Grand Rapids is receiving $4.3 million to make the Monroe North district more pedestrian friendly. The city was one of six communities selected by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for a Michigan Talent Partnership Program placemaking grant.
“This is really reformatting outdated car-centric infrastructure and reclaiming that space for more multimodal transportation.”
That’s Grand Rapids’ Economic Development Director Sarah Rainero.
“And greater access for the public between Belknap Hill and the Grand River.”
That access includes repairing the stairway from Fairbanks Street to Division Avenue.
“Putting investment into the existing stairs, adding a bicycle stairway, which is called a runnel, and landings and benches and lighting.”
Rainero says this area was chosen for revitalization due to it having the highest concentrations of 25-34-year-olds in the city.
“As well as all the work around what future investment could really look like in this section of the city.”
The project will begin this fall. The deadline to spend the funding is December 31st, 2029.
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