Council adds 700 Washington Ave to Centertown Overlay to align parcel with neighboring blocks

Grand Haven City Council on Jan. 6 approved an introductory resolution to amend the zoning map to include 700 Washington Avenue (parcel 70‑03‑21‑358‑019) in the Centertown Overlay District. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended the rezoning, which council approved by roll call.

Brian, the city’s courtesy planner, told council the parcel is currently zoned Neighborhood Mixed Use; adding it to the Centertown Overlay would not change the underlying zoning but would allow different development standards such as zero‑foot setbacks, up to 100% lot coverage and a maximum building height of the lesser of three stories or 40 feet (compared with the current 35‑foot limit in the base district). The planning commission held a public hearing in December and unanimously recommended approval, and public comment at the commission meeting was reportedly favorable.

Why it matters: Adding the parcel to the overlay is intended to create consistency with other parcels on the south side of Washington Avenue between Seventh and Eighth Streets and to make the site’s redevelopment opportunities consistent with the Center Town master plan. Staff noted there is no site plan or formal development application before the city now; any future development would require separate site‑plan review and permits.

Council action: The council approved the introductory rezoning amendment by roll call (Lowe — yes; Fritz — yes; Manetza — yes). Staff said an applicant could subsequently submit a development proposal if the overlay change is finalized.