The City of Grand Rapids Planning Commission on Dec. 11 approved a special land use and site plan for Northpointe Christian School to add approximately 3,500 square feet and two classrooms at the property presented as 540 Russell Street Northeast, after staff and the applicant described neighborhood outreach to address traffic and safety concerns.

Avery, a planning department staff member, told the commission the project had been before the panel on Sept. 25 after neighbors raised traffic concerns related to school pick‑up and drop‑off. Avery said Mobile GR traffic staff observed operations, recommended signage and no‑parking zones, and helped develop a pick‑up/drop‑off plan and a parent education plan the school distributed at a Nov. 6 neighborhood meeting attended by 19 residents.

Karen Vanderberg, principal at Northpointe Christian Elementary and Preschool, said the school incorporated neighborhood feedback into an updated parent handbook and communicated changes through a parent organization. "We were very happy with the dialogue and the input from the neighborhood," Vanderberg said.

Staff reported the combined campus has 66 on‑site parking spaces and that the school estimates demand of about 56 spaces for staff. Avery noted the new addition increases the project's parking deficiency; however, six spaces associated with this specific addition can be waived administratively during permitting under existing zoning procedures. Mobile GR staff said they do not anticipate the expansion will significantly worsen neighborhood traffic and are planning signage updates to improve circulation.

At the public hearing, Alex of the Creston Neighborhood Association said outreach had been "very productive" and that neighbors were generally satisfied with progress, provided the school continues to implement its plans.

Commissioners praised the applicant's follow‑up work and Mobile GR's recommendations. An unidentified commissioner moved to approve the special land use and site plan review; the motion passed by voice vote with standard conditions requiring permits and incorporation of the parent education, pickup/drop‑off, construction and neighborhood communication plans into the approved application.

The approval takes effect 16 calendar days after the commission's decision and remains subject to required building and land use permits. The applicant and staff are expected to continue coordination with Mobile GR as signage and curb changes are implemented.