Resident warns of safety risks at White Creek intersection as new apartments move forward

Andrew Coxson, a Cedar Springs resident, urged the City of Cedar Springs Planning Commission and Solen Township at a March 25 joint meeting to address safety at the White Creek intersection where a planned apartment complex will add traffic. "I just picture in the morning people trying to get out going quick and and car accidents I'm assuming," Coxson said during public comment.

The commission and township board discussed the intersection’s control and possible remedies. Jerry Gross, who identified himself as the zoning code enforcement official for Solen Township, said responsibility for major changes lies with county and state authorities: "That is a county rule. MD dot has nothing to do with that," he said, noting the land beneath a nearby expressway is MDOT property. Commissioners said they can make recommendations but that formal changes require traffic studies and approval by MDOT or the county road commission.

Officials suggested a range of engineering and administrative steps for the area, including lowering posted speeds, creating a dedicated right‑turn bypass lane to reduce backups, and pursuing cross‑access or lateral drives to limit the number of new curb cuts. A planner noted the apartment developer was expected to pull a building permit the week of the meeting and that construction is likely to take about two years; speakers said that fact strengthens the case for emphasizing traffic studies to MDOT and the county.

Commissioners and township members encouraged continued outreach to MDOT and the county and said the city and township would follow up. The meeting record shows the commissions agreed to request further review and to emphasize the need for a traffic study now that development is imminent. No local ordinance change or traffic control device was approved at the meeting; participants said any change will be subject to MDOT or county action.