Council directs engineering work to advance ADA-focused downtown rehabilitation

The Walled Lake City Council voted June 16 to move forward with phase-one construction drawings for downtown improvements on Pontiac Trail between Pontiac Trail and Liberty Street, a project the city says will address noncompliant ramps, improve pedestrian accessibility and upgrade stormwater infrastructure.

Consulting engineer Brad Mackey of Boss Engineering outlined a preliminary design that targets ADA compliance at the intersection of Pontiac Trail and Wall Lake Drive, where four curb ramps needed regrading and rebuilds, and a structurally compromised 'coal shoot' beneath the sidewalk requires structural engineering and localized lift work. Mackey told the council the package also includes sidewalk replacement, parking regrading to avoid creating new steps at building entrances and updates to underground storm sewer piping.

Council members pressed for parallel planning steps to reduce repeat work and bring utilities on board. Several council members urged staff to seek conduit placements during sidewalk work so future undergrounding of power and communications lines (DTE, Xfinity, AT&T) can be done without redoing new sidewalks. Mackey said conduits for street lighting and optional conduits near planter areas are already in the plan; full undergrounding would require coordination and likely external funding.

Ambrose moved, and Kenzing seconded, a motion to instruct the consulting engineer to proceed with detailed construction drawings for phase one (Pontiac Trail to Liberty, north and south sides). Council approved the motion by voice vote; staff will return with the consultant’s proposed scope and cost and identify funding sources, including DDA contributions and the planned July budget amendment.

Councilors also discussed design elements intended to direct pedestrian movement, such as portable planter boxes, one van-accessible handicap parking space and curb adjustments to keep the sidewalk alignment consistent. Concerns were raised about maintenance of planters and potential impacts to turn lanes and curb radii; staff said planters are a movable, minimal-maintenance option and that parking regrading can mitigate elevation challenges.

Next steps: staff will request the consultant’s proposal and estimated cost for construction drawings, confirm a plan for utility coordination, and return to council with funding recommendations and a schedule for bid-ready documents.