Civic Center TV Celebrates New Digs in West Bloomfield

It took months of hard work, but West Bloomfield Township's Civic Center TV opens the doors its new home on Walnut Lake Road on Monday.

Formerly operating at township hall, the community cable channel's new facility gives video production staff about 3000 square feet of space in what was once an elementary school. General manager Dave Scott said West Bloomfield school district still owns the building.

Civic Center TV is also providing school programming as part of the deal.

"This is a huge win-win for the district, for us and for the environment, because we're re-using an existing structure," Scott said.

Civic Center TV is now a high-definition facility, although channels aren't yet broadcasting in that format, he added. 

Another big change is having a studio where shows can be taped. Previously, crews had to film everything on location, because of the cramped quarters at township hall. New technology will also allow better content management and has already resulted in significant changes. 

"We can produce more programming, so the channel has a fresher look," Scott said. 

"They key word is partnership," said township trustee Larry Brown, who said he spent hours every day overseeing renovations. Brown, who chaired a Greater West Bloomfield Cable Communications Commission committee overseeing the project, has done everything from taking out the trash to working on landscaping.

"It's been part of my life for two years," he said. 

Civic Center TV serves West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, and Sylvan Lake, cable casting government meetings and community events.

The June 27 open house, from 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., includes behind-the-scenes tours and a 6 p.m. dedication ceremony. The studio is located at 4510 Walnut Lake Road, on the campus of Sheiko Elementary School.

Correction: The date of the open house was incorrectly listed in the subhead on this story. It is Thursday, June 27.