MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A request to establish a commercial planned unit development for the Meridian Mall as well as a request to construct an addition of roughly 20,000 square feet onto the mall was brought before the Township Board at the last meeting.

The additional space will accommodate two new clothing retailers: H&M and Gordmans.

Trustree Veenstra thought the additional space added to the mall would take away too many parking spaces, however, it was later determined that the number of spaces lost from this project would be no more than 130 spaces.

Board members also discussed the proposed permanent green space. Trustee Angela Wilson said that designating the permanent green space to be by Grand River Ave. at the last stop of the bus rapid transit would be like "tying our hands behind our backs in the future," because they would need to use that area.

With the exception of these few minor concerns, the board members were happy with this proposal.

"We want to encourage better, smarter redevelopment of these sites so thank you again for bringing us this and I think this is a terrific way for us to go for this site," said Meridian Township Treasurer Julie Brixie.

The Meridian Township Board will vote on this proposal at the next meeting.