Sterling Heights improving North Van Dyke corridor’s aesthetics, walkability

Sterling Heights, a Metro Detroit city known for its suburban style, is trying to become a little more urban with its $5.6-million North Van Dyke Corridor Improvement Plan.

The half-mile section of Van Dyke Avenue north of 18 Mile Road will be the primary focus of the streetscape project. Among the planned improvements are new, wider sidewalks with stamped concrete and brick pavers to encourage pedestrian traffic. New decorative street lights, benches, signing, trees, shrubs, crosswalks and other features will also be added. The city is also looking into helping local businesses with façade improvements.

The project will also look to link the corridor to nearby bike trails and the Clinton River to attract more non-motorized traffic. Another goal is to integrate it into the surrounding neighborhood.

Newer strip malls and big-box retailers along M-53 and M-59 have diverted shoppers away from this older retail hub in recent years. The idea is the new improvements will encourage more foot traffic to support the local stores. That will hopefully in turn will make it more appealing and bring new private investment to the corridor.

The city is working with local businesses and some developers interested in investing in the corridor. City officials hope to start construction as early as next spring or summer.

Source: Luke Bonner, Economic Development Manager for Sterling Heights
Writer: Jon Zemke