Dear residents of Pittsfield Township,

I am writing to formally petition the Washtenaw County Road Commission for the installation of a crosswalk on Golfside Road, specifically in the vicinity of Fresh Thyme, Masjid Taqwa and the surrounding apartment complexes. This initiative aims to enhance pedestrian safety and alleviate the hazards associated with road crossings in the area.

Background:

The area surrounding the Golfside Drive near Fresh Thyme has witnessed a surge in pedestrian traffic in recent times, primarily due to residents traversing between the numerous apartment buildings behind the mosque, the mosque itself, and nearby establishments such as Fresh Thyme, the Liquor Store and Crunch Fitness gym. Unfortunately, the current infrastructure lacks adequate provisions for pedestrian crossings, compelling individuals to resort to hazardous practices such as crossing the road mid-block or before intersections.

Issues:

Hazardous Road Crossings: The absence of a designated crosswalk results in pedestrians risking their safety by crossing the road in areas where there is no pedestrian infrastructure. This poses a significant danger, especially during peak traffic hours when vehicles are speeding to make green lights.

Inadequate Lighting: Another concern is the lack of sufficient lighting along Golfside Drive, particularly at night. The insufficient illumination exacerbates the risk for pedestrians, as drivers may have difficulty spotting them while crossing the road due to the curvature of the road as well as it being dark.

Proposal: In light of the aforementioned issues, I propose the installation of a crosswalk near Fresh Thyme, connecting to the apartment buildings on Golfside Drive. This crosswalk would serve to improve pedestrian safety and address the growing demand for safer road crossings in the area. Additionally, implementing enhanced lighting along the road would further contribute to mitigating the risks associated with nighttime crossings. 

Benefits:

Enhanced Safety: A designated crosswalk would provide a safer route for pedestrians, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Improved Accessibility: The presence of a crosswalk would improve accessibility for residents of the adjacent apartments, worshippers attending the mosque, residents safely crossing to get their groceries at Fresh Thyme and patrons of nearby establishments, promoting walking as a viable mode of transportation.

Better Visibility: Installing additional lighting along Golfside Drive would enhance visibility for both pedestrians and drivers, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents, especially during nighttime hours.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, I urge Pittsfield Township to prioritize pedestrian safety and consider the installation of a crosswalk on Golfside Drive. By addressing these concerns and implementing appropriate measures, we can create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment for residents and visitors alike. I URGE ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION.