🌱 GR Police Union Defends Officer + Neighborhood Enterprise Zone

Hello again, Grand Rapids! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Grand Rapids Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Grand Rapids Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Grand Rapids long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warmer. High: 55 Low: 39.

Here are the top three stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. The local Police Union has announced it will be backing the police officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya. The Grand Rapids Police Officers Association states that an "officer has the legal right to protect themselves and community in a volatile dangerous situation such as this, in order to return to his/her family at the end of their shift." Lyoya was shot by Officer Christopher Schurr in the back of the head at point-blank range following a misdemeanor traffic stop. (Associated Press)
2. The City of Grand Rapids has approved a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax incentive for the Studio Park development being constructed downtown. The zone will be in effect for 12 years. The Studio Park development is currently in its second construction phase for the 16-story addition. (MiBiz: West Michigan Business News)
3. A Grand Rapids City Commission had to be abruptly ended after protests broke out in the meeting. The protestors took to the podium to demand justice for Patrick Lyoya. The protestors broke into chants of "Whose city? Our city! Whose streets? Our streets!" while listing their demands from a megaphone. (WOODTV.com)

Today in Grand Rapids:

• Food Center Open At Streams Of Hope (11:00 AM)
• Teen Game Days At Grand Rapids Public Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Active Commute Week is meant to celebrate sustainable transportation methods in Grand Rapids. How will you be commuting Jun. 16 through Jun. 23? (Facebook)
• The Grand Rapids Art Museum terrace is the perfect sunny location for your next private event. Click to contact the team. (Facebook)
• The Kent County Animal Shelter is extending its Empty the Shelters event. It will now be until May 14. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Hire A Pro To Tackle Mom's To-Do List (May 8)
• Add your event

Loving the Grand Rapids Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.