Chairman VanDoeselaar opened the public hearing.
Steve Witte of Nederveld was present to represent the applicant. The parcel covers 3.6 acres and West Michigan Community Bank wants to split the property into 3 parcels to allow for the sale of one of the buildings. This would require new lot lines that would go through the parking lot.
Dan Strikwerda reviewed the application. The bank owns both buildings north of Central Boulevard between School and Plaza Avenues along with some vacant property leading up to Chicago Drive. Since a landscape buffer is required along lot lines, special approval is needed to allow for that. This property is a PUD, so it needs to be done as a PUD Amendment rather than the traditional way of obtaining variances. The recommended Statement of Conclusions is:
This PUD Amendment will allow for the elimination of the required landscape buffer along internal lot lines that are proposed, allowing the applicant to split their property. The benefit of allowing this amendment will retain the original PUD benefits of:

1. Integrated design concept.
2. Makes maximum use of space for building and parking space.
3. Use of cluster parking concept which is being promoted for the downtown area.
4. Extensive landscape plan and limitation on and strategically located driveways.

Gary Huizen – 5389 School Avenue – How is the Downtown Master Plan affected?
Strikwerda – The intent of the new Downtown Master Plan is to follow guidelines if a building is replaced. No physical changes are occurring on this site. The reasons for approving this PUD Amendment meet the principles of the new Downtown Master Plan.
VanDoeselaar – The proposed road moved to the west in the updated plans. These buildings would be preserved in the new Master Plan. He then asked how the future owner would use the building and driveways.
Witte – The easements would remain the same.
Strikwerda – A condition to approval is that ingress/egress easements would be required along the proposed lot lines within the PUD to retain joint use of the 3 existing driveways on the original parcel.
After all present were given the opportunity to speak, Chairman VanDoeselaar closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by VanDenBerg, supported by Leatherman, to approve the PUD Amendment with the following Statement of Conclusions:
This PUD Amendment will allow for the elimination of the required landscape buffer along internal lot lines that are proposed, allowing the applicant to split their property with the condition that ingress/egress easements would be required along the proposed lot lines within the PUD to retain joint use of the 3 existing driveways on the original parcel. The benefit of allowing this amendment will retain the original PUD benefits of:

1. Integrated design concept.
2. Makes maximum use of space for building and parking space.
3. Use of cluster parking concept which is being promoted for the downtown area.
4. Extensive landscape plan and limitation on and strategically located driveways.

Chairman VanDoeselaar opened the public hearing.
Gymnastiks Unlimited has applied for a Special Use Permit to allow for a health and fitness center, including a gymnastics facility, at 3400 Highland Drive in the I-2 Zone District.
Dan Strikwerda reviewed the standards for a Special Use Permit. The building size that the applicant needs is compatible with a light industrial building, as they require a large open space with high ceilings. Approval will provide residents with an opportunity that does not currently exist in the city. The property is one parcel away from Highway Commercial zoning. Being close to the interchange and having arterial access will be a benefit for this use. The property is served with public facilities and services. The traffic pattern is offset from other businesses along Highland Drive, as their primary traffic is in the late afternoon and evenings.
Rhonda Wynsma, owner, reviewed the traffic pattern. Evening hours are 4:30 pm to 8 pm. There are 1 hour sessions. The busiest time is 6:30 pm. She estimated 40 vehicles in the parking lot at the busiest time.
Gary Huizen – Asked if the applicant intended to lease or buy, and if the Special Use Permit remained with the property.
Strikwerda – This will be a lease with the intent of buying; the Special Use Permit remains with the property.
Annette Altena - 3440 Chicago Drive - Asked about the safety of the children.
Wynsma - Responded that the children do not leave the building until picked up by a parent or guardian. The drop-off is in the front.
After all present were given the opportunity to speak, Chairman VanDoeselaar closed the public hearing.
Westrate – Questioned if there was cross-traffic at the site.
Strikwerda – There is one two-way drive and a large parking lot.
TenHarmsel –How many driveways do you have now at your current location?
Wynsma – One.
A motion was made by Luben, supported by VanDenBerg, to approve the Special Use Permit to allow health and fitness use, including a gymnastics facility at 3400 Highland Drive in the I-2 Zone District.

Dan Strikwerda, AICP
Planning/Zoning Administrator