“I believe the amphitheater is already contributing to a stronger downtown.”
Kara Wood is executive director of Grand Action 2.0, the nonprofit economic development organization that assembled the private public partnership behind the Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids
“The goal was create a long term economic and community asset that would attract visitors and contribute to the continued growth of downtown Grand Rapids.”
And during comments to the city commission, she says sound from amphitheater concerts is audible inside her Plaza Towers downtown condominium.
“Rather than seeing the sound as noise, the music the crowds the excitement, I see it as evidence the vision for downtown is working.”
“These concerts are loud.”
On behalf of clients who also live in the Plaza Towers attorney Ron VanderVeen won a court order requiring the amphitheater to obey the city’s noise ordinance.
“The city argued there are no limits on the amphitheater. The judge disagreed; the question is when will the city enforce its ordinance?”
The ordinance allows city manager Mark Washington to recommend a noise exception for the amphitheater. So far, he has not but says:
“The amphitheater has proven to be a great activation in this community.”
