Mount Clemens approves resolution to pursue MDOT TAP grant for downtown streetscape

The Mount Clemens City Commission on a unanimous roll call moved to adopt a resolution supporting a conditional commitment from the Michigan Department of Transportation for a Transportation Alternatives Program grant to fund downtown streetscape improvements.

City Public Services staff said the project would include ADA crosswalks and ramps, sidewalk repairs, additional landscaping, bike racks and benches on stretches including North Main at Macomb Place, North Main and New Street, Macomb Place and Walnut, and areas near Rotary Park and the clock area. The grant requires a 20 percent local match of $98,300, to be split equally between the city’s major street fund and the Downtown Development Authority, staff said. Staff emphasized the item is a tentative commitment and that a formal agreement would come back to the commission if the city receives the award.

"The city of Mount Clemens Department of Public Services, in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority, has applied and received a conditional commitment from the Michigan Department of Transportation for a Transportation Alternatives Program grant," a Public Services representative said during the meeting.

Commissioners asked questions about materials and design. One commissioner asked whether the plan would preserve existing brick pavers; a Public Services staff member replied, "We are not adding new brick pavers. We're actually eliminating the pavers and going with concrete." The staff member also noted a meeting with MDOT was scheduled for March 10 and that submitting the resolution now would allow staff to carry the city’s support to that meeting.

The commission approved the resolution so staff can advance the application process and, if the grant is awarded, return with the formal agreement for final approval.

Project funding, developer selection, construction timing and final design will be addressed in later agenda items if the grant is awarded.