February 21, 2025 - Recent Media Inquiries About the Brownfield TIF Vote

Recently, I was contacted by reporters from both Ottawa Area News and Crain's Grand Rapids Business regarding the City Council's decision to rescind the Brownfield TIF approval. To help clarify my position, I put together a statement explaining why I voted to rescind, focusing on the valuable input I received from Coopersville residents throughout the process.

Below is the letter I shared with them, outlining the key reasons behind my decision:

Thank you for reaching out regarding the Coopersville City Council’s recent decision to rescind support for the Brownfield TIF for the proposed Meridian 43 housing development. While I appreciate the opportunity to speak directly, I thought it would be helpful to provide a written statement outlining the context behind my vote and the factors that influenced my decision.

On February 10, 2025, the Coopersville City Council voted to rescind its prior approval of the Brownfield TIF for the Meridian 43 housing development. This was not an easy decision, and I want to clarify that I was initially in support of the project. My vote to rescind was the result of an evolving understanding of the community’s concerns and priorities as the process unfolded.

Why I Initially Supported the Project:

I have been following housing trends in Coopersville and the broader Ottawa County area for some time and had received feedback from residents who expressed concern about the high cost of housing in our city. Many residents told me they had family or friends who would like to move to Coopersville but simply couldn’t afford a home.

While the Meridian 43 project was not building affordable single-family homes, I believed it could still have a positive impact on housing affordability. Research suggests that increasing the overall housing supply, including apartments, can help ease pressure on the housing market, potentially reducing competition and stabilizing home prices. By diversifying housing options, I saw this as a way to help meet demand and indirectly make homeownership more attainable for more people.

The Turning Point – Introduction of the TIF and Growing Opposition:

Initially, the developer was not seeking public assistance and had planned for all units to be market-rate apartments. In fact, when the project was first discussed back in September 2023, the focus was solely on providing more housing without public subsidies.

However, by July 2024, after the developer had already received site approval, they introduced the idea of using Brownfield TIF financing to help fund the project. This marked a significant turning point.

Once the TIF was introduced and approved, I noticed a sharp increase in public opposition. Many residents began expressing concerns—not just about the TIF itself—but about the scale and impact of the project on Coopersville’s small-town feel. In hindsight, I believe a lack of proactive communication played a major role. Had there been more transparent conversations earlier in the process, much of the confusion and frustration could have been avoided.

Understanding Community Sentiment – Launching a Survey and Website:

As I started receiving more feedback, I realized there was a lot of misinformation circulating about how the TIF worked and what it would mean for the community. To help clarify the situation and better understand public sentiment, I launched a website and citizen poll to gather feedback directly from residents.

I spent considerable time addressing questions and correcting misconceptions, particularly around the TIF, explaining that:

  • The TIF would not raise taxes on existing residents.
  • The developer would still pay property taxes, but a portion of that revenue would be redirected to cover eligible development costs.
  • The city had also negotiated a Municipal Services Agreement to ensure funding for police, fire, and emergency services during the TIF period.

Despite these clarifications, the underlying opposition wasn’t just about the financing—it became clear that the community had deeper concerns about what this project represented.

Many residents in Coopersville value the town as a peaceful retreat from the busier, high-traffic areas where they work. For many, Coopersville isn’t just where they live—it’s where they come to slow down, enjoy a quieter pace of life, and connect with a close-knit community. The desire to preserve this small-town feel is at the heart of many concerns about large-scale developments that could alter that balance.

Why I Ultimately Voted to Rescind:

Through the community survey, direct outreach, and ongoing discussions, I realized that the core concern for most residents was about maintaining Coopersville’s small-town character. The idea of adding over 200 rental units in a single development sparked fears that the project would:

  • Increase traffic and congestion, impacting the community’s slower-paced lifestyle.
  • Shift the balance between owner-occupied homes and rentals, potentially affecting the sense of neighborhood stability.
  • Create a denser housing area that felt out of place in a town known for its open spaces, single-family homes, and close-knit community feel.

In the end, I realized that this wasn’t simply a debate over affordable housing or tax incentives—it was about how the community envisioned its future. And as a council member, I felt it was my responsibility to listen to that collective voice, even if it meant changing my initial position.

Additionally, throughout all the online comments, messages, and calls I received, not a single resident or business owner expressed support for this project. The unanimity of opposition made it clear that the community felt strongly that this development was not the right fit for Coopersville.

Looking Forward – Exploring Alternative Housing Options:

This process highlighted the need to reassess Coopersville’s approach to housing development. I, and other council members are now actively exploring alternative housing options, including small-footprint housing, which could provide more affordable ownership opportunities while preserving the town’s character.

We will also be conducting a full review of the City’s Master Plan to ensure future developments align more closely with the community’s evolving needs and values. I’m committed to supporting smart, thoughtful growth that provides housing opportunities without compromising Coopersville’s small-town charm.

Final Thoughts:

This was a complex and challenging issue, but I am grateful for the community’s engagement throughout the process. While I still believe there is a need for more housing in Coopersville and Ottawa County, it’s essential that growth happens in a way that reflects the values and vision of the people who live here.

I appreciate you reaching out and would be happy to provide further clarification if needed.

Best regards,

Peter Weise

Council Member, City of Coopersville