Residents and Business Owners Oppose Nine Mile Road Diet Proposal in Eastpointe

The controversy over a proposed Nine Mile Road diet in Eastpointe took center stage at a special City Council meeting on Friday, as residents and business owners voiced their opposition to the project. While the meeting was originally intended to discuss project costs, the topic quickly turned to the potential road diet between Tuscany Avenue and Interstate 94.

Mayor Michael Klinefelt has requested an updated traffic study to determine the feasibility of the road diet, which would involve reducing the number of lanes on Nine Mile Road and potentially adding roundabouts in the area. City Manager Mariah Walton explained that rising construction costs have raised concerns about funding for the project, which is 81.85% federally funded and requires approval from MDOT.

Despite no formal plans being developed yet, residents and business owners made it clear that they do not support the road diet. Many expressed frustration that the issue has been brought up multiple times in the past, only to be voted down each time. They argued that the road should remain five lanes and criticized the City Council for considering a three-lane design.

The debate over the road diet has divided the community, with some residents citing support from the police and fire chiefs for keeping the road as is, while others question the need for such a drastic change. As the City Council awaits the results of the traffic study, tensions continue to rise over the future of Nine Mile Road.