What Are Those White Paint Spots Around Downtown?

"You Ask, Patch Answers" is where we strive to find answers to all your questions—big, small and in-between—about the town we live and work in.

Whether it’s something you’ve always wondered about, some information you just can’t put your hands on or a sudden curiosity, we want to hear it.

Send your queries to judy.davids@patch.com or leave them in the comments section below, and I will do my best to dig up an answer for you. You also can call me at 248-231-4667.

Patch reader Melissa asks: "I wondered if you had any scoop on these white paint spots I'm seeing on sidewalks around my neighborhood and downtown. I live on South West St (between Fifth and Sixth streets) and noticed several dots on different blocks of sidewalk. Curious what they're for."

To answer Melissa's question, Patch asked City Engineer Matt Callahan. Here's what he said:

The following is a short informational email we send to those people who are questioning the white dots they may notice on their sidewalks:

The City is currently surveying for next year's sidewalk replacement contract work in the area bounded by: (Mohawk, 10 Mile, the City's western boundary, Woodward, 12 Mile, Main Street, 11 Mile and Alexander ) using the criteria that the City Commission has approved. The criteria for marking sidewalks on the city website.

The criteria we are directed to follow was established by the City Commission in the mid-1990's and is our directive for the current sidewalk program. The criteria for a trip hazard – lift or settlement – is one-half inch to which we rigidly adhere.

Sidewalk responsibility is covered by City Code 650 which is available online at  http://ecode360.com/ro2029?needHash=true

In the early spring, you will receive official notification regarding the program and an estimate for the work at your address. If you have questions about the reason for a particular sidewalk being marked, Engineering will start scheduling review appointments for next year’s target area starting in April, after the notifications and cost estimates have been mailed. I hope this answers your current questions.