Commission's community development committee approves TAP grant application, Cesar E. Chavez reconstruction local share and multiple contracts
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Summary
The Grand Rapids Community Development Committee on Oct. 21 approved a TAP grant application, a local-share agreement for Cesar E. Chavez Avenue reconstruction, awarded a private lead‑service‑line replacement contract and scheduled hearings on redevelopment and industrial tax‑abatement requests.
At its Oct. 21 meeting the Grand Rapids Community Development Committee approved a package of permits, grant applications, construction contracts and public‑hearing schedules affecting sidewalks, trails, lead-service-line replacements and redevelopment projects.
The committee approved a fireworks discharge permit for Image Engineering Special Effects to allow indoor special effects at Van Andel Arena for a Nov. 4 concert.
Staff briefed commissioners on a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application to reconstruct the East Belt Line shared-use non-motorized facility in coordination with an MDOT bridge project. Staff said, “This will provide connectivity to the trail network, and ultimately connect Downtown Grand Rapids with Ada Township through about 25 miles of trails.” The committee authorized a city match (city share estimated at $980,110) for an overall estimated project cost near $3 million.
The commission approved a local-share agreement with MDOT for reconstruction of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue from Hall Street to 10th Court, authorizing a $2,578,645 local share. Staff said the project includes pavement reconstruction, sidewalk replacement, new water main, storm sewer work, street lighting and approximately 25 lead-service-line replacements. Commissioners discussed outreach and mitigation for businesses that previously experienced disruption during construction; staff said coordination, improved signage and boots-on-the-ground engagement are planned and that staff will provide messaging and translation as needed.
The committee awarded a contract to Groundhog Excavating & Landscaping LLC for replacement of approximately 165 private lead service lines (bid $534,792; total project cost not to exceed $635,330) and awarded other maintenance and roof contracts for municipal facilities. Staff said the city has replaced about 8,000 lead service lines to date and has roughly 1,150 in active contracts awaiting scheduling.
The committee accepted trail and access easements for Oxford Trail improvements, scheduled a public hearing for a 15‑year Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) proposal tied to a 36‑unit conversion at 125 Ottawa, and scheduled public hearings for an industrial development district and an industrial facilities exemption certificate for Falk Material Wool’s proposed 82,500‑square‑foot facility in Walker View Industrial Park (project cost ~ $8.9 million; 14 new jobs estimated).
Most items were approved on consent; questions and discussion focused on community outreach during construction, language access and business access during phased projects. The committee adjourned at 9:32 a.m.
