Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cascade Charter Township DDA votes to pave Centennial Park medians, pauses site-improvement grants until zoning is adopted
Summary
The Cascade Charter Township Downtown Development Authority voted to pave seven medians in Centennial Park to reduce maintenance and approved a temporary suspension of the site-improvement grant program until the new form-based zoning code is adopted (anticipated in August).
The Cascade Charter Township Downtown Development Authority voted to pave the existing planters in Centennial Park and to suspend its site-improvement grant program until the township’s form-based zoning code is adopted.
At the meeting, staff described recurring maintenance problems with the seven medians—reflectors and plantings are frequently damaged by winter plows, and snow can obscure the islands. Staff presented three options: maintain vegetated plantings (ongoing weekly maintenance), install cobblestones with boulders (the DDA estimated about $45,000), or pave the medians with decorative concrete or pavers (staff said paving could exceed $100,000). Board members said boulders could pose greater vehicle damage in winter and at least one member favored paving to avoid long-term upkeep.
A board member moved to pave the medians with concrete; another member seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.
Separately, staff recommended pausing the site-improvement grant application process until the new form-based zoning code is approved, which staff said is expected in August. Two earlier applications had been withdrawn or were not compatible with the forthcoming code; staff said suspending the program for a short period would avoid evaluating projects under rules that will change soon. A motion to postpone accepting applications until August passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: the medians have been a recurring maintenance and safety concern for the district; the DDA’s choice signals a preference to trade higher upfront paving costs for lower recurring maintenance. Pausing the site-grant program aims to align grant awards with the new zoning rules so future applicants are judged against the same standards.
Votes at a glance - Motion: "Pave the medians in Centennial Park with concrete." Outcome: approved by voice vote. (Mover/second not specified in the record.) - Motion: "Postpone the site-improvement grant program until August." Outcome: approved by voice vote. (Mover/second not specified in the record.)
Budget and timing notes: staff gave estimated ranges for median treatments—about $45,000 for cobblestones and boulders and over $100,000 for paving—figures presented as approximate. The site grant suspension was framed as temporary, tied to the form-based code adoption timeline.
The DDA also discussed coordinating with the Kent County Road Commission if full removal of medians were later pursued, since removal and roadway patching would involve county work and additional cost. The board did not set a final implementation date for paving; staff will return with procurement details.
