Community Case Study: Saline

Saline is a community in Washtenaw County, located just 10 minutes southwest of Ann Arbor and northwest of the City of Milan where U.S. 12 (the historic Chicago-to-Detroit road) intersects the Saline River. According to the United States Census Bureau (2016), the city has a total area of 4.33 square miles of which 4.26 square miles is land and 0.07 square miles is water. As of the 2010 Census, Saline has a population of about 9,158 people. The largest employers in the Saline area are the Automotive Components Holdings Plant and the University of Michigan Health Center. Over 500 Saline area businesses are represented by, and are members of, the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.

Assessment Data

The windshield survey was conducted during the month

b. Streets use and public transportation

• Saline has a street network that provides safe and efficient movement of people and goods within and through the community.

• There are plenty of sidewalks especially in downtown area and paths that link residential areas, parks, schools and other community facilities, and shopping areas.

• Few people visible walking the streets within neighborhoods during winter.

• Personal automobiles are the dominant mode of transportation.

• Bus transportation is available to residents within the city limits and to certain destinations in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. A reservation is required at least 30 hours in advance and services are available just Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (excluding holidays).

c. Shopping-food

• There were two main grocery stores in Saline as sources of food: Busch’ and Walt-Mart. Both grocery stores have great selections and offer quality fresh foods and local and national brands. Over the last few years, Busch’s store been expanding its variety to include more Michigan made products and more items in the All Natural, Organic & Gluten free

• Other health services include mental health services, and clinic services for dental, family planning, and immunization.

• There are about 20 doctor offices, 3 Urgent Care clinics, 18 dental offices, about 11 offices that offer alternative medicine treatments, and 6 nursing homes (including hospice care).

• Emergency Services for Saline Township are provided by Huron Valley Ambulance upon calling 911.

• Laboratory, radiology, and physical therapy services are offered at the former local hospital location.

• The Individualized Care Management LLC is a home health agency that helps families and individuals who are assisting in caring for older adults.

• The Community Health Pavilion houses classes and health related events.

• Just less than eleven miles away from Downtown Saline is St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor that preserves Saline community’s access to hospital care.

(3) Environment

a.