City Commission Night Out Gives Neighbors First Look at Major Street Improvements

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — The City of Grand Rapids is hosting its first Commission Night Out of the year to give neighbors a firsthand look at major road construction projects planned for this summer.

The meeting is set for 6 p.m. at GRPS University on Fuller Avenue. It builds off last year's larger construction-focused event.

This summer, the city is planning work on more than 100 street projects, totaling an investment of more than $51 million from the city's Vital Streets program.

Tonight, neighbors will get the opportunity to learn about four upcoming road projects, including timelines, how decisions are made, and resources business owners can use during construction season.

The meeting will focus on the following projects:

Buchanan Avenue from Hall Street to Corinne Street: Work is set to start in September and will include a full street closure. The city commission voted unanimously to fund the project in agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation. Acting City Engineer Cindy Irving said the project will add more parking and bike lanes on Buchanan Ave., between Hall and Corinne Streets in southeast Grand Rapids.

Burton Street from Division Avenue to Kalamazoo Avenue: This project is set to start in April and will involve some street closures. Burton Street is receiving the largest investment at $11.17 million for reconstruction work.

Cesar Chavez Avenue from Beacon Street to Hall Street: Work was set to start this week and will include a full closure.

Monroe Avenue from Coldbrook Street to Newberry Street: This project is also set to start in April and involves resurfacing and upgrading sidewalks.

Focus on Business Resources Follows Challenges Faced Last Year

The focus on business resources follows challenges faced by local businesses last year when they had to contend with months of construction on Division Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids.

"You can take a look at current and future projects in the city of Grand Rapids here," Irving said.

The city is inviting neighbors to learn about upcoming street closures, project timelines, and resources for impacted businesses during tonight's Commission Night Out.

Community Members Urge Attention to Traffic Safety

While the city has identified specific projects, some community members asked the commission to look at improving traffic safety on other streets not mentioned.

MLK Park Neighborhood Association president Ellen Atkins said that limited sight lanes on Kalamazoo Ave. need to be addressed.

"I'm sure the city wants the residents to be safe on these streets, as the neighbors do," Atkins said. "As you begin to work on the upcoming budget, which I hear you all getting ready to do, we are urging you to keep the safety of our neighborhood in mind."

Irving also mentioned the importance of patience and understanding during construction season.

"The key to letting people know is so they can plan so they're expecting to see contractors in their neighborhood," Irving said.

The department is also focused on replacing water mains and fixing potholes as part of the broader infrastructure improvements.

Construction Season Kicks Off as Weather Warms

Making improvements to the roads is what the city's engineering department is focusing on as the weather gets warmer.

"Everyone thinks March Madness is basketball, but it's really the start of road construction season," Irving said.

The construction projects come as part of the city's commitment to maintaining and improving its infrastructure. Officials are working to ensure that residents and businesses can plan for the upcoming construction season.