PLYMOUTH, Mich. – Local 4 News is getting out of the studio and hitting the road to be In Your Neighborhood! We’re showcasing what makes our communities great!
Not only is Plymouth one of the more pedestrian-friendly cities you’ll find, officials are continuing to make a concerted effort to ensure safety and the city is continuing to improve its intersections.
While the city is one of the most walkable in Michigan, it still has a lot of automobiles and the city wants to keep its people safe.
The city and the Downtown Development Authority march in lockstep when it comes to the city’s characteristic foot traffic. Sam Plymale, with the DDA, said they’re reaching the end of a five-year plan that will spend $750,000 on its crosswalks.
“I don’t think you can put a price tag on pedestrian safety,” Plymale said.
The intersection of Main and Church streets, by City Hall, is a strange intersection that has islands all over and there’s no modern infrastructure installed.
Main Street’s intersections with Ann Arbor Trail and Penneman Avenue have much more in place.
“We have an unbelievable walkable community,” Plymale said. “So to make it safer for pedestrians is just of the utmost importance.”
It’s something downtown shoppers and businesses depend on.
“The customers walk their dogs here, we’re a dog-friendly business,” said Roberta Hutchinson, of Radiant Fine Jewelers. “We have dogs in here but yes, the crosswalk and this whole city stays safe.”
The main and church intersection is still in the design phase, so they’re not certain exactly how it will look when finished, but Hutchinson said the wait will be worth it.
“I think it’s fantastic, it’s safe and there’s a lot of walkers,” Hutchinson said. “It’s beneficial, absolutely. It’s a good place to put the money.”
And the city is already looking ahead and getting together another five-year plan where they can team up and make more of the city safer.
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