Detroit I-94 Modernization Project FALL/WINTER 2019

VOLUME V Detroit I-94 Modernization Project FALL/WINTER 2019

Information about Upcoming Public Hearings on Oct. 10, 2019 IN THIS Your Guide To The I-94 Public Hearing and Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Map of Proposed Modifications ISSUE: How Community Input was Used to Modify the Project Design

The I-94 Modernization Project: Then And Now

Early Project History Preparing an SEIS for the residents of Detroit. Nearly 30 years ago, In 2017, MDOT announced plans to prepare an “The I-94 team has analyzed the project’s effects on MDOT recognized the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) community services, traffic through need to reconstruct to study alternatives proposed by stakeholders that focused neighborhoods, noise and I-94 in Detroit. on: vibration impacts, and In the 1990s, • Using existing city streets as local connections instead of building aesthetics,” Stepanski the department new, continuous service drives adjacent to the freeway as proposed said. conducted in the original plan. What’s Happening an extensive • Modifying local access ramps to and from I-94, M-10 and I-75. Now Environmental • Adding Completed Streets bridges to provide multi-modal access, Impact Statement making them user-friendly for cars, bikes and pedestrians with wider Now that a Draft (EIS) aimed at (among walkways/paths separated from traffic and landscaping. Supplemental other things) building Environmental Impact The SEIS considers the impacts of changes and/or planned community consensus on how to Statement (DSEIS) has improvements to the project. It also reviews the purpose repair I-94. been prepared, a Notice of and need for improvements and describes the alternatives Availability (NOA) has been In 2005, the Federal Highway Administration issued a that were considered. published, and the draft is being Record of Decision (called the Approved Selected circulated. (See “Where Can I Find and Alternative or ASA) that approved: “The goal is to ensure that final decisions on the project are made in the best overall public interest, Comment on the DSEIS?” on the back page.) Two public • Reconstruction of 6.7 miles of the freeway in Detroit from the hearings to gather public and agency comments on the I-94/I-96 interchange to east of Conner Avenue. taking into consideration the need for fast, safe and efficient transportation, public services, and DSEIS will take place on Thursday, Oct. 10. (See the back • Improving 67 bridges and six railroad overpasses. eliminating or minimizing adverse effects,” said Terry page for locations and details.) • New interchanges at I-94/M-10 (Lodge Freeway) and I-94/I-75. Stepanski, P.E., I-94 senior project manager. • Elimination of left-lane exit and entrance ramps. “At the public hearing, there will be a lot of information about the content of the DSEIS and staff on hand • Continuous I-94 service drives from Conner Avenue to Trumbull During the SEIS process, an analysis of effects on minority to answer questions, so we encourage everyone to Avenue. and low-income populations and the indirect effects of the project also were studied, along with alternatives proposed participate,” said Stepanski. “We look forward to by stakeholders to improve local connectivity and mobility meeting with you and hearing your thoughts.” “Members of the community sometimes get nervous when they hear the words ‘public hearing’ and ‘formal,’” said MDOT Public Hearings Officer Anita Richardson. “But this is The SEIS Process— From Draft to Final Public Hearings Explained really just another opportunity Develop DSEIS for people to give us their (Analyzes the human environment, noise, air A Supplemental Notice of Intent Posted quality, water resources, cultural resources, Public Review of DSEIS Develop Final SEIS & to Federal Register (45 Days) File a Record of Decision What is a public hearing? input.” Environmental and natural resources.) Impact Statement, FEDERAL REGISTER or SEIS, reviews the findings of an existing Environmental Impact A public hearing is a more formal event than a public meeting. Held Statement, or EIS. prior to key project decision points, public hearings gather comments and An EIS is required positions from all community stakeholders for the public record and input Thank you for your help! From Kim Avery, Metro Region Engineer by the National 2017 2018 2019 2020 into decisions. Public hearings are required by the Federal Highway Environmental Policy Public Hearing Administration (FHWA) and are held by the organization sponsoring the Act of 1969 (NEPA) project— in this case, MDOT. for projects with More than two years ago, when our I-94 Modernization new ideas, brought us feedback from their neighborhoods more about the DSEIS Notice of Intent DSEIS, 45-day Public Comment Period Combined Final SEIS and major impacts on the (NOI) and Public Hearings Record of Decision (ROD) Project team began creating a Draft Supplemental and agencies and continue to serve as project and, most importantly, natural and human Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS), we reached out ambassadors. how you can share your environment. An NOI is widely A Draft Supplemental Environmental After circulation of the DSEIS What will happen at the public hearing? to you for help. Our goal from the start was to modify the published and Impact Statement (DSEIS) is prepared, and consideration of comments feedback with us. An SEIS allows original project design in ways that would: The City of Detroit collaborated with us in a series of signals the which focuses on the proposed changes. received, a Final SEIS is prepared. workshops to help us incorporate ideas for minimizing In addition, we invite agencies and the initiation of the Once it is complete, a Notice of Availability This document summarizes public • Provide increased neighborhood connectivity and mobility, and public to consider environmental (NOA) is published in the Federal Register and agency involvement and property impacts, accommodating multi-modal traffic and you to keep attending • Decrease the impacts to local properties, businesses, recreation the impacts of review process. to announce a 45-day public comment describes mitigation measures retaining local bridges for better cross-freeway connections. project meetings – whether At the public hearing: areas and historic resources. significant changes The NOI period and public hearing(s) (we’re having that will be incorporated into for ongoing I-94 bridge and/or planned Detroit City Council members and their staff in Districts announces that two!) to solicit input from all stakeholders. the project. The Final SEIS also • The public will be provided an opportunity to share comments. We knew that hearing from the people who live, work and replacement projects like those improvements to an SEIS, which In addition to the Federal Register listing, documents compliance with all • The DSEIS will be available for review. 3, 4, 5 and 6 connected us with neighborhood leaders and a project for which play along the I-94 corridor from the I-94/I-96 interchange to currently underway at Brush Street, supplements the the date, locations and times of the public other applicable environmental • A certified court reporter will be on hand to record comments shared organizations and hosted district-wide resident roundtable the NEPA process just east of Conner Avenue was essential if we wanted to get French Road and Concord Avenue, or those regarding next Final EIS that was hearings will be announced through local laws and executive orders. both publicly during the open mic period and privately in one-on-one meetings. Staff from the City of Detroit Department of had previously been prepared in 2004, is and social media, public outreach and the sessions. it right. Today, we can’t thank you enough because our call steps for the project overall. completed. Project The ROD is the final step in the Neighborhoods also helped gather valuable input. necessary because project website. • The first part of the hearing will provide an opportunity to view displays for help did not go unanswered: changes and planned environmental review process. At MDOT, we believe that if we work together, success changes to the and speak one-on-one with project team members to ask questions. Many community organizations and neighborhood improvements will project have been During the public comment period, copies It presents the basis for the is within our grasp. We look forward to working together • The public will then be invited to the microphone to make comments. Many of you, community members from throughout the groups – large and small along all parts of the corridor – be examined in light proposed that may of the DSEIS are available for review at decision, summarizes mitigation with you to make the Detroit I-94 Modernization Project a of major changes locations throughout the project area. measures to be incorporated into • All who wish to speak will be asked to fill out a speaker request form. project corridor, expressed your thoughts and concerns, invited us to their meetings or sat with our team to share their result in impacts success. in surrounding (See “Where Can I Find the DSEIS?” on the project, and allows further • The court reporter will remain available after the open mic to record helping us make important decisions such as whether perspectives. Still others offered the use of their facilities for not evaluated in the one- or two-way service drives would promote neighborhood communities and 2004 Final EIS. side 2.) It is also online at I94Detroit. approvals to be made, including comments in private for the record. our open house public meetings. Please keep in touch! changes in impact org. This gives everyone time to review securing project funding for safety and connectivity. With advance notice of seven days, accommodations can be made to the natural and the document before and after the public construction. for persons with disabilities and/or limited English-speaking ability, We thank all of you – and we are eager to see this Members of the I-94 Project Local and Government human environment. hearings. and persons needing auxiliary aids or services of interpreters, collaboration continue. Please read this newsletter for signers, readers, or large print. Call Anita Richardson at 517-335- Advisory Committees served as our sounding board for 4381 to make an accommodations request.

The Importance of Public Engagement

I-94 Public From the start of the SEIS process, MDOT Small Business Council Open House Development/Disadvantaged AT WAYNE COUNTY the I-94 project team sought out New Mt. Carmel Tabernacle I-94 LAC-GAC Chene Street Bridge of Baptist Business Enterprise Industry COMMUNITY voices from across the community. Community Fair Corridor Bus Tour Reconstruction Pastors COLLEGE DISTRICT - Forum AT NEW MT. CARMEL TABERNACLE Woodbridge Open House of Detroit EASTERN CAMPUS This timeline includes many of I-94 LAC- Community Council AT HOLY GHOST and I-94 LAC-GAC GAC Meeting CATHEDRAL I-94 Meeting and the meetings the team hosted or AT MDOT DETROIT Vicinity TRANSPORTATION Residents AT RUSSELL Gratiot Bridge participated in to hear thoughts, City of Detroit – STREET SERVICE CENTER Roundtable Tour Midtown BAPTIST concerns and ideas for modifying the MDOT Workshops I-94 LAC-GAC Lunch and Learn Webinar District 3 Community with President Pro Tempore AT GRATIOT WOODS Stakeholder Wayne State CHURCH CO-OP project to meet community needs Henry Ford Resource Fair Mary Sheffield Subcommittee University AT NEXT ENERGY and preferences. It includes meetings Health System Student Center of the I-94 Local and Government Advisory Committees (I-94 LAC- 2017 2018 City of Detroit GAC). These groups, made up of Wayne State Chadsey-Condon General Motors Nonmotorized I-94 LAC-GAC I-94 Residents Roundtable with Bridging Communities, Inc. project-area community members and University AT MDOT DETROIT Community Organization Quarterly Task TRANSPORTATION Councilman Andre Spivey Safety Committee I-94 Public Open Advanced AT WAYNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Gratiot Avenue Bridge Eastside representatives from local and regional Force SERVICE CENTER House Bridges Project DISTRICT - EASTERN CAMPUS Construction Open Community government agencies, served both I-94 Residents AT CATHEDRAL Update I-96/I-94 Interchange Midtown House Network CHURCH OF ST. PAUL as project advisors and ambassadors Roundtable AT MT. CARMEL TABERNACLE Community Leaders Detroit, Inc. CHURCH assisting MDOT throughout the with DISTRICT 6 Councilman two-year SEIS process. All comments Scott Benson District 6 Community Precinct 5 Community Riverbend were considered and much of what AT ALKEBU-LAN Resource Fair Mayor’s Council Meeting Community VILLAGE AT THE SAMARITAN CENTER we heard is reflected in the modified Department of City-wide Workforce Organization Neighborhoods Development Taskforce with design called the Approved Selected AT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF GREATER DETROIT Council President Brenda Jones Alternative with Modifications (ASAM). University Prep Academy VOLUME V I-94 Modernization Project FALL/WINTER 2019

How did MDOT engage the community in decision-making? I-94 Modernization Project | Preferred Alternative

Noise Analysis Cultural Resources Noise and Vibration Impacts: Noise and vibration impacts may result from traffic and construction activities. 2005 ASA: Several historic properties were impacted by the 2005 design. Samuel T. Gilbert Terminal Proposed Mitigation: Noise studies conducted in 2018 Public Input: Save historic resources, including United identified a need for a noise barrier in the northeast quadrant Sound Systems Recording Studios. of the I-94/M-10 interchange. Mitigation measures can be * ASAM: MDOT is required to avoid, minimize, or mitigate taken during construction to minimize noise and vibration any adverse effects to certain National Register-listed impacts. The results of the noise and vibration analysis and * * * historic properties. If avoidance is not possible, ways to recommended mitigation measures are reported in the Draft minimize harm are considered. MDOT has modified the SEIS – Chapter 4 and Appendix G. design to avoid some historic properties, such as the Samuel T. Gilbert Terminal. MDOT is making every effort to avoid demolishing * United Sound Systems Recording Studios without Historic Site sacrificing safety on I-94. See DSEIS Section 4.13 for No Adverse Effect details on cultural resources. Two-Way Service Drives

One-way Service Drive 2005 ASA: Includes one-way continuous service drives, resulting in property impacts and Safety Improvements displacements. Public Input: Use the existing roadway network Existing Conditions: Outdated design and physical 2005 ASA and ASAM: To improve operations and safety, instead of constructing new service drives condition of I-94 contribute to increased crash rates. the 2005 ASA and the ASAM include one additional through neighborhoods. freeway lane and wider shoulders in each direction. Right LINWOOD Public Input: I-94 traffic is sometimes congested, but be ASAM: Uses the existing roadway network and Two-way Service Drive/Local ST sure the benefits of constructing an added lane outweigh of way impacts would be minimized by cutting into the converts existing one-way service drives to Street Connector the impacts. freeway’s side slopes and using retaining walls. See DSEIS Section 1.4.4 for details on safety. two-way at select locations. This improves local traffic circulation, narrows lane widths to promote Existing Cross-Section Rendering Proposed Cross-Section Rendering slower speeds and minimizes property impacts * and displacements. See DSEIS Section 3.1.4.2 for details on the elimination of continuous service drives.

M-10/I-94 Interchange Complete Street and Pedestrian Bridges Retained Bridges Community Connector Bridges Existing Condition: Outmoded left-hand 2005 ASA: Pedestrian bridges over I-94 and M-10 were ASAM: Includes new Complete Streets bridges entrance and exit ramps contribute to operational Proposed Interchange - Artist’s Rendering 2005 ASA: A number of bridges were slated to be Proposed Second Avenue Over I-94 - Artist’s Rendering to be replaced using standard pedestrian bridge design. designed for all users with a smaller footprint to and safety issues. Beaubien Street Over Existing I-94 Right of Way 2005 ASA: Pedestrian bridges over I-94 and M-10 were removed permanently. eliminate long access ramps and reduce property Harper Ave proposed to be replaced using standard pedestrian Public Input: Long access ramps are uninviting, Public Input: Left-hand ramps are challenging, impacts. Plus, narrower lanes, sidewalks, and bike Public Input: Please keep bridges rather than 2005 ASA: Numerous parcels were impacted in part to bridge design with minimal accommodations for inconvenient and would displace existing buildings. especially at rush hour. lanes to promote slower speeds. See DSEIS Section removing them. E Edsel Ford Service Dr construct continuous service drives and elevated pedestrian nonmotorized users incorporated. ASAM: Lengthens ramps and moves them to the 3.1.4.1 for pedestrian and complete bridge concepts. ASAM: MDOT retained some bridges to address Beaubien St bridges with longer access ramps. Public Input: Locate community connector bridge right side of the freeway, giving traffic more time * community concerns and enhance local Public Input: Use local roads instead of constructing new crossings at Second Avenue, Cass Avenue, and to enter and exit. Adds new street-level Complete connectivity and mobility, including John R Street, service drives through neighborhoods. Reduce impacts on Conner Avenue. Pedestrian Bridge Complete Street Bridge Complete Street Bridge Over I-94 Proposed - Artist’s Rendering Streets bridges over M-10 at Holden Avenue and Beaubien Street, Lucky Place/Moran Street, homes and businesses. Merrick Street. Adds northbound M-10 access to ASAM: Replaces bridges at Cass Avenue, 14 ft Ferry Street, Canfield Street, and Selden Street. E Edsel Ford Service Dr W. Grand Boulevard. See DSEIS Section 3.2.4 for ASAM: The ASA did not detail the number of temporary or Second Avenue and Conner Avenue with new See DSEIS Section 3.2.2 for details on retained Hendrie St details on interchanges. permanent right of way impacts. However, the design structures featuring wider sidewalks, buffered bike bridges. changes in the ASAM seek to decrease overall property lanes, landscaping, ornamental fencing and street * acquisition needs. See DSEIS Section 6.2 for details on lighting. New bridges improve local street connections right-of-way acquisition and relocation. and mobility for all users. See DSEIS Sections 4.3.1.6, 4.3.2.4 and 4.7.1 for details on community connector bridges. NOT TO SCALE

About this Map LEGEND Public Parks I-94 Corridor Railroad Two-way Traffic The information on the map will tell you about: The ASAM reduces community impacts by: Recreation Areas Points of Interest Pedestrian Bridges Converted to Complete Streets One-way Traffic • The design of the 2005 Approved Selected Alternative, or ASA. • Minimizing relocations Historic Sites Existing Bridge Connection to be Retained * Local Street Connectors Proposed On/Off Ramp • Public input from the community about how the 2005 ASA could be improved • Increasing connectivity and mobility Impact Removed Bridge Connection New Local Street Connectors Existing On/Off Ramp

• The modifications MDOT made to the 2005 ASA based on public input, called the The ASAM is MDOT’s preferred alternative. FHWA will also need to approve the ASAM No Impact Proposed Bridge Connection Existing Bike Lane/Bike Path Approved Selected Alternative with Modifications, or ASAM before construction.

Public Hearings: Date, Times and Locations Where Can I Find and Comment on the DSEIS?

Here are the DSEIS Review Locations Guidelines for Submitting Comments Questions? Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 You may review a paper copy of the DSEIS at If you have questions or need more information, please contact: any of the community locations listed below, You may comment on the DSEIS anytime MAIL: or see it on the project website at I94Detroit. during the 45-day public comment Terry A. Stepanski, P.E. (B220) Ruth Hepfer Terry Stepanski org. So that everyone has the opportunity to period beginning Saturday, Sept. 14, and I-94 Modernization Senior Project Manager Environment/Right-of-way Specialist I-94 Modernization Senior Project Detroit Historical Museum Wayne County Community College ending Monday, Oct. 28, 2019. Written Michigan Department of Transportation Michigan Division, Federal Highway Manager review the document, paper copies may not be Michigan Department of statements and comments can be mailed P.O. Box 30050 Administration District - Eastern Campus removed from their designated locations. Transportation or emailed. Lansing, MI 48909 315 W. Allegan, Room 201 5401 Woodward Ave. Hard copies can be found at these locations All statements and comments sent by Lansing, MI 48933 425 W. Ottawa Street (see map): Detroit, MI 48202 5901 Conner Ave. U.S. mail must be postmarked no later E-MAIL: [email protected] Lansing, MI 58933 1. Divie B. Duffield Detroit Public Library than Oct. 28, 2019. E-mailed comments [email protected] 517-702-1847 [email protected] 2507 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 48208 517-241-0233 The Cooper Room must be received by the same deadline. 2. I-94 Project Office Written statements and comments may 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Detroit, MI 48213 3031 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 48202 also be submitted at any time during the Stop in any time! 3. Alkebu-Ian Village Community Center public hearings on October 10, 2019. 7701 Harper Ave., Detroit, 48213 WHERE CAN I FIND AND COMMENT ON THE DSEIS? Formal Public Hearing 4 – 8 p.m. Stop in any time! 4. Chandler Park Detroit Public Library begins at 11:30 a.m. 12800 Harper Ave., Detroit, 48213 SEGMENT 1 SEGMENT 2 SEGMENT 3 I-96 to Cass Avenue Cass Avenue to Chene Street Chene Street to east of Conner Avenue Formal Public Hearing 5. Douglass Detroit Public Library begins at 6:30 p.m. 3666 Grand River Ave., Detroit, 48208 10 53 6. Wayne County Community College 1 2 75

Eastern Campus Ave Chalmers 5901 Conner Ave., Detroit, 48213 3 Special Accommodations Adaptaciones Especiales 4 التسهيالت الخاصة With advance notice of seven days, Se pueden hacer adaptaciones para personas OFF MAP 6 ميكن إجراء تسهيالت خاصة لألشخاص ذوي اإلعاقة والقدرة accommodations can be made for persons con necesidades especiales y capacidad 94 The Matrix Center 94 املحدودة عىل التحدث باللغة اإلنجليزية. تتوفر املواد املطبوعة with disabilities and/or limited English-speaking limitada para hablar inglés. Materiales E. McNichols Road, Detroit, 48205 Ave Cass 13560 بأحرف كبرية و املساعدات اإلضافية و خدمات املرتجمني الفوريني أو ability, and persons needing auxiliary aids or impresos en grande, ayudas auxiliares o مرتجمي لغة اإلشارات أو لقراءة النص عند الطلب. لتقديم الطلب، services of interpreters, signers, readers, or servicios de intérpretes, personas que hablan el MDOT Detroit Transportation Service Center 96 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48226 1060 اتصل بـ أنيتا ريتشاردسون عرب الهاتف عىل الرقم large print. Call Anita Richardson at 517-335- lenguaje de señas o lectores están disponibles 517-335-4381 أو عرب الربيد اإللكرتوين عىل العنوان @to make an accommodations request. bajo solicitud previa. Para hacer una solicitud, RICHARDSONA13 4381 comuníquese con Anita Richardson por teléfono MICHIGAN.GOV MDOT Lansing Office 5 West Ottawa St., Lansing, 48909 425 وذلك قبل اإلجتامع بسبعة أيام عىل األقل. al 517-335-4381 o por correo electrónico a [email protected] al menos siete 3 días antes de la reunión. 10 1 75

Public Review Locations Where To Find A Review Copy 1. Divie B. Duffield Detroit Public Library (2507 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 48208) An electronic copy of this document is available on the project website, I94Detroit.org. Paper copies are located at the Michigan 2. I-94 Project Office (3031 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 48202) Department of Transportation (MDOT) office, the I-94 project office, and select libraries and community centers throughout the 3. Alkebu-lan Village Community Center (7701 Harper Ave., Detroit, 48213) project area. Please contact one of the people listed below for more information or check the project website. 4. Chandler Park Detroit Public Library (12800 Harper Ave., Detroit, 48213) How Can I Provide Comments? 5. Douglass Detroit Public Library (3666 Grand River Ave., Detroit, 48208) • Drop them into the comment box at one of the public hearings 6. Wayne County Community College District, Eastern Campus • Send comments to: Terry A. Stepanski, P.E. (B220) Have Questions or Need Additional Information? I-94 Modernization Senior Project Manager (5901 Conner Ave., Detroit, 48213) Michigan Department of Transportation • Please contact: Terry Stepanski, OFF MAP — The Matrix Center (13560 E. McNichols Rd., Detroit, 48205) P.O. Box 30050 MDOT Senior Project Manager Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 241-0233 OFF MAP — MDOT Detroit Transportation Center (1060 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48226) • Email comments to: [email protected] OFF MAP — MDOT Lansing Office (425 West Ottawa St., Lansing, 48933) • All comments must be submitted or postmarked by October 28, 2019