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SARB denies large LED sign for John’s Battery and Electric, says design doesn’t fit downtown vision
Summary
The Shopping Area Redevelopment Board voted 3–4 to deny a proposed 4' x 8' LED backlit letter sign for John’s Battery and Electric, saying it fails to meet downtown quality standards even though it complies with zoning and will be administratively approved by the City of Zeeland Community Development Department.
The Shopping Area Redevelopment Board voted 3–4 on May 14 to deny a proposed 4-foot by 8-foot LED backlit letter sign for John’s Battery and Electric, concluding the sign does not meet the quality standards intended to reflect the vision for downtown Zeeland. The board’s formal finding noted the sign meets zoning requirements and therefore the City of Zeeland Community Development Department will approve it administratively.
Marketing Director deRoo presented the application and explained the sign would rest on legs anchored to the ground for safety; Board Member VanHoven said the original sign had been damaged by a falling tree but the existing wiring in the parking lot could power the new sign. After discussion, Board Member Barnes moved—and Board Member Gentry supported—closing the public hearing and proceeding to a vote. The motion to approve the sign was defeated. The board recorded Ayes from Bult, Dick and Gentry and Nayes from Barnes, VanHoven, VanKampen and Vos.
The board emphasized support for John’s Battery and Electric as a local business and acknowledged the company’s need for signage. However, members said the proposed design is incompatible with the downtown aesthetic the board seeks to preserve. The board’s statement in the meeting minutes read, in part, that “the proposed sign does not meet the quality standards intended to reflect the vision for downtown Zeeland.”
Because the proposal complies with zoning standards, staff noted the sign will be approved administratively by the Community Development Department rather than through SARB. There was no public comment recorded in the minutes opposing the business; the discussion focused on design compatibility and district standards.
Next steps: John’s Battery and Electric may work with city staff or return with a revised design that addresses SARB’s concerns about compatibility with the downtown vision.
