Spring election nears with proposal critical to Holland waterfront project
HOLLAND — In a few short weeks, Hollanders will hold the fate of a significant waterfront project in their hands, deciding on a May ballot proposal that would approve the sale of critical land.
The proposition to authorize the sale of 255 Kollen Park Drive and 64 Pine Ave. — consisting of approximately 19.5 acres — must earn 60 percent "yes" votes to pass.
More:Holland's march to the waterfront is almost a reality — but will voters approve?
It all stems from plans to redevelop the now-defunct James De Young Power Plant on Pine Avenue. 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 former coal plant and creation of a broader waterfront area downtown.
GDK was the only company to submit a final plan by eyeing a land-swap with Verplank Dock Co. at 233 W. Eighth St. — giving Verplank the former plant property and teeing-up big plans near Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant.
The original proposal included 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 in January 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 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."
Economic benefits outlined to council include construction jobs, permanent jobs, on-site sales, new resident spending and new visitor spending, with an estimated annual economic impact of $19.7 million to Ottawa County.
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Some locals, however, have been critical of the project — wishing to see the property completely open to the public, rather than additional businesses and residences.
Hollanders will also vote on an operational millage for Holland Aquatic Center on Tuesday, May 2. The renewal is separate from the 20-year construction bond proposal voters approved in May 2019, but instead supports day-to-day operations at HAC.
— Contact editor Cassandra Lybrink at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Spring election nears with proposal critical to Holland waterfront project
