Grosse Ile commission to inventory aging bike paths, approves wayfinding RFP

The Grosse Ile Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission voted to release a request for proposals for a townshipwide wayfinding and signage plan and discussed a coordinated effort to inventory and prioritize repairs to aging bike paths, including steps toward a potential millage to fund multi-year capital work.

The discussion followed public comment from resident Cesar Randazzo, who described long-standing damage to the path north of Lake Road. "It's getting in a bad condition," Randazzo said, adding the worst stretch runs "between Grow and the Parkway." Commissioners agreed the southern sections near the police station and ferry bridge are in better shape but said multiple segments, including Southpointe, are in poor condition and will require deeper repairs than simple resurfacing.

Jamieson (commission member) said the first step will be a systematic assessment and mapping of the trail network. "I'll make a map. I'll segment it, and I'll put little blocks on there where everybody can write a number in," Jamieson said. Commissioners and staff proposed a mix of approaches for the inventory: a simple ratings sheet for volunteers, a video or 360-degree visual inventory, and an engineer-led condition assessment to estimate partial- and full-depth repairs.

Ross (staff member) presented an RFP for a cohesive wayfinding system that would cover the main trail network and link to open-space destinations. "If approved tonight, we would be going out for RFP tomorrow," Ross said. Ross said the township will apply for a SEMCOG Planning Assistance grant (about $45,000) to cover most of the planning cost; the grant requires an 18.15% local match (approximately $8,000) that staff proposed to come from DPAC's budget. Ross described the consultant scope to include a needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, design concepts, digital integration (QR codes/maps) and preliminary cost estimates for fabrication and installation.

Commissioners discussed sequencing and funding. Staff and commissioners said an initial in-house or consultant assessment should grade segments by condition (good/fair/poor) and identify "acute" repairs versus ongoing maintenance. They noted CE Raines, the township's retained engineering firm, could provide ballpark cost estimates; commissioners also discussed using a formal capital improvements plan or an election-year millage to secure multi-year funding. Board members flagged a near-term administrative deadline for ballot language: they said township board deadlines and an August 2026 primary mean work on a millage package should begin soon, with draft language and cost estimates prepared months before any ballot filing date.

Commissioners also reviewed several operational ideas to support a repair plan: using video or 360-degree cameras to create a baseline inventory, deploying counting devices to measure trail use, and collecting georeferenced condition data (a simple paper map or GPS-assisted app). One commissioner volunteered to produce photos and a video inventory; another recommended a PACER-style rating (a 10-point scale) to produce consistent condition scores across segments.

The commission also discussed a separate but related item: a sidewalk gap on Bellevue Road of approximately 1,621 feet near Grosse Hill Golf and Country Club and Waters Edge. Commissioners said sketch plans previously offered by an outside engineer (John Hennessy) are not available and that stakeholder meetings with the golf club, Waters Edge and public safety will be needed to identify feasible design options; they also discussed a short-term "demonstration" closure of part or all of Bellevue to test a linear-parkway concept.

Action and next steps: the commission approved the RFP for wayfinding signage "as amended" in a voice vote; Alan (commission member) seconded the motion. Commissioners directed staff to post the RFP, pursue the SEMCOG planning grant, and proceed with the trail-mapping and condition assessment plan. They also asked staff to request ballpark construction estimates from CE Raines and to provide a recommended timeline and public engagement plan for any millage proposal.

The commission plans to return with a map and a segmented trail assessment, preliminary repair cost estimates, and a recommended public outreach schedule. Commissioners said the inventory and a cohesive plan will be essential to identify the length and cost of any millage and to prioritize repairs by safety and cost-effectiveness.