Berkley Adopts Complete Streets Ordinance
(City of Berkley, March 27, 2018)
Berkley, MI- In an effort to enhance the quality, safety, and usability of streets in the City of Berkley, a Complete Streets ordinance was unanimously adopted by the Berkley City Council on March 5.
“With our Complete Streets ordinance now in place, we have both the framework and the imperative to ensure the transportation-based safety of our residents and visitors,” said Berkley Mayor Pro Tem Steve Baker, a strong advocate of the program. “Whether we’re walking, biking, driving, riding in stroller or wheelchair, our roads should be comfortable to travel along or across.”
Complete Streets is a design framework to enable safe and convenient access for all users including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and drivers of all ages and abilities. Curb enhancements, bike lanes, improved signage and traffic lights are some of the tools used to create a Complete Street.
In 2010, the Berkley City Council adopted a resolution of support for Complete Streets after the Michigan Planning Enabling Act made it a requirement that Complete Streets are addressed in a community’s Master Plan. The City of Berkley Master Plan is scheduled to be updated this year. Part of that update will include incorporating elements of the Complete Streets ordinance. A copy of the 2007 amended Master Plan is available on the city’s website.
“Part of being a 21st Century municipality is doing more to enhance walkability in your city,” Berkley Community Development Director Tim McLean said. “Developing a Complete Streets ordinance affirms a commitment by the City of Berkley to enhance walkability in the community. An ordinance makes it a legal requirement that these design elements are incorporated into street project design.”
There is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach to Complete Streets. Bike lanes, for example, might not work on every street. When updating the Master Plan, Berkley’s Planning Commission members will be tasked with developing a Complete Streets Plan, along with reviewing Complete Streets projects before they are presented to City Council for funding considerations.
The end result should be a sustainable Complete Streets plan that is uniquely tailored to meet the needs of the citizens of Berkley.  Learn more about the City of Berkley at http://www.berkleymich.org/
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