Residents urge action on postal-worker parking and downtown ADA ramps; city cites TAP grant and upcoming work

Residents at the Mount Clemens City Commission meeting raised neighborhood concerns about long-term street parking by postal workers and gaps in downtown sidewalk accessibility.

Ruthie Stevenson (69 Bane Street) said postal workers park on neighborhood streets from roughly 7:30 a.m. until about 7:30 p.m., with an estimated 47–60 cars daily, and asked the city, county and the post office to restore those streets for residents and community events. She said one-sided parking signage prevents residents from parking in front of their homes and asked that signs be re-evaluated or removed where they unduly restrict neighborhood use.

Resident Fla Forier (70 Lowick Street) thanked the commission for sidewalk work to date but urged the city to improve curb ramps downtown to make sidewalks accessible for residents using mobility scooters. In response, city staff (Jeff) said the city received a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant and will do downtown construction in 2018 that will address ADA ramps, crosswalks, benches and bike racks.

Jeff (Downtown Development Authority) also described the June 23 fireworks event, listing performers and vendors and confirming a rain date of Saturday; he encouraged residents to attend and noted logistics about blankets and setup.

Both residents said they are willing to work with the post office, the city and the county to find solutions. City staff and at least one police officer were cited as assisting with enforcement and outreach to the post office and union representatives.