By Maggie LaNoue
Contributing Writer
April 25, 2025
In a community facing potholes, food insecurity, and aging infrastructure, Albion’s 5th Precinct meeting offered something rare: hopeful collaboration.
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Councilperson Vivian Davis brought experts from across Calhoun County to share information on local public transportation, detours, dangers of lead, and recreational activities.
The meeting, held at Marshall Opportunity High School in the old library, welcomed dozens of residents who left with folders of resources and a clearer picture of the challenges and the cooperative efforts currently underway in Albion.
Albion supported the transit millage overwhelmingly, and we thank you for that…
After a greeting from Davis, the first speaker was Mallory Avis, director of public transit for the City of Battle Creek. She described how Albion residents with transportation needs can now use the Ride Calhoun system (BCGo) to request rides. However, the countywide service has more requests than it can handle now. A dedicated vehicle for Albion will begin service by about June 2.
This improvement was made possible by the city’s voter- approved transportation millage. Rides within city limits cost just $3 each way, while longer trips, such as to Firekeeper’s Casino, may cost up to $15 each way. The service is ADA-accessible and available on smartphones through the BCGo Calhoun County app.
“Albion supported the transit millage overwhelmingly, and we thank you for that… This wasn’t thrown together,” said Avis.
Albion’s aging infrastructure increases the challenges of maintaining roads while dealing with buried sewer and gas lines, some over a century old.
Jason Kern, public works director, discussed Albion’s aging infrastructure and the challenges of maintaining roads while dealing with buried sewer and gas lines, some over a century old.
He shared that the department is experimenting with new patching techniques and investing in upgraded equipment and staff development to improve service. “We’re encouraging as many people [on staff] to become licensed as possible.
We think that a well-educated workforce is going to serve our citizens best. They just went through training with the Michigan Rural Water Association in March. It’s a good investment in our guys, too,” said Kern.
Visit the Albion Department of Public Services on Facebook to report individual potholes that are causing issues, to learn about the Albion Tree Dump schedule, to see photos of progress around town, and more.
“I discovered we had a gem here in Albion… great staff, stable council, and a community going through a renaissance.”
Doug Terry stepped in as Albion’s interim city manager in November 2024. He had previously retired in 2022 after serving 15 years as city manager in Litchfield—a rare long tenure in municipal government. Following his retirement, Terry was briefly called back to Belleville, then went on to serve in Charlotte and Portland before coming to Albion.
Rather than simply “keeping the seat warm” during the interim, Terry said he saw something magical in Albion and decided to invest his full energy into the community. He also has a personal connection to the city, his brother graduated from Albion College in 1975, and Terry spent time here as a teenager. Now living nearby, he and his wife shop in Albion and enjoy supporting local businesses.
“I discovered we had a gem here in Albion… great staff, stable council, and a community going through a renaissance. It’s been a wonderful experience since November for me,” Terry said.
Stephanie Freeman from the Calhoun County Public Health Department next shared information about Albion’s lead education and faucet replacement program. CCHD will send postcards to households with some members on Medicaid, and there will be fliers at some businesses. Those eligible may receive faucet replacements from Home Depot and more through the Get Ahead of Lead program.
Free lead testing is available to children under six and pregnant women on Medicaid. The lead testing program is available at the CCHD office in the Cram Building behind the Bohm Theatre. Lead in homes, including pipes and old paint, can affect young people, cause damage to the brain and nervous system, and slow growth and development.
Children affected by lead poisoning may also have learning and behavior problems and hearing and speech problems, according to the CDC.gov website.
Freeman explained, “We’ll do what the State of Michigan tells us to do, based on the science.”
“I try to make it as inexpensive as possible for every kid to participate. I don’t want money to be the reason a child can’t have that experience.”
Jill Hinde of the YMCA and Milt Barnes of Play Right Sports shared information about their programs that help fill the recreation gap after the city’s recreation department closed. Current and upcoming programs include mentoring, open gyms, and arts-based initiatives. See the recreation opportunities for Albion on this link: https://www.cityofalbionmi.gov/departments/recreation/index.php
Play Right Sports also offers seasonal sports and a youth golf program, while the YMCA provides summer engagement opportunities. Barnes spoke about the importance of organized physical activities for Albion youth.
“It’s important to keep our youth busy and active and give them something constructive to do. That’s what we try to do here. We want kids to realize there are other sports besides football and basketball, and that they deserve a safe, positive environment,” said Barnes.
He added: “I try to make it as inexpensive as possible for every kid to participate. I don’t want money to be the reason a child can’t have that experience.”
Visit Play Right Sports on Facebook to learn more including the Wildcat Gold League at the Burr Oak Golf Course for the summer of 2025.
Davis spoke briefly about the Community Table of Albion continuing to address food insecurity with weekly food distributions.
Hundreds of families receive food bags, which local volunteers place into their vehicles’ trunks. Albion Health Care Alliance manages this program.
Although the distribution location changes after July 22, the program remains active. Residents are encouraged to follow the Community Table on Facebook for updates.
Dozens of residents also attended the meeting, and their questions reflected their deep concern for the city’s future.
There were questions about the Hannah Street bridge construction, which causes detours for area residents, the number of brand new vehicles the city is using, vegetable gardens in front yards, and more.
The evening made it clear that while Albion faces significant challenges, collaborative actions are underway to address them.
Street Maintenance & Bridge Repair Schedule – Albion, MI
Orange Streets (Maintenance Schedule):
- Begin Ionia: Around April 1, 2025
- Begin Berrien: Around July 1, 2025
- Begin Broadwell: Around October 1, 2025
Blue Streets (Maintenance Schedule):
- Michigan Ave: March 31, 2025 – May 24, 2025
- Burr Oak: May 26, 2025 – August 23, 2025
- N. Eaton (Broadwell to Austin) and Austin (Superior to Arthur): July 14, 2025 – November 25, 2025
- N. Eaton (Austin to Mulberry): March 16, 2026 – May 31, 2026
Green Streets (Maintenance Schedule):
- Ash (Superior to S. Eaton) and S. Eaton (Ash to dead end): March 31, 2025 – July 14, 2025
- Ash (S. Eaton to Ann), S. Ann (Ash to Cass), and Cass (S. Ann to S. Superior): July 21, 2025 – November 14, 2025
Bridge Preventative Maintenance Projects:
Phase 1:- E. Erie Street (West Bridge)
- E. Cass Street Bridge
- S. Hannah Street Bridge
- N. Eaton Street Bridge
- Duration: March 31, 2025 – May 8, 2025
- E. Erie Street (East Bridge)
- S. Hannah Street Bridge
- N. Clinton Street Bridge
- Duration: May 12, 2025 – June 21, 2025
There was also mention of a city wide cleanup coming on June 21. Residents can put things out by the curb for pickup. Some items, like tires, will not be picked up.
Learn about what is accepted and what is not by clicking here.
Learn more about Albion Transportation Options and other resources mentioned here by visiting The “Index to Albion Resources” here: https://albionmich.net/albion_index/
Watch for a detailed article about Transportation Options coming soon in The Recorder and on this website.
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