May 23 General Meeting Minutes
Pictured is one of the rooms at the Blue Jay Hotel
Missed the meeting read our recap or watch our meeting here.
Welcome: Mitch Cook, Bridge Street Market, SBA President
Our Host: Bradley Veneklase, Urban Soil Realty
Introductions: Round robin introductions: Who you are and what you do.
Updates:
Nick Brice from Sip Shine: Provided an update on Sip Shine. They have shifted from the initial concept of live music seven days a week to a sports bar concept with lots of big TVs. They were uncertain if Grand Rapids was ready for live music every day.
- After working with the city and thanks to Commissioner O’Connor, they were approved for a Special Land Use permit for bottling and a Temporary Occupancy Permit.
- These permits place them on the docket for the next City Commission meeting on June 4th.
- Chair Beltzer from the MLCC has been informed that these obstacles are cleared.
- Once approved by the Commission, the process in Lansing will be expedited.
Rebecca Krenz, Operations Manager, Downtown Grand Rapids Ambassador Team:
- Listed some of the services the Ambassadors provide, such as trash collection, making connections, and helping downtown appear safe.
- Additional services include giving car jumps, holding umbrellas, and safely walking people to their cars.
- They are funded by a separate tax assessment, with the boundary ended on the WestSide at Seward.
Neighborhood Update by Monica Hall:
- The main purpose of the WGNO is to connect with residents and help make them aware of available services.
- Paul S. shared a personal story of how West Grand helped him deal with a difficult neighbor.
- Monica provided a list of summer activities, such as Cone with a Cop, and a recap of the WestSide Clean Up.
- Annette Vandenburg announced she will be taking part of the summer off, and Monica will be filling in.
- Annette also shared about a $15K grant WGNO received for a program similar to what the Ambassadors do.
- Add your business to the Community Discount Card Agreement (more info in the graphic)
Former First Ward Commissioner, Dave Shaffer, Interphase Interiors:
- Reflected on the past, noting that there used to be only 5-10 people in the SBA. Shared how excited it is to see the group grow and be so welcoming to everyone.
- Emphasized the importance of keeping the positive momentum and vision going.
- Encouraged checking out available resources for new ideas and shared that several projects on the street used tax incentives.
- Interphase Interiors sells office furniture and specializes in holistic space planning. They are located on Leonard.
- If you wish to connect more with Dave, here’s his email: daveshaffer AT interphaseinc.com
Captain P.J. Baker:
- Gave an update on how things are going on the WestSide.
- Mentioned that car break-ins are still an issue and advised everyone to lock their cars.
- Validated the importance of the SBA and the benefits of everyone connecting with one another.
- If you wish to connect more with Captain Baker, here’s his email: pbaker AT grand-rapids.mi.us
Construction Simplified: Hosting the Versiti Blood Bus in their lot on Friday, 5/31 from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- People must register to receive a $15 e-gift card and a free Adobe Mexican Kitchen burrito.
Sovengard: Looks good and is still on track to open in late summer/early fall.
Gin Gin’s Entrance off Summer.
New Addition - Gin Gin’s: Excited to welcome Gin Gin’s to the neighborhood, adding another quality establishment.
Tyler Wiewiora from Arktos on Bridge Street shared how he wants to bring the Artprize Venues on Bridge Street together to attract more folks here.
- If you wish to connect more with Tyler, here’s his email: arktosevents AT gmail.com
1:04 p.m. Thank you for coming!
Did I miss something? Kindly email jes@swiftpritning.com and I will add it. Also, if you’re interested in helping me take notes at our general meeting that would be a huge help.