Goodrich-Brian and Carol Samuelson of Goodrich just moved into their 100 year old farmhouse on State Road in October. The last thing they want is a five lane highway in their front yard.
The Samuelsons along with other area residents, attended an open study session at the Goodrich High School in the cafeteria on Tuesday, April 15 hosted by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The purpose of the open house was to provide information about a future project they have researched. At issue is a 20 mile stretch of M-15 from I-75 to I-69 that will turn the two lane highway into a five lane highway, boulevard style.
‘I have spoken with most of them (businesses) so far informing them on their options and MDOT’s plans,? said Bill Shreck, communications representative for MDOT. Shreck added that 38 houses and 40 businesses will be affected in the Goodrich and Davison areas.
Many of the houses have the option to relocate farther back on their property, and will be compensated for all expenses to do so. Although this is an option for some, many homes would be demolished and, MDOT would purchase them. MDOT realtors would purchase the land and pay for all expenses in the meantime.
‘We do not anticipate this project taking shape for another 10-15 years. We do not even have full funding for this. There is more of a possibility of the M-24 project happening before this one,? said Shreck.
However, while construction may be a few years away, residents are still concerned.
‘We knew it was coming, but didn’t think it would be this soon. We have discussed this amongst ourselves and know that it’s inevitable. In the long run, it’s just a part of progress,? said Carol Samuelson.
MDOT has hosted several open study sessions, but only one public hearing. The residents were given a Final Environmental Impact Study booklet on the M-15 project with information from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. These departments are aware that changes will happen, but required a comprehensive detailed statement of the purpose and intention of the project before anything was made final. The study covered issues such as wetlands, drainage, cultural resources and economic effects on local communities.
Gary Smith, who has lived in Goodrich for 67 years, expressed his concern regarding the issue.
‘My house really won’t be affected, but I do feel sorry for the ones that will. This has to be done, though. I remember when my mother told me stories about Maple Road. They used to have to lay logs on the road because it was all swampland. That should tell you how much change has taken place since then,? said Smith.
MDOT officials explained the M-15 project is due to rapid growth in both Oakland and Genesee counties. This reflects economic expansion, thus creating a need for M-15 to become larger to handle the traffic. MDOT officials further emphasized that by 2025 the traffic on M-15 will be doubled or even tripled.
The final decision whether residents of Genesee and Oakland counties will see the project take shape lies in the hands of the Federal Highway Administration based upon factual research provided by MDOT. Other options that were studied included no action, mass transit, transportation system management and new alignment. The alternatives did not meet the project’s purpose. For details call Bob Parsons at (517) 335-2482.