Zeeland panel approves Mead Johnson campus modernization resolution with conditions after traffic concerns

The Zeeland Planning Commission on June 4 adopted a resolution approving Mead Johnson & Company LLC’s campus modernization project at 725 E. Main Ave, voting 5-0 to approve the site plan and special land use application with conditions.

The commission’s action followed public comment from nearby residents and staff review. Keith Disselkoen of 30 N. Carlton Street said he and his wife Georgie have owned their rental property on Carlton Street for decades and warned that the proposed Carlton Street entrance and exit could create "significant congestion" and harm tenants' ability to enter and leave the property. Disselkoen said the couple had invested about $70,000 in the property and that the driveway location—directly across from their driveway—was a particular concern.

Zoning Administrator Timothy Maday said the applicant provided a traffic impact study that was reviewed by the City's consulting engineer, Joe Eberle of Progressive AE. Maday summarized the consultant's findings, saying the Synchro analysis counts vehicle queue time and that peak-hour traffic volumes would likely be "closer to 125 vehicles," with modeled intersection performance at a Level of Service "C," which the engineer deemed acceptable for one-way stop-controlled intersections. Assistant City Manager Kevin Plockmeyer added that street, sewer and utility improvements would be addressed through the development agreement process rather than as part of the site plan approval.

Mead Johnson representatives said they are evaluating whether the driveway could be shifted farther north to avoid conflicts with a Consumers Energy utility pole, overhead wires and required landscaping, and that they seek to avoid directing headlights toward nearby residences. Company representative Allan Barron said the project team is studying how far north the driveway can be relocated. Art Pike, also representing Mead Johnson, said the company is coordinating with Zeeland Public Schools and Bethel Church on pocket park relocation and enhancements.

City Attorney Jim Donkersloot reviewed the resolution and reminded commissioners that certain minor plan modifications may be handled administratively under the Zoning Ordinance. The commission then moved to adopt the resolution; Motion 2026.09, moved by Commissioner Daniel Klompmaker and supported by Commissioner Sheri Holstege, passed unanimously.

The approval is conditioned on requirements staff listed in the resolution and on items that will be addressed through a development agreement, including infrastructure improvements, stormwater management, and further site details. Maday said written responses from the applicant and additional materials were included in the meeting packet and that staff will continue coordinating final engineering review and the development agreement process.

Next steps include final engineering sign-off, execution of a development agreement addressing street and utility work, and the issuance of permits once conditions are satisfied. The discussion also flagged that any park relocation on school-owned property would involve Zeeland Public Schools and, in some cases, oversight related to the State Superintendent of Public Education.