Union Township again seeks help to try eliminating tubing parking issues

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Union Township Board of Trustees is again asking for help to eliminate parking at the Lincoln Road Bridge.

On Wednesday the board approved a resolution requesting the Isabella County Road Commission to write and ask for a traffic control order from the Michigan State Police.

Officials are concerned with the number of cars parked along the bridge because of canoers and tubers entering and exiting the river.

Previously a request for a traffic control order was sent to the State Police by the road commission, but they declined to respond. This will be the second request, said Woodruff.

The order would allow no-parking signs to be placed on the East side of the road. Weeks ago signs were removed because they had not been put up properly years ago.

“All it takes is driving down Lincoln on a hot, sunny afternoon to see all the car doors open and the danger it poses,” said Woody Woodruff, township zoning administrator.

Last Thursday more than 40 officials and residents attended a special meeting where they examined parking on Lincoln Road Bridge and other issues on the Chippewa River.

If the request to the State Police is approved, signs will be replaced and all deputized law enforcement can issue tickets and enforce towing.

Union Township supervisor John Barker said the need for signs is apparent.

“The safety concerns are obvious with the sound off comments out there and I’ve heard them myself,” he said. “We, in essence, as a body are indicating our concern with what is going on out there.”

A special use permit for retail sales of new or used cars, trucks, boats, farm equipment, mobile homes, travel trailers and motor-homes was also approved for a retail sales business at 5157 E. Pickard Rd.