East Grand Rapids residents may be asked to vote on a $13.6 million parking deck this November. The proposed three-story structure would address a parking shortage that has long frustrated Gaslight Village shoppers and school families alike.

The city commission has approved up to $100,000 to share in design costs for the parking ramp, according to a WOODTV report. The structure would sit on Bagley Avenue next to the high school's performing arts center.

Why a parking deck now

A major renovation at East Grand Rapids High School is driving the need. The school district is undertaking improvements funded by a $158.9 million bond that voters approved in 2023. Those renovations would eliminate 71 parking spaces on campus if no replacement structure is built.

The proposed deck would create 213 parking spaces total, adding 92 new spots to what currently exists, according to the city report. The eastern portion of the high school track complex would be converted into a temporary parking lot during construction.

"A lot of times when we've come down here we've had to drive around, loop around for a spot on the street and then eventually you come across something and take it while you can," said Alex Kelly, a downtown visitor.

Free for the public

The parking deck would be free for public use. The first level would be available to Gaslight Village visitors during school hours. All levels would open to the public when school is not in session, according to city officials.

Local business owners say the shortage already hurts commerce.

"I think that the businesses around here do struggle a little bit with getting tourists or other outside business into this area," said Darryl Pullman, head manager of Bagel Kitchen. "Our staff has to park about two, two and a half blocks away and walk here every single day. Kind of sucks in the middle of winter when it's got the negative cold snap that we have to walk."

What it would cost homeowners

The city is considering funding a portion of the $13.6 million through a millage that voters would decide on in the November election, according to the WOODTV report. The East Grand Rapids Public Schools district is also considering using approximately $7 million from its capital improvement fund for its share of the project, according to Anthony Morey, EGRPS assistant superintendent of finance and operations.

That expense remains subject to approval by the East Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education.

Track closure

The high school track would close in June for the next three years to accommodate construction and temporary parking needs during the renovation, according to reporting by Danielle James for MLive.

City and school share costs

The proposal would mean the city and the school district would share maintenance and operating costs for the new ramp if it receives final approval, according to the city report. Design work is already moving forward on the renovation.

The commission's vote to fund design costs is the latest step in a project that has been discussed in Gaslight Village for years. City officials say the parking deck is needed to replace spots lost during the high school renovation while also serving the broader community.

Voters will get their say in November if the commission moves forward with the millage proposal.