Holland's march to the waterfront is almost a reality — but will voters approve?
HOLLAND — The development of landmark waterfront property in downtown Holland could break ground soon, if voters approve a measure to sell two city-owned plots of land in May.
Holland-based real estate development company Geenen DeKock Properties is eyeing a land-swap with Verplank Dock Co. — giving Verplank the former James De Young Power Plant and teeing-up GDK's big plans near Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant.
More:GDK eyes land swap with Verplank dock, power plant site
The city of Holland invited GDK and two other developers to submit proposals in 2021 as part of its "Waterfront Holland" initiative, which began as a community visioning process for the future use of the defunct coal plant and creation of a broader waterfront area downtown.
The other two developers invited to submit plans declined to do so.
GDK's original plan was a mixed-use development at 233 W. Eighth St. — including 108 units of housing across four buildings, plus a 50-room hotel, a marina with private and transient slips, a "boat-watching plaza," a restaurant and ice cream shop and a much-needed docking area for cruise ships.
A revised plan shared with Holland City Council during its study session Wednesday, Jan. 11, still included a restaurant and ice cream shop, plus potential docking for the Holland Princess — which currently calls Dunton Park home — a potential kayak/rental launch, a hotel and residences and potential docking for cruise ships.
Major changes focused on continued public access and traffic flow, plus a public park.
The project would include development of the former Tool Works property and two other city-owned spaces, in addition to the former Verplank site, providing a direct connection to Holland Civic Center and the rest of downtown — finally completing Holland's long-awaited "march to the waterfront."
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Economic benefits outlined to council include construction jobs, permanent jobs, on-site sales, new resident spending and new visitor spending, which an estimated annual economic impact of $19.7 million to Ottawa County.
But before any of that can happen, voters must approve the sale of two pieces of property owned by the city — the former James DeYoung Plant at 64 Pine Ave. and the land adjacent to Boatwerks at 255 Kollen Park Drive. The sale will need support from 60 percent of voters to move forward.
Council doesn't take official actions during study sessions, but is expected to vote on ballot language soon. The election, according to Mayor Nathan Bocks, would take place May 2.
— Contact editor Cassandra Lybrink at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland's march to the waterfront is almost a reality — but will voters approve?
