Commission backs MDOT Apple Avenue redesign and signals intent to seek city ownership after 2026 reconstruction

The Muskegon City Commission on June 10 adopted two linked resolutions: first, a resolution expressing support for the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) 2026 reconstruction design for Apple Avenue that includes reduced travel lanes in parts of the corridor and a separated multiuse path along the south side; second, a resolution expressing the city’s desire to assume ownership of Apple Avenue after MDOT’s work is finished.

Dan Vanderheide, the city’s director of public works, outlined the design components and the city’s anticipated costs tied to the project. Vanderheide said the city anticipates budgeting about $3.8 million over the next two fiscal years for elements MDOT expects the city to fund. He provided a cost breakdown: roughly $1,750,000 from the sewer fund, $480,000 from the water fund, $1,400,000 for the multiuse path and associated road-related improvements assigned to the city, and $150,000 representing the city’s statutorily required share of MDOT’s project.

Vanderheide said the multiuse path will be separated from the roadway on the south side and will run from the downtown/Root Park area eastward to Burton Street under the current plan. He described earlier design options that had on-road bike lanes and said the separated path was selected after community meetings because users said they would feel safer behind the curb; he added MDOT will construct the major reconstruction in 2026 and that ADA compliance will be part of the reconstruction.

The commission heard a mix of public comment. Speakers in favor said the redesign would reconnect neighborhoods, support walkability and safety, and restore a more human-scale corridor. Aaron Bodbiomass, a neighborhood resident, and Steve Gowrin of the Muskegon Strong Towns group urged approval; Kwame James said the multi-stakeholder design process had been thorough. Speakers opposed urged the city to prioritize homelessness and other social services rather than spending on redesign; Darlene Dehuti said she uses the corridor frequently and worried about traffic impacts. Caller Pete Weinbelt asked that bike lanes be provided on both sides of the street so bicyclists would not be riding against traffic; city staff answered that the multiuse two‑direction path will be separated from the road so the state law referenced by the caller would not apply.

Commission discussion focused on safety, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, emergency-response impacts, cost and timing. Commissioners asked for clarification on the 3‑lane vs 2‑lane transition points; Vanderheide said the city negotiated MDOT to carry a three‑lane section from Burton Street through to Terrace Street (a change requested from MDOT’s earlier design that had the three‑lane section end at Wood Street). Vanderheide said MDOT’s portion of its project is estimated at about $12 million.

On the funding and future maintenance question, staff said taking ownership of Apple would end the current MDOT maintenance reimbursement (about $100,000 a year) and would place long‑term maintenance and future rebuild costs with the city. Vanderheide said a full rebuild cost in today’s dollars could be on the order of $10–11 million; commissioners noted taking ownership shifts long‑term funding responsibilities and may require prioritization of road funds. Supporters said local ownership would give the city control to make future safety and pedestrian improvements without waiting for MDOT; others warned of near‑term budget tradeoffs.

After extensive debate the commission approved the resolution supporting MDOT’s design (motion passed by roll call) and then separately approved a resolution supporting city ownership of Apple Avenue after MDOT’s 2026 reconstruction (motion passed by roll call). Vanderheide and MDOT staff will continue project coordination and present budgeted costs in the city’s upcoming fiscal planning cycle.