We, the undersigned, oppose rezoning or granting special use permits for multi-family luxury development along the southern edge of Huff Park.
Huff Park is a natural jewel of Grand Rapids — home to 188 bird species (second only to Millennium Park), foxes, deer, sandhill cranes, and countless other wildlife. In the past decade, the city has invested nearly $2 million in boardwalk and trail improvements so residents can enjoy this rare wetland sanctuary that feels miles away from human built environments. Families and visitors value Huff Park as a peaceful escape that feels miles away from traffic and development.
Now, a developer is proposing to build 21 new condo units (and 3 units in existing homes) on just 2.6 acres behind Knapp Street, directly bordering Huff Park. This would mean more than triple the neighborhood’s existing density (9.2 units/acre compared to 2.6), a wall of 100-120’ long three-story buildings just 25 feet from the park boundary, and a private access road shining headlights into existing adjacent homes.
Our Request
We urge the Grand Rapids Planning Commission to:
1. Reject rezoning or special use permit for multi-family housing at 1435/1443 Knapp NE.
2. Protect Huff Park’s buffer zone by ensuring any development respects the scale, character, and ecology of the surrounding neighborhood.
3. Support development that is harmonious with the existing adjacent housing and is sensitive and sensible to how it borders Huff Park.
Together, we can ensure Huff Park remains a natural refuge — not overshadowed by dense luxury development.
***UPDATES: DwUs Program Secured: Attend the Critical Engagement Session on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025***
Thank you for your continued support! We are pleased to report a major step forward: the Creston Neighborhood Association (CNA) has successfully brought the "Development with Us" (DwUs) program into the discussion with the developer.
This is great news. DwUs is an innovative, city-backed program designed to ensure meaningful engagement and empower residents like you.
What DwUs means: We now have a formal process to mediate discussions and work toward a better development plan—one that better protects Huff Park and respects our neighborhood. This is our best chance to shape the outcome!
CRITICAL ACTION ITEM: Attend the Engagement Session
Your attendance at the upcoming DwUs session is absolutely critical. This is the official forum where the neighborhood shares feedback and helps shape the final plan.
Project | 1435, 1439, 1443 Knapp Street (near Huff Park)
What | 'Development with Us' Engagement Session
Time | Wednesday, October 29th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location | Sun Title Community Room | 385 Leonard St NE
***Please prioritize attending this meeting. Your presence sends the strongest possible message that our neighborhood is united in protecting Huff Park!***
SECONDARY ACTION: Continue Contacting the Planning Commission
If you are unable to attend the meeting, please continue to submit written or emailed comments to the Grand Rapids Planning Commission to reject rezoning or special use permits for densely designed townhouses on Knapp NE, directly adjacent to Huff Park:
- MAIL (Preferred and most impactful): Grand Rapids Planning Commission ℅ Elizabeth Zeller 1120 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- EMAIL: [email protected] ATTN: Elizabeth Zeller or Tyler Kent
