BELLEVILLE, Mich. – Local 4 News is getting out of the studio and hitting the road to be In Your Neighborhood! We’re showcasing what makes our communities great!
From life on the lake to a tight-knit community, there are so many facets to see what makes Belleville such a great place to live.
The city’s name is French for “beautiful town” and was home to the National Strawberry Festival from 1977 to 2020. It’s also the birthplace of techno music.
Belleville is comprised of two square miles and is located in the center of Van Buren Township. This downtown area has been filled with new restaurants, shops and an energy that lures you here.
“It is growing. It is changing and adapting,” said Martha Hanoian, the former director of Belleville’s Chamber of Commerce.
The new places -- like the Rusted Crow -- are reenergizing the Wayne County community. Craft cocktails and cool lake vibes bring customers to the downtown area.
The city has a BORA-DORA District, which allows the patrons of participating bars or restaurants to carry their drinks to another designated business, encouraging the mingling and mixing of businesses.
“Everybody’s shopping local now,” said Cheri Bealer. “And helping supporting small businesses.”
It’s a community where those who may have moved away still return.
“I live in Westland now and I come here and I shop a lot. I come to the library here,” said Stella Austin Mahome. “It’s a quiet town. And it’s a friendly town.”
“I love the water. I love the people,” Robert Kenyon said. “My family lives here. Kids went to school here. I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.”
Belleville was a premier resort destination in the 1930s, with Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh both owning houses along the lakefront.
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