[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6646195,"mediaKeyId","3388834-4d22d86c134221aaca0120a1d34f6b3c","parentId",3388834,"title","City council debates letter of support for county SEMCOG planning grant for Waterloo Park pedestrian bridge","audioSeconds",387,"startMs",335000,"endMs",722000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388834-4d22d86c134221aaca0120a1d34f6b3c&start=335&end=722","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388834-4d22d86c134221aaca0120a1d34f6b3c/thumbnail_335000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6646195/Monroe-City/Monroe-County/Michigan/City-council-debates-letter-of-support-for-county-SEMCOG-planning-grant-for-Waterloo-Park-pedestrian-bridge","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646195-05b6267fcafd5ddbb469c371ef564b96/orig.mp4?Expires=1776150392&Signature=ijnhZ7-MA1tEQLTHKH2OVCwxOFq0Ox~cRaddg8qTQfR~d~neUvifuu0arcYiCFTG~Zl6d9eYfFC985CvyYIdQw8h7juSIMkYcFjcrR2RUVNEi~JtVm23ng1pWSYaeOPklHm9qLYbAtteArFuJ~U4sDAGpBkWdhWCE6MYzCuEQeuXCGprKge64pW1rznNIkbLZWtOF11D9XAwhTahgwgiz5FDBHcqeaGUKsxBPSD305szGmhUkIzFx-2VIOIc20s4EW1eZzXTIW4myAqUDhUjfBs3MCZAnt2vc-rt1IBggoLRPb4Q84q90UyCKxIsjGscK95bDhj86QlSgmwzP-SXyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Monroe","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","Mayor Clark and Monroe City Council members discussed a County-led proposal to apply to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) for a planning grant to study a pedestrian-and-bicycle bridge connecting Waterloo Park across the River Raisin to the city.

The discussion took place during a May work session where county staff requested letters of support from local jurisdictions for a SEMCOG planning assistance grant. Dionys Slover, a resident who spoke during public comment, framed the idea aspirationally: “I have a dream and I have a vision that a steel bridge will be built across the River Raisin.”

Council members and staff described the SEMCOG application as a planning grant — not construction funding — and noted SEMCOG planning assistance grants are awarded annually. City Manager Robinson corrected a fact sheet detail in the meeting: the planning assistance grants are reviewed annually, not quarterly, and the application deadline discussed in the meeting was May 23.

Council debate focused on three practical questions: (1) whether a letter of support would create a de facto obligation or expectation that the city later join and share project costs; (2) whether the proposed bridge aligns with the city’s current Parks and Trails master plan priorities; and (3) whether county planners had engaged adjacent jurisdictions and the city’s advisory committees ahead of the grant application.

Several council members said a letter of support does not itself legally obligate the city but carries an expectation of partnership. One council member summarized that perspective during discussion, saying a letter can be seen as “commit[ting] at least the city to...be a partner in the future,” while others argued a letter can be limited to support for a planning study and need not constitute future financial commitment.

Staff noted that Monroe County intends to submit the SEMCOG application with or without municipal letters. City officials said the county’s planning packet indicated the park is owned by the county and that local jurisdictions would only be approached for future match funding if and when the engineering plan and cost estimate were completed.

Council members raised operational points that planners would need to answer in a study: Waterloo Park’s seasonal access (open April 1–Oct. 31), whether a new bridge would connect safely to the World Loop/Loop Trail and Elm Street/Whirl Trail, winter maintenance, right-of-way and bank width at the proposed crossing, and how any bridge landing would integrate with nearby streets and sidewalks (noting limited sidewalks on the route from the north side). Participants also pointed to alternatives discussed in the county meeting, including a Telegraph Road crossing tied to MDOT and other existing river crossings (Raisinville, Rossler).

Multiple municipal officials said they would have preferred earlier, multijurisdictional coordination before the county advanced the application. Council members who said they would support a letter of support for the planning grant asked for clearer follow-up actions: specifically, that any future obligations or formal partnership requests return to council for approval.

No formal council vote was taken at the work session on whether to send a letter. Manager Robinson said he would relay council feedback to the county and noted the county’s board was scheduled to make a related decision the following day.

Ending: If the county receives a SEMCOG planning award, officials said the study would produce engineering alternatives and cost estimates that would form the basis for later decisions by Monroe City Council and the relevant townships about funding, design and maintenance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Monroe Work Session and Regular Meeting 5-19-25","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Clark and Monroe City Council members discussed a County-led proposal to apply to SEMCOG for a planning grant to study a pedestrian-and-bicycle bridge connecting Waterloo Park across the River Raisin to the city.","taxTitle","Monroe City, Monroe County, Michigan","taxId",61458,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6646184,"Council approves series of items including county commitment for West Elm rail underpass, nursing school use and crosswalk systems",537,6063000,6600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388834-4d22d86c134221aaca0120a1d34f6b3c&start=6063&end=6600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388834-4d22d86c134221aaca0120a1d34f6b3c/thumbnail_6063000.jpg","/articles/6646184/Monroe-City/Monroe-County/Michigan/Council-approves-series-of-items-including-county-commitment-for-West-Elm-rail-underpass-nursing-school-use-and-crosswalk-systems","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646184-6df36086dc031d0dfbeffc34c9ab1e5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776150392&Signature=K2-sJqEkYMjFgl5d~JLAG67ihW9n4oUiBFLjI4n2Kv4raQCgytfMGjjdG-ErLfp3MD16aJI-lpVbyCbU7tpCHvc3iQMyq05cDokb-yTO7TkOxXfxqmexio9lV-yhPAidoWzUTVLZqCOlomN3qRyWZdUnQrEvSskJflrl2EofxTmzj0dmTy5pZ5HazMQY2tvtpj5A2CAjczO4hsMYTQ4aoIHBlGAU7MzeS~Aoakk0sKljyIveUQ1CatdBdiUeYZp-yVjayCNk4DKHMiUktUeAdG5ZwJxyCxJf2TsJtcpX5Rs798BlagKqEbev4dh55zOVztw-TAjTQquTD03N2qB48Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Monroe City Council voted on several consent and action items during its regular May meeting, approving agreements, land‑use determinations, capital purchases and a planned-unit-development final plan.

Votes at a glance

- Commitment agreement with Monroe County — West Elm Rail Underpass Project: Council approved a commitment agreement and authorized the city manager to sign the city’s acceptance of a letter describing Monroe County’s $1,000,000 contribution toward the local match for the project. Motion passed by roll call (unanimous yes).

- Case D25-002 — Determination of similar use for 437 North Monroe Street: Council approved a determination that a proposed nursing education program at 437 North Monroe Street qualifies as a similar use to K–12 schools for zoning purposes. Motion passed by roll call (unanimous yes).

- PUD 204-11331 LaPleasant Street — Final plan review: Council approved the final planned-unit-development site plan for 1,331 LaPleasance Road, conditioned on Monroe County Road Commission approval and an executed amendment to the existing PUD agreement. Motion passed by roll call (unanimous yes).

- Purchase of six flashing crosswalk protection systems: Council authorized purchase from AO Industrial Supply for up to $48,000 and waived formal competitive bidding. Motion passed by roll call (unanimous yes).

- Police department office furniture purchase (CIP 25–26): Council approved a single purchase order amount of $120,631.24 for Police Department office furniture authorized in the 2025–26 capital improvement program. Motion passed by roll call (unanimous yes).

What council recorded in meeting minutes and roll calls

Managers and staff presented each item to council and the motions were made and seconded on the record. Roll-call voting for each item recorded the following council members voting yes: Councilperson Stringham; Councilmember Felder; Councilmember Hader; Councilmember Stillgrave; Councilmember Jermaine; Mayor Clark. No no votes, abstentions or recusals were recorded on the items above.

Ending: Several items were approved as routine or conditionally (for example, the LaPleasance PUD final plan awaits county road commission approval). The city manager and department directors will proceed with procurement, condition compliance and any follow-up agreements required by the approvals.","At its May meeting the Monroe City Council approved a county commitment agreement for the West Elm rail underpass local match, a zoning determination for a proposed nursing training program, a final PUD site plan, purchase of flashing crosswalk systems and a police office furniture purchase; motions were carried by roll call.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6646189,"Council hears update on Monroe City bicycle and pedestrian trails plan and priorities",1012,3366000,4378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388834-4d22d86c134221aaca0120a1d34f6b3c&start=3366&end=4378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388834-4d22d86c134221aaca0120a1d34f6b3c/thumbnail_3366000.jpg","/articles/6646189/Monroe-City/Monroe-County/Michigan/Council-hears-update-on-Monroe-City-bicycle-and-pedestrian-trails-plan-and-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646189-4931bb99a8ecf1ee612db096350512b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1776150392&Signature=YsjsXGBlFS5sjVScqBuuE6m1uWDYBsSvNQP1blhVrqejWR1r5zNAHhGYRTmzM13eu8VsMudEVPPoHBFS0~5DV3poB1U1fGGb0aJ0e89jK-NdDG2F0ZqomUD0RB7zbUJV5hNlRTVUmQ11HPDhiQM66MViu32QDc0WkbpMAskkTaSk3tCZEtBW3wghbPluo8YycBu3LYwKdfYBqSwDriDTSm56i4aeCCeiVmPsryrzf5ja0iNp9yMyXOQUjYuB4eoeI3-7t4-IM5ABCnWftnWWyIFYhwhgfBLfCk5LGjEGgWjPGz0NzXBoLk7u1KS3l2iZSmcHRfie5y0PrgeR2xo90w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Deputy Director Matt Vanesacker presented an update to Mayor Clark and the City Council on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails Plan, which the council adopted in January 2023 as part of the parks and recreation master plan.

Vanesacker summarized the plan’s goals: network development, regional connectivity, complete-streets principles and prioritizing sidewalk gaps and on-street bike facilities. He told council the plan’s advisory committee reviewed the city by areas and in December 2024 set priorities for implementation.

Key projects and near-term items Vanesacker described included: an August 2025 target for bid on the Monroe Loop Greenway Trail design (with anticipated spring 2026 construction), continued sidewalk gap work funded by the roads-and-trails millage, priority corridors for bike lanes or shared-use paths (North Macomb, Elm Avenue, Rossler Street, First Street, Jones Avenue and South Custer Road), and paved-shoulder recommendations for Jones Avenue.

Vanesacker also briefed council on tactical items the city plans to pursue: placing flashing pedestrian crosswalk systems at specific locations (the presentation listed West Elm at Borges, the North Custer/Veterans Park crossing and East Third at Kentucky), ongoing work at Munson and Millrace parks, and outreach/education efforts by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails Advisory Committee. On e-bikes, Vanesacker said Michigan state rules set classification and speed limits and the city’s park rules currently prohibit e-bike use on city trails; the committee is discussing enforcement and education.

Council members asked for additional detail in some areas — for example, the specific locations for planned flashing signals and the data supporting the city’s walkability scores — and staff agreed to provide those details after the meeting. Vanesacker noted the committee meets monthly and that staff and the consultant (Mannequin Smith Group) remain engaged in final designs and easement work for trail projects.

Ending: Council members said the presentation refreshed members who weren’t on council when the plan was adopted and that the update would inform future decisions if county or regional planning work (such as the Waterloo Park SEMCOG grant) returns to council for action.","City staff presented the adopted Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails Plan, committee priorities and near-term projects including crosswalk signalization, the Monroe Loop Greenway Trail design and sidewalk/bike lane targets.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City council debates letter of support for county SEMCOG planning grant for Waterloo Park pedestrian bridge

Council approves series of items including county commitment for West Elm rail underpass, nursing school use and crosswalk systems

Council hears update on Monroe City bicycle and pedestrian trails plan and priorities