Z EELAND R ECORD THE
Vol. 129-No.40
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Zeeland, Michigan
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Serving Western Michigan for more than 128 Years
• July 27, 2023
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Cost$1.00/copy $30/year
Long Time Downtown Business Announces Plans to Relocate
State Representative Bradley Slagh (left) signs the paperwork for his candidacy for the 85th State House Seat with Ottawa Clerk/Register of Deeds Justin Roebuck. Slagh will be seeking his fourth term following voter approved changes in the State’s Constitution.
State Rep. Bradley Slagh Files for Fourth Term in 85th House District On Wednesday, July 19, State Representative Bradley “Brad” Slagh (R-Zeeland) announced his intention to run for a fourth term as State Representative in Michigan’s 85th House District by filing his official paperwork with Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck. Due to voters approving ballot proposal 2022-1, state legislators are allowed to serve for a total of 12 years in either the Michigan House of Representatives, Michigan Senate, or combination of the two. Slagh has been recognized during each of his first two terms as a strong conservative by the American Conservative Union and other conservative policy groups and has opposed the liberal agenda being pushed during this term by majority Democrats. He has been particularly outspoken against policies like the “conversion therapy” bills, legislation to complicate our sales tax system by taxing food and beverages if they are sold with certain eating utensils, and over the top Democrat spending, among others. “My biggest priority as a State Representative is to be a listener and provide value while upholding the values of those I serve,” said Slagh. “Besides the
thousands of constituent cases me and my staff have assisted with, most of the bills I have introduced over the last 5 years have been as a result of conversations I have had with constituents and neighbors in Ottawa County. I will continue to provide that same service should I be fortunate enough to be elected to serve a fourth term.” Slagh continued “we need a representative that has a good reputation in Lansing and can help get things done in this political environment, and I am that person.” As Chair of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) subcommittee in his second term, he worked to ensure the operations portion of the budget reflected the significant reduction in inmate populations and pushed for the reduction of facility costs by championing the necessary closure of MDOC facilities. The closures also helped to address overtime mandates for many MDOC staff in West Michigan. He is the author of 8 Public Acts during his time in the Michigan Legislature. The 85th District includes Georgetown, Zeeland and parts of Jamestown and Holland Townships, as well as the cities of Zeeland and Hudsonville.
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remodeling the building into office space for their firm. “The preliminary plans that we have seen will restore the building and show the firm’s abilities by enhancing the building’s unique features,” said Kraig Van Koevering. Plans are for the Zeeland Record newspaper and its graphics division ZR Graphics to relocate to a smaller location by the end of the year. “We are NOT closing the business. With the downtown events and plans we are finding it more difficult to bring in large trucks for the graphics side of the business. “We are looking at several business condominiums in the area as a future location,” said Kraig Van Koevering. In October of this year the Zeeland Record will mark 130 years in business. The business was founded by brothers Adrian and William Van Koevering, who both suffered from polio and could not work with their father, a local builder. Adrian’s sons Corey and George joined their father in the business in the 1920’s. George eventually left the business to become a lobbyist for the railroad association. At about the same time Corey’s sons Keith and Paul joined the business. Paul’s son Kurt joined the business in 1984, and in 1985 Keith died of a heart attack. Paul’s youngest son Kraig joined the business in 1991.Paul retired from the business in 1997 and his sons Kurt and Kraig took over the family business marking the fourth generation of brother involved in printing and publishing.
Planners to Consider Additional Dwelling Units
With the lack of buildable residential lots in the City of Zeeland, local planners are looking at a new concept that would allow homeowners to create a second residential unit on their parcel. The idea was part of a request from several residents who wished to create a second residential unit in their homes for either income or housing a family member i.e., father, mother, or child. The City of Zeeland Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 3, beginning at 6 p.m. to consider permitting Additional Dwelling Units (ADU). The hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 21 S. Elm. “An ADU is an independent dwelling unit and differs from an apartment in that the property owner must live and declare for parent-teacher conferences, secondary the property as his principal residence,” exams, and Tulip Time. explained City Development Director Tim “Recognizing the importance of these Maday. calendar events, these half days were challenging to reduce, but we also recognize their importance in supporting our students’ academic experience,” she said. The remaining 7 half days are allocated for teacher collaboration and professional development. “These opportunities allow our educators to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting our students’ education,” she said. With the new calendar that was approved for 2023-24 the first and final days of school as well as breaks, remain unchanged. The first day of school for students will be
School District Approves Revised Teacher Contract Last month nearly 100 parents and citizens attended the Zeeland Board of Education to express their displeasure with a proposed contract with the Zeeland Education Association that had created 24 half days. The Board rejected the proposal by a 3-4 vote at that meeting. Last week Monday, July 17, the Board met and unanimously approved a one-year contract with the teachers that now has 15 half days for all grade levels. “Building upon the success of recent years, we identified logical opportunities to reduce half-days. The 23-24 calendar now features 15 half days for all grade levels, which is 2-3 less than in previous years and 7-8 fewer days than the initial proposal,” said spokesperson Brandi Navetta. Out of the 15 half days, 8 are designated
Zeeland’s oldest family-owned business is announcing plans to relocate after selling their building that they have occupied since 1925. Zeeland Record owners Kurt and Kraig Van Koevering have sold the building at 16 S. Elm Street, that was built by their greatgrandfather, and founder of the Zeeland Record, Adrian Van Koevering. “With the changes to our business and the increased use of electronics, we were only using a 1/3 of the building. We were fortunate to rent the front office to the Zeeland Academy of Music for the past several years. But as we think about retiring in the next several years, it makes sense to look at downsizing our footprint,” said Kurt Van Koevering. The approximately 6,000 square foot structure was built for heavy industrial equipment and has steel expansion beam spanning the width of the structure. The center of the building also features a large skylight that provides natural lighting for the facility. “We knew that we had a unique building. Our great-grandfather designed the building for the potential of a second floor. With the development that is occurring downtown, we thought it would be a good time to try and sell the building. Its size limits the number of potential buyers, so we thought it might take a while, but it moved rather quickly,” said Kurt Van Koevering. The new owners are involved in the construction industry and are considering
According to Maday, ADU’s can come in three different types: internal - as in being a section of the dwelling unit or basement; attached – connected to an existing structure or second story of a garage; or detached – a second unit that is placed in the back yard. “The proposed minimum square footage for an ADU is 350 square feet with a maximum of 850 square feet. The ADU’s are required to be an independent living unit, meaning each unit is required to have a bathroom, kitchen and is limited to a single bedroom,” he explained. The ADU’s would be required to be created so as not to interfere with city set back requirements for side and back yards. They would also be limited by ordinance lot coverage requirements. “A lot of the residential properties may have the space for a detached ADU, but the Planning Commission may require (Continued on page 9)