Holland City planning commission recommends rezoning to expand wetland mitigation bank

The Holland City Planning Commission on May 12, 2026 voted to recommend that city council rezone two parcels — 721 East 64th Street and 1440 M‑40 — from industrial to open space to allow expansion of a wetland mitigation bank managed by the ODC.

Staff member Steve recommended the commission forward both rezoning applications to the council. He said Parcel A (the expansion) is roughly 38 acres and Parcel B would remain industrial, and argued rezoning would align the parcels with the city master plan designation for cemetery/preserves while keeping as much industrial land usable as possible.

Dan Callan, Greenway Manager at the ODC, described how mitigation banks operate under the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). He said the original bank opened in 2015 with about 42 acres of mitigation credits and that the existing bank has roughly 2 acres of credits remaining. Callan said the new parcel was mostly farm field until last year and estimated it would yield about 28 acres of bankable area pending final survey. He summarized how EGLE determines crediting rates, saying approximately "one and a half to three acres of mitigation credits would need to be purchased per acre of impact."

Commission members asked about public access and wildlife hazard. Callan said future use might include limited trails or a small trailhead consistent with a conservation easement and described a monitoring plan to reduce waterfowl attraction while vegetation establishes. He cited a 2015 study from Hope College associated with the first bank that found "no significant increase in birds" in the area. Staff also noted the parcels lie within an airport overlay zone and said the airport board had reviewed and approved the rezoning.

The commission opened the required public hearing on both items and immediately closed it after noting no members of the public came forward. Commission member (speaker 5) moved to recommend rezoning 721 East 64th Street to open space based on staff recommendation; the motion was supported and carried with verbal "ayes" and no opposition. A separate motion to recommend rezoning 1440 M‑40 to open space likewise passed.

The commission’s action is a recommendation to the city council; no final rezoning takes effect until council acts. Staff indicated they will present the recommendations to council in a forthcoming meeting and asked commissioners to remain for a brief study session following adjournment.