(IRON MOUNTAIN, MI)–Public comment is being solicited by Iron Mountain city council members. The Public Hearing will be August 6th. The question is whether or not Carpenter Avenue should be reduced from four lanes to three, with the center lane being a turn lane. and broad shoulders for walkers and bicyclists from H street to Ludington Street. The last time the topic came up for discussion drifted away and disappeared. It basically was never endorsed by the council. The Michigan Department of Transportation this fall, will be resurfacing Carpenter Avenue. It was noted by Jordan Stanchina, City Manager, if the “road diet” as the decrease in lanes is touted, there would not be a cost borne by the city. “Everything would be done for free,” Stanchina told the council Monday. “With that opportunity, I thought we should at least bring it back to look at.” Council member Kyle Blomquist said both Stephenson Avenue, U.S. 2, and Carpenter Avenue, also M-95, through downtown Iron Mountain are now “thoroughfares,” making it difficult to promote development. “Calming the traffic flow on Carpenter could potentially be a benefit,” he said. A lane reduction, popularly known as a “road diet,” is intended to promote better land use as well as reduce crash rates and improve pedestrian safety. Stanchina said a key benefit would be easing left-turn conflicts, as a center lane would prevent traffic from having to stop for motorists waiting to turn. Iron Mountain’s mayor is not in favor of reduction of lanes on Carpenter Avenue. “I’m not in favor of it, but I will listen to the public,” said Mayor Dale Alessandrini. Also councilmember Bill Revord said he is opposed to the idea but felt the council should conduct the hearing. It was noted other Upper Peninsula communities have tried such a practice and found it to be unpopular. Other council members also felt the hearing should at least be held. Again, it is scheduled for August 6th at 6pm, in the council chambers
(Aaron Harper,WJNR,WOBE,WHTO)
aaronharper22@gmail.com