Meijer site plan advances; Barry County discusses zoning updates and data center concerns

Vice-Chair David Hatfield reported that the Hastings City–Rutland Charter Township Joint Planning Commission approved the site plan for a proposed Meijer development. Hatfield said the City of Hastings will hold a first reading Monday and Rutland Charter Township will hold a first reading Wednesday. The board discussed driveway and roadway access, noting that primary customer and semi‑truck access will come from M‑37 and M‑43, and that a new traffic signal at the Tanner Lake Road and M‑37/M‑43 corridor is planned. Hatfield said the Meijer garden center and gas station require special‑use permits under local rules.