M. Alan Scott
BRIGHTON — Nearly 10 months after the completion of Downtown Brighton’s new streetscape, local retailers and industry groups across the state are praising the project’s design, creativity and end result.
The project, to be completed in 2023, was named a finalist for the Michigan League of Cities and Towns Community Access Award at the association’s annual conference in mid-September.
Throughout the conference, staff stood at booths promoting their projects and explaining the strategies used to assist companies during and after construction.
“We’ve had a lot of comments about how beautiful it is,” Mayor Gretchen Gomolka said. The work included replacing 100-year-old water mains, narrowing lanes and widening sidewalks to improve traffic flow and create more space for pedestrians and shoppers.
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Gomolka said feedback from the public has been positive.
“We’re seeing an increase in foot traffic and pedestrian traffic, and merchants are noticing it,” Gomolka said. “Everyone I’ve spoken to is impressed with the improvements. There seems to be a constant flow of people walking the streets and enjoying all that downtown has to offer.”
In a video posted to the city’s YouTube page, Ken Larscheid, owner of outdoor shoe and apparel retailer Running Lab, said he’s seen a noticeable increase in visitation.
“In my 13 years of life, I’ve never seen so many people strolling and walking,” he said.
Sidney Pulaski, owner of Sonny’s on the Corner, said the increase has been a boon to her business: While most of her customers last year were local, this year she’s seen more customers coming from further afield, including Northville, Plymouth and Royal Oak.
“I think in the long run, at least for us, it was all worth it,” said Pulaski, who sells women’s clothing and accessories, baby and toddler clothes and apparel for local sports teams. “It’s really good that all the festivals are back on because they bring new people to town.”
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Todd Buckley, co-owner of Wallflower Mercantile, said he’s seen a big increase in business compared to 2023. He and his wife, Natalie, recently opened Town to Trails Outfitters in the store next door.
“We knew what an incredible project this would be,” said Trisha Patrias, director of Explore Brighton Howell.
— M. Alan Scott is a freelance writer for The Livingston Daily. To contact the newsroom, please contact newsroom@livingstondaily.com.
