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Grand Rapids commission adopts zoning changes, declares necessity for Uptown BID assessment; reports received
Summary
At its March 25 meeting the Grand Rapids City Commission adopted two zoning ordinances and approved a resolution initiating the Uptown Business Improvement District special-assessment roll. The commission also received the comptroller’s warrant and treasurer reports and approved the consent agenda.
The Grand Rapids City Commission on March 25 adopted two amendments to the city zoning code, approved a resolution declaring the necessity of a special-assessment roll for the Uptown Business Improvement District (BID), and received routine financial reports.
Votes at a glance - Uptown BID special-assessment roll (Resolution declaring necessity, roll number 8796): Passed; Commissioner Belczyk abstained from the vote because her property is affected. The resolution continues the BID assessment for a new five-year term beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. The Uptown BID board recommended approval of the plan. - Zoning map amendment (add properties to Downtown Height Overlay District DH-2A): Adopted by roll call; commissioners recorded unanimous yes votes during the roll call (Commissioners Robbins, Purdue, Knight, Belczyk, Kilgore, Esauce and Mayor Mary LeGrand recorded “yes”). The amendment corrects mapping language tied to a prior rezoning and incorporates the properties into the DH-2A subarea. - Zoning ordinance amendments (Grand River Overlay District and alternative-energy/rooftop solar provisions): Adopted by roll call; commissioners voted yes (recorded votes included Commissioner Perdue, Knight, Belczyk, Kilgore, Sasse, Robbins and Mayor Mary LeGrand). The Grand River Overlay change reinstates building, parking and landscaping requirements removed in a prior amendment. The alternative-energy change allows rooftop solar panels to be sited in the location best suited for energy collection without requiring an administrative departure.
Other reported items - Comptroller’s warrant report (period 02/25/2025 through 03/10/2025): Received and filed; warrant total $33,682,297.98. - Treasurer’s report (period 02/26/2025 through 03/07/2025): Received and filed. - Consent agenda: Approved by voice vote; items reflected committee approvals and were not pulled for separate discussion.
Who moved and procedural notes: The Uptown BID resolution was moved from the floor; Commissioner Belczyk announced an abstention due to property interests after consulting the city attorney. The two zoning ordinances were considered on set dates following prior planning commission recommendations and public hearings; roll-call tallies were read by the city clerk at each adoption.
Implementation and next steps: The Uptown BID assessment roll moves forward in the process after the commission’s declaration of necessity; the two ordinance adoptions take effect according to the city code’s timing for enacted zoning amendments. No separate referral or delay was recorded in the meeting minutes for these items.
