The Kent Street Reconstruction Project is set to begin late April/early May 2024 and scheduled to be completed in the fall. The City is planning improvements on Kent Street between Academy Street and Grand River Avenue to replace, repair, and upgrade aging infrastructure and to revitalize the downtown core. Improvements include replacement of water main, sanitary sewer, drainage improvements, electrical modifications and upgrades, reconstruction of the road, installing broadband, sidewalk replacement and streetscape enhancements. The City will also be constructing sanitary sewer river crossings where the drilling for the Looking Glass River will take place at the north end of Kent Street and Grand River Avenue. Further, the City, though its DDA, will be demolishing the building at 103 Grand River Avenue (former “Keusch” garage/building donated by the Fabiano Family) and developing a plaza area to serve as a public gathering space. In anticipation of the Project, the City will be hosting informational open houses on the dates and times listed below. This is an opportunity for our residents to speak directly to city engineers, ask questions and express any concerns.
In the days and weeks to come, signage will be posted to remind residents of the Project and offering resources to obtain construction updates, available parking, etc. The City has further dedicated a webpage that will host various informational documents, as well as periodic updates.
Make no mistake, this will be highly disruptive to our daily routines and we sincerely apologize for the mess and inconvenience. This is a significant project in scope that will take place in the very heart of our City, therefore, meaningful efforts to mitigate disruptions are highly challenging, if not impossible at times. Regardless, please know the City will make every effort to minimize the impact to our residents and those who visit our community. Further, please remember our downtown businesses who will be open and on “the front lines” during this Project – patronize them and often. They’re worth the walk and getting your shoes dirty.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding.