Construction work will begin this week to install a traffic signal which will allow vehicles to cross M-24 between the east and west sides of Market Street in the Waterstone subdivision, but plans have changed for the turnarounds south of Market Street.
The construction south of Market Street drew criticism a few weeks ago because the plan would require eliminating the existing M-24 turnaround in front of Kalloway’s Restaurant and Pub by moving it south, while the turnaround north of the restaurant and south of Market Street would be eliminated completely.
After much debate and discussion on the part of Kalloway’s owner Gary Lepak and others, it was decided to keep the current turnaround in front of the restaurant and move the proposed southbound turnaround 300 ft. north, which wouldn’t have such a negative impact on the restaurant’s business.
Previously, Kalloway’s customers from the south would’ve been forced to go north, past Market Street, head south, again through Market Street to get to the restaurant.
Customers would’ve had to encounter the same traffic light twice.
Lepak said he’s happy about the change of plans, and that it will benefit other businesses that move into the area as well.
‘I’m not trying to be the person who stalls anything that is good for this community,? he said. ‘I just want them to make sure that it’s not just for my own future and my employee’s future and for the future of my business, but it’s also for the future for anyone who lives here.?
Lepak credits the plan change to how the planning commission, township administration and community members spoke out against the plans.
‘I think it’s great how this community rises to the occassion, not just for Kalloway’s, but for what’s best for the community and traffic flow,? Lepak said.