By: Deborah Johnson Wood
The Heartside neighborhood is on track to receive over $9M in street improvements that include a new 48-inch water main and new sewer lines. The Planning Commission approved two proposals last week to widen portions of Cherry, Jefferson, and Wealthy Streets, construct traffic roundabouts, and beautify the area with landscaping and new sidewalks.
Three roundabouts, similar to those used in Europe for decades, will slow traffic at the intersections of Cherry/Jefferson, Wealthy/Jefferson, and Wealthy/Lafayette. "Splitter islands" centered in the roundabouts will guide traffic in a counter-clockwise circle to keep it moving. When a driver reaches his or her desired street, they'll exit onto that street.
A brick parkway along Cherry, fourteen-foot-wide walkways along Wealthy, raised curb planters, and the planting of several species of trees are planned, following the streetscape design guidelines published by the Downtown Alliance last November.
Three surface parking lots are expected to be replaced with mixed-use buildings, and several buildings will be razed near the Wealthy/Jefferson intersection to make way for the roundabouts, the wider streets, and new commercial development.
"These are extremely valuable corners where the roundabouts are placed," said Rick DeVries, acting city engineer. "We have seen examples where the main entrance of the buildings will be on a 45-degree angle to face the corner."
The new street design is expected to significantly increase pedestrian traffic and improve the overall attractiveness of the area. The city is working with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Disability Advocates to design safe street crossings for persons with disabilities.
Both projects will begin in June. Cherry Street is expected to reach completion by fall; Wealthy Street will be completed mid-summer of 2008.
Source: Rick DeVries, City of Grand Rapids
Deborah Johnson Wood is the development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be reached at [email protected].
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