Yesterday's meeting at the Gaelic League of Detroit to discuss modernizing Michigan Avenue. Photo: Joe Guillen/Axios
Corktown residents, business owners and transit advocates packed the Gaelic League of Detroit yesterday for a public meeting on major changes coming to Michigan Avenue.
Why it matters: The redesign, which is not final, is intended to modernize a two-mile stretch of Michigan Avenue from Woodward to I-96 to make it safer for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
State of play: MDOT gathered feedback on proposed improvements, such as:
A reduction of driving lanes from two in each direction to one in each direction.
Widened sidewalks with bump-outs at intersections to shorten street crossings.
Dedicated transit lanes.
Sidewalk-level bike lanes.
What they're saying: Some residents said the changes are needed for safety, particularly for those who don't drive.
Others, including business owners, questioned the project's impact on the neighborhood's historic character and advocated for keeping four total driving lanes.
What's next: MDOT officials said the department will evaluate the responses and return for another meeting in the coming months.
