Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa delivers his state of the city address Feb. 13 during the city’s Boujee Banquet at the Westfield Center.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON – Residents turned the Rotary-sponsored Feb. 13 state of the city and awards banquet into a night to remember with a Boujee Banquet, meaning “luxurious yet humble,” transforming the Westfield Center.
The event, held the eve of Valentine’s Day, adopted a heart-inspired theme, as the everyday hall became a well-appointed venue, with custom-made chocolates by Ronnie Ruelle on each table, mood lighting, drapes on the wall, and special table and chair coverings.
Co-chairs Mike McCullough and Kathy Kane served as co-master of ceremonies, and following a feast, Mayor Steven Rzeppa presented his state of the city speech, followed by the annual awards.
Rzeppa’s speech began on an upbeat note as he focused on the half-billion-dollar DTE investment in what will become the largest stand-alone battery storage facility in the Great Lakes region upon its 2026 completion.
“This project is critical for our clean energy future and energy independence, and it is critical to continue to provide a solid foundational tax base for Trenton so we can continue to fund the high level of services our residents expect and deserve,” he said.
Rzeppa was also upbeat about the demolition of the former Riverside Hospital, which has opened up the site for potential development.
“It soon has to be one of the cleanest available pieces of commercial property available on the Detroit River, and we hope to do whatever we can to help get it developed as such,” he said.
Rzeppa praised the community for passing a millage in August to build new fire and police stations and to make massive and much-needed improvements to city buildings.
Dr. Noel Jackson (left) of the Trenton Rotary Club presents Paul Harris Fellow awards to Matt Valente, Jim Jacek and Mike Hawkins Feb. 13 during the city’s Boujee Banquet at the Westfield Center.
He spoke with great relief of the decision by the city of Riverview to not pursuit its expansion of its landfill, which, while convenient to area, became a burden to which Trenton residents no longer wanted to be a neighbor.
Rzeppa spoke of the $75 million in federal funding U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-6th District) helped obtain for the grade separation at Fort Street and Van Horn Road to prevent the waits at the train crossing, which often delays ambulances trying to reach a nearby trauma center.
He said state Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-4th District) has received $20 million from the Michigan Department of Transportation to supplement the project as well.
Rzeppa praised the seven new murals and two new pieces of sculpture that were added to the downtown last summer during the Art Festival, which reflect local history and lore.
He mentioned the $2 million investment in Rotary Park, thanks to the Downtown Development Authority and a donation from the Howey Family Foundation, that will transform the community space.
Rzeppa said the city received a $1.1 million Renewable Ready Community Award from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy in conjunction with the decommissioning of the DTE Trenton plant and the planned Battery Energy Storage System to invest in the West Road business corridor, to improve streetscapes and aesthetics, walkability and to enhance the small business environment.
He said the DDA hired its first full-time director, Angela Pusino. In addition to sponsoring events that included Winterfest, Galentine’s Night, Lobsterfest, Witches Night Out, the Cookie Crawl, the weekly Farmers Market and the Art Festival, the DDA is working with C.E. Raines, the city’s engineers, to help fund important infrastructure projects in the DDA district.
The projects include parking lot work, alley paving, tree pit improvements, flower planting and general aesthetics, in addition to the Rotary Park improvements.
Jeanell Felske (left) of the Trenton Business Association recognizes Mr. Nick’s Restaurant with the 2025 Business of the Year Award Feb. 13 during the city’s Boujee Banquet at the Westfield Center.
Rzeppa provided updates on the police, fire and public works departments, as well as the sanitation department.
He said the city’s decision to take over mowing duties for 75 percent of city-owned parks and properties has improved their overall appearance.
Rzeppa also mentioned the $50,000 Forestry Grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which will help pay for a tree inventory and a maintenance strategy.
He shared his deep thanks and appreciation for the city employees who keep the city running smoothly, and for the contributions of residents.
“We have so much to be thankful for here, and so much to be excited about in 2025,” Rzeppa said. “Trenton will continue to be the premier place to be Downriver, and with your help, much more.
“Remember, alone we can do so little, but together we can accomplish so much.”
During the awards ceremony that followed, Dr. Noel Jackson of the Trenton Rotary Club presented Paul Harris Fellow awards to honorees Matt Valente, Jim Jacek and Mike Hawkins. The honor, bestowed by Rotary International, recognize people who have contributed to the Rotary Foundation.
Jeanell Felske of the Trenton Business Association recognized Mr. Nick’s Restaurant with the 2025 Business of the Year Award.
Sports Wall of Fame presenter Tim Beaker recognized inductees Howard Hammes, David Fisher and Ilene Flannagan.
Fire Chief Keith Anderson honored Capt. Josh Hodge as the year’s Outstanding Fire Fighter, while Police Chief Mike Hawkins recognized Garrett Hughes as the year’s Outstanding Police Officer.
Rzeppa closed out the awards ceremony by presenting resident Brody Thompson with the outstanding Trentonite award.
Sports Wall of Fame presenter Tim Beaker (at podium) recognizes inductees Howard Hammes (left) and David Fisher, as well as Ilene Flannagan (not present) Feb. 13 during the city’s Boujee Banquet at the Westfield Center.
Trenton Fire Chief Keith Anderson (at podium) recognizes Captain Josh Hodge as the year’s Outstanding Fire Fighter Feb. 13 during the city’s Boujee Banquet at the Westfield Center.
Trenton Police Chief Mike Hawkins (at podium) recognizes Garrett Hughes as the year’s Outstanding Police Officer Feb. 13 during the city’s Boujee Banquet at the Westfield Center.
Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa presents resident Brody Thompson with the outstanding Trentonite award Feb. 13 during the city’s Boujee Banquet at the Westfield Center.