Civil Municipal - April 2024

aligns with the city’s strategy for growth. “We are experiencing a lot of... new property into the city, served it with infrastructure, making it appealing to developers,” he states. This appeal has led to a surge in housing projects, from apartment units to single- family homes, with plans for further expansion. “We have added hundreds of units... and we are in the process of approving, actually hundreds more,” Bosanic reveals, projecting a population increase of 20 to 25% in the near future. GREENVILLE: A DESTINATION FOR RECREATION AND COMMUNITY Greenville, Michigan, regals both residents and newcomers, drawn by its rich diversity of natural beauty, recreational amenities, and a unique sense of place. Bosanic illuminates what makes Greenville an attractive destination. “We’re blessed with certain physical amenities... such as the three lakes and the river in the city,” he notes, highlighting the natural assets that provide a backdrop for the city’s lifestyle. The Fred Meijer Flat River Trail, a purpose-built pedestrian path that encircles the town, is a testament to Greenville’s dedication to accessible outdoor recreation. This trail connects various city parks and neighborhoods and is also part of a more extensive network, linking Greenville to other communities through the Fred Meijer trails. Introducing a pedestrian traffic circle where these trails converge represents an innovative approach to urban planning and recreational design. “We’re building one for pedestrian traffic because all three of those trails converge at one point,” Bosanic shares, detailing plans for a feature that honors the legacy of Fred Meijer, whose familial roots and entrepreneurial spirit are deeply entwined with Greenville’s history. The narrative of Hendrik Meijer’s transformation from barber to grocer, eventually founding a retail empire, is a poignant part of Greenville’s heritage. “Hendrik Meijer was a barber, and he switched to being a grocer. And then, it manifested from there,” Bosanic recounts. This legacy is further enriched by Fred Meijer’s contributions to the family business and the community’s recreational landscape through his passion for pedestrian trails. These amenities 103 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 04 GREENVI LLE, MI