The city invites the community to attend a public open house next week to share feedback and ideas about the current, city-owned parking lot at the southwest corner of McCamly and West Van Buren streets downtown.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at the city’s Department of Public Works, 150 S. Kendall St.
City and state representatives will collect community feedback on the parking lot, including design preferences for a potential development there – building style, height, and potential for residential and commercial uses. While there are no pending redevelopment plans for this property, the study will analyze possible opportunities at the site, and information from the session will help with ongoing efforts in and around downtown.
This work is made possible through the assistance of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) program and the Michigan Municipal League. The city received RRC certification in March of 2018, meaning Battle Creek is considered “thoroughly prepared” with planning, zoning, and other features that remove barriers and promote opportunities for potential investors.
During the open house, representatives from the city and project consultant team will share information, listen to attendees, and answer questions. Maps of the property will be available for review. Community members are invited to provide feedback and complete comment forms that will help provide direction to the team on potential development.
“The purpose of this meeting is to hear from the public about preferences for the design, and look and feel of this site, as well as its potential uses, and what the community thinks this downtown neighborhood needs,” said city Planning Manager Christine Zuzga. “We want to hear people’s impressions, comments, and questions about potential barriers or obstacles to development, as well as hopes and ideas about solutions.”
Find more information about the RRC program at www.miplace.org/communities/rrc/RSTeam and placemaking.mml.org/great-places.