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Neighbors press planners to delay Blodgett/Corwell parking-ramp expansion as traffic, safety and light concerns mount
Summary
A proposal to add one story to Blodgett/Corwell Hospital’s north parking ramp drew extensive public opposition over traffic, pedestrian safety, headlight glare, construction impacts and neighborhood character. The planning commission requested more data (photometric, pedestrian and traffic post-optimization), design refinements and legal options (deed restriction) before taking action.
East Grand Rapids — A proposal by Corwell (Blodgett) Health to add a single story to its North Parking Ramp at 1840 Bellevue prompted hours of neighbor testimony and detailed questioning from commissioners Tuesday, who declined to approve the plan and asked the applicant to return with additional studies and design refinements.
City staff summarized the request as a vertical expansion on the existing footprint that does not require variances under current code; staff recommended conditions if approved, including signal-timing optimization, light shields, landscaping and a six-month post-construction traffic verification paid for by the hospital if level-of-service worsens.
Hospital leaders said the expansion aims to address frequent shortages that impede patients and visitors. John Ashford, Corwell’s chief operating officer, said the…
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