06/09/2007

M-37 on Old Mission Peninsula may soon be scenic route

MDOT considers designation for the highway

By VICTOR SKINNER

vskinner@record-eagle.com

and CHRISTINE FINGER

cfinger@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — The Michigan Department of Transportation may soon designate a local highway a scenic heritage route in an effort to preserve the road's agricultural, rural and scenic characteristics.

An 18-mile stretch of M-37 in Peninsula Township, from Peninsula Drive to Old Mission Point, could join Michigan's four other scenic heritage routes if MDOT does not receive any significant objections to the plan by July 9.

"This is one way to ensure that the future for generations to come will be able to experience the road the way it is now,” said Bob Felt, spokesman for MDOT. "I think you are going to get a lot of agreement from the local community because the Old Mission Peninsula is so unique.”

Gordon Hayward, Peninsula Township planner, said establishing the Old Mission Peninsula Scenic Heritage Route has been a long-standing goal because it will enhance the township's ability to implement its master plan.

"The township has been looking at designating the M-37 corridor since 1995, off and on, as part of the planning for the township,” he said. "It gives the township the opportunity to work with state agencies, utilities and any other group that would propose changes within the M-37 corridor.”

Old Mission Tavern manager Joe Bartnick believes the designation would likely benefit the family-owned business by maintaining the peninsula's unique beauty.

"I have always called this the Cape Cod of the Midwest. It is just beautiful,” Bartnick said. "It is a beautiful drive and part of coming out here is the drive.”

The designation also could boost tourist-related businesses by bringing more people out on the peninsula, said Rock Wilson, manager of Peninsula Market.

"I am in favor of structured change ... based on the viability of the peninsula and maintaining its essence,” Wilson said. "Our businesses are based on tourism to a large extent. Anything that would make the peninsula more inviting to bring people out is a good thing.”

The designation won't bring immediate changes along the route, but possible projects could include utility pole relocation, addition of bike lanes, scenic turnouts and roadside parks.

The local scenic heritage route committee will include community members, township government, developers, and historical society and land conservancy representatives.

Hayward said the designation also will enhance opportunities to obtain state and federal funds for projects along the route.