In a press release written by SEMCOG on November 11, 2025
SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, has awarded $1,427,429 in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for a 1.4-mile pedestrian Bloomfield Township safety project along Telegraph Road between Golf Drive to the north, and Mall Drive to the south, connecting people to transit, jobs, neighborhoods, apartments, parks, and a school. It also provides a critical sidewalk connection to the Clinton River Trail.
A ceremonial check presentation was made at Bloomfield’s Township Board meeting on Monday, November 11 to celebrate this project.
"The addition of this safety path will provide a secure and accessible route for pedestrians, connecting residents to nearby restaurants, retail centers, and other local destinations," said Mike McCready, Bloomfield Township Supervisor. "By improving walkability and expanding non-motorized transportation options, this project enhances both safety and quality of life in Bloomfield Township," McCready said.
“We need to make sure we've got some funding available to make those critical connections – from sidewalks to our trails, to our safety paths,” said Kevin Vettraino, Planning Director, SEMCOG. “We also would like to appreciate and recognize the allies that we have in Congress. They bring great resources to our communities. “The need for enhancing our transportation network is real, and we're going to do whatever we can to make sure that there's a program that is going to reach the entire region on over the next number of years,” said Vettraino.
“To speak briefly about the township's success with the initial Tap grant that occurred last year at Telegraph, Franklin, and Square Lake,” said Corey Almas, PE, Director of Engineering and Environmental Services. “Because of the success of that project, we felt it imperative to apply for another TAP grant that covers the extension of the northbound Telegraph Road from Mall Drive all the way up to Golf Drive,” said Almas.
“I come from local government,” said Samantha Steckloff, State Representative, District 18. “You're trying to manage these funds as best as possible, and it's really incredible that you take the time, that your staff is taking the time, that each one of you is taking the time to go after those matching funds,” said Steckloff.
“I am the chair of the Michigan Legislative Disability Caucus,” said Sharon MacDonell, State Representative, District 56. “This kind of project is really critical to help people who cannot drive and who are taking public transit, and they really need to be able to get safely to and from our transit points. So I'm thrilled to hear about this, and I'm sure the seniors and people with disabilities are going to take great advantage of it, so thank you so much,” said MacDonell.
Project highlights:
- Close a 1.4-mile sidewalk gap.
- Connects a neighboring community (Pontiac) and a new safety path it has created.
- Connects to the Clinton River Trail and the larger Great Lake-to-Lake Trail system.
- Improves local transit access on the SMART 375 Route (Pontiac to Taylor).
Left to right: Corey Almas, PE, Township Director of Engineering and Environmental Services; Neal J. Barnett, Township Trustee; Christopher Kolinski, Township Trustee; Akaash Kolluri, Oakland County Office of US Senator Elissa Slotkin; Kevin Vettraino, Planning Director, SEMCOG; Mike McCready, Township Supervisor; Michael Schostak, Township Treasurer, SEMCOG Delegate; Sharon MacDonell, State Representative, District 56; - Samantha Steckloff, State Representative, District 19; Valerie Murray, Township Trustee; Mark Antakli, Township Trustee.