Detroit Complete Streets: Updates and meeting tomorrow
Tuesday, June 26th, 2012Speak up for Complete Streets
We’re asking people to attend tomorrow’s (7 pm, Wednesday, June 27th) Mayor’s Community Meeting at city hall to speak in favor of a Complete Streets ordinance in Detroit. An ordinance has been drafted and is being reviewed by the Law Department. The Department of Public Works is opposed to an ordinance, while others are in support.
The Mayor’s office holds much sway in determining how this will play out. We hope to encourage the Mayor to support the ordinance. This meeting is one opportunity to do that.
Mode Shift published this article with more details:
Bring your friends, neighbors, co-workers, colleagues and moms, dads, sisters and brothers to come tell officials why a bikeable, walkable, transit- and disabled-friendly city is crucial to the progress and revitalization of Detroit!
We plan on arriving a bit early in order to get on the list to give public comments.
If you cannot attend and want to show your support, you can submit a letter of support. A sample letter with information on where to send it are available here.
Streetlights
There’s been much discussion over public lighting in Detroit and Highland Park. Both cities have removed or are removing more lights. Many lights are no longer work due to their outdated design, equipment, and scrappers.
It’s been reported that 40% percent of Detroit’s 88,000 streetlights are broken. Highland Park just removed nearly 70% of their streetlights.
What we’ve learned through community workshops across Detroit is that public lighting is a key reason why people don’t walk or bike more.
Woodward Avenue
Woodward could get a bit safer for biking and walking.
The Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) has been awarded a $30,000 grant to support its efforts to develop a Complete Streets master plan for Woodward Avenue.
The grant is from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and complements the $752,880 grant that was previously awarded by the Federal Highway Administration for the initiative.
The association, an economic and community development organization based in Royal Oak, plans to develop a “Complete Streets” master plan that will transform the 27-mile corridor – from the Detroit River to Pontiac – into a complete, compatible and integrated roadway.
Certainly Woodward looks different across its 27 miles. Those differences will call for different Complete Street solutions.
We’re just excited that this discussion is underway.