Kent County's popularity is generating a lot of money for the city and local developers. Since 2000 the city has experience new developments valued at about more than $3 billion.
If you drive along any given street in downtown Grand Rapids you'll start to notice a trend, construction with new build after new build popping up every 100 yards or so.
Along one stretch of Monroe Ave. more than $135 million is taking form in the shape of new water front apartments, Michigan State research center and a hotel by Marriott.
In fact, there has been so much growth, the city's planning commission released a slide show highlighting more than 50 projects in the works showing that in the past three years alone more than $1 billion of construction value has been invested within the city.
PHOTOS: 2016-2017 Building Projects in Grand Rapids
Suzanne Schulz, of the Grand Rapids Planning Department, says that growth also means good things for our public entities.
"With all the residential development happening that means new residents which means income tax. And certainly with the properties being developed that increases property tax which certainly benefits our public schools, as well as our libraries," Schulz said.
As the city continues to outpace its development from previous years, issues with parking, green space and transportation come to a head, something Schulz says is all part of the natural growing pains.
"Name a thriving city that doesn't have a parking issue and so it is a sign of health happening in our area, " she said.
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