“The issue is its too big,
Resident Nyal Deems thinks the plan to develop 8 and a half acres on Wealthy Street and Lakeside Drive in Gaslight Village should be smaller.
“Got to bring it down to the size of Gaslight Village.’”
But Nick Nicola thinks it’s just right.
“People are saying it would take away the charm of East Grand Rapids. I think the opposite I think it would bring in new charm.”
Gaslight Investors is hoping to finally complete the project they started 20 years ago but paused first during the great recession and then the Covid pandemic. Architect Mike Corby says the current plan includes several new buildings, apartments, town homes and condos, offices and retail space.
“Retailers want to be in this town restaurants want to be in this town we want them in this town I think having additional space for that demand was important.
During a marathon city commission meeting dozens of people shared their opinions of the proposed development which Mayor Katie Favale says will help guide the decision to approve or reject the plan.
“Tonight is just an informational session.”
City staff is still evaluating the projects traffic, parking and pedestrian safety impact. And architect Corby says:
“We want to make sure we knit the project into the city’s infrastructure properly and make a safe environment.”
