Hudsonville Hometown news

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Hudsonville Hometown news
Hudsonville Hometown News
                                                                              GOOD PEOPLE. GOOD LIVING.

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             eople good living
                                                                                                       SPRING, 2021

                                 2021 Infrastructure Improvements
The 2021 construction season in the City of Hudsonville will bring significant investment into all areas of the city’s
infrastructure and public spaces. As residents of Hudsonville, we are fortunate to have access to public parks,
walkable and connected amenities, safe and reliable drinking water and sewer systems, and a road system that
the city works diligently to maintain. The city works to pursue every infrastructure grant dollar available to us,
and to ensure that each dollar delivers the most value for every citizen. Below are some highlights of the planned
infrastructure improvements you’ll likely catch a glimpse of in the coming year:

                                                     ROADS
• West Van Buren Street reconstruction: In 2019 the city resurfaced the east end of Van Buren Street from
  Chicago Drive to 36th Avenue. This summer, we will be investing approximately $463,500 in the reconstruction
  of the west end of Van Buren Street from 36th Avenue to 40th Avenue. The project will also add on-street
  parking similar to that included in the 2019 Van Buren project.
• Balsam Drive resurfacing and “road diet": Pending the findings of an ongoing engineering study, Balsam Drive,
  between the bridge and Oak Street, will be resurfaced and restriped to a three-lane configuration (2 lanes
  and a center turn lane). This cross section will match the current three-lane configuration north of the bridge.
  Consideration will also be given to extending this three-lane configuration further south onto portions of
  32nd Avenue, if supported by the engineering study.
• Resurfacing north 32nd Avenue: The exact scope of this work is contingent upon the engineering study
  discussed above, but is expected to include resurfacing 32nd Avenue from Chicago Drive to Allen Street.

                    West Van Buren				             Balsam Drive					                            32nd Avenue
Hudsonville Hometown news
DRINKING WATER
• I-196 water main loop: The city will be connecting a portion of the water distribution system south of I-196 to
  an area north of I-196 with new water main. The new main will be bored beneath the highway, connecting to
  existing stubs on South Buttermilk Court to the north and on Hudson Trails to the south. This connection will
  improve system reliability and improve water quality by eliminating two dead-ends that currently exist in the
  system.
• Hudsonville/Jamestown booster station upgrades: This station is essential for the operation of a large portion of
  the city’s water system. It was originally constructed in 1996 and is due to have its two pumps reconditioned,
  motor starters replaced, and controls modernized.
• Barker Street water main replacement and street resurface: The city will be replacing approximately 447’ of old
  6” water main with new 8” ductile iron main. The new main will improve reliability, increase available fire flows,
  and increase water quality in the area. After the new main is installed, both lanes of Barker, between Pine and
  36th Avenue, will be resurfaced.
• Water system remote SCADA system upgrades: The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system
  components are also due for replacement at the city's water system pumping station and elevated tanks. This
  system is a combination of hardware and software that communicates operational data, such as levels and
  flows, to the Wyoming water plant and to the smart phones, tablets, and PC’s of our operators.

                                                    SEWER
• Corporate Grove lift station upgrades: The Corporate Grove lift station serves several commercial and industrial
  customers at the south end of town. Constructed in 1993, it was intended to be a short-term solution while
  the potential for development in the area was assessed. Upgrades will include new, higher-capacity pumps and
  upsized piping to accommodate the higher flows now coming into the station.
• Highland Drive lift station replacement: In a recent evaluation by the city engineer, the Highland Drive station
  was identified as having a very high “consequence of failure” rating, meaning that a significant failure at this
  station would likely have adverse impacts on a large part of our sewer system. The station was constructed in
  1998 and the equipment is nearing the end of its intended service life; it will therefore be replaced this year.
• Sewer main and manhole replacement: Several sections of sewer main and manhole structures on Balsam Drive
  have been identified as needing repair/replacement. This work will be coordinated with road resurfacing work
  and is tentativly based on ongoing traffic studies and future developments.

                       PARKS AND RECREATION
• Buttermilk Creek Trail through Summergreen/school property: The completion
  of this section of pathway will be a significant enhancement to the city’s
  non-motorized trail system, effectively connecting residents at the south end of
  town to the school and downtown. The $646,430 project is the culmination of
  years of planning, negotiations, and design. It will receive nearly $460,000 in
  outside funding.
• Additional improvements at Buttermilk Creek Park: Electric service will be
  extended to the pond at the new park to power an aerator that will help
  maintain water quality and support the fish population. The city plans to stock
  the pond with fish this summer. Plans are also in the works to add parking,
  a restroom, and a fishing structure. A current Michigan DNR grant application
  under consideration will dictate the schedule and scope of these improvements.
                                          Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 2
Hudsonville Hometown news
NEW PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
     RULES NOW IN EFFECT                                          Downtown Analysis
Please be aware that the city recently adopted and will     The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently
soon be enforcing a new regulatory ordinance which          contracted with a professional planning firm to conduct a
requires all property owners to regularly maintain          Downtown Retail Market and Parking Capacity Analysis.
their sidewalks and curbs for grass overgrowth.             The purpose of this analysis is to conduct a detailed
The new ordinance, which is available on                    review of the city's current redevelopment plans for the
the city’s website at www.hudsonville.org/                  core downtown area.
PropertyMaintenance, requires that property owners
edge the sidewalks and curbs abutting their property        The study will review the city's Village Green redevelop-
                                                            ment plan, giving input on the proposed physical design
to prevent grass and weed overgrowth.
                                                            and spatial layout of all proposed buildings and public
Specifically it states, “Sidewalks and curbs abutting       spaces.
public rights-of-way shall be maintained so as to
prevent the encroachment or overgrowth of any               The study will provide:
vegetation.” If any resident or property owner needs        •   A detailed analysis of the types, size, and locations
assistance in complying with this ordinance (due to             of new businesses and other land uses that are
health or safety concerns), they may contact the                likely to be supported and sustainable in the core
Department of Public Works for guidance.                        downtown area;
                                                            •   A summary of what types of commercial uses
                                                                will support and sustain both existing and future
                                                                businesses. This type of information will be critical
                                                                as staff continues to work with private developers
                                                                on additional redevelopment sites in the downtown.
          CAMPFIRE REMINDER                                 •   An analysis of future parking generation and
                                                                capacity needs and will provide recommendations
Small fires are permitted solely for recreational               on the type, size, and location of adequate parking
purposes, such as barbecues and campfires. A permit             facilities as redevelopment efforts continue.
is not required.
A member of the fire department or police                   This study will assist the DDA in refining its development
department may require a fire to be extinguished if         strategies to curate a mix of uses that supports the
it is hazardous or a nuisance to the general public or      existing business base as well as increases the vibrancy
                                                            of downtown Hudsonville.
neighbors.
                                                            The DDA also recently adopted a new Development &
                                                            Tax Increment Finance Plan.

                                         Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 3
Hudsonville Hometown news
Gary Byker Library of Hudsonville                                                            
                 Services, Programs & More!
The wait is over . . .

                                                             Libby.
                                . . . is here!
Instantly borrow                                                                    Now available in one app,
digital movies, music,
eBooks, eAudiobooks,                                                                built by
comics & more, 24/7
with your Library card.                                                             OverDrive.
                                                  Books, CDs,          *May 22
                                                 DVDs & more!           Stuff a
                                                                        bag for
                                                                          $5

                                     June 3                       √ Activities!
                                                                  √ Events!
                                                                                                                •
                                                                  √ Reading Clubs!

            May 6

           7:00 pm

         See the full Calendar of Events & register for programs:
                     www.hudsonvillelibrary.org
                           3338 Van Buren St. | 616.669.1255
            Note: All programs held subject to restrictions on public gatherings for health & safety.

                                         Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 4
Hudsonville Hometown news
Nomination for
                                                                          Public Office
                                                              Nominating Petitions will be accepted by the Hudsonville
 Special Election: May 4                                      City Clerk until 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 20, 2021, for the
                                                              following offices:
A Special Election will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election                              Ward 1 Commissioner
Day. A sample of the proposed ballot is available at the                              4-year term
City Clerk’s office and on the city’s web page at www.                          Incumbent Gary Raterink
hudsonville.org/elections.
                                                                                  Ward 2 Commissioner
                                                                                      4-year term
                     Wards 1 & 2                                                 Incumbent Dan Bolhuis
               City Hall, 3275 Central Blvd
                                                                                  Ward 3 Commissioner
                                                                                      4-year term
                        Ward 3
                                                                                Incumbent Larry Brandsen
             Hudsonville Congregational
      United Church of Christ, 4950 32nd Avenue
                                                              A petition must be signed by not less than 15 nor more
                                                              than 30 registered electors of the Ward in which the
Absentee ballots for the May 4 Election are available at      candidate resides. Petition forms and affidavit of identi-
the City Clerk’s office. If you wish to apply for an absent   fication forms are available at the Office of the City Clerk,
voter ballot, please stop by City Hall or contact the City    Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and
Clerk at 669-0200 to obtain an application. The City          Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Clerk’s office will also be open on Saturday, May 1, from
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the purpose of issuing absentee
ballots.

          Lawn Activities to Protect Our Watershed
Typical lawn maintenance activities like mowing and fertilizing can be harmful to water quality if
not done properly. Follow these simple tips to make sure that your lawn protects our watershed.
Fertilize fairly. Test your soil first to make sure you only apply what your lawn needs. More is not
better. Excess fertilizer can be washed away when it rains and end up in drains, streams and lakes!
Mow masterfully. Keep your grass 3" or higher to promote a healthy lawn that needs less fertilizer
and water. Return clippings to the lawn where they can be recycled into fertilizer. Keep clippings
out of storm drains and surface water. They can act like fertilizer in water, too, and increase the
growth of algae.
Watch watering. Lawns need about 1" of water per week applied in small amounts. The best
schedule is 15 minutes per day between noon and 4 p.m. Do not over-water to the point where
water runs off your lawn into the storm drain.
                                           Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 5
Hudsonville Hometown news
Summer Activities

   Concerts on the Green
Once again, West Michigan Community
Bank will be bringing you live music                               Memorial Day Service
from great local bands this June. Bring                        The annual Memorial Day Service will be held on Monday,
a lawn chair or blanket down, grab                             May 31, beginning at 10 a.m. Bring your family to join us
dinner at one of our food trucks, and                          in Veterans Park as we remember and honor the veterans
listen to some live music!                                     who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
The concert series kicks off on Thursday, June 3, at 7 p.m.    The service will include remarks from Mayor Mark and
in Veterans Park. Bands are as follows:                        local elected officials. Attendees are encouraged to bring
June 3 – Brena Band                                            a folding chair and practice social distancing.
June 10 – Alan Turner
June 17 – Klay N’ The Mud
June 24 – DB and the Dinos
Each night you attend, receive one entry to win the
Rockstar Grand Prize!
Make sure to visit www.hudsonvilleconcerts.com to stay
up to date on themes, capacity, and regulations for these
events!

                                                                          Farmers Market
                                                                Check out this year's Market on Wednesdays starting
                                                                June 2 to September 29 and the following Saturdays:
                                                                June 26, July 31, August 28, and September 25. All
                                                                markets are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
                                                                You'll be able to pick up fresh produce, flowers, baked
                                                                goods, and locally grown fruit from Hudsonville-area
                                                                farmers and artisans.
                                                                This season will again feature favorites like Cnossen
    Happenings on Harvey                                        Farms, Shamrock Meats, Jack's Blend Meat Rubs, Dorothy
                                                                & Toto's Kettle Corn, and Warm Oven Bakehouse, just to
Get ready to join in on some family fun Thursday nights
                                                                name a few.
in July, in downtown Hudsonville! Beginning July 8,
Gemmen’s Home and Hardware brings you Happenings                If you are a vendor (both farmers and artisans) and are
on Harvey.                                                      interested in being part of our Farmers Market, there is
                                                                still time to sign up for the season! But hurry, space is
A street fair event filled with entertainment, take-home
                                                                limited.
crafts, games and activities, dessert trucks, and tasty
dinner options from downtown restaurants. Stay up to            For more information, contact our market manager, Teri
date with all the fun at www.happeningsonharvey.com.            Schut, at tschut@hudsonville.org.
                                             Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 6
Hudsonville Hometown news
Commercial Development
Here are some of the key construction projects currently under way in Hudsonville:

Betten-Baker Buick GMC is nearing completion of a new car dealership at 3320 Highland
Drive and a pre-owned car dealership at 3340 Highland Drive. Further down the road
at 3363 Highland Drive, Life EMS is constructing an Ambulance Transfer Station where
ambulances will be prepared to go out into the region. Across Highland Drive, up the
newly-constructed South Buttermilk Court, Fusion Properties is constructing a second
industrial building by the freeway.

Talsma Furniture is constructing an addition to their flagship store at 3620 Chicago Drive.
They will also give their facade a facelift, add more parking and construct a pedestrian
path along Chicago Drive. This will make for a great appearance for eastbound traffic
coming into downtown Hudsonville. West Michigan Beef is going to construct a new
75,790 s.f. building that will take the place of their other buildings at 3007 Van Buren
Street, which will have a big impact on the east gateway into Hudsonville.

Another project with a significant impact on the community is the expansion plans at
Hudsonville High School. This year they will construct a connection of the two buildings over Buttermilk Creek along with several
other improvements and upgrades for the rapidly growing school district. Next year they will begin construction of a 3,700-seat
fieldhouse.

           HUDSONVILLE
           HAS IT.                                                                            LEARN MORE AT
                                                                                       WWW.HUDSONVILLEHASIT.COM

              Spring Cleanup                                                         MASK REMINDER
 The Department of Public Works will be holding a Spring
 Cleanup for residents on Friday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to            There have been a lot of disposable masks found
 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.                     discarded on sidewalks and parks. Please do your
 The drop-off location is at the Department of Public                  best to ensure that masks are discarded in a trash
 Works Building at 5713 Balsa-m Drive.                                 receptacle.
 We are accepting brush (only small enough to fit through
 the chipper) and yard waste – no trash.

                                                Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 7
Hudsonville Hometown news
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                    eople good living

City of Hudsonville
3275 Central Blvd.
Hudsonville, MI 49426

Phone: 616.669.0200
www.hudsonville.org

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
       Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

                                            Your City Commissioners & Staff
  Mayor                                                     Mark Northrup                       (616) 662-2663                mnorthrup@hudsonville.org
  Commissioner - Ward 1                                     Toben DeVree                        (616) 283-9346                     tdevree@hudsonville.org
  Commissioner - Ward 1                                     Gary Raterink                       (616) 669-6191                   graterink@hudsonville.org
  Commissioner - Ward 2                                     Dan Bolhuis                         (231) 206-0584                    dbolhuis@hudsonville.org
  Commissioner - Ward 2                                     Greg Steigenga                      (616) 669-2336                 gsteigenga@hudsonville.org
  Commissioner - Ward 3                                     Philip Leerar                       (616) 450-5126                      pleerar@hudsonville.org
  Commissioner - Ward 3                                     Larry Brandsen                      (616) 304-4116                  lbrandsen@hudsonville.org
  City Manager                                              Patrick Waterman             (616) 669-0200 x 1418                pwaterman@hudsonville.org
  City Clerk                                                Diana VanSlyke               (616) 669-0200 x 1412                  dvanslyke@hudsonville.org
  Finance Director                                          Keyla Garcia                 (616) 669-0200 x 1420                      kgarcia@hudsonville.org
  Facilities Director                                       Mike Kloosterhouse           (616) 669-0200 x 1425            mkloosterhouse@hudsonville.org
  Planning/Zoning Director                                  Dan Strikwerda               (616) 669-0200 x 1414                    dstrikwe@hudsonville.org
  Marketing Coordinator                                     Michelle Fare                (616) 669-0200 x 1411                       mfare@hudsonville.org
  Terra Square Market Manager                               Teri Schut                   (616) 669-0200 x 1416                       tschut@hudsonville.org
  Sheriff Sergeant                                          Jeff Steigenga               (616) 669-0200 x 1428                    jsteigenga@miottawa.org
  Fire Chief                                                Dick Mohr                    (616) 669-0200 x 1429                      dmohr@hudsonville.org
  Public Works Superintendent                               Bob Miller                   (616) 669-0200 x 1424                      rmiller@hudsonville.org
  Library Director                                          Melissa Huisman                     (616) 669-1255                 mhuisman@hudsonville.org
  Emergency Services Director                               Dave Dahl                    (616) 669-0200 x 1404                        ddahl@hudsonville.org
 The City of Hudsonville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability,
or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
                            policies: City Clerk, City of Hudsonville, 3275 Central Blvd., Hudsonville MI 49426. 616.669.0200 x 1412.
                                        To view Hudsonville’s Citizen’s Guide and Performance Dashboard, visit www.hudsonville.org/city-dashboard.
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