Planning commission directs staff to pursue zoning change to allow church at industrial site

The Newaygo City Planning Commission on June 4 voted to direct City Manager Jon Schneider to start the process of amending the city’s Zoning Ordinance to allow churches as a permitted use in the Industrial Zone at 465 S. Clay St. Schneider said the parcel and building are owned by the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency (NCRESA) and that Better Life Church has an accepted purchase offer contingent on financing.

Pastor Clint Abbott of Better Life Church told the commission the building and site would work for the congregation and that the church’s offer is conditional on securing financing. Schneider told commissioners that, if the ordinance is changed, the church would still have to complete the usual zoning approvals, including a site plan and a parking plan.

Commissioners debated possible impacts. One member raised safety concerns about truck traffic near the Industrial Park; another observed that industrial-zoned buildings typically produce jobs and tax revenue and questioned whether a church fits that model. Vice-Chair Fedell moved — and Commissioner Williams seconded — that Schneider proceed with steps to amend the ordinance; the motion carried on a roll call vote, with DeVries, Fedell, Wight and Williams voting in favor and Gunneson voting no. Faulkner and Francis were absent.

Schneider said he will prepare draft ordinance language and schedule a public hearing before the Planning Commission; final approval would rest with the Newaygo City Council. The draft ordinance process will include standard site-plan review and any parking adjustments required by the ordinance.