Brighton accepts MDOT Shared Streets and Spaces grant to rebuild sidewalks near high school
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Summary
The council approved resolution 2025‑07 to accept a Michigan Department of Transportation Shared Streets and Spaces grant of up to $200,000 to repair and widen sidewalks along Second Street between the high school and Main Street; the project has no city match requirement and will be bid out before construction.
Brighton City Council approved resolution 2025‑07 to accept a Shared Streets and Spaces grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation in an amount not to exceed $200,000 to rebuild sidewalks along Second Street from the high school to Main Street; City Manager Gamolka presented the item and the council approved the resolution by roll call.
City Manager Gamolka said he was “pleased that I get to speak about getting money for the city rather than spending money,” and that staff and consultants worked with Director Gatch to identify a project that met the grant’s constraints. Gamolka said the proposed work covers sidewalk segments on Second Street and adjacent blocks that are currently narrow, not ADA‑compliant and heavily used by high‑school students and event attendees.
Gamolka told council the grant requires no city match. “We were pleased to receive this grant because it's one of very few that has no match requirement by the city. It's just free money,” he said. The city will put the project out to bid and return to council with bids compared to the grant amount; the city will not proceed with construction if bids exceed the grant amount.
Councilmember Gardner asked whether sidewalks would be widened; staff said the plan is for 4‑foot sidewalks unless MDOT requires 5 feet. Councilmembers also asked about lighting along the route; Gamolka and staff said they would evaluate lighting but timing for lighting improvements may not align with the grant spending deadline. Councilmember Gibson moved to approve the resolution and authorize the city manager to execute the agreement; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Schmink and passed on roll call. Clerk Brown recorded votes as: Councilman Mcgartner — yes; Councilmember Gibson — yes; Councilmember Pettengill — yes; Mayor Toby — yes; Councilmember Schmink — yes; Councilmember Albert — yes; Mayor Pro Tembone — yes.
Staff said they will return to council with bid results and recommended next steps; councilmembers suggested Tetra or staff review lighting options for connecting routes to the high school.
