A crowd packed the Hillsdale Community Library on Wednesday to discuss the recently approved Hillsdale City Road Diet plan.
The session, which was initially scheduled to be an official public meeting, turned into a simple gathering, as only four members of the city council attended, which was not enough for a quorum.
Council members Matt Bentley, Jacob Bruns, Gary Wolfram, and Mayor Pro-Tem Joshua Palidino were in attendance.
Despite the lack of formal status, more than 20 attendees—business owners to residents—took the opportunity to voice support or concerns. Supporters spoke about the dangers of streets and parking conditions.
Former Mayor Greg Bailey urged attendees to trust in the process, noting the plan’s approval by multiple government bodies.
Opponents raised concerns about the costs and transparency of the process.
Laura Smith encouraged residents to voice their frustrations to the Michigan Department of Transportation and become more involved in politics.
Organizers of the meeting emphasized the importance of respectful communication, despite differing opinions, and noted the event’s civil tone.
The meeting lasted over an hour.
The City Council voted last month to move forward with a grant application that, if approved, would fund re-striping Broad Street through downtown. The street would be reduced to one lane in each direction, with a center turn lane. Planners say the change will significantly improve safety for those parked along the street, as well as improving pedestrian safety.
The grant would also fund a number of street and parking improvements that are not related to the road diet.