Mount Clemens approves SMART park-and-ride agreement amid farmers market questions
May 20, 2024 | Mount Clemens, Macomb County, Michigan
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The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to approve an agreement with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to allow SMART riders to use the North River Road Park & Ride seven days a week, with service hours roughly 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.
City staff presented the agreement and described the pilot service, saying it "allows riders of SMART's pilot program for the Regional Transportation Authority to utilize the North River Road Park And Ride Lot for parking," and noted the agreement has been reviewed by the city attorney's office. Commissioner Manser moved to approve the contract and asked about potential conflicts with the downtown farmers market.
"Running 7 days a week from 5 until 1AM — that is the lot where right now our farmers market is," Commissioner Manser said, asking whether bus traffic would disrupt market set-up and vendor operations. City staff and at least one commissioner who had observed the pilot reported no problems, with one member saying they "saw the buses come and go, and there was absolutely no problem" during a Saturday market. Staff noted the agreement allows the city to designate specific parking areas "if it becomes a problem" so buses do not park in undesired locations.
The motion passed on roll call. Commissioners did not amend the agreement; staff said the city attorney will review the title work and paperwork related to the implementation details.
Why it matters: The agreement expands transit parking options in Mount Clemens and could affect downtown parking patterns and weekend events such as the farmers market. City officials emphasized the ability to manage parking locations under the contract if operations interfere with community events.
What's next: With the agreement authorized, staff will complete required legal reviews and proceed with contract execution by the appropriate city officials, and commissioners said they will monitor any impacts on the farmers market.
City staff presented the agreement and described the pilot service, saying it "allows riders of SMART's pilot program for the Regional Transportation Authority to utilize the North River Road Park And Ride Lot for parking," and noted the agreement has been reviewed by the city attorney's office. Commissioner Manser moved to approve the contract and asked about potential conflicts with the downtown farmers market.
"Running 7 days a week from 5 until 1AM — that is the lot where right now our farmers market is," Commissioner Manser said, asking whether bus traffic would disrupt market set-up and vendor operations. City staff and at least one commissioner who had observed the pilot reported no problems, with one member saying they "saw the buses come and go, and there was absolutely no problem" during a Saturday market. Staff noted the agreement allows the city to designate specific parking areas "if it becomes a problem" so buses do not park in undesired locations.
The motion passed on roll call. Commissioners did not amend the agreement; staff said the city attorney will review the title work and paperwork related to the implementation details.
Why it matters: The agreement expands transit parking options in Mount Clemens and could affect downtown parking patterns and weekend events such as the farmers market. City officials emphasized the ability to manage parking locations under the contract if operations interfere with community events.
What's next: With the agreement authorized, staff will complete required legal reviews and proceed with contract execution by the appropriate city officials, and commissioners said they will monitor any impacts on the farmers market.
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