Business owners and cycling advocates clash over Wealthy Street redesign as commission hears dozens of comments

Dozens of residents, business owners and transportation advocates filled the public comment period of the Oct. 21 Grand Rapids City Commission meeting to air sharply divergent views on a proposed redesign of Wealthy Street that would add a protected bicycle lane and remove scores of on‑street parking spaces on the north side of the corridor.

The debate centered on whether the redesign — which several speakers said would eliminate “about 40 to 50” parking spaces on the north side — would help safety and neighborhood vitality or instead harm small businesses that rely on short‑term customer and delivery parking. Business owners urged the commission to pause or revise the plan; bike advocates and urban planners argued protected lanes increase safety and benefit retail districts over time.

Supporters said a protected lane would reduce conflicts between bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers and could spur increased visits and spending. Laura Sessa, a policy…