Belle Isle Advisory Committee

Details to join today via Teams or Phone can be found on the website >> https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/boards/belle-isle

This morning’s agenda 👇 https://t.co/7njy150SvG

Twitter thread from the last meeting of this committee in May can be found here >> https://twitter.com/organizedoracle/status/1659210454391197696

The meeting is called to order promptly at 9am. We have Chair Michele Hodges and member Michael Curis present.

Park update from Karis Floyd -
30 different groups doing various projects from Flint, Pontiac, and Detroit through a mentoring program.

All sports leagues are up and running.

Scott Fountain had a flooding issue so it will be down for a bit. Update will be shared on Facebook.

MDOT strikes happening (not associated with the mobility plan)

Picnic Shelters are rented through Labor Day.

Event and Wedding requests are still happening despite the Casino and Flint buildings closed.

Revenue is up from last year and selling more recreation passes.

Two new rangers starting on July 24th. About to hire a General Office Assistance, one full time Janitor and one seasonal Janitor and reposted for Park Supervisor.

Infrastructure updates from Amanda Treadwell –

Along with below images, there are several other spots below boiler room and on the south side that require attention. All drains have been scoped, and repairs are happening. This week, wiring for new condenser will be installed. https://t.co/8fF833UpZ3

Open House held July 8th, turn out details below. https://t.co/RLBilFd1sm

Feedback is still being collected through July 24th via 313-261-5059 or treadwella@michigan.gov. https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/prd/bip-study https://t.co/D8K8DTMOvf

A YouTube link was shared of a recorded presentation that the public is encouraged to view with more details of the Mobility Study >>

Good feedback on having a dedicated bike lane on the bridge. A need to adjust the toll booth location and processes and reduce back ups on the bridge. https://t.co/Apl619uSRy

Community feedback resoundingly shared that a one way traffic loop is preferred. https://t.co/t6lj736g48

Central Avenue for All recommends creating a pedestrian corridor and increase pedestrian safety. Including different ways around the island with more wayfinding and ADA accessible connections. https://t.co/Uf14wX2U5g

The team is proposing mobility hubs around the park including maps and Mogo bikes. https://t.co/YKisd3qHHU

Eugene and Elaine C. Driker Trail and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Trail construction bid documents are due July 26th. These trails will complete the park loop and should be complete in 2024. https://t.co/44SriQhAtD

Parks and Rec update from Ron Olson –

Recommendation of $43m for infrastructure projects on Belle Isle, but $23m is what came out of the conference committee. $10m would be earmarked for HVAC in Conservatory and Aquarium. The budget has not yet been signed.

Due to the Grand Prix leaving the island there was $450k permit fees and negotiated amount that is lost revenue. With the ARPA funds now the operating budget will balance out and any revenue generated on the island goes back to the operating budget in a restricted fund.

Law Enforcement Update from Todd Szyska –

The island has been busy! Speeding is a large issue, the speed limit posted is 25mph.

Great Detroit Metro Youth Day event and shout outs given for the support in that.

Conservancy update from Ayo Thomas –

Below is the hours each facility is open and any fees associated along with information on the bus routes available. https://t.co/D2FYeurLzp

Detroit Boat Club Crew placed 1st in the Rowing Youth National Championships in Florida. Congratulations Carly, Ava, Olivia, and Ryleigh! 🎉🎉

Oudolf Garden is open year-round and guided tours are available for groups of 25+ with a suggested donation amount. Boardwalk construction has begun that will allow people to get closer and explore more. https://t.co/NxQ1BSrf75

TONIGHT July 20th - Nature at Night 7pm

August 19th 11am-4pm Bee Fest

Free admission for both events.

Over by the ice tree closes to the beach you’ll notice this new installation! Once open, you can go to this booth and record your 90 second stories and listen to others. https://t.co/CpYZzhvSG9

Saturday, July 22, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Belle Isle Conservancy hosts the second annual Community Fun Day at the Belle Isle Aquarium featuring an exciting afternoon of art, music, dance, storytelling, games and activities, food trucks and more!
https://www.detroitparkscoalition.com/freedom-arts-festival

Upcoming Events! https://t.co/uW1z7ZAE3Q

Public Comment - 3 minutes each

1. Robin gives update that the annual Garden Party in September on Belle Isle will not be held this year due to construction of the conservatory.

1. Patrick wrote he hopes the mobility study will deconstruct and repurpose the former Grand Prix paddock area, he suggests an open meadow design.

That concludes the BIPAC Meeting for July 20th, 2023. For more meeting coverage, check out http://documenters.org. #detdocumenters If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.