Joe Palamara is serving in his 14th term and 28th year on the Wayne County Commission. He currently serves as Vice-Chair and “Dean’’ of the Commission. A lifelong resident of the Downriver area, he is a 1971 graduate of Wyandotte Roosevelt High School and, in 2018, was inducted into his high school's Distinguished Graduate Hall of Fame.

He attended Michigan State University on an Evans (caddy) Scholarship and was a walk-on member of the varsity baseball team. In his senior year, in 1975, Joe led the Spartans in hitting, received his team's Sportsmanship Award and was named to the All-Big Ten and All-America teams as a second baseman. He graduated from MSU in 1975 with a bachelor of arts degree in business. In 1985, Joe received his juris doctorate degree from the Detroit College of Law, and as a member of the State Bar of Michigan, has been licensed to practice law as an attorney in Michigan since the mid-1980s.

Joe was first elected to serve Downriver residents as a state representative in 1984, and he served for seven terms in the Michigan House of Representatives until term limits first took effect. In 1998, Palamara was elected to the Wayne County Commission, where he is an ardent champion of the Downriver communities he proudly represents in District 15. Joe also serves on the Michigan Association of Counties Board of Directors, is a member of the Wayne County Airport Authority (Metropolitan Airport) Board of Directors and is a lifetime member of the Michigan State University Varsity Alumni Club.

During his tenure as an elected official, he served as the Master of Ceremonies during President Bill Clinton's visit to Wyandotte. He has also served as a guest lecturer at the Detroit College of Law (now at Michigan State University) and at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. A Grosse Ile resident, Joe and his wife, Aline, have three children and seven grandchildren. 

Staff

Martha Toth and James Toth
(313) 224-0880

Important News & Info

Caution and patience to be exercised during Allen Road Grade Separation Project

Commuters downriver are asked to exercise patience and caution for the extended future as the Wayne County Department of Public Services (DPS) has begun the Allen Road Grade Separation construction on Allen Road between Van Horn Road and West Road. The project will remedy an issue that has long been recognized as a major burden for residents by elevating the railroad crossing and lowering Allen Road by approximately 20 feet, creating a smooth and uninterrupted traffic flow for residents and commuters. 

Road closures on Allen Road are anticipated during construction, including the closure of Allen Road between Van Horn and north of the railroad crossing. Traffic will be redirected along Van Horn Road and Ford Lane, allowing residents to reach their destinations. All businesses will remain open, and detour routes will be provided to allow access.

Drivers should be prepared for delays and are advised to exercise caution and patience when passing through these construction zones. 

PROJECT BACKGROUND 

The project kicked off in 2009 when Wayne County completed the concept study to explore grade separation options, leading to project planning and design engineering in 2013. 

Beginning in 2020, the project was divided into three major phases: 

• Phase 1: Roadway Improvements (2020 - 2022): Roadway improvements along Allen Road and Van Horn Road, preparing the corridor for the grade separation.  

• Phase 2: Utility Relocation (2021 - 2026): Relocating private utilities to allow for the construction of the elevated railroad bridge.  

• Phase 3: Bridge Construction (2026 - 2028): Will complete the road grade separation with the elevated railroad crossing and lowered roadway.

DETOUR ROUTES 

Drivers should use the following routes to get around the road closure: 

• Northbound: From Allen Road, turn left on Van Horn Road, then right onto Ford Lane, and continue to West Road.  

• Southbound: From Allen Road, turn right onto West Road, then left onto Ford Lane, and continue to Van Horn Road. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Contact the 24-hour customer service center at 1-888-ROAD-CREW (1-888-762-3273)  

• Visit – EngageAllenRd.com

Upcoming Events 

Wayne County Women’s Commission to Host 4th Annual Resource Fair— Connecting Residents to Jobs, Health Services, and Critical Support DETROIT — At a time when many families are facing job loss, rising costs, and limited access to healthcare, the Wayne County Women’s Commission—established by Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell—is stepping up to meet the moment.

The Women’s Commission will host its 4th Annual Resource Fair on Thursday, April 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Wayne County Community College District Northwest Campus, offering a one-stop hub of support for residents across Southeast Michigan.

“The Women’s Resource Fair reflects the Wayne County Women’s Commission’s mission to empower and uplift women through education, collaboration, and community engagement,” said Cynthia M. Douglas, Chair of the Wayne County Women’s Commission. “By expanding outreach and partnerships with organizations such as the Michigan and Detroit Women’s Commissions, we are strengthening collective efforts to improve opportunities and overall wellbeing for women across Wayne County.”

This free event is designed to directly connect attendees with real opportunities and essential services—from job leads and career training to healthcare resources and preventative screenings. With economic uncertainty impacting many households, the fair provides immediate, practical help for those navigating layoffs, career transitions, or gaps in health coverage.

“With this being our 4th Annual Women’s Resource Fair, our goal is to empower women with the tools to build and maintain successful futures through access to career, health, housing, education and financial resources,” said Latanya Gater, M.A., LLP, Event Chair. “This event is about making sure women know they are not alone. By bringing critical resources together in one place, we are helping women take meaningful steps toward a well-earned tomorrow.”

Participants will have access to:

• Employment opportunities and career development resources

• Health and wellness services, including preventative screenings

• Housing assistance and financial stability resources

• Education and skills training programs

• Life planning tools and community-based support services Dozens of community partners and service providers will be on-site, ready to help residents take the next step—whether that’s finding a job, accessing care, or building a more stable future.

“We are excited for the 4th annual Women’s Resource Fair. The Women’s Resource Fair is designed to provide resources for Women that can empower, strengthen, and uplift communities. When women are equipped with the right resources, they are able to lead, build, and transform communities.” said Dr. Regina Banks-Hall, Event Co-Chair. “This is about showing up for our community when it matters most,” added Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell. “People are looking for jobs, for healthcare, for answers— and this fair brings those resources directly to them in one place.”

The event is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend.

For more information, please email womensresourcefair@gmail.com.

Map

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