Grand Rapids Leaders Listen To Public Comments On Uber, Airbnb, & Old House

The Grand Rapids City Commission took public comments Tuesday night on the effort to save a 19th-century home from being demolished.

The house is located the 2500 block of Lake Michigan Drive on the city's West Side and is now owned by Covenant Village of the Great Lakes who wants to tear it down in order for them to expand their facility. Three sisters who used to live in the home have been protesting to demolition.

City staff have been exploring historic designation or any other option that would keep the house from being torn down. No action was taken on Tuesday night.

Commissioners also took comments on ride-sharing service Uber, which recently launched in the city. Mayor Heartwell said that he does not favor regulating the service but will instead promote the benefits of using the city's taxis.

City commissioners also heard comments over regulations and fees associated with homeowners regularly renting out rooms to travelers through Airbnb.