Grand Rapids Community Development Committee Meeting - October 6, 2026

The Community Development Committee met on October 6, 2026, to consider seven agenda items. All items received unanimous approval. The agenda included a fireworks discharge permit, three rezoning proposals, a park user agreement, a storm sewer relocation contract, and a substation replacement contract. Key dates mentioned include October 8, 2026 (fireworks event) and October 27, 2026 (public hearing for zoning ordinances).

Fireworks Discharge Permit

• The committee approved a resolution granting a fireworks discharge permit to ER Laser Products for special effects at Van Andel Arena in connection with the Bring Me the Horizon Tour 2026 on October 8, 2026. A staff member noted the permit covered handheld effects and flames. The motion carried unanimously.

Rezoning at 834 Livingston Avenue Northeast

• The committee set October 27, 2026, as the date to consider an ordinance rezoning a portion of 834 Livingston Avenue NE from Special District Open Space (OS) to Traditional Neighborhood Low Density Residential (LDR). Planning staff explained the rezoning would align with surrounding development and facilitate a 12-unit multifamily project. Commissioner Belshack asked about the density choice; staff responded that LDR is consistent with the neighborhood pattern and that the proposed development fits within that classification. The motion carried unanimously.

Rezoning at 1951 and 1911 Fuller Avenue Northeast

• The committee set October 27, 2026, as the date to consider two related rezoning ordinances. The first rezoned 1951 Fuller Avenue NE from Mid-20th Century Neighborhood Commercial and Low Density Residential to Mid-20th Century Neighborhood Mixed Density Residential. The second rezoned a portion of 1911 Fuller Avenue NE (city-owned water tower property) from Low Density Residential to Mixed Density Residential. Planning staff noted the site had been challenging to develop under existing zoning and that the new designation would allow for multifamily housing. Commissioner Knight asked about commercial mixed-use opportunities; staff explained the proposed zoning did not permit commercial use and that the market did not support commercial development there. The planning commission had recommended approval. Both motions carried unanimously.

Sullivan Field User Agreement

• The committee authorized a user agreement with Fans of Valley Field for collaborative stewardship of Sullivan Field. Parks staff detailed a three-year term with one-year renewal, outlining city maintenance responsibilities and allowing Fans of Valley Field to operate concessions and a museum. Commissioner Joe (first ward) expressed excitement and asked about budgetary considerations; staff confirmed maintenance would be covered by regular park operations and long-term capital plans. Commissioner Joe also noted collaboration between Fans of Valley Field and the Grand Rapids Rotary Club. Staff highlighted that Fans of Valley Field raised $2 million in private donations and secured a RAP 2.0 grant. The motion carried unanimously.

Storm Sewer Relocation Contract

• The committee awarded a contract to Kentwood Excavating Inc. for storm sewer relocation on Portman Lane SE (40 feet west of Portman Drive SE cul-de-sac) in the amount of $138,115, with a total not to exceed $250,000. Staff reported three bids were received; the low bid was approximately $8,500 under the engineer's estimate. The project replaces a failed stormwater outfall from spring heavy rains and will be completed this fall. The motion carried unanimously.

Water Resource Recovery Facility Substation Replacement

• The committee awarded a contract to Basin Electric Company for replacement of the north primary substation at the Water Resource Recovery Facility in the amount of $1,748,800, with a total not to exceed $2,141,755. The existing substation, built in the 1970s, had reached its useful life. Two bids were received; the low bid was approximately $5,000 under the engineer's estimate. Work will be funded by the sewer system fund and completed by fall 2027. The motion carried unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All seven resolutions passed unanimously with no opposition. The committee set public hearing dates for the three rezoning ordinances on October 27, 2026. Contracts were awarded for infrastructure projects, and a user agreement was approved for Sullivan Field.