Chelsea Chat Covers Sidewalks, Deer and New Park

Chelsea’s second Mayor & Manager Off Main gathering had no formal agenda, but community members arrived with plenty to discuss.

Mayor Kate Henson and City Manager Elle Cole fielded questions Saturday morning at Agricole Farm Stop about downtown sidewalks, traffic safety, deer management and the approaching opening of Holmes Family Park. The informal series gives people a chance to speak directly with city leaders outside the structure of a City Council meeting.

Moving Through Downtown

Much of the conversation centered on how people move through Chelsea.

One participant raised concerns about bicycles and skateboards on narrow downtown sidewalks, particularly with the skate park at Holmes Family Park preparing to open.

Cole said Chelsea is developing a “Walk Your Way Through Town” campaign encouraging people to walk bicycles and other wheeled devices through downtown.

“I don’t want them to be in the streets,” Cole said. “I want them to walk their way through town.”

Existing ordinances already address bicycles and skateboards, but officials are reviewing whether the language should be updated to include electric bicycles, scooters, one-wheeled devices and other newer forms of transportation.

Participants encouraged the city to pair any changes with education for students, employees and park visitors. Cole said local schools could be included as the campaign develops.

The discussion then broadened to sidewalk conditions. Chelsea is beginning a three-meeting process to identify gaps, hear public concerns and set priorities for future work.

Officials also discussed Safe Routes to School recommendations, including concerns about students walking along stretches of roads where sidewalks are unavailable.

Another participant asked the city to consider a traffic signal near Silver Maples. Cole said a broader traffic review would follow the sidewalk work and could examine signals, stop signs, one-way streets, parking and signs directing visitors to available spaces.

Henson said the section of Old U.S. 12 under discussion is already included in the city’s capital improvement planning.

Deer Questions Lead to Follow-Up

The group also discussed the size of Chelsea’s deer population, the removal of carcasses from private property and where people can find reliable information.

After questions arose about guidance from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Henson suggested inviting a DNR representative to meet with officials and community members. The meeting could clarify responsibilities, available options and where residents can seek consistent answers.

Park Opening Draws Near

Cole said Chelsea has developed a schedule for maintaining and eventually replacing the features at Holmes Family Park and plans to set aside money each year for future capital needs.

Officials said the park was expected to be completed around July 31, with a possible soft opening before its Aug. 21-22 grand opening celebration.