On Thursday, September 12, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will detail proposed plans that could change the look and function of a two-mile stretch of Michigan Avenue running from Corktown to Campus Martius.
The project pits some residents who want things to remain the same and businesses who worry changes could hurt their bottom line against those who like the plan because they feel it emphasizes mass transit, increases the safety of those walking the busy area and improves the infrastructure.
“Businesses have barely recovered from COVID,” said former Detroit City Council member Sheila Cockrel. She is a board member of the Corktown Business Association. “This plan has so little to do with businesses and residents that it is shocking on its face.”
MDOT’s project is looking at scaling back Michigan Avenue from five lanes to two for traffic. It would leave a lane for buses and autonomous vehicles and open up more space for pedestrians and those on bicycles.
In addition, MDOT is looking at eliminating parking on Michigan Avenue, adding medians and removing the area’s signature brick pavement for new paving. The bricks would be incorporated into any new design, such as on sidewalks in the area, because they are so identifiable with Corktown.
The proposed changes also come as part of MDOT’s Michigan Avenue Planning and Environmental Linkages Report. MDOT held several public meetings from 2019 to 2021 when people and organizations had the opportunity to share their thoughts on improvements.
Michigan Avenue is a MDOT thoroughfare except between Cass Avenue and Campus Martius, which the City of Detroit owns. As a result, the City and MDOT would work together on upgrades.
Ray Moncivais, a 66-year-old native of Corktown, would like to see the area left alone. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said. “We still are the Motor City. People want to drive their cars. We need parking.”
MDOT officials have heard community gossip that the project is a done deal but said that is not the case.
“Nothing has been decided,” said MDOT project manager Mohammed Alghurabi. “MDOT is interested in getting everybody’s feedback. No decision has been made.”
In June, Corktown was named one of the 16 top up-and-coming neighborhoods in the United States by TravelMag. The renovated train station, the architecture of the area, the area’s eateries and bars, and a shift toward a younger demographic were cited as reasons for the designation.
Many of those bars, shops and restaurants visitors come to see while in Corktown are members of the Corktown Business Association. These destinations draw visitors in droves, especially on weekends. Parking was an issue before the renovated train station reopened to great acclaim.
But residents love their ability to walk to these same businesses and want to retain the beloved brick pavement as it is installed.
“That is what gives the neighborhood its character,” Moncivais said. Corktown is a business district, but it is in a neighborhood. Let’s keep the character.”
The opposition to the project has been dubbed “Save the Bricks”. Alghurabi said the pavement needs to not just be replaced, but the area beneath refitted with new drainage to make it safe.
“That pavement is at least from the 50s or 60s,” he said. “The infrastructure is in need of replacement.”
The Transportation Riders United (TRU) organization supports the idea of increasing mass transit as part of the proposed changes. The nonprofit urges residents and officials not to miss out on a chance to make meaningful transportation changes.
“Failing to invest in these improvements now, when the funding is available and construction ready to be scheduled, would be yet another wasted opportunity for the region at the expense of transit riders,” the organization said in a statement about the project on their website.
The organization also said the brick paving is from the 1930s and would be better used in sidewalks identifying the area as Corktown, in the statement.
“In the end, if we want our city and region to work for everyone, we cannot keep losing these battles,” according to the TRU statement. “The needs of Metro Detroiters who rely on the buses must outweigh concerns that the new brick-looking concrete pavers will not be the same exact brick that was laid in the 1930s.”
Alghurabi said he understands why sentiment is so high among those for or against changes.
“Corktown is a wonderful place,” he said. “I can tell the community cares deeply about their neighborhood. They are engaged.”
MDOT will discuss the plan from 4pm to 7 pm, on September 12 at the Gaelic League of Detroit, 2068 Michigan Avenue. MDOT will make a presentation at 5:30 pm.
