Just what the (road) doctor ordered
August 12, 2008

Too often, transportation decisions are made without sufficient input and thought. This week was different. At Monday's Novi City Council meeting, City Engineer Rob Hayes gave a top-notch presentation on a proposal to study and develop an area transportation plan for short, medium and long-term needs.

The study's goals were explained to be: improving traffic safety, reducing congestion and fostering economic development. Hayes explained how Novi's location is and will be a key factor in the city's continued success.

We know where we are and where we want to be. The "Victory Plan" looks to provide us a road map to get there. And without a plan, it's difficult to reach the objective. The pre-planning for this study is impressive on all fronts.

It is also impressive that the city plans to include private enterprise and other governmental agencies in the study. Of course, input from the people will also be key here.

Folks, as usual we think the city's experts are on the right track. As Mrs. Crawford so eloquently put it, "you're on the right track." She also noted that it's the small things that can be done in the short-term to help improve Novi's chronic congestion areas. Exactly right, Mrs. Crawford.

We the People are pleased city administration and the majority of council are supporting this study. Some may question spending money on such research and planning, but we say without a plan we can't reach our objective. This looks to be money well budgeted at this point, and we suspect it will also be money well spent.

Mr. City Engineer, please carry on...

One short-term fix that would help immensely will be to fix the road narrowings on Haggerty Road between Nine and Ten Mile Roads. OK, you knew that was coming...