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Editor’s Note: Thank you to m-bike who posted the initial report on Clawson’s Complete Streets policy.

On December 7, 2010, Clawson city council adopted a resolution in support of Complete Streets.  City Manager Mark Pollock provided the following background on Complete Streets prior to the unanimous vote.

“Complete Streets” is a design or planning principle to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.  The City of Clawson already incorporates many of the goals of the “Complete Streets” philosophy into the projects it undertakes.  This is evidenced by the recent renovations of the downtown main intersection and streetscape projects.  The resolution supporting a “Complete Streets” Policy pledges the City’s continued commitment to the complete streets philosophy and may assist the City in applications for funding available under the revised statutes.  My recommendation is the resolution supporting a “Complete Streets” Policy for the City of Clawson be approved and forwarded to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and State Transportation Commission (STC).

Clawson becomes the fourth Oakland County municipality to adopt a Complete Streets resolution or ordinance, joining Berkley, Ferndale and Novi.

From the Clawson City Council minutes of December 7th, 2010:

CM 12-194-10 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A “COMPLETE STREETS” POLICY FOR THE CITY OF CLAWSON

MOTION BY: Councilmember Airriess

SUPPORTED BY: Councilmember Moore

RESOLVED, the resolution supporting a “Complete Streets” Policy for the City of Clawson be approved and forwarded to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and State Transportation Commission (STC).

A RESOLUTION

of the Council of the City of Clawson, Michigan

Supporting a “Complete Streets” Policy for the City of Clawson

WHEREAS, “Complete Streets” are defined as a design framework that enables safe and convenient access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and drivers of all ages and abilities; and

WHEREAS, “Complete Streets” are achieved when transportation agencies routinely plan, design, construct, reconstruct, operate, and maintain the transportation network to improve travel conditions for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit, and freight in a manner consistent with, and supportive of, the surrounding community; and

WHEREAS, development of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure offers longterm cost savings and opportunities to create safe and convenient nonmotorized travel; and

WHEREAS, streets that support and invite multiple uses, including safe, active, and ample space for pedestrians, bicycles, and transit are more conducive to the public life and efficient movement of people than streets designed primarily to move automobiles; and

WHEREAS, increasing active transportation  (e.g., walking, bicycling and use public transportation) offers the potential for improved public health, economic development, a cleaner environment, reduced transportation costs, enhanced community connections, social equity, and more liveable communities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Clawson’s Master Plan addresses multiple forms of transportation; and

WHEREAS, “Complete Streets” principles have been and continue to be adopted nation-wide at state, county, MPO, and city levels in the interest of proactive planning and adherence to federal regulation that guide transportation planning organizations to promote multi-modal transportation options and accessibility for all users; and

WHEREAS, in response to the Complete Streets Initiative, the State of Michigan adopted an amendment to the Planning Enabling Act in 2010 stating that a community’s master plan shall include all components of a transportation system and their interconnectivity including streets and bridges, public transit, bicycle facilities, pedestrian ways, freight facilities and routes, port facilities, railroad facilities, and airports, to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in a manner that is appropriate to the context of the community and, as applicable, considers all legal users of the public right-of-way.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF CLAWSON RESOLVES:

That the Council of the City of Clawson hereby declares its support of “Complete Streets” policies.

That the Planning Commission is hereby directed to review the master plan in order to determine whether the elements required under Public Act 134 of 2010 Section 33(b)(i) have been satisfied and if not, to prepare an amendment which will bring the master plan into compliance with Public Act 134 of 2010.

Introduced and Passed at a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 7, 2010.

AYES: Councilmember Airriess, Mayor Luebs, Councilmember Moore and Palmer

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilmember Phillips

ABSTAINED: None

MOTION CARRIED: