The (Owners) of 1422 Walker Ave. N.W., have ignored requests, warnings, citations by Code Compliance and other City Departments to cease and desist the constant and continuous work by disturbing the Steep Slope Grade which is in violation of a November 2007 City Ordinance that addresses Steep Slopes of 20% or greater. The owners have been requested by the city to return the land to its original state. This request has blatantly been ignored by continuing their work. The work has gone on without proper permits or approval by City Inspectors. They have hired outside contractors that have also ignored the City guidelines as set forth within the City Ordinance(s) and Code Compliance requirements.
Making a Future Problem – As outlined under “Blatant Willful Neglect” the Owners of 1422 Walker Ave. N.W. ignored all requests by the City of Grand Rapids to cease and desist. They continued the removal of trees and vegetation up the steep 80-degree slope to install a driving path to gain access to the top of the steep slope to install a Soccer Field without proper use permits. This resulted in water run-off and drainage issues.
In Closing – We, the Residents of the Neighborhood are opposing the City of Grand Rapids’ approval of this Use Variance Application for 1422 Walker Ave. N.W. We request the City adhere to the Ordinance that governs Steep Slopes and further request the City follow through with its prior order that the land be brought back to its original state in compliance with the November 2007 Ordinance that protects property with a steep slope of 20% or greater. We are also concerned that granting this Variance will allow Real Estate Developers to use this case to force the City to grant future Variance request.