Grand Rapids Community Development Committee Meeting - August 11, 2026

The Community Development Committee convened on August 11, 2026, at 9:15 AM and adjourned at 9:28 AM. All 12 agenda items were approved unanimously with no opposition. The meeting covered approvals for fireworks, public hearings, property sales, traffic signal optimization, and construction contracts.

Consent Calendar

• Fireworks Discharge (Item 1): Approved a resolution authorizing GLC Live at 20 Monroe to use cold sparks at a September 17, 2026 event. Fire Inspector Molly McIntyre confirmed the Fire Department will supervise.
• Public Hearing on CAPER (Item 2): Scheduled a September 22, 2026 public hearing to consider past performance in the federal FY2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report and future housing/community development needs. Public comment period runs September 8–23.
• Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for City Built Brewing (Item 4): Scheduled an August 25, 2026 public hearing to consider an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for City Built Brewing’s project at 1560 Taylor Avenue North.
• Revocation of IFT Certificate – Creston Brewery (Item 6): Approved a resolution to revoke an existing Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for Saga Tuck Brewing Co., d.b.a. Creston Brewery, as the business is no longer operating at the property.
• Traffic Signal Optimization Agreement (Item 7): Approved an agreement with MDOT authorizing $49,900 for the FY26 Metropolitan Travels Traffic Signal Optimization Project, a regional signal timing program to reduce delay and improve air quality.
• Unit Price Increase – General Construction (Item 8): Approved a 3–4% unit price increase for six contractors under the as-needed general construction services contract (previously authorized expenditure of $2 million remains unchanged), correcting an error from the June 2 approval.
• Unit Price Increase – Hazardous Materials Abatement (Item 9): Approved a 3–5% unit price increase for Pro Tech Environmental Inc. and Demolition Contractors Inc. (Pitched Wrecking Companies) for asbestos abatement and demolition services (previously authorized $1.5 million unchanged).
• Construction Agreement – Stan Dale Meyer Outlots (Item 10): Approved a construction agreement and public utilities easement to extend sanitary sewer for two new outlots in the City of Walker; sewer will be inspected by Prime/Newhoff and accepted by the City when ready.
• Assignment of Agreement – AB and Marsh Consultants (Item 11): Approved consent to assign the professional architectural services contract from Bison Associates to AB and Marsh Consultants Inc., effective through February 2028. No current work under the agreement.
• Downtown Improvement District Special Assessment Roll (Item 12): Confirmed FY2027 Special Assessment Roll #8806 (first year of a three-year plan). Property owners were notified May 28, a public hearing held July 21 with no appeals; invoices due October 1.

Discussion Items

• Industrial Development District – City Built Brewing (Item 3): The committee scheduled an August 25, 2026 public hearing to consider establishing an Industrial Development District for City Built Brewing at 1560 Taylor Avenue North. Assistant Director Rachel Gray described the project: renovating a vacant 7,000 sq ft Quonset-style building plus additional structures for beverage production, tap room, and commercial space, representing a total investment of approximately $1.6 million ($1 million in real property improvements for industrial brewing, $600k in commercial/retail improvements not part of the IFT request). A commissioner expressed support, noting the project activates a long-vacant space and helps the community envision development in the South End and River North Business District.
• Sale of City-Owned Property to GVSU (Item 5): Approved the sale of a small triangular parcel at 150 Lexington Avenue SW to Grand Valley State University for $90,500, retaining public utility and sidewalk easements. The city acquired the property in 2011 for street improvements; GVSU sought it for future downtown campus expansion. A commissioner voiced approval, stating the land is unbuildable and its use by GVSU benefits the neighborhood given the robust downtown campus.
• Signal Timing Optimization Discussion (Item 7): During consideration, a commissioner inquired about specific corridors. Assistant Director Arianna Jeske confirmed the project includes approximately 30 locations, with an appendix listing them. The commissioner noted public interest in signal timing on Pearl Street (near Amway Grand) and major corridors like 28th Street and Division, and asked about impacts on side streets. Jeske clarified this is a regional, not city-only, periodic review.

Key Outcomes

• All 12 resolutions were adopted unanimously (all aye, no opposed) during the 13-minute meeting.
• Public hearings scheduled: August 25, 2026 (two hearings for City Built Brewing district and IFT certificate) and September 22, 2026 (CAPER report).
• Property sale to GVSU approved; assessment roll confirmed.
• Contract assignments and unit price increases approved without additional expenditures.
• Fireworks permit approved for September 17, 2026 event.