Dear Editor:
I wanted to make residents aware of the proposal by the Washtenaw County Road Commission to not only repave Werkner Rd. from Sibley Rd. to M-52, but to widen it by as much as 12 feet as well.
This, unfortunately, will require them to chop down many of beautiful 100+ year old oaks trees that line and provide a gorgeous canopy over the road. Removing them will have an adverse chain effect on the local environment. For many decades, these trees have provided water absorption, wildlife habitat, soil stability and just plain beauty to neighbors and travelers alike.
First, I’d like to sincerely thank the road commission for all that they do in keeping our roads safe. They work extremely hard and we can’t thank them enough, really.
Does Werkner Rd need to be repaved? Absolutely! Does the road commission have the right to do whatever they want in their 66’ right of way? No doubt about it. Does it make sense to widen the road though? No, it does not. They’re claiming a safety issue even though of the 6 accidents on this stretch since 2020, 5 were deer related. In fact, studies show widening could have a more adverse effect. Also, just a block away, there is a newer, nicely paved and maintained biking and hiking trail. Even the child care center at Werkner and Sibley is expressing serious safety concerns about the widening.
There are many roads in Sylvan Township that need attention. One that comes to my mind is Pierce Rd. between Bush and Cavanaugh Lake Rd. but I’m sure there are worse ones out there. Why not take the money saved by just repaving Werkner (instead of widening it) and put the funds to taking care of other roads in the township?
What can you do? We have a neighborhood meeting planned that you can attend in Chelsea. It is this Sunday, January 11 at 3:30 p.m. at the Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington St., Room 115. While the road commission has scheduled two informational meetings in February, I don’t believe at that point, we would be successful in having them revise their plans.
We’d love to see you Sunday. You could also express your opposition by contacting your township/city officials, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and/or the Washtenaw County Road Commission.
You can support us by signing our petition (and also make comments which I encourage). We already have 765 signatures.
https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-county-from-cutting-down-100-year-old-trees-along-werkner-rd
Your support is appreciated.
Greg Johnson
Sylvan Township
