Complete Streets Program Focuses on Bloomfield, Pontiac This Week

The Complete Streets initiative that will shape the future of Woodward Avenue continues it public education march through the Woodward corridor this week a focus on the Bloomfield area and Pontiac.

Three days of interactive community events designed to engage residents from Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills and Pontiac begins today at Pontiac City Hall, 47450 Woodward Avenue. – June 3-5 

Woodward Avenue Action Association's (WA3) Complete Streets master plan is designed to make the entire 27-mile Woodward corridor more accessible for users of all modes and abilities. The community-driven project is being led by the WA3, in conjunction with consulting firm Parsons Brinckerhoff and a steering group comprised of representatives and elected officials from Wayne and Oakland counties. The 11 municipalities along Woodward, MDOT, M1 Rail, SEMCOG and associated advocacy groups are also represented.

The events follow a three-day charette in Birmingham last month that drew dozens of residents for a walking tour and many suggestions from the public that will be incorporated in the initiative's findings.

The challenges for the Bloomfield area of the corridor are different than other Woodward-area communities, but planners want to hear opinions from residents to ultimately make the project a success, said Hannah Remtema, a traffic engineer with the Parsons Brinckerhoff consulting firm.

"We're trying to build connections along Woodward Avenue communities and we need public enthusiasm for the project because our partners are big on community support," she said. "Every comment is valued and it's good for people to get their ideas on the table."

If You Go

All events are free and no registration is required. All ages are welcome, and more information is available at the project's website.
Monday, June 3

• Community meeting & presentation: 4–6 p.m. 
• Drop-in hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Tuesday, June 4 

• Walking Audit and Interactive Design Workshop: 9 a.m.-Noon 
• Drop-in: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, June 5

• Plan Concepts Presentation: 4-6 p.m. 
• Drop-in: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

As with every day of the event, WA3 officials and experts with Parsons Brinckerhoff Michigan Inc. consulting firm will be available to answer questions from the public during 'drop-in' hours at Pontiac City Hall throughout the day. For more information, visit the project's website.

Upcoming Complete Streets meetings in other communities: 

• Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak and Berkley – June 10-12 
• Downtown Detroit through Highland Park – June 17-19