By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Township Board has allocated up to $15,000 in additional funding as part of its master plan update.
The board on June 16 voted 6-0 to approve the funding to cover the cost of several public engagement sessions that will be held later this year to get input from residents on what they would like to see addressed in the master plan.
The township earlier this year hired the consulting firm Williams & Works to work with the township in updating the plan, which was last updated in 2019. The township paid the company an initial base fee of $31,780.
“They were the lowest-based price (among consulting firms that submitted bids), but with the assumption that were would be some optional public engagement (costs) added on,” Township Manager Josh Eggleston said.
The additional funding is expected to cover the cost of an online survey, two visioning workshops and a community open house to get feedback from residents. Eggleston pointed out that in light of public opposition to the proposed Silver Maple solar project, now might be an optimal time to find out from residents what they want the township to be in the future.
“If this township is going to get anybody to show up (for an event) right now, this is probably the best opportunity they’ve ever had,” Eggleston said. “Obviously, there’s something we don’t like going on right now. But if we’re going to try to find any silver lining in all of this, it’s gotten a lot of people involved in the township that normally wouldn’t have been. This is an opportunity for them to continue that involvement.”
Residents would receive a postcard in the mail informing them of the community survey, with a QR code that would link them directly to the survey online. Trustee John Shrauger expressed concern about potential response to a survey.
“My experience with online surveys is (we get) less than a 20 percent response rate,” Shrauger said.
Eggleston said he’d take a 20 percent response rate.
“If we’re sending out 4,000 (postcards) and we get a 20 percent response rate – that’s 800 responses. Statistically, they’re going to say that’s pretty darn good,” he said.
Township Treasurer Melissa Veldheer said that when the township had its last master plan update, about 120 people responded to the online survey. Some residents criticized the current plan at past meetings, citing what they felt was a lack of public input in the plan.
The township master plan committee is expected to make a final determination soon on scheduling the survey and other public engagement events.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Township Board has allocated up to $15,000 in additional funding as part of its master plan update.
The board on June 16 voted 6-0 to approve the funding to cover the cost of several public engagement sessions that will be held later this year to get input from residents on what they would like to see addressed in the master plan.
The township earlier this year hired the consulting firm Williams & Works to work with the township in updating the plan, which was last updated in 2019. The township paid the company an initial base fee of $31,780.
“They were the lowest-based price (among consulting firms that submitted bids), but with the assumption that were would be some optional public engagement (costs) added on,” Township Manager Josh Eggleston said.
The additional funding is expected to cover the cost of an online survey, two visioning workshops and a community open house to get feedback from residents. Eggleston pointed out that in light of public opposition to the proposed Silver Maple solar project, now might be an optimal time to find out from residents what they want the township to be in the future.
“If this township is going to get anybody to show up (for an event) right now, this is probably the best opportunity they’ve ever had,” Eggleston said. “Obviously, there’s something we don’t like going on right now. But if we’re going to try to find any silver lining in all of this, it’s gotten a lot of people involved in the township that normally wouldn’t have been. This is an opportunity for them to continue that involvement.”
Residents would receive a postcard in the mail informing them of the community survey, with a QR code that would link them directly to the survey online. Trustee John Shrauger expressed concern about potential response to a survey.
“My experience with online surveys is (we get) less than a 20 percent response rate,” Shrauger said.
Eggleston said he’d take a 20 percent response rate.
“If we’re sending out 4,000 (postcards) and we get a 20 percent response rate – that’s 800 responses. Statistically, they’re going to say that’s pretty darn good,” he said.
Township Treasurer Melissa Veldheer said that when the township had its last master plan update, about 120 people responded to the online survey. Some residents criticized the current plan at past meetings, citing what they felt was a lack of public input in the plan.
The township master plan committee is expected to make a final determination soon on scheduling the survey and other public engagement events.
La Crème Seeks to Rejoin Social District
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The La Crème café in downtown Zeeland could soon rejoin the city’s social district.
The City Council has approved a resolution supporting the application of Mandu Escapes, LLC, the entity under which La Crème is operating, for a social district license. The application must get final approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
“La Crème had been part of the social district under prior ownership, and that owner did not renew their license,” city Marketing Director Abby deRoo said.
Located at 111 E. Main Ave., La Crème was purchased in December of last year by Joanna Udo and John Becker. Udo expressed interest in having the café be part of the social district again as part of its business model, deRoo said.
City Manager Tim Klunder recently approved a right-of-way license for La Crème to set up seating outside, according to deRoo.
“Outdoor seating will consist of four café-style tables with two chairs each, located directly adjacent to the storefront,” deRoo wrote in a memo to the council. “While table service may be provided at these outdoor tables, alcoholic beverages must be purchased inside the restaurant and carried outside in an approved Social District disposable cup.”
La Crème’s participation in the social district does not expire through the city’s approval process, but the associated liquor license and social district authorization must be renewed by the Liquor Control Commission each year, deRoo wrote in the memo.
Zeeland Record
The La Crème café in downtown Zeeland could soon rejoin the city’s social district.
The City Council has approved a resolution supporting the application of Mandu Escapes, LLC, the entity under which La Crème is operating, for a social district license. The application must get final approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
“La Crème had been part of the social district under prior ownership, and that owner did not renew their license,” city Marketing Director Abby deRoo said.
Located at 111 E. Main Ave., La Crème was purchased in December of last year by Joanna Udo and John Becker. Udo expressed interest in having the café be part of the social district again as part of its business model, deRoo said.
City Manager Tim Klunder recently approved a right-of-way license for La Crème to set up seating outside, according to deRoo.
“Outdoor seating will consist of four café-style tables with two chairs each, located directly adjacent to the storefront,” deRoo wrote in a memo to the council. “While table service may be provided at these outdoor tables, alcoholic beverages must be purchased inside the restaurant and carried outside in an approved Social District disposable cup.”
La Crème’s participation in the social district does not expire through the city’s approval process, but the associated liquor license and social district authorization must be renewed by the Liquor Control Commission each year, deRoo wrote in the memo.
Harvest Stand Ministries Receives Foundation Grant Toward New Facility
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Harvest Stand Ministries has received a $40,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland toward expanding its food and clothing outreach ministry.
The grant will go toward the Zeeland-based nonprofit’s capital campaign to support renovations of its newly-acquired building at 330 W. Washington Ave. The new space will significantly expand Harvest Stand’s capacity to serve those in need.
“We are deeply grateful to CFHZ for believing in our mission and helping bring this vision to life,” Harvest Stand Executive Director Jordan Palladino said. “Their investment is helping create a lasting impact by strengthening our ability to serve individuals and families throughout the greater Zeeland area.”
Harvest Stand provided support to nearly 13,000 people in the Zeeland area last year, a figure double that from just four years ago, Palladino said.
The capital campaign for Harvest Stand has generated more than $1.9 million in pledges. Construction on the building renovation is expected to begin in early spring of 2027, Palladino said.
Overall, CFHZ awarded $255,000 earlier this month to support nonprofit organizations in the Holland-Zeeland area.
A $60,000 award over two years was presented to the Lactation Collective, which will be used to launch a Zeeland-based community clinic providing prenatal education, in-home postpartum visits, clinic-based and telehealth care, and ongoing lactation support for families. The clinic will offer wraparound support to families during a crucial stage of infant health and development.
Other award recipients were:
• Bethany Christian Services, $60,000 over two years, for its Safe Families for Children program that diverts children from the foster care system by providing temporary hosting and support from volunteers in the community.
• Good Samaritan Ministries, $55,250 over two years for its Eviction Prevention Program
• Camp Blodgett, $23,750 to expand its FIERCE leadership program to Holland/Zeeland area high school students, providing experiences that build confidence, social responsibility, and help young people thrive in their schools and communities yearround.
• Remembrance Ranch, $16,000 over two years for its Family Advocate Wraparound Program that will place two family advocates in the Holland Public Schools system.
“These grants support nonprofits who are helping to grow a thriving community,” CFHZ Director of Community Impact Yadah Ramirez said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support their meaningful work.”
Zeeland Record
Harvest Stand Ministries has received a $40,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland toward expanding its food and clothing outreach ministry.
The grant will go toward the Zeeland-based nonprofit’s capital campaign to support renovations of its newly-acquired building at 330 W. Washington Ave. The new space will significantly expand Harvest Stand’s capacity to serve those in need.
“We are deeply grateful to CFHZ for believing in our mission and helping bring this vision to life,” Harvest Stand Executive Director Jordan Palladino said. “Their investment is helping create a lasting impact by strengthening our ability to serve individuals and families throughout the greater Zeeland area.”
Harvest Stand provided support to nearly 13,000 people in the Zeeland area last year, a figure double that from just four years ago, Palladino said.
The capital campaign for Harvest Stand has generated more than $1.9 million in pledges. Construction on the building renovation is expected to begin in early spring of 2027, Palladino said.
Overall, CFHZ awarded $255,000 earlier this month to support nonprofit organizations in the Holland-Zeeland area.
A $60,000 award over two years was presented to the Lactation Collective, which will be used to launch a Zeeland-based community clinic providing prenatal education, in-home postpartum visits, clinic-based and telehealth care, and ongoing lactation support for families. The clinic will offer wraparound support to families during a crucial stage of infant health and development.
Other award recipients were:
• Bethany Christian Services, $60,000 over two years, for its Safe Families for Children program that diverts children from the foster care system by providing temporary hosting and support from volunteers in the community.
• Good Samaritan Ministries, $55,250 over two years for its Eviction Prevention Program
• Camp Blodgett, $23,750 to expand its FIERCE leadership program to Holland/Zeeland area high school students, providing experiences that build confidence, social responsibility, and help young people thrive in their schools and communities yearround.
• Remembrance Ranch, $16,000 over two years for its Family Advocate Wraparound Program that will place two family advocates in the Holland Public Schools system.
“These grants support nonprofits who are helping to grow a thriving community,” CFHZ Director of Community Impact Yadah Ramirez said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support their meaningful work.”
