Mary Kate Berens

The board meeting included the introduction of a new member and a review of the Brownfield fiscal year 2025 audit, which received a clean unmodified opinion. The board discussed and approved a Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF) request for the 1225 Plymouth Avenue redevelopment project, a 48-unit multifamily residential development. Additionally, the board reviewed a Brownfield plan amendment for the 528 and 532 Bridge Street Northwest commercial redevelopment project, which involves historical renovation and is contingent upon agreements with the Downtown Development Authority.

The meeting focused on the City of Grand Rapids zoning ordinance rewrite project. The project lead discussed the project's background, its role in implementing the community master plan, and the project timeline. Key priorities identified include context-sensitive development and increasing housing choices, such as duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and accessory dwelling units. The presentation also touched upon future engagement opportunities, including a community launch, ward meetings, and the formation of a technical advisory committee to review code drafts.

The committee meeting covered two main agenda items: the reappointment of members to various boards and commissions, and a discussion regarding the current board and commission vacancy list. Additionally, the fiscal committee meeting focused on a contract renewal for enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and the approval of a contract for the administration of the city's summer youth internship program.

The meeting included a review of an extension request for a zoning approval at 1300 Front Avenue Northwest, which was approved by the commission. Additionally, the commission deliberated on a request for a special land use to allow beer and wine sales at a convenience store located at 1606 Diamond Avenue Northeast. Discussions focused on the operations management plan, including requirements for lighting, security, window transparency, hours of operation, and strategies to mitigate potential neighborhood impacts such as noise and litter control.

The committee meeting included several appointments to various boards and commissions, including the Civilian Appeal Board, Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority, Uptown Corridor Improvement Authority, Vital Streets Oversight Commission, and the Grand Valley Regional Bioolids Authority. The committees also discussed board and commission vacancies and received updates on resignations. Additionally, the meeting addressed the recognition of Meltrodder Ministries as a local civic organization, authorized a contract with Side Strategies for capacity building services for violence prevention nonprofits, accepted a grant award for the Revitalization and Placemaking program, and approved a one-year agreement with Park Mobile LLC for parking reservation software.