MLK-CIA Announces Community Charette for Proposed Mixed-Use Development Project

Rendering of proposed mixed-use development project.  Courtesy MLK-CIA.

(November 2, 2026 3:30 PM ET) The Martin Luther King Corridor Improvement Authority (MLK-CIA) is announcing a Community Charette for the proposed Mixed-Use Development Project located on the corner of Cooper & Biddle Street. The event will take place on November 19.  To provide multiple opportunities for community participation, the event will be split into two sessions. The first session will take place at the Jackson City Center (145 West Cortland Street) from 12pm to 2pm. The second session will take place at the MLK Recreation Center (1107 Adrian Street) from 5pm to 7pm.

This will be an interactive community engagement experience, rather than a traditional public meeting. Residents will have opportunities to participate in live polling, small-group discussions and visioning exercises. Community input will help shape the project’s future vision, design priorities, potential amenities and community benefits. Residents of all ages, backgrounds and neighborhoods are encouraged to participate and share what they would like to see included in the development.

The event will be organized and moderated by Communities First Inc. – a nonprofit community development organization founded in 2010. “This project is about more than bringing a grocery store to the neighborhood. It’s about creating opportunities for greater food access, housing and economic growth while making sure residents have a voice in what happens in their community. Before plans are finalized, we want to hear directly from the people who live here about what they need, what they value and what they want to see. That input is critical to creating a development that truly serves the community.” says Glenn Wilson, President & CEO, Communities First Inc.

Anyone who wants to have their voice heard and make a difference in this historic project, please register at https://qrco.de/mlkciagrocery. To learn more about the event please visit https:mymlkcia.org/gsp-event