GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — On Tuesday, Grand Rapids City Commissioners voted yes on a major project that would add three new high-rises to the city's skyline.
The commission voted 6-1 to advance the plan, with 3rd Ward Commissioner Kelsey Perdue the only commissioner that voted no. During public comment, some residents voiced their concerns, saying the plan doesn't fully address affordable housing issues in the city.
"I think that it's really sad that you guys probably couldn't increase that. I believe that you could have put additional funding into affordable housing. We need at least 34,000 units by 2029," said one resident during public comment.
The $800 million project would be located on 7 acres at Market and Fulton Avenue on riverfront property. City Commissioners voted Tuesday morning on a tax incentives request for the downtown Brownfield Development where initial approval was given.
Sarah Rainero is the Economic Development Director for the city. She said the plan would include a hotel, housing and office space.
"I think it's going to help provide a more steady revenue stream for the Affordable Housing Fund once those details get figured out. Grand Rapids is one of the fastest places growing in Michigan, and we have a great opportunity to house people at this site," said Rainero.
Currently, the project area is a parking lot where the old Charley's Crab restaurant used to be. The three towers would add 671 housing units along with an $8.5 million contribution to the city's affordable housing fund.
Rainero said she hopes the project will add more vibrancy to the city.
"It's right along our beautiful riverfront that we're working to activate and connect to the city, as well as the Grand Action 2.0 amphitheater project with the Grand River Greenway. I think that it's going to be a magnet for talent," said Rainero.