City of Kalamazoo - October 28, 2025 Natural Features Protection Review Board Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The NFP Review Board convenes to discuss the Reed Court stormwater restoration project, which seeks to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat in the area. The project, funded by NRDA, includes the construction of bioswales, pedestrian amenities, and a turtle nesting area. Additionally, the board reviews a proposal for a cold storage building on Burdick Street, emphasizing stormwater management and tree preservation. The meeting highlights efforts to balance development with environmental protection.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:41)
The NFP review board meeting is officially called to order.

The chairperson officially called to order the regular meeting of the Natural Features Protection (NFP) review board.
Roll Call (00:00:50)
Roll call was conducted with all members present except those excused.

A roll call was conducted. Members present included Calendar, Fredrickson, Stempel, Martin, and Bassett. A motion was made and passed to excuse absent members.
Adoption of the Agenda (00:01:43)
The agenda was adopted as presented with no amendments.

A motion was made to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was supported and passed unanimously with all members in favor.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:12)
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without amendments.

The minutes from the previous Natural Features Protection review meeting were presented for approval. Hearing no amendments or comments, a motion was made, supported, and passed to approve the minutes.
Public Comments (00:03:05)
There were no public comments received in person or via call-in.

The floor was opened for public comments. No one came forward to speak in person, and no comments were received via call-in. The board waited for any delayed comments due to streaming delay but received none.
Board Member Comments (00:04:23)
No comments were made by board members.

The chair asked if there were any comments from board members. Hearing none, the meeting proceeded to the next agenda item.
New Business: Reed Court/Reed Avenue Stormwater Restoration Project (00:04:39)
Discussion of the Reed Court stormwater project, focusing on wetland restoration and environmental improvements.

A detailed presentation was given on the Reed Court/Reed Avenue Stormwater Restoration Project. The project aims to restore wetlands, improve stormwater management, and provide ecological benefits. Features include bioswales, a turtle nesting area, and educational signage. The project is funded by NRDA funds and aligns with local watershed plans.
Board Discussion on New Business (00:21:00)
Board members discussed aspects of the Reed Court project, including ecological impacts and site safety.

Board members discussed the ecological benefits of the project, such as habitat creation for wildlife. Concerns about site lines, safety, and ongoing maintenance were raised. The importance of community engagement and educational value was also highlighted.
Approval of NFP Site Plan for Reed Court Project (00:26:00)
The NFP site plan for the Reed Court project was approved with conditions.

A motion was made to approve the NFP site plan for the Reed Court/Reed Avenue Stormwater Restoration Project, conditioned upon full site plan review approval. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Cold Storage Building on South Burdick Street (00:27:43)
Presentation on proposed cold storage building, focusing on site conditions and stormwater management.

A presentation was given on a proposed cold storage building on South Burdick Street. The project involves building a new cold storage facility with an asphalt maneuvering area, stormwater management features, and minimal environmental impact. The site plan includes stormwater pre-treatment and detention to manage runoff.
Stormwater Management and Site Plan Approval Discussion (00:35:52)
Discussion on stormwater management and site plan approval, including BMPs, soil erosion control, and landscape plans.

The discussion covered stormwater management requirements, including BMPs and maintenance agreements for site plan approval. Protective measures such as tree fencing, silt fencing, and topsoil stabilization were discussed. Changes in tree species for landscape buffers were proposed, with the inclusion of pin oaks and Atlantic ninebark.
Public Comment Period (00:37:47)
The floor was opened for public comments, but no comments were received from participants.

The meeting was opened for public comments, inviting both in-person and call-in comments. After waiting to accommodate any potential comments, it was determined that there were no public comments to address.
Board Discussion (00:39:35)
Board members discussed tree protection, species choice, and site plans. Suggestions for improvement were made.

Board members engaged in a discussion about the project, focusing on tree protection measures and the selection of plant species. Clarifications were sought regarding tree removals and species choice, with recommendations for planting practices and maintenance considerations. Members also discussed landscape buffer design and maintenance.
Motion and Vote on Site Plan Approval (00:47:03)
A motion was made and passed to approve the site plan, conditioned upon full review committee approval.

A motion was presented to approve the site plan, contingent on final approval by the site plan review committee. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously. The applicant expressed appreciation for the board's assistance and feedback.
Unfinished Business: NFP Board Work Session (00:50:00)
Discussion on the draft NFP guide and upcoming board training. Feedback was encouraged.

The board reviewed the draft Natural Features Protection (NFP) guide, seeking comments and suggestions for improvement. Upcoming joint board training was announced, aiming to enhance understanding of roles and processes among various boards. Members were encouraged to attend and provide feedback on the guide.
Adjournment (00:52:35)
The meeting was adjourned with no further comments or announcements from board members.

After confirming there were no additional communications or announcements from board members, the meeting was officially adjourned.