Planning commission recommends ordinance and resolution language for Gaslight Investors PUD to city commission

The East Grand Rapids Planning Commission voted to forward recommended amendments to the planned-unit development (PUD) ordinance and resolution for the Gaslight Investors project to the City Commission following a public hearing and detailed staff presentation.

Zoning Administrator Jay Gianotti told commissioners the meeting was focused on ordinance and resolution language rather than the concept plan itself, which the Planning Commission previously reviewed. “This is tonight we’re holding a public hearing regarding the PUD ordinance and PUD resolution related to the Gaslight Investors PUD project,” Gianotti said, and staff walked the commission through revisions made after the commission’s November 2024 concept review and later City Commission sessions.

Commissioners and the public discussed four topics the City Commission had flagged for additional review: whether the development’s proposed central open area (the “social hub” and incubator spaces) should be tied to a specific phase; timing and triggers for building the parking structure; whether private streets and open spaces should be explicitly available for public use while remaining private property; and maintenance standards for streets, sidewalks, lighting and other infrastructure.

Why it matters: the Gaslight site is a longstanding PUD with multiple prior approvals; the current concept reflects changes in building count, height, parking and unit mix. Commission and public concern centered on ensuring the project delivers promised public amenities and does not shift traffic, parking or maintenance burdens onto nearby neighborhoods.

Key details from staff and discussion

- Concept changes and program numbers: Gianotti and staff said the current concept now shows eight buildings (compared with prior iterations), a reduction in the number of residential units (now shown as…