sfloria

GRDad, I was expecting you to show up at the AIA Charette 2 weeks ago, thought I saw your name on the list. Anyway, I was part of the South Division team and we were working directly with Wyoming, Kentwood and ITP staff when we were looking at design solution for that area. The outcome should be released soon, but our recommendation was to put the commuter station at 54th and Division, rather than 60th. The bus would have its own dedicated lane, ONLY during rush hour times. Cars can use that lane anyother time of the day, but can only use it to make right turns during rush hour. It would only stop at major intersections (60th, 54th, 44th, 36th, 28th, etc). It was really exciting to see the city staff and ITP staff so excited about the BRT line. We also had a few business owners along Division talk with us and they were really supportive too. I think the 19 stops include all the stops they'll be making at Saint Mary's, Spectrum, etc. Sound like alot but I think its still pretty limited. I hope these changes get implemented, it'll make a drastic change to the landscape of Division into the city.

Nice pics Dad. Has anyone done a photoshop or sketchup view of what the HDCH will look like when entering downtown on 131 from the south? I was noticing how you can see the Cancer center as you drive into town. I wonder how much of the Children's hospital you will see and what the spire will look like from that angle. I'm pretty sure it will be the highest point in the skyline. Not to mention the crane!

There's that dang blank wall on the Police station again. Its like the sun only shines on that building just to make it stick out even more.

Other Cherry Street Projects: Cherry Street from Division to Commerce This is one of the most embarassing streets to drive on downtown. I hope they do the other side of Division as well. I don't see how the city can let a street get in such disrepair and yet sections of 28th street get new paving every few years. I hope brick is done here as well. I agree, those roundabouts would look awesome in brick.

I totally agree that transit is needed. I'm fully behind the idea. I don't understand how people can say that they can't find a parking space downtown. I have lived in GR for about 7 years now and I have yet to park in a parking ramp and pay. I ALWAYS find a spot on the street. Yes, I sometimes have to walk a couple blocks, but so what! Don't forget about the hour of free parking during lunch in the Monroe Center ramp!!

Taken yesterday from my office.

I was driving south on Division yesterday thinking about this latest "3 or 4" towers discussion. Since they are rebuilding the Michigan Ave bridge over Division, I don't see why they couldn't just build a 4th tower right over Division up to Ottawa. That would really be the only other way they could have an additional connecting tower. That would definitely expand that site and maximize their potential.

So did anyone attend the MDOT meeting? Were any alternatives discussed? I really wanted to attend but I had the opportunity to walk through the new Metropolitan Hospital (looking good btw).