LINCOLN PARK, Mich. – Residents along a stretch of McLain Avenue near Porter Street in Lincoln Park say they’ve endured years of crumbling road conditions, dozens of potholes, pooling water, and a rough ride that’s only getting worse after recent storms.
“You wouldn’t want to come home to this every single day,” said neighbor Nadia Shelton, describing the repeated flooding and deepening potholes on the block.
Christine Brohl said the conditions don’t just impact residents; they create problems for anyone who must drive through.
“I feel bad for the garbage men. I feel bad for the UPS people. I feel bad for all delivery services. Especially everyone that has to drive through this,” Brohl said.
Neighbors say the potholes and standing water have become so bad that some drivers avoid parking on the street altogether.
“People park on my grass because they don’t want to park on the street,” Brohl said.
Shelton, who moved to the area two years ago, said the uneven surface has led to vehicle issues and repairs.
She explained that the recent severe weather has worsened road conditions.
“With the recent thunderstorms, with the tornado and everything the other day, it’s gotten much deeper,” she said, adding that she doesn’t see many other streets in Lincoln Park in similar shape.
Residents say city crews occasionally come out to smooth over parts of the gravel road, but they believe the fixes are temporary.
George Rodriguez said the patchwork repairs don’t hold up.
When asked how frustrating the situation has become, Rodriguez replied, “Oh, my God. It’s so bad. Very, very bad.”
Lincoln Park City Manager Lisa Griggs explained the city is moving toward a longer-term solution.
Griggs said city engineers ordered staking on the street earlier this week and are currently designing a storm drain intended to address the drainage problems residents say are fueling the ongoing deterioration.
For neighbors, the request is simple: a safe, usable street.
“We want to be able to park on the street,” Brohl said. “We want to be able to invite guests over and not ask them to park on the side street, because they have to walk through a nightmare.”
“Get it fixed,” Rodriguez said. “Just please get it fixed. Bottom line.”
Griggs said the city is “getting very close” to resolving the issue.