MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Development plans were discussed at the recent Meridian Talks Development meeting on Tuesday, March 22.

The meeting discussion focused on the first quarter of development in the Township: The Village of Okemos, Trader Joe's, Buddy's Pizza, Haslett Marathon, as well as major road construction projects and their impacts on the community and local businesses.

Amber Clark, Neighborhoods and Economic Development Director, discussed all of the projects in the process of development around the Township.

The master plan is the document Clark follows when developing the community.

Clark said, “The overall vision comes from our master plan. The master plan is the document for people like myself to implement goals.”

Clark started off discussing residential developments. Woodward Way will be the first project to commence developing 49 apartment units. Then, Copper Creek development will occur with 98 single family homes.

Following this will be the development of Silverstone with 25 single family homes. Then onto Silverleaf development with 125 single family homes. Residential developments will end with the development of Sanctuary with 7 homes.

Next, Clark talked about the commercial developments. Starting with Trader Joe's construction updates, the demolition began a few weeks ago.

Clark said, “Trader Joe's, much like Whole Foods, is one of those developments that was heavily pushed by property owners and by avid visitors, and people who love that kind of store.”

Next, Buddy's Pizza was discussed. On Friday April 1st, a final inspection was done and the restaurant is now open.

GymKind Academy located in the Meridian Mall is now open as well.

Clark said, “This kind of transitions into our whole conversation of Meridian Mall changing as a shopping mall and turning out to be a different kind of commerce mall where different activities can happen.”

Nothing Bundt Cakes is set to open in the summer of 2022. They will be located at the corner of Okemos and Grand River.

The Haslett Marathon construction is continuing. Community members have reached out though with concerns of the building's height.

Clark said, “It is the board's prerogative and desire to have more urban and dense areas. So they will end up being more dense than they previously have been, and probably more dense than what residents in the community are used to.”

The Haslett Marathon will contain a gas station along with take out food services and auto services. Construction will finish in the summer, then the facility will be fully open for use.

Consumers Credit Union was approved as a new development. Located on Grand River, Consumers Credit Union will be on the same building line as Trader Joe’s.

Hypershine will also fall on Grand River in the same line as Trader Joe’s and Consumers Credit Union. Demolition for Hypershine has not begun yet, but will start soon.

Evergreen Veterinary clinic is set to open in summer 2022. This is the second location in the Lansing region. This animal clinic will also contain some animal rescue elements.

Sparrow 24 hour Emergency Room will be located on Jolly road. Construction is in the process and they should open sometime in the fall of 222.

Next, Clark discussed the Village of Okemos Project. Currently, there are two pending public hearings in the works for the final approval of $1.25 million from the Meridian Redevelopment Fund and $4.8 million from the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

The total cost for this project is estimated at $85 million.

The Village of Okemos will be 32,000 square feet of non-residential space on both sides of Hamilton road. Non-residential spaces will be located on the first floors then 100 units of residential space on all other floors per building.

Clark discussed possible intensity changes to the Haslett Village. This would include a walkable community with priority for pedestrians, an inviting green space, a mix of residential types, and public space and engagement areas.

Lastly, Clark talked about the master plan update. The master Plan has to be formally adopted by next year, so now is the time for residents to voice their opinion.

The meeting ended with public comment. To attend the next meeting, visit the Meridian Township website.