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Commission adds $39,221 for West Front Street safety design, directs arts collaboration
Summary
The commission approved a $39,221 contract amendment for added design and contract management of West Front Street safety improvements and earmarked $15,000 (plus 10% contingency) for an Arts Commission-led traffic-calming art plan to replace median planters.
The Traverse City City Commission on March 3 approved a contract amendment with Hubbell, Roth & Clark Inc. (HRC) to add $22,720.50 for design and contract management of the West Front Street safety-improvement project and designated $15,000 plus a 10% contingency ($3,566) to the city's Arts Commission for a traffic-calming median art installation design. The total added cost is $39,221 and will be charged to the traffic-calming grant account.
Commissioners debated whether to remove the existing removable planters in the median and replace them with engineered safety devices and an art installation. Supporters said the planters are not engineered or anchored and could become projectiles if struck; engineering consultants advised that unanchored objects in the right of way raise liability concerns. Opponents argued planters serve a traffic-calming and placemaking function and suggested the Arts Commission could develop a permanent, anchorable solution such as sculptural or solar-lit installations.
Commissioner Stanley moved the amendment, which Commissioner Treadwell seconded. The roll call vote was: Shaw — yes; Stanley — yes; Treadwell — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Wilson — yes; Mayor Shamrock — yes; Anderson — no; Werner — no. The motion passed 5–2.
Staff said HRC will finalize design details; the Arts Commission will collaborate with the engineering department on an art/landscaping design compatible with right-of-way safety requirements. Commissioners requested staff report prior HRC billing to show amounts already spent on the project.
Background and funding: the design covers guardrail/vehicle barrier placement and traffic-calming measures after an eastbound vehicle left the roadway and struck a private fence. The amendment covers only added design and contract management; construction was estimated separately at roughly $83,000 in earlier materials, staff said.
Speakers quoted or cited in this article are listed below in the speakers section.
