Grand Rapids Board unanimously approves a $565 million subsidy for a development project proposed by two billionaire families

On Wednesday, the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved the subsidy, known as a Transformational Brownfield Plan, for the DeVos/Van Andel development project in downtown Grand Rapids.

MLive reported that the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority agreed to provide a $565 million subsidy for the project.

One thing that I immediately noticed about the subsidy amount, was that it was $21 million larger than the original amount cited by MLive back in late September, which was $544 million.

The announcement of the unanimous approval by the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to approve a $565 million subsidy to the two billionaire families wanting to build a massive development project in downtown Grand Rapids is not surprising at all. The MLive coverage of the announcement is also consistent with their previous coverage on this matter, which has been to simply provide a platform for the developing company to say whatever they want, without question.

The primary source in the MLive story was Joe Agostinelli, the founder of Michigan Growth Advisors, a firm that’s working with the company that is jointly owned by DeVos and Van Andel. The MLive article also cites Sarah Rainero, who is the Economic Development Director for the City of Grand Rapids. Rainero talked about how the $565 million subsidy is primarily from the state. While that may be true, it is still public money, which means that the billionaire families of DeVos and Van Andel will receive more than two-thirds of the cost of this development project from public funding.

The only other source cited in the MLive article was Grand Rapids Mayor Bliss, who said that she was “really glad” that this project was moving forward, plus she referred to it as “transformational.” Seems like we know where Bliss stands on this matter when it comes before the City Commission for a vote. Unfortunately, the MLive article said nothing about when that vote might be. It seems that MLive also doesn’t really care what the public thinks about another massive development project by two billionaire families, using a $565 million subsidy.

Major MLive Omission 

Besides leaving out public voices on the massive subsidy for the billionaires development project, the MLive article doesn’t cite anyone from the government body – the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority – in this story. Shouldn’t the public know who these people are and what interests they represent? Well, why don’t I just tell you.

You can find the list of the 11 members board that makes up the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority by going to this link. Besides including their name, I am including who these people work for, which should tell you something about why they unanimously approved the project and the $565 million subsidy. 

• Jeff Edwards, Chair –  Principal, Reveille Development Company, used to work for Rockford Construction
• Lynn Rabaut, Vice-Chair – former GR City Commissioner, retired as the Executive Director at GR Griffins Youth Foundation
• Kristine Bersche, Secretary – Environmental Business Advisor with Bridge House Advisors.
• Troy Butler, Treasurer –  Managing Parter at Squeegee Squad Grand Rapids 
• Guillermo Cisneros – President & CEO – West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a board member of Grand Action 2.0 and the Economic Club of Grand Rapids
• Kaylee Dillard – Project Manager at Wolverine Building Group
• Brooke Oosterman Executive Director of Housing Next, which was created by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce 
• Martin Uchendu – Realtor at Five Star Real Estate 
• John Van Fossen – Vice President Government Affairs at Meijer 
• Lynee Wells – Founder + CEO Aligned Planning
• Milinda Ysasi, Commissioner – CEO at Grow, and as a GR City Commissioner has enthusiastically supported downtown development projects, all of which have used massive public subsidies.

As you can see, the people who make up the board for the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority represent interests that benefit developers and those in the professional and Capitalist class. Unfortunately, these people do not represent the interests of most BIPOC communities, working class people, and people who are living paycheck to paycheck, which are the majority of people living in this city.