Westgate residents voice safety concerns over new housing development plans

Concerns over traffic safety and residential density dominated the Farmington Hills City Council meeting on March 3, 2025, as residents voiced their frustrations regarding proposed developments in the Westgate area.

Longtime resident Michael Putcher highlighted a critical safety issue, noting the absence of deceleration lanes on residential streets leading into Westgate. He described daily dangers when turning into his neighborhood, where impatient drivers often tailgate and attempt to pass in left turn lanes, creating hazardous situations. “It’s a safety issue,” Putcher warned, urging the council to consider implementing curb cuts to improve access and reduce risks for residents.

Echoing Putcher’s sentiments, fellow Westgate resident Wanda Whelan expressed her opposition to the proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD), which aims to add 69 units on a 15-acre site. Whelan raised concerns about the increased traffic and density, comparing it unfavorably to a nearby development that has 75 units on 30 acres. “I just don’t see how that balances out,” she said, emphasizing the unique character of the Westgate neighborhood and the potential impact on property values.

Residents also expressed worries about the ongoing blight in the area, calling for action to address neglected properties that detract from the community’s appeal. Michelle Nagota added to the discussion, reiterating concerns about traffic congestion exacerbated by the closure of nearby highways, which could further strain local roads during construction.

As the meeting concluded, the residents’ passionate appeals underscored a growing tension between development and community safety, leaving the City Council with pressing questions about how to balance growth with the needs of long-standing residents. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the future of Farmington Hills and its neighborhoods.