Grand Rapids denies discriminating against Black-owned nightclub

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The city of Grand Rapids says it doesn’t provide security for private businesses, and that its unwillingness to do so for a now-shuttered Black-owned night club that’s suing the city had nothing to do with the club owners’ race. In response to a lawsuit filed in December by Ambiance GR, the city says it worked with the club’s owners to address concerns about outdoor loitering and violence. The city installed an outdoor camera trailer, coordinated with Ambiance’s private security team, and used parking barricades, the city said in a legal filing.