New Businesses in Coopersville - 3/12/25

I've seen a lot of questions and concerns about new businesses coming to Coopersville—like Ace Hardware, Wendy's, and Dollar General Market—and whether the City “keeps secrets” or has control over who opens up shop. I would like to try to clear up a few things:

1. The City Doesn’t “Pick” Which Businesses Come Here

When a property owner wants to sell or a developer wants to build, they choose who to work with. As long as a business meets our zoning and ordinance requirements, the City can’t simply say “no.” Our job is to enforce rules, review plans, and ensure safety—not handpick companies.

2. Early Talks Are Common—But Often Confidential

Businesses often approach City staff informally before filing an official application. These early discussions help the business understand zoning, infrastructure requirements, and more. During this stage, details are typically kept confidential—sometimes by a legal agreement or NDA. Releasing information prematurely can lead to rumors or even jeopardize the project if negotiations aren’t final. Furthermore, this could put the City—or individuals who have privileged information—in legal trouble for violating confidentiality requirements. 

Example of Potential Harm: Imagine a business is quietly negotiating to buy a piece of land for a new store. If that information is released before they’ve finalized a deal, another developer (or individual) could swoop in, offer more money, and either drive up the price or lock in the property for themselves. Suddenly, the original business can’t afford or access the land, and the entire project falls through—disrupting plans and potentially leaving the community without a new business they might have welcomed. 

3. Transparency Happens When Plans Are Official

Once a business submits a formal proposal, it becomes a public record. Notices go out, and people can attend Planning Commission or Council meetings to learn more and voice their opinions. No one is “keeping secrets”; rather, the City follows the legal process that protects both the community and developers until there’s something concrete to share.

4. Why a Dollar General Market Might Help

Some have asked about the new Dollar General Market. Unlike a standard Dollar General, a “Market” concept can include fresh produce, expanded grocery options, and household items at discount prices. This may offer more shopping choices in Coopersville—especially for those who are dissatisfied with current grocery options or looking for more convenient locations.

5. Our Power is in Our Wallets

Ultimately, you—the residents—decide which businesses succeed by where you choose to spend your money. If a store doesn’t meet local needs, residents can shop elsewhere, sending a clear message about what our community values.

6. What’s Happening With The Reserve of Coopersville

Phases 2 and 3 of The Reserve of Coopersville are in preparation. This requires updated site plans to be presented to the Planning Commission. Like any development, once those plans are officially submitted, they become part of the public process—so stay tuned for public notices and meetings if you want to learn more or share your input.

If you ever have questions about a development project, feel free to reach out to me, the city or attend our public meetings.