GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It was a packed house with more in the wings as the Grand Rapids City Commission met on Tuesday.
The biggest item on the agenda: a public hearing on what supporters say would be a transformational project.
"The news called it skyline changing, but it will also have a major positive benefit at the human scale level," said Grand Rapids Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Joshua Lunger.
Lunger was referring to an ambitious plan to add three new towers to the city's riverfront skyline, with a nearly $800 million estimated price tag for development costs.
If approved, the plan is expected to revitalize a plot off of the intersection of Market and Fulton downtown, where a current parking lot and the old site of Charley's Crab now sit.
"In addition to the benefits associated with realizing a community vision, the project, as was already shared by the economic development director, includes just over 900 full-time jobs, over 650 residential units, new shops and restaurants and creating a new level of vibrancy downtown - together with 300 hotel keys and significant parking downtown."
According to a presentation from Grand Rapids Economic Development Director Sarah Rainero, rent prices for the units within the residential tower are estimated to range between $2,643 and $3,928 per month. Those costs align with 150% of the area's median income.
But not everyone thinks the current proposal is a good idea.
The amount of possible tax-funded incentives - combined with what some see as high estimated rent rates for the residential units that would be built through the project - have some concerned that the public may end up giving much more than they'd be getting back.
"This is a lot of money going to a project that is going to benefit people who have a ton of money to begin with," one member of the public told the commission.
The estimate on maximum reimbursement for the plan through incentives, including tax exemptions and tax captures, sits at over half a billion dollars - north of $565 million to be exact.
Developers have proposed an agreement that would include an $8.5 million contribution to the city's affordable housing fund.
But for some, with the area's affordable housing shortages, they say it's not enough.
"Let me be clear: Together West Michigan does not oppose private development," said Rev. Lynette Sparks of Westminster Presbyterian Church, who helps to lead the local advocacy organization known as Together West Michigan. "What we do oppose is the unacceptably small affordable housing contribution being proposed. Public investment must include a clear and substantial public benefit."
While opponents of the current plan are asking for an affordable housing fund contribution equal to 20% of the possible reimbursement to developers, some believe more than is currently included isn't viable.
"We've spent several years developing the economic model of this project and how to incorporate support for affordable housing in close collaboration with both current and past city staff," said Joe Agostinelli, the founder of Michigan Growth Advisors which is connected to the project proposal. "And the proposed contribution to the affordable housing fund is what the project can support."
Community members also called for what they feel could be greater transparency regarding the project and its numbers.
Some also called for the commission to delay a decision on the proposal until new commissioners who were projected to have been elected last week take office in the new year.
As Tuesday's was simply a public hearing, commissioners are not expected to vote on the proposal until early December.