Oct. 6, 2025 Jerry Anderson The commission did vote to approve the Concept Plan and the accompanying resolution. We presented a protest petition. According to state law, filing this protest petition meant that the proposal could not pass unless the vote was a super-majority, 5-2. A 4-3 vote would deny approval. The commission voted 4-3.

Before the vote, the City Attorney, Mr. Huff, gave his opinion that the petition was not valid for two reasons: first, that signers did not prove they owned the land that they own. Yet, the signers included their parcel numbers, addresses, and business identities on the petition.  The city has access to all the information they need if they want to disqualify a signature. The law does not specify that the  citizens must include proof of ownership at the time of submission. The city may disallow a signature if they can show that it is not valid.  Mr. Huff also stated that the petition does not apply to "administrative decisions."  The law, however, clearly states that it applies to any amendment decision, and does not use the words 'legislative' or 'administrative'.  

Although Commissioners Groff-Blaszak and Hunter asked repeatedly for a more detailed discussion, one was not granted.  The mayor did, however, show her allegiance when she asked the developer's attorney to share his opinion, but refused to let the attorney that presented the petition on behalf of citizens to speak again.

We will, of course, press on and support that the protest petition is valid.  Unfortunately, the City Manager has stated and made clear that he would rather be sued by the residents than by the developer.  Unfortunately, in today's legal environment, being right still costs (a lot of) money.  That is why we need your support.

A copy of the state law regarding protest petitions follows:

125.3403 Amendment to zoning ordinance; filing of protest petition; vote.
Sec. 403.

(1) An amendment to a zoning ordinance by a city or village is subject to a protest petition as required by this subsection. If a protest petition is filed, approval of the amendment to the zoning ordinance shall require a 2/3 vote of the legislative body, unless a larger vote, not to exceed a 3/4 vote, is required by ordinance or charter. The protest petition shall be presented to the legislative body of the city or village before final legislative action on the amendment and shall be signed by 1 or more of the following:
(a) The owners of at least 20% of the area of land included in the proposed change.
(b) The owners of at least 20% of the area of land included within an area extending outward 100 feet from any point on the boundary of the land included in the proposed change.
(2) Publicly owned land shall be excluded in calculating the 20% land area requirement under subsection (1).

Tomorrow we will also begin the process of making this a referendum decision to be decided by a vote of the residents of EGR.  This will take a lot of work and require the involvement of a lot of people.  We welcome and encourage open discourse on this important decision.  The people of East Grand Rapids should have the final say on what is best for their city.

Jerry Anderson for egrRD-Save the Charm