City of Portage to Host Portage Road 360 – Community Open House #3
The City of Portage invites community members to attend the third Portage Road 360 Community Open House on Wednesday, April 16, from 5:30 to 7 PM at the Portage Zhang Senior Center (203 East Centre Avenue). This open house is part of the city's ongoing effort to shape the future of Portage Road – from East Osterhout Avenue to East Centre Avenue – by gathering public input on potential roadway and corridor improvements.
Portage Road 360 builds on the Lake Center District Subarea Plan, approved as part of the City’s Master Plan in 2024, which introduced foundational improvements such as a new traffic signal at Forest Drive and updates to commercial zoning. The city now seeks additional community feedback to help refine design concepts and ensure the corridor reflects the priorities of Portage residents, businesses, and visitors.
At Community Open House #3, attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Hear a Community Report Presentation highlighting project timelines, street cross-sections, key intersections, and design recommendations informed by community input.
- Prioritize design elements to enhance corridor functionality and safety.
- Brainstorm ideas to create a more walkable, vibrant, and connected corridor.
"We're excited to hear directly from the community," said a Peter Dame, Chief Development Officer. "This is another chance for residents and business owners to weigh in on improvements that could impact everyday use of the Lake Center corridor – on options to slow traffic and improve vehicular and pedestrian safety to adding street trees, lighting, and bike and multiuser path connections."
Previous engagement efforts include a January 3 outreach session at Twelve Baskets Food Pantry, where more than 50 residents shared feedback. The first open house on January 17 at Presidential Brewing Company drew over 100 participants who engaged in mapping activities and interactive discussions. Nearly 100 community members attended the second open house on February 19 to share their goals and vision for the future of Portage Road.
For more information, contact the Department of Transportation & Utilities Department at (269) 329-4422.