Bluegrass, Deerfield roads in Union Township may add sidewalks

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Students walking to and from campus on roads such as Deerfield and Bluegrass may have new sidewalks to travel in the future.

Union Township is creating plans to make its busier roads more pedestrian-friendly to ensure safety and mobility for residents.

“We see that there’s too many people that walk around, near or on the road,” said township Manager Ryan Smith.

A prioritization committee has been formed to make the process move smoothly. Schools, apartment complexes and subdivisions are the areas being considered for the plans because of  their high foot traffic.

Bluegrass and Deerfield are the two main roads that may have sidewalks. There are certain areas that need to be connected to the rest of the city, Smith said.

“These main roads need to have a safe route to school for students,” he said.

Union Township also wants to connect township parks to the rest of the city. It is working with Mount Pleasant Public Schools to determine the best routes around Oasis High School, 3550 S. Isabella Road, and Mary McGuire Elementary School, 4883 E. Crosslanes St.

Smith said the preliminary cost for the project would be $27 per linear foot.

“We are hoping to go through various grants for the money,” Smith said. “That will be our first source.”

Remus freshman Robyn VanBuskirk said the project makes sense.

“It will be safer and give people options, but I can see people thinking they can still just walk on the roads,” VanBuskirk said.

Milford sophomore Josh Gauthier said it would be good to have crosswalks in some areas, especially near the on-campus disc golf course.

As a pizza-delivery worker, he said delivering food in the area of Deerfield Road can be made difficult at night.

“It’s a pain in the butt to have to deliver around here because there aren’t any lights,” Gauthier said, “so it’s hard to see people walking around.”