Zeeland West High School seniors Hannah VanderZwaag and Hudson VerBeek were named the school’s homecoming queen and king during last Friday night’s homecoming festivities at Zeeland Stadium.
Photo courtesy Angela Howe Creations
Township Planners Begin Work on Master Plan Update
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Township Planning Commission has begun discussions on updating the document that will guide future development and land use decisions in the township.
Commissioners began work on updating the township master plan Oct. 13. Project consultant Tanya DeOliveira of Williams & Works has outlined a schedule for the plan update that is expected to carry over into 2028 that will include opportunities for residents to weigh in on such topics as farmland preservation and housing.
The master plan will serve as a guiding document on any changes the township may make to its zoning ordinance.
“The master plan is not the zoning ordinance. They’re two very separate, but related things,” DeOliveira told commissioners. “They work hand in glove. The master plan is big and lofty and ideas and policies … whereas in the zoning ordinance, it’s very specific. It’s law, it’s more regulatory, and that’s something you use later after the master plan is adopted.”
No updates or changes to zoning ordinances or the township zoning map will be made during the master plan update, DeOliveira said.
With farmland preservation emerging as an issue in the township in light of the proposed Silver Maple solar project, Interim Township Manager Howard Fink said commissioners can play a role in protecting farmland in the master plan update by limiting where sewer lines are installed.
“Sewer capacity and where sewer exists drive development,” Fink said. “If you don’t want development in certain areas, then think critically about where you’re building sewers and how you’re building those sewers … One of the things that I highly recommend you do is articulate where your boundaries are that you want development and where you will allow sewers to be extended and where you won’t.”
Several commissioners appealed to residents to fill out an online survey that will help guide them in the master plan update. Questions on the survey address such issues as what kind of new housing is needed in the township and whether the township should consider the use of general fund tax dollars or seek a dedicated millage to support farmland preservation. As of Oct. 13, about 100 surveys had been filled out.
The survey can be found online at surveymonkey.com/r/ZeelandTownshipMasterPlan. Paper copies of the survey are also available at the Township Hall.
Under the master plan schedule update, a workshop on farmland preservation is expected to take place in January, while a workshop on housing has been scheduled for February, DeOliveira said.
A draft of the new master plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 and made available for public comment. Final adoption by the Township Board is expected in May 2028, DeOliveira said.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Township Planning Commission has begun discussions on updating the document that will guide future development and land use decisions in the township.
Commissioners began work on updating the township master plan Oct. 13. Project consultant Tanya DeOliveira of Williams & Works has outlined a schedule for the plan update that is expected to carry over into 2028 that will include opportunities for residents to weigh in on such topics as farmland preservation and housing.
The master plan will serve as a guiding document on any changes the township may make to its zoning ordinance.
“The master plan is not the zoning ordinance. They’re two very separate, but related things,” DeOliveira told commissioners. “They work hand in glove. The master plan is big and lofty and ideas and policies … whereas in the zoning ordinance, it’s very specific. It’s law, it’s more regulatory, and that’s something you use later after the master plan is adopted.”
No updates or changes to zoning ordinances or the township zoning map will be made during the master plan update, DeOliveira said.
With farmland preservation emerging as an issue in the township in light of the proposed Silver Maple solar project, Interim Township Manager Howard Fink said commissioners can play a role in protecting farmland in the master plan update by limiting where sewer lines are installed.
“Sewer capacity and where sewer exists drive development,” Fink said. “If you don’t want development in certain areas, then think critically about where you’re building sewers and how you’re building those sewers … One of the things that I highly recommend you do is articulate where your boundaries are that you want development and where you will allow sewers to be extended and where you won’t.”
Several commissioners appealed to residents to fill out an online survey that will help guide them in the master plan update. Questions on the survey address such issues as what kind of new housing is needed in the township and whether the township should consider the use of general fund tax dollars or seek a dedicated millage to support farmland preservation. As of Oct. 13, about 100 surveys had been filled out.
The survey can be found online at surveymonkey.com/r/ZeelandTownshipMasterPlan. Paper copies of the survey are also available at the Township Hall.
Under the master plan schedule update, a workshop on farmland preservation is expected to take place in January, while a workshop on housing has been scheduled for February, DeOliveira said.
A draft of the new master plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 and made available for public comment. Final adoption by the Township Board is expected in May 2028, DeOliveira said.
Dutch Winterfest Returns for Second Annual Celebration
The Tulip Time Festival is bringing a touch of the Netherlands to West Michigan this holiday season as Dutch Winterfest returns for its second annual celebration in December 2026.
Holland already shines in winter with community favorites like Downtown Holland’s Parade of Lights, Windmill Island Gardens’ Magic at the Mill, the City of Holland’s new Ice Park, and the beloved Kerstmarkt, an outdoor holiday market that brings European charm to downtown. Tulip Time adds to the festive lineup with Dutch Winterfest, a collection of experiences that blend holiday magic with rich Dutch tradition.
New this year, Dutch Skate will take center stage at the Holland Ice Park, bringing one of the Netherlands' most beloved winter traditions to life. Featuring skaters dressed in traditional Dutch attire, the experience will celebrate the cultural connection between the Netherlands and Holland, Michigan, in an exciting new setting. Guests can enjoy the charm of Dutch heritage on ice while experiencing one of downtown Holland's newest winter attractions.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Dutch Winterfest back for a second year and continue building something special for our community,” Tulip Time Executive Director Gwen Auwerda said. “Dutch Skate is exactly the kind of experience we love creating. It brings our Dutch heritage to life in a new and unexpected way.”
Beyond the ice, Dutch Winterfest will offer a variety of experiences inspired by Dutch holiday traditions, seasonal entertainment, and Holland's vibrant downtown.
The beloved Sinterklaas Shuffle returns, inviting children and families to follow a festive journey through downtown Holland. With lanterns and passports in hand, participants will visit themed stations, interact with holiday characters, and discover the traditions and stories of Sinterklaas.
Guests can also explore Holland through a collection of curated experiences, including the Holiday Huis Tour, offering a look inside unique buildings and spaces; the Proost! Tasting Tour, pairing handcrafted beverages with Dutch-inspired bites; and Delft Downtown, transforming public spaces with oversized ornaments, wooden shoes, and other Dutch icons inspired by traditional Dutch blue-and-white pottery.
Live entertainment will also take center stage during Dutch Winterfest, with concerts bringing music and holiday cheer to Holland. Michigan-IO's Holiday Show will bring its signature musical energy to the stage, while Winter Jazz, featuring the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, will offer a festive evening of live jazz at the Park Theatre.
For the complete schedule of events, concert information, ticket details, and updates, visit DutchWinterfest.com.
Holland already shines in winter with community favorites like Downtown Holland’s Parade of Lights, Windmill Island Gardens’ Magic at the Mill, the City of Holland’s new Ice Park, and the beloved Kerstmarkt, an outdoor holiday market that brings European charm to downtown. Tulip Time adds to the festive lineup with Dutch Winterfest, a collection of experiences that blend holiday magic with rich Dutch tradition.
New this year, Dutch Skate will take center stage at the Holland Ice Park, bringing one of the Netherlands' most beloved winter traditions to life. Featuring skaters dressed in traditional Dutch attire, the experience will celebrate the cultural connection between the Netherlands and Holland, Michigan, in an exciting new setting. Guests can enjoy the charm of Dutch heritage on ice while experiencing one of downtown Holland's newest winter attractions.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Dutch Winterfest back for a second year and continue building something special for our community,” Tulip Time Executive Director Gwen Auwerda said. “Dutch Skate is exactly the kind of experience we love creating. It brings our Dutch heritage to life in a new and unexpected way.”
Beyond the ice, Dutch Winterfest will offer a variety of experiences inspired by Dutch holiday traditions, seasonal entertainment, and Holland's vibrant downtown.
The beloved Sinterklaas Shuffle returns, inviting children and families to follow a festive journey through downtown Holland. With lanterns and passports in hand, participants will visit themed stations, interact with holiday characters, and discover the traditions and stories of Sinterklaas.
Guests can also explore Holland through a collection of curated experiences, including the Holiday Huis Tour, offering a look inside unique buildings and spaces; the Proost! Tasting Tour, pairing handcrafted beverages with Dutch-inspired bites; and Delft Downtown, transforming public spaces with oversized ornaments, wooden shoes, and other Dutch icons inspired by traditional Dutch blue-and-white pottery.
Live entertainment will also take center stage during Dutch Winterfest, with concerts bringing music and holiday cheer to Holland. Michigan-IO's Holiday Show will bring its signature musical energy to the stage, while Winter Jazz, featuring the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, will offer a festive evening of live jazz at the Park Theatre.
For the complete schedule of events, concert information, ticket details, and updates, visit DutchWinterfest.com.
