[Butterworth Dump err Landfill]

8 minutes ago, MJLO said:

Was it a pretty common/short sighted decision to put landfills right next to the river back when this was done?  Or were GR's early planners just specifically adept at making future prime spaces unusable for decades/centuries?

As our master plans today are typically for 20-year windows, I don't think the planners of 18-something-7 thought much about how dump placement might impact what would otherwise have become become prime, riverfront, development land sometime in not-the-next, but in the following century.

[Suburban Projects]

On 8/4/2022 at 6:45 PM, GRLaker said:

Will these be all custom build lots or are they tied to a builder?

think it's jtb/interra

[Suburban Projects]

Recommended for board approval last week in Caledonia. Nothing too exciting, residential project across from Kettle Lake school.

[Highway and Road Construction Updates]

13 minutes ago, MJLO said:

Well thats only 25 years too late lol.  Better late than never I suppose.   Why M-37 though,  in my opinion Wilson between I-196 and 96 is in more urgent need of widening. 

I agree that Wilson needs to be widened, but Broadmoor does need it badly. There will be a Meijer going in next to the Meijer gas station before too long, and 84th and Broadmoor might be the most dangerous 'rural' intersection in the area.

[West Michigan Park Projects - Updates]

This is more Kent County parks, but FYI rumor is the bulk of the old silver lake country club is going to be converted to a county park and the remaining land is going to be housing. 

[New projects on the West Side]

18 minutes ago, GR_Urbanist said:

It isnt about the houses, it's this silly cul-de-sac infused layout with some streets that dont connect despite being yards apart.

 

I count 5 cul-de-sacs and see connecting sidewalks between each. I don't think that's a bad ratio because intersections increase costs and reduce lot yield. A balance makes the most sense.

[New projects on the West Side]

34 minutes ago, GR_Urbanist said:

I dont get how this type of awful-looking suburban mess is still being built.

I think it's better than a straight zone. The varied home types allow people from all walks of life to purchase a home. Ubiquitous 90' lots are worse imo. Plus at least it looks like they're trying by including amenities... definitely not ideal but this is what's needed to help supply keep up. What style developments do you want to see more of?

[New projects on the West Side]

27 minutes ago, GRDadof3 said:

Wow, that's pretty big.  Did you get this off of Alpine Twp's site? 

Yes. It'll be interesting to see if it can get entitled, it's going to be an uphill battle. It's 592 units, lots 65-90', duplexes, villas, 'courtyard-style' homes, and front and rear-loaded townhomes. Pool, clubhouse (restored/renovated), pickleball courts, nature path, 'wet' ponds, dog park. Reminiscent of Bailey's Grove, Lowing Woods, Hathaway Lakes, etc... Developer allegedly already purchased 1/2 the golf course so something will probably happen.

[New projects on the West Side]

Gracewil proposed site plan.

[Grand Rapids - Kent County Housing Shortage]

The issue is that every municipality is extremely sensitive to development projects and it's very difficult to get approvals to get lots in the ground to build the houses.