Bloomfield Township eNews: A Special Message from Supervisor Dani Walsh - We Saved The Ramp

Due to concerns of delays to motorists, delays for emergency and public safety vehicle response times, an increase of drivers cutting through neighborhoods, and installation of unsightly large towers/poles, I did not give Township approval on this project.

It triggered the requirement that MDOT provide a public meeting to hear directly from the residents and business owners who will all be affected by changes in the area. There were other options provided by MDOT that did not include removing the Square Lake ramp. These higher cost options are not included in their final plan.

We asked MDOT to provide a public meeting and discussed that it should be done when motorists, residents, and business owners could attend, which should have been after normal work hours. Unfortunately, their choice to do it during the workday makes it harder for residents and administration to attend. Please understand that the Bloomfield Township administration would never have suggested the MDOT public meeting occur during the workday.

We also would have liked it to be a true public meeting with a presentation at a specific time so everyone hears the same thing, as opposed to an open house style. Unfortunately, this is not our meeting, so it was done to MDOT public input standards as opposed to the Township’s public input standards.

In addition to the removal of the ramp, there are suggested communication towers/poles that the administration also does not currently support. The suggestions measure up to 100 feet tall and will be unsightly in our area.

The poles are not mentioned in the ramp removal video, but it is worth mentioning since we had to fight against those same poles going up along Woodward last year. We will continue to resist these large unsightly poles each time they come our way.

There are some positives to the other aspects of the project such as the improvements to the storm sewer and new pavement. However, because of the ramp closure, increased cut-through risk to neighborhoods, and the large poles, this project as presented is not supported by the Township.

We would like MDOT to work on another option and come back with a modified plan that is better for residents, business owners, and the beauty of our Township.