Eastpointe council schedules public forum on 9 Mile Road plans including three-lane option and possible roundabout

The Eastpointe City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 20 to hold a public forum about Phase 3 of the 9 Mile Road reconstruction at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15.

Councilmember DeMonaco moved to schedule the forum to collect public input on the proposed three-lane configuration and the potential roundabout at 9 Mile and Kelly; the motion said comments would be accepted until the forum date and posted on the city website and social media. Councilmembers voted in favor of the motion.

The council and speakers at the meeting framed the forum as part of the public-engagement steps tied to NEPA and MDOT review of the project. Residents who spoke during public comment raised safety and traffic concerns: Jennifer Nicholas asked whether traffic counts on nearby streets (Stevens, Topher) have been updated and whether increased cut-through traffic would affect schools and parks. Another resident raised worries about bus operations, intersections near bus stops and fire-truck access if lane reductions are implemented.

During discussion on the motion, council members and administration clarified logistics: city administration will run the forum rather than hold it as a formal council meeting; the earliest available date provided by administration was Oct. 15. Councilmembers discussed time limits for speakers; administration indicated it would establish hearing rules (for example, an initial 3-minute limit with the option for a second round if needed) and manage the proceedings. Councilmember DeMonaco and other council members noted the forum is intended to gather public input rather than to be a council deliberation; any council follow-up deliberations would occur at a later, separate council meeting.

The forum was described in the motion to run from 7 p.m. with a practical cap discussed during debate of about three hours (7–10 p.m. maximum) and with administration to publish how to submit comments in advance. The motion specifically named the three-lane option and the roundabout at 9 Mile and Kelly as topics for public input.

City Attorney Rich Albright and city staff confirmed the meeting should be treated as a public forum and that administration could receive and compile written comments for NEPA/MDOT. Several council members emphasized the city should ensure adequate notice and that administration coordinate any technical participation (for example, remote participation) as feasible.

The forum scheduling follows an earlier public hearing on Phase 2, which council members and residents referenced during the meeting: council members said they had received and reviewed prior public comments and emails and that the forum is intended to broaden the record for the NEPA/MDOT process.

The council did not adopt policy changes or a final decision on the 9 Mile configuration at the meeting; instead, it directed administration to run the Oct. 15 forum, accept and compile public input, and publish guidance for submitting comments.

Looking ahead, administration and council members said they will use the compiled public input as part of the NEPA/MDOT record and will return to council for any decisions that require council action.