GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — In March, City of Grand Haven officials announced they were seeking proposals to update Chinook Pier along the Grand River. The pier attracts people year-round with paths for both walking and biking, as well as being a great spot for fishing. The city announced developers Cherette Group, Copper Rock and Midwest Construction submitted proposals on how they would revitalize the pier.
"I think it looks great the way it is, I just think it needs to be a little modernized,” resident Laura Layson said. "Some of the benches and the farmers market could use a new awning.”
One of the proposals was to put a 20,000-square-foot children's museum along the river, along with more outdoor space, a rooftop bar, and indoor pickleball.
"They want to bring in new businesses, they want more traffic, but we really like it the way it is as a resident, this is comfortable,” resident Laura Grace said.
The city will present the proposals to the board and host public meetings for consideration. While Layson is on the fence about some of the renderings, she does think the project will be good for the community.
"I think we should leave some outdoor concept, I think there's already a lot of shops, and I guess a few more won't matter, but I don't think they should overdo it and cover up the water, the channel and all the green,” Layson said.
In addition to Tuesday night's public meeting at the planning commission, the final presentation will be on June 26 at the Historic Commission. The city council is expected to discuss the proposals next month.
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