Berkley, Michigan
According to itypetravel.com, Berkley, Michigan is a small city located in the southeastern part of the state. It is situated within Oakland County and borders the larger cities of Royal Oak and Ferndale to the north, Southfield to the east, and Huntington Woods and Oak Park to the south. The city has an area of 2.6 square miles and a population of 15,300 as of 2019.
The geography of Berkley is characterized by gently rolling hills and a diverse landscape. The city is bisected by 12 Mile Road which runs east-west across its center, while Woodward Avenue forms its northern boundary. The rest of Berkley’s borders are formed by smaller streets such as Coolidge Highway, 12th Street, 11 Mile Road, and Robina Avenue.
The majority of Berkley is residential with single-family homes making up most of the housing stock. There are also several apartment buildings throughout the city as well as some commercial areas along Woodward Avenue near 12 Mile Road.
The terrain in Berkley consists mostly of low hills with an elevation ranging from 614 to 733 feet above sea level. The highest point in town is located at Coolidge Highway near 11 Mile Road which stands at 733 feet above sea level. Much of Berkley’s terrain is covered in deciduous trees such as maple, oak, hickory, birch, and elm which provide plenty of shade in summer months while allowing some sunlight through during winter months when their leaves have fallen off their branches.
At the center of Berkley lies Wilkins Park which covers nearly 10 acres between 11 Mile Road and Robina Avenue just west of Woodward Avenue. Wilkins Park features two baseball diamonds with batting cages for recreational use as well as two playgrounds for children to enjoy during summer months when school is out for vacation.
Overall, Berkley’s geography provides a unique mix of residential neighborhoods nestled among low hills with plenty of green space for recreation or relaxation in Wilkins Park or along its streets lined with deciduous trees that provide plenty of shade during hot summer days or let some sunshine through during cooler times when their leaves have fallen off their branches.
History of Berkley, Michigan
According to countryvv, Berkley, Michigan is a small city located in the northern suburbs of Detroit. The city was founded in 1925 and was named after John F. Berkley, a wealthy landowner in the area. The city has an area of 2.6 square miles and a population of 15,300 as of 2019.
The history of Berkley began with the Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before Europeans settled there. The Potawatomi and Ottawa tribes were among those who lived in the region prior to being displaced by European settlers in the 1800s.
In 1817, John F. Berkley purchased land near present-day 12 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue which would eventually become the site of what is now the City of Berkley. In 1925, Berkley was officially incorporated as a village within Oakland County, Michigan and became an independent city nine years later in 1934 when it separated from Royal Oak Township to become its own municipality.
Throughout its history, Berkley has been known for its diverse population and vibrant culture. After World War II, many immigrants from Eastern Europe settled in the city due to its proximity to Detroit which was booming at that time due to its auto industry jobs. This influx of immigrants gave rise to many cultural establishments such as churches, restaurants, and stores that catered to their needs while also adding new flavors to life in Berkley that still exist today.
In recent years, Berkley has seen an influx of young families looking for affordable housing close enough to downtown Detroit but far enough away from its hustle and bustle that they can still enjoy some peace and quiet at home with their children at night or on weekends when they’re not working or studying downtown during weekdays. This trend has resulted in a large uptick in population growth as well as increased demand for services such as schools and medical facilities which have been added over time to meet this need while also providing more amenities for residents already living there before this trend started taking place.
Overall, Berkley’s history is one marked by diversity both culturally and economically with people from all walks of life settling there over time due to economic opportunity or a desire for a quieter lifestyle than what can be found closer into downtown Detroit but still close enough for easy access when needed for work or leisure activities alike.
Economy of Berkley, Michigan
The economy of Berkley, Michigan is a mix of small businesses, manufacturing, and service industries. The city is home to a variety of retail stores and restaurants, as well as many independent businesses such as auto repair shops and medical offices. Additionally, the city is home to several large employers such as Beaumont Health Systems and St. John Providence Health System.
Manufacturing has long been a major part of Berkley’s economy with companies such as BAE Systems located in the city limits. BAE Systems produces military equipment for the U.S. Department of Defense and has been in operation since 2006 when it purchased an existing plant in Berkley from General Dynamics Corporation.
The service industry also plays an important role in Berkley’s economy with many local businesses providing services ranging from auto repair to accounting to legal services. Additionally, the city is home to several banks including Flagstar Bank which serves both individuals and businesses alike with their banking services.
Berkley also benefits from its proximity to Detroit which provides residents with access to many cultural events, entertainment venues, and job opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable if they lived elsewhere in Oakland County or even farther away from the city limits.
Overall, Berkley’s economy consists of a mix of industries that provide jobs for both local workers as well as those commuting from Detroit or other nearby cities for work each day. This diverse economic base helps ensure that there are always job opportunities available for those looking for employment while also allowing for small business owners to thrive within the city limits without having to worry about competition from larger corporations that may not be able to offer competitive wages or benefits packages due to their size or lack of resources available locally compared to larger cities like Detroit or Ann Arbor where they may have more resources at their disposal overall.
Politics in Berkley, Michigan
Berkley, Michigan is a city located in Oakland County, just north of the city of Detroit. It is home to around 15,000 people and is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to its residents. As such, Berkley has a strong political presence in the county.
The politics of Berkley are largely influenced by its Democratic Party roots, but it also has a strong Republican presence as well. The city is represented in the Michigan State Legislature by two Democrats and one Republican. The mayor of Berkley is also a Democrat – current Mayor Phil O’Dwyer was elected in 2017 – and he serves with six City Council members who all identify as Democrats.
In terms of local politics, the mayor and City Council are responsible for making decisions that affect the day-to-day lives of Berkley’s citizens. This includes setting policies on topics such as public safety, economic development, infrastructure projects, and more. The mayor also appoints members to various boards and commissions that serve as advisory committees on matters pertaining to various areas within the city government’s purview.
Additionally, citizens have a voice in local politics through their representation on various boards that oversee specific areas such as transportation or education. These boards allow citizens to provide input on issues that affect them directly while also working with other members of their communities to ensure that everyone’s needs are being addressed appropriately by their elected officials.
At the state level, Berkley residents are represented by two Democrats and one Republican in the Michigan State Legislature who work together to pass legislation that affects all Michiganders statewide. Residents can also get involved at this level through attending hearings at the Capitol building or writing letters to their representatives in support or opposition of particular bills or initiatives before they come up for vote on the floor.
Overall, politics play an important role in Berkley’s daily life from local decisions made by its mayor and City Council all the way up to state-level legislation passed through its representatives at the Capitol building in Lansing. Through involvement at every level – whether it be attending meetings or writing letters – citizens can ensure their voices are heard when it comes time for important decisions that affect their lives directly or indirectly each day.
