Berkley: Robina Plaza Project Moves Forward
(City of Berkley, Aug. 26, 2016)
The much talked about Robina Plaza Project will begin with the temporary closure of the north and south corners of Robina Avenue and Twelve Mile Road. The objective of the project is to examine the feasibility of using Robina as a permanent community-gathering place in Berkley’s downtown. Over the past few years, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has been working with the Michigan Municipal League, city administration and Hubbell Roth and Clark (HRC), the city’s engineering firm, to determine the most effective and safe way to bring life to the concept of having a community gathering place.
Starting on September 19, 2016, Robina will be temporarily closed to vehicle traffic until November 18, 2016. Several family-friendly events have been scheduled in the plaza during that time. “This temporary closure gives residents and visitors the opportunity to experience Robina in a whole new way”, said City Manager Matt Baumgarten. “We are excited to see how this area could potentially be used in the future. We encourage residents to visit the space and participate in the scheduled events during the closure. Comments and suggestions are welcomed by email sent to robinaplaza@berkleymich.net.”
During the temporary closure, signage will be posted to help motorists and pedestrians travel safely through the area. Traffic patterns will be examined to determine how adjoining streets may be affected. When Robina reopens in November, HRC and the Public Safety Department will report their findings and submit recommendations to the DDA and City Council. Based on the information, a decision will be made regarding the future of the Robina Plaza concept.
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Robina Plaza Project
What is the objective of the Robina Plaza Project?
The objective of the Robina Project is to examine the feasibility of using Robina as a permanent community gathering place in Berkley’s downtown. If this project is implemented, the area would be used for family-friendly events, and as an entertainment venue, for residents and visitors.
Where will this take place?
The area identified for this project is on the north and south corners of Robina and Twelve Mile Road.
What will happen?
For a temporary period, Robina (north and south for Twelve Mile) will be closed to vehicle traffic and open for pedestrians only. Signage will be installed to help motorist and pedestrians travel safely through the area.
When will this happen?
The temporary closure will begin on September 19, 2016 and end on November 18, 2016.
Why is this being done?
The purpose of the temporary closure is to examine how traffic patterns might be affected on the adjoining streets if, in the future, Robina is closed to create a permanent plaza.
How can I get more information about the Robina Project?
For more information, including the HRC Traffic Study, Michigan Municipal League’s Report on a Civic Engagement Exercise and Recommended Next Steps and conceptual drawings, click the links below:
- Michigan Municipal League 2014 Robina Study
- 2015 Civic Involvement Summary by the Michigan Municipal League
- Robina Design Options by LSL Planning
- Preliminary Traffic Study by Hubbell, Roth, and Clark
How can I comment on this project?
Please email your comments and suggestions regarding the Robina Plaza to:robinaplaza@berkleymich.net.
For more information on the Robina Project, including updates and conceptual drawings, visit: www.berkleymich.org/robina