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Council opens public hearing on Sunday alcohol sales, hears church opposition to park sales
Summary
Council held a public hearing on allowing Sunday alcohol sales and formalizing park locations within the Social District; staff said one licensee favored Sunday hours for private events while others were neutral, and church and residents spoke in opposition.
Zeeland City Council opened a public hearing on Oct. 20 on a proposed ordinance to allow limited Sunday alcohol sales and to formalize certain parks within the city's Social District.
City Marketing Director Abby deRoo told the council staff had surveyed liquor-license holders and found that one licensee was "very interested in Sunday sales" as an economic-development tool to expand from six to seven days. Other license holders were described as neutral but supportive of a fellow business's opportunity to use permitted Sunday hours for private events.
DeRoo also outlined proposed language to amend the Parks Ordinance to formally include Elm Street Park and the NE and NW corners of Vande Luyster Square as permanently active Social District locations while keeping the Splash Pad available only by Council approval as a special use.
During public comment, Bill Lysinga, speaking for North Street Christian Reformed Church, opposed the proposed changes; Chet Seay also registered opposition. Sheri Holstege told the council she was not opposed. The meeting record also notes written opposition from Terry and Linda Boerman regarding Sunday sales and alcohol in Social District parks.
No vote on an ordinance change occurred that evening; the public hearing provided the council with community input and staff's recommendation language for a future ordinance amendment or work session.
The record shows Council will consider ordinance language to amend Zeeland City Code, Vol. I, Paragraph 33 of Section 14-3, and staff said any formal ordinance would return to Council for further action.
