THE MENOMINEE CITY COUNCIL DEBATEDA PROPOSED MDOT ACCESSED PLAN: SAFETY VS. BUSINESS IN MENOMINEE

The City of Menominee is preparing to hold a public hearing on a proposed corridor access management ordinance; a measure tied to the Michigan Department of Transportation safety rules for U.S. Highway 41. The discussion at Monday’s Committee of the Whole quickly turned to how the state’s plan could affect local businesses. Council Member Joe Dulak…

Dulak argued the proposal could make some commercial properties “virtually useless” by limiting driveways and curb cuts along the highway. But City Manager Brett Botbyl countered that MDOT’s goal isn’t to regulate or keep business out.

The proposed ordinance mirrors a plan already used in cities like Iron Mountain and Wakefield, focusing on safer traffic flow and reduced crash points. Still, several council members voiced concern that state-level restrictions could override Menominee’s own planning authority.

Council Member Mike DeDamos…