Two Thanksgivings ago I took my family to New York City.
Even amidst the chaos of protecting my 4 young children from darting out in
to oncoming traffic – we absolutely loved the City.
We loved the walk-ability of City life – that you could walk down a block to a grocery store and get all of your household needs.
I love downtown Grand Rapids.
If Grand Rapids wants to encourage urban living, it needs a downtown grocery store.
Yesterday, House Bill 4207 was introduced in the Michigan house. Known as the “Urban Food Initiative” it would provide incentives for community revitalization that would include a downtown Grocery Store.
Specifically, HB 4027 would make “Urban Food Initiatives” allowable to receive funds under the Michigan Community Revitalization Program
The Bill defines Urban Food Initiatives as:
“Property that will be used primarily as a retail supermarket, grocery store, produce market or delicatessen that is located in a downtown area…that offers unprocessed USDA inspected meat and poultry products or meat products that carry the USDA organic seal, fresh fruit and vegetables, and dairy products for sale to the public.”
Clearly having available and healthy food options in a downtown are necessary to City living. Check out today’s article from Next City about the Food Revolution in Detroit.
A downtown grocery store is necessary if a City wants to attract urban living – it is also necessary to provide healthy food options for those living downtown without readily available transportation.
I think particularly of the under-employed and the homeless who receive services from organizations like Mel Trotter Ministries. Grand Rapids has a need for affordable housing for the most vulnerable in our society. It would be great to see grocery options as well.
I am looking forward to tracking the progress of this bill. I am also encouraged by the many businesses in West Michigan asking the question: “How am I building a better community?”
e-mail: Jeshua@dwlawpc.com
Twitter: @JeshuaTLauka
Purpose Driven General Counsel 