Wesco wins zoning approval, $1 million renovation planned

By Nathan Kroon

The Oceana Echo

Volunteer Correspondent

At its Monday, June 12 meeting, the Shelby Village Council gave per- mission for Wesco Inc. to proceed with renovation plans for an expansion of the store located at 241 N. State Street. Wesco Co-President JJ Westgate attended to answer questions. Drawings and proposals had been submitted to the village around May 12 and were reviewed by Village Administrator Brady Selner.

Wesco No. 53 is now free to undergo a renovation estimated to cost

$1 million. An extension of the northeast wall by 13 feet and the northwest wall by 16 feet will make room for new hot food and refrigerated drink displays, a public restroom and an additional entrance. Bruce Veinnstra of Holland Engineering described the changes that would take place. The changes are designed to improve both safety and crowding in the building. A block- house on the north end of the property will be demolished to add parking, screened by a privacy fence.

Members of the public were permitted three minutes each for questions and comments. A letter from Shelby resident H.H. Shaw was read, voicing concerns over traffic flow and parking at the station. Administrator Selner vouched that the requirements for a zoning variance were met by the proposal submitted by Wesco and engineering representatives. Councilors voted on the issue six times; each vote confirmed that one of the six standards for a variance had been met.

Before Westgate left, he discussed the possibility of employing local contractors to complete the project. Contractors are invited to watch for bids posted online. “We look forward to reinvesting in the community. This has been on our radar for quite some time. We are excited to grow with Shelby and Oceana County,” he said.

Meeting minutes are available from village staff upon request.

Gene LaDoux and Ada Rogers, who are both employed at the Wesco in Shelby, reacted upon hearing the news that their workplace was soon to be reconstructed. LaDoux was invited to mark the occasion with a comment. “I would like to thank the community for all their support for our little gas station these many years. Being a new employee, the store and staff have really stepped up and supported me in learning this job,” Assistant Manager Tami Johnsen summarized the situation succinctly with a single word, “Yay!”