Kentwood · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Garden Park Estates site condominium development
The Garden Park Estates developer will help pay for 56th Street improvements south of Kellogg's Woods Park. The construction contract for the 56th Street extension was also awarded at $1,012,588.
First Companies industrial project on 36th Street
The city created a district on part of the old Steelcase property, the first step toward tax abatements for two companies interested in locating there. No abatement is guaranteed — applications would come back to the commission later.
ZBA quorum crisis resolved
Sue West's resignation left the Zoning Board of Appeals without seven members, postponing cases and leaving applicants waiting. Two new appointees should restore a full board before its September 21 meeting.
Front-yard vegetable garden ordinance
The city ordered a resident to remove her front-yard vegetable garden or face fines up to $250/day under zoning ordinance chapter 19, section 19.05. The mayor agreed to hold off enforcement while staff consider a text amendment or variance path.
Division Avenue form-based code amendment for fuel stations
Existing businesses like auto repair shops on Division Avenue that became non-conforming when the form-based code was adopted can now expand through a special land use review, keeping them viable in the corridor.
Self-storage boom prompts new zoning rules
Kentwood already has 9.1 square feet of self-storage per capita — well above the state average of 4.99 — so new facilities will now need special land use approval with spacing, landscaping and screening standards rather than a simple building permit.
Opposition to state housing preemption bills
The commission signed onto a letter opposing state House Bills 5529-5532 and 5581-5585, which would preempt local control over housing decisions.
Venue3Two events center expansion rezoning
The city rezoned 0.7 acres so Venue3Two can build a pavilion for outdoor ceremonies, keeping 2017 conditions like no bar and midnight curfew. Parking concerns came up but staff say capacity is adequate.