ZEELAND — In a tense meeting Thursday, Feb. 3, the Zeeland Planning Commission heard numerous concerns from downtown business and property owners about the expansion of an existing dental office into the former Public restaurant.

Public was the first restaurant for owner Lucas Grill, eventually paving the way for Seventy-Six, Obstacle No. 1 and Poquito on Eighth Street in downtown Holland. The eatery closed its doors in December after Moxy Dental and Airway, formerly Smedley Dental — which owns the building at 131 and 133 E. Main Ave. — expressed an interest in expansion.

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Because local zoning ordinance limits office space to the rear 60 percent of buildings, Special Land Use permission is required before expanding into the front 40 percent — which is reserved for restaurant, retail and personal service.

City staff received various emails from downtown business and property owners requesting the planning commission reject the application and maintain the vision for downtown as outlined in the Master Plan.

Scott Dienes of Barnes and Thornburg, who represents business owner Meredith Smedley, argued local zoning ordinance doesn't specify permission is subject to the Master Plan. He said, since the expansion meets all applicable standards, the use is compatible and must be approved.

But City Planning Consultant Paul LeBlanc said that was a misinterpretation of the ordinance, as the first of five standards under Special Land Use states the use must "be harmonious and appropriate with the existing or intended character" — allowing the Master Plan to be referenced.

Smedley said her business has been located downtown for 11 years and brings in 60 to 80 people daily that often go on to visit other downtown businesses. She added having a restaurant in her building "didn't work."

Laura Gentry of Tripelroot Brewery at 146 E. Main Ave. warned her establishment is the only remaining liquor license holder in downtown Zeeland after the closures of Elbow Room and Public. She said more restaurants and retail businesses are needed.

Zeeland recently amended its alcohol ordinance, removing the cap on the number of businesses that can serve or sell alcohol in the city. The change allows more liquor licenses to be sold and transferred into the city from elsewhere within Ottawa County and will allow establishments to seek special redevelopment and development liquor licenses.

The change is part of a movement in Zeeland to draw more shoppers and diners downtown, which has a limited number of street-facing storefronts. According to the city's updated Master Plan and Downtown Vision Plan, updated and approved in 2020, that means a stronger focus on restaurants and retailers.

"In a small downtown, like Zeeland’s, the loss of a single retail/restaurant/personal service space can have a large impact," wrote City Marketing Director Abigail deRoo in an official memo from the Shopping Area Redevelopment Board. "Especially when that loss is in such a prominent location like 131/133 E. Main.

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"This building — standing in the very center of downtown, near the mid‐block crosswalk, adjacent to the eventual mid‐block passageway project, positioned in the middle of downtown events and equidistance to both ends of Zeeland’s walkable downtown — is a critical influencer on the downtown at‐large."

Smedley said she's "paid her dues" by dealing with "oddities" such as being located in back of a building and having to give driving directions to her patients. She added she didn't want Public to leave, but rather, ownership chose to do so. She said she's invested in her building and paid taxes and now feels unwelcome.

Commissioner Kevin Klynstra told Smedley he appreciates the work she's done and would like to find a way to keep her office downtown — but added he stands behind the standards of the Master Plan and Downtown Vision Plan.

Klynstra then moved to draft a resolution of denial. All present commissioners approved the motion. Commissioner Rebecca Perkins, who was unable to attend due to illness, also sent an email detailing her concerns and lack of support for the project.

— Contact reporter Cassandra Lybrink at cassandra.lybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Instagram @BizHolland.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland will likely deny office expansion into former Public restaurant