Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting – April 28, 2026

The Grand Rapids City Commission convened on April 28, 2026, for a regular meeting that included public hearings on a brownfield redevelopment project, the Downtown Improvement District special assessment, and a nuisance assessment appeal. Commissioners approved the consent agenda and heard extensive public comments on immigration enforcement, surveillance cameras, affordable housing, and the first ward vacancy. The meeting was adjourned early due to a disruption.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from April 14, 2026.
• Approved the consent agenda unanimously.

Petitions and Communications

The clerk read several communications, including:

• A communication from the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission requesting transparency and accountability regarding recent GRPD officer-involved incidents (filed).
• Resignations from the Urban Forestry Committee and Urban Agricultural Committee (referred to committee on appointments).
• A communication from Julie Hulk of GR for Affordable Housing regarding future housing needs (filed).
• A communication from Michael B. Scrugs regarding police conduct (filed).
• A communication from Mark Baker of Soft Lights Foundation regarding a lighting ordinance (filed).
• Communications from Scott Atchison proposing a downtown information center and a name change of Kent County to Grand Kent County (filed).
• A communication from Kelly Joe Paltier expressing support for the downtown improvement district (filed).
• A communication from Diara Newman of West Michigan Center of Arts and Technology with concerns about the May 4-Route pilot (filed).
• A communication from Josh Brink expressing disappointment in the April 2026 special meeting (filed).
• A communication from the Hotel District Business Association expressing support for the downtown improvement district (filed).

Public Hearings

Brownfield Plan Amendment – 1225 Plymouth Flats

• Presentation: Sarah Ranero (city staff) presented a brownfield plan amendment for the Plymouth Flats redevelopment at 1225 Plymouth. The project involves demolishing a vacated credit union and constructing three buildings with 48 residential units (24 one-bedroom, 24 two-bedroom). Total project cost is $10.5 million. Eligible brownfield activities total $1.75 million, with $948,312 in housing TIFF capture over 12 years. As part of aspirational inclusion goals, 30% of construction costs ($2.85 million) are targeted for micro-local and minority/women-owned businesses. Units are designated at 90% AMI. Construction is planned to start summer 2026.
• Developer comments: Matt O'Connor and developer Matt (last name not given) noted the blighted building acquisition, neighborhood engagement, and desire to address housing needs incrementally.
• Commissioner comments: Commissioner Yasow expressed support, noting neighborhood engagement and the project's potential to attract amenities.
• Public comment: D Jones asked for per-unit costs and suggested using 3D-printed construction in the future. No other public comments.
• Outcome: Hearing closed; matter referred to committee of the whole.

Downtown Improvement District (DID) Special Assessment

• Presentation: Melvin Ellers (Director of Operations, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.) presented the 2027–2029 operations plan for the Downtown Improvement District. Proposed changes include: a 3% increase in the area-wide assessment in FY2027 (operating budget $1.5 million, including snowmelt), and 4% increases in FY2028 and FY2029 (ceiling tied to state inflation). The plan expands DID boundaries to include the new amphitheater and one additional parcel on the west side. Residential property owners pay $120 annually flat rate; nonprofits receive a 40% reduction. Assessment breakdown: 30% land area, 30% building square footage, 30% parcel frontage, 10% parking area.
• Commissioner questions:
  • Commissioner Knight inquired about partnerships to protect personal belongings of unhoused residents. Ellers said conversations had not yet occurred but were open.
  • Commissioner Kilgore expressed disappointment that the DID executive team had not yet addressed the formal request, and urged communication of this need.
  • Commissioner Belchak asked about ambassador deployment for new venues and equitable service distribution. Ellers described special event deployments and daily cleaning of four to five sub-districts.
• Public comment:
  • Scott Atchison (3rd Ward) criticized the lack of a downtown information center and said ambassador contracts should be reviewed; he argued DID/DDA/ DGRI are essentially the same entity.
  • D Jones advocated for using DID funds for affordable housing and criticized billionaires and businesses.
  • A speaker (name not given) commented on Ellis Parking rates.
  • A speaker suggested spreading assessments citywide to avoid a downtown vs. neighborhoods perception.
  • Mark (Grand Rapids) referenced a potential MLS team relocation and cautioned against repeating mistakes.
• Outcome: Hearing closed; matter referred to committee of the whole.

Special Assessment Nuisance Role 8802

• Presentation: Lindsay Post (City Assessor’s Office) explained that the special assessment role covers unpaid charges for code violations and services from July–December 2025. Notices were sent March 16, 2026, and the role was open for public inspection March 30–April 28. The commission convened as board of review for final appeals.
• Public comment: None.
• Outcome: Hearing closed.

Public Comments (Second Opportunity)

Numerous residents spoke; key themes included:

• Immigration and sanctuary policies: Multiple speakers (Jacob, Shell, Alex, Sonia, Steve Bennett, Emma, Sam, Coco, Andrea, Adam, Kim, Chloe) urged the commission to adopt six sanctuary policies, including no 287G agreement with ICE, prohibiting sharing of Flock camera data with ICE, and not complying with ICE detainers without warrants. Many cited specific cases, FOIA evidence, and alleged GRPD collaboration. Speakers expressed that current policies create fear and harm immigrant families. Some criticized Mayor LeGrand’s inaction and requested concrete policy, not symbolic statements.
• Flock cameras: Several speakers (Alex, Sonia, Sam, Coco, Adam, Kim) called for removal of Flock (ALPR) cameras, citing privacy violations, data security risks, improper access, and chilling effects on marginalized communities. One former employee of a similar company described default passwords and lack of security.
• Affordable housing and 3D printing: D Jones shared his visit to a 3D-printed home in Detroit and advocated for 3D-printed housing in Grand Rapids.
• Traffic safety: Deb Van Dynan (Oakdale Park Church) and Kenya Hunter requested $145,000 for a four-way stop at Kalamazoo and Adams ($20,000) and a flashing crosswalk near Ewing or Hancott ($125,000). They urged inclusion in the upcoming budget by end of 2026.
• First ward vacancy: Russell Omstead (1st Ward) criticized the commission’s handling of the appointment process, stating that leaving the seat vacant through November is undemocratic and inequitable. He urged the body to revisit the process and provide representation.
• Other: Daniel Spa spoke against a new alcohol license, citing harm. Mark Bet commented on the attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and urged voting. A speaker referenced the April special meeting and criticized commissioner behavior.
• Disruption: Near the end of public comments, chanting (“Ice and cops go hand in hand”) led the mayor to adjourn the meeting early.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved.
• Three public hearings held and closed; matters referred to committee of the whole.
• No votes taken on sanctuary policies, Flock cameras, or other public demands; no action announced.
• Meeting adjourned early due to disruption.