GRAND RAPIDS — After more than a year of research and gathering community input, the City of Grand Rapids is inviting the public to review the draft Community Master Plan (CMP) during a series of workshops that will take place from May 7 to May 9.
“This plan belongs to the community and the residents who voiced their opinions about what this city should look like as it grows and develops for future generations,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.
City Manager Mark Washington praised the city’s Planning Commission, Planning Department, and the Community Master Plan Steering Committee for their work on the draft plan and for guiding the public input process. He mentioned, “These recommendations came from a broad and diverse spectrum of community members and will serve as the foundation for which additional engagement and iterations will occur.”
The workshops will allow participants to review the draft recommendations at their own pace followed by small group conversations centered on the chapter areas. The draft recommendations were generated using public input gathered earlier in the process at workshops and through other public outreach efforts.
The workshops, scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m., will provide an opportunity for attendees to give feedback in an interactive setting, welcoming people from all backgrounds and viewpoints. Dinner will be provided, and Spanish-language interpretation services will be available at all meetings. Attendees can RSVP at BridgeToOurFuture.com.
The CMP is expected to be presented to the Grand Rapids Planning Commission and City Commission for adoption in the fall. Leading the initiative are planning NEXT, the Grand Rapids City Commission, the city’s Planning Commission and Planning Department, and the Community Master Plan Steering Committee. Grand Rapids’ last plan was developed in 2002 and has been updated since.
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