Grand Action 2.0 hosts meeting for feedback on soccer stadium
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A public open house was held Tuesday evening to get feedback on a newly-announced soccer stadium set to be built downtown.
It was hosted by Grand Action 2.0, an economic development organization based in Grand Rapids which is behind the project. The open house started at 6 p.m. at Grand Valley State University’s L.V. Eberhard Center.
“The feedback we’ve gotten from (the) community has been both, a lot of excitement, but then some concerns,” said Kara Wood, Executive Director of Grand Action 2.0.
Last week, Grand Action 2.0 submitted planning documents with the city for the stadium to be built at a 7.5-acre site on the city’s West Side, located along US-131 near the YMCA, which is also where the old Big Boy was located.
Plans reveal likely location of GR soccer stadium
The new stadium will also take over the current YMCA parking lot, which would be replaced with a 42-space lot next to the sports facility.
According to planning documents, the stadium will consist of two buildings: one to the west, which includes three stories with a restaurant, a team store, suites and a press box. Another to the east, which will be one-story with locker rooms, offices, security and storage.
According to Grand Action 2.0, Tuesday night’s meeting will include a presentation followed by an open house. During the meeting, most people seemed excited about the potential development of the soccer stadium. However, questions surrounding parking and noise still remain.
“We’ve basically outlined that there are 16,000 parking spaces within a 15-minute walk,” explained Wood. “While we are displacing about 700 parking spaces, there are plenty within a very short walking distance, even as close as Grand Valley’s campus where folks can park, not only for the stadium but for the YMCA.”
“For me, I live downtown, so I am not concerned about it,” said Joe Novaco, a Grand Rapids resident. “For surrounding communities, I think it’s something to think about. There are tons of soccer fans that I know that live out in Cascade, Ada, and Kentwood and they’re going to have to drive in, and I just want to make sure they have a way to get to the stadium.”
When it comes to the next steps, leaders with Grand Action 2.0 said they have a public planning commission hearing at the end of March, which will offer more opportunity for public input.
“As we embark on the continued momentum and growth of our region, this will bring the highest level of professional soccer to West Michigan and in the State of Michigan,” said Wood. “And a very important opportunity for youth to professional sports to be played in our downtown.”
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