GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority recommended a public review Wednesday of a draft of the GR Forward community plan.
The DDA says that GR Forwardis three planning processes in one. The plan incorporates an update to the Downtown Plan, a Grand River Corridor Plan, and new master plans for several Grand Rapids Public School facilities in and around downtown. Three committees of 132 people and more than 3,600 residents have had input on the plans.
The main strategies of the plan are:
- Restore the Grand River and create a “river corridor”
- Establish a true downtown diverse neighborhood
- Implement a modern transportation strategy
- Reinvest in public space, culture and inclusive programs
- Retain and attract families, talent and job providers with high quality public schools
- Expand job opportunities for the local economy
The plan will be presented to the Grand Rapids City Planning Commission on July 23 and if approved, the Grand Rapids City Commission on July 28. Then the plan will be open for public review for 42 days.
