Common Ground Church Meeting

The owner of the Common Ground Church building (1513 Fulton Street East) wants to turn it into a mixed-use restaurant and apartment building
The Restaurant:
- 167 seat restaurant and bar described by the owner as “casual fine dining”
The Apartments: 7 residential units
Parking:
- According to the City, around 140 spaces are needed for the
  proposed use
- Approximately 40 parking spaces are planned on site
- The owner is working to secure additional parking at the
  William C. Abney Academy (1435 Fulton Street East)
- A valet cut-out is also planned on Fulton Street
The exterior of the building is intended to remain largely unchanged

The proposed plan requires a zoning change and at least one zoning variance.
- The property is currently zoned “Residential”; the owner is requesting it be changed to a “Planned Redevelopment District.” This designation allows mixed residential and commercial use and will need to be approved with the City Planning Commission
- Any zoning change is considered law, and will stay with the property.
- A variance is needed for proposed parking and possibly for green space and retaining wall designs. These will need to be approved by
  the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- The Valet Cut Out will need to be approved through the Michigan
  Department of Transportation.
- More information on the planning process is available at the City of Grand Rapids’ website: www.grcity.us
To initiate the process, the owner will submit an application to the Board of Zoning Appeals, to approve the needed variances.
- The City will hold up to 3 public hearings; neighbors are welcome to attend to ask questions, voice concerns, or express support.
- If the variances are approved, the plan will be submitted to the City Planning Commission to approve the rezoning request, with the possibility of more public hearings.