Do it right, do it now, stay on it
NOTE: Tune into AM-580, WTCM’s Ron Jolly this morning at 9:20. The editor of MyWHaT (that’s me) will be on air to discuss 8th Street, Complete Streets and how to train a beagle…OK, maybe I’ll leave the last one out.
A Complete Street approach to the 2010 8th Street project is not out of the realm of possibilities. Despite the varying degrees of urgency down at city hall–from the code-red approach by Mayor Chris Bzdok to the Pluto-cold approach of city manager Ben Bifoss–there are cards being played on the city’s behalf.
The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce’s Doug DeYoung is actively trying to arrange a meeting with both the city and the executive director of MDOT, Kirk Steudle. MDOT is the key. They can sign off to a “change of order” to allow for some creative designs to make 8th St. a complete street without major widening of the footprint (the TART concept widens only a 400 +/- foot section).
“This is a Grand Vision corridor,” DeYoung said in a telephone call yesterday, referring to the corridors of significance identified in the Grand Vision. “We’re using every opportunity to make 8th a complete street. It’s crucial if we are going to be a great community like other great places.”
In addition to arguing to begin implementing the Grand Vision, which the Chamber has a big stake in, the chamber is in an obviously strong position to argue for action for threat of losing the stimulus money (MDOT has already lost access to plenty) and that Michigan can’t afford to lose the jobs associated with this project.
So, what can we do?
Our Lansing representatives need to hear our message of support for doing everything possible to secure the funds and secure a change of order to do it right. Ask MDOT to allow the city to redesign the 2010 8th Street project as a complete street. Contact MDOT’s executive director and the regional office to urge them to meet with the mayor and city manager. And, as one reader mentioned, you might as well let president Obama know that the federal stimulus he sent out is at risk of being used unwisely.
Click through to contact via homepage forms:
- MDOT’s Kirk Steudle: Excutive Director
- MDOT’s TC Office, Rise Rasch, Manager raschr@michigan.gov • 231-941-1986
- Senator Jason Allen • senjallen@senate.michigan.gov • (517) 373-2413
- Wayne Schmidt • wayneschmidt@house.mi.gov • (517) 373-1766
- And then, go to the top: Contact the White House (maybe we could get our beer summit)
Also, CC the City Commission on these letters. They need to know that even if they aren’t actively persuing & supporting the city’s options, that we are. They can either step it up and show some urgency to fix a problem that happened on their watch or they can get out of the way.
And, pass this on to encourage others to write in as well…
How is the Adopt and Support a Commissioner program going?
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You should run for City Commission, you’ve certainly done more work on our behalf than our current commissioners!
I would have some serious cognitive dissonance when forced to BLOG against a vote I did or didn’t support. Ouch…that would hurt…
My letters will be written this morning. If anyone wants to brainstorm, I’ll be at Old Town Coffee.
…Great job on the radio this morning Gary! Way to keep the momentum going:)
Sally Trombly
147 E. 9th St. Apt. 2
Traverse City, MI 49684
February 12, 2010
City of Traverse City
400 Boardman Ave.
Traverse City, MI 49684
Honorable Senator Allen,
Ron Jolly called it “the new buzzword” today on WTCM radio just after an interview with a local blogger regarding the 8th Street reconstruction project conundrum in Traverse City. “Complete-Street” is the term that is gaining momentum and is the norm in many US cities. http://www.completestreets.org/
What is a complete street? In urban planning and highway engineering, complete streets are roadways designed and operated to enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transport users of all ages and abilities are able to safely and comfortably move along and across a complete street. Proponents claim that complete streets also create a sense of place and improve social interaction, while improving property adjacent land values.
The backbone of a working city is its infrastructure. Our grand vision and master plan was compromised as of recent with the submittal of the 8th street reconstruction plans. The complete street ideal, as well as the citizen demand for traffic calming, was disregarded. The public was not informed of lack of complete street ideals until it was “too late.” Furthermore, city officials were recently informed that plans could not be fixed, as the government stimulus funds supporting the project might be compromised as a result.
It is eminent to set the stage as we shape Traverse City’s future. This window of golden opportunity will not be open forever. The urban center of Detroit did not set this stage and it failed. To its misfortune, Detroit was built around the automobile. The automobile was king and ruled the land, creating “progress” in its wake. “Progress” resulted in citizens moving further and further away from the city core. The speed of change accelerated logarithmically and the core crumbled as a result. Poor planning = decimated city.
Our road networks need to be safer, more livable, and welcoming to everyone. The entire roadway design should have all users in mind: including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.
Please consider looking at this issue if you have time. Many in Traverse City will appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Sally Trombly
michigansally@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing, Sally.
There is a Complete Streets bill, in the House transportation committee down in Lansing–House Resolution 0187 http://bit.ly/a6EAv8 As described: “A resolution to express support for active transportation infrastructure options that promote walking and bicycle usage and reduce childhood obesity. ”
I think this might be an update tot he above resolution: http://bit.ly/d4dLQH
And, Michigan Complete Streets has a list of actions that people can take…http://bit.ly/buQ9IR (www.michigancompletestreets.org)
It is on my list of stories to cover, but only so much time.
Anyone else have letters to share?
I was planning on writing my letters to Mdot and others this weekend…thanks for compiling all the contact links in one handy location, Gary!