The City of Springfield has engaged planning consultants PGAV to help identify the areas along the Grant Avenue Parkway corridor (Grant Avenue between Sunshine and College streets) that qualify for economic development and neighborhood revitalization tools.
The study area encompasses Grant Avenue between Catalpa Street to the south and Olive Street to the north. The analysis will examine properties located roughly between Patton Avenue to the east and Douglas Avenue to the west.
The goals of the study are to create resources for economic development and neighborhood revitalization along the Grant Avenue Parkway corridor and into surrounding neighborhoods. The consultant team will look for opportunities to leverage private investment in commercial and residential properties and will identify programs to provide benefits to existing residents.
“Neighborhood revitalization and economic development are two of the four overall goals of the Grant Avenue Parkway corridor improvement effort,” explains Economic Development Director Sarah Kerner. “This analysis will work in coordination with extensive corridor planning efforts to facilitate private investment that will work in-step with the public infrastructure improvements and the community’s vision for this corridor.”
PGAV has conducted preliminary field observation of properties in the study area. Later this spring, the team will facilitate open opportunities for residents, property owners and developers to engage in the process and provide input.
“We want to know what type of private investment people are interested in, whether that’s people investing in new commercial development or homeowners investing in their homes,” explains PGAV project leader Andy Struckhoff. “We also need help identifying the challenges and potential barriers to investing in the area as well as the unique opportunities.”
A final study report and recommendations are expected to be brought to City Council in late spring.
Construction beginning soon
Construction on the first sections of the Grant Avenue Parkway is anticipated to begin this summer with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for late May. The City’s design/build contractor is wrapping up the final planning to provide a detailed construction schedule. Stay tuned for more information regarding upcoming roadway closures and impacts, coming later this spring.
For more information on the Grant Avenue Parkway corridor improvement project, development and neighborhood revitalization efforts, visit grantavenueparkway.com.