Planning commission recommends rezoning portion of 1356 Kalamazoo Ave SE to allow mixed‑use development

The Grand Rapids City Planning Commission on July 10 recommended approval of a rezoning that moves the east ~60 feet of 1356 Kalamazoo Avenue SE from TN LDR (residential) to TN TBA (traditional business) to permit a planned four‑story mixed‑use commercial and residential development on the parcel.

Staff said the parcel previously contained a gas station (circa 1960s–1970s) and that mapping and lot lines left the easterly portion zoned residential; the rezoning would make the parcel a single zone (TNTBA) and enable a by‑right mixed‑use development without returning to the commission for additional approvals. The Southtown area specific plan and the city’s future land‑use map were cited by staff as generally supportive of transition to business frontage along Kalamazoo in this location.

An applicant spokesperson said the development would bring retail and housing investment to the 49507 area; the applicant team included Saleem Usmani and members of a development team. No members of the public requested to speak at the hearing on this item.

The commission’s motion recommended approval of the rezoning, finding the change consistent with the master plan and area plan and noting that rezoning will result in a consistent zone designation on the parcel and facilitate the proposed mixed‑use project. The motion carried; the transcript does not show a numerical roll‑call tally.

Next steps: rezoning recommendation proceeds through the city’s ordinance adoption process; upon adoption and the rezoning’s effective date the applicant said it would begin work on the site and proceed with by‑right development under TNTBA standards.