GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — For the first time Monday, the organizers of the vaccine clinic inside DeVos Place allowed reporters inside to get a look at how the convention center is being used.
The Kent County Health Department partnered with Spectrum Health and Mercy Health to open the clinic on January 25, but the only chance West Michigan had to see inside was through provided pictures or vaccination appointments.
The clinic became a source of controversy when a rent charge of $12,000 per day was unveiled. On February 12, the Kent County Convention/Arena Authority and management company SMG/ASM Global agreedto make DeVos Place available for free and waived the rent payments due from the first few weeks of the clinic. The health systems partnership will have to cover operational costs, including janitors, security, and EMS services.
That agreement is set to expire on March 31, but it can be renewed on a month-by-month basis.
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