It all starts with resident voices! After the Heartside Resident Satisfaction Survey of 2016, 7 workgroups were created through of the Quality of Life process, one of which being the Public Restrooms Work Group. Its aim was focused on the issue of public urination and defecation along the Division Avenue corridor. A total of 14 people participated during the six weeks of meetings in 2018. This group included representation from DGRI, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Planning and Police Departments, Degage Ministries, Heartside Neighborhood Collaborative Partnership, Heartside Ministry, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and others. The Public Restrooms group continued to move forward by advocating to the city and proposing a model bathroom. Come April 2019, funding was approved by DGRI to install a public restroom. Models have been looked at and the workgroup and DGRI have held public meetings in October 2019 regarding the proposed model of a public restroom, the Portland Loo. Currently, the proposed location is on the corner of Weston and Division, on the southeastern side. The workgroup continues to problem solve and work closely with stakeholders. The proposed plan has wide-spread support from community and city alike.
