x
Breaking News
More () »

Grand Rapids Township Planning Commission approves Knapp Bluff, sends decision to Township board

The developer has proposed 40 condominium units in Grand Rapids Township. Neighbors say the property in question is not suitable.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Disagreement continued Tuesday night between neighbors of the proposed The Reserve at Knapp Bluff and developers.

"It's nothing against you or your proposed plan," said Tara Pennington, who lives near the proposed development. "This land is not buildable."

"We appreciate everybody's efforts as to accomplish our shared goal of a well-designed and well-planned community for this specific site," said President of Covenant Developments, Peter Engles.

Engles and other members of the development team, like civil engineer Jason Vander Kodde, addressed some concerns of the project to the Grand Rapids Charter Township Planning Commission.

"We have overlaid these same wetland lines on our proposed layout to show that we are not developing homes or storm water basins in any of the regulated wetland areas," said Vander Kodde.

The 40-condo unit development, located near 4700 Knapp Street NE, would comprise a series of zero-step single family homes in Grand Rapids Township, which would help address the need for senior housing in the area.

While the proposed development passed the planning commission with a six-to-one vote, one commissioner was worried that the development's septic would be private and not be hooked up to the City of Grand Rapids.

Later, that same commissioner asked for the developer to at least look into hooking up to city lines.

Pennington also shared that concern.

"There's water at two feet, there's water at four feet, there's water at six feet, there's water at eight feet, and then there's clay in between clay, doesn't absorb water," said Pennington. "It doesn't filter water. It's a recipe for a flood and when you flood and overload a septic system, they fail."

Pennington, who started a petition with almost 700 signatures to stop the development, was disappointed with the planning commission's decision.

"It's beyond frustrating," said Pennington.

Engles and his team stayed for the entirety of public comment before sharing his hopes for the proposed community.

"As a result, we believe that The Reserve at Knapp Bluff will truly become a valued part of the community by housing its longest standing residents with zero-step housing that will allow them to age in place, right here at home in Grand Rapids Township," said Engles.

With the planning commission's decision Tuesday night, their recommendation of "yes" will now be sent to the Grand Rapids Township Board. 

One commissioner told 13 On Your Side that it could come up on their agenda as soon as their next meeting.

Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Before You Leave, Check This Out