Plans for Joe Louis Greenway to be presented on Jan. 19; construction to begin in 2020

The Joe Louis Greenway, a 31.5-mile loop of connected trails, made our list of the most exciting developments of 2019. And just as we predicted, after a relatively quiet 2018, things are already moving forward this year. 

The city of Detroit will host two community meetings on Jan. 19 to gather input from residents. Attendees will also get to hear presentations from the two finalist consulting groups and ask them questions. 

"With any project of this scope, we want to make sure that we provide residents the opportunity to participate in the planning process," said Arthur Jemison, Chief of Infrastructure and services for the city, in a press release.

The winning firm is expected to be announced later in January 2019, with construction starting in 2020. Along with building the non-motorized trails and paths, the city says there will likely be murals and other public art installations along the greenway. 

Map of the Joe Louis Greenway - courtesy City of Detroit
Also in the press release: "The project will create a comprehensive recreational path that will connect neighborhoods previously separated by freeways and discontinuous transit via new and existing pedestrian and bike paths, creating a total of 31.5 miles of accessible and connected pathways. The path will touch the neighboring cities of Ferndale and Dearborn, run through Hamtramck and Highland Park and connect to trails that crisscross the entire state."

Register here for one of the two community meetings that will take place on Saturday, Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Palmer Park Community Building, 1121 Merrill Plaisance St, Detroit, MI 48203. The event is free and open to the public. 
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Aaron Mondry is a Detroit-based freelance writer. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter @AaronMondry.