News Summary
In response to community feedback, Gaslight Investors LLC has revised their large mixed-use development proposal in Gaslight Village, East Grand Rapids. Significant changes include reducing the number of residential units from 180 to 149 and lowering the tallest building’s height from seven stories to five. The developers aim to enhance community engagement by incorporating more green space and outdoor amenities while addressing parking concerns. This revised plan is set for discussion at the city commission meeting on March 31.
East Grand Rapids Development Project Takes a Step Back Following Community Feedback
In a wave of community involvement that has made headlines, the proposal for a large mixed-use development in Gaslight Village, East Grand Rapids, has taken a significant step back. This comes after residents voiced their concerns regarding the scale and impact of the original plans. Now, the project, presented by Gaslight Investors LLC, is being reworked to reflect these local sentiments.
A Closer Look at the Changes
The initial proposal came with an ambitious vision, which included multiple multi-story buildings, one of which stood at a towering seven stories. However, feedback from community members has led the developers to revise their plans. The newly crafted proposal is set to be discussed at a city commission meeting scheduled for March 31.
One of the most notable changes is in the residential component, which has been reduced from 180 units to 149 units. This marks a decrease of about 17%, a clear indication that the developers are taking community concerns seriously. On the commercial front, the initial plan featured almost 57,000 square feet of space, but that number has now been trimmed by a sizable 44%. The revised layout includes just under 32,000 square feet of new commercial space.
Height and Space Adjustments
Another major alteration involves the height of the structures. The tallest building in the new proposal will reach five stories instead of the previously suggested seven stories, which was a whopping 94 feet high. In total, the new plan will include seven buildings, a change from the initial six. This adjustment swaps out one residential structure in favor of incorporating green space and outdoor amenities for the community’s enjoyment.
As for the layout, out of the 149 housing units in the revised plan, 132 units will be apartments spread across four buildings, while 17 townhomes are planned (10 in one building and 7 in another). Parking configurations have also been recalibrated, with the number of parking spaces reduced from 583 to 525. Despite this reduction, the new plan continues to exceed the city’s parking requirements. The parking garage will now have a maximum of two levels, instead of the previously considered three to four levels.
Community Sentiment and Project Goals
As the revised proposal moves forward in the approval process, public hearings will continue, providing residents with additional opportunities to express their views. The site earmarked for the transformed development is strategically located at the former Jacobson’s department store, nestled at 515 Lakeside Drive SE and 2255 Wealthy St. SE.
A spokesperson for the developers has not yet provided comments regarding the new proposal, but the changes aim to promote enhanced walkability, improve connectivity, and offer more housing options in East Grand Rapids, all while addressing parking issues that have been a concern in the area.
What’s Next for East Grand Rapids?
As East Grand Rapids continues to evolve, residents can look forward to staying engaged with the ongoing discussions surrounding the development. With the emphasis on community input, it seems both the developers and city officials are eager to create a project that aligns with local needs and visions for the future.
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Additional Resources
- MLive News
- Wikipedia: Gaslight Village
- Crain’s Grand Rapids
- Google Search: East Grand Rapids development
- Fox 17 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: East Grand Rapids
- Wood TV8 News
- Google Scholar: Gaslight Village East Grand Rapids
- Hoodline News
- Google News: East Grand Rapids community feedback
