Land use and zoning issues have hindered development of the Van Born Road Corridor that spans the Cities of Dearborn Heights and Taylor, MI, for years. Recognizing the benefits of developing a comprehensive corridor improvement strategy, the two communities joined forces to complete the Van Born Road Corridor Streetscape Improvement Plan. Extending four miles from Inkster Road on the west side to Pelham Road on the east side, the corridor contains a mixture of conflicting land uses, shallow sites that limit redevelopment opportunities, and a host of other land use and regulatory issues.

The study area was divided into three sub-areas to focus improvements on the unique design needs of each. This tailored approach aided in addressing variations in visual and spatial characteristics, quality, land uses, and development. Outcomes from the planning and design effort will be staged for short- and long-term actions to address immediate and long-range needs that are unique to each sub-area’s opportunities and constraints.

A robust community engagement program helped to shape final recommendations. A stakeholder committee comprised of 18 representatives from businesses, neighborhood leaders, and Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) and Planning Commission members, provided input to the design team throughout the process. In addition, more than 100 citizens participated in a community-wide public information workshop conducted after the initial conceptual design alternatives were formulated.

Streetscape design recommendations focus on public improvements within the right-of-way. Several road configuration alternatives were developed based on traffic studies, previous similar corridor projects, and Van Born Road’s existing conditions. The overarching goals of each design are to improve safety for pedestrians and automobiles, reduce stormwater runoff, increase multi-modal transportation and connectivity, and transform Van Born Road into a local destination for business and housing.