The Michigan Legislature is considering Complete Streets laws that, among other things, would require MDOT road projects within city limits to follow city master plans.  This Thursday, and next Thursday, the House Transportation Committee will hear testimony on these bills – HB 6151 and 6152.  (Our own State Rep. Wayne Schmidt is a co-sponsor of these bills.)  They are also accepting emails.

The key section of the bills for Traverse City are Section 33(b)(i) of HB 6152, which says a local government can include a Complete Streets policy in its Master Plan, and Section 3 of HB 6151, which says that if the local government does have a Complete Streets policy, the Department of Transportation will follow it on state roads within the boundaries of the local government.  

These bills have the potential to be very positive for TC, which struggles to balance the needs of regional drivers with the priorities of residents and neighborhoods when it comes to our transportation grid.  For more info on how to comment on the policies, see http://michigancompletestreets.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/take-action-support-hb-6151-6152/.