Austin Landings Developer Withdrawals Application for Zoning Changes
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Austin Landings Developer Withdrawals Application for Zoning Changes
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
At the start of the City Council Meeting tonight, the Mayor read a letter submitted by the developer of the property designated as Austin Landings. She committed to publicly posting the letter on the City website tomorrow. The letter formally withdrew the developer’s earlier application for zoning changes to the private property purchased from Pfizer. Your voices resounded loudly to Grand Rapids and he no longer wishes to pursue that plan.
This is great news to be celebrated, however, this doesn’t change the current direction of the Portage Rd/Stanley neighborhood development. In addition, we can view this as a pause while the developer reassesses his plans for the property. It is safe to assume that he will continue to be in discussion with the City on how to develop that property and a revised application will be submitted at a later date. This buys us time to focus our attention on Portage Rd/Stanley Ave and to further research our opposition to Austin Landings.
According to the Mayor’s comments the task force will continue and thereto so should our involvement. Please continue attending meetings at City Hall to support our initiatives and community concerns. We want to continue to oppose planning changes that will make it easier for the City to move forward with planned development designations that skirt current zoning requirements and increase the likelihood of high density housing.
