MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Shaping the Avenue is a zoning code that would change the way businesses are built in Meridian Township, specifically along the Grand River Corridor and in Downtown Okemos. During the presentation at the August 14th Planning Commission Meeting, the Commission and the public were presented with a draft of what that actually means.

More walkability, bike friendly, and street friendly buildings with street trees and green space are what was presented as the goal of Shaping the Avenue. Shaping the Avenue Sub-Consultant Geoffrey Ferrell said another way to look at it is they're building a small town. "Our direction is, in addition to all the people we're talking to, but we're really looking at the (Meridian Township) Master Plan. That's the idea being that's where the community has said this is what we want to be when we grow up maybe, or as we get older," explained Ferrell.

Meridian Township isn't the only one apart of Shaping the Avenue; it's a multi-jurisdictional partnership that involves Lansing, Lansing Township, East Lansing, and the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) as well.

Currently, Shaping the Avenue Consultants are giving presentations on the information and awaiting feedback from the community. Meridian Township residents are encouraged to submit their feedback to Community Planning & Development.

If you missed the presentation at the Planning Commission Meeting, you'll have another chance to see it Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at the Township Board Meeting, or Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at the Corridor Improvement Authority meeting. Future presentations can be found on the Shaping the Avenue Facebook page.