Traffic Study: New McDonald's 'Will Not Have Adverse Impact' On Traffic
Study suggests removing signal, eliminating crosswalk at proposed McDonald's site.
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A study to analyze traffic patterns around the proposed McDonald’s on Detroit Avenue is completed.
The study — conducted by Akron-based GPD Group and paid for by McDonald’s — makes a few key recommendations that include tearing up a crosswalk and removing a traffic signal.
According to the study, the current and projected traffic flow at the intersection of Detroit and Hall avenues does not warrant a traffic light, but a stop sign. The crosswalk on the west side of the Hall Avenue and Detroit Avenue intersection, which will impede one of McDonald's proposed driveways, is recommended to be removed.
"The general lack of crashes at the Detroit Avenue/Hall Avenue and Detroit Avenue/Woodward Avenue is a clear indication of how efficiently traffic is flowing through the study area," the report said.
The new McDonald's will generate about 450 total new travelers during the morning and evening rush hours, the study said.
That does not include impulse customers who stop on their way to another destination.
The development plans call for the demolition of the building that housed the Detroit Theatre, and the Golden Arches planted in its place at 16409 Detroit Ave.
That doesn’t sit well with neighboring residents who fear the increase in traffic, who have been showing up at city council meetings and working to do a study of their own.
“I’m four houses down on Woodward, and I can’t get out of my drive way as it is,” said Lisa Blackburn, 4240 Woodward Ave., at a Sept. 8 Architectural Board of Review meeting. "How are we going to get out once this place opens?"
The McDonald’s study looked at the traffic patterns in the immediate vicinity of the proposed fast-food restaurant: Detroit, Woodward, Edwards and Hall avenues.
Tfacey
7:14 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
""The general lack of crashes at the Detroit Avenue/Hall Aevnue and Detroit Avenue/Woodward Avenue is a clear indication of how efficiently traffic is flowing through the study area," the report said."
For now. Add 450 cars per rush hour and see how that works.
Karen Morris
8:36 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Are you kidding me remove the light and cross walk at Hall? This is nuts, they will do anything to get this place built (The company), who cares about the walkers from Harding right, who cares that we on Hall can't even get out onto Detroit as it stands now, when the light turns green 1 car can make it through before it changes again! Then lets just add another 450 cars per rush hour into that mix, just peachy!
Mary
8:50 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
There are two McDonald's in Lakewood. Why would we need a third? This is such a terrible idea.
Alex Vandehoff
9:21 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Welcome to the party Mary, you're a bit late.
The Sloane location will close when this one opens.
Karen is correct, removing that light and crosswalk is an awful idea - that is not an easy intersection to get out of as it is.
Mary
9:01 am on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Thank you for the snarky comment letting me know that it is closing. I will be sure to do more research prior to commenting again.
Brandon Scullion
9:41 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
If they really end up tearing down this historic structure, they sure as Bleep better salvage every piece of significance. The Marquee, the seats, the facade, the ticket booth and even the projectors.
Here's to hoping.
Peter Grossetti
10:23 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
@Brandon - there are numerous businesses dedicated to salvaging and re-purposing materials from building sites that are demolished. Perhaps "The City" and the Lakewood Historial Society (who has been eeriely quiet on this whole issue ) can "strongly suggest" to McD's that they employ the services of such a business prior to demolishion.
I must say, though, that just because a building is old and holds lots of memories doesn't make it "historic." If that were the case, 98% of Lakewood's homes would have a Historic Landmark designation.
Dennis Spirgen
7:24 am on Thursday, October 20, 2011
Peter - I'm sure you thought you were joking, but I believe someone has already raised the idea of declaring the entire city a "historic district" based on its significance as a fine example of a trolly-car suburb.
Peter Grossetti
9:18 am on Thursday, October 20, 2011
@ Dennis Spirgen - No, not a joke at all. I stand by my opinion. opinion. opinion.
If, indeed, someone is looking into the possibility of having the entire City a historic district, I would be very interested in following that as it developed. Does any Patch reader know who is authorzied to grant "Historic Landmark/District" designation?
Michele Marotta
4:24 pm on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Oh, and did anyone realize the church on the very same corner has a food pantry day that locks up traffic most of the day as it is. I think ALL factors need to be looked at within this "study" not just the "what if" factor. My kids cross there every school day, I don't want to start seeing more accidents with those 450 extra people!
Marylin
9:17 pm on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
This whole thing is being shoved down our throats. No need to reqd between the lines McDonalds...we don't want you here in our neighborhood!
Peter Grossetti
9:22 pm on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
@Marilyn - But it would be OK if they stayed where they are on Sloane Avenue, right? (not in my backyard!!!)
Marylin
10:27 pm on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Peter, your ego is showing. Enough one-upmanship. I don't want McDonalds anywhere in my neighborhood. Period. Kindly refrain from reinventing my statements to feed your self-importance.
Peter Grossetti
7:21 am on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Marilyn - I thought it was a simple, civil and legitimate question that would help clarify a point of discussion. And by neighborhood, do you mean the Woodward Ave area, or Lakewood in general? And when you use the word "we"(as in "we don't want you here in our neighborhood") who are you referring to?