Full Strategic Plan.pdf - City of Southfield

Strategic Plan
Location
The District is centrally located in the region. The resources of the Southfield community
are assets – Lawrence Tech, the library, access to governmental officials, police and fire
protection, the hospital, good housing and neighborhoods nearby. Participants stated that
no place else in the area combines the same strengths of Oakland Community College’s
student population, Providence Hospital’s community commitment and employee base,
Northland mall’s retail, and residents.
Circulation and Parking
Participants repeatedly mentioned that the District should be made more walkable, by
adding sidewalks and trails and improving connections to the mall, OCC and Providence
facilities. Improvements for mass transit and possibly a trolley system were
recommended. The District’s convenient freeway access was cited as an asset. However,
within the District the circulation pattern is not easily understood. Generally, participants
felt there is an appearance of too much parking and pavement, particularly at Northland.
It was suggested that adding parking structure(s) would benefit the district by allowing
parking lot land to be redeveloped as buildings.
Appearance
Ordinance enforcement, improving the District’s curb appeal and adding landscaping,
green space were all noted. Participants wish the District to “become beautiful.”
Vitality and Amenities
Participants want the area to become a center of activity, both fun and convenient. A
variety of options for recreation and entertainment should be provided, and the Millennium
Centre should continue to expand as a performance venue.
Providence Hospital
Participants recognized the importance of Providence to the community, however they
indicated that it is not generally perceived as part of Cornerstone, that its campus is
understated and somewhat insular. Also, the hospital’s visitors and employees were
recognized as an important market that should be built upon.
Northland
Opinions about Northland were consistent among the focus groups, citing the need to
update the mall’s image, add amenities, and redevelop as a contemporary center.
Participants expressed desire for destination stores, good restaurants, and greater variety
of offerings. Possible redesign as an open mall or a multi-use site should be considered,
converting under utilized parking land to other uses.
Redevelopment Opportunities
Focus group members stated the CDA should focus on economic development activities.
They suggested the CDA facilitate reinvestment and redevelopment at several specific
sites, including the Ramada Inn parcels, IBM site, Kalabat parcel, and the Plaza Hotel
facilities.
CDA’s Identity
It was recommended that the CDA continue to market itself to create a stronger positive
image for the organization. Participants believed that most people don’t know what the
CDA is, or what it does.
2. Interviews. To better understand the perspectives and priorities of several major anchors
in the District, McKenna Associates interviewed the General Manager of Northland Center,
and the President and other representatives of Providence Hospital.
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Cornerstone Development Authority