Last week, a judge ruled that a protest petition filed by nearly 1,500 residents against a proposed Gaslight Village mixed-use development was legal, making the project null and void. Phase 1 of the project was approved by commissioners last October in a 4-3 vote.
“We all want development! Work toward a plan that you can approve seven to zero.”
Anna Moore Butzner was one of the East Grand Rapids residents who spoke at the city’s most recent meeting. So did resident David Decker.
“I can tell you that residents want to see the city commission get to work on a new plan for development and to set a goal of, yep, a seven to zero approval.”
While commissioners met with the city’s attorney behind closed doors after the meeting, Second Ward Commissioner Brad Hunter used the opportunity to apologize to residents.
“I’m sorry that it took so many of you to prove that you weren’t the small, vocal minority. I’m sorry it cost you the unknown amount of money in legal fees and for the investment of time and effort to ensure that you had a voice and legal standing in these often times tense negotiations.”
The city has 21 days to appeal the ruling after the judge files his final order. No word on what the city plans to do.
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