Allendale Township has several new and soon-to-come businesses to appeal to the Grand Valley State University community. With these and other projects being planned and constructed, students will have increased options to choose from near campus for goods, services and entertainment.

“(GVSU) affects the business climate, how businesses put their numbers together, and their ability to market services and goods,” said Jerry Alkema, Allendale Township supervisor.

Alkema said that among the businesses taking advantage of the dense campus community are a Tim Hortons, which recently came to the area, and a Taco Bell that will also be opened soon. Other projects in Allendale Township include an animal hospital and the construction of new housing near campus.

For the foreseeable future, Alkema said he is working on plans with Ottawa County Parks and Recreation to create walking trails along the Grand River.

“We are always looking to explore new things,” he said.

While plenty of concrete changes are occurring in the township, new laws or ordinances that could affect GVSU students have not been passed in a long time, Alkema said. However, the township continues to offer government services that may benefit those rooted in the area, including passport applications and voter registration at the township hall.

Overall, the GVSU community and Allendale Township are deeply connected to one another, Alkema said, adding that the community is bouncing back from the economic recession and is recovering with the help of demand created by GVSU students for goods and services near campus.

“Allendale and Grand Valley have a great relationship, and I’m looking forward to it continuing,” he said.

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