City of Kalamazoo - June 24, 2025 Natural Features Protection Review Board

Updated about 5 hours ago

During the NFP Review Board Meeting, members discuss the redevelopment project at a former brownfield site on Belfort Street. The project involves constructing housing for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, with considerations for stormwater management, protected trees, and native landscaping. The board evaluates the environmental impacts and provides guidance on plant species replacements and site plan approvals. The meeting highlights the board's role in ensuring environmentally responsible development while addressing community needs.

Chapters

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

The chairperson calls the meeting to order, marking the official start of the proceedings for the NFP Review Board meeting.
Roll Call (00:00:09)
Board members are accounted for, with some present and some absent.

Roll call is conducted to determine which board members are present. Members Hollander, Ro, Martin, and Bassett are present. Gio is on the way, and Frederickson and Stempel are absent.
Motion to Excuse Absent Members (00:00:36)
A motion is made and passed to excuse absent members from the meeting.

A motion is proposed to excuse the absent board members from the meeting. The motion is seconded and passes without opposition.
Adoption of the Agenda (00:00:58)
The agenda for the meeting is adopted after correcting a printing issue.

The agenda is adopted after noting that an old version was printed by accident but the correct agenda is available online. A motion to adopt the agenda is made, seconded, and passed.
Approval of the Minutes (00:01:43)
Minutes from the previous meeting are approved without amendments.

The board is asked if there are any amendments or comments on the draft minutes from the previous meeting. Hearing none, a motion is made to approve the minutes, which is seconded and passed.
Public Comments (00:02:28)
Opportunity for public comments is provided, but no comments are made.

The floor is opened for public comments, inviting attendees to speak for three minutes each. No attendees step forward to make comments, and no call-in comments are received.
Board Member Comments (00:02:54)
The board is invited to make comments, but no comments are made.

Board members are given the opportunity to make comments or raise issues. However, no board members have comments at this time.
New Business: Staff Report and Recusal (00:03:11)
Discussion on a new business item begins, with a board member recusing.

The board considers a new item of business, and a board member recuses themselves due to being the primary applicant for the project under discussion.
New Business: Project Overview (00:04:03)
Overview of a multi-family housing project on a brownfield site is presented.

Nolan Key provides background on a redevelopment project for a multi-family housing complex on a Kalamazoo Brownfield site. Details about the site's history, zoning, and development plans are shared.
New Business: Applicant Presentation (00:08:08)
The applicant presents details about the proposed housing project.

Matt Hollander from Edison Community Partners details the proposed project, including the site plan, building uses, and environmental considerations. The project involves supportive housing for individuals in recovery.
New Business: Discussion on Trees and Landscaping (00:19:52)
Discussion focuses on tree removal, replacement, and landscaping plans.

The board discusses the removal and replacement of special interest trees, as well as concerns about non-native plant species in the landscaping plan. Suggestions for native alternatives are made.
New Business: Motion to Approve Site Plan (00:25:50)
A motion is made to approve the site plan with conditions.

A motion is introduced to approve the site plan for the new business item with conditions regarding non-native species removal and stormwater plan approval. The motion passes after a roll call vote.
Unfinished Business: NFP Board Work Session (00:26:43)
Discussion on upcoming NFP Board work sessions and related topics.

The board discusses plans for future work sessions, including updates to the NFP guide and resources for native species. The importance of providing guidance to developers on landscaping choices is emphasized.
Discussion on Native Plant Resources (00:35:29)
Discussion focused on the challenges of identifying native plants and the need for a comprehensive guide to assist in landscaping and ordinance compliance.

The board discussed the difficulties individuals face when trying to identify native plants, noting that the available resources can be confusing and sometimes provide misleading information. There was an emphasis on the need to provide positive reinforcement with good information and the creation of a context-sensitive table that lists species and their suitable situations. The discussion also touched on the board's role in creatively applying ordinances to assist developers in maintaining native species while considering practical constraints.
Staff Reports and Updates (00:45:42)
There were no new updates from staff, but a reminder was given about the open board member seat and the need to share this with professional networks.

Staff reported that there are no new updates to share. A reminder was given to continue sharing the open board member seat with professional networks. It was noted that while Director Martin remains, there is still an opening, and potential applicants do not need to have a background in biology or geoscience to join the board.
Communications and Announcements (00:46:36)
No communications or announcements were made by board members, leading to the adjournment of the meeting.

The meeting opened the floor to any communications or announcements from board members, but none were made. This led to the decision to adjourn the meeting.