Comments on: 8th St. verdict? … Going to the Feds

By: Rob Hite

Rob Hite — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:18:31 +0000

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.

By: Fred Schaafsma

Fred Schaafsma — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:12:09 +0000

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!

By: TC 8th St. Verdict? Complete Streets Still an Option « Michigan Complete Streets

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:32:33 +0000

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By: GLHowe

GLHowe — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:59:18 +0000

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.

By: Tracey Kukla-Alehsire

Tracey Kukla-Alehsire — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:23:05 +0000

Thanks for the update Gary and for keeping us engaged in the process.

By: Sally Trombly

Sally Trombly — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:27:54 +0000

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

By: Evan Smith

Evan Smith — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:03:11 +0000

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!