Meet Park Township Neighbors Board Member Joe Filcik. Joe is an engineer who works for a tech company based in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in Holland Township, went to High School at West Ottawa, and pursued college at Grand Valley State University and University of Michigan. He and his family have spent several months in Park Township every year for the past several years, visiting his parents and siblings who live in the area.
Why did you choose Park Township for your vacation rental?
I have always loved the lakeshore and the memories I made there with my family growing up. Vacation Rentals were a part of those memories facilitating time with extended family near lake Michigan. Owning a vacation rental is a way for me and my family to put down roots in the area. It also gives us a place to stay for longer periods and a reason to be there as we work on the property. We would love to move to the Holland area full time someday, but this is a step in that direction.
The renovation team for our vacation rental painting the hall. From front to back, my brother John, me, John’s wife Ella, and Heather.
What do you like about the Holland area?
We love the friendly community of Holland. The beautiful downtown, sparkling beaches, and great opportunities for kids like the Outdoor Discovery Center are some of our favorite things. Being in town for Tulip Time last year was a highlight of our summer.
Tell us a bit more about yourself!
I am married to my wonderful wife Heather. We have a four-year-old daughter who loves riding bikes and climbing the dunes at Tunnel Park. In my free time, I enjoy leading outdoor community workouts, working on home improvement projects (I recently learned to wire a new subpanel), and exploring new cities on walking tours.
What is your hope for Park Township Neighbors?
I hope that we can find a fair and reasonable solution that balances the needs of everyone effected by vacation rental in Park Township. I think vacation rentals can be a positive part of the fabric of Park Township, bringing economic benefits, tourism, and diversity to the area. I appreciate the concerns of the residents who want to preserve the quality of life and character of their neighborhoods. I think that with open dialogue and compromise, we can find a win-win outcome for everyone.