Township Looks to Connect Sidewalks Along 21 Mile at Heydenreich

If there is one frustration shared by Macomb Township residents, it is the area's incomplete, or lack of sidewalks.

Township trustees moved to rectify this problem in at least one area of the township during their meeting last week.

Prompted by concerns of residents, the Macomb County Department of Roads and Chippewa Valley Schools, township trustees authorized the "sidewalk project" to connect the one-mile stretch of sidewalk along 21 Mile Road between Heydenreich and Card.

"The whole issue comes down to sidewalk connections and their lack of being fully connected along 21 Mile Road on the north and south sides from Heydenreich Road west to Red River, which is just before the shopping plaza," said Clerk Michael Koehs, who introduced the plan.

"This is a really small amount of sidewalk and it will be one of the first full mile sections completed (in the township)."

As the intersection of Heydenreich and 21 Mile Road is home to four schools and numerous subdivisions, trustees agreed the project would contribute to the area's overall safety.

The area is currently considered "car-dependent," according to Walk Score, a program that measures the walkability of any address. The intersection of Heydenreich and 21 Mile Road has only a 22 out of 100 score.

Koehs said it is believed the entire project can be completed for less than $18,000.

"It would provide for the safety of the children coming from the numerous subdivisions in that area and walking to school," he said.

With a unanimous yes vote, trustees authorized township departments and legal counsel to work with the Department of Roads and Chippewa Valley Schools to secure the easements and complete the sidewalks in the locations where they are needed. Trustees also authorized up to $18,000 of township funds to complete the project.