Community Development Committee Meeting - April 14, 2026

The Community Development Committee of the City of Grand Rapids met on April 14, 2026 to consider 12 agenda items including permits, special assessments, contracts for infrastructure projects, and a development proposal. All resolutions were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approved a fireworks discharge permit for RKM Fireworks Company for special effects at AcroShare Amphitheater on May 9, 2026 in connection with the Acrossure Amphitheater Contractor Appreciation Music Festival.
• Recommended approval of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund final project planning document for the Godfrey combined sewer separation project, estimated at $28 million, designating an authorized project representative.
• Awarded a contract to Groundhog Excavating & Landscaping LLC for replacement of lead service lines at various locations for $1,876,312 (total project cost not to exceed $2,889,800), with about $2.5 million in debt forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
• Awarded a contract to Montgomery Excavating LLC for rotomilling and resurfacing of streets at various locations for $3,594,403 (total not to exceed $4,744,300), with 14.9% micro-LBE participation.
• Accepted a utility easement at the intersection of Ripens Drive NW and Mullins Avenue NW in Walker for $1, in connection with the partial vacation of Ripens Drive.
• Accepted two utility easements at 725 Wealthy St SW and 336 Straight Ave SW for $890 and $1,485 respectively, in connection with the Butterworth Solar Project.
• Accepted a release of easement at 123 2nd Street NW.

Discussion Items

• Confirmation of Special Assessment 8774 – Crescent Alley Improvements: The committee confirmed a special assessment of $11,736 for Crescent Alley improvements completed in 2025. The total project cost was $119,628. Three appeals were received from property owners who purchased after the work was completed, arguing they were not notified. Staff explained that notification is between buyer and seller and the city followed proper procedures. The committee confirmed the assessment unanimously.
• Union Suites on Coit 2 Project: Authorized a memorandum of agreement with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and the Wyoming Housing Commission for 52 affordable rental units (80% AMI and below) at 628–646 Coit Avenue in the Belknap neighborhood. The project will have an adverse effect on historic properties, requiring the owner to record existing conditions, create a permanent record of seven buildings to be demolished, and display a historical photo map. If the owner fails to comply, the Wyoming Housing Commission may withdraw project-based voucher support.
• Reconstruction of Leffingwell Avenue and Bradford Street: Awarded a contract to Wyoming Excavators Inc. for $4,438,153.25 (total not to exceed $5,491,880). Corewell Health contributed approximately $5.3 million toward reconstruction. The project will add storm sewer, street lighting, a shared use path, and close a water main gap. The road was previously unimproved.
• 1225 Plymouth Flats Redevelopment Project: Scheduled a public hearing for April 28, 2026 to consider TIFF assistance for the redevelopment of a former credit union site at 1225 Plymouth Avenue NE. The project includes three residential buildings with 48 units, 20% of which (9–10 units) will be affordable to households at 90% AMI. Total development cost is approximately $10.5 million, with eligible activities of $1.75 million. The developer has an aspirational goal of 30% subcontractor participation by micro-local, women-owned, and minority-owned enterprises.
• Setting Public Hearing for Nuisance Special Assessment Roll 8802: Set a public hearing for April 28, 2026 to hear appeals on unpaid charges for code violations, rental certifications, and blight monitoring from July to December 2025. Commissioners discussed the challenge of repeat offenders and the time it takes for unpaid assessments to become liens. Staff mentioned the Special Case Action Team (SCAT) and a full-time social worker who connects property owners to resources. A briefing on the code enforcement process is planned for the Public Safety Committee in May.

Key Outcomes

• All 12 resolutions were approved unanimously by the committee.
• Public hearings were scheduled for April 28, 2026 for both the 1225 Plymouth Flats redevelopment and the nuisance special assessment roll 8802.
• Staff will prepare a briefing on the nuisance and code enforcement process for a future committee meeting, potentially the Public Safety Committee in May.