8th St. verdict? … Going to the Feds
UPDATE: 9:05AM, Clarifications
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Yesterday, the city met with MDOT executive director Kirk Steudle in Lansing. There isn’t much detail to report, but based on comments by MDOT’s North Region manager Rise Rasch to the TC Transportation Elements Committee last night, options for an improved 8th Street between Barlow and Garfield are still on the table for 2010.
That’s the good news.
The bad news: the process is now in a bureaucratic maze & the public won’t know if there is positive movement for at least 2 weeks.In that time, the city’s role will be to provide a list of specific improvements sought. They should already have a robust list from public comments and the TART conceptual design.
The minimum boils down to bike lanes without road widening & pedestrian cross walk improvements–both of which can be done with paint and a change of priorities.
It’s a positive that MDOT understands the process failed and is willing to work with the city. Their role will be to facilitate conversations with the local Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) office who is the final arbitrator regarding the stimulus money and the contract.
Is all of this necessary? Probably not. It was never going to be pretty. At the same time, the commission and staff of Traverse City are both admitting that the process failed. That has a created a window of opportunity for public input that may have lasting impact–they want positive public participation.
Without taking our eyes off of the short term issue of 8th Street, the neighborhoods need to be more vigilante in expressing what we want and then following through by guiding the commission and staff. The challenge is to make it as fun as possible.
This coming week is a good time to remind the city that we are expecting an answer on 8th Street and that we are also available to help make it happen. We also need to make clear that we remain active in helping to shift the priorities of the city from a car-centric approach to a model that elevates pedestrians and bike commuters as the priority.
The city is spending a lot of its budget on street improvements, they need to be creating a better place when they do it.
NOTE: Thanks to Fred Schaafsma from Cherry Capital Cycling Club for the rat busting through the maze. It’s a reminder to not get bogged down by all the rules and regulations. And, as Fred put it, “Never, Ever Give Up! Remember, the difference between success and failure is that failure gives up when success is in sight.“
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Let’s not forget the egregious addition of the left turn lanes at Barlow to facilitate the diversion of traffic into the Oak Park neighborhood!
I must ask if Barlow shouldn’t be used to get anywhere but to someones house, how might you suggest vehicles get from 8th st. to the Front st. also known as US-31? Only Garfield? Keep in mind Barlow is also a designated truck route.
Thank you for the update Gary. Your hard work is greatly appreciated!
Also, I was pleased to receive two personal e-mail responses from both Allen and Schmidt regarding 8th Street. It really does help to write those letters. The more the better!
Here’s the response from Schmidt:
Dear Sally,
Thank you very much for contacting my office regarding the pending 8th Street reconstruction project in Traverse City.
In continuing my support of the Grand Vision process and the concept of Complete Streets, I look forward to working with state and city officials and support them in finding a solution to this issue.
In these trying economic times for both individual and municipal budgets, I believe it is very important that we are able to preserve the local employment and funding opportunities that are present with this project.
I believe, also, that this situation should serve as a catalyst for developing a new process for future projects, and looking for ways we can combine planned future MDOT projects with the implementation of the Grand Vision. It is important to note that MDOT has been a supporter and instrumental in the Grand Vision process. It is my hope that we do not strain this relationship for future endeavors between MDOT and the Grand Vision.
I sincerely look forward to working with you on developing such a process, and I appreciate you contacting me on this issue.
Sincerely,
Wayne A. Schmidt
State Representative
104th District
Thanks for the update Gary and for keeping us engaged in the process.
Yes, thanks for the reminder Evan. It’s still unclear if that Barlow turn lane remains in the plan…
Sally, thanks for posting the reply. Positive responses have been the norm, and they need to keep getting better.
I, too, received replies from Sen. Allen and Rep. Schmidt. I had sent and e-mail to both and then called both of their offices as a follow-up. Their staffers understand the 8th St issue and, as Gary pointed out, want to help. I was particularly impressed with Rep. Schmidt’s office. The staffer with whom I spoke was very polite and answered my questions. The follow-up e-mail was clearly addressing my comments. It was not some cookie-cutter answer.
We will stay on the issue! I urge all city residents as well as those outside the city to be involved and to let your voice be heard. Thanks to all of you who have addressed the city commission, sent e-mails and letters!