The City of Big Rapids, Michigan is seeking proposals from qualified firms, organizations, or consultants to prepare a neighborhood redevelopment plan for the eastside community within the city. The eastside community has seen some momentum (shown below) with a new Depot Trail Head Park, new businesses, and the remodel of existing businesses. The City wants to capitalize on this momentum to improve the neighborhood’s connection to downtown, provide a safer pedestrian experience, and attract further redevelopment of the neighborhood. The eastside neighborhood presents several unique challenges. It is a main thoroughfare and entrance corridor of the City, as part of M-20 and is bordered on one side by the Muskegon River. Many of the neighborhood’s residents also face significant economic barriers. The project should focus on corridor redevelopment, potential markets, land use impact, and vehicle, pedestrian, and bike traffic patterns. Another item to be included is potential funding options and opportunities to support the suggested improvements. This project is dependent on the results of the City’s application to the Rural Readiness Grant Funding program. This solicitation allows the City to select the most qualified firm for this opportunity, if grant funds are awarded. The City reserves the right to reject all responses not deemed acceptable. Selection will be based primarily upon the qualifications of firms to perform the services outlined in this document.
