SAGINAW, MI — After a four-year shutdown, limited vehicle traffic is on track to return to Ojibway Island, even on some days when there are not special events like Country Fest or Gospel Fest.
Longtime City Councilman Michael Balls on Feb. 24 added his voice to sentiment first expressed by newcomer Eric Braddock at the Jan. 31 annual planning review.
Balls doesn’t buy the premise that Ojibway actually is better, more peaceful, when restricted to foot and bicycle traffic. He asserted, “We have a gem sitting there and it’s not being used.”
Incidents of misbehavior led City Manager Tim Morales in April 2021 to order the barricades on Ojibway’s oval drive. Council members at the time — including Balls, Mayor Brenda Moore and Bill Ostash — did not officially vote, but they stood behind the city manager’s authority as CEO of daily operations. Only Monique Lamar Silvia and former member Michael Flores raised questions, but they did not pursue them.
Morales has offered encouragement for restoring some life to the island. He notes that ARPA funds are restoring the bandshell and preserving the shoreline, making the park even more attractive. A top challenge that remains will be the asphalt pavement, not designed for today’s cars and trucks to cruise all day long.
Speaking of the number of days, that number is to be determined by the level of community support. Braddock, a volunteer youth sports coach, and Balls, a Big Brothers mentor, both say the key is to find volunteers for organized oversight that was lacking in the past. At the same time, Morales and his team would explore any funding options that may remain, public or private.
On the YouTube video of the Feb. 24 council meet, the brief Ojibway discussion begins at 59:35.
