Residents Demand Fix for Crumbling McLain Street in Lincoln Park

Years of potholes, flooding, and deteriorating road conditions frustrate Lincoln Park neighbors

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:55pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing a flooded street with deep potholes and blurred headlights reflecting in the puddles, conveying the melancholy mood and deteriorating conditions described in the story.Crumbling infrastructure and chronic flooding on a residential street in Lincoln Park leave neighbors frustrated and seeking a permanent solution from city officials.Lincoln Park Today

Residents along a stretch of McLain Avenue in Lincoln Park, Michigan have endured years of crumbling road conditions, including dozens of potholes, pooling water, and a rough ride that has only worsened after recent severe storms. Neighbors say the uneven surface has led to vehicle damage and made the street nearly impassable, with some drivers avoiding parking on the street altogether.

Why it matters

The poor road conditions on McLain Street are not only a nuisance for local residents, but also create safety hazards and accessibility issues for delivery drivers, garbage trucks, and other vehicles that must traverse the area. The ongoing deterioration highlights the need for Lincoln Park to prioritize infrastructure improvements in this neighborhood.

The details

Residents say the potholes and standing water have become so bad that some drivers avoid parking on the street, with people instead parking on nearby grass. The recent severe weather, including a tornado, has further exacerbated the problems. City crews occasionally come out to make temporary repairs, but neighbors say the fixes don't hold up. Lincoln Park's city manager says engineers have ordered staking on the street and are designing a storm drain to address the drainage issues fueling the road's deterioration.

  • In the past two years since moving to the area, neighbor Nadia Shelton has witnessed the potholes and flooding worsen.
  • The recent severe thunderstorms and tornado have significantly deepened the potholes and worsened the flooding on McLain Street.

The players

Nadia Shelton

A resident who has lived on McLain Street for the past two years and has seen the road conditions steadily deteriorate.

Christine Brohl

A neighbor who says the poor road conditions impact not just residents, but also delivery drivers and other vehicles that must traverse the street.

George Rodriguez

A resident who describes the situation on McLain Street as "so bad, very, very bad."

Lisa Griggs

The Lincoln Park City Manager, who says the city is moving toward a longer-term solution to address the drainage and road issues on McLain Street.

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What they’re saying

“You wouldn't want to come home to this every single day.”

— Nadia Shelton, Resident

“I feel bad for the garbage men. I feel bad for the UPS people. I feel bad for all delivery services. Especially everyone that has to drive through this.”

— Christine Brohl, Resident

“Get it fixed. Just please get it fixed. Bottom line.”

— George Rodriguez, Resident

What’s next

Lincoln Park city engineers have ordered staking on McLain Street and are currently designing a storm drain system to address the drainage problems fueling the road's deterioration. The city says it is 'getting very close' to resolving the long-standing issues on the street.

The takeaway

The ongoing problems with potholes, flooding, and crumbling infrastructure on McLain Street in Lincoln Park highlight the need for the city to prioritize infrastructure improvements in this neighborhood. Residents are frustrated with the temporary fixes and are demanding a permanent solution to make the street safe and accessible for all who use it.