[Transit Updates for Greater Grand Rapids]

The Business Journal has an article today about GVMC passing their latest long-range transportation plan. In the article, the ITP folks are gushing over the $33 Million bus line on South Division.

They are projecting it will draw 3400 people a day off of 131, with 19 stops (?) between 60th and downtown, with a "major station" at 60th. Why 60th of all places? It dead ends at Division and doesn't even cross 131.

Since fixed guideways disqualify you from the Very Small Starts Program, it sounds like they ARE planning to do a "queue jump lane", which will then give the bus traffic light priority when the light turns green. Wonder how that will affect the current traffic on South Division, and cross traffic at major intersection? Plus, I wonder how they'll overcome over 500 business drives between downtown and 60th Street? Not to mention the myriad of other small side streets and intersections.

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.

[Medical Mile/Michigan Street Developments]

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!

[New Construction and Renovations in the Heartside District]

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.

[Wealthy Street Mega Thread]

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.

[Parking problem downtown - too much of it? Not enough?]

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!!

[Photos De Jour - Grand Rapids and West Michigan Area]

Taken yesterday from my office.

[Medical Mile/Michigan Street Developments]

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.

[Transit Updates for Greater Grand Rapids]

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).