Center Line considering plans for “Road Diet” on Van Dyke to create more walkable downtown district

CENTER LINE (WWJ) -- Center Line in Macomb County is looking to further develop its downtown district by adding more parking spots near small businesses.

The City Council will host a public meeting on Monday night regarding plans for a “Road Diet” on Van Dyke (M-53) between Stephens and Engleman streets.

If approved, the plans would reduce traffic lanes in the area from seven to five lanes, and add curb lanes for parking to promote downtown businesses.

City Manager Dennis Champine anticipates the project will be well-received by residents and businesses alike.

“This plan will call for a vacation of the curb lanes, and then striping of those lanes for the on-street parking, or for areas where there will not be parking allowed,” Champine said. “Eventually we will add safe cross-walks in that area to ensure people are finding their way safely across the remaining five lanes of traffic.”

Champine also added the project will require very little construction besides striping the existing curb lanes.

Additionally, there’s no current plan to charge a fee for parking, or add meters.

The public meeting will be held before City Council on Monday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the David W. Hanselman Municipal Building in Centerline.