A $461 Surprise

A parking lot behind Noco Provisions in Forest Hills has become the subject of heated neighbor complaints after drivers found their cars ticketed and towed with little warning.

The controversy first surfaced in April, when a resident posted online about being hit with a $461 towing bill plus a ticket violation. Similar complaints resurfaced last week, prompting questions about who is enforcing the lot and where the money goes.

"To go from an honest mistake and have somebody jump on it right away, within 10 minutes, it just feels kinda gross," said Michelle, a Forest Hills neighbor who was ticketed after dining at Noco Provisions.

Michelle said she noticed a sign near the hostess stand inside the restaurant warning that the lot was for customers only. She left immediately to move her car. When she stepped outside, a ticket was already on her vehicle.

Not the Restaurant, Not the Township

Noco Provisions issued a written statement denying any involvement in the ticketing or towing.

"We want everyone to know that we share in their frustrations and certainly think the parking situation could have been handled differently by whomever is having vehicles towed," the restaurant said.

The business told customers they have overflow parking available across Delray Avenue next to Kennedy's Flower Shop.

Azul Agave, a Mexican restaurant located across the lot that has not yet opened, also denied involvement. The owner said she was unaware of the enforcement until seeing social media posts about it.

The Kent County Sheriff's Office confirmed the tickets are not issued by law enforcement. Grand Rapids Township also said it was not behind the enforcement.

A Property Manager Steps Forward

John Francis, property manager with Francis Realty Co, confirmed his company manages the lot and handles the parking enforcement.

Francis said that while people had parked in the lot without consequences for a long time, the company decided to begin actively enforcing parking restrictions. He said the enforcement protects private property and tenants connected to the lot, pointing to signs posted throughout the property.

As for where the money goes, Francis confirmed that revenue from parking tickets does not go to the landlord or to the property management company. He could not say where the funds are directed.

The towing company involved said money paid for towing stays with them, citing rising costs for fuel and storage.

What Drivers Need to Know

The parking area sits behind Noco Provisions and in front of the not-yet-open Azul Agave restaurant. While the section behind Noco Provisions had minimal signage, the larger lot contains multiple signs, including a "customer parking only" sign at the entrance.

Drivers facing unpaid private parking tickets should be aware that the Kent County Sheriff's Office said it does not enforce these violations. Unpaid tickets could be sent to collections.

County property records identify the lot's owner, but attempts to reach the property owner through available contact information were unsuccessful, according to FOX 17 reporting.