The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is opening the digital floor for public commentary on the future of Gratiot Avenue, a major thoroughfare stretching from Downtown Detroit to the boundary marker of 8 Mile. Today, the department seeks to collect feedback from those who travel its span, live alongside its stretch, and run businesses within its reach. A virtual open house, which ran from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., was the medium for this exchange, with registration required in advance for those intending to participate, according to ClickOnDetroit.
This digital gathering was part of the broader planning and environmental linkage (PEL) study aimed at reshaping M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) between Randolph Street and M-102, or famously known as 8 Mile Road. The virtual open house offered attendees project information and the opportunity to comment on the draft PEL report, with MDOT staff and consultants poised to answer inquiries. MDOT additionally invited interested residents, local stakeholders, and, community businesses to weigh in.
Efficient access wasn't solely contained within the realms of the internet as MDOT prioritized inclusivity. Individuals needing extra mobility, visual, hearing, written, or other forms of assistance for effective participation could reach out to Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 or via email at [email protected], preferably five days before the meeting. Efforts to accommodate requests made beyond this suggested time frame were to be made to the greatest extent feasible, with accessibility forms accessible on the Title VI webpage, signifying MDOT's commitment to diversity in engagement, as cited by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
