Newly elected South Lyon Mayor Steve Kennedy is forging ahead with improvements to the wastewater plant, roads, the city’s walking trail and the cemetery, as well as the development of a new pocket park.

“Working with the city council and the city manager, many of these projects were already underway,” said Kennedy who took office in November 2023.


Making headway

“The city has accomplished so much in the last four or five years and there’s a lot more to be done,” he said. “The biggest issue that faces the city is infrastructure that hasn’t been addressed over time.”

With that in mind, the city will install a $335,000 emergency generator and related equipment for the wastewater plant this year.

“We need to make certain we provide reliable backups for when the power goes out so that the wastewater plant will continue to operate during an electrical outage,” Kennedy said.


Smoother travels

Road upgrades are another top priority among residents and business owners. Those efforts are driven by the voter approved 10-year, $18.5 million road improvement bond request that was passed in August 2022.

The first project was completed last year in the Hagadorn Street area, which included street pavement, and replacement of storm drains and sewer lines where it was required. Projects planned for 2024 will be in the Eagle Pointe and Brookfield subdivisions, with work expected to begin in spring or summer 2024.

On another front, upgrades are being made to the city’s walking trail and will include resurfacing various sections and repairing or replacing three bridges in the southwest portion. The estimated cost is between $600,000 and $900,000, depending on the work that needs to be done. The American Rescue Plan Act fund that was created by the federal government as an economic stimulus during the height of coronavirus concerns will be used to offset some of those costs, Kennedy said.


Looking ahead

The South Lyon Cemetery improvements include the addition of a columbarium, a building designated for the interment of ashes. Other plans are for the future installation of a pavilion for outdoor services at the cemetery, which was founded in 1879.

City officials also have an eye on creating Lafayette Park, at the corner of S. Lafayette Street and McHattie Street, this year. The pocket park is estimated to cost approximately $800,000 and the city currently has $400,000 committed in various grant funding.

“The creation of a pocket park in the downtown area will provide residents and visitors with a place to relax, enjoy a snack and get an adult beverage from one of the local establishments as part of the city’s social district,” Kennedy said, adding that the city also plans to make enhancements at Volunteer Park, like the addition of two ball fields that are currently being installed, as well upgrades to McHattie Park.

The biggest project on the horizon is paving Pontiac Trail/Lafayette Street through the center of downtown. Work is targeted to begin in the 2026 calendar year and the estimated cost is $8.5 million. So far the city has obtained $7 million in commitments from the county, state and federal governments. The project will include replacement of storm drains and the relocation of utilities to prepare for future streetscape improvements, which will eliminate the flooding in the lower portion of downtown.

“That’s a key complaint from residents,” Kennedy said. “We need to thoroughly plan the project to minimize the disruption to businesses and residents. We want to avoid as many problems as we can up front and to make sure it comes off as smoothly as possible.”

Kennedy, who ran against Jacob McLeod, was elected to the mayoral seat after former Mayor Dan Pelchat chose not to run for reelection. Kennedy has been working closely on city issues as a council member since 2018, and as mayor pro-tem since 2021. He also served as the city’s Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) delegate since 2018.

Another recent big step forward was made by City Manager Paul Zelenak, who worked with leaders of area municipalities to expand the People’s Express Transportation Service area, Kennedy added.

“We need to identify additional enhancements for that service and advise residents of the area that is covered,” said Kennedy, who has been a South Lyon resident for more than 50 years and who previously worked as a management consultant helping companies improve their maintenance operations.

In his election platform, Kennedy said, the city would benefit from a wider variety of restaurants and retail establishments.

“Demonstrating a business-friendly environment is essential to succeed in this area as well as potentially providing financial incentives when feasible,” he said.


Community activist

Kennedy comes to the job with a lot of hands-on experience working behind the scenes at various events, like Pumpkinfest, the Lake Street Cruise-In, the downtown cleanup project, Concerts in the Park, Motorfest and the creek cleanup.

Recently he showed his leadership skills by helping to organize the Show Your Love for Lyon campaign and launching a COVID-19 vaccination event at Colonial Acres in March 2021 that included providing vaccines for 766 people.

“Somebody once said, ‘You spend the first portion of life learning, the second portion earning and the last portion returning,” Kennedy said. “I raised my family here and I feel good to return back to the city. I hope to be effective doing it."