Residents and visitors in downtown Plymouth are speaking out about parking challenges, with some calling the situation a headache while others say they haven't experienced significant issues.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Plymouth residents debate downtown parking challenges

"I love downtown Plymouth, but finding a parking place can be very challenging," said Tom Green, a Plymouth resident.

It's a conversation heard repeatedly on the streets of Plymouth from residents and visitors alike.

"It gets very crowded on the weekends. Weekends in the summertime, it's impossible to park here," said Mike Guzowski, a downtown visitor.

Green noted that having a handicap sticker can help somewhat, but as Plymouth becomes more popular, finding parking becomes increasingly difficult.

However, not everyone sees it as a major problem.

"Between the parking structure and the lots behind the building, it's never been much of an issue as long as you have a little bit of patience; people are moving in and out," said Sarah Wolfe, a Plymouth resident.

On a Monday, traffic was lighter, and spaces were plentiful.

"I love the way I can just pull in, park in front of the store I want to shop at," said Kathi Rocheleau, a downtown visitor.

Donna Parks, owner of Wild Rose Boutique, says loyal customers find their way in even if they have to walk a block or two.

"During Friday, Saturday, when it gets busier for dinner and stuff, I feel like people do have to drive around a little bit to find a spot," Parks said.

City leaders report there are around 925 public spaces in and around the downtown area, including streets and lots. But some residents believe more are needed.

"They could use another parking structure," Guzowski said.

As city leaders map out priorities for the year, parking is one of dozens of topics open for discussion. Out of 54 potential one-year task items tied to the city's five-year strategic plan, two focus on parking. One would review current parking policy, and the other would explore possible public-private partnerships.

What that could look like is still up in the air.

"I would prefer it remain free and where it's at than start charging for parking anywhere," Wolfe said.

The city will begin discussing its 2026 plans during a commission meeting on Tuesday.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Where Your Voice Matters

A big repair project in Novi starts today and it could impact your drive for weeks to come.

Watch Christiana's report below

Crews shutting down portion of Novi Road at 14 Mile for water main repair

Crews will be shutting down the northbound side of Novi Road at 14 Mile, to support the replacement and renewal of the 14-inch water main break that failed in that area in September.

Watch our previous coverage

Local businesses adapt operations after massive water main break in Novi

That closure is expected to last the next few weeks, while the overall project is expected to last until June.

Drivers we spoke to aren't thrilled to be inconveince; for people who live in Novi, Commerce Township, or Walled Lake, patience will be needed for the near future.

Eastbound 14 Mile is already closed, and now, northbound Novi Road is closed here as well, starting today. This is all to complete work on replacing and renewing segments of the 42-inch water transmission main that broke last year.

Officials say it's something that needed to be done, but still, people in the area tel me the changes are coming with a little frustration as they adjust.

It can be a little irritating, but everybody knows that its going to help with the water and the situation that everybody has over here," said Ken F., who lives nearby the road being partially closed.

But as we make the repairs to our transmission main here,we know that these impact sdo take place and we appreciate everyone's patience as we work through this," said Pete Fromm, the Director of Water Transmission with Great Lakes Water Authority.

Great Lakes Water Authority tells me they are about 33 percent of the way through the replacement of the main. They expect the closure will last 3-4 weeks.

Downtown Northville is preparing for a major transformation as the city launches a $3.3 million multi-year project to preserve the area's historic charm while preparing it for future growth.

The comprehensive revitalization effort, dubbed the "Town Square Refresh," will begin construction this spring and aims to improve safety, accessibility and create a year-round gathering space that connects to the Downs development.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Downtown Roseville undergoing a $3.3 million refresh Christiana Ford is 7 News Detroit's Northville beat reporter. If you have a story idea for her, email her at Christiana.Ford@wxyz.com

The project comes as downtown Northville continues to attract visitors and new businesses to its walkable, historic district.

"During the summer, there's people everywhere. It's a very walkable city," said Rob Stevens, a Northville resident.

The downtown area has maintained its vintage appeal over the decades, though it has evolved.

"When I first came here, it was very Victorian. That's what everybody was like, Northville's Victorian, and you can only use certain colors to paint the buildings and on your sign and everything. And now, it's kind of come full circle," said Theresa Schierloh, owner of Dancing Eye Gallery, which has operated downtown for over 30 years.

Schierloh said the mix of old and new elements will benefit the area.

"It'll hopefully promote the downtown just by the newness of it all," Schierloh said.

City leaders say the timing is right for major improvements, given increased traffic, new businesses and ongoing development in the area.

"The time is now and the best way to handle it was with a large project that handles it all at once," said Kate Knight, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority.

The Town Square Refresh will include several key components:

Improvements to the fountain including fire features, bandshell and gathering space Resurfacing Main Street from Center to Griswold Street Creating an ADA-accessible walkway connection via the Cady Street stairs linking Town Square and the Downs Enhancements to the clock tower New lighting, audio-visual upgrades and landscape replanting.

"The biggest feature that we're improving is that it will be a table top Plaza. So at Town Square, it will extend at grade through Main Street," Knight said. "It's essentially a big speed bump, so it calms and slows traffic and emphasized that we have a really vibrant pedestrian crossing right in the heart of downtown."

The Main Street resurfacing addresses current infrastructure problems. Knight says the improvements are needed to handle the area's popularity, which brings significant foot traffic throughout the year.

"We host almost half a million people in Town Square every year, so the wear and tear is real. It's a great problem to have, so this is really maintenance and building on some of the great designs we already have," Knight said.

Local business owners are optimistic about the project's potential impact on foot traffic and customer flow.

Kathy Isgrow, owner of Peace, Love and Little Donuts on Cady Street, expects the improvements to benefit her business and others in the area.

"Any of those improvements bring more foot traffic for us, for our business, more people coming by the store. We've got tons of walkers already that walk by the store daily and stop in, but as there's connections between the downtown area and the Downs, that will just improve foot traffic for us. More people will be introduced to us and the other small businesses that are in downtown Northville," Isgrow said.

Business owners are preparing for the changes as project details continue to emerge.

"I think I'm excited for them to add the fire pit with the fountain," said Stephanie Holmes, co-owner of The Hair Foundation. "I think it's going to be a wonderful thing for the downtown development of Northville. We have so many exciting things that are coming and bringing new energy and new light into our city," Holmes said.

Residents like Stevens believe the improvements will enhance the area's accessibility and appeal.

"I think what they do is make it more accessible to people, which is great," Stevens said.

Construction will begin as soon as weather allows in spring.

While construction details are still being finalized, the DDA has committed to working closely with local businesses to maintain access during the project. The DDA will distribute print materials and renderings to keep businesses and community members informed.

An FAQ session is planned for downtown stakeholders later this month.

The Cady Street connection is paid for in part by an SEMCOG federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. It will integrate into the larger regional pathway network connecting downtown Northville with the Detroit River and other destinations across the state.

The DDA is working on securing funding for longer-range streetscape projects such as Hutton to Griswold streets.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

An Amazon delivery driver's expletive-filled rant caught on a doorbell camera in Redford Township has gone viral, drawing tens of thousands of views and sparking community debate about delivery service expectations.

The incident occurred when a driver was delivering packages to a home in Redford on what appeared to be a cold day. Unaware that a Nest security camera was recording, the driver vented his frustrations about making multiple deliveries.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Amazon driver's viral rant sparks debate about delivery expectation

"I got a million multi-stops because these people out here in Dearborn Heights, they can't go anywhere and get their own (expletive). So now, I'm sitting out here delivering a million packages to a million and (expletive) one houses," the driver said in the video.

The homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, shared the footage online. She told 7 News Detroit she was annoyed by the driver's comments, explaining that as a single mother working three jobs while attending school, she pays for the convenience of delivery services.

Watch the surveillance video below: Video shows Amazon driver's viral rant in Redford

Community reactions to the viral video were mixed. Some residents expressed understanding for the driver's frustration with cold weather conditions, while others criticized his unprofessional behavior.

"It did shock me," said Daniel Christenson, who lives nearby. "I mean, if he doesn't want the job, he shouldn't keep the job if he's gonna be complaining about it."

Fitz Mac, another local resident, offered a more sympathetic perspective.

"It's kinda unprofessional, but I can understand his frustration. It's cold and people don't want to go out," Mac said.

Dwan Hannah, a Redford resident, emphasized the professional expectations that come with the job.

"If you sign up for Amazon, you got to deliver packages. They don't tell you you don't got to deliver when it's a certain type of weather. They tell you that's your job," Hannah said.

Hannah also expressed interest in the employment opportunity.

"I feel like he should be more appreciative. People like me, I'm a felon, I can't get no job," Hannah said. "I'd love to be an Amazon worker to be honest with you. Tell 'em they can fire him and hire me, how 'bout that."

Amazon responded to the incident with a statement indicating they are investigating the matter.

"We're actively looking into this and will take appropriate action following our review. Based on the actions depicted in the video, this behavior does not reflect the standards we hold for drivers delivering to Amazon customers," the company said.

Amazon also noted that they "contract with small, local businesses and independent contractors to deliver to Amazon customers."

The video continues to circulate online, generating discussion about workplace professionalism and the challenges faced by delivery drivers during harsh weather conditions.

"This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy."

The Plymouth Ice Festival returns this weekend, and it's the coldest weather they've had in years for this festival. We're told that is a good thing for the sculptures and there are so many to check out if you want to get out the house and do something this weekend

"It's one of the original ice festivals in the United States especially in this weekend," Top Shelf Ice Owner and Operator Benjamin Goebel said.

Watch the full story in the video below

Plymouth Ice Festival returns this weekend with ice bar, sculptures and more

Below-freezing temperatures are fantastic for those working on the ice masterpieces.

"I started here actually 20 years ago and it's all kinda wrapped back around. This is like my biggest thing I do every year," Goebel said.

He's one of many whose ice sculpures will be featured in the annual Plymouth Ice Festival, where people turn 350 pounds blocks of ice into pieces of art.

"The carvers take those ideas back and they design something and they come up with things that we wouldn't even is possible in a median like ice," Plymouth Ice Festival Organizer Jason Gietzen said. "It really all just comes alive. You can interact with different ice carvings whether you're siting on them. We're got checkers boards we've got different things that you can take pictures with we'll have live ice carving going on all weekend and vendors "

In all, there will be more than 150 sculptures on display throughout Downtown Plymouthl.

"Every year we get about 60,000-80,000 visitors that come from outside Plymouth to downtown Plymouth . It really has a huge economic impact to our businesses down here," Plymouth Downtown Development Authority Director Sam Plymale said.

Coming here is a chance to step inside an ice arena, from an ice bar and party tent, to ice golf and new this year  zip-lining.

There are opportunities to heat back up with warming stations and hot cocoa, or participate in the DDA's game of Bingo, where 24 businesses are participating.

"We have 24 participating businesses so you can grab a bingo card from any of those participating businesses they will also be scattered around the festival itself. Get stickers from the businesses and you can win prizes from the Plymouth DDA," Plymale said.

Where Your Voice Matters

We've been tracking flight disruptions because of the winter storm; as of 6 a.m. Monday morning, there has already been 30 flight delays and 88 cancellations. This is going to be the second day of major disruptions, as yesterday, there were 370 delays and 290 cancellations due to the winter storm sweeping across the country.

Watch Christiana's report below

Sunday's snow causes hundreds of DTW flights to be cancelled or delayed

It's a huge headache for busy travelers this morning, as lines have been consistent since we got in before 5 a.m. Looking at the departures board, most flights are on time, with a few cancellations for Delta Airlines.

But there's going to be a lot of juggling and moving things around as a result of those cancellations you mentioned. we're looking at 86 cancellations, and that call was made before any flights took off this morning.

We talked to travelers keeping their fingers crossed for a smooth day today. One man was visiting for a wedding and heading back to New York, and a woman was heading to warmer winter in Florida with a seven-minute delay.

"We're going to (Washington) D.C., and then we're going to New York," said Ryan Shea. "But the one from DC to New York has already been a little delayed, so we'll see. Hopefully this one gets out on time."

"We're dealing with it," said Lorie Berlan. "You can't do nothing about it, you know?"

Today, travel delays and cancellations will really depend on where you're going and when; we will continue tracking any additional delays for you.