Grand Rapids Township
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The Village of Orchard Hills
BY KEVIN WOOD
October 30, 2007 - With construction already under way, many people in Grand Rapids Township are still unclear to what this new development consists of. The development called, The Village, is a project slated to start in the summer of 2007 says Robert B. Aikens & associates L.L.C. CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. President, Stephen Lebovitz says, "That Grand Rapids has a strong and diverse economy and that we are ready for an upscale shopping center. All indications show that this project has an appeal that caters to an upscale crowd. As it states in The Village, Leasing Brochure, this will be a 404,500 square-foot retail village featuring more than 50 top retailers and restaurants. As it says in the Leasing Brochure, The Village will have compelling architecture, parks, fountains, and a pedestrian friendly layout.
The Leasing Brochure also adds that Grand Rapids metropolitan area is recognized as Michigan's fastest-growing metropolitan region and one of the top 100 fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States. In an article from Robert B. Aikens & Associates L.L.C., it states that the market that surrounds the Village of Orchard Hills site offers its tenants very strong demographics, featuring more than 135,000 households with incomes greater than $75,000 and nearly 40,000 households with incomes greater than &100,000, more than any comparable lifestyle center in the Midwest.
Public concerns exist, as they would with any major retail project. The Leasing Brochure published by, Robert B. Aikens & Associates L.L.C., says that this region is an economic force and in need of additional retail projects like The Village, to serve area residents. Grand Rapids Township resident, Laurie Martin, has her worries that this development will bring unwanted traffic and people to the area. To an already crowded area with the Celebration Village, she goes on to say, what more can they put in. As far as the fifty shops and restaurants the Leasing Brochure talks about, not one has been leaked to the public.
Kent County Courthouse Evaluation
BY KEVIN WOOD
September 30, 2007 - On the evening of September 18, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. a board meeting for Grand Rapids Township was called to order. On the agenda for the evening, was the consideration to authorize $2, 500.00 for a Kent County Courthouse evaluation. The motion was passed unanimously. The board moved to allow authorization of an amount not to exceed $2, 500.00, to finish the Knapp Street property committee's evaluation of the courthouse option.
County officials are trying to build the Grand Rapids Township 63rd District Court into a two-story building on the East Beltline. It will be located between Four Mile Road and Knapp Street. Daryl Delabbio, Kent County Administrator, hopes to gain efficiency by joining the two districts. Having theses two districts together will make it easier on the courthouse workers.
The $2,500.00 that is for the evaluation will go towards an engineering review, restrictions on the property, and access points said Michael De Vries, the supervisor of the Grand Rapids Township board. The county chose Grand Rapids Township because of its location. If built in the township, the two facilities will be close to the center of the geographic boundary of the 63 rd district court, said Delabbio.
This plan has been discussed for several years. Originally, the courthouse was going to be on the East Beltline North of Four Mile Road. Delabbio said that Kent County will begin negotiations with Grand Rapids Township to purchase six-acres of land to build the new courthouse. Negotiations are still underway.
Residents of Grand Rapids Township Voice
Opinion on New Building Project
BY LANCE GLUPKER
December 6, 2005 - On November 22, 2005, the Grand Rapids Township
Planning Commission held a meeting. The main issue discussed was a new building
project on the corner of Three Mile and the East Beltline. For the last few
months the residents of Grand Rapids Township have been informed about a new
building development called, “The Village.” The main part of this meeting was
for the public to voice their opinion (yea or nay on the project) to the
Planning Commission, as well as hear exactly what the developers intend to
accomplish with this project.
According to Grand Rapids Township Board Supervisor Michael DeVries, the Aikens Group from Rochester Hills, Michigan has partnered with BDR incorporated (land developer and owner) to come up with this idea for, “The Village.” On November 1, of this year, the developers held a meeting at Orchard View Elementary. That meeting was designed to allow the public an opportunity to see first hand what this project entailed.
Kevin Einfeld, President of BDR Incorporated mentioned, some of this land will be residential and some will be retail. He also mentioned that a portion would be given for open green space. According to the Aikens Group, “The Village” will be a mixed-use project, which will be the first of its kind in West Michigan. The land area covered by this development will be roughly sixty acres. The Aikens Group goes onto say, “The center’s layout and landscaping will invite pedestrians to stroll from place to place. The main avenue will be lined on either side with wide sidewalks and illuminated with village-style street lamps. Retailers on both sides of the street will create the illusion of having entered a small town unto itself.” They also mentioned that if things go according to plan, construction is scheduled for 2006 and will be completed fall 2007.
After the presentation by the Aikens Group at the November 22 meeting, the public had the opportunity to voice their opinion to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission mentioned that they had received eleven letters concerning this project; seven in favor and four in opposition to the project. This ratio seemed to change slightly as the public voiced their opinion at the meeting. Out of roughly twenty-seven people who gave their opinion to the Planning Commission, two were undecided, eleven were in favor, and fourteen were against it. As the facts show, the public is still undecided.
As for the timetable concerning a decision being made about the project, Michael DeVries (Grand Rapids Township Board Supervisor) mentioned that the wheels of government tend to move slowly. It is the Planning Commissions’ job to figure out if the proposal by the Aikens Group meets the rezoning requirements. DeVries goes on to state, “A project of this importance should be thoughtfully considered and it will take some time for the Planning Commissions’ deliberations.” He concludes by mentioning, the Planning Commission will listen to a revised proposal on January 24, 2006.
Grand Rapids Township Residents Informed on
New Building Project
BY LANCE GLUPKER
November 1, 2005 - On Tuesday November 1, 2005, a meeting was held at Orchard View Elementary to discuss a proposal that would place a new high-end shopping and residential area in Grand Rapids Township. According to a pamphlet handed out at the meeting, Robert B. Aikens & Associates are proposing an upscale retail, restaurant and residential development on the Southeast corner of Three mile and the East Beltline.
Grand Rapids Township Board Supervisor Michael DeVries stated, “The 3 Mile and East Beltline project applicants are the Aikens Group from Rochester Hills Michigan, and BDR Inc, a local development company and property owners.” The previously mentioned pamphlet also stated, the Aikens Group is desiring to build a “Village,” which will be a mixed-use project planned for Grand Rapids Township. It will be the first in Grand Rapids Township to use the “Village Square” concept; featuring a 60-acre piece of property that will allow the people of West Michigan to experience a variety of atmospheres. According to the pamphlet the “Village” will, “Feature the best of both residential and retail uses, in a cohesive, manageable size, and presented in a beautiful environment featuring lush landscaping and tree-lined roads.”
Commenting on the several steps that need to take place in order for this project to be completed, DeVries mentioned that any proposals for this building site would be a long and complicated process. “All of the land use requirements of local, county, and state units of government will be involved. Basic Township Master Plan and Zoning Compliance are coordinated with Kent County regarding storm water, soil erosion control and road improvements and the state law governs our land use ordinances. The State Department has to approve the East Beltline access.”
For now this long and complicated process will continue to be fleshed out. The next meeting concerning this proposed “Village Center” is scheduled for some time in late November. As more information is gained, the residents of Grand Rapids Township will continue to weigh in on the matter by voicing their opinions at public meetings.
Explanation of the Sanitary Sewery System in
Grand Rapids Township
BY LANCE GLUPKER
October 18, 2005 - Specific land in the Grand Rapids Township might be removed from, and added to, the sanitary service area, according to Township Board Trustee Ed Robinette. With this change in land usage naturally comes a change in the need for water and sanitary sewer systems. According to the Grand Rapids Township Board Supervisor Michael DeVries, the township has a contract with the city of Grand Rapids to provide the water and sanitary sewer needs to its residents. DeVries also states, “The terms of the agreement govern the conditions necessary in order to expand either water or sanitary sewer services.” Robinette mentions the sewer service area is a boundary that the City of Grand Rapids and the customers of that system have agreed to as an area where sewer service can be obtained.
Commenting on expanding part of the Grand Rapids Township sanitary sewer system Ed Robinette states, “While we are requesting an increase in service area, we are also asking to reduce the service area in another part of the township.” He goes on to say the reason for this is because of a new zoning district. By removing land from a previous service area, they (Grand Rapids Township) are discouraging further building where they no longer desire it.
The Township board held a meeting Tuesday, October 4, 2005, to approve expanding, and according to Robinette decreasing, the sanitary sewer system in certain areas. Robinette states, “The Township has approved a development of some property around a lake and we want the developer to provide sewer sanitary service to prevent future problems that could occur many years from now.” Michael DeVries mentions more specifically, a housing development at Hoag and Three Mile has asked for sanitary sewer services. He also mentions before the Township can expand the sanitary sewer system they must request approval by the City of Grand Rapids and the Utility Advisory Board. The Grand Rapids Township board voted for and passed the approval of this expansion. They will continue to pursue the process of trying to expand the sanitary sewer system at Three Mile and Hoag.
The Truth Behind the Grand Rapids Charter
Township 2006 Budget Resolution
BY LANCE GLUPKER
September 27, 2005 - On Tuesday, September 20, 2005, the Grand Rapids Township held a meeting to approve the 2006 Budget Resolution. According to the Grand Rapids Charter Township 2006 Budget Resolution, the Township Board certifies a levy of taxation of 1.5995 mills, or $1,198,472, as the net requirements for the Grand Rapids Charter Township for 2006. This includes a levy of 0.7500 mills for the general operating purposes and 0.8495 mills for public safety purposes.
The 2005 Grand Rapids General Fund shows where the 0.7500 (general operating purposes) and 0.8495 (public safety) are being used. According to the General Fund some of the general operating purposes: election expenses, unemployment payments, office supplies, newsletters and building upkeep. The public safety purposes could be filed under the category of ambulance and medical supplies, fire department wages, fire department life insurance, and repairs for the fire department vehicles.
This 2006 Budget Resolution will be affecting all those who live in Grand Rapids Charter Township, as mentioned by the Grand Rapids Township board supervisor, Michael DeVries. DeVries states, “Technically, yes, it is a tax increase.” However, he also wants to make it clear that although taxes will increase, the bigger picture should be taken into account.
Under the “Headlee and MCL 211.34 Act,” the 2005 maximum allowable operating millage rate the Grand Rapids Township is able to tax is 1.8022 mills. With 0.8395 being allocated for general operating purpose and 0.9627 for public safety. Grand Rapids Charter Township is only taxing 1.5995 mills out of that maximum 1.8022. This is why DeVries stresses taking the big picture into account. He wants the members of Grand Rapids Charter Township to understand-- yes, it is a tax increase, but the Township is well below that maximum taxable amount of 1.8022. DeVries also stresses the exemplary tax record of the Township. Commenting on other establishments, he mentions several have a much higher maximum allowable millage rate and they are taxing their members most or all of that rate.
Budget Crunch
BY AUSTIN WOODMAN
March 14, 2005 - The Grand Rapids Township is
being hurt with a series of budget cuts that are affecting various plans the
township has to improve the community.
The township currently has a two and a half million dollar budget, over the past
several years the township has been losing money at a considerable rate. This
past year the township lost an estimated 300,000 dollars which is putting a
crunch on plans for road repairs and the continuation of biking and running
trails throughout the township.
Asked on how the budget losses are affecting the township board member Edward Robinette said “Well for instance, the township shares responsibility with the road commission to keep up roads, its fifty- fifty on responsibility, and with the decreasing amount of money we are getting in we have had to scale back on our half of the money for help repairing roads. All in all we can’t really stay ahead of the game”. Board chairman Michael DeVries, also said that “The outdoor trails we are in the process of putting together is taking a hit to. We started constructing the trails 2 years ago and we have about 6 miles done of a total of 23 miles and we planned on having it completed by now”.
Another factor that’s making the budget crunch even more stressful for the township is that the amount of money the township needs to spend is continually increasing. It is increasing on average at about five thousand dollars a year. Michael DeVries said of the increasing budget that “It gets frustrating because were trying to keep up and yet we are continually being put back in the hole with a growing budget”.
The growing budget and lack of money is having an adverse affect on the community projects that the township is in the process of completing.
New Ambulance Funded
BY AUSTIN WOODMAN
February 21, 2005 - At the February, 7th board
meeting in Grand Rapids Township a grant was passed to supply the township with
a new ambulance.
Rockford Ambulance is under contract by the township for its medical services. A
replacement ambulance was needed due to mechanical problems on one of the
previous ambulances. A Community Development block grant was used to make the
purchase of approximately eleven thousand dollars over a period of two years.
The community block grants are giving out by the federal government; they
provide funding for public services, housing rehabilitation and also removal of
barriers that restrict elderly and handicapped persons from public or private
buildings.
Township trustees said that “We are very limited on how we spend these block grants”. Also it was reported in the February, 9th edition of the Forest Hills Advance that Township Supervisor Mike DeVries said “This move would lower ambulance rates”. A resident of the township Gene Kazeel also stated “It is nice to know that the township is keeping up with the safety of the township residents, both young and old, to create a safe environment for the community”. Added Township Supervisor Mike DeVries on the safety of township residents “We cannot put a specific price on the safety of our residents; we will do everything in our power to make sure the township is a safe place to live”.
It seems that the board has the best interest in citizen’s safety by easily approving measures to protect and serve community residents.
Housing Developments Approved
BY AUSTIN WOODMAN
February 7, 2005 - The Grand Rapids Township board approved two new housing developments on Shear ave. in the north east section of the township adding to the growing population of the area.
Sycamore Woods and Shear Wood Forest were both approved late last month. About 12 citizens in the immediate area affected by the new communities came out to voice their displeasure with the location of the homes. Many had concerns about runoff affecting there properties during heavy rain. Said concerned resident Gary Veenstra “I am concerned, we live at the lowest point around and there building above us and I am concerned about erosion on our property. Right now we have good vegetation holding everything in place”.
Another complaint about the new developments going up in the area was dealing with traffic. Sycamore Woods has 75 future home sites and Shear Wood Forest has 10 sites. Resident Joe Rocky said. “You figure two cars per household that’s an extra two hundred cars on my street, I don’t think were prepared for that”. Added board member Steven Fry about his concerns of traffic control. “I’ve been down that “street” and it seems like more of a driveway than anything else. We have to be very conscious about preserving (forest) in that area”.
Despite all the opposition, the board unanimously approved both projects. Board chairman, Michael Fuller, on the aspect of preserving the area said. “We currently have buffer zones between properties and if any trees are destroyed we will make the developers replant them”. Preserving the surrounding areas in the township has been the main blocking tool of many new home developments that seem to be sprouting up all around in the township, showing it has become a very desirable place to live.
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