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To: Grand Rapids Planning Commission

Preserve Huff Park from Adjacent High-Density Development


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.


ACTION ITEMS: Please sign the petition and write OR email to: 

MAIL: Grand Rapids Planning Commission ℅ Elizabeth Zeller 
1120 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (preferred and more impactful)

EMAIL: [email protected] ATTN: Elizabeth Zeller or Tyler Kent

Next chance to speak up: 

Creston Neighborhood Association Land Use Committee meeting 

Sun Title Community Room: 385 Leonard St.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
October 1, 2025 at 6:30 pm 

Sign and share to urge the Grand Rapids Planning Commission to reject rezoning or special use permits for densely designed townhouses at Knapp NE, directly adjacent to Huff Park.

Why is this important?

  • Harm to Huff Park and the Natural Environment: Extra human activity, lights, and noise this close to the park would disrupt sensitive wildlife habitats, reduce bird populations, and degrade the park experience for thousands of visitors each year. 

  • Incompatible with the neighborhood: The Knapp/Joan area consists of single-family homes on ⅓ to ½ acre lots. It is zoned low-density-residential in both the new GR Zoning ordinance and on the Grand Rapids future land use map. Inserting a dense block of condos would split the neighborhood and permanently alter its character. 

  • Poor site planning: The current proposal is very car-centric and places a road directly facing the picture windows of nearby existing homes. It ignores magnificent existing trees and will require heavy site leveling of a site that has a lot of natural topography.

What We Support

  • We are not opposed to all development. Thoughtful options like single-family homes or duplexes could integrate with the neighborhood and preserve the park’s habitat and character. But high-density, multi-family condos on this site are the wrong fit. 


How it will be delivered

In person and electronically

Category

Updates

2025-09-24 17:33:42 -0400

**MEETING LOCATION CHANGE**: The Creston Neighborhood Association Land Use Committee meeting on October 1, 2025 at 6:30 pm has been moved from the Carrier St. location to the Sun Title Community Room located at 385 Leonard St NE. The time and date remain the same.

2025-09-19 10:19:49 -0400

Update on the Proposed Development at Knapp NE: Please review the most recent land development plans on the petition as of 9/19/2025.

**Urgent Action Needed**: Contact the Planning Commission
Your voice is crucial! Please take a moment to contact the Grand Rapids Planning Commission.

MAIL (most impactful): Write a letter to Grand Rapids Planning Commission c/o Elizabeth Zeller, 1120 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

EMAIL: Send a message to [email protected] with "ATTN: Elizabeth Zeller or Tyler Kent" in the subject line.

Urge the commission to reject rezoning and special use permits for this project.

Next Step: You can also attend the Creston Neighborhood Association Land Use Committee meeting on October 1, 2025 at 6:30 pm at 205 Carrier NE.

Thank you for helping us protect Huff Park!

2023-07-22 19:33:21 -0400

5,000 signatures reached

2023-07-15 06:12:22 -0400

1,000 signatures reached

2023-07-14 10:14:04 -0400

500 signatures reached

2023-07-12 09:28:07 -0400

100 signatures reached

2023-07-11 19:49:51 -0400

50 signatures reached

2023-07-11 15:29:04 -0400

25 signatures reached

2023-07-11 13:21:45 -0400

10 signatures reached