City of Kalamazoo - June 23, 2026 Natural Features Protection Review Board Meeting

Updated about 20 hours ago

During the NFP Review Board meeting held on Tuesday, the board reviewed variance requests concerning the development of residential duplexes on West Cork Street. The discussions centered around protected slopes, slope setbacks, and woodland preservation requirements. The board also evaluated a proposal from the City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Department for improvements at Milham Park, which included parking lot upgrades and accessibility enhancements. The board emphasized the importance of natural feature protection, including tree preservation and stormwater management. Recommendations were made to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and conditions were set for the approval of these projects.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:50)
The chair called the regular meeting of the NFP Review Board to order.

The regular meeting of the Natural Features Protection (NFP) Review Board for Tuesday was called to order by the chair.
Roll Call (00:01:57)
Roll call was conducted with all board members present.

Nolan conducted the roll call. Members present included Lander, Ro, Meia Temple, Mancha, and Bassett. All members were present.
Excusal of Absent Members (00:02:21)
Motion to excuse absent members was moved and supported, with all in favor.

A motion was made to excuse any absent board members. The motion was supported, and all members present voted in favor, with none opposed.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:38)
The agenda was approved as presented with a motion and unanimous vote.

A motion was made to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was supported, and all members voted in favor of approving the agenda, with no opposition.
Approval of Minutes (00:03:06)
Minutes from the previous NFP meeting were approved without amendments.

The minutes from the previous Natural Features Protection meeting were presented for approval. No amendments or comments were made, and a motion to approve the minutes was moved, supported, and unanimously passed.
Public Comments (00:03:47)
General public comments were invited with no responses received.

The floor was opened for general public comments. Attendees were invited to state their name and address the board for three minutes. No public comments were made, and no call-ins were received.
New Business Introduction (00:04:43)
New business was introduced with an invitation for public comment on agenda items.

The meeting moved on to new business. An opportunity was provided for public comment specific to the agenda items, with a brief pause to allow for any call-ins. No additional comments were received.
Discussion of Parcel Development on West Cork Street (00:05:37)
Nolan provided background on parcel development in the NFP overlay district.

Nolan provided details about the development of parcels on West Cork Street, within the Natural Features Protection overlay district. The discussion included the site's topography, woodland complex, and the applicant's request for a variance from slope and slope setback standards to allow for duplex construction.
Applicant Presentation (00:33:00)
The applicant presented their case for duplex development and variance request.

Jeremy Cole, owner of Statewide Rentals LLC, presented their proposal for developing three residential duplexes on West Cork Street. The presentation detailed the request for relief from slope and slope setback standards and outlined efforts to minimize environmental impact.
Board Questions and Clarifications (00:33:06)
Board members asked questions regarding driveway design and tree protection.

Board members inquired about the design of the shared driveway, tree protection measures, and the preservation of natural features. Discussions included alternative designs, erosion control plans, and compliance with city codes.
Motion to Recommend Variance Approval (00:36:44)
Motion made to recommend variance approval with conditions to the ZBA.

A motion was made by a board member to recommend approval of the variance request to the Zoning Board of Appeals, with conditions including site plan review completion and tree protection measures.
Roll Call and Voting (00:36:46)
The roll call is conducted with members Hollander, Row, Stempel, Moncho, and Bassett all present and voting yes.

During the roll call, each member present was asked to vote, and all responded affirmatively, indicating their presence and agreement with the current proceedings.
Public Comment Opportunity (00:37:10)
Public comment was invited, but no members of the public stepped forward to speak or called in with comments.

The meeting opened the floor to public comments, allowing time for attendees to step forward or for call-ins. However, no one chose to participate or provide comments during this period.
Driveway Location Concerns (00:37:52)
Concerns were raised about the location of a driveway, specifically its impact on Ash Street and Cork Street.

A participant expressed difficulty in understanding the driveway's placement, with potential concerns about its proximity to their property on Ash Street. Clarification was sought on whether there would be a buffer or if it would encroach on personal space.
Protected Slope Setback and Site Conditions (00:39:00)
Discussion on relief from slope and setback standards and associated conditions for site work.

Nolan explained the need for relief from slope standards to accommodate construction, with conditions for site plans and tree protection during work. The applicant was invited to address any questions.
Applicant's Explanation and Public Dialogue (00:39:39)
The applicant provided details about the driveway code compliance and site conditions, responding to public concerns.

The applicant clarified the driveway's compliance with the code and its location relative to property lines, ensuring that it meets buffer requirements. The discussion also touched on site conditions for construction.
Motion for Relief from Slope Standards (00:45:42)
A motion was made and passed to recommend relief from slope standards to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The Board discussed and voted on a motion to recommend that the Zoning Board of Appeals grant relief from protected slope and setback standards, with conditions for site plan approval and tree protection.
Introduction of New Action Items and Public Comment (00:49:04)
The Board introduced the next action item and invited public comments, with no additional comments received.

As the meeting progressed to the next agenda item, the floor was opened once again for public comment. Despite the opportunity, there were no call-ins or public statements made during this segment.
Millon Park Improvement Project Presentation (00:52:50)
Presentation of the Milham Park improvement project, detailing proposed accessibility and infrastructure enhancements.

Rachel Hughes Nielsen presented the planned improvements for Milham Park, focusing on enhancing accessibility, replacing old parking lots, and constructing new pathways and overlooks. The project aims to improve public access while preserving natural features.
Tree Removal and Replacement Discussion (01:10:05)
Discussion on tree removal and replacement due to construction, focusing on minimizing environmental impact and maintaining park access.

The committee discussed the planned tree removal and replacement as part of the construction project. The focus was on choosing a location that was naturally cleared to minimize tree loss and enhance park access. The area along Kilgore Road was noted for its struggling trees, and it was agreed that those would be replaced. The asphalt in the parking lot was identified as needing replacement due to safety concerns, and the importance of balancing park maintenance with environmental concerns was emphasized.
Landscaping and Zoning Ordinance Compliance (01:14:16)
Plans for landscaping in compliance with zoning ordinances, including tree planting and maintaining open spaces.

The discussion moved to landscaping plans, focusing on compliance with zoning ordinances that require tree planting for every acre of property. The site is already wooded, so the plan is to use the construction-impacted area for new plantings. Four new trees will be planted to meet requirements, and the area will be landscaped to maintain open spaces for recreation. The importance of adhering to the zoning requirements and ensuring the new landscape integrates well with the existing park features was highlighted.
Site Plan and Tree Replacement Strategy (01:17:22)
Review of site plans and strategies for tree removal and replacement, focusing on stormwater management and aesthetics.

The committee reviewed the site plans, which include a strategy for tree replacement that balances aesthetics and functional requirements such as stormwater management. It was confirmed that some trees would be removed to accommodate new infrastructure like stormwater treatment systems. The importance of replacing removed trees with hardy varieties suited to the environment was discussed, and the need for careful planning to ensure the longevity and health of the new trees was emphasized.
Arborist Involvement and Tree Planting Practices (01:20:04)
Discussion on arborist roles and best practices for tree planting to ensure long-term health and compliance.

The role of arborists in supervising the tree removal and planting process was discussed, highlighting the necessity for certified arborists to ensure proper practices. The conversation included the challenges of finding qualified arborists locally and the potential of using out-of-region professionals. Emphasis was placed on the importance of correct tree planting techniques and the need for proper aftercare, such as watering and protection measures, to ensure the trees’ survival and compliance with environmental standards.
Woodland Management Plan and Construction Impact Mitigation (01:23:07)
Exploration of woodland management strategies to mitigate construction impacts and protect existing trees.

The discussion covered the woodland management plan, focusing on strategies to mitigate the impact of construction on existing trees and the overall environment. The plan includes tight work limits to prevent unnecessary damage and requires having a certified arborist on site to monitor compliance. The importance of maintaining a balance between development and environmental preservation was stressed, with a focus on protecting valuable tree species and ensuring construction activities are conducted responsibly.
Approval, Motion, and Vote on Project Conditions (01:29:07)
The board approved the project with specific conditions to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.

A motion was made and approved to proceed with the project under specific conditions, including the requirement for full site plan review approval, maintaining tree protection fencing, implementing conservation measures, and obtaining approval from the city stormwater engineer. The conditions aim to ensure compliance with environmental standards and protect the park's natural features during the construction process.
Closing Remarks and Adjournment (01:30:05)
Final comments were made regarding the project workload, and the meeting was adjourned without additional reports or updates.

The meeting concluded with remarks about the heavy workload due to the detailed case and the importance of having a comprehensive woodland management plan. There were no additional reports or updates, and the meeting was officially adjourned after confirming there were no further communications or announcements from staff or board members.