GR commission OKs U-to-the-Zoo

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A plan to help ease the transition of some neighborhoods on Grand Rapids' West Side is now part of the city's master plan.

The so-called U-to-the-Zoo covers areas bordered by Grand Valley State University's downtown campus to the east, and the John Ball Zoo to the west.

"There have been a number of contentious issues over the years," said City Planning Director Suzanne Schulz.

She said a group of planning professionals, business owners and neighborhood associations was put together to come up with a plan, and they were able to set aside their differences and compromise on a number of issues.

Most of plan deals with expansion of commercial and residential development, especially near Fulton and other major streets through the area. The size and heights of buildings for student housing are also addressed.

"We're finally starting to see things get unstuck," Schulz said.

The city planning commissioners recently approved the plan unanimously.

City Commissioners also unanimously approved the U to the Zoo plan.

On the Net:

U to the Zoo plan (pdf)