Current projects

Transportation                 Housing

Transportation Projects

Eastern Ottawa Community Change Study:
In October of 2008, Disability Network / Lakeshore was awarded a Service Development and New Technologies (SDNT) grant from the MDOT for a study entitled, “A Vehicle for Change: Demonstrating the impact lack of transit has on a community without a public transportation system.” This study will continue through January 2010.

The goal of this study is to understand the impact lack of public transportation has on a community without an existing public transit system; and how to effectively communicate that impact to community members. Study area includes: City of Hudsonville, Allendale Twp., Jamestown Twp., Blendon Twp., and Georgetown/Jenison Twp.

Click here to read Phase 1 Report: An Individual Analysis

Click here to read Phase 2 Report: A Community Survey

Also, visit our website, www.transitmeansmore.org for more information on this study.

Allegan County Community Change Study:
In October of 2008, Disability Network / Lakeshore was awarded a Service Development and New Technologies (SDNT) grant from the MDOT for a study entitled, “Techniques to Market Countywide Rural Transportation.” This study will continue through June 2012. The goals of this study include: developing a community supported five-year strategic plan for Allegan County Transportation, and increasing awareness and support for public transportation.

Click here to read Phase 1 Report: A Stakeholder Analysis

West Michigan Linkages Study:
This study is being conducted by the Ottawa County Planning and Grants Department in collaboration with Grand Valley State University. The study is being funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation through a Service, Development, and New Technologies (SDNT) grant. The goal of this study is to complete a needs assessment and feasibility study of commuter transit services in the West Michigan area. This study will continue through February 2010.

Click here for more information on this study

Housing Projects

Housing Research Study
In October 2008, Disability Network/Lakeshore began a housing research study in Ottawa County to accurately determine the current and projected unmet housing needs for people with mental, developmental, physical, and hidden disabilities; our inquiry considers individual supports, public amenities, affordability, accessibility, and policy. This study will be completed by December 2009.

Funding is provided by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council along with a grant from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation that is contributing towards contractual fees. In addition, a diverse team, representative of business, non-profit, government, individuals with disabilities and parents is volunteering their time to gather current information, collect new data, analyze findings, develop recommendations based on findings, and communicate recommendations through a formal report.

Click here for more information and the progress being made on this study.