ZEELAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The Zeeland City Council has a lot on its plate this evening.
During the business meeting, members will be asked to double the city’s annual contribution to Lakeshore Advantage, from $22,500 to $45,000. The entity that promotes business growth in the region says that the hike is needed to offset projected losses in contributions by private business due to the impact of the COVID 19 outbreak.
In addition, city officials, after canvassing downtown retailers, will ask the governing panel’s support to continue closing streets “for short-term windows, on occasion … and to remain open to regular or longer closures in the future.” This stems from efforts to restart commerce that was abruptly halted by the COVID 19 outbreak.
In the work-study session ahead of the business meeting, Vishal Arora of Magnus Capital will chat virtually about the idea of establishing a “workforce housing development” on open land off of Riley Street near Zeeland Community Hospital that is currently zoned industrial. “Hom Flats” is described as a “socially responsible housing solution” that would be income based, and Arora would be seeking PILOT assistance from the city – payment in lieu of taxes – “to help it make economic sense,” said City Manager Tim Klunder in his pre-meeting memo. Zeeland currently has one PILOT ordinance in place for the North Elm Street project.
The work-study session starts at 6:15, with the business meeting commencing at 7 PM. Some of the members will be in chambers at Zeeland City Hall, while others, as well as the public, will be participating virtually. More information is here.
