is teaching students “how to learn.” Tutors, mentors and learning facilitators work with students to build academic skills while encouraging discipline, confidence, independence and personal responsibility.

Students may participate through face-to-face or virtual tutoring sessions, making the program accessible to families beyond its Garden City headquarters.

Parents and guardians also have an active role. Through a program called Parent University, families receive guidance in areas including academic development, college selection, scholarships, career preparation and tracking student progress.

 

Results Reported by t.Lab

According to figures published by the organization for fiscal year 2024, t.Lab students achieved an average ACT score of 30.5. The organization also reports that its students have earned approximately $23 million in scholarships since 2007.

 

 

Learn more: www.tlab-global.org
Location: 1751 Radcliff Street, Garden City, MI 48135
Phone: 888-327-3387

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Plan your library visit

During the Farmington Hills renovation, the Children’s Department, Teen Area, Fiction Browsing Room, and Friends Sale Room are closed to browsing. Patrons can request materials through the catalog for pickup after a hold notice arrives; the library warns that holds may take longer. Its Farmington location continues with regular hours.

The Warner Mansion’s 1867 roots

Built in 1867, the Governor Warner Mansion was home to Fred Warner, a Farmington businessman who served as Michigan governor from 1905 to 1911. Farmington is preserving the original home while replacing a later rear addition with facilities for future community use. The city says the original 1867 structure will remain intact.

💚 SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!

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