By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
It will likely be late next month before the Zeeland City Council holds a public hearing on whether to allow Sunday alcohol sales in the city.
While no date has been finalized, it’s likely the hearing will take place on Monday, Oct. 20 at City Hall.
Council members got a chance at their Sept. 2 meeting to review the ordinance language change that would allow the sale of alcohol, both on-premises and off-premises, between 12 noon Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday.
Council decided against holding a hearing next Monday because of concerns that there would be too short of a time window between publishing a hearing notice in today’s Zeeland Record and the hearing. Mayor Kevin Klynstra will be absent for the Oct. 6 council meeting, so council is expected to schedule the hearing for Oct. 20.
On a related matter, the council held off on holding a public hearing on whether to change the parks ordinance to allow alcohol to be consumed at city parks that are part of the city’s social district, provided that the alcohol is purchased from a liquor license holder that is in the social district and is consumed the day of the purchase. That would include the northeast and northwest corners of Vande Luyster Square as well as Elm Street Park, City Marketing Director Abby deRoo said.
Right now, only one restaurant – The Gritzmaker – has actively supported the city legalizing Sunday alcohol sales.
Klynstra indicated he would like to see greater interest among local restaurants in Sunday sales before changing the parks ordinance to allow alcohol consumption on those park properties in the social district.
“If we get more restaurants involved, then maybe we’d look at it again,” Klynstra said.
Mayor Pro Tem Sally Gruppen, who has expressed reservations on allowing Sunday sales, showed no interest in allowing alcohol to be consumed in city parks.
“If this council and this community wants to open on Sunday, we have to open it up very carefully and keep it inside,” Gruppen said. “If you want to (drink) with your friends (while watching) football, go for it. But I don’t think it should be on the main street, because that’s not what our community really is.”
While there’s been no hearing set on the social district question, City Manager Tim Klunder expects it will come up when the council holds the hearing on Sunday sales.
“I think questions or discussion around the social district will probably happen organically at that public hearing, but we won’t advertise it,” Klunder said.
Zeeland Record
It will likely be late next month before the Zeeland City Council holds a public hearing on whether to allow Sunday alcohol sales in the city.
While no date has been finalized, it’s likely the hearing will take place on Monday, Oct. 20 at City Hall.
Council members got a chance at their Sept. 2 meeting to review the ordinance language change that would allow the sale of alcohol, both on-premises and off-premises, between 12 noon Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday.
Council decided against holding a hearing next Monday because of concerns that there would be too short of a time window between publishing a hearing notice in today’s Zeeland Record and the hearing. Mayor Kevin Klynstra will be absent for the Oct. 6 council meeting, so council is expected to schedule the hearing for Oct. 20.
On a related matter, the council held off on holding a public hearing on whether to change the parks ordinance to allow alcohol to be consumed at city parks that are part of the city’s social district, provided that the alcohol is purchased from a liquor license holder that is in the social district and is consumed the day of the purchase. That would include the northeast and northwest corners of Vande Luyster Square as well as Elm Street Park, City Marketing Director Abby deRoo said.
Right now, only one restaurant – The Gritzmaker – has actively supported the city legalizing Sunday alcohol sales.
Klynstra indicated he would like to see greater interest among local restaurants in Sunday sales before changing the parks ordinance to allow alcohol consumption on those park properties in the social district.
“If we get more restaurants involved, then maybe we’d look at it again,” Klynstra said.
Mayor Pro Tem Sally Gruppen, who has expressed reservations on allowing Sunday sales, showed no interest in allowing alcohol to be consumed in city parks.
“If this council and this community wants to open on Sunday, we have to open it up very carefully and keep it inside,” Gruppen said. “If you want to (drink) with your friends (while watching) football, go for it. But I don’t think it should be on the main street, because that’s not what our community really is.”
While there’s been no hearing set on the social district question, City Manager Tim Klunder expects it will come up when the council holds the hearing on Sunday sales.
“I think questions or discussion around the social district will probably happen organically at that public hearing, but we won’t advertise it,” Klunder said.
Planners Approve Koele Godfrey Rebuild
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Koele Godfrey Investment Group in downtown Zeeland has received the go-ahead to tear down its current office and build a new two-story office in its place.
The city’s Planning Commission last Thursday approved a site plan and special land use for the project at 123 E. Main Ave. The commission’s approval followed City Council action earlier this summer to create a commercial rehabilitation district for the project, making the firm eligible for tax incentives on the $2 million project.
Koele Godfrey, which has been part of the city’s downtown for 30 years, is planning to build a 6,350-square-foot office that is expected to accommodate a growing client base and future staff expansion. The company is expected to break ground on the project Nov. 1 and have it completed next year, said Carey Koele, the firm’s founding owner.
“The project reflects our ongoing commitment to Zeeland,” Koele said.
Koele Godfrey would retain its current workforce of 10 employees and expects to add at least five more positions in the next five years after the expansion is completed, Koele said.
Koele Godfrey had to reapply for a special land use to keep its office downtown because the project involved demolition and replacement of the existing building. The firm had operated under a special land use that was granted in 2008, when the city passed an ordinance change for the C-2 central business district, restricting main-floor office uses to the rear 60 percent of most buildings on Main Avenue. The idea behind the change was to promote retail uses in the front of those buildings.
“Office uses that were in place at that time were granted special land use approvals to allow them to continue using their office as a (non)-conforming use,” Community Development Director Tim Maday told commissioners.
The project meets several goals of the city’s downtown vision plan, “including construction of second stories on existing single-story buildings, rehabilitation of downtown properties, and activation of upper floors with commercial uses,” Maday wrote in a memo to commissioners.
The Shopping Area Redevelopment Board recommended approval of the project last month, Maday said.
While special land uses usually stay with the building rather than the entity that is using it, Commissioner Rebecca Perkins suggested limiting the special land use to Koele Godfrey’s office use. If the company ceased operations or moved out of downtown under Perkins’ proposal, the building would be subject to the restriction on offices to the rear of the building.
“I do feel like (in) the future of Zeeland, we are looking for retail (and) restaurants up front,” Perkins said.
Koele said the firm plans to be downtown for the long haul.
“The goal is (for the business) to outlive me,” he said.
In the end, Perkins voted in favor of the special land use without restrictions.
Only five of the nine members of the Planning Commission voted on the Koele Godfrey application. Amanda Cooper and Robert Blanton were absent, while Tim Klunder and Dan Klompmaker were recused because they are clients of Koele Godfrey. Five yes votes were needed for the site plan and special land use to be approved, City Attorney Jim Donkersloot said.
Zeeland Record
Koele Godfrey Investment Group in downtown Zeeland has received the go-ahead to tear down its current office and build a new two-story office in its place.
The city’s Planning Commission last Thursday approved a site plan and special land use for the project at 123 E. Main Ave. The commission’s approval followed City Council action earlier this summer to create a commercial rehabilitation district for the project, making the firm eligible for tax incentives on the $2 million project.
Koele Godfrey, which has been part of the city’s downtown for 30 years, is planning to build a 6,350-square-foot office that is expected to accommodate a growing client base and future staff expansion. The company is expected to break ground on the project Nov. 1 and have it completed next year, said Carey Koele, the firm’s founding owner.
“The project reflects our ongoing commitment to Zeeland,” Koele said.
Koele Godfrey would retain its current workforce of 10 employees and expects to add at least five more positions in the next five years after the expansion is completed, Koele said.
Koele Godfrey had to reapply for a special land use to keep its office downtown because the project involved demolition and replacement of the existing building. The firm had operated under a special land use that was granted in 2008, when the city passed an ordinance change for the C-2 central business district, restricting main-floor office uses to the rear 60 percent of most buildings on Main Avenue. The idea behind the change was to promote retail uses in the front of those buildings.
“Office uses that were in place at that time were granted special land use approvals to allow them to continue using their office as a (non)-conforming use,” Community Development Director Tim Maday told commissioners.
The project meets several goals of the city’s downtown vision plan, “including construction of second stories on existing single-story buildings, rehabilitation of downtown properties, and activation of upper floors with commercial uses,” Maday wrote in a memo to commissioners.
The Shopping Area Redevelopment Board recommended approval of the project last month, Maday said.
While special land uses usually stay with the building rather than the entity that is using it, Commissioner Rebecca Perkins suggested limiting the special land use to Koele Godfrey’s office use. If the company ceased operations or moved out of downtown under Perkins’ proposal, the building would be subject to the restriction on offices to the rear of the building.
“I do feel like (in) the future of Zeeland, we are looking for retail (and) restaurants up front,” Perkins said.
Koele said the firm plans to be downtown for the long haul.
“The goal is (for the business) to outlive me,” he said.
In the end, Perkins voted in favor of the special land use without restrictions.
Only five of the nine members of the Planning Commission voted on the Koele Godfrey application. Amanda Cooper and Robert Blanton were absent, while Tim Klunder and Dan Klompmaker were recused because they are clients of Koele Godfrey. Five yes votes were needed for the site plan and special land use to be approved, City Attorney Jim Donkersloot said.
BPW Offices Relocate for Renovation, Expansion Project
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Board of Public Works customer service office has moved into a new temporary location at the Howard Miller Community Center as construction will soon begin on a remodel and expansion of the Washington Avenue office.
The BPW administration office closed last Friday to allow furniture to be disassembled and moved to the East Activity Room in the lower level of the Howard Miller Community Center. Move-in and setup was completed Monday and the customer service office reopened Tuesday, BPW General Manager Andrew Boatright said.
The office remodel and expansion construction project is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of Sept. 15 and is expected to last approximately eight months. BPW anticipates returning to the administrative office facility on or around June 1, 2026, Boatright said.
The project will renovate the existing 2,300-square-foot offices that were built in 1993 and add another 2,200 square feet to the building. It’s the first time the administrative building has undergone a refresh since it opened, Boatright said.
“This update will create a more welcoming and functional space for our team members and community,” Boatright wrote on the BPW website. “One of the highlights we’re especially looking forward to is a larger, redesigned meeting space to accommodate up to 50 people.”
Temporary wayfinding signage has been installed at the Howard Miller Community Center to assist customers in locating the customer service office.
Office hours will remain the same as usual while the customer service office is located at the Howard Miller Community Center. Those hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The phone number also remains the same at (616) 772-6212.
The customer service team will still be able to help customers pay their bills in person, as well as answer account questions in its new location. If you need to make after-hours or quick payments, you can use the drop box outside the back of City Hall.
If you run into an emergency while the office is closed, call the BPW after-hours emergency line at (616) 772-2001.
BPW has set a total budget of $2.5 million for the project, with 75 percent of the cost coming from its electric utility and 25 percent from the water utility. Lakewood Construction is the project contractor.
You can follow the BPW project on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Board of Public Works customer service office has moved into a new temporary location at the Howard Miller Community Center as construction will soon begin on a remodel and expansion of the Washington Avenue office.
The BPW administration office closed last Friday to allow furniture to be disassembled and moved to the East Activity Room in the lower level of the Howard Miller Community Center. Move-in and setup was completed Monday and the customer service office reopened Tuesday, BPW General Manager Andrew Boatright said.
The office remodel and expansion construction project is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of Sept. 15 and is expected to last approximately eight months. BPW anticipates returning to the administrative office facility on or around June 1, 2026, Boatright said.
The project will renovate the existing 2,300-square-foot offices that were built in 1993 and add another 2,200 square feet to the building. It’s the first time the administrative building has undergone a refresh since it opened, Boatright said.
“This update will create a more welcoming and functional space for our team members and community,” Boatright wrote on the BPW website. “One of the highlights we’re especially looking forward to is a larger, redesigned meeting space to accommodate up to 50 people.”
Temporary wayfinding signage has been installed at the Howard Miller Community Center to assist customers in locating the customer service office.
Office hours will remain the same as usual while the customer service office is located at the Howard Miller Community Center. Those hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The phone number also remains the same at (616) 772-6212.
The customer service team will still be able to help customers pay their bills in person, as well as answer account questions in its new location. If you need to make after-hours or quick payments, you can use the drop box outside the back of City Hall.
If you run into an emergency while the office is closed, call the BPW after-hours emergency line at (616) 772-2001.
BPW has set a total budget of $2.5 million for the project, with 75 percent of the cost coming from its electric utility and 25 percent from the water utility. Lakewood Construction is the project contractor.
You can follow the BPW project on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Tulip Time Unveils Dutch Winterfest
A young family strolls down Eighth Street in downtown Holland during last year’s Sinterklaas Shuffle. The Sinterklaas Shuffle is now part of the new Dutch Winterfest festival that will take place in Holland in December.
Photo courtesy Tulip Time Festival
Photo courtesy Tulip Time Festival
Tulip Time, the iconic festival known worldwide for celebrating Holland’s Dutch heritage each spring, is bringing a brand-new reason to gather this holiday season: Dutch Winterfest.
This multi-day winter celebration will light up Holland with festive cheer, unique Dutch-inspired experiences, and community spirit.
Among the centerpiece attractions is Delft Downtown, a large-scale public art installation curated in partnership with the Holland Area Arts Council. Throughout downtown, visitors will discover oversized ornaments painted in the iconic Delft blue style — with a modern twist — by local artists. Each piece transforms the streets into a living gallery, creating the perfect backdrop for strolling, shopping, and celebrating the season.
One of the most anticipated returns is the Sinterklaas Shuffle, back by popular demand after being sold out last year. Families will once again experience this whimsical, self-paced adventure through downtown, complete with lanterns, festive photo ops, and of course, a chance to meet Sinterklaas himself. With new surprises and the same magical atmosphere, this family favorite is poised to be a highlight of the season.
For young children, Tulip Tales for Tots offers storytime moments filled with Dutch-inspired holiday tales, perfect for sparking imagination and introducing little ones to the joy of Dutch traditions.
Families can also feast at Breakfast with Sinterklaas, where children meet the beloved Dutch holiday figure while tasting traditional treats like poffertjes and pigs in a blanket.
Dutch Winterfest is going to shine with exciting entertainment. The Winter Jazz Concert at the historic Park Theatre will feature the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, filling the season with the energy of holiday classics performed in a fantastic jazz style. At the Holland Community Theatre, audiences will be treated to a performance of Peter and the Starcatcher, a heartwarming and adventurous tale perfect for the holiday season.
Guests can also enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access during the Holiday Haus Tour, where historic and hidden homes and buildings open their doors for exploration. For those looking to toast the season, the Proost! Tasting Tour offers a motor coach journey to sip and savor local food, beer, wine, and spirits, all inspired by Dutch winter traditions.
Dutch Winterfest runs Dec. 2-6 with events held at locations throughout Holland. Tickets for select events will be available at DutchWinterfest.com.
This multi-day winter celebration will light up Holland with festive cheer, unique Dutch-inspired experiences, and community spirit.
Among the centerpiece attractions is Delft Downtown, a large-scale public art installation curated in partnership with the Holland Area Arts Council. Throughout downtown, visitors will discover oversized ornaments painted in the iconic Delft blue style — with a modern twist — by local artists. Each piece transforms the streets into a living gallery, creating the perfect backdrop for strolling, shopping, and celebrating the season.
One of the most anticipated returns is the Sinterklaas Shuffle, back by popular demand after being sold out last year. Families will once again experience this whimsical, self-paced adventure through downtown, complete with lanterns, festive photo ops, and of course, a chance to meet Sinterklaas himself. With new surprises and the same magical atmosphere, this family favorite is poised to be a highlight of the season.
For young children, Tulip Tales for Tots offers storytime moments filled with Dutch-inspired holiday tales, perfect for sparking imagination and introducing little ones to the joy of Dutch traditions.
Families can also feast at Breakfast with Sinterklaas, where children meet the beloved Dutch holiday figure while tasting traditional treats like poffertjes and pigs in a blanket.
Dutch Winterfest is going to shine with exciting entertainment. The Winter Jazz Concert at the historic Park Theatre will feature the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, filling the season with the energy of holiday classics performed in a fantastic jazz style. At the Holland Community Theatre, audiences will be treated to a performance of Peter and the Starcatcher, a heartwarming and adventurous tale perfect for the holiday season.
Guests can also enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access during the Holiday Haus Tour, where historic and hidden homes and buildings open their doors for exploration. For those looking to toast the season, the Proost! Tasting Tour offers a motor coach journey to sip and savor local food, beer, wine, and spirits, all inspired by Dutch winter traditions.
Dutch Winterfest runs Dec. 2-6 with events held at locations throughout Holland. Tickets for select events will be available at DutchWinterfest.com.
Walkers to Gather for Suicide Prevention Walk
Walkers from around West Michigan will join a quarter of a million people nationwide in raising awareness of suicide prevention at the annual Grand Rapids Out of the Darkness Walk, hosted by the Michigan Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, on Sunday at The Meadows at Millennium Park in Walker.
Walkers have set a fundraising goal of $100,000 for this year. The gathering will support AFSP’s education and support programs and its bold goal of reducing the annual suicide rate in the United States by 20 percent by the end of 2025.
“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” AFSP Michigan Chapter Board Co-Chair Lisa Matway said.
More than 300,000 walkers are anticipated to raise millions for suicide prevention across the 550+ Out of the Darkness Walks held nationwide. In 2023, these walks raised more than $21 million for suicide prevention.
The Grand Rapids/West Michigan Walk is free to attend. It will host representatives from local mental health organizations to answer questions and provide information on available resources, including the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which made headlines in July when its “press 3 option” for LGBTQ+ specialized services was defunded and removed.
“We urge Congress to adequately fund 988, including the press 3 option for LGBTQ+ youth, provide oversight for equitable implementation, and pass legislation that supports culturally competent mental health services,” AFSP Chief Executive Officer Robert Gebbia said. “We cannot solve a mental health crisis by treating everyone with a blanket care framework.”
To donate or join this event, visit afsp.org/grandrapids.
Walkers have set a fundraising goal of $100,000 for this year. The gathering will support AFSP’s education and support programs and its bold goal of reducing the annual suicide rate in the United States by 20 percent by the end of 2025.
“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” AFSP Michigan Chapter Board Co-Chair Lisa Matway said.
More than 300,000 walkers are anticipated to raise millions for suicide prevention across the 550+ Out of the Darkness Walks held nationwide. In 2023, these walks raised more than $21 million for suicide prevention.
The Grand Rapids/West Michigan Walk is free to attend. It will host representatives from local mental health organizations to answer questions and provide information on available resources, including the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which made headlines in July when its “press 3 option” for LGBTQ+ specialized services was defunded and removed.
“We urge Congress to adequately fund 988, including the press 3 option for LGBTQ+ youth, provide oversight for equitable implementation, and pass legislation that supports culturally competent mental health services,” AFSP Chief Executive Officer Robert Gebbia said. “We cannot solve a mental health crisis by treating everyone with a blanket care framework.”
To donate or join this event, visit afsp.org/grandrapids.
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