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Grand Rapids to hold launch parties to gain input on new master plan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The City of Grand Rapids has not developed a community master plan since 2002.

Now, it's starting the process by kicking off a campaign called "Bridge to Our Future." The city will be working with a nationally recognized municipal planning consultant called "Planning Next." Together with citizens and city leaders, they will develop a blueprint or vision for where future growth should develop in the city. A series of launch parties will be held later this month (see below) to give residents a voice to help plot out how development will occur in the city over the next 20 years.

The master plan and a municipality's zoning ordinance are vitally important. In Gaines Charter Township in southern Kent County, the planning commission in February 2022 rejected a developer's request to build a $100 million town center in a relatively rural part of the township, on 84th Street just east of Kalamazoo Avenue. American Kendall Properties LLC., based in Indianapolis, had originally proposed 550 apartment and townhouse units on an 82-acre parcel. The owner of the property, Lansing-based Eyde Co., turned around and sued the township for $4 million, saying the township's master plan, future land use plan and zoning allowed that kind of development. The township had to relent, and now Prairie Wolf Station will be built there over several years, although in a scaled-down form from the original plan.

So, the City of Grand Rapids' master plan will be key to how city officials, residents, business leaders and other stakeholders want to see development occur over the next two decades.

The city will be holding a series of launch parties for residents to provide input. The city says in a news release:

The launch parties are an essential part of the Community Master Plan process. While there is a meeting in all three wards, each will follow the same format and residents should choose to attend the event most convenient for them. Anyone can attend any session regardless of the ward in which they reside. To register, RSVP here. Attendees are welcome to attend without registering, but the RSVP will help ensure enough food and materials are at the events. The City encourages in-person attendance, but for those unable to attend, the activities can be accessed online after Feb. 15 here, along with more information about the Community Master Plan process.

“We’re asking for people of all backgrounds and points of view to attend one of these launch events,” Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington said. “It is vital that we hear from a diverse and varied number of citizens as we work to build a long-range vision that will represent the most inclusive plan for moving Grand Rapids forward now and for future generations. The aim is to build a unified concept that will earn buy-in from all sectors of the community.”

The launch party events are scheduled for:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 5-7 p.m.

(Second Ward)

Grand Rapids Public Schools University

1400 Fuller Ave. NE

  • Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 5-7 p.m.

(First Ward)

Union High School

1800 Tremont Blvd. NW

  • Thursday, Feb. 23, from 5-7 p.m.

(Third Ward)

Alger Middle School

921 Alger St. SE

There will be additional opportunities, with new activities, for public input during the next phase of the Community Master Plan process in the late spring and fall.

Appointed by Mayor Bliss, with consultation from city commissioners, the 47-member Grand Rapids Community Master Plan Steering Committee consists of individuals representing a wide and diverse cross-section of the city.

 

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