More Public Meetings in September
The City of Detroit has announced four new public meetings for the Greenway Framework Plan next month. Each meeting has a specific topic and have a unique format. Per the city:
“Please note that to give each of the subjects we are covering adequate time, each of our 4 sessions during this round will be focused on one main topic. Come to one that interests you, or come to all four sessions! Bring your friends, family and neighbors! Your attendance at even one session can make a huge impact on the project!”
The meeting poster is on the city’s website and you’re encouraged to share it.
- Walk & Talk — The Places, Spaces, & Connections Along the Greenway
Tuesday, September 10th from 6-8pm
Ford Resource & Engagement Center (2826 Bagley St., Detroit, MI 48216) - Public Picnic — Arts, Culture & Community Identity
Wednesday, September 11th from 6‑8 pm
Forest Park (4226 Riopelle St., Detroit, MI 48207) - Panel Discussion — Housing & Economic Opportunities
Thursday, September 12th from 6‑8 pm
Focus:HOPE (1400 Oakman Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48238) - Community Dinner —
What’s It Look Like? Deciding Greenway Design, Feel & Amenities
Thursday, September 19th from 6‑8 pm
Second Ebenezer Church (14601 Dequindre St., Detroit, MI 48212)
More details are available on the city’s Joe Louis Greenway webpage.
The City of Detroit has also just created a Facebook page for the Joe Louis Greenway. Please consider giving it a “Like”.
Wheelhouse Detroit Tour
We have partnered with Wheelhouse Detroit to lead a tour of the southern portion of the Greenway. The tour discusses the project’s beginnings, route planning, connections to Canada, and much more. We had a great tour last week. There is one more planned for this season on September 28th at 10am. Registration is through Wheelhouse Detroit. A portion of the tour proceeds benefit the Coalition, too.
Bagley Shared Street
A portion of the Greenway is currently under construction: Bagley Street between I-75 and 24th Street. The street is becoming the city’s first Shared Street. These designs are more pedestrian-focused and similar to a plaza. There will be improved lighting, brick pavers, plantings, and no curbs. It will be ideal for public events, or in the case of the greenway, just riding or walking through. There will also be much needed improvements to better connect the Bagley Pedestrian bridge to the street.
The road is completely torn up but the everything is still accessible on foot. Please consider supporting these local businesses during construction, which should be mostly complete by November.
Riopelle Street in Eastern Market also getting a similar Shared Street design.
Jos Campau in Hamtramck
Hamtramck/Wayne County received grant funding to improve Jos Campau from Hamtramck Drive to Caniff. Where the road is wide enough, protected bike lanes will be installed. The road narrows between Holbrook and Caniff, so the improvements will be limited to sharrow pavement markings. This project should be under construction in the Spring.
Yes, Hamtramck Drive from Jos Campau to E. Grand Boulevard is in terrible condition. It is scheduled to be reconstructed in 2021.
Hamilton Avenue in Highland Park
We’ve been working with Highland Park for some time to get improved biking and walking infrastructure on Hamilton Avenue funded primarily through grant funding. Though it’s not directly part of the Joe Louis Greenway, it would connect much of the city to it — which is why this was a priority. It will also connect to Palmer Park and more. That project recently received final approval from the Highland Park City Council. We expect it to be under construction by Spring.
Of courswe Hamilton Avenue needs more support than just improved crosswalks and bike lanes. We’re working with the city to look at other additional grant funding for street improvements, including tree plantings, green stormwater infrastructure, local business improvements, etc.
Other Updates
Support Livernois Businesses – The Livernois Streetscape project construction is causing a major disruption for local businesses. As with the Bagley project, please help support the Avenue of Fashion businesses during this time.- Atwater Beach – The newest section of the RiverWalk is getting close to opening. This Free Press article covers that but missed mentioning how the Jos Campau Greenway currently under construction will connect the neighborhood.
- Road Diets – We were recently on Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to talk about road diets and Complete Streets in Detroit. John Gallagher from the Free Press followed us with a conversation on how to make Jefferson more walkable through downtown and to better connect the Woodward parks to the riverfront.
- MoGo Boost Bikes – Have you tried the new MoGo e-bikes yet? They just added 50 state-of-the-art electric, pedal-assist bikes. They’ve also added a station at the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard that will be available through this Fall.
- How our Laws Make it so Americans have to Drive – Daily Detroit’s recent podcast features Greg Shill from the University of Iowa Law. He’s published a fascinating, 78-page research paper on how our laws and policies subsidize and favor motor vehicle use over other transportation modes. The podcast is a good summary of that work. It really deflates the “Bikes and pedestrians don’t pay their fare share” argument.
- Detroit Bike Club Rides – We’ve been on many great club rides this year! They consistently attract a diverse, ethusiastic group of riders from around the city. It’s especially satisfying to see and hear how the bike infrastructure improvements are helping more people feel safe riding in Detroit. Below is the PedalUp Riderz Friday Night Groove ride using the East Jefferson protected bike lanes.
