In Plainfield Township, the ongoing construction along Plainfield Avenue has sparked frustration among local residents and business owners. The project, part of the Reimagine Plainfield Avenue initiative, aims to improve road safety through various upgrades, including resurfacing, traffic signal improvements, and landscaping. However, the installation of new medians has drawn significant criticism.
Business owners, like Dan Diemer, who runs a coin and collectible store, have reported a decline in customers since the medians were installed. "The phrase is avoid Plainfield. People don’t want to come down Plainfield Avenue," Diemer told WOODTV.com. He expressed concern over the impact of the medians on accessibility, questioning their necessity.
The Plainfield Charter Township Corridor Improvement Authority held a meeting on Thursday (October 9) to discuss the project's progress and gather feedback. Township Superintendent Cameron Van Wyngarden clarified that the meeting was not focused on the medians, but many attendees voiced their discontent. "Out of all the road construction projects in the area, this is probably the worst received project so far," said Jason Berris of American Gas & Oil.
Despite the criticism, the Michigan Department of Transportation, involved in the project, is continuing work on drainage structures and aims to complete the current phase by Halloween. Business owners hope for adjustments that will better accommodate their needs and improve traffic flow.