Introduction

This page serves as an initial plan of action for the Township; implementing the goals, projects, actions, and future land use categories outlined during the process. Each implementation step is categorized into the plan themes as well as the Cascade Village sub area plan.

Responsibility & Partners

Primary responsibility for implementing this plan rests with the Township Board, the Planning Commission, and Township staff. Many entities and organizations will need to cooperate in order to fully implement policies, recommendations, and vision.

Economy & Innovation

Placemaking, Attraction + Retention

Action #1

Designate and create a central community green or gathering space with the understanding that human innovation and collaboration is encouraged by happenstance interactions and places worth caring about.

Strategy
Adopt and construct the 2016 Cascade Gathering Space Plan.

Responsibility & Partners
Cascade Township Parks and Recreation Committee, Downtown Development Authority, Township staff, business owners, stakeholders, Township Board.

Success Indicator
A community green which is regularly utilized is built and becomes the central gathering space of the surrounding area.

Timeframe:

Short – 1-3 years

Action #2

Redevelop Cascade Village to be a walkable and authentic community destination as a placemaking, talent attraction, and retention strategy.

Strategy
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to permit the type of development which is reflected in the Cascade Village Master Plan vision and future land use designation description.

Responsibility & Partners
Township staff, Planning Commission, Township Board.

Success Indicator
Cascade Village redevelops into a central gathering space that is adored and embraced by Township residents for being walkable and inviting.

Timeframe:

Medium – 3-5 years

Action #3

Create an anti-discrimination policy protecting vulnerable populations as a tool to address talent attraction and retention.

Strategy
Utilize best practices and local advocacy groups to establish an anti-discrimination policy which addresses vulnerable populations.

Responsibility & Partners
Local advocacy groups, local employers, Township staff, Township Board.

Success Indicator
An anti-discrimination policy is adopted by the Township.

Timeframe:

Long – 5-10 years

Development + Redevelopment

Action #1

Leverage the cluster of tech companies locating near the Four Corners area and work with the airport to promote land available for development.

Strategy
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to reflect the changes to the future land use map that impact airport properties and work with regional economic development organizations to help locate sites for potential employers.

Responsibility & Partners
The Right Place, Township staff, Township Board.

Success Indicator
Airport and other area properties for sale will be occupied by new employers.

Timeframe:

Medium – 3-5 years

Action #2

Reduce parking minimums to encourage infill development in underutilized surface parking lots.

Strategy
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow for additional flexibility in minimum parking requirements.

Responsibility & Partners
Township staff, Planning Commission, Township Board.

Success Indicator
Infill occurs in underutilized parking lots.

Timeframe:

Short – 1-3 years

Action #3

Establish a mixed-use node near the Four Corners area to house workers and create a walkable, connected community.

Strategy
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow for and encourage more compact, walkable, mixed use development in a transitional context with density bonuses for attractive mixed use buildings.

Responsibility & Partners
Township staff, Planning Commission, Township Board.

Success Indicator
Zoning Ordinance contains standards which encourage compact, walkable, mixed use development in the area around the four corners; mixed-use development subsequently occurs.

Timeframe:

Medium – 3-5 years

Action #4

Acquire underutilized property along the Thornapple River to encourage redevelopment.

Strategy
Approach the existing owners about an option agreement to purchase the property should the existing owner consider selling; assist the existing owner or lessee in relocating their business; sell the property for redevelopment.

Responsibility & Partners
Downtown Development Authority, Township staff, Township board.

Success Indicator
Underutilized property is purchased and sold for redevelopment; redevelopment subsequently occurs.

Timeframe:

Short – 1-3 years

Action #5

Expand utilities to areas planned and/or zoned for high intensity development where gaps or pinch points exist.

Strategy
Work with DTE, Consumers Energy, the City of Grand Rapids, and other utility providers in identifying areas where service improvements are required for expansion or increases in density.

Responsibility & Partners
DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, City of Grand Rapids, Township staff, Planning Commission, Township Board.

Success Indicator
Utilities are expanded to fill gaps and pinch points.

Timeframe:

Medium – 3-5 years

Action #6

Receive and maintain status as a Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC)

Strategy
Follow the best practices for the RRC program and maintain a list of prioritized redevelopment sites.

Responsibility & Partners
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Township staff, Planning Commission, Township Board.

Success Indicator
Redevelopment Ready Community status is gained; best practices are followed and the list of prioritized redevelopment sites is maintained.

Timeframe:

Short – 1-3 years