Walker Downtown Development Authority

City of Walker Walker Downtown Development Authority Agenda Fire Station #2 - Upper Level 4101 Lake Michigan Drive NW Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 7:30 AM 1. Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance 2. Approval of Minutes a) June 17, 2025 3. General Public Comment 4. Vista 45 - Lasalle Ave Lighting DDA Discussion 5. Business Relations Manager Updates a) Standale Marketing Flyer 6. Central Standale Subarea Survey a) Walker Standale Survey Handout 7. Engineering Update 8. Planning Updates 9. Other Business/Updates 10. Next Meeting Date and Time - Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 7:30 AM 11. Adjournment If you have any questions or are unable to attend a meeting, please contact Jessica Marion at 616.791.6878 Page 1 of 13 Page 2 of 13  City of Walker Walker Downtown Development Authority Tuesday, June 17, 2025 7:30 AM - City Commission Chambers 4101 Lake Michigan Drive NW 1. Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance The meeting was called to order by Chair Brinza at 7:30 am. Members present: D. Schmalzel, R. Smith, J. DeGroot, D. Prato, D. Brinza, M. Grooters, T. Hiller, and J. Banfil. Member absent: C. Ludwick, A. Van Ess and S. Boersma. Staff present: City Engineer Scott Conners, Communications Manager/DDA Business Relations Manager Nicole DiDonato, Assistant City Manager Frank Wash, and DPW Director Gary Postema. Guests present: Members of Cherette Group: John Cherette, Director of Development, and Sharlene Shineldecker, Chief Operations Officer. Additional guests: Jared Belka, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP; Todd Grasman, President at JAG Development; and Scott Zokoe, Zokoe Five Star Real Estate. 2. Approval of Minutes Motion by D. Prato, supported by J. DeGroot, to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2025, DDA Meeting. Motion carried. 3. General Public Comment - None None. 4. Vista 45 Presentation & Discussion A presentation was given by the Vista 45 developers. They are asking the DDA to loan them $2 million to help finance the needed infrastructure improvements. The loan would then be repaid through Brownfield Tax increment financing (TIF) which would be generated by the new project. The DDA members expressed concerns about the DDA venturing into new territory, as previous experiences involved utility expenses, not financing private developments. Clarification was sought regarding the proposed loan. The DDA members reiterated the need for transparency and comfort with the project. The project aims to enhance community infrastructure, with discussions about public improvements, such as the extension of Lasalle Drive and street lighting. Questions arose regarding the public benefits of infrastructure improvements versus financing other private development costs. 5. Central Standale Subarea Update  Updates from the subcommittee meeting on May 29th were provided to the DDA, including the progress on project and plans for community surveys.  N. DiDonato mentioned incorporating previous branding survey results into the upcoming survey to focus on specific areas within Standale. 6. Business Relations Manager Updates Page 3 of 13   Scott Zokoe, a local realtor and a former DDA member, was introduced to discuss commercial real estate opportunities and advocate for desired businesses in Standale.  N. Didonato also discussed the installation of the new street banners on Lake Michigan Drive. 7. Engineering Update City Engineer, Scott Conners provided an update on the street lighting project, noting that while most work is operational, there are calls from the public for additional lighting options to enhance visibility in the area. Discussion was held, which included options for supplemental lighting installations at an estimated cost of $120,000 for the entire DDA area. 8. Planning Updates - None 9. Other Business/Updates  R. Smith raised an inquiry regarding the proposed aquarium project and its potential impact on the corridor, indicating that it could lead to increased traffic and development opportunities.  The DDA discussed the implications of changes in state rules affecting residential brownfield opportunities and the necessity for public benefits in development projects. Members emphasized the importance of evaluting and understanding the balance between public improvements and private development costs. 10. Next Meeting Date and Time - The next Walker Development Authority meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 7:30 AM Fire Station #2- Upper Level 11. Adjournment Motion by D. Schmalzel, supported by M. Grooters, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 AM. Motion carried. If you have any questions or are unable to attend a meeting, please contact Jessica Marion at 616.791.6878 Page 4 of 13  DISCOVER STANDALE A thriving corridor in the heart of Walker, Michigan Standale is rooted in community and rising with purpose. We are experiencing a renaissance marked by new development, housing, and connections. Sitting at the crossroads of two major corridors, Standale blends high visibility with small-town warmth! CONVENIENCE AT A GLANCE Situated on M-11 and M-45 with easy access to I-96, I-196, and other major corridors Positioned along the Laker Line Bus Rapid Transit and the Fred Meijer Standale Trail, with a pedestrian tunnel under M-45 Conveniently located between Grand Valley State University and its downtown campus Laker Line Bus Rapid Transit Pedestrian Tunnel Standale Downtown Development Authority Boundary Surrounding Neighborhoods STANDALE BY THE NUMBERS 36,000 Cars Per Day on M-45 Hundreds of home in surrounding neighborhoods Drive-By Exposure! With more housing approved! $85,000 Median Household Income 3 Colleges Within 15 Minute Drive Walker residents have strong An energetic, young adult purchasing power! population to support innovation and growth! Page 5 of 13  DISCOVER STANDALE A thriving corridor in the heart of Walker, Michigan WHO’S VISITING STANDALE Singles & Starters Top 3 Demographic Groups Broken Down 25-30 years of age by Percentage Aspirational, social, and digital-first Seek fashion-forward, trendy products, but 25 want a variety of novelty brands that are unique yet budget-conscious 20 Suburban style 36-45 years of age 15 Growing families & mid-level careers Willing to pay extra for premium products; 10 fashion, technology, home goods, while valuing both style and durability 5 Booming w Confidence 0 51-65 years of age s e ce te yl Peak earning years r St en ar fid St an Favor quality and classic styles; designer labels & rb Co le s bu n Su it h from established malls, mid‑range vehicles, ng Si w g in gourmet food, and wine m oo B WHAT’S NEXT More development is planned for approx. 60 acres at the southwest corner of Lake Michigan Drive (M‑45) and Ferndale Avenue in Standale. It will be a mixed-use, transit-oriented development envisioned as a high- quality “village” gateway to the City. 200+ multifamily units in phase 1, with more to come Retail buildings + flexed lots + mix-use units Laker Line stop directly served Parking, pedestrian paths, green spaces Whether you’re launching or expanding, Standale offers a built-in customer base, robust infrastructure, and a City that’s ready to support you at every stage. Let’s talk about your next move! Page 6 of 13  WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF STANDALE Take the Standale Subarea Plan Community Survey today! YOU ARE PROBABLY WONDERING… WHAT IS A DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA)? A DDA is a group created by the city to help improve and grow the downtown area. Its goal is to make downtown a more exciting and welcoming place for people to live, work, shop, and visit. The DDA works on projects that boost local businesses, improve public spaces, and bring more life to the heart of the community. WHAT IS THE CENTRAL STANDALE SUBAREA? The Central Standale Subarea is a smaller part of the larger DDA district. Instead of trying to improve everything at once, the city is focusing on this area first. This way, they can make a clear plan and take real steps to improve it, based on what the community wants and needs. WHY ARE YOU COMPLETING THIS SURVEY? The city wants to hear from people who live, work, or spend time in this area. Your ideas and opinions will help shape future plans—like better parks, safer streets, and stronger local businesses. By sharing your thoughts, you’re helping create a better neighborhood for everyone. Thank you for taking the time to provide your thoughts regarding an update to the Standale Subarea Plan There are three ways to complete this survey. SURVEY RESPONSES ARE DUE BY Scan me AUGUST 31, 2025. 1. Fill out this physical copy of the survey and mail it to the City Hall OR drop it off at City Hall, 4243 Remembrance Road NW, Walker, MI 49534. 2. Type this link into your web browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StandaleSubareaSurvey 3. OR scan the QR code to the right, to access the survey online. (PREFERRED) If you have any questions about this survey, or about the DDA Subarea Plan update in general, please contact ROWE Professional Services Company at 810-341-7500 (Ask for Brandon Jonas, “I am calling about the Standale Survey”). 1 Page 7 of 13  WHERE’S THE ACTION? Central Standale Subarea Maps EDINBORO ST Legend T Standale Downtown Development Authority District (DDA) AC TOG ONES Central Standale Subarea C 1 W ES T G RAN DB LVD MARLBORO ST CITY OF WALKER PARKSIDE AVE KINNEY AVE HAMPTON LN CUMMINGS AVE CITY OF WALKER CITY OF GRAND WALKER VALLEY STATE CONSUMERS UNIVERSITY ENERGY WILLET & WILLET KAR HOLDINGS LLC HOLDINGS LLC GRAND VALLEY STATE GRAND UNIVERSITY VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY STANDALE PLZ GRLEASE LLC INTERURBAN TRANSIT H&D STANDALE GRAND PERFOR MANCE PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FIVE MIKE LLC PARTNERS VALLEY STATE PLUS QUI CK C INC UNIVERSITY LLC LUBE 2 LAKE MICHIGAN DR rs45 KINNEY AVE 00 0.0275 .055 0.11 Miles UNNAMED Document Path: I:\Walker\Planning\DDA\StandaleDDA_Central Standale SubArea.mxd 2 Page 8 of 13  OLD FARM DR APPLE CRAB IM PL EROW CT APPLE CT KINGS PE R MA VE IA ROW DR LD WAYBURY ST WAYBURY ST K I NGS ROW CT R A SUNRISE LN CUMMINGS CT EDINBORO ST GA ES TO W ES T GRAND BLVD CON CT CALVERT AVE RO S T LB O FAIRCREST AVE MAR CLINTON AVE CLOVERDALE AVE MARLBORO ST CLAYTON AVE KINNEY AVE ST CLAIR AVE NORTHWAY DR LASALLE AVE MACOMB AVE FERNDALE AVE PARKSIDE AVE LAWN FAIRWAY DR WESTWAY DR HAMPTON LN ST CH ES TE RF IE LD LINCOLN BL VD H AM HAMPTON L N PT LAWNS DR ON C I R STANDALE B AR K W NGTON S T PLZ RR I LN D WA OO LAKE MICHIGAN DR LINCO CIR S DR LAWN ROSEDALE MEMORIAL W ES TOW N DR UNNAMED R W ES TOW N DR WESTOW ROL LI NG GREEN E D MANZANA DR ROS EDAL E MEMORI AL N PARK ACCESS MED KINNEY AVE W ES TOW N DR UNNA DR PARK ACCES S UNN WESTOWN DR AM ED CUMMINGS AVE S TAND A UNNAMED CR OS L E OWN D R S I NG ES T M ANZ AN AUNNAMED MANZANA CT W CT U M ED AMED NN WILSON AVE BUL RUS H D R UNNA UNNAMED TALL MAN TALLMAN UN N DR AM ED W OOD S CREEK DR UNNAMED AMBROISIA DR I DA F I R ES I D E SO N T RED LN JA GE C DR RID JAS ON RI DGE L N E SO JA GEHL A N TALLMAN V CHAD AL AN DR AV E Legend R I DGE C T KARA AVE Standale Downtown Development Authority District (DDA) DEENA DR SCHOOLCRAFT ST Central Standale Subarea OBRIEN ST OBRIEN ST T S YS ES NN FE F EN NES SY ST KENOWA AVE 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 Miles DRAKEWOOD LN Document Path: I:\Walker\Planning\DDA\StandaleDDA_Central Standale SubArea_Overview 3 Page 9 of 13  STRONGLY SOMEWHAT SOMEWHAT STRONGLY 1. CENTRAL STANDALE AGREE AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE DISAGREE Overall, the economy in the subarea of the DDA district is headed in a positive direction. There are strong opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to start in the subarea. The DDA has enough commercial businesses. Walking and biking is safe in the Subarea. Roads and other transportation infrastructure in the Subarea are well maintained More community outdoor space is needed within the subarea. 2. Select the three business types you want to see more of in the subarea of the district. • Retail: clothes, home goods, toys, games, bike shops, outdoor retailers • Dining: sit-down restaurants, bakeries, deli, cafes • Nightlife: Bars, arcades, breweries, and clubs • Professional offices: doctor, real estate, insurance, etc. • Personal services: salons, barbers, massage therapy • Arts and culture: theaters, bookstores, galleries, studios, etc. • Hospitality: hotels, motels, bed and breakfast • Other (please specify) 3. What, if anything, would make you spend more time or money in this area? 4. Choose the three categories that you find most important to create an economically vital downtown district. • Balanced mix of uses / businesses • Employment opportunities • Business support and resources • Other (please specify) • Recruitment of new businesses • New and enhanced housing options • Vacant land activation • Overall parking supply • Electric vehicle charging infrastructure • Transportation opportunities 4 Page 10 of 13 5. Below are several examples of how the Central Standale Subarea can make downtown more inviting and attractive. Select the five categories that you find most important. • Storefronts • Trail network • Building architecture • Playground / Parks • Building materials • Open space • Signs • Streetscape free from litter and weeds • Wayfinding / Directional signage • Historic building rehabilitation • Windows • Decorative lighting • Sidewalks • Parking lot and street lighting • Crosswalks • Flowers and seasonal decorations • Street trees • Other (Please Specify) • Seating • Trash Receptacles • Public art: murals and sculptures • Bicycle racks 6. What do you think needs to be improved in the Central Standale Subarea? Please rank the following goals from what you think is the most important, to what you think is the least important (Use “1” as being the most important, “6” being the least) • Economic Development (examples: job opportunities, retail diversity, more businesses, etc.) • Transportation Improvements (examples: traffic calming, pedestrian connectivity, public transportation opportunities, crosswalks, pedestrian crossing signals, sidewalks, etc.) • Recreation Improvements (examples: parks, playground facilities, trails, open space, etc.) • Physical Improvements (examples: building facade updates, more plants and flowers, streetscape amenities such as benches and lighting) • Housing Improvements (examples: additional apartments or home rental opportunities, attainable housing options, etc.) • Place-making Improvements (examples: public art, such as murals and/or sculptures, wayfinding signage, etc.) • Other (Please Specify) 7. Is there a type of housing that is needed in the Central Standale Subarea? (Select all that apply) • More single-family homes. • Affordable Housing (Household Income) • Duplex (2 units in one structure) • Accessory Dwelling Units (granny flats, apartment • Triplex (3 units in one structure) above garage) • Quad Plex (4 units in one structure) • Short-term Rentals • Apartments (5 or more units) • Other (please specify) • Senior Housing Residences • Assisted Living Residences 5 Page 11 of 13  STRONGLY SOMEWHAT SOMEWHAT STRONGLY 8. WALKER COMMUNITY PARK AGREE AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE DISAGREE I feel that public parks and recreational facilities are extremely important to my quality of life. There should be an increase in park space in the subarea. The park is easily accessible from anywhere in the subarea There should be an increase in the trail network in the Subarea. 9. Have you ever visited the Walker Community Park in the past? What for? 10. What additional park/recreation amenities would you like to see? 11. What is your connection to the City of Walker? (Select all that apply) • I live within the City. • I am a part-time resident. • I work within the City. • I live outside the village but within Kent County. • I own a business within the City. • I frequently visit the City. 12. If you live in the City, how long? • Less than 3 years • 20-29 years • 3-5 years • 30 years or more • 6-9 years • Does not apply • 10-19 years 13. If you have a business in the DDA District, how long have you been here? • Less than 3 years • 20-29 years • 3-5 years • 30 years or more • 6-9 years • Does not apply • 10-19 years 6 Page 12 of 13 14. What is your age? • Less than 18 years old • 31-40 years old • 18-24 years old • 41-64 years old • 25-30 years old • 65 or older 15. PERCEPTION EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR POOR NOT SURE How would you rate the quality of life in the Subarea? How would you rate the City’s efforts to encourage new developments? 16. If you answered “Fair” or “Poor” for any of the above options, please briefly describe why below: Thank you for taking the time to provide your thoughts regarding the Standale Downtown District! Responses to this survey are completely anonymous. Survey responses, including comments, may be shared at public meetings of the City of Walker Downtown Development Authority Meetings and City Council. 7 Page 13 of 13