Planner, resident opposition halts developer’s push for Wyoming retail project
Posted By: mlive on June 29, 2026. For more information, please click here to read the source article.
A request to rezone 11 acres at 52nd Street and Wilson Avenue in Wyoming — currently occupied by eight single-family homes — for commercial development has been withdrawn after the Planning Commission voted against it on June 11. Brian Silvernail, a realtor at Show Grand Rapids Real Estate, said he pulled the rezoning application at the request of the homeowners but declined to comment further. The proposal envisioned attracting large-scale national retailers such as Trader Joe’s, Culver’s and Chick-fil-A, along with a daycare and other retailers, according to city documents.
The Planning Commission denied the rezoning request in a 7-1 vote. Commissioners cited concerns about traffic, walkability and compatibility with the city’s master plan, which calls for residential development that incorporates pedestrian infrastructure, green space and smaller-scale commercial uses.
“I’m all for Trader Joe’s in this area, but probably not here,” said Commissioner Chris Weller. “It’s not a good fit. I think it’s going to really jam it up.”
The site sits at the northeast corner of 52nd Street and Wilson Avenue, about a mile south of RiverTown Crossings mall, in an area featuring a mix of homes, apartments and commercial properties. City staff had recommended denying the rezoning request, citing the proposal’s scale and inconsistency with the master plan.
“This proposed development does not align with the type of commercial development called for in the master plan,” Wyoming Deputy City Manager Nicole Hofert said during the June 11 meeting. Hofert added that past conversations with nearby residents showed a preference for small-scale commercial development. Those uses include local restaurants and retailers, community gathering spaces, access to daily goods and services, public art, outdoor seating and streetscaping. During the meeting, Silvernail said the plan from his clients — the eight homeowners seeking to redevelop the property — does not conflict with the master plan. He pointed to potential uses such as a daycare and grocery store.
“The vast majority of voters in this community want what these families are offering,” he said. “It is indeed the greater good.”
About a dozen residents spoke during public comment, including seven who opposed the development, citing concerns about traffic, noise and lighting. At least one resident raised concerns about losing single-family homes at a time when housing is in high demand. The homes would be demolished to make room for the commercial development.
Four residents voiced support, including Toni Haynes, who lives in one of the eight homes included in the rezoning request. She acknowledged neighbors’ concerns but said the project would be a positive investment that would improve access to services and amenities.
“As residents of Wyoming, we would gladly support and utilize the businesses that may be developed in this area,” she said. “We believe that rezoning this property will help make Wyoming an even better place to live, work and also raise a family.”
Planning Commission member Alex Smart cast the lone vote in favor of the rezoning, pointing to nearby retailers such as Best Buy and Costco about a half-mile north of the proposed site.
“I see the progress that this is bringing in,” he said.
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