Kids & Family

Clawson Surveys Residents on Downtown Pedestrian Access

City officials hope to develop a plan that will make it easier to bike and walk in the downtown area.

The city of Clawson is seeking feedback from the community in an online survey that will help officials determine how they can make downtown safer and more accessible for pedestrians.

Director Joan Horton said the survey is part of an initiative to improve the downtown area as it continues to expand. Main Street Oakland County identified pedestrian accessibility as an issue after Clawson .  

"The downtown is a reflection of the community so we do need to hear from the community about what we need to do there," Horton said.

Find out what's happening in Clawsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The project specifically focuses on pedestrian access on Main Street and 14 Mile. Clawson will explore options such as bike lanes in the road, bike paths, crosswalks and a pedestrian island in the middle of the road.

The survey results will be the topic of discussion at a workshop on Aug. 13 where guest speaker Norm Cox, of the Ann Arbor-based firm Greenway Collaborative, will discuss best practices.

Find out what's happening in Clawsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Horton said Cox will offer his expertise as Clawson develops a plan for its downtown area.

There will be another workshop on Aug. 30 that focuses on a proposed plan for the downtown area. The community will have a chance to offer input at both meetings.

Horton said she often observes pedestrians jaywalking across Main Street or 14 Mile in the downtown area which is a safety hazard. The only pedestrian walkways are at the intersection of 14 Mile and Main Street which can be an inconvenience, Horton said.

"It's not reality to say walk all the way down to that one stoplight and use it," Horton said. "If we do want to grown and improve then we do have to make it a safe community."

The online survey asks questions about how frequent you visit Clawson, what you think of the scenery, how important it is to have safe road crossings at certain intersections and more.

Horton said she expects the city will begin implementing a pedestrian plan by next spring. In the meantime, Horton said officials will focus on developing the plan and assessing funding needs.

If you'd like to offer input, take the online survey.

Workshops

The Alternatives Public Open House

  • When: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 13
  • Where:
  • Details: This open house will begin with a brief presentation of best practices and a review of the web survey findings. Then participants will be invited to review and add comment on the design alternatives. The input from the workshop and survey will then be used to prepare a plan.

Preliminary Plan Open House

  • When: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 30
  • Where: Clawson City Hall
  • Details: This open house will begin with a review of the findings of the alternatives open house. Participants will then have the opportunity to review and comment on the details of the proposed plan.


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