Lathrup Village, Michigan Launches Complete Streets Program

March 16, 2011 - PRLog -- Recent legislation adopted in Michigan provides a method for achieving “Complete streets” in communities across the state. “Complete streets” is a relatively new term that describes roadways that provide safe and efficient access to users, whether they travel by car, truck, transit, assistive device, foot, or bicycle. In February, the Lathrup Village City Council asked the Planning Commission to assist in the development of a Complete Streets Policy, which will include a Master Plan amendment, Complete Streets ordinance, and Non-Motorized Capital Improvements program.

A “complete streets policy” is a document that guides the planning, design, construction and reconstruction of roadways, sidewalks, bicycle paths, and other transportation facilities. The policy will consider how the roads in the community function and what kinds of traffic (cars, trucks, pedestrians, and cyclists) are served. Importantly, a complete streets policy considers roadway users of all ages and abilities and addresses their varying mobility needs.

The new legislation provides for mutual dialog between all parties with jurisdiction over roadways, creating a partnership for improvements that may not have necessarily existed in the past. Locally this means that the City will be coordinating its Capital Improvement programming with the City of Southfield, the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Over the past year, the City has developed improvement plans for Southfield Road. The vision is for a street that encourages redevelopment of the commercial corridor and connectivity between the east and west sides of the road. A walkable city center is envisioned. To fully qualify for all the benefits of the Complete Streets Act amendments, the City must develop the complete streets policy.  

As of March 11 the community will be able to provide input on the City’s streets and sidewalks through on online survey, which is available from the City’s website: www.lathrupvillage.org. The deadline for completing the survey is March 31, 2011. More details on the planning and development process for the complete streets policy will be available on the City’s website: http://www.lathrupvillage.org.  

For more information, contact City Administrator Jeff Mueller, 248.557.2600 x 225

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Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc. is a community planning and transportation consulting firm. Services include master plans, downtown planning, traffic and parking studies, and zoning ordinances.