Northville Gets Grant for Pathway in Ford Field East Park
(SEMCOG, Dec. 7, 2025)
Northville, MI – SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, has awarded $1,201,414 in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for a new 0.2-mile shared-use path project in Ford Field East Park, which is part of a larger phased project to connect Downtown Northville with the Hines Park Greenway, the I-275 MetroTrail, and Novi’s ITC Trails.
SEMCOG’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a competitive program that distributes approximately $10 million in federal funding to local transportation projects each fiscal year. Eligible projects include share-use path and sidewalk modernization, pedestrian safety improvements, new sidewalks, and Complete Streets amenities that increase usability.
A ceremonial check presentation was made to city leaders at Northville’s City Council meeting on Monday, December 1 to celebrate this project.
“SEMCOG has been a great partner and been one of biggest supporters on things like the roundabouts, the green spaces, the bricking at Mill Race Historical Village, and a section on the riverwalk,” said Brian Turnbull, Mayor, City of Northville. “We are so fortunate to have them as a partner, about a third of the funding has come from SEMCOG,” Turnbull said.
“What is really impressive about this project is its focus on not just mobility but also on pedestrian safety, which is a priority for this organization and all over Southeast Michigan,” said Amy O’Leary, Executive Director, SEMCOG. “Ensuring that our pathways are ADA accessible, that there’s a safe way for our cyclists and pedestrians to cross the road, and that there’s connections to the destinations people need to travel to, these are major points of emphasis for SEMCOG,” said O’Leary.
“Regional Review Committee is one of the most impactful committee that we have because the staff does a great job of accumulating all these projects and doing a thorough evaluation, we then have a very healthy debate about where these funds should go- it’s an honor to be able to serve on that committee,” said Gwen Markham, SEMCOG Chair and Commissioner, Oakland County. “We know that these projects are going to have an impact for 30, 40, or more years,” said Markham.
Northville leaders applied for the TAP grant for the 2025-26 fiscal year, to support a new 0.2-mile shared-use path project. SEMCOG’s Regional Review Committee approved the project based on its promotion of safe, holistic and significant outcomes to transportation safety, and pedestrian mobility.
Project highlights:
Improves safety and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists to access public spaces, downtowns, core services, and quality of life amenities.
Creates 1,200-foot pathway, 2 bridges, and 2 pedestrian crossings.
Connects local developments such as Northville Downs and Foundry Flask to Downtown Northville.
Boost local economy through these connections, bringing more people to Downtown.
Ensure compliance with ADA standards through the installation of crosswalks and ramps.
