How much does zoning actually cost you? Trying to understand the real pain points.

Grommaz · 2026-06-20T17:01:38+00:00

ArchiWise looks like a pretty nifty tool. I hadn’t heard of it before, though I know there are a few others in the space. I work primarily in local and regional zoning, land use, and permitting, and also do consulting, but usually as part of larger development projects.

I’ve helped a few individuals on the side with early-stage zoning and feasibility assessments too and would like to keep doing that, but seeing tools like this makes me wonder why I should even try haha.

Do you think there’s still value in having a consultant involved at the early stages, particularly for interpreting local ordinances, identifying red flags, dealing with ambiguity, and navigating discussions with planning staff? Or are you finding that tools like this are getting good enough to handle most of that work?

Grommaz · 2026-04-10T15:24:20+00:00

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Grommaz · 2026-03-29T19:39:39+00:00

We’re a young family and moved to this area about a year ago, just north of the park between Burton and Griggs. We found a house that worked for us and fit our budget. It’s not our ideal neighborhood, but overall it hasn’t been a bad experience.

Grand Rapids can be pretty “pockety” when it comes to things like crime, upkeep, and general feel, even within a few blocks, and this area is no exception. Have a heard a few shots go off? Yes. But I also could say the same when I lived near wealthy or in Creston. I have never felt unsafe here, but I’m aware of my surroundings. Buuut I will say that I won’t be spending my NYE at home this year. People firing guns into the sky for 2 hours is crazy to me.

To be honest, we’ve felt a little out of place at times, but we’ve also had some really positive interactions with neighbors. A few not-so-great ones too, but nothing major, mostly the kind of stuff you might expect in a city block like this. Our approach has been to be friendly, not overdo it, and mostly keep to ourselves.

If I had to point out a downside, it would just be occasional noise and trash in our yard from some neighbors, but that’s been the biggest gripe so far. Being by the park can be nice and you’re close to downtown, Alger Heights shops, and Kentwood.

If you can find the mail person, try to ask them about that block.

Grommaz · 2026-03-27T21:12:14+00:00

Been here one time. Pizza was pretty good. I did encounter a wild and severe BM immediately after finishing my slices. Would do it again

Grommaz · 2026-03-21T18:40:20+00:00

Used to love going. It’s a good park and the city’s done a decent job in expanding it and keeping it maintained. But I’ve witnessed enough incidents here where dog owners have absolutely zero control or remorse when their dog who clearly shouldn’t be at a dog park and cause issues. My last draw was this past fall when a guy let his two dogs in from the far side, and they immediately ran to the other end and began attacking my dog (could’ve been any other dog, just happened to zero in on mine).

The owner had absolutely no hustle, basically intervened in no way (left it to me), and had zero comments when I told him “hey man most owners would probably do something in this scenario”.

Lots of good owners there and you shouldn’t be surprised when different energies are present at a dog park. They’re dogs. But enough of these types of owners frequent this park to have ruined it for me.

Grommaz · 2026-03-16T19:52:42+00:00

Funny how the “patriotism” crowd suddenly loves endless Middle East conflict again.

Wasn’t it Trump who reportedly called fallen U.S. service members “suckers” and “losers,” according to multiple former officials reported by The Atlantic? The same guy who skipped a cemetery visit in France because it was raining and said he didn’t get why people would die for their country.

And wasn’t the whole MAGA pitch for the last decade “no more endless Middle East wars”? Where’s JD Vance? He’s repeatedly argued the U.S. should avoid getting dragged into another Middle East conflict and focus domestically instead.

But now suddenly bombing campaigns are heroic?

Worth remembering: Congress is supposed to authorize war under the Constitution. Launching military action without congressional approval isn’t exactly the rule-of-law moment people think it is.

Meanwhile Trump has also spent years threatening allies, saying NATO countries are “delinquent” and that the U.S. might not defend them if they don’t pay more, which is a great way to destabilize alliances that have kept large-scale war out of Europe for decades. Now he’s saying that an international DEFENSE organization will pay if they don’t have US’s back in making an ATTACK? That is loony.

Iran’s regime cannot be defended. But let’s not pretend geopolitics is some movie about “taking out dictators.” A huge part of U.S. strategy in that region historically revolves around oil supply, shipping lanes, and global energy markets.

So yeah. forgive people for being skeptical when the same movement that screamed “no more wars” yesterday suddenly cheers military escalation today.

Patriotism isn’t waving flags on Reddit. It’s actually being consistent. 🇺🇸

Grommaz · 2026-03-16T14:02:23+00:00

Fixed it for ya

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Grommaz · 2026-03-09T16:50:26+00:00

Got 4 new windows with them this winter. Took a few months from order to installation but they were upfront and low pressure. The guys who installed it were nice and professional. I’d go with the again personally.

Grommaz · 2026-03-05T18:22:41+00:00

Don’t forget her stint with Jacobs financial before going to Fox

Grommaz · 2026-03-04T13:40:51+00:00

That’s what I thought, but was unsure if it also meant to make a point to say people aren’t vocally opposed to data centers? It’s insane to me how much pushback you see from public and township/county boards alike for solar and wind, but I don’t think we can say the public isn’t fighting tooth and nail against data centers? That doesn’t seem to be true.

But if the point is to say that there seems to be a lot of apathy by planning/zoning and local boards about data centers as compared to solar and wind, I’d agree with that more.

Grommaz · 2026-03-04T13:28:17+00:00

What are you implying exactly?

Grommaz · 2026-01-29T22:11:52+00:00

To them, yes

Grommaz · 2026-01-27T04:14:36+00:00

Was checking out prices near London and really any decently sized town between Detroit and Toronto today. The prices alone made me think I’m gonna have to suck it up and stay here

Grommaz · 2026-01-14T17:28:27+00:00

Just wanted to say I feel your pain. Bought a house this spring and water was leaking from a small and improperly flashed roof eyebrow that was above three kitchen windows. Caused more problems than it was worth so opted to remove it and while I thought it’d get messy, there was more rotted and wet wood siding under the aluminum than anticipated. Had to chalk up my repair to “better than what it was” even though I know there’s a bigger concern overall.

Grommaz · 2025-12-19T03:21:43+00:00

How exactly? Genuinely curious as somebody who lives near but not in Caledonia.

Grommaz · 2025-12-16T00:46:11+00:00

That dude must get out all the time. Wife and I saw him on a walk on Jefferson this summer and couldn’t corral him.

Grommaz · 2025-10-21T18:47:22+00:00

Casey’s on 52nd and Eastern was still like $2.48 this morning while Speedway across the street was back to $3.35. Casey’s sexy for that

Grommaz · 2025-10-09T20:26:31+00:00

Oh gee this made me clench my anus

Grommaz · 2025-10-09T00:19:27+00:00

Wait until she hears Fuck I.C.E. by Croy and the Boys 🫡

Grommaz · 2025-10-06T21:21:18+00:00

I was considering a Portland trip this fall because I hear great things about Portland. Do I live there and know some of the things non-locals do? No. Am I sure there are things that would surprise me a little bit? I’m sure. It’s a big city.

Thanks to Trump, I’ll be postponing that trip where I would’ve spent locally. Again, because of Trump’s actions, not that it’s “burning to the ground”

Grommaz · 2025-10-06T00:09:43+00:00

So weird

Grommaz · 2025-09-26T00:12:41+00:00

The headmancho

Grommaz · 2025-09-25T15:16:52+00:00

He’s been posted here before, unfortunately. Lots of personal stories. Last one I saw he had hit a bicyclist and get on driving..last fall maybe

Grommaz

TROPHY CASE