By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Grand Rapids’ Uptown district aims to spur some major and lasting economic development by positioning the area as a possible Corridor Improvement District (CID). If successful, the CID will give Uptown an opportunity to capture taxes on commercial properties and apply for loans and grants to invest back into the four business districts represented—East Fulton, Eastown, East Hills and Wealthy Street.
But first, Uptown must devise a plan that details recommended improvements in streets, sidewalks, green space or vacant properties. An application to the City Commission must include the plan, a map noting the areas of proposed improvement, and an application.
“Every area has its issues, like lighting, sidewalk repairs and street repairs,” says Baird Hawkins, co-chair of the Uptown Forward Committee with Christine Helms-Maletic. “The business owners want to see something going on, and we want some way to finance improvements.”
Hawkins quickly points out that each district has a distinct personality, and the committee’s goal is to help each district maintain its character.
“We’ve been working for 16 months and we’ve hired (architectural firm) Williams and Works to lead us through the process, set up plans and a timeline,” Hawkins adds.
A recent Michigan Main Street designation from MSHDA provides additional opportunities for Uptown community members to learn urban planning, marketing techniques and other skills that will work hand-in-hand with the CID process to improve further the business corridors.
An August 19 visioning meeting to gather ideas from Uptown residents, business owners and property owners will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at 941 Wealthy St.
Source: Baird Hawkins, Uptown Forward Committee; Neighborhood Ventures
Related Articles
Revised Corridor Improvement policy aims to spur revitalization beyond downtown Grand Rapids
Deborah Johnson Wood is the development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.