Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council backs submission of Brownfield grant to remediate former Maplewood Dry Cleaners for Pickett Fence Floral
Summary
The Holland City Council voted to approve submission of a Michigan Brownfield Redevelopment Program grant application to EGLE to fund remediation at 148 East 32nd Street so Pickett Fence Floral and Design can occupy the former Maplewood Dry Cleaners; the city will act as fiduciary and may recover a 3% administrative fee. The council also approved routine consent items and accepted petitions and gifts.
The Holland City Council on Feb. 4 voted to authorize staff to submit a Michigan Brownfield Redevelopment Program grant application to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to support remediation at the former Maplewood Dry Cleaners, 148 East 32nd Street, enabling local business Pickett Fence Floral and Design to move into the site.
Community and Neighborhood Services and Economic Development Director Juan Gnome told the council EGLE has invited the city to submit a full application and that the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority unanimously recommended the project. "We think this is a really, great grant program that we're taking advantage of for a solid project in the community," Gnome said, describing vapor intrusion mitigation and other measures likely required at a property where chlorinated dry-cleaning solvents were used for decades.
Gnome said the project team estimates roughly $200,000 in state funds would be available to address the site's contamination; the owner, Sarah Butzma, is contributing $375,000 toward acquisition and improvements and the program requires a one-to-one match. The city would act as a fiduciary pass-through to the applicant and plans to recover a 3% administrative fee to cover staff and consultant time, Gnome said. He also noted the grant agreement, if the application is approved, will be brought back to council for final approval.
Council members praised the redevelopment proposal as a chance to repurpose a long-vacant building and revitalize the Maplewood area. After brief questions about eligibility and match requirements, Councilmember Shay moved to approve the application submission; the motion was seconded and the roll-call vote was recorded as unanimous in favor.
Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (minutes, rezoning items with final adoption set for 02/18/2026, fireworks request, gateway sign purchase, fence services award, and other routine items): approved in one motion by voice/roll call. - Item 12E2.1 (Brownfield grant application for Pickett Fence Floral and Design): motion to submit application approved (unanimous roll-call vote). - Item 12E6.1 (gifts report): $1,000 donation to the Department of Public Safety Police Services K-9 unit from the Kamminga and Roadboats Incorporated charitable fund through Vanguard Charitable was accepted by council.
What happens next Staff will submit the full EGLE application on behalf of Pickett Fence Floral and Design and, if the grant is awarded, return to council with the grant agreement and any required approvals. Council members emphasized the project’s potential to revitalize the Columbia/32nd Street commercial node.
Sources: Presentation and discussion with Juan Gnome, Community and Neighborhood Services and Economic Development Director; City Manager Keith Van Beek; and council member motions and roll-call votes recorded at the Feb. 4, 2026 meeting.
