The City of Battle Creek will begin a significant water and street improvement project in the Post-Franklin neighborhood starting Monday, March 16. The area’s water system is over a century old, and the project aims to replace outdated watermains, remove lead and galvanized service lines, and reconstruct streets and sidewalks.
As part of this process, some residents still need to submit their signed Lead Service Consent Form. According to the city, “When crews reach your block, we cannot reconnect lead or galvanized lines to the new watermain. Homes without a completed consent form will have water service shut off until the form is returned. If you have not yet submitted your form, please do so as soon as possible.”
Key upgrades planned for the neighborhood include replacing 4.53 miles of watermain and 517 water services—many of which contain lead or galvanized materials—improving storm sewers, installing new asphalt streets, curbs, gutters, driveway approaches, sidewalks, and ADA-compliant ramps. The work is expected to span two construction seasons with most activities completed in 2026.
Residents should expect temporary disruptions such as blocked driveways during work directly in front of properties (with advance notice), closed sidewalk sections for replacement, changes in on-street parking locations as needed, and planned water service interruptions announced by 48-hour door hanger notices. After replacement of service lines, residents will receive instructions on flushing their home plumbing systems—a necessary step—and restoration work on sidewalks and lawns will follow.
For general questions about the project, community members are encouraged to contact the Department of Public Works at 269-966-3311.
The city also provided updates on several other topics:
The annual State of the Community address was recorded on February 27 with leaders from Battle Creek and neighboring cities participating in a panel discussion about local accomplishments and priorities. “We expect to have the full video available by next week for neighbors to watch back and listen to,” stated city officials. The video will be accessible via AccessVision TV channels and online platforms including YouTube and battlecreekmi.gov. Residents can continue submitting questions about community issues through March using the “City Spotlights” section at battlecreekmi.gov.
Voters are reminded there will be three elections this year: a special election on May 5; state primary on August 4; and state general election on November 3. Nine-day early voting periods apply only for August’s primary and November’s general elections—not May’s special election. Absentee voter applications are being mailed out now for those who previously requested them automatically. More details can be found on the City Clerk’s election page.
The Battle Creek Fire Department continues offering free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for installation through a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant program. Devices are also available for residents who are hearing impaired. Homeowners within city limits can learn more or request installation via the Fire Department’s smoke alarm program page.
An annual rain barrel and composter sale runs through March; standard barrels made from repurposed food containers cost $78 each while stationary composters are $88.50 each. Orders must be placed online by March 31 at bcwater.org/events with pickup scheduled for April 15 at Public Works headquarters.
Recent episodes of both BC City Connection podcasts—covering topics such as Neighborhood Planning Councils’ role in community development—are now available via YouTube or podcast apps by searching “BC City Connection” or “BC City Connection: Housing Edition.”
Residents may sign up for direct alerts covering construction projects, road closures, boil advisories, elections information, emergency notifications and more by visiting battlecreekmi.gov under “I Want To…” then selecting “Alerts & Notifications.”
Battle Creek City Commission meetings typically occur on first and third Tuesdays each month at City Hall with opportunities for public comment during regular sessions held at 7 p.m., next scheduled for March 17. Meetings are open to all in person but also broadcast live on AccessVision channels (Comcast Channel 17/917; AT&T U-verse Channel 100) as well as streamed online via accessvision.tv or YouTube channel replays.
Agendas are generally posted ahead of meetings on battlecreekmi.gov under “Your Government” > “Mayor and Commission.” Paper copies are available from the City Clerk’s office during business hours.
“This is the Mayor of the City of Battle Creek, Mark Behnke. Thank you, and please have a great weekend!”
