The Martin Township Board Wednesday evening agreed to ask Allegan County to conduct a speed study in the Lake 16 area.
The move was prompted by a presentation by Kerry DenBraber, who has a home in that area with her family on 120th Avenue. In a prepared statement, she said:
“I am requesting that the township approve a formal speed and engineering study to be conducted on 120th Avenue, in the Lake Sixteen area, from7Jth Street east towards 6th Street. The existing speed limit is 55 mph and I believe that it should be lowered.
“Previously, the speed limit through this section was 25 mph, however, about ten years ago it was raised to 55 mph. There remains an advisory speed of 25 mph. This portion of 120th Avenue contains both a horizontal curve and vertical curve that limits sight distance and stopping distance.
“The Martin Fire Department has installed a hydrant/fill station on 120th Avenue in the area of the horizontal curve. The Fire Department routinely does training exercises at the hydrant, which requires blocking one lane of 120th Avenue. The current posted speeds puts them at risk because of the limited sight distance.
“Due to the lake, many pedestrians and bicyclists use 120th Avenue. There is not a marked shoulder to define a barrier from motorists. This is also a no passing zone, however, motorists regularly cross the center line when pedestrians are present. This poses a threat to both the pedestrians and the motorists due to the speeds and limited sight distance.
“My property has the road going through it. To access and utilize my entire property I must cross the road, yet motorists do not stop or slow down for me. There are several other lake front parcels along 120th Avenue with similar property boundaries. This area is designated residential and platted. The Michigan DNR public boat launch park is also located in this section on 120th Avenue. According to the Michigan Vehicle Code 257.627 the speed limit within the boundaries of a public park is to be 25 mph.
“My hopes are that I have supplied enough compelling evidence for a formal speed and engineering study to be approved and conducted…”
DenBraber, who with her husband has two small children, agreed that it may be unrealistic to have the speed limit as low as 25, but suggested 55 still is too fast for safety reasons.
Township Clerk Rachelle Smith later in the meeting said, “55 does seem really fast out there.”
The vote to submit the request to the county was unanimous.
In other business at Wednesday’s meeting, the board:
• Agreed to contract with SWB Enterprises for dust control at a cost of $6,750 and the same additional cost if a second application is needed.
• Accepted the low bid of $16,000 for mowing services from Property Revolution. The mowing will take place at the library, three cemeteries and the township hall property.
• Learned from Allegan County Commissioner Rick Cain that Allegan County may have to consider a Headlee provision rollback because it has lost about $5 million in tax revenue over the last 40 years. Cain added that he’d like to see money from such a move go to all nine Allegan County school districts getting a school resource officer.
