Developer unveils plans as court battle continues

A controversial residential development in East Grand Rapids is advancing through city review even as neighbors fight to stop it in court.

Gaslight Investors presented phase one plans to the East Grand Rapids Planning Commission on Tuesday night, unveiling architectural renderings for 40 residential units across three buildings at 515 Lakeside Drive, near the intersection of Reeds Lake Boulevard.

The development sits on the former site of the Ramona Medical Center. Phase one would also include 118 parking spaces.

But the project is entangled in a lawsuit filed by residents last year. The legal challenge centers on whether the city followed proper procedure when it approved the concept plan on a 4-3 vote in October 2025, despite a protest petition from neighbors.

City says developer bears the risk

The city had previously paused project approvals pending the court's final ruling. But City Attorney John Huff told the Planning Commission that litigation does not automatically suspend matters under dispute.

"That choice to proceed is the developer's choice, not the city's choice. The risk here is on the developer. If a court subsequently intervenes or makes a ruling that's contrary to the developer's interest, the developer's the one who's spent the time, interest, and expense in proceeding."

City Manager Shea Charles echoed that position. He said the lawsuit challenges procedural issues around the protest and referendum petitions, not the substance of the project itself.

"The plaintiffs have not challenged the preliminary site plan approval. Plaintiffs have not challenged the substance of the project itself," Charles said. "Instead, plaintiffs have challenged whether the City followed proper procedure in denying the protest and referendum petitions."

Charles added that the city could face liability from the developer if it unilaterally halted the project without a court order.

Neighbors say they feel unheard

Residents who oppose the development argued the city should not be moving forward while the lawsuit is active.

Jerry Anderson, a neighbor involved in the opposition, questioned why the city is proceeding with a project that many residents have spoken against.

"When you have a proposal that's highly divisive, that 80% of the residents who've spoken on it have said that they don't like the way the current proposal fits the atmosphere of the community, why are they moving forward with it?"

Anderson said public input has been limited to three-minute comments at commission meetings where questions are not allowed. He called for the city to work toward a development the broader community can support.

"All anybody wants is a development that a consensus of the residents of East Grand Rapids will agree is beneficial to our community," Anderson said.

David Decker, who represents the group Gaslight Village Responsible Development, said the case is currently in the discovery phase. A deadline for either party to file for summary disposition is set for September 16.

What the project includes

Phase one of the Gaslight Village development would include:

• Three buildings with 40 total residential units
• 118 parking spaces
• Private funding for phase one, with a Housing TIF request expected this summer for the overall project

City documents show outstanding items include stormwater management and pedestrian safety concerns raised by staff. A traffic study reviewed by the commission found the development would not create significant traffic impacts, according to city records.

Developer Scott Wierda attended the Tuesday meeting and told the commission there is demand for additional housing in the community.

Public hearing set for June

The Planning Commission decided to hold a public hearing on the project at its June 9 meeting. That hearing would be the next formal step in the city's review process.

Gaslight Investors say construction can begin once the city approves the project.