Friday, June 01, 2007

Comments sought on Triangle master plan

An artist's rendering of the Triangle District

By John McTaggart

If you’ve got something to say about Birmingham’s proposed Triangle District Master Plan, city planners want to hear it. Comments from a wide range of interested parties are being sought as the plan nears completion.

A 40-day review period for neighboring communities and other agencies will expire July 1. The Planning Board has scheduled a public hearing on the plan for July 11, and the City Commission is expected to hold a hearing on the plan in August.

The plan would transform the district, bounded by Maple, Adams and Woodward, into a vibrant live-work-shop-recreate area with public plazas, tree-lined streets, mixed-use neighborhoods and unique architecture.

“We want the Triangle District to be a compliment and a companion to the downtown area,” said LSL Managing Partner Brad Strader, who led the planning effort. “We don’t want it to be just an extension of the downtown. We want people to feel they’re in the Triangle District and not downtown. That’s a very important point.”

Click here for LSL’s powerpoint presentation on the plan.

Click here for a draft of the plan.

“It can’t be done soon enough,” said Danielle DiValencia, a district resident. “I think this part of town has been largely ignored over the past 10 years. It’s a beautiful area with a lot of potential.”

“I’m looking forward to its completion,” Alan Kurtz said. “This section of Birmingham doesn’t have as much character as other parts of town. Woodward seems to separate us from the rest of town. From what I can see, this plan will give this section of Birmingham much needed character.”

The 20-year plan will depend on significant public and private investment, and particularly on development of parking structures that will allow the specified density.

“They didn’t build Rome in one day,” said district resident Bonnie Wheeler. “I think 20 years is a good pace for something this big. We’ll see real improvement along the way. I’m sure.”

Comments can be presented at any of the hearings, or sent to city Planning Director Jana Ecker at or 151 Martin St., Birmingham, MI 48009.