MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Plans for upcoming developments in Meridian Township in 2016 have evoked some concern among residents about issues of traffic.

"Anytime you add people to an area, you're going to add traffic," Planning Commissioner Patricia Jackson said.

Public hearings over upcoming projects such as the Chick-Fil-A on Grand River Ave., group daycare homes in both Haslett and Okemos, and the Okemos Pointe apartment complex on Jolly Rd. and Okemos Rd. have showed concern about potential traffic concerns.

"We have to think about that when we allow people to develop their property in these areas," Jackson said.

According to Assistant Police Chief Ken Plaga, one of the most heavily travelled ares is the Okemos, Jolly intersection which may be why residents are concerned, but developers with the Okemos Pointe project are planning accordingly.

"We're gonna be bringing construction traffic in in ways not to cause a problem with local traffic patterns," Chief Operating Officer of Westpac Campus Communities Will Randle said.

Development projects could potentially lead to more traffic accidents due to congestion during construction, but Plaga said developments that have gone on throughout the year have increased traffic, but that at this point, the township is down 50 accidents for the year.

The Planning Commission takes traffic into consideration when approving requests and keeps the well being of the township's residents in mind when they make these decisions, Jackson said.

The Meridian Township Police Department said that drivers can remain safe in these construction periods by limiting distractions, leaving earlier to accommodate for longer travel times, and if necessary, driving below posted speeds.

"Take time, don't hurry, and be considerate of other drivers," Plaga said. "Patience is key."