In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing housing crisis in Kent County, highlighting the significant shortage of available housing units and the implications of current zoning regulations. The county, which encompasses the city of Grand Rapids, has identified approximately 115,000 acres of vacant land. However, the majority of this land is zoned exclusively for single-family homes, limiting the potential for diverse housing options.

According to the analysis presented, Kent County requires an additional 35,000 housing units over the next five years to meet demand. The current zoning framework allows for the construction of only 73,000 housing units on the available vacant land, which would consume a substantial portion of agricultural and open space surrounding the metropolitan area. This approach raises concerns about the loss of valuable land and the environmental impact of such development.

The meeting revealed that a staggering 97.8% of vacant residentially zoned land is designated for single-family homes, with only 1.5% allowing for two-family homes and a mere 0.6% for multi-family units. This lack of diversity in housing options is contributing to rising prices, as developers compete for the limited multi-family properties available.

Officials emphasized the need for a balanced housing market, noting that even with new construction, 42% of households in Kent County would still be priced out of the market. The discussion included proposals from Housing Next, a nonprofit organization, which aims to re-envision the use of vacant and underutilized properties, potentially bypassing restrictive local zoning laws to create more inclusive housing solutions.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for a strategic approach to housing development in Kent County, advocating for a shift in zoning policies to accommodate a broader range of housing types that can meet the diverse needs of the community.