Please note that a new development proposal is going before the Sterling Heights Planning Commission tonight, August 12, 6 PM 7 PM, at Sterling Heights City Hall Council Chambers.

Proposal documentation can be found here: https://sterlingheights.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/2048?fileID=32094

Written comments can also be submitted to the SH Office of Planning up to 4:30 pm of August 12 to: [email protected]

It is a lengthy document, but do not let that intimidate you. The new material is only the first 40 pages. The rest of the pages are reference material of old meeting minutes of the first concept plan. In the layout above, the green areas are proposed to be dug up for the cut.

You will read that it is a smaller development occupying less space than the original, and a reference to Sterling Oak (eg. Chinquapin Oak, tree 2168):

It should be noted that tree 2168, the landmark Chinkapin Oak, will be preserved as part of this proposal. ~ SH Office of Planning, Aug 12, 2026

Note in the packet linked above that the oak tree is surrounded by gravel, and as such, would likely have regular weed barrier controls and/or spraying. The oak drops a lot of acorns which would require further “cleanup.” There is also a request to deviate into the oak’s critical root zone. “Preservation” is a very hopeful and potentially misleading term for this case and ignores the ecological connectivity and conditions for its survival.

For the Sterling Oak, this could very well be just a slow death sentence, packaged and sold with a preservation bow. The oak’s other friends in the area – many will be destroyed as in the original proposal:

Recall the tree’s crown spread as certified in 2024 was 84.5 feet and possibly larger now.

Also note – the area around the tree is converted to essentially a private event space:

“The space would be reserved for both the Chaldean Communiy Foundation and third party groups or individuals to utilize as an event or activity space on a request basis.”

Much of the area will still be dug up for cut & fill activities to raise the building and parking. As far as “unforseen challenges” — recall the CCF initially inquired to Michigan EGLE (DEQ at the time) in 2017 about this exact parcel which identified the known wetland areas.

Please show up or write to request that this space be maintained as green space and preserved in its entirety.