How the West was One Gold Rush Survival Kit
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The City of Ferndale is initiating a $1,896,236 infrastructure project in May 2013, focusing on water main replacement and streetscape enhancements along West Nine Mile Road. This project aims to improve accessibility, aesthetics, and economic development by connecting various districts and fostering a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. With financial support from state and federal grants, the construction will occur in three stages, reducing traffic and creating a cohesive downtown space.
How the West was One Gold Rush Survival Kit
- 3. Project Overview HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF IN MAY of 2013, the City of Ferndale will embark upon a $1,896,236 three-prong infrastructure project consisting of water main and road resurfacing between Planavon and Pinecrest, coupled with a streetscape enhancement between Livernois and Pinecrest. West Nine Mile Streetscape Improvement Project Phase IV: Livernois to Pinecrest will change the overall dynamics of the most western section of Nine Mile between Livernois and Pinecrest and at long last connect the west side of Nine Mile through consistent streetscape design, resolve accessibility issues, provide for multiple modes of transportation or „getting there‰, significantly improve the appearance and environment, and set the platform to spur on economic development. The road resurfacing and water main replacement will take care of much needed infrastructure upgrades to improve service to this area. This multi-faceted streetscape project is more cohesive and cost-effective by implementing it in unison with each other. The City of Ferndale with the leadership, planning and execution by the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority received a $590,133.60 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant from Southeast Michigan Council of Governments*, an MDOT administered program, making Ferndale one of the first year recipients in the new TAP program. The city matched the TAP funding for a total West Nine Mile Phase IV Streetscape Project cost of $1,062,132 encompassing a 4-block area (1/4 mile). This coincides with a 3R Project spearheaded by the City of Ferndale DPW funded by the Federal Highway SAFETEA-LU grant of $320,240 for road resurfacing. Since the water main in that section is one of the oldest, the City will also be replacing the existing 6 inch water main with a new 12" water main to improve water reliability and complete the replacement of 1.5 mile of water main along Nine Mile from Paxton to the western City limits. *The City & DDA first applied for and received a Michigan Department of Transportation Transportation Enhancement Grant. MDOTÊs TE program was transitioned into SEMCOGÊs TAP progam in late January 2013. Nine Mile Road is one of the most important assets for commerce in our downtown, and we have learned from experience that physical improvements to our infrastructure and streetscape environment are critical in stimulating economic growth. This section of West Nine Mile, as currently configured, is an impediment to economic growth and does not foster a cohesive atmosphere or a strong quality of life in our downtown. It is located at the west end of downtown, within the Downtown Development Authority boundaries, with five lanes of traffic and directly abuts residential neighborhoods on the north and south sides. Over the last five years, residents and businesses alike have urged the City and DDA to improve this section of Nine Mile by increasing walkability, ADA accessibility, biking, safety, parking, visual presence, landscaping and streetscape amenities. The streetscape severely lacks adequate facilities for disabled persons, is visually unappealing, pedestrian unfriendly and doesn't support business needs, services and growth. Because of this, some property owners are not able to fill vacancies and maintain their properties as hoped or expected, decreasing the property value and livability in this area. Because of the close proximity to residential neighborhoods, residents are impacted by the declining commercial property values, debris, and inaccessible sidewalks. Birchler Arroyo, traffic engineering and planning consultants, specifically noted the following challenges within the area as part of the DDA Downtown Development Plan:
- 4. WHAT WEÊRE FIXINÊ! Not ADA Accessible Pedestrian Unfriendly & Unsafe No On-street Parking Uninviting Environment Inadequate Pedestrian Crossings & Ramps Lacks Continuity with Downtown and Amenities in CBD Traffic Misaligned at Pinecrest Traffic Signals & Flow at Livernois Lacking, causing vehicular/pedestrian confusion Too Many Curb Cuts Disrupting Pedestrian Flow Poor Sight Lines at Corners where Residential Streets Intersect Therefore, as part of the DDA's and City's master and downtown development plans of 2007 and 2008, we included goals of increasing economic growth to this area, creating unison with other areas of the downtown by providing continuity of streetscape design, walkability, materials and economic development initiatives. By 2012, The Ferndale DDDA and volunteers held numerous focus groups and information sessions with the public to discuss the needs of this area and incorporated these desires into the streetscape design. The design will emulate many of the visual standards and materials used in the Nine Mile Streetscape Improvement Project Phases I-III from Paxton to Livernois immediately east of the area now defined, which were completed in 2001 and funded by a TEA-21 grant. Since this project in 2001, we have had over $57 million in reinvestment in the area and reduced our vacancy rate in this section from 30% to 2%. We know from experience how a good streetscape improvement project can positively impact the local economy and quality of life. We also know from experience how to implement, manage and complete streetscape improvement projects to fulfill State and Federal grants both the City and DDA have obtained. Streetscape design to be implemented: 5-to-3 Lane Conversion On-street Parking on South side Widen Sidewalks to Avg. 7ft. - ADA Compliant Bike Friendly - Integration of Sharrows Mid-block Crossing Remove Cobra Head Lights for Lower Height Ornamental Streetpoles Parking lot screenings Streetscape Amenities o 9+benches o trash/recyclable containers o 60 trees & perennial beds o on-street bike corrals & on-sidewalks racks How the West was One, ultimately, will prove that Change is Good with a unified and attractive streetscape, producing an environment where businesses will thrive and grow and consumers, residents and guests will enjoy. The economic return will hopefully be like striking gold!
- 7. PROJECT TIMELINE How the West was One is a three stage project, each stage approximately eight weeks long. There will also be some Pre & Post construction activity. Of course, the timeline will change according to potential delays from unpredictable circumstances, i.e. weather. Timeline changes will be noted at the weekly open-to-the-public Construction Briefings, 11 am, every Thursday at the DDA office. Stop by to get the latest. Pre-Construction May 5th 7 am. Water Main Big Flush. Expect some disruption in water service this morning, as well as some discoloration and sediment. May 6th 9 am Noon. Open House with plan details at DDA Office, 149 W. Nine Mile. May 9th Lights Out/Light Up. Lights between Livernois and Pinecrest removed, weather depending. May 13th Site prep including delivery of traffic barrels, construction equipment, project materials. BIG DIG begins. Construction May – July Stage 1 The Big Dig Water Main Replacement. Main runs along the north side of West Nine, Planavon to Pinecrest. Crews will dig, replace and fill in daily. EXPECT some interruption of water service, at least twice, up to 4 hours each, during this phase. Businesses will be notified a day in advance and we will work around business needs as best as possible. Sidewalks on both sides will be disrupted and replaced as businesses are disconnected from the old main and reconnected to the new. July-September Stage II Gussy Up 1. Streetscape improvements. North side of West Nine. New and wider sidewalks, hardscape and conduit installation, curb and gutter, drive accesses. September-November Stage III Gussy Up 2. Streetscape improvements. South side of West Nine. Painting & prepping of parking bays. New and wider sidewalks, hardscape and conduit installation, curb and gutter, drive accesses. Iinstallation of streetscape amenities - seating, trash cans, street lights, trees, plants, etc. POST-Construction November Hoe Down! A Celebration of a West Nine ThatÊs One! Read the Pony Express for future details!
- 8. GETTING AROUND/TRAFFIC INFO How the West was One will disrupt the daily flow of traffic throughout the length of the project. Specific information on weekly changes will be available at the weekly Construction Briefings, every Thursday at 11 am at the DDA office. You are always welcome to attend. Businesses have been categorized as Gold or Silver, depending on location within the project. Please refer to the list below to know whether you are a Gold or Silver zone business. This will help you better understand how and when you will be affected. Here are some specific need-to-knows to help you and your customers get around town. Sign up for urgent construction text messages. Once you opt in, you will receive text alerts. West Nine Mile will be reduced to two lanes of traffic during construction. o During Stage I & II, traffic will flow both ways in the south two lanes. o During Stage III, traffic will be adjusted to the north two lanes. Drive access for businesses will be maintained, with periodic, partial closings. Southside alley between Livernois and Beaufield will become one way, west bound, to access parking. Deliveries should be directed to parking lots OR ask us what might be best. NO PARKING in alley. Free public parking is available at the American Legion Hall. Sidewalk access will be interrupted. Please follow the signs. Prepare to provide alternative -- side or back door - access to your business. Dover, Beaufield & Kenton will be closed to thru traffic at Nine Mile. Gold Businesses #1 Nails Ferndale Foods Physical Therapy & Rehab 8 Degrees Plato Hong Kong #1 Salon on IX Claddagh Chiropractic I Heart Hair Crush Shear Heaven Courtesy Cleaners Intrinsic Boutique State of the Art CVS Pharmacy Jameel Permanent Make Up Studio 925 Photography DÊs Treasure Chest JoeÊs Party Store Thomas Chweirut, DO DTE Substation Papa RomanoÊs Pizza West Woodward Animal Clinic Evolution Skin Care Studio PC Michigan Food & Ankle Zenru The Salon Silver Businesses Affirmations Huntington Bank Painting With A Twist Standard Building Maintenance Assaggi Bistro Jackson Hewitt Retro Barber Shop Sullivan Cleaners Bangkok Café Le Bling Said Shoe Repair Thru LunaÊs Eyes Bella Vita Boutique Le Host Salon 501 Western Market Buffalo Wild Wings Local Kitchen & Bar Save-A-Lot Cupcake Station LynnÊs Nails SchrammÊs Mead Driven Solutions ME Wells Supply Secreto Cigar Bar Hungry HowieÊs Nine Lives Tattoo Spaulding & Curtin Funeral Home
- 10. BENEFITS TO TALK ABOUT Road construction is messy business but THIS road construction is going to do more than produce just another pretty surface. How the West was One goes deep and while road crews are busy „fixin‰ West Nine, here are some of the pluses that will keep you talking. PARTNERS & FUNDING $1.9 million project is an investment by federal, state & city government in your part of town. Massive improvement projects such as this are proven to spur more private investment in the project area and thus, spur economic redevelopment and improve quality of life. Partners in the project are the City of Ferndale, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Michigan Department of Transportation, Ferndale Downtown Development Authority & the U.S. Government Federal Highway Administration. Funding for the project comes via a $590,000+ Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Grant from SEMCOG/MDOT, a $320,000+ Federal Highway Grant and matching funds from the City of Ferndale. The Ferndale DDA also contributed $120,000+ in financial and in-kind support to provide design & engineering. ULTIMATE BENEFITS Everyone -- cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, neighbors -- will appreciate improvements including: o Wider sidewalks for baby strollers, wheelchairs, street furniture & people, in general. o Road bike sharrows for cyclists & cars to know they „Share The Road.‰ o Mid-block crossing at Beaufield with push button rapid beacon to alert drivers. o Energy-efficient & attractive LED decorative street lights that donÊt impede accessibility. o On-street car & bike parking for customers. o Landscaping including trees, perennials & the opportunity for flower baskets. o Full connectivity along West Nine from Pinecrest to the center of Downtown. o Improved water service for your business. o Sustainable, permeable paving & recycling trash receptacles that help our environment. West Nine will go on a road diet from five lanes of traffic to three. Better signaling and signage will produce smoother flow of traffic in fewer lanes. West Nine Mile Road will be one with the rest of Downtown! ON THE JOB Giffels Webster Engineers are Construction Project Coordinators. GWE Full-Time Construction Inspector will be on site DAILY. The City of Ferndale DPW Director Loyd Cureton is the Lead Project Manager. Ferndale DDA Executive Director Cristina Sheppard-Decius is the Chief Information Officer.