Letter of Support for Zoning Changes - April 2024
Read about the proposed changes here: Why You Should Support the Zoning Changes in 2024!
Where and how to send a letter of support: How to Engage the City Commission
Example Letter:
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my support for the suite of zoning reforms being presented to the City Commission on March 19th , 2024; the Commissioners should approve these changes unilaterally. These include:
Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units: changing from a Special Land Use to a permitted use with counter review, elimination of related parking requirement, removal of Owner-Occupancy requirement, elimination of height restrictions introduced by the 2018 “Housing NOW” amendments, to be allowed in conjunction with both single and two unit (duplex) residential. This will free up housing stock currently occupied by those who would rather live closer to family, such as aging parents and students, and struggle to find affordable housing or resources near their loved ones.
Increasing the number of unrelated occupants permitted in a dwelling from four (4) to six (6). We already see this happening frequently throughout the rental units in the city, as the affordability of a dwelling limits peoples financial ability to afford rent. This will also increase the density of available housing stock and neighborhoods, reducing the market pressures of demands and overall slowing the high cost of housing in Grand Rapids.
Regarding Single Room Occupancy (SRO) residences: permitting small SROs [less than seven (7) units] in all residential zones, allowing 7 - 12 unit SROs with Special Land Use with a required Good Neighbor Plan, extending the minimum occupancy period for SROs to 90 days.
Regarding Transitional residential facilities: allowing facilities in low density residential with Special Land Use requiring transit accessibility, a Good Neighbor Plan, and minimum separation from like facilities. Transitional residential facilities in neighborhoods have shown to be the most effective tool to reduce chronic homelessness. Placing these in neighborhoods also increases the likelihood of stable futures by allowing the residents to be close to neighborhood amenities and resources.
Regarding Small Scale Infill: permitting by Directory Review in Traditional Neighborhood (TN) zones up to six (6) unit residential developments on Link and Network Residential streets as categorized by the city’s Vital Streets program, elimination of large lot requirements for residential developments of six (6) units or less, elimination of Special Land Use requirement to convert a single or two unit residential site to greater density residential. This small infill development has shown to be the single most effective tool to reduce the impact of affordable housing on neighborhoods, without dramatic changes to the neighborhood. This will have the greatest impact on BIPOC communities, as they are hardest hit by the affordable housing crisis in Grand Rapids.
Regarding Parking Requirements: elimination of parking requirements for residential developments of six (6) units or less located on Link and Network Residential streets as categorized by the city’s Vital Streets program, allowing transit accessibility parking reduction [50%] to be granted when a development is within 0.5 miles of a BRT station or 0.25 miles of a transit stop. The high cost of adding parking can increases cost of a development by upwards of 25%,according to a recent study done by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute. This regressive policy that affects low income residents, who are less likely to own one or more vehicles, as well as paying more of their housing cost towards the price of unnecessary parking. Parking requirements also increase the cost of maintenance for the city, reduce its tax base, and reduce access to multi-modal transportation options.
The Housing Next report of 2020 documented a severe housing shortage in the city of Grand Rapids and the surrounding region. Residents have experienced the consequences of this shortage through rising rents, escalating prices of for-sale homes, and limited availability. Residents have faced challenges in both remaining in their own neighborhoods as well as moving to neighborhoods or locations which would best facilitate their prosperity, life-style, and household type. The Housing Next report update in 2023 indicated that this shortage of housing has only become more severe; between this update and the initial report the city fell further behind on needed housing by almost five (5) units per day! This affects the BIPOC communities the harshest. Black and brown neighbors are least likely to own a home in the city of Grand Rapids, least likely to be able to purchase a home in Grand Rapids, and most likely it be priced out of living in Grand Rapids. Our de facto segregation through restrictive zoning has consistently made these matters worse, to the point where Grand Rapids is one of the least equitable cities in the country when it comes down to BIPOC homeownership. Taking no action is not acceptable!
Cities such as Auckland, New Zealand, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and New Rochelle, New York have demonstrated that land-use reform is an important component in increasing housing supply, and that increasing supply contributes to moderating rent and housing cost increases. Fear of change in neighborhoods is understandable, yet the status-quo is already changing our neighborhoods. The status-quo is inhibiting the adaptation of our neighborhoods to new economic and social conditions, such as the nation wide decrease in household size, work from home, remote work, and an aging population. BIPOC communities are experiencing more displacement than ever before, and are losing their voices, lived experiences, and community input. The proposed changes represent rational and incremental steps in addressing the ongoing and severe shortage of housing in our city. They are supported by research and evidence that they are one of the most effective ways at reducing the impact of affordable housing.
Thank you.
Your concerned voter,
{Name}
