Mold Remediation in Hazel Park, MI

Hey, it's Jer!

Let's start with something new and exclusive to Daily Detroit, then some stories around town.

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Soft opening over the weekend and launched today, Kazkara on John R. between 8 Mile and I-75 is a roaster and packaging operation with a small coffeeshop.

There's a selection of specialty coffees, coffee equipment, and more.

The retail space has a clean, modern design with bar-style seating along the wall. The owner is an engineer, and the chairs and furniture were designed and built in Michigan. A larger outdoor sign is to come, too.

Manager Pedro Suing has deep family roots in coffee, and tells me they'll be fresh roasting at Kazkara.

In time, they aim to open a Ferndale spot at the old Chazzano coffee location at Wanda and West Nine Mile, spreading their their Dtroitr coffee brand.

So why do this in Hazel Park? It's where they all live, so they're investing their time, money and talent in their community. Suing says the community warmly welcomed them for their soft open.

They're also doing something neat with the packaging for their bags. They're working with artists connected to the origins of their coffee — including Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras, Ecuador, and Brazil — for the art. The plan is to license the art instead of buying it outright, so the artist gets paid while retaining the rights to their work.

And the coffee? I tried the Cortado. Quite good. So was the regular brew. They focus on lighter roasts, as they are more complex and highlight the flavors of the coffee better.

You can find them at 21818 John R, Hazel Park, Michigan 48030 and their hours are Monday through Friday from 7am to 4pm and 8am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Also on Instagram.

What to know

⛹????‍♀️ Detroit's riverfront might get a major upgrade. The former Uniroyal site at the foot of the bridge to Belle Isle is being eyed for a multi-sports complex and youth sports academy. The 44-acre site, once home to a tire factory, could become the new headquarters for a WNBA team if awarded. There would be indoor facilities for basketball and volleyball, plus outdoor fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse. [Freep]

My two cents? This could be a huge deal for the east side. There's a lot of vacant land nearby (including the former Big Boy restaurant that had a special soul food menu), and beyond the immediate benefits of being a draw for people — this would be the the kind of thing that might encourage others to build up around there.

???? Bar Louie is closing all but two of their local locations. What will be left are downtown Royal Oak and Clinton Township in Partridge Creek. Reports had mentioned Auburn Hills and Livonia, but as you see above, Dearborn is also closed — at least for now. The chain is based in Addison, Texas. [WXYZ] [Freep]

The bandshell moved from the State Fairgrounds and put into place at Palmer Park is looking good. Was out there over the weekend. There have been a ton of investments lately in the park at 7 Mile and Woodward, and I'll be sure to run through them all as the weather warms up.

I talked a bit about the history and the glow up of Palmer Park on our podcast last September.

Usually, this note ends with a music track. Today, I'll end with a little musical history connecting to Detroit, maybe in unexpected ways.

I'm a fan of the Röyskopp, a Norwegian electronic group. One of the tracks I like, "Happy Up Here," has a very identifiable, funky, hook.

Turns out that hook sample is from this Parliament track, "Do That Stuff."

It was on the Clones of Dr. Funkenstein album, recorded in part at United Sound in Detroit. It still stands today (though needs some love). I went and checked on it as it's a short walk from our podcast studio.

When I posted this on Instagram, a commenter pointed out that Röyskopp in another track on that same Junior album sampled Stevie Wonder's "Too High" as part of "Vision One."

Alright, that's it for now. Thanks so much for reading. For story tips, hit me up - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.

Remember that you are somebody — and I'll see you around Detroit.

-Jer

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

| Madison-Park News | Published March 16, 2025

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HAZEL PARK — A BorgWarner plant that manufactures batteries for electric vehicles will be closing its Hazel Park and Warren facilities this July. Nearly 190 jobs will be lost.

BorgWarner disclosed its plans in compliance with WARN — the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988. WARN is a United States labor law that requires most employers of certain sizes to issue advance notice before mass layoffs or site closures. A WARN notice is filed with a state’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

The Hazel Park facility is located at 1400 E. 10 Mile Road, Suite 150, in the city’s Tri-County Commerce Center, while the Warren facility is located at 23950 Mound Road, Suite 300.

The Hazel Park operation was formerly known as Akasol prior to being acquired in 2022.

“This closure is expected to be permanent and will affect all employees,” said plant manager Scott Crouthamel in the WARN notice Feb. 11.

Of the nearly 190 jobs that will be lost, the most heavily impacted include assembly operators (55 positions), technical operators (24 positions) and team leaders (16 positions).

“All affected employees have been notified of their separation dates, and that their separation from employment will be permanent,” Crouthamel said.

The layoffs there will begin April 14, and be completed by July.

“There will not be any bumping rights for the affected employees — that is, employees will not be able to displace more junior employees out of their job positions as a result of this closure,” Crouthamel said. “There is no union representing the impacted employees.”

In Hazel Park, the BorgWarner plant was one of multiple tenants at the sprawling Tri-County Commerce Center. The center is owned and operated by developer Ashley Capital.

Located at the corner of 10 Mile and Dequindre roads, where Hazel Park Raceway once stood, the Tri-County Commerce Center also features an Amazon distribution center, as well as facilities for such companies as LG Energy Solution Michigan, Mayville Engineering Company, Hi-Lex Controls, Dakkota Integrated Systems, and more.

“It’s sad to see (BorgWarner) go,” said Hazel Park Mayor Mike Webb. “I toured the place when the batteries were first being made there. It’s sad to see that innovation go, but hopefully something new and just as great will come in the future.

“We’ve had venture capitalists come in and take over the center and build new facilities there, bringing new types of businesses to our city, which has been to our benefit, creating new jobs and new opportunities,” Webb said of the Tri-County Commerce Center. “Overall, the place is still being well-served and well-utilized by different corporations.”

He also took a moment to remember the Hazel Park Raceway.

“The racetrack had its time and day. Everybody enjoyed its entertainment value. It was a very family-oriented establishment,” Webb said. “But of course things change, as we’ve all experienced in recent years, and so have our business corridors. We don’t have as much retail as we once did here in Hazel Park, but we have others opening up — more service-oriented businesses, like restaurants and bars. And we have more walkability, too, and more bike lanes, because people are more health-conscious today. The walkways and bike lanes slow down drivers, so that they notice these new businesses and visit them.”

Ed Klobucher, the city manager of Hazel Park, said he’s hopeful that a new tenant will take the place of BorgWarner.

“We’re sorry to see (BorgWarner) close. We understand it was a heavily subsidized industry, and that some of those subsidies were drawing to a close. It appears they’re beginning to consolidate their operations elsewhere,” Klobucher said. “So, we get it. But given the attractiveness of the center and the professionalism Ashley Capital displays in its administration of the place, I’m sure the site won’t stay vacant for long. The center has been a thriving place — the tenants there are great corporate citizens, and they’ve added a great deal of economic vitality to the city of Hazel Park.”

All-Day Grand Opening Celebration with Food, Music, Giveaways, Top Cannabis Brands, and Special Guest Tay B!

Hazel Park, MI – April 11th, 2025 – A new era of cannabis retail is coming to Hazel Park. 8th Street Canna is officially opening its doors, and we’re kicking things off with 420 Street Fest—a community-driven celebration of culture, cannabis, and connection. Join us on Friday, April 19, from 8 AM to 10 PM at 877 E 8 Mile Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030, for a full day of music, food, exclusive giveaways, some of the best brands in the industry, and special guest Tay B.

The Vision

8th Street Canna was founded with a clear mission: to create a welcoming space that seamlessly integrates top-quality cannabis products with the rich tapestry of local culture. "Our goal is to offer both medical patients and recreational consumers a place where they feel valued and understood," said the team at 8th Street Canna, "We believe that cannabis is more than a product—it's a community, a culture, and a lifestyle."

The 420 Street Fest Lineup

To celebrate 420, we’re bringing out some of the biggest names in cannabis. Expect to see STIIIZY, Pressure Pack, North Coast, DOPE DEPT., Kutz, and more posted up with exclusive deals and brand activations. And because great cannabis deserves great food, we’re calling in the heavy hitters—Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, and General Foods will have their iconic food trucks serving up all day long.

We’re excited to welcome Detroit Rapper Tay B, a prominent figure in the Detroit music scene, for a special meet-and-greet session at 420 Street Fest. He’ll be joining us throughout the day to connect with fans, take photos, and sign autographs.

That’s not all. We’re making sure everyone has a chance to take home something special, too. Raffle giveaways will be happening throughout the day, with major prizes up for grabs. Plus, as a special thank-you to our first supporters, the first 100 shoppers will receive an exclusive care package loaded with must-have goodies.

“This is our way of showing love to the community that’s been riding with us since day one,” said the team at 8th Street Canna. “We wanted to make the event feel like a block party—fun, familiar, and full of surprises.”

More Than a Dispensary—The Real Plug

8th Street Canna is about more than just selling cannabis. It’s about bridging the gap—between medical and recreational users, between top brands and real people, between the culture and the community. We’re here to create a space that feels authentic, welcoming, and built for the people who truly live this lifestyle.

Whether you’re here for the product, the people, or just to be part of something new, this is the place to be. Come celebrate with us at 420 Street Fest and experience 8th Street Canna—The Real Plug.

Don’t miss out! Follow @8thStreetCanna on Instagram for updates, exclusive previews, and behind-the-scenes looks leading up to the event.

[Media Contact]

August Familant, 586-484-3953

Cannabis News8th Street Cannahazel park dispensarydetroit dispensarynew dispensary hazel parknew dispensary detroit4/20 detroit4 20 detroit

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A Hazel Park marijuana processor accused of widespread regulatory violations has permanently lost its license and can no longer operate in Michigan, state regulators announced.

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) reached a settlement with Flavor Galaxy at 201015 John R Rd. to close the adult-use processor license and bar the company’s owners, Hanna and Jaklin Shina, from any future involvement in the state’s cannabis industry.

Under the consent order signed earlier this week, the license “will not be renewed, reinstated, reissued, or reactivated,” and the Shinas are prohibited from applying for new licenses, working in the industry, or holding any ownership state in a licensed marijuana business in Michigan.

The settlement followed two formal complaints filed by the CRA, one in May 2024 and the other in September, detailing serious violations at the Hazel Park facility, ranging from untagged products and missing inventory records to inaccurate records, misleading labeling, and failures in safety testing and packaging.

In the May complaint, CRA investigators accused Flavor Galaxy of mislabeling its “Amnesia Watermelon Freeze” pre-rolls by claiming they were infused with cannabis distillate and cannabis-derived terpenes, when they actually contained shake infused with botanical terpenes not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for inhalation.

Regulators said the company failed to maintain required formulation records, conducted no safety testing on the final product, and routinely stored marijuana in unsecured, untracked containers. During a site inspection, the agency documented more than 500 untagged vape cartridges, jars of unidentified distillate, and large quantities of cannabis flower and infused pre-rolls with no traceable links to the state’s Metrc tracking system.

The September complaint stemmed from a separate CRA investigation into missing CBD labeling on multiple cannabis products found at a licensed retailer in Jackson. Among the items produced by Flavor Galaxy were Presidential and Amnesia-branded pre-rolls and vape cartridges that lacked required CBP concentration information on the labels. Lab results confirmed measurable levels of CBD in those products, triggering additional violations for failing to meet the state’s packaging and labeling requirements.

In total, the CRA cited the company for at least 20 rule violations, including storing marijuana without Metrc tags, transferring untested or failed products to employees, and adding cannabis to tested batches after the fact, raising questions about whether some products bypassed safety protocols entirely.

The Shinas also served supplemental applicants on another license, which must now be administratively closed and cannot be reactivated.

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Michigan judge finds marijuana testing facilities launched by ex-cops violated testing results Viridis Laboratories has long been accused of artificially inflating THC levels and downplaying hazards in cannabis

Canna-BusinessLocal BusinessesWeedHazel ParkCannabis Regulatory Agencycannabismarijuanapre-rollsPresidentialAmnesialabeling

Hazel Park Schools Superintendent Amy Kruppe talks with 7 News Detroit on Jan. 20 about how districts determine winter weather-related school closings.

HAZEL PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Jan. 27 Hazel Park Schools Board of Education Special Meeting was about three hours and 22 minutes long.

In the last 10 minutes, the board moved to put Hazel Park Superintendent Amy Kruppe, Ph.D., on paid, non-disciplinary administrative leave.

The board said it was for a "fact-finding investigation of the allegations."

Two months since that meeting, questions about what the allegations are remain a Hazel Park mystery.

"It was really concerning because we haven’t been provided any information as to what the issue is," Hazel Park parent Jennifer Jackson told 7 News Detroit.

Hear more from Hazel Park parent Jennifer Jackson in the video player below:

Others say they were also surprised.

"It was a surprise to all of us, quite a shock, even to Dr. Kruppe," administrative assistant Ryann Voss said.

Jackson said that she has two children in the district and in the 10 years Kruppe has been superintendent, the district has only improved.

"From my perspective as a parent, she has been a wonderful addition to our community," Jackson said.

Voss showed us data that lays out how, as she says, Kruppe has radically improved district funds.

"This is proof that Dr. Kruppe is really good at her job," Voss said. "I believe they left it so vague because they don’t know what policy that she broke and they’re hoping that she did break one."

7 News Detroit obtained paperwork that shows the interim superintendent for Kruppe is being paid $800 a day.

Voss said the board is also paying thousands of dollars for the investigation and an attorney.

Hear more from administrative assistant Ryann Voss in the video player below:

According to her, the only reason for all of this is that board members do not like Kruppe.

"This has all been a witch hunt to take down Dr. Kruppe," Voss said.

Due to the pending investigation, Kruppe said she declines to comment at this time.

The school board President Beverly Hinton sent 7 News Detroit this statement:

"Two months ago the Board of Education approved the Allen Law Group, PC to perform a fact finding investigation. I was recently advised the investigation is close to being complete. When it is a personnel matter people have legal rights, so until the investigation has concluded it is not appropriate for me to comment further.Be assured our primary focus always is the academic, social and emotional growth of our students."

However, Voss and Jackson said that Hazel Park isn't waiting any longer.

Complaint letters have been sent to the governor and Michigan Department of Education.

Plus, 7 News Detroit is told that about 12 community members have formed a Committee for Ethical Transparency to, as they say, hold the school board accountable.

"Dr. Kruppe is more than a superintendent to us in the district; she is our go to person," Voss said.

"She’s a part of Hazel Park Schools," Jackson said.

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