Third Coast In The News

Homeowners fume as medical park project delayed The Grand Rapids Planning Commission puts off a decision until November. Jim Harger, The Grand Rapids Press - Grand Rapids, Mich. D.2, Sep 12, 2003

After promising to sell his house to a developer, Nate Loew wants to get on with it and move his family to Cedar Springs before the snow flies.

That's why Loew and some of his neighbors were cursing the Grand Rapids Planning Commission for delaying a decision on a medical office park until at least November.

"I wanted a decision today," fumed Loew, who optioned his house on Union Avenue NE to developer Brad Rosely. "I'm waiting to build a new house in Cedar Springs."

Acting on behalf of a Chicago investor, Rosely is trying to buy about 42 homes in a three-block area along Paris, Dudley and Union avenues, south of Int. 196 and north of Michigan Street.

He said he holds options for 41 homes and is close to buying more commercial real estate along Michigan.

The investor plans to replace the homes with a campus of medical office buildings. There's a promise of new housing, retail and a small park.

Dan Shockency of Union Avenue said he also has optioned his house and has a deal pending on another house.

The Planning Commission decided to hold off on the project because it hopes the City Commission will adopt a new zoning designation. The planned redevelopment district will give it more control over the project, Chairwoman Janet Sanders said.

The Planning Commission adopted the final language of the planned redevelopment district ordinance Thursday. Before it can become a city ordinance, however, the City Commission must have public hearings.

Planning Director Bill Hoyt said the process means the city won't have an ordinance until at least early November.