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Chelsea residents urge county to oppose widening of Werkner Road, request environmental review
Summary
More than 700 residents and business owners in Chelsea and Sylvan Township oppose a plan to widen Werkner Road by 8–12 feet, citing loss of old‑growth trees, habitat, and an absence of demonstrated safety need; they asked the board to request repair‑only work or an environmental impact assessment.
Loren Rollman (Chelsea) represented homeowners and businesses, and said a petition of over 700 people opposes the road commission's plan to widen Werkner Road by an additional 8–12 feet. Rollman said the widening would require removal of century‑old trees and homeowner land, change rural character and could increase vehicle speeds. He said project funding is county money and questioned the necessity of meeting federal or state guidelines if the county is paying the bill.
Rollman cited a 2015 Federal Department of Transportation report and Southeast Michigan Council of Governments crash data (2020–2024) showing five low‑severity crashes on the stretch; he argued that repair rather than widening is appropriate. He requested the board ask the road commission to do repair‑only work or, if widening proceeds, to require an environmental impact assessment and stronger safety justification. Commissioner Maciejewski noted two public meetings in February (Feb. 9 and Feb. 11) and invited Rollman to coordinate with staff and the road commission.
Ending: Commissioners encouraged public participation in the February meetings; no board vote or formal action on the road project occurred at this meeting.
