By: Deborah Johnson Wood
As Michigan Hill's commercial development approaches Ashby Row, a residential area within the Midtown Neighborhood, residents concerned that developers will demolish some homes to make room for businesses continue to support a proposal to the City of Grand Rapids to establish a conservation district.
Organizers submitted the proposal a year ago, just as city planners were making changes to the zoning codes. Although the proposed changes address some of the neighborhood's concerns, they don't cover all.
Ashby Row's borders are Michigan (north), Lyon (south), and Grand (east). Union Street would be the west border, but it is officially located in the Heritage Hill historic district. So, the west border runs along a line one house east of Union.
Some 90 buildings dating between the 1800s and the 1930s, including Craftsman and American Foursquare style homes, are testament to the area's history as a modest middle class neighborhood.
The new zoning prevents demolition of a house for commercial purposes. But the code may not stop a neighbor from erecting a fence that's contrary to the historic tone of the neighborhood. The proposed conservation district will protect the homes and establish building requirements such as open porches, traditional-looking facades, height limitations, and setbacks.
"We really get to know each other by being out on our porches," says Jenn Gavin, board member of the Midtown Neighborhood Association. "Those porches are vital to keeping us a close knit neighborhood."
Ashby Row residents are again pursuing the approval of the conservation district. Gavin expects neighborhood representatives will sit down with city officials next week.
Source: Jenn Gavin, Midtown Neighborhood Association
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.