It is not often that my running and the fact that i am on the Zeeland City Council collide. Typically I just happen to notice a crosswalk light or street light that is out and report that to the city manager. This time it deals with a proposed pedtrian walkway between Main Avenue and Washington Avenue and on out to Zeeland Spectrum Hospital. I will say this project excited me greatly, finally a pedestrian connector and I don't have to run on the road, and it connects me to the pedrtrian paths in Zeeland township. However, I am not alone in wanting a secure walkway, several members of adjacent industrial properties have voiced support of the proposal for safety and exercise opportunities for their employees. Many of the residents of the City of Zeeland and Zeeland township are also excited.
Over the last few years the Zeeland City Council has been trying to complete the gaps in our sidewalks and paths. Thus giving a seemless feel to our pedestrian traffic. With years of sidwalk and pedtrian path maintenence and expansion our system has become very walkable and almost complete.
Complete except for one of a few loacations,
The red lines in the above image, indicate existing paths and the black line shows part of a proposed path connecting Main and Washington and then out to Zeeland Spectrum Hospital. it does not take much to the the gap that exists on Fairview.
However, the City is getting push back from one party. Part of the proposed path is located on the west side of fairview along the wooded area just north of Macatawa Bank and south of the Herman Miller access drive. (as Seen below) Bristol Meyers / Mead Johnson owns this property and does not want a pedestrian path on Fairview Ave for security reasons. I'll admit I am still a bit vague what is insecure with a path across the street.
In speaking with a friend of mine he stated.
" I also wonder why a maker of health products doesn't want to vigorously support tht people want to get and stay healthy? Their own website shows a big picture of a cancer survivor. Why can't they see the "path" to survival for others and support building a "path" 60 feet from their plant on land that has never been touched? When a corporation only thinks of themselves it sends a message as to what is most important to them, and it reflects on their products". - Doug Barense
You know, Doug is right on the the money. He produced the below video which delt with a possible road closure, that has since been resolved. But he showed, the need for walk ablilty to the Hospital Area and throughout that section of town. Take a watch through Doug's video.
Bristol Meyers has suggested an alternate route, which completely defeats the purpose of connecting Main and Washington. The red lines below indicate Bristol Meyers Alternate route, and the black line showing part of the original proposal. This alternate proposal has an additional price tag of $200,000, because of the extra distance.
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The City of Zeeland is in the midst of discussing Complete Streets and had appointed a Committee to look into different styles as well as resolutions. The above mentioned Doug Barense who is on that committee and sent me over a few documents the committee created.
"Complete Streets are designed and operated for all users - pedestrians, bicyclist, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Communities that adopt Complete Streets policies are asking planners and engineers to consistently design and alter the right-of-way with all users in mind."
That all said
Run Safe
