In a short meeting Monday the Hastings City Council approved a tax exemption ordinance and passed a resolution of community support for a proposed housing project on the old Royal Coach factory site located along the north bank of the Thornapple River on Mill Street.
The council had the first reading of a separate ordinance to re-zone the property to create the Royal Coach Apartments - Planned Unit Development (PUD) as recommended by the Planning Commission on September 3rd.
The PUD calls for 45 single-bedroom apartments and 9 two-bedroom units to be built inside the existing Royal Coach structure. Additionally, 19 three-bedroom units would be constructed in new Townhouse buildings.
The proposed development by Wisconsin based General Capital Group will be known as Royal Coach Landings and will offer affordable and middle income housing on 8.2 acres formerly owned by Hastings Manufacturing Company across the river from Thornapple Plaza.
In other business the council:
Approved resolutions to adopt and implement a local Pavement Warranty Program to comply with state requirements.
Approved a request from Brian Shumway of American Legion Post 45 to use the Veteran’s Plaza at Tyden Park on Monday, September 30th, to hold a memorial event for Ernest Cassius Belson, a Barry County resident who died of malaria while serving in World War II, but was never recognized for his contribution to the war effort.
Approved the tying of teal colored ribbons around city trees during September to promote awareness of ovarian cancer.
Approved the Hastings High School Homecoming parade in downtown Hastings at 5:30pm on Friday, October 18.
