A Season of Progress and Positivity in the Village of Pinckney
By Jeff Buerman, Village President
There’s a lot to be excited about in the Village of Pinckney this summer. We’re seeing great momentum in both our community spirit and local development—proof that when residents, businesses, and leadership work together, amazing things can happen.
Our summer kicked off with a fantastic showing at Art in the Park. The rain held off just long enough for a full day of creativity, music, and smiles. It was a vibrant celebration of local talent, and we’re already looking forward to next year.
Another hit was our first Food Truck Friday, which rolled into Township Square with great food and even better community turnout. The weather cooperated again, and the evening was a reminder of how something as simple as dinner outdoors can bring us all together. If you missed it, don’t worry—Food Truck Fridays continue July 18 and August 15 from Noon to 8 PM, with signature band playing from 5-8pm. Come hungry!
We’ve also launched our summer concert series, Hooting’ in the Park, with live music every Thursday from 6 to 8 PM in Township Square, running through August 21. These are family-friendly, relaxed events—bring a lawn chair and enjoy a night of free entertainment under the trees.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
Behind the scenes, we’ve just wrapped up the Village’s Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Budget. While we’re in a stable position for now, we’ve been drawing from our general fund for the past few years. That’s not a sustainable path. So, I’ve challenged all departments and the Village Council to work together to adopt a balanced budget by July 2026. It’s a tough challenge, but with the dedication and creativity of this team, I’m confident we’ll rise to it.
We’re also planning another Town Hall meeting for September 2025. As soon as we have a confirmed date and location, we’ll be sure to let the community know. These meetings are a valuable way to stay connected and transparent with you.
Development & Business News
Exciting changes are happening around town. The old Rite Aid building has been approved for conversion into a Dunkin’ Donuts with a gas station. Over at 1066 E. Main Street, a proposal to repurpose the former fire hall into a marijuana retail location will go before the Planning Commission on July 7. Construction will soon begin at 1268 E. Michigan, just west of Taco Bell, for a new micro-marijuana retailer called Essence.
We’re also excited to welcome Heritage Pharmacy, which will soon be opening at 130 Marion Street, between W. Main Street and W. Livingston Street. While they have a few supplier hurdles to complete, they’ve assured us they’re moving forward and hope to open as soon as possible.
To all our local entrepreneurs and business owners—thank you. Whether you’re just getting started or have been serving the community for years, your investment, risk-taking, and creativity are what help keep Pinckney thriving. The Village is committed to supporting you, cutting red tape where we can, and making Pinckney a place where small businesses can succeed.
As for the old Pinckney Elementary School, known recently as “The Means Project,” progress has stalled, and the building is now up for sale. There’s been interest from potential buyers, but no deals have closed—yet. We remain hopeful that the right opportunity will come along to revitalize this important space.
A Community That Cares
Summer is a beautiful time to show pride in our neighborhoods. We kindly ask everyone to keep lawns trimmed and properties tidy—and, just as importantly, check in on your neighbors. If someone needs help, let us know here at the Village. We’ll do what we can.
During periods of extreme heat or if there’s a power outage, remember that Village Hall will be open as a cooling center for any resident who needs relief.
We’re also in the process of redesigning our Village website, aiming for a user-friendly launch in August. The new site will offer easier access to forms, council updates, and community information.
New Ways to Connect
Council Member Jo Self has started hosting a monthly Village Exchange Coffee Chat, creating a casual, friendly space for residents to talk directly with Council and DDA members. These meetings happen each month, each month different location & day, for more info follow on Facebook, Village Exchange Coffee Chat.
—we’d love to see you there.
And speaking of the DDA, our Downtown Development Authority has seen a boost of energy from new members, including local business owners and residents. The DDA meets the second Friday of each month at 9:30 AM, and public input is always welcome. Your ideas matter!
In Closing
I want to give a heartfelt thank-you to our Village Council, Planning Commission, DDA, and the hardworking employees of the Village of Pinckney, DPW. Village Police and our office staff. Your dedication is the engine behind our progress. Together, we are making Pinckney a place where people want to live, raise a family, and do business.
As always, I remain committed to working hard on your behalf to keep this Village moving forward—and to keeping our future bright.
—Jeff Buerman
Village President
A Season of Progress and Positivity in the Village of Pinckney 6 30 2025
