Kentwood Committees & Boards
Division Avenue Redevelopment
Minutes

 

Minutes of Meeting
Project Kick-Off

Project: Division Avenue Redevelopment Study
Date: February 7, 2002
Time: 7:00 p.m.
File No: 55960101/003
Present: LSL Planning - Tod Mowery
City of Kentwood - Lisa Golder
Progressive AE - Bob Petko
Copy: Those In Attendance

ITEMS DISCUSSED

1. Lisa Golder introduced the project and consultant team.
2. Bob Petko provided a brief overview of the scope of work and tentative schedule.
3. Tod Mowery spoke about the importance of planning and public participation.
4. Bob and Tod relayed their "first impressions" of the project area through a slide presentation. The major issues discussed were:
   • Sidewalks - The walkways along the storefronts on Division are wide enough but the lack of curbing allows parked cars to intrude into pedestrian spaces. Pedestrian circulation at the intersection of 44th and Division is very confined.
   • Parking - Parking appears to be adequate. Many of the prime spaces in the rear lots, however, are used by the store employees and for vehicle storage. The front lots on Division are well used but are not well defined. Access to these prime spaces can be difficult due to the limited maneuvering area. The parking and loading areas along 44th Street are too exposed, creating a poor visual impression of the district.
   • Building Facades - Some structures, such as the old bank building and Home Acres Church, add character to the area. The Golden Bridge building has created a pleasant facade and landscape treatment and adds a unique flavor to the business district. Some buildings are in need of repair and updating to add vitality to the business district. Most window displays could benefit by more creative presentations of merchandise and better lighting.
   • Alleyways - Rear entries to some shops are inviting. Others are filled with clutter and suffer from dumpster placement. There appears to be adequate room for a sidewalk connecting the stores along the back from 44th to Murray.
   • Signage - There are numerous cases of too much signage both on the building and in the windows. Some freestanding signs are clearly in the road right-of way. Some signage looks dated and many are in need of repair.
   • Street Lighting and Utility Poles - Pedestrian scale lighting is nonexistent. The roadway lighting along Division is adequate. However, the pole color could be changed to better define the area. Utility wires are present but do not create a major visual problem.
   • Maintenance - The lack of repair to the streets, curbing, and sidewalks has the biggest influence on the poor visual impression of the project area.
   • Assets and Opportunities - The adjacent neighborhood is the largest asset to the project. The area from Home Acres Church west to Division Avenue provides an opportunity to tie the business district and the neighborhood together. The frontage along 44th east of Division will present new opportunities and challenges with the proposed widening of 44th. The Golden Bridge development between Maplelawn and 43rd Street has become an important anchor to the district and the local Asian population.
5. After the slide presentation a general discussion took place. The major topics covered were:
   • 44th Street Widening - It appears that the old bank building on the corner of 44th and Division will need to be removed. Final plans for the proposed road are still in development. The proposed construction completion date may be as late as 2005.
   • Home Acres Church - The congregation is in need of more classroom space. They would like a presence on Division for better identification.
   • Murray Street - The potential closure of Murray would cause exiting problems from the neighborhood.
   • Division Avenue Streetscape - The City of Wyoming is in the process of developing new streetscape plans. We should invite a Wyoming representative to the remainder of our meetings to ensure better coordination.
   • Parking - The front door parking spaces along Division are very important. Parking lot expansion into the neighborhoods should not be allowed.

The above constitutes my understanding of items discussed and/or decisions reached. If there are any additions and/or corrections, please contact me within 7 days.

Robert S. Petko
Site Planner