Plans for improvements to M-22 in Leland were discussed Monday by the township board and a representative of the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Krista Phillips operations engineer with the MDOT office in Traverse City attended Monday’s monthly meeting of the Leland Township Board to discuss paving plans in the unincorporated village of Leland.
Phillips said that plans to reconstruct M-22 from 700 feet south of the village to Hill Street have been postponed until 2027 due to budget constraints. The project had an estimated cost of $4.5 million. Instead, Phillips presented plans to mill and fill the pavement and add ADA compliant ramps throughout the village.
The state has also suggested construction of “bump outs” at intersections along that stretch of highway. But board members rejected the proposal, concerned about how it could impede firefighting and emergency service vehicles. They there joined in opposition by township residents Keith Ashley, Jim Atkinson and Steve Mikowski during public comment.
Ashley read a prepared statement.
“While we all favor the planned street improvements with new or improved sidewalks with inclusion of handicap ramps, we oppose the ‘bump out’ design being a step too far towards the urban look,” Ashley said. “Albeit it is a state highway going through our village, the ambiance and village character is owned by the citizens. We fervently hope the state will keep this in mind when designing the project.”
Phillips said MDOT will not force bump outs on the community.
The cost of the alternative, to be constructed in 2025 is estimated at $726,000.
