Residents receive update on train station, development plans
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EmailThe City of Dearborn asked a team from MSU's School of Planning, Design and Construction, including Instructor Wayne Beyea and Professor Warren Rauhe, to study the 60 acres around the new train station on Michigan Avenue east of Brady.
DEARBORN—Residents living near a west-end train station under construction are pleased with plans presented Monday on how to use the new development to give the business district a boost.
About a year ago, the city asked a team from Michigan State University’s School of Planning, Design and Construction to study the 60 acres around the new train station on Michigan Avenue east of Brady, said Barry Murray, Dearborn’s director of Economic and Community Development. Other goals were to ensure environmentally responsible development and respect the historic flavor of the area. The business district borders Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
The city received a grant from a state initiative, MIPlace Partnership, to do the study.
MSU instructor Wayne Beyea said train stations can spur developments like shopping, dining and lodging. The team is aiming for a mix of residential, commercial, office and entertainment uses.
“We wanted to create a place with vibrancy, a place where people want to go and hang out,” he said.
A key part of the design was to slow down the traffic on Michigan Avenue . The designers envision reducing the road from five lines of traffic to three, with lanes added for bicyclists and pedestrians.
“We want to make Michigan Avenue a nice place to stroll instead of ‘Whoosh, let’s get through here and hope we don’t get a ticket!”’ said MSU Professor Warren Rauhe.
Rauhe said the designs strive to transition Newman Street to a more pedestrian use as well.
All of the plans are theoretical, as funds to put them in place would likely come from tax dollars that new developments would generate.
Several dozen stakeholders, including nearby residents, attended the presentation. Most were pleased with the ideas presented, although some were skeptical that traffic on Michigan Avenue could be slowed down.
Resident L. Glenn O’Kray said that part of the plan might not be realistic, but overall, he was enthusiastic about the study.
“I think it’s great. It’s going to breathe new life into west Dearborn,” he said.
The train station is expected to open early next year.
About a year ago, the city asked a team from Michigan State University’s School of Planning, Design and Construction to study the 60 acres around the new train station on Michigan Avenue east of Brady, said Barry Murray, Dearborn’s director of Economic and Community Development. Other goals were to ensure environmentally responsible development and respect the historic flavor of the area. The business district borders Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
The city received a grant from a state initiative, MIPlace Partnership, to do the study.
MSU instructor Wayne Beyea said train stations can spur developments like shopping, dining and lodging. The team is aiming for a mix of residential, commercial, office and entertainment uses.
“We wanted to create a place with vibrancy, a place where people want to go and hang out,” he said.
A key part of the design was to slow down the traffic on Michigan Avenue . The designers envision reducing the road from five lines of traffic to three, with lanes added for bicyclists and pedestrians.
“We want to make Michigan Avenue a nice place to stroll instead of ‘Whoosh, let’s get through here and hope we don’t get a ticket!”’ said MSU Professor Warren Rauhe.
Rauhe said the designs strive to transition Newman Street to a more pedestrian use as well.
All of the plans are theoretical, as funds to put them in place would likely come from tax dollars that new developments would generate.
Several dozen stakeholders, including nearby residents, attended the presentation. Most were pleased with the ideas presented, although some were skeptical that traffic on Michigan Avenue could be slowed down.
Resident L. Glenn O’Kray said that part of the plan might not be realistic, but overall, he was enthusiastic about the study.
“I think it’s great. It’s going to breathe new life into west Dearborn,” he said.
The train station is expected to open early next year.
