Connecting students to the city of Mount Pleasant
The city of Mount Pleasant is an integral partner of Central Michigan University.
From local businesses supporting university events to students venturing out to buy groceries, the surrounding business district is impossible for anyone on campus to avoid.
Unfortunately, most students aren’t inclined to explore beyond campus.
City officials and the university should work together so students will venture out and explore the surrounding area.
One such program aimed to achieve this is the campus connector, a program that could create synergy between the university and Mount Pleasant.
The campus connector is an initiative to attract more students into the heart of Mount Pleasant.
Main and Washington streets would be redeveloped for increased aesthetic appeal.
More lights would be installed along with a bike path, making students and city residents feel safe when traveling between the university and downtown.
Downtown Mount Pleasant has more to offer than just bars, despite what most of-age students may say.
In addition to small local businesses ranging from bookstores to bicycle shops, there is an excellent selection of local eateries that can offer students a break from the numerous fast food chains on Mission Street.
Island Park also is located downtown, offering a free and fun way for students to spend their afternoons when they need a break from studying and classes.
Sounds like a great plan, right? The question has to be asked then: Why is it taking so long to start the campus connection?
The project was proposed more than a year ago.
The city applied for $115,000 in grant money back in January to help start the project.
In February, eight-foot sidewalks and new bike lanes were suggested for Main and Washington streets.
But beyond that, there hasn’t been much progression.
Another major advantage would be a way to escape traffic back-ups on Mission Street.
With alternate routes available to get downtown and to other parts of Mount Pleasant, traffic around the campus may be more dispersed, encouraging travel.
Students could stimulate the local economy, especially if they knew what downtown had to offer.
The campus connector is a great way to encourage student interaction with the city of Mount Pleasant.
Since the city is a student’s home during his or her college career, local leaders should work with the university to make Mount Pleasant an easier place to get involved in.
Students would no doubt be more inclined to be part of the community, especially if the city made them feel welcomed to come downtown and explore.
Campus connector could be the starting point.
