GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Under the backdrop of a screen reading "We Miss You", the Mayor of Grand Rapids joined with other leaders in Kent County outside the new Studio Park development that's been sitting closed for nearly six months amid the pandemic.
The press conference was held just hours before Governor Whitmer released a new order which allows gyms and pools to re-open on September 9th.
Entertainment venues like movie theaters and bowling alleys were not mentioned in the order and remain closed.
"I’m committed to ensuring that all of our businesses are afforded an opportunity to re-open, and re-open with appropriate safety measures and protocols and plans," said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.
Bliss was joined by Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter, who added "Mayor Bliss and I wrote a letter to the governor because we know it's our job to share what we hear and see on the ground in mainstreet up to state government. We want to be sure that the governor knows both how badly we're suffering, our businesses are suffering, but also that they can open safely."
Emily Loeks with Studio C said Thursday that Celebration Cinema theaters are ready to welcome customers back with enhanced cleaning and safety protocols.
"It is in all of our interest to not be sloppy about this, it's in all of our interest to get this right," she said. "The timing has become urgent. Now, Michigan is amongst only four states without theaters open. Our industry is moving ahead without us."
