Commission approves paid event parking at 217 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW with conditions

The planning commission approved a special land-use request on March 13 allowing Ellis Parking Company to operate a paid public event parking lot at 217 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW. The site is an existing paved surface lot that had operated as event parking prior to 2020 but lapsed in licensure during the pandemic.

Planning staff said the lot contains 92 spaces that will be available for event parking, with two separate internal lot areas (a main lot and a William Street overflow lot that is gated by a keyed control arm). The applicant testified the daytime accessory uses on the property would continue; paid event parking would be staffed (one employee taking payments at entry and a second traffic-control attendant floating during events). The William Street lot would remain overflow and would be opened only as needed.

The commission approved the request with standard conditions and two project-specific items: (1) the operator must maintain a City of Grand Rapids parking facility business license and operate the lot as attended event parking (not unattended self‑service), and (2) the facility operator will work with Mobile GR on an ongoing basis to adjust event circulation plans, especially regarding William Street access.

Commissioners and staff noted the location is near the new amphitheater under construction and that the operator should coordinate with Mobile GR to manage traffic on event nights. The motion passed by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the minutes.