Community workshop planned for alley work
By Danielle Portteus
Monday, April 20, 2015
The city is looking to improve the alley between S. Monroe and Cass running from W. Front to W. Third to serve as a pedestrian corridor, which officials say could draw more people to downtown Monroe (Monroe News Photo/Rob Gorczyca)
Further input from the community is being sought on a downtown Monroe alley.
A community workshop open house on the improvement of the downtown will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Monroe County Labor History Museum, 41 W. Front St.
Matthew Wallace, a city employee, said the meeting will feature conceptual drawings with “different options based on information gathered at the previous meeting.”
City officials are looking to improve the alley between S. Monroe and Cass running from W. Front to W. Third to serve as a pedestrian corridor.
The HEART of Monroe pathway, which stands for Historic, Entertainment, Arts, Residential and Theater Centers, is a project the city received technical assistance for after being selected as a Place-Plans project.
The Michigan Municipal League and students from Michigan State University’s School of Planning Design and Construction have assisted the city with the project.
In February, the city council approved an $ 8,000 funds match for the grant, which will leverage about $ 40,000 to $ 50,000 of work from the league and MSU staff.
Last month, more than 40 residents, business owners and city officials gathered at The Monroe News to begin the nearly yearlong process of developing a plan for the alley.
During the workshop, visitors will see the results of the visioning session that took place last month. Community members can offer input on the new design for the alleyway that connects the riverfront to downtown.
Refreshments will be provided.
Those interested in attending the meeting are asked to contact Matthew Wallace at matthew.wallace@monroemi.gov.
Read more at: http://www.monroenews.com/news/2015/apr/20/community-workshop-planned-alley-work/
