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Residents urge council to preserve Lakeshore Drive triangle, ask for transparency on reconfiguration concept
Summary
Several Lakeshore Drive residents told the council July 17 they oppose a proposed reconfiguration of the Lakeshore Drive/Tenth Street triangle, citing mature trees, drainage concerns, safety and a desire for public input; council said the traffic-safety committee will review the concept in August.
Dozens of residents spoke during general public comment at the July 17 Escanaba City Council meeting to oppose removing or reconfiguring the triangular boulevard at Lakeshore Drive and Tenth Street and called for greater transparency and public input.
Speakers from the neighborhood said the triangle — a tree-lined boulevard near Ludington Park — has been a longstanding feature, provides traffic calming and a scenic view, and is used by children and walkers. Lisa Fosno, a Lakeshore Drive resident of 40 years, asked the city to preserve the boulevard if water-system work can be done without removing it and requested early public notice and inclusion in planning. John Bosma, Betty Hibila, Veronica Stade, Craig Fosmall, Dana Longprey, Jenny Harris and others described the trees and green space as historic, said accidents at the intersection are rare and raised concerns about drainage, sightlines, driveway access and freezing conditions if the triangle were made a perpendicular intersection.
Residents repeatedly asked for clear alternatives and public plans. Several speakers asked that the city retain mature trees and green space and said changing the layout could increase speeds and create hazards when snow or ice collects. One resident noted that traffic and stormwater flow down Ninth and Tenth into the intersection and asked city engineers to account for drainage if reconfiguration proceeds.
Council members and staff responded that the concept has not been finalized and that the traffic-safety committee will examine the intersection; staff indicated evaluation of accident numbers, discussions with the Michigan Department of Transportation and cost estimates are underway. The council encouraged residents to attend the traffic-safety-committee meeting, expected in August, and said there will be additional opportunity for public comment and more detailed materials before any final decision.
No council action to reconfigure the triangle was taken at the July 17 meeting; remarks were recorded as public comment and the council referred the matter to the traffic-safety committee for study.
