GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The parking lots south of the Van Andel Arena need more pedestrian connections, green spaces and buildings for people to work, live and shop in, according to a “visioning plan” presented to the Downtown Development Authority Wednesday, April 10.

The seven-week study yielded a series of drawings that propose replacing freeway exits and parking lots in the Arena South District with new buildings, some of which would wrap around parking structures.

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Tom Nemitz, an architect who led the “visioning” effort, said the suggestions gained from meeting with residents and stakeholders in the area, concluded the “South Arena District” should establish “street grids” that end the US-131 off ramp at Cherry Street rather than Oakes Street.

One option called for a tree-lined boulevard leading to Oakes Street while another option called for the creation of a park-like plaza connected to Oakes Street.

While the DDA did not act on any of the plans, it voted to approve the five priorities established by the study. Those goals included:

• Growing business and economic opportunities

• Greening streets, buildings and public spaces

• Building compact urban blocks that are densely developed and designed for people

• Connecting transit, shops, restaurants, hotels, schools and the Grand River

• Living and engaging in a multi-season inclusive environment.

Mayor George Heartwell urged the planners to consider the needs of low-income residents in the neighborhood.

Heartwell also encouraged the planners to consider mass transit options as an alternative to replacing the parking spots that will be lost with redevelopment.

em>E-mail Jim Harger: jharger@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JHHarger