Zeeland Planning Commission approves rezoning of three E. Main parcels after debate over park, traffic and pollution concerns

The Zeeland Planning Commission voted Sept. 23 to rezone three parcels on East Main Avenue from Public Facilities/Residential to I‑2 General Industrial, a move proponents say aligns the block with surrounding industrial uses and opponents warn will erase homes, a church and neighborhood amenities.

Aaron Holder of Mead Johnson opened the public hearing, asking commissioners to rezone 515, 549 and 553 E. Main Ave as part of a modernization plan. "Mead Johnson has proudly operated in Zeeland, MI, for over 100 years," Holder said, describing about 450 direct employees, large tax contributions and planned measures to reroute truck traffic, separate logistics flows and relocate contractor parking off site.

The commission’s planning consultant, Paul Leblanc, told the panel the rezoning is consistent with the Master Plan and helps resolve long‑standing incompatible land uses on the block. Zoning Administrator Timothy Maday said city utilities had been consulted and staff had no outstanding concerns about service capacity.

Residents testified strongly against the change. Sue Vanden Beldt of 40 S. Division urged the commission to require a new pollution study and a traffic study and to deny landscaping waivers, citing prior reports she said came from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the EPA. In a written statement entered into the record, Thomas Humbert of 532 E. Main Ave said rezoning would "tear down three well‑maintained family homes," demolish a church and remove community amenities and argued the proposal conflicts with the Master Plan.

Mead Johnson representatives replied that the company complies with EGLE and EPA standards and that any audit findings are addressed through inspections; Art Pike said the proposed playground "is directly tied to the purchase agreement." Commissioners also discussed development agreements and conditional rezoning options; City Attorney Jim Donkersloot explained that conditions for a conditional rezoning must be proposed by the property owner, while development agreements are negotiated separately with City Council.

Commissioners pressed for specifics about the proposed public amenities. Pike said the corner of Main and Carlton would include 15,000 square feet dedicated for community use and that the company hoped to finalize a playground location by mid‑ to late‑October. Several residents said that area is too small to buffer the neighborhood adequately.

Votes at a glance: - Motion 2025.19 (moved by Dan Klompmaker) approved rezoning 549 and 553 E. Main Ave to I‑2. Ayes: Rebecca Perkins, Sheri Holstege, Glenn Kass, Dan Klompmaker, Kevin Klynstra, Tim Klunder, Bill Elhart. Nays: none. Absent: Amanda Cooper, Bob Blanton. (Motion 2025.19 passed.) - Motion 2025.20 (moved by Rebecca Perkins) would have approved rezoning 515 E. Main Ave only if a development agreement dedicated one acre as green space; the motion was not supported and was not completed. - Motion 2025.21 (moved by Rebecca Perkins) to table action on 515 E. Main Ave failed (Ayes: Perkins, Klompmaker; Nays: Holstege, Kass, Klynstra, Klunder, Elhart). - Motion 2025.22 (moved by Tim Klunder) approved rezoning 515 E. Main Ave to I‑2. Ayes: Holstege, Kass, Klompmaker, Klynstra, Klunder, Elhart. Nay: Perkins. Absent: Cooper, Blanton. (Motion 2025.22 passed.)

What happens next: rezoning is the first step; Maday explained it will trigger site‑plan review and, if the applicant seeks it, a development agreement that can address park dedication, landscaping, traffic controls and other site elements. Commissioners said they expect those details to be negotiated during site‑plan review and with City Council involvement.

The Planning Commission approved minutes for its Sept. 4 meeting and adjourned at 7:09 p.m.