Z EELAND R ECORD THE
Vol. 129-No.44
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Zeeland, Michigan
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Serving Western Michigan for more than 128 Years
• August 24, 2023
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Cost$1.00/copy $30/year
Redevelopment Plans for Downtown Zeeland Come to Fruition Two long-term redevelopment projects that have been in the works for the past several years were given the green light Monday evening as the Zeeland City Council approved redevelopment agreements for 3 & 9 E. Main Ave. and 135 & 137 E. Main Ave. “These projects have been in the works for a long time and reflect the vision of council, staff and the Shopping Area Redevelopment Board (SARB),” said City Manager Tim Klunder. Midwest Construction and Geerlings Development is proposing a three-story building at 3 & 9 E. Main, north east corner of Main and State, that will have offices and retail on the first floor and 9 apartments on the second and third floor. Each floor will have approximately 9,200-9,500 square feet. “Parking is proposed to be provided on-site, on the rear/north of the building. It should be noted that part of the agreement the city will receive a 50-year lease on 48 parking spaces to be used for public parking, and an area that is at least 600 square feet in the building for the placement of equipment for the City’s snowmelt system, if necessary,” explained Community Development Director Tim Maday. The first floor of the building will be constructed of precast concrete. The upper levels will be 65% brick and the rest insulated stucco. “The stucco material is great for insulation, but it gets dented and is not as durable as concrete which is why we are not using it on the first floor,” explained developer Scott Geerlings. According to Geerlings they have a signed tenant for half of the ground floor, and a possible second tenant to fill the balance. “With the housing need in the area we expect little difficulty in filling the residential units,” he said. During the city council meeting on Monday evening, council members gave
approval to the plans, which were one of the conditions placed on the project before the city sells the property to the developer. The project also needs approval from SARB since it is located in the City’s Central Business District which will occur on August. 31, and Planning Commission that meets on September 7th. The project has received approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals on Aug. 8, for the placement of a support column within the City’s required clear visibility triangle at the intersection of Main Ave. and State St. The construction timing for the project according to Geerlings may be determined by how quickly the state approves an Act 210 Commercial Rehabilitation Certificate can be granted by the State. “We are hoping for 60 days for approval by the state. If that happens will be able to start this fall with foundation work with a goal of being completed a year from now,” he said. The other project that received approval on Monday evening was Wooden Nickels Properties, LLC 135/137 E. Main redevelopment which includes a downtown walkway passage that connects Main Street with the north downtown parking lot. The 3-story 4,000-square-foot project includes a 1,500-square-foot lit and snowmelt pedestrian walkway on the east side of the building. “The developer has been working with us on pathway treatments. It is going to be snowmelt, and we want to make sure the lighting and treatment features match what is going on downtown,” said Maday. Moxy Dental and Airway at 131/133 is proposed to expand into the rear of the new building. Public restaurant at 131/133 is proposed to expand into the front of the new building. The second and third floors will be occupied with a total of eight residential apartments, four per floor. Lastly an addition is proposed for the rear of the
Zeeland Township Approves Capital Improvement Plan Zeeland Charter Township plans to make $3,473,800 in capital improvements during the 2024 fiscal year that begins on January 1, 2024, with a la r ge por tion a ddr essing recreation needs. The CIP was approved at their board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15. The majority of the funds, $1,550,000, will be used to construct a new bike path to serve as connector between Adams Street and Byron Road along the 76th and 74th avenues corridor. The township also plans to resurface several sections of bikepaths including – Woodbridge from 96th to end, $63,200; 88th Avenue Riley to Ransom, $145,600; 92nd Avenue from Chicago Drive to Perry, $68,600; and Perry from 96th to 92nd Avenue, $65,900. “We have had numerous requests to connect the two bike paths that serve the Macatawa Greenway that is popular with bikers and hikers,” said Township Supervisor Tom Oonk. At the Van Zoeren Woods the township is looking to spend $350,000 to construct two boardwalks across ravines in the park. One will be 100 feet long and the other 75 feet long. “During the past year we have made numerous improvements to
the Van Zoeren Woods, and these boardwalks will help to make it more accessible to hikers and residents,” he said. Another capital improvement planned is related to the growth that is occurring at Gentex. The township will be spending $150,000 during 2024 and $750,000 in 2025 to oversize sewer lines to serve the development. “This is something that we are doing through Holland Charter Township and is paid to the City of Zeeland where the Clean Water Plant is located,” he said. At the township hall it is proposed to spend $75,000 for an elevator update and $20,000 for HVAC improvements. “Both are over 20 years old and are ending their expected life cycle,” he said. The township is also anticipating spending $400,000 for subdivision resurfacing and $60,000 for drain maintenance. Two capital projects that are being carried over from 2023 include $100,000 for land acquisition for the township cemetery, and $250,000 for land acquisition of property and a new facility for the fire department.
Midwest Construction and Geerlings Development received approval from the City Council on Monday evening to build a three-story multi-use building on the northeast corner of State Street and Main Avenue.
131/133 building to incorporate it into the new building. An exterior finish consisting of primarily brick on the lower two levels with a stained cement board siding on the third level. “There will be a substantial number of windows, balconies and decorative features such as cornices and overhangs on both the north and south faces of the building,” explained project architect Ed Zywghuizen of GenOne Architectural Group LLC. As part of the original development agreement signed by the City in March of 2023 Wooden Nickel was responsible for the demolition of 133/135 E. Main and then would be reimbursed for the costs. “Shortly after the approval of the development agreement, the City was informed that it was selected to receive a Blight Elimination grant of up to $70,000 to demolish the buildings from the State Land Bank Authority through the Ottawa County Land Bank. Now the demolition of
the current structures will be handled by the city,” explained Maday. Council members approved the agreement with the Ottawa County Land Bank Authority subject to the City Attorney approval of the final language and the development agreement that transfers the property to the developers. “Staff typically prefers to wait to bring documents to City Council for approval until the language is approved by all parties, due to the timing of the City Council meetings, the fact that the project cannot go out for bids until the sub-agreement is approved and the potential impact to project timelines staff sought a conditional approval,” explained Maday. The project still needs approval from SARB which meets on Aug. 31, and the Planning Commission that meets on Sept. 8. Wooden Nickel Properties will also be seeking an Act 210 Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption that needs approval from the State.
Zeeland Historical Society Hosts 1970s Themed Fundraiser The Zeeland Historical Society (ZHS) is hosting “That 70s Night,” on September 21. This year, the ZHS annual fundraiser will nod to the 1970s and feature a disco dance floor, a 1970s historical exhibit, and more themed fun. Frank’s Restaurant will be catering with some of their classic dishes, loved by Zeelanders in the 1970s and today. “Whether you remember the 1970s, love ‘70s music appreciate nostalgia, or just enjoy a themed party, this event will be fun for all while providing support to our programs,” said Katelyn VerMerris, director of ZHS. The fundraiser is taking place at the Historic New Groningen Schoolhouse from 6:30-9:00 p.m. The cost to attend the fundraiser is $50 per person and will be $60 at the door. An early bird discount of $10 off is available before August 24. Tickets include
food, a giveaway bag, and a drink ticket with additional beverages available by cash bar. You can purchase tickets by visiting our website at www.zeelandhistory.org, mail a check to PO Box 165, Zeeland, MI 49464, or stop by the Dekker Huis Museum Wednesday-Saturday. “Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to dress to the theme. Think bellbottoms, tassels, floral prints, maxi-dresses, and denim!” VerMerris said. A silent auction will help raise funds to improve and increase ZHS’s mission to improve and increase their ability to document and share the past. ZHS is the only group preserving Zeeland-area history and operates a free research room, lowcost educational programming, and free admission to the Dekker Huis Museum.