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Meijer site plan advances; Barry County discusses zoning updates and data center concerns
Summary
The Hastings City–Rutland Charter Township Joint Planning Commission approved the Meijer site plan and Barry County commissioners discussed access, signalization and special-use permits. Commissioners also discussed county zoning code updates and resident concerns about data centers; Prairieville Township has adopted a moratorium on data center development.
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.
Hatfield also updated the board on progress revising the County Zoning Code. He said a public hearing was held and questions about short‑term rentals were addressed. Hatfield emphasized that the county provided model zoning language for townships but enforcement remains the responsibility of individual townships; townships may contract with the county for enforcement assistance.
Commissioners discussed resident concerns about data center development, including environmental impacts, electrical demand, noise and water consumption. Commissioner Marsha Bassett noted Prairieville Township has adopted a moratorium to address those concerns. Administrator Eric Zuzga and other commissioners said the county continues to evaluate processes and regulations related to data center development.
