A forum is planned for Tuesday for St. Joseph residents to offer their thoughts on downtown development to city leaders and Cornerstone Alliance.
‘The two organizations have been working together to implement the city’s Downtown Vision Master Plan. Cornerstone’s Andrew Haan tells us one goal is to achieve Redevelopment-Ready Community certification through the state of Michigan.
“When you get through the certification that means the state has gone through all of your processes, your boards and commissions, all the incentives you’re ready to offer, your permitting processes.” Haan said. “So, you’re going to be easy to navigate and ready for development.”
Haan says communities that are certified can receive additional grants and other support for development projects.
St. Joseph residents will have the opportunity to provide input, share feedback, and ask questions about strategies seeking to grow economic activity and community visibility at Tuesday’s forum.
“That will be speaking to building out an economic development strategy for the community, really reviewing the strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities that the community has to grow.”
The forum will be at city hall starting at 5:30 and on hand will be a consultant that’s been working with city and Cornerstone. Haan says they’ll also be taking feedback on proposed upgrades to Court Place Plaza.
