Moving On: A New Location

Moving On

With the acquisition of the property around 5th and Fairbanks, Holland BPW found an ideal location for the community’s future power plant. Close proximity to downtown means the new facility can supply and expand Holland’s snowmelt system, and the site has the optimum blend of access to existing water lines, natural gas pipelines, transmission interconnection and roads. However, building the new plant there meant that the existing residents and businesses in the area would need to relocate.

When Angel Rios, the owner of A&J Automotive repair shop, heard about the site selection last July he was surprised and a little troubled, but he also recognized it as an opportunity.

At first, I was kind of upset, but then, when I got to thinking about it...

“At first, I was kind of upset,” Rios said. “But then, when I got to thinking about it, I realized our space had been getting pretty tight and a bigger location might do us good.”

Working through HBPW’s relocation process, Rios received an offer of just compensation exceeding market value for his auto shop. With the money from the sale, he was able to close on a new location on Van Ommen Drive along US-31.

The New Location

“Our new location is at least four or five times the size of the old space,” Rios said. “It’s just a better location. We have higher visibility and more customers. I’ve already had to hire two more mechanics.”

With a manageable timeline for relocation from HBPW, Rios made the transition to the new location last November over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and only had to close up shop for one day. He’s excited to see the transition of the surrounding neighborhood into the proposed Energy Park, and thinks it will fit well with the Hope College facilities across the street.

Holland BPW worked to purchase one factory, 13 commercial businesses and 28 residents from the future power plant’s site. Closing ranged from 105% of fair market value for businesses to 140% of fair market value for residences. Occupants were also provided with relocation expense options.