City begins study of neighborhood revitalization and economic development tools along Grant Avenue Parkway

The City of Springfield has engaged planning consultants with PGAV to conduct a qualifications analysis of a portion of the Grant Avenue Parkway improvement corridor. The study is intended to help identify what areas qualify for a variety of 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.

This week, PGAV is conducting preliminary field observation of properties in the study area. In the coming months, 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 2022.   

Learn more about the Grant Avenue Parkway corridor improvement project and planning efforts, visit grantavenueparkway.com.