[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6550356,"mediaKeyId","5396337-63ff2f9389e2b332846c574bc5e59280","parentId",5396337,"title","Commission approves up to $35,000 contract for expert case evaluation in federal Hodges lawsuit","audioSeconds",25,"startMs",2474000,"endMs",2499000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5396337-63ff2f9389e2b332846c574bc5e59280&start=2474&end=2499","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5396337-63ff2f9389e2b332846c574bc5e59280/thumbnail_2474000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6550356/Grand-Rapids-City/Kent-County/Michigan/Commission-approves-up-to-35000-contract-for-expert-case-evaluation-in-federal-Hodges-lawsuit","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550356-53e268db59763f5b18a0e92c283e8180/orig.mp4?Expires=1773601099&Signature=Rf7QN1Xrq8iDElmotLjDvT3NuGcgBMHd61GZDU14M283Gi-OHs0x-T9ASvYlZsT1NYURTbBIUlBiRX0ygEMkhbYTQwFBOcux5wnAusmV90Twbi7PmY3Fr53X9YMmGzofUR-6AvUr~nW46kGBJnaXtmHw2a6sGcI6Xy5cYFAsXewBhWWTginAmbxITHsOi6rhGW5qZCbBE~crSD~~OhVeLVgSSYo~J4HypzcrODnm9ZfNL86GsM5NKT-dnmebLlNkFQ1w2DimqL2vMRRcJ72XPl2vxeGe26GIFBaB7-95zI0XVrHDiPGx9Z8-lFjvNpdkvazEOdb6iq8l1OP6RJBXag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-14T18:37:17Z","article","The City Commission approved a resolution authorizing a contract not to exceed $35,000 with Force Science for expert case evaluation and witness services in the defense of Hodges v. City of Grand Rapids, a federal lawsuit pending in the Western District of Michigan.

City legal staff said the expert services are intended to support the city’s defense in the 2023 case. The contract amount was described in the agenda materials as not to exceed $34,000 in one location and $35,000 in the attorney’s presentation; the commission subsequently approved the authorization described during the meeting.

There was no extended debate recorded. Commissioners voted to approve the contract authorization; the meeting minutes show the motion carried. The city attorney’s office will manage procurement and contract execution consistent with city contracting policies.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting - July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission authorized the city attorney’s office to contract with Force Science for expert case evaluation and testimony in defense of a 2023 federal lawsuit, not to exceed $35,000.","taxTitle","Grand Rapids City, Kent County, Michigan","taxId",3704,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6550361,"Grand Rapids to accept $261,659.45 from national Sandoz opioid settlement for treatment, prevention and abatement",49,2386000,2435000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5396337-63ff2f9389e2b332846c574bc5e59280&start=2386&end=2435","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5396337-63ff2f9389e2b332846c574bc5e59280/thumbnail_2386000.jpg","/articles/6550361/Grand-Rapids-City/Kent-County/Michigan/Grand-Rapids-to-accept-26165945-from-national-Sandoz-opioid-settlement-for-treatment-prevention-and-abatement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550361-ded3fe151df0a95decaa2ea23bf0ab88/orig.mp4?Expires=1773601099&Signature=E89Y77nQ9dzJ2IFCAce97XDScWuM1-iFDfp3A4Cv1q9Si1EuQLNtpoIXGyJTOQeIW6XaUgReqpafmCp04pubEfBGPMQsY~kPLHfqdg167Y2~uxJ5vwqibJ6LVGXZM86I83EPxDlQg4SzjwnEkRZJ3xJAlDJcSQmt-D5TPZGT6W4SyUPz5pouDUP2IJB~oLxj7wJ3mCzXodE8igDSj9WS2eCNk7SnpjE7bYP8WHjnD5exjPbskFYS380NIg2mk1vBrWlyFkxLoBPHGbCzinQ9M4bmJjpiECSKsUuN19aF71DvnA4g4vV8ymaoGc0WcyFOId8CwyhdylK1tXOxwtTksw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission authorized Grand Rapids’ participation in a partial nationwide settlement with Sandoz Incorporated, a manufacturer of prescription opioids. City legal staff said participating municipalities expect to receive a one‑time payment of $261,659.45 for the city’s recovery share under the proposed settlement.

The city attorney’s office said settlement funds are designated for treatment, prevention and abatement activities addressing harms from the opioid epidemic. Commissioners noted that the funds will supplement local efforts and observed that federal CDBG and other federal investments have not fully filled treatment and recovery funding gaps.

There was no extended debate; commissioners voted in favor of the participation resolution. City staff will follow the settlement agreement’s distribution rules and the city’s internal allocation process for these funds.","The commission authorized participation in a partial national settlement with Sandoz Inc., projecting a one‑time payment of $261,659.45 to the city for opioid treatment, prevention and abatement uses.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6550365,"Commission declines immediate vote on renaming portion of Umatilla SE; committee recommends Mayor mark Gun Violence Prevention month recognition",69,926000,995000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5396337-63ff2f9389e2b332846c574bc5e59280&start=926&end=995","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5396337-63ff2f9389e2b332846c574bc5e59280/thumbnail_926000.jpg","/articles/6550365/Grand-Rapids-City/Kent-County/Michigan/Commission-declines-immediate-vote-on-renaming-portion-of-Umatilla-SE-committee-recommends-Mayor-mark-Gun-Violence-Prevention-month-recognition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550365-7a21ddf303237f5704258620e312e95e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773601099&Signature=icrJSZpepTg1c6ZL1-HTbkfIM2KkVDJi~8KFlSyi0gDojo0eei8P7QrXmRbaExrz1iMa5LyRBzkSjvh7m0sKXeadSxz28OaMyHcs~lOfDbrDY8sP074XS6eL5CyAqeS~6H0CiQwo20dNHZjk3Dz6oNeT-k4jVzUKwdE9UJaFSHasj8nQ-fFl4W1Yfi4zWD5s-ekWThuMy-rYlhchKlaAOVosOLUn7~mIZmSADxazWQ0q10mxkFMPYDzW0Cfn7M~wNbtkD-lfMoorGOR8-hH19u0OF7-8mYGFLcTWrIxVJ7tHdvph1YMVjonXjRHKfEe3fMmiEojGDGFLUuHhJuzZYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission removed a resolution from the consent agenda that would have designated part of Umatilla Street SE as Amelia Penn Way, after the Community Development Committee did not take a vote on the request. Commissioner Youssassy summarized the committee’s June 10 public hearing and explained the committee chose not to proceed with the street renaming at this time.

Youssassy told the commission the committee weighed the family’s request against residents’ concerns on the block and discussed broader ways to recognize victims of gun violence. The committee recommended exploring alternatives, such as a mayoral proclamation for Gun Violence Prevention Month in June and other public recognition measures, while leaving the street’s official name unchanged.

City Clerk staff noted that roughly 40 property owners had been notified of the public hearing. The commission did not move the item at the meeting; Commissioner Youssassy’s summary stood as the committee’s recommendation and the item was referred back as appropriate for next steps.

Public commenters and commissioners discussed how to honor victims of gun violence without creating unintended impacts for neighbors; the committee indicated it will continue to explore options for memorialization and community engagement.

Because no motion to rename the street was made at the commission meeting, the official street name remained unchanged pending further consideration and outreach.","A proposed commemorative renaming of a portion of Umatilla Street to Amelia Penn Way was removed from consent after committee discussion; commissioners and staff suggested alternatives including a mayoral proclamation for Gun Violence Prevention Month and further community engagement.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6550371,"Commission advances Robinson Flats Brownfield amendment for 4‑story mixed‑use project in Easttown Uptown",129,1243000,1372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5396337-63ff2f9389e2b332846c574bc5e59280&start=1243&end=1372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5396337-63ff2f9389e2b332846c574bc5e59280/thumbnail_1243000.jpg","/articles/6550371/Grand-Rapids-City/Kent-County/Michigan/Commission-advances-Robinson-Flats-Brownfield-amendment-for-4story-mixeduse-project-in-Easttown-Uptown","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550371-f24568a082b4ede5e23cccf70bec88d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773601099&Signature=IeOtNIEhK0iW~hBJf2xZgtxoUNiFOR73LnOBdHYyjP1EDhSUm7pfW8Uv1m2hA4ngm9fcfuQHGWs2eJQcjFwbLNuwf1m9pHrapMBLL0BPYTrkNOcO2poW090x4Qqriwl2L7dz4NhFtGrwdEFP4E0l1b7aW6Pv7nnrPjZMRzwyAJYyrWV3u7oo1Qrs6z19lASPia9QkftWWl3ujhbs6a-YQ6lfka22eWAOs0QwwWd~4sIFARyzoDMS~VsFHtMnLCApHKya2xtL2DOVcSnlvEFKi4ZAC2U3gpDskPgd5itBKd0LU2ILID5lRTNqRybYJZZeriAS1qWEAh3zNKi4JhSDaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Rapids City Commission held a public hearing and advanced a Brownfield plan amendment for the Robinson Flats redevelopment, a four‑story mixed‑use building proposed for the dead end of Robinson SE. The project would demolish existing structures and construct roughly 32,000 square feet with 24 apartments and three commercial spaces; construction is scheduled to start this summer with completion anticipated next summer.

At the hearing, city staff and the development team described the project scope and financing. The developer presented a total project cost of about $8,200,000, with approximately $5,900,000 allocated to construction. The Brownfield request covers traditional eligible activities such as infrastructure improvements, demolition and site preparation, and eligible housing activities including rent loss during construction.

The proposal includes a planned pass‑through of tax increment revenues from the Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA). Staff said this would be the second project in the city using the CIA’s captured TIF revenues in this manner. Developer representatives said all residential units would be offered at less than 100% AMI; the pro forma discussed in the hearing listed monthly rent projections of about $1,750 for one‑bedrooms, $2,050 for two‑bedrooms, and $2,500 for three‑bedrooms at 100% AMI.

Commissioners questioned the definition of “affordable” used for the project and asked for clarity about income bands tied to AMI. Commissioner Balczyk asked what the projected monthly rents would be; the developer said the figures were based on comparable local properties and updated AMI data. City staff noted AMI updates are issued annually and the rent ranges on the project memo use 2024 AMI data; staff said rents and AMI references will be updated as appropriate.

Members of the public raised concerns about affordability. Several speakers said units at the proposed rents would not be affordable for many Grand Rapids residents, including seniors on fixed incomes and single people earning below the AMI thresholds. One speaker urged the commission to require clearer, earlier disclosure of projected rents when developers seek public financing.

Commissioners and staff also highlighted neighborhood engagement: the developer credited the Easttown Neighborhood Association, Uptown Grand Rapids, and the Uptown CIA for input that changed the project design (for example, adding retail frontage and a brick facade). The developer said the planning commission recommended additional residential density, which was incorporated into the design.

The commission voted to suspend the standard timeline for this item and proceed with the recommended approvals at the same meeting. After the hearing and discussion, commissioners supported the Brownfield amendment and related resolutions that enable the project to move forward.

The project will proceed to the next administrative steps identified by staff, including final Brownfield plan documentation and confirmation of the CIA pass‑through agreement, and the city will update project materials with current AMI figures and finalized rent schedules before construction begins.","The City Commission held a public hearing and approved a Brownfield plan amendment enabling demolition and construction of a four‑story, 24‑unit mixed‑use building at Robinson SE, with Brownfield and Corridor Improvement Authority financing playing central roles.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves up to $35,000 contract for expert case evaluation in federal Hodges lawsuit

Grand Rapids to accept $261,659.45 from national Sandoz opioid settlement for treatment, prevention and abatement

Commission declines immediate vote on renaming portion of Umatilla SE; committee recommends Mayor mark Gun Violence Prevention month recognition

Commission advances Robinson Flats Brownfield amendment for 4‑story mixed‑use project in Easttown Uptown