120+ TWM Members Overflow City Commission Meeting & Press Conference: Contribute More or "Show us the Math!"

Together West Michigan members packed the Grand Rapids City Commission Chamber yesterday, calling for equity and transparency in the proposed Three Towers project downtown.  Citizens are being asked to forgo over $565 million in future tax revenue to subsidize developers — receiving just $8.5 million for affordable housing spread over 20 years in return.

“We don’t oppose private development,” said Rev. Lynette Sparks of Westminster Presbyterian Church. “What we DO oppose is this insultingly small contribution to affordable housing. Public dollars demand real public benefit.”

“We keep hearing this project isn't ‘viable’ with a greater contribution,” added Pastor Peter Tewinkle of Oakdale Park Church. “Then show us the math. If it’s true, put it on paper and make it public.”

Despite assurances from the City Clerk’s office, over 40 TWM members were forced to watch the meeting from the lobby on their phones due to lack of space.

The fight isn’t over—TWM will be back when the Commission meets again.

Not a Good Deal for Grand Rapids: Community Advocates Urge City to Reject Three Towers Proposal, The Rapidian [pdf]

Grand Rapids Holds Hearing on Triple Tower Project,  WOOD TV8

Non-Profit Pushes Back on $565 Incentives Plan For High Rise Development In Grand Rapids, FOX 17

Proposal Pushback - Grand Rapids Debates "Transformational" Skyline Towers Proposal, ABC 13 [pdf]

Grand Rapids Residents Say Proposed Downtown Development Must Contribute More To Affordable Housing, Michigan Public NPR [pdf]

Activists Want Bigger Affordable Housing Payment for DeVos, Van Andel Project, Michigan LIVE [pdf]

Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting Recording, City of Grand Rapids