Dearborn Heights wins $700,000 grant for school-area pedestrian beacons

Mayor Bedun Simco announced that Dearborn Heights will receive $700,000 from the Transportation Alternatives Program to pay for pedestrian-safety improvements near schools.

The city will use the funds to install 11 rectangular rapid-flashing beacons and raised intersections at several school-area crossings, officials said. "Anytime we can improve the safety of our kids to get to school, the safety of our crossing of our main streets, improving the connectivity of our communities is a win for us," Kevin, deputy executive director of the Southeast Michigan Council of Government, told the council.

Council members singled out Councilwoman Margaret King and city staff for help securing the grant. "I know this is something that you have been waiting for far too long," the mayor said, recognizing King for her advocacy.

John Dancy of the Department of Public Works and Director Nicole Hefty were also thanked during the presentation for their roles in preparing the city's application and planning the project. The mayor said the improvements are intended to enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for schoolchildren, and that staff will return with implementation details.

The presentation concluded with council applause and a photo opportunity at the dais. The council did not take a separate vote to accept the check during the public presentation; the item was presented and staff signaled next steps for contracting and installation.

The project will be carried out by the city’s engineering and public-works teams and is expected to focus on crossings identified in the city's application to the Southeast Michigan Council of Government.