To our Mayor, City Commission, and city officials:  

We only have one chance to get this right, and the impact of your votes and decisions will last for generations: our big Gaslight decision is in your hands. We, the undersigned, respectfully call on our elected officials to ensure that any proposed development in our village aligns with the values and interests of our community. As engaged East Grand Rapids citizens and voters, we urge you to strongly consider the following:

1. Build Public Trust Through Increased Transparency:  Post all relevant Planned Unit Development (PUD) documents dating back to 2004 at no cost to citizens, and ensure the process remains as transparent as legally allowed.
2. Commit to a New Public Hearing:  Show us that your words have meaning by scheduling a new public hearing to discuss a revised concept plan.
3. Limit Density to Reflect Village Character:  Ensure the development maintains a scale and charm consistent with the village’s aesthetic and infrastructure capabilities.
4. Prioritize Pedestrian Safety and Common Spaces:  Emphasize pedestrian and non-motorized safety while incorporating parks, community gardens, or recreational spaces that benefit residents.
5. Require Traffic and Safety Studies Before Voting:  Commit not to take any binding vote until the results of traffic, parking, and mobility/safety studies have been submitted for review.
6. Sustainability Commitments:  Insist on eco-friendly building practices, renewable energy integration, and water/energy efficiency standards.
7. Negotiate in Good Faith and from Strength:  At various points in the process, it has appeared that either the Planning/City Commissions or city leaders have been willing to give the developer everything he is asking for.  This project must be in the best interests of EGR, and where the revised proposal may conflict with this principle we ask that you challenge the developer on our behalf.

We are not assuming that none of these points are being adhered to today, but we ask that you commit yourselves to stay true to them going forward.

We would like to see the properties at 2255 Wealthy St. and 515 Lakeside Drive SE developed, with the owner/developers making good on their commitment to finish what they started decades ago.  

We are not, however, in favor of development for development’s sake at any potential cost. We do not have the ability to directly vote on this project, so we implore you to represent the citizens of East Grand Rapids first and foremost. In an election year, now more than ever, we are counting on you to make us a priority. Together, let us shape a future that preserves the heart of our beloved city.