Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Master Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City of Zeeland hires Williams & Works consultant for 18‑month master plan rewrite
Summary
Williams & Works consultant Tanya DeOliveira will lead an estimated 18‑month update of Zeeland’s Master Plan, with draft chapters circulated to the Planning Commission, public engagement in the fall (online survey and two visioning workshops), and a required 63‑day public review period before final Council consideration.
The City of Zeeland introduced Williams & Works planner Tanya DeOliveira as the lead consultant for a rewrite of the city’s Master Plan, an effort the consultant estimated could take roughly 18 months to complete.
DeOliveira said her team will prepare draft chapters, submit them to Zoning Administrator Timothy Maday, and include them in Planning Commission packets the week before meetings so commissioners can review and comment. She designated Maday as the staff liaison who will coordinate communications between the consultant and the Commission.
DeOliveira outlined the public engagement approach: an online survey to be reviewed by commissioners before distribution, and two visioning workshops in the fall. She said those workshops will be opportunities to solicit input from stakeholders, residents and the general public. Following engagement, the consultant will prepare a draft report summarizing findings for inclusion in the Master Plan appendix.
DeOliveira noted the city must follow applicable state requirements and Zeeland’s zoning code; if the Planning Commission approves a draft, it will recommend release of the plan for the required sixty‑three (63) day public review period, after which the Commission will consider public comments and make a final recommendation to City Council.
Commissioners discussed possible intergovernmental collaboration with Zeeland Township and other neighboring municipalities, restarting prior joint meetings, and involving local schools in outreach. Commissioner Daniel Klompmaker urged attention to transitions between different land uses and neighborhood compatibility. Chairman Bill Elhart asked that the Board of Public Works and the police and fire departments have opportunities to review and comment on the plan. Commissioner Rick VanDorp suggested outreach to Zeeland Public Schools and Zeeland Christian Schools; staff confirmed schools may already be on the distribution list.
DeOliveira said she will compile research and data for future Commission review and asked commissioners to route questions through Maday. She emphasized a goal of efficient monthly meetings while maintaining flexibility for more discussion as needed.
