Grand Rapids residents on the West Side are voicing concerns that a proposed 231‑unit apartment building on Alabama Avenue, just north of Bridge Street, will exacerbate the neighborhood’s already tight parking situation.
Long‑time locals feel ignored
Deb Maciejurksi, who has lived on the block her entire life, says the area has been overlooked by city officials. “My whole family grew up on this block, paying city and property taxes for years, and the city has totally forgotten us,” she said.
Maciejurksi lives next to the proposed site and has no driveway or alleyway, relying on the street spot in front of her home. Because she uses a walker and sometimes a wheelchair, she cannot park three blocks away. “I need it. I can’t walk without a walker or a wheelchair, and I can’t park three blocks away,” she explained.
Other neighbors share the concern
Her sister, Jill James, echoed the worries, noting that the West Side already has few single‑family homes left on 2nd and Alabama. Long‑time resident Chad Dunham, who has lived on 2nd Street for two decades, said he wants the neighborhood to remain enjoyable for everyone. “We want everybody to be able to enjoy the little walk. Enjoy the West Side. Because it’s the best side,” he said.
Developer and city response
Talbot Development, the firm behind the project, told the reporter they are committed to being good neighbors and are following the city’s process, which includes submitting a parking plan. The specifics of that plan have not yet been released.
The City of Grand Rapids indicated it is too early to comment on the development itself but noted there is a process for residents who need accessible parking to obtain a reserved spot. A city spokesperson said, “Mobile GR staff would be happy to speak directly with the resident, review her individual circumstances, and discuss available options.”
Next steps
Maciejurksi said she hopes to discuss her parking needs with city staff. As the planning process moves forward, the city’s handling of accessible‑parking requests and the developer’s final parking plan will be critical to addressing the concerns of West Side families who rely on street parking for daily mobility.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
