Community Development Committee Meeting - January 27, 2026

The Community Development Committee met on January 27, 2026, at 9:16 AM. Commissioners Purdue and Robins were absent due to weather conditions. The meeting was chaired by the presiding officer with Commissioner Belchak present. The committee reviewed and approved eight resolutions and set public hearings for two additional items. All items were passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.

Discussion Items

1. Fireworks Discharge Permit (Disney on Ice, Jurassic World Live, Ringling Bros. Circus) – Resolution approving a fireworks discharge permit for Field Entertainment (doing business as Disney on Ice, Jurassic World Live, Ringling Bros. Circus) for indoor special effects at the Van Andel Arena in connection with Disney on Ice: Road Trip Adventures, taking place February 5–8, 2026. The committee noted the permit is routine and primarily for Disney on Ice. Vote: Carried.

2. Systematic Sidewalk Repairs – Ward 3 – Resolution awarding a contract to Ellis McLean Construction LLC for systematic sidewalk repairs at various locations (2026 Desk 1) in the amount of $1,195,780, with a total not to exceed $1,350,000. The project is part of the city's vital street systematic sidewalk repair program on a three-year cycle, now returning to the third ward with larger contracts. Vote: Carried.

3. Grand River Edges Trail – Eastern Railroad to Grand River Trails East – Resolution awarding a contract to Wheeland Corporation (doing business as Wheeland) for the trail in the amount of $3,649,271, with total not to exceed $5,935,700. Staff expressed excitement, noting the project has been long in the making and property issues have been resolved. Vote: Carried.

4. Lion Street and Fuller Avenue Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon – Resolution approving an agreement with MDOT and authorizing $310,745 for the local share of cost. The pedestrian hybrid beacon will improve safety at the crossing near Fuller Avenue and Lion Street, linked to park access. It was supported by a HISIP grant sought by Mobile GR and included community engagement. Vote: Carried.

5. Storm Sewer Agreement – Eastern Avenue (44th St to 40th St) – Resolution approving an agreement with the City of Wyoming and Steelcase Inc. for a shared storm sewer on a border street. A collective agreement defines ownership and cost-sharing for repairs; Grand Rapids and Wyoming will share future costs. Steelcase is the largest contributor to stormwater in the area. Amount not to exceed $24,000. Vote: Carried.

6. Construction Agreement and Public Utility Easements – High View – Resolution approving a construction agreement and accepting four public utility easements for a private development where streets are private but utilities are public. Easements grant the city access to maintain and repair utilities. Vote: Carried.

7. Sidewalk and Utility Easement – 855 Godfrey Avenue SW (Oxford/Norwick to Godfrey Reconstruction) – Resolution accepting an easement valued at $45,265. The storm sewer is on private property due to grade changes and a bridge; the easement ensures access. This supports the Oxford Trail project and playground utility relocation. Vote: Carried.

8. Nuisance Charges – Outstanding Accounts Receivable (Roll No. 88-02) – Resolution authorizing the assessor to spread nuisance charges totaling $478,734.38. This initiates a standard process to collect uncollected charges from July 1 to December 31, 2025 via property taxes. The Treasurer noted the amount typically drops to $350,000–$400,000 after property owner notifications. The process includes multiple steps and eventual county transfer if unpaid. Vote: Carried.

9. Industrial Development District – Long Road Distillers (Public Hearing) – Resolution scheduling a public hearing for February 10, 2026, to consider establishing an industrial development district at 1750 Elizabeth Avenue NW. Long Road Distillers plans to lease 20,000 square feet, invest nearly $680,000 in real property improvements and equipment for expanded distillation capacity and a canning line for ready-to-drink products. Vote: Carried.

10. Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate – Long Road Distillers (Public Hearing) – Companion resolution scheduling a public hearing for February 10, 2026, to consider an application for an industrial facilities exemption certificate for the $680,000 project at 1750 Elizabeth Avenue NW. Vote: Carried.

11. Housing Next Contract Amendment – Resolution authorizing an amendment to the professional services agreement with Housing Next (contracted through the Greater Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation) for housing practice services, increasing the authorized contract amount by $35,000 for a total not to exceed $135,000. The additional funds support unexpected work, including the ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Task Force, zoning update support, the Affordable Housing Fund board, and assistance to private development partners seeking LITEC funding. The Chamber Foundation provides back-office fiduciary support. Vote: Carried.

Key Outcomes

• All 11 resolutions were approved unanimously.
• Public hearings for the Long Road Distillers industrial district and exemption certificate were set for February 10, 2026.
• The committee acknowledged the efficiency of the nuisance charge collection process and the value of Housing Next’s contributions.