4/8/14 - In a split vote, the Genoa Township Board approved a motion last night to take part in a collaborative effort to install a new pedestrian walkway across Grand River. The township is undertaking a joint project with the Livingston County Road Commission and the 2|42 Community Church to create a crosswalk and signal between the church and the parking lot of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital across Grand River. The township will contribute $7,500 toward the construction of the walkway and will also be responsible for repairing incidental or one-time damage to the crosswalk in the future. The Road Commission will be paying for the engineering services, regular maintenance, and power usage of the walkway, and the church will contribute $9,500 for a pedestrian crossing light and a small sidewalk extension. The deal was not without its opponents on the Genoa Township Board, and trustees Jim Mortensen and Linda Rowell voted against its passage. Mortensen says the project could give the image of impropriety, making it look like the township was endorsing a single church by increasing its access to nearby parking lots. McCririe says he understands and respects that argument, but he sees the crosswalk as a public safety opportunity since so many people cross Grand River at that location already. He says the township may have to create similar installations at other gathering places, such as Mt. Brighton. The new crosswalk and signal should be installed by the end of the summer. (TD)
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