Chairman Raterink opened the public hearing.
Ken Jipping, partner in Sault Portage Properties, LLC, 4180 Meadowfield St., Hudsonville, MI 49426 was present to discuss their request for increased sign height from 35’ to 70’ and size from 202 sq. ft. to 273.3 sq. ft. overall when the motel changes from Amerihost to Quality Inn. Tom TerHaar of City Sign Company was present to answer any technical questions regarding the sign.
Mr. Jipping researched the residential area and felt that the 90’ McDonald sign could basically be seen by travelers driving east, and did not have an adverse effect on the neighbors. He stated the highway sign program was not adequate. They are spending a lot to upgrade the hotel and need help to make this profitable. The Amerihost sign must come down in 30 days.
Dan Strikwerda explained the request for a 70’ tall, 273.3 square foot freestanding sign. The sign location has moved to their entrance instead of the southeast corner of their property. We support our local businesses, but we need to look at the whole picture. The Planning Commission has already reviewed signage at this site and permitted significant deviation from the zoning requirements. The City previously approved the Architectural Design Elements Portfolio and this would go against the efforts of improving the appearance of our town. If this is approved, another business has stated that they will come forth requesting a larger/taller sign. There is a lot of vacant land and other businesses surrounding this property that could request larger signs. McDonald’s commented that their sign height is not helping business. The State saw larger signs as a problem and that is why they created the highway sign program that we have in place.
If the PUD amendment is approved tonight, there needs to be a final PUD public hearing as well. That meeting could be held on March 21, 2007.
The Planning Commission’s decision shall be placed into a Statement of Conclusions which states the decision, basis for the decision and any conditions imposed relating to an affirmative decision. Here is the proposed Statement of Conclusions:
It is recommended to deny the changes in sign height and size but to allow for a change in sign location for the following reasons:

• A larger sign size was already determined when the initial PUD was approved.
• Larger signs can have a blighting influence on the City. This is mentioned in the Master Plan.
• The highway signage program has eliminated the need of higher and larger signs for locating certain types of businesses, including hotels.
• Moving the location of the sign can help resolve the problem of visibility, if that is the case.

After all present were given the opportunity to speak, Chairman Raterink closed the public hearing.
Redder – Travelled the highway area from the west and feels the highway sign program is adequate. Taller signs are helpful if you are lost in traffic. The current sign is high enough.
Raterink – The sign would affect many residents, not just those with houses along the highway.
VanDenBerg – Will this be a rotating sign?
Jipping – No.
VanDenBerg – You would only see the edge of the sign if it is installed as shown on the drawing.
Jipping – That was not the intent.
Raterink – If the sign were moved to the proposed location, people would not see it. The City worked hard to get the highway sign program in place. He would not like to see any more high signs over the City and does not want to set the precedent.
Luben – Agrees. Maybe the City could work with the State to see if their directional signs could be placed by 32nd Avenue.
A motion was made by Luben, supported by VanDenBerg, to deny the changes in sign height and size for the reasons stated

Dan Strikwerda presented a letter received from Robert Tol of Neller & Balsam, LLC, P. O. Box 1889, Grand Rapids, MI 49501. It contained a request for a 2 year extension on the PUD at 6044 Balsam Drive.
Westrate – Suggested approval of a 1 year extension rather than 2 years in order to keep in touch with the developer.
Raterink – Agreed.
A motion was made by Blair, supported by Luben, to allow a 1 year time extension on the Balsam Lakes Preliminary PUD.

Dan Strikwerda, AICP
Planning/Zoning Administrator