Roosevelt Elementary Site Public Engagement
The former Roosevelt Elementary School site is one of the most important redevelopment opportunities in Keego Harbor. While the property is owned by the West Bloomfield School District and decisions regarding its sale remain with the School District, the future of this site will have a lasting impact on the character, economy, and quality of life in our community.
The City of Keego Harbor is committed to a transparent and collaborative public engagement process to better understand the community's vision for the property's future. Public and Council engagement initiatives seek to formalize the community's redevelopment preferences and establish clear planning principles that can be shared with the West Bloomfield School District, the School/City working advisory group, and any future prospective developer. These preferences will build upon the City's adopted Master Plan and other planning efforts while providing meaningful public input on the types of development, community amenities, design character, and public spaces that residents would like to see if the site is ultimately redeveloped.
Although the City does not control the sale or redevelopment of the property, any future proposal will be reviewed through the City's public planning and zoning processes. By engaging the community early, Keego Harbor can clearly communicate its expectations, strengthen collaboration with the School District and its potential future development partners, and help ensure this once-in-a-generation opportunity reflects the community's long-term vision.
Community Survey
Survey Report:The City of Keego Harbor and West Bloomfield School District received responses from 138 participants regarding the future of the former Roosevelt Elementary School property. Of the 137 people who described their connection to the community, 104—approximately 76%—identified themselves as Keego Harbor residents. The survey results reflect broad interest in a redevelopment that strengthens the Cass Lake Road corridor while remaining compatible with Keego Harbor’s small-scale neighborhood character. Taken together, the results favor a high-quality, walkable and visually attractive redevelopment that:
- Fits Keego Harbor’s small-scale character
- Includes owner-occupied housing opportunities if housing is developed
- Avoids excessive building height or density
- Strengthens Cass Lake Road and supports small businesses
- Preserves green space and opportunities for community gathering
- Provides safe pedestrian connections
- Meaningfully recognizes Roosevelt Elementary’s history
Note: Several survey questions were presented as ranking questions but were recorded as single selections, and some participants reported difficulty viewing the rating scale for the Roosevelt legacy question. Results are therefore presented as general indicators of community preference rather than a final development decision.