In what could be the most important economic step in decades for the City of Grand Rapids, civic leaders are urging transit officials to closely review a recent streetcar feasibility study that suggests the initial 1.6 mile streetcar route could leverage $388 million in investment and 700 jobs. Civic leaders say that, while the study isn’t a flat out yes for the streetcar, next steps need to be considered seriously and a plan developed for moving forward.
According to excerpts from the story:
Results of a feasibility study indicate that a streetcar system in the downtown area - just the first 1.6-mile segment of it - would spur some $388 million in new development and create more than 700 new jobs in Kent County over nine years.
The Interurban Partnership Board accepted the feasibility study late last month and referred it back to the Strategic Planning Committee for further analysis. The committee will identify the next steps in the process.
The action should not be misconstrued as an irrevocable vote for a streetcar system, Chairman Don Lawless stressed. Mayor George Heartwell said it wasn't a vote for a streetcar, but a vote on ?a vision for our community.
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