The Grand Rapids Planning Commission again tabled a vote on Corewell Health’s proposal to add more surface parking at its West Michigan headquarters on the city’s north side.
Corewell planners want to construct a new residential tower with retail space resulting in the removal of parking on that site.
To replace it, a proposal to bulldoze two vacant nearby buildings on Ottawa Avenue adding 39 spaces.
City commissioners and neighbors aren’t convinced that’s necessary.
Committee Chairman Laurel Joseph asked about mass transit options and incentives to use them.
“It just seems like all the assumptions that we’re making about parking here is assuming everyone has to drive their own personal vehicle when in reality based on the awesome location you’re in and the development that’s going on people should be able to walk and take transit and micromobility so I’m struggling with the need for these 39 spaces when you already have 930 approved.”
Corewell’s Director of Planning and Design Rodney VanderZand explained more than 2,000 employees access the campus and there’s anticipated future growth.
“We’re a health system. We have no desire to overbuild our parking. It serves no need for us. In this particular community, there’s not a lot to fall back on though so we feel we need to provide our own parking and so that’s what we’re trying to do here.”
The planning commission is requesting Corewell’s planners provide more details.
