If everything goes as planned, the West Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters will have a new training center up and running at 700 Reno Drive by August 2018.
The Wayland City Planning Commission Tuesday night voted 5-0 to approve the submitted site plan with some revisions for a training school for carpenters and millwrights.
Kevin Klingler, representing the non-profit company, told commissioners the center will employ 20 people and will welcome as many as 220 young people as apprentices in a year-round program.
“This isn’t just about a job, it’s about a career,” Klingler said. “This is a facility young people will want to come to… Almost 100% of our trainees are employed.
“We think this is going to have a positive economic on your community.”
City Manager Tim McLean said the 19½-acre site is zoned B-3, which is compatible and there has been no request for rezoning.
Tracy Ezell, architect from Byce Engineers/Architects, brought out sketches of the development. He acknowledged the site plan for the property, located just south of General RV, is deliberately located near the U.S.-131 expressway so as to be visible to a lot of traffic between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
He said the two functions at the site will be for a five- classroom training center and a union hall with offices.
Ezell, when asked by McLean how much the project is expected to cost, estimated the tab will run between $10 million and $12 million.
Planning Commission Chairman J.D. Gonzales remarked, “I can say in speaking on behalf of the Planning Commission that we are absolutely thrilled with your development. We are pleased you chose the City of Wayland as your location.”
Ben Frigmanski, who operates a business on Reno Drive, told Klingler, “This is a very tasteful development for the City of Wayland.”
PHOTOS: Kevin Klinger, representing West Michigan Regional Carpenters, talks about the purpose of the planned new business on Reno Drive.
Architect Tracy Ezell outlines the site plan for the training center with drawings and sketches.
This is great news and a great initiative.