Chairman Raterink opened the public hearing.
Jerry Brower of Action Water Sports, 4155 32nd Avenue, Hudsonville, MI 49426 was present. He explained the request for barbed wire fence on top of the chain link fence for security to protect the boats stored in the southwest corner of their property. The fence connects to Hudsonville Truck & Trailer’s fence.
Dan Strikwerda reviewed the general standards for a Special Use Permit. It does not have an impact on the Master Plan goals and policies. It is in the back corner of their property and the fence is 6’ tall. Hudsonville Truck & Trailer was granted a similar permit for their entire property. This will protect motor boats for a current business and it will not be very noticeable from the street, especially when the next phase is constructed, which is a building in front of the fenced in area.
Blair – Will the fence project out or straight up?
Brower – Straight up.
After all present were given the opportunity to speak, Chairman Raterink closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Blair, supported by Leerar, to approve the Special Use Permit to allow for barbed wire fencing on top of a 6’ chain link fence.

Chairman Raterink opened the public hearing.
Jay DeKleine of Jamestown Investors, LLC was present to explain the request for a use change for the parcel located at 3129 Shooks Drive, Hudsonville, MI 49426 from light commercial to multi-family. He stated it would be a good transition between retail and the duplexes. There is very limited need for the current zoning on a side street that is not visible.
Judy Schmidt – 3084 Summercrest Ct. – Wants the residential look to remain. Landscaping has not been maintained as promised by the original developer.
Strikwerda – He has spoken with Jay DeKleine numerous times regarding the issues surrounding the development.
DeKleine – He understands the concerns. He did not want to plant too early. He does not feel a 6 unit building will diminish property values.
Wendi Murphy – 3082 Summercrest Ct. – Stated the retention pond was never fixed. It should stay dry. She would prefer commercial property to rental.
Strikwerda – Agrees with Wendi that the pond still needs work and trees must be replaced. He has made many calls to correct this problem. The pond area has been repaired, but some erosion is still occurring.
DeKleine – The original developer did not do the work properly. He is trying to fix what was done wrong.
After all present were given the opportunity to speak, Chairman Raterink closed the public hearing.
Strikwerda stated that the request was a minor change to the overall PUD. Six units are proposed on a compact site leaving little space for outdoor activity. There does not appear to be any steps taken to soften the effect of the smaller setbacks. Fencing would provide them with some privacy. Some landscaping could also help soften the impact of a compact site. Reducing the number of units would make a difference as well. There is a different regional detention pond in the northwest corner that handles this parcel’s stormwater needs.
They are required to have 2 parking spaces per unit and have actually provided 4 spaces per unit. Under normal zoning the maximum allowed is 30% over the minimum. Therefore they will either need to remove parking spaces or provide a reason to allow them. It may be beneficial to eliminate one of the spaces in each front yard for more green in front of each unit. The 3 parking spaces by the road infringe in the front yard landscape buffer and the eastern space is blocked by one of the spaces in front of the first unit.
The following is a starting point for the Statement of Conclusions that will need to specify the decision, basis for the decision, and any conditions imposed relating to an affirmative decision.
This plan meets the regulations as set forth with the proposed deviations (current zoning is in brackets):

1. Lot width 100’ (150’)
2. Building side yard setback from the east lot line 13’ (40’)
3. Landscape buffer from the west lot line 1’ (10’)
4. Landscape buffer from the north side 5’ (20’)
5. Number of parking spaces 24 (16)

Lot density was discussed. Narrowness cannot be avoided. Due to the size of the back yards, 6’ opaque fencing along the east & west lot line is needed to provide some privacy.
Baker – Has a market study/comparative study been done re: rental units?
Strikwerda – No. Rental units are not in high demand, but this location appears to be doing well due to its proximity to the interchange.
TenHarmsel – Will they be rental units?
DeKleine – Yes.
Strikwerda – If this is approved, they will have to return to the Planning Commission with details for the site plan.
DeKleine – The parking spots can be trimmed.
Raterink – Would it make a significant difference if they reduced the units to 5?
DeKleine – Sunrise Ministries needs a return on their investment by selling this property.
Raterink – There is limited space for kids. Also, this site needs to be cleared up.
Strikwerda – It is currently a commercial site and there doesn’t appear to be much demand for that due to the economy and lack of exposure.
Westrate – Is not comfortable with this many units. Suggested storage units or another use.
Leerar – He likes the concept but does not like the deviations from the Zoning Ordinance.
Baker – Does not feel that this is the best solution for this parcel.
VanDenBerg – The spacing is tight, yet there are other areas (in Grand Rapids) that have small yards and it appears to work well.
DeKleine – The buildings could later become condos.
Raterink – Stated he would abstain from voting since his residence was within 300’ of the proposed project.
A motion was made by Blair, supported by VanDenBerg, to approve the application for a PUD amendment with conditions stated in the Statement of Conclusions.

Chairman Raterink opened the public hearing.
Rev. Tim Breen, pastor of Sunrise Ministries, presented the request for rezoning property at 3284 & 3320 Chicago Drive from “CBD-1-G”, Central Business District – One – General to “PF” Public Facilities. The ministry currently meets at the Pinnacle Center. The membership has tripled from 35 families in the last few years. They hoped to have the property zoned for a church and vibrant community center. He distributed a rough sketch of their plans.
Dan Scheid, CFO of Harold Zeigler Auto, gave a brief history of the property. The dealership moved to Grandville in the fall of 2005. An earlier offer could not be worked out for this parcel. In the winter of 2006 they were approached by Sunrise Ministries. It is a unique situation. They made a price concession in order to move the property.
Dan Strikwerda read a letter received from Gordon Krombeen
VanDenBerg – What is the time frame to start renovations.
DeKleine – 4 – 6 months.
Westrate – Questioned the Public Facilities rezoning. Is this considered the fringe of downtown?
Strikwerda – It is on the fringe of the downtown core. He mentioned the recently approved Architectural Design Elements Portfolio. The Master Plan is currently being updated. The goal is for a vibrant downtown area.
When considering a rezoning, the first place to look is the City’s Master Plan to see if the proposal is consistent with the Future Land Use map. The Master Plan shows this property as “Downtown Commercial”. It is likely that the commercial designation would not change.
There is a considerable amount of property within the City that has non-taxable uses. There has been some concern expressed on these issues by the public.
Baker – Hesitates placing a church here. It is not consistent with the Master Plan.
Dan Scheid stated that access & visibility is critical for a retailer. Chicago Drive is not used as a commute road. This property is a wedge tucked away in a corner.
VanDoeselaar – MDOT has plans to refurbish Chicago Drive from Jenison to Zeeland. Hudsonville is scheduled to be done in 2010. The Master Plan will dramatically change downtown. There have been continuous changes, but they are near completion now and will be announced when completed.
Rev. Dave Breen – Thank you for listening to our hopes & dreams. If approved, Dave Verburg will work as our architect. Our congregation’s mission is an outreach to the community.
After all present were given the opportunity to speak, Chairman Raterink closed the public hearing.
TenHarmsel – Is this site big enough? They have grown a lot in 3 years.
DeKleine – When Sunrise Ministries outgrows this facility it could continue as a youth center.
Raterink – He would like more time to study the impact of this proposal.
VanDoeselaar – The Master Plan should be ready in a month.
Baker – We can’t afford to make short term decisions.
Leerar – Does the applicant want a vote tonight?
VanDoeselaar – The ultimate decision will be made by the City Commission to change zoning. We would only make a recommendation to them.
A motion was made by Blair, supported by VanDenBerg, to table the request until next month’s meeting.

Dan Strikwerda, AICP
Planning/Zoning Administrator