Phase 1 of the East Grand Rapids Gaslight Village project on Lakeside Drive includes a mixed-use development featuring 147 residential units, commercial space, parking and a social hub.
The planning commission unanimously recommended revised versions of both Phase 1 and a planned unit development agreement, despite pushback and a lawsuit filed by some residents against the city.
“This lawsuit was filed because city residents were not being heard.”
“The city commission and the planning commission have chosen to go deaf, dumb and blind when it comes to their own residents.”
East Grand Rapids residents Judith Baxter and Jerry Anderson expressed their frustration over the commission’s decision to allow developers Gaslight Investors to move forward with their plans, despite the pending lawsuit. City Attorney John Huff:
“The developer has asked that it proceed, and there is no provision of state law or local law which imposes an injunction on their right to do this.”
Planning Commission VP Brian Miller:
“I do feel like requests and changes have been made and that we’ve been seeking that balance between the developer who has rights to develop their private property and the community that all of us live in.”
The project now goes to the city commission for final approval.
A ruling on the lawsuit is set for August 7th.
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