Grand Rapids leaders allow ground-floor apartments in nearly half of city’s commercial spaces
Updated Jan 27, 2021;
Posted Jan 27, 2021
Pictured is Bridge Street NW in Grand Rapids on in this 2020 file photo. Grand Rapids leaders Tuesday, Jan. 26, approved allowing first-floor residential units in business districts like Bridge Street. (MLive file photo)Cory Morse | MLive.com
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UPDATE: This story has been changed to reflect that the zoning change approved Tuesday does impact some areas of downtown.
The zoning ordinance change goes into effect March 1 and will allow first-floor residential units like apartments in nearly half of the city’s 6,000 commercially-zoned properties, according to Grand Rapids planning officials.
Dozens experiencing homelessness find shelter in tents at Grand Rapids park encampment
Updated Dec 18, 2020;
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI – About 50 to 100 people experiencing homelessness have found shelter in tents pitched at Heartside Park.
A farm worker, a woman kicked out by her parents for being transgender, a self-described “gourmet chef” and a young couple were among those homeless and temporarily living in the city park.
The encampment and rising rates of homelessness prompted the development of an emergency shelter at the Purple East building, 250 Ionia Ave. SW, in the Heartside Neighborhood. According to shelter officials, the coronavirus pandemic has increased homelessness in Grand Rapids and other areas.