Triangle at lakeshore 10th and 9th

ESCANABA –A triangular green space in southeastern Escanaba will not be changed after nearby residents expressed opposition to redevelopment of the area.

A small triangle is formed where Lake Shore Drive meets South 10th Street and 9th Avenue South. On it sits four trees and a grassy lawn.

The City of Escanaba was making plans to turn the two intersections into one by merging 10th Street with 9th Avenue before curving it to meet Lake Shore at close to a 90-degree angle, instead of the acute one that is formed at the southernmost point of the triangle, which is the same angle at which South 11th Street meets Lake Shore just a couple blocks south.

“We did not yet have all of the information, but the idea was that this realignment would … improve driver sight lines; create more green space by converting two intersections to one; reduce long-term costs by reducing total curb, asphalt, and storm sewer; improve pedestrian sidewalks along Lake Shore Drive; (and) utilize grant funds since some work is already being conducted within the triangle,” said City Manager Jim McNeil.

The area is slated for lead sewer line replacements and some construction this year.

Although never finalized or released to the public, a preliminary schematic of a new layout had been used in various discussions by the City of Escanaba since 2012, said Assistant Engineer Terry Flower.

“The city was having internal discussion regarding the possibility of realigning this intersection so that it would be perpendicular,” said City Manager Jim McNeil. “We did not yet have all of the information … This idea was not yet ready to be presented to the public.”

But the “internal” talks did not remain so, and residents caught wind of the potential change to the green triangle they hold dear. They sprung to action, producing flyers and planting signs in the triangle asking neighbors to “SAVE OUR BOULEVARD!” by attending the City Council meeting on July 17.

When the time came for public comment at that meeting, seven individuals from Lake Shore, 10th and 9th spoke.

“I think it would be the most horrible thing in the world if you take out that boulevard at this point. It’s a beautiful boulevard and lots of green grass and lots of trees, and we’ve spent this whole year talking about beautification of this city, and then in the next breath, you talk about destroying trees and grass,” said Betty Hivala.

“There’s already mature trees there. Those have a value. (There’s) established vegetation. The cost of removing the boulevard and putting something else there, you’d be starting fresh with new vegetation. I feel like it fits the character of the community in the neighborhood,” said John Bosma.

Both water and traffic flow down the streets well presently, and changing the layout could lead to new traffic problems, said Craig Fosmo. He also noted that although the new plan might technically include more green space, it would be by expanding certain neighbors’ yards, whereas the triangle is a neutral, public space.

Several referred to the change as unnecessary and said the intersection is not dangerous as is. Some felt blindsided.

“All we are asking is for transparency and honesty. We feel strongly that such a dramatic and historic altering of our neighborhood and city should include public knowledge and input, especially those of us living in the neighborhood, and we would like to be informed and included in any planning,” said Lisa Fosmo.

McNeil explained that residents would have eventually been consulted: “We typically would have all the information compiled and present this to the traffic safety committee and provide notice to the neighborhood,” he said.

The matter had not yet been brought to the traffic safety advisory committee; council liaison to that committee and City Mayor Mark Ammel said that he had no prior knowledge of any plan for the triangle.

It sounds like the early action of the citizens altered the course.

“Based on neighborhood feedback, we have discontinued efforts to change the intersection,” stated McNeil.

Lisa, who had been one of the leaders rallying the neighbors together, said that she was “very, very happy” to hear that their words had had an impact, would express her gratitude to McNeil and other city officials and staff, and might even organize a celebration on the triangle.