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Council approves McKenna to update Centertown vision plan; RRC funds to cover 75% of $20,000 cost
Summary
The council approved McKenna to prepare an update to the Centertown vision plan, capped at $20,000 with 75 percent funded through Redevelopment Ready Communities technical assistance; McKenna was chosen for its in-person engagement approach and implementation focus.
Grand Haven City Council on Sept. 15 voted to hire McKenna to prepare an update to the Centertown vision plan, approving consultant services not to exceed a budgeted $20,000 with up to 75 percent reimbursable through Michigan Economic Development Corporation Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) technical assistance funds.
City planner Brian Ehrkert told council the Centertown plan (last adopted 11 years ago) needs updating because development pressure and stakeholder priorities have changed. The city issued an RFP in July and received two proposals: Better City (a national firm that emphasized remote engagement) and McKenna (a Michigan-based firm proposing extensive in-person stakeholder interviews, workshops and implementation steps). Planning staff, the DDA chair and the planning commission recommended McKenna.
Ehrkert said the updated vision plan would focus on engagement with business owners, property owners and residents, produce tangible implementation steps and take approximately four to six months to complete. He said McKenna—s proposal included one-on-one interviews, workshops, a design charrette and clear implementation milestones. The council approved the contract; the motion passed with Councilmember McLaughlin voting no and the other councilors in favor.
Why it matters: An updated Centertown vision will inform future zoning adjustments, city policy and public investment for a central neighborhood that has experienced new development and changing priorities since the last plan.
Next steps: Staff will work with McKenna on an engagement schedule, notify stakeholders and return to council with draft recommendations for adoption after the consultant—s public outreach and draft plan phase.
