The lack of sidewalks on many roads in the Charter Township of Union is becoming a safety concern for residents in the area.

Currently, there are no sidewalks on East Deerfield Road, South Isabella Road and half of East Bluegrass Road, all of which contain student housing and businesses.

Thousands of students reside in Jamestown Apartments, Deerfield Village, Copper Beech Townhomes, Lexington Ridge and others, all of which are located on roads that are not so pedestrian friendly.

Union Township Board of Trustees member Marian McDonald said townships are not required to have sidewalks because of their small size.

“Most townships in Michigan don’t have sidewalks,” she said. “However, ours just happens to be developing fast and we recognize the need is there.”

McDonald said the township has put a subdivision ordinance in place to allow developers to put in sidewalks as part of their business plan because it would simply cost the township too much money to go through and put in sidewalks on every road.

In addition, the township would also have the responsibility of plowing the sidewalks and it does not own that kind of equipment, McDonald said.

“Everyone likes sidewalks, but there is not much to do about it now,” she said. “I’m sure there have been a lot of complaints, but it is up to the developer to make the decision on sidewalks.”

Deerfield resident and St. Clair senior Sam Schweihofer said he feels Deerfield Road is a safety hazard because in addition to no sidewalks, the road also lacks an adequate shoulder.

“With gas prices being so high, you see a lot of people walking or riding their bikes,” he said. “Sometimes it can be a little scary because there is not a place for people on the road and the shoulder isn’t very accommodating.”

Schweihofer said he likes to run outside, but it can be hard when he has to worry about traffic being so close.

He said he is moving to Copper Beech Townhomes, 4750 East Bluegrass Road, which he thinks will not be any better because traffic is even busier in that area.

Charlotte junior Gabrielle Acton, manager of the Wet Monkey Sub Shack, 4855 East Blue Grass Road, said she could see the lack of sidewalks potentially affecting businesses in the area.

“You would think that with so many students in the area and a bar that there would be more sidewalks in the area to make it safer for people who choose to walk,” Acton said.

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