City of Kalamazoo - March 24, 2026 Natural Features Protection Review Board Meeting

Updated about 10 hours ago

The Board reviews the Youth Sports Complex project considering compliance with NFP standards, particularly focusing on the first phase involving woodland clearing. The project is examined for its impact on protected slopes and woodland standards, with conditions set for approval, including the creation of a bond and ensuring tree protection measures. Additionally, the board considers the nomination of a new member, Sarah Mancho, who brings architectural expertise to the team. The meeting also covers updates to the NFP guide, emphasizing user-friendly resources for developers and residents. This meeting is crucial for those interested in local development projects and environmental protection efforts.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:22)
The regular meeting of the NFP Review Board was officially called to order.

The Chair called the meeting to order, indicating the start of the regular session of the Natural Features Protection (NFP) Review Board.
Roll Call (00:00:32)
Roll call was conducted to confirm the presence of board members.

Board members Hollander, Fredrickson, Ro, Peria Temple, Martin, and Pass were marked present during the roll call.
Excuse Absent Members (00:00:51)
A motion was passed to excuse absent members from the meeting.

A motion was made and supported to excuse any absent members from the meeting. The motion was carried by voice vote.
Adoption of the Agenda (00:01:02)
The meeting agenda was adopted as presented.

A motion was made to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was supported and passed by voice vote with no opposition.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:26)
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without amendments.

The minutes from the previous meeting of the NFP Review Board were considered. No amendments were proposed, and a motion to approve the minutes was made, supported, and passed by voice vote.
Public Comments (00:02:08)
The floor was opened for general public comments, but none were made.

The Chair invited members of the public to step forward and address the board, allowing three minutes per speaker. No comments were made in person or via call-in.
Board Member Comments (00:02:51)
Board members were invited to make comments, but none were offered.

The Chair opened the floor to board members for comments or remarks. No comments were made.
New Business: Youth Sports Complex Project (00:02:59)
Discussion on Phase One of the Youth Sports Complex project focusing on woodland clearing.

The board discussed Phase One of the Youth Sports Complex project. The focus was on woodland clearing, compliance with NFP standards, and the need for variances. A detailed presentation was given on the project's environmental impact, and conditions for approval were outlined. The session included a Q&A with project representatives, addressing issues like tree removal timing, stormwater management, and potential future site developments.
Discussion on Parking Lot and Roadway Design (00:32:12)
The board discusses the design of a parking lot, roadway width, and future connections, ensuring compliance with road commission standards.

The discussion involved the design aspects of a parking lot and the associated roadway. It was mentioned that the parking lot has been reduced to the smallest feasible size from a market perspective and that overflow parking is allowed on the roadway with permission from the road commission. The northern entrance may potentially connect to Oshtemo in the future, and confirmation was received from the road commission that the current design width meets their standards, eliminating the need for future widening.
Additional Questions from Board Members (00:33:31)
Board members ask additional questions regarding site design, including retaining walls and grading transitions, with responses indicating future details in phase two.

Board members posed questions about the eastern edge of the site, specifically regarding the potential construction of a retaining wall due to steep contour lines. The discussion included how the parking lot would transition to the adjacent woodlot. It was clarified that the parking lot grading would be split, with the bottom half grading up to the existing slope and the north half grading down. Further details were indicated to be part of the phase two application.
Phase One Site Plan Approval Motion (00:37:11)
A motion is made to approve the phase one site plan for the Westgate Sports Complex project with specific conditions.

A motion was put forward for the Natural Features Protection Board to approve the phase one site plan for the Westgate Sports Complex project, subject to conditions that include no work beginning until full site plan review approval is obtained, submission of required permits from state or federal agencies, tree protection measures, and creation of a project bond. The motion was supported and followed by a roll call vote.
New Business: NFP Board Member Application Recommendation (00:39:10)
Discussion of a new applicant for the NFP Board, highlighting qualifications and the nomination subcommittee's positive recommendations.

The board discussed the recommendation for a new member application to the Natural Features Protection (NFP) Board. An opportunity was provided for public comment, but none were received. The applicant, possessing an architectural background and interest in sustainability, was positively reviewed by the nominating subcommittee. Board members expressed their support, citing the applicant's expertise and potential contributions to the board's work.
Motion to Recommend Appointment of New NFP Board Member (00:45:00)
The board approves a motion recommending the appointment of Sarah Mancho to the NFP Board for a full term of three years.

A motion was made to recommend the appointment of Sarah Mancho to the Natural Features Protection Board for a full term of three years. The motion was seconded and followed by a roll call vote, resulting in unanimous support. The process involves moving this recommendation to a city commission agenda for final approval. The current board member, Director Martin, was acknowledged for his seven years of service.
Staff Reports and Updates: NFP Workstation Session (00:47:11)
Updates on the NFP guide and development process, with discussions on improvements for applicant guidance and document structure.

Staff provided updates on the Natural Features Protection (NFP) guide, highlighting areas of improvement such as linking resources, clarifying development processes, and enhancing applicant guidance. Discussions emphasized the need for clear presentation of the entitlements process, recognizing the complexity of development beyond regulatory steps. Suggestions included renaming sections to better reflect the process and providing sample budgets to manage expectations regarding consulting costs. The guide aims to assist applicants in navigating the NFP requirements efficiently.