Council approves Doors of Hope PUD for eight-unit affordable housing at 8th and Waverly

The Holland City Council on Feb. 18 approved a rezoning to a planned unit development for the Doors of Hope affordable housing project at the southeast corner of 8th Street and Waverly Road.

Senior Planner Steve Peterson told the council the PUD and accompanying site plan cover three parcels and a total of eight units: one existing building to be retained as a unit and seven additional small-footprint homes. "It is 8 total units," Peterson said. He noted the planning commission approved the site plan, the PUD agreement and granted waivers for one house that is 440 square feet and for a minimum width requirement.

Scott Sterenberg, who identified himself as working with Doors of Hope, said the project uses an Ottawa County small-footprint home design developed through the county’s Department of Strategic Impact. "We really want something that's gonna be a highlight for the city," Sterenberg said, describing four exterior design options and local character-informed material choices.

Council and staff discussed a partial sidewalk waiver along the Waverly frontage because of steep topography. Peterson explained staff and the city engineer recommended a midpoint sidewalk connection to avoid costly retaining walls and potential future demolition if a full extension were required later. City Manager Keith Van Beek added that sidewalk installation is typically part of development costs and the city prefers coordinated, grant-supported expansions in areas without a current connecting network.

Councilmembers praised the project as a creative use of county small-footprint plans and a contributor to the city's housing supply. Councilmember Corbin said the rezoning "meets all the boxes" for practical adaptive reuse on a challenging corner. The motion to approve the rezoning was moved by Councilmember Raymond and supported by Councilmember Freeman; Brenda called the roll and the motion carried with all members voting yes.

The approval rezones the parcels from Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU) and Medium Density Residential (MDR) to PUD and includes the site plan and PUD agreement with the waivers described. The project team and staff said the county plans used for the homes are available for free download from the Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact for others considering similar small-footprint housing.

Next steps: with council approval, the PUD designation and site plan are in place; the applicant may proceed with permitting and construction preparations consistent with the approved PUD terms and any standard building permit requirements.