HERITAGE HILL ASSOC. INC. v. City of Grand Rapids

In formulating plans to construct an addition on its church building and to expand its parking facilities, the defendant First Netherlands Reformed Congregation acquired options to purchase two parcels of land adjacent to the church. Subsequently, on behalf of the land owners, the church petitioned the Grand Rapids Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance which would permit demolition of the buildings located on the land, namely: a four-unit apartment house and a private residence.

The land in question is covered by the Grand Rapids Zoning Ordinance which, although it places various restrictions…