Holland board agrees to second public hearing after resident says zoning ordinance differs from draft

Town Chair David Huenink said the board will hold a second public hearing after property owner David Valenti told the board that adopted Ordinance 2025‑06 includes significant changes from the previously presented Ordinance 2025‑Draft(E).

Valenti raised his concern during the public‑input portion of the Dec. 8 meeting, saying the change requires renewed public notice and another hearing because it alters whether the Town Board of Appeals can hear and decide interpretations of zoning regulations. Chair Huenink acknowledged receipt of a Dec. 3 letter from Valenti and agreed a second hearing should be scheduled.

Supporters in the audience endorsed Valenti's position. Scott Davis told the board he supported Valenti’s comments and asked about unrelated signage at Lake Michigan walk‑in access points; Huenink provided information about the existing signs.

Annemarie Valenti said the proposal to remove the Board of Appeals' authority would weaken checks and balances, and Julie Kuether asked the board to explain why it proposed removing that authority; Huenink replied that the matter will be the subject of an upcoming public hearing.

The board did not vote on the ordinance at the Dec. 8 meeting; no formal action to change the ordinance was recorded beyond the chair’s agreement to hold a second hearing. The Town previously held a public hearing on a draft labelled Ordinance 2025‑Draft(E); Valenti asserted the adopted Ordinance 2025‑06 now differs from that draft.

Next steps: the board indicated it will schedule a second public hearing to allow further public comment before the board proceeds with any final action on Ordinance 2025‑06.