Connecting Communities - Naturalizing the Kalamazoo River: Battle Creek Unlimited

Updated 13 days ago

Battle Creek Unlimited is an economic development non-profit that has aquired 10 acres along the Kalamazoo River that runs through downtown. For decades, this area has been a highly industrial one, with the banks of the river reflecting that. A cement channel was created in 1962 to prevent flooding. The buildings along the channel have been removed, and now the property sits behind a chain link fence. What is the plan for this area? Kris Martin, Urban Planner with Battle Creek Unlimited, sits down with us to explain the plans for the property - including how the river can be naturalized and contribute to habitat and recreational opportunities along the Kalamazoo River. Complete the survey to provide feedback on the future design of the downtown Battle Creek naturalization project: ⁠www.battlecreekmichigan.gov ⁠ (Will be open through Fall 2025)

Chapters

Introduction to the Program (00:00:01)
The program is produced by Public Media Network in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

This program is produced using the resources of Public Media Network in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Overview of Connecting Communities Podcast (00:00:11)
Introduction to the Connecting Communities podcast, discussing environmental topics.

Thanks for listening to Connecting Communities, a podcast where we talk about the environment.
Special Episode Location and Guest (00:00:22)
This special episode was recorded at Battle Creek Unlimited with urban planner Chris Barton.

The special episode that we shot on site at Battle Creek Unlimited with urban planner Chris Barton.
Chris Barton's Project in Battle Creek (00:00:30)
Chris Barton is leading a project affecting the downtown Battle Creek and Kalamazoo River.

Chris is leading a project impacting the downtown area of Battle Creek and the Kalamazoo River that runs through it.
Introduction of Chris Barton (00:00:50)
Chris Barton introduces himself as an urban planner at Battle Creek Unlimited.

Do you wanna introduce yourself? Sure, yeah. I'm Chris Martin, urban Planner at Battle Creek Unlimited.
Discussion on Graphic Packaging International (00:00:56)
Discussion about the Graphic Packaging International site and its shutdown and demolition.

The project involves the Graphic Packaging International site, which was shut down and torn down, now a multi-year project.
Public-Private Partnership for River Restoration (00:01:24)
The Kalamazoo River Restoration Project is a public-private partnership with grant funds.

The Kalamazoo River Restoration Project is a unique public-private partnership utilizing grant funds from the state of Michigan.
Environmental Cleanup and Brownfield Site (00:02:02)
Detailing the cleanup and remediation of the site, including environmental assessments.

The project involves demolishing, cleaning up, and remediating the site, with environmental assessments due to its brownfield status.
Historical Context and Economic Impact (00:03:11)
The site's history includes a connection to WK Kellogg and the cereal boom, with high wage jobs.

The site has historical significance, once founded by WK Kellogg and tied to the cereal boom, providing high wage jobs.
Shift from Industrial to Mixed-Use Development (00:04:20)
The project aims to transition downtown Battle Creek from industrial to mixed-use vibrancy.

The project is part of a shift from a large industrial space to mixed-use development, bringing vibrancy and housing to downtown.
River Naturalization Plan and Stakeholders (00:06:31)
The plan involves many stakeholders, including the city and US Army Corps of Engineers.

The river naturalization project is multifaceted, involving many stakeholders like the city and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Historical Flooding Issues and Army Corps Involvement (00:07:13)
Chronic flooding in Battle Creek led to Army Corps involvement and river rerouting.

Battle Creek faced chronic flooding, leading to Army Corps intervention, rerouting the river and creating the concrete river channel.
Feasibility and Funding for River Project (00:09:49)
The project received funding and is part of the Water Resource Authorization Act.

The project is included in the Water Resource Authorization Act, with bipartisan support and funding secured.
Long-Term Vision and Infrastructure Challenges (00:11:16)
The goal is to naturalize the river area, improving flood resiliency and community access.

The project aims to naturalize the river area, providing better flood resiliency and turning it into a community asset.
Kmart Site and Mixed-Use Development Plans (00:13:15)
The former Kmart site is planned for mixed-use development as part of the project.

The former Kmart site is planned for mixed-use housing development, with faster moving parts of the project.
Vacant Buildings and Community Needs (00:15:01)
Vacant buildings like the Old Ox are being considered for mixed-use development.

The project considers vacant buildings like the Old Ox for mixed-use development, addressing community needs like food deserts.
Comparisons to Other Naturalization Projects (00:17:15)
Similar projects in Milwaukee and Grand Rapids serve as examples for Battle Creek.

The project draws on examples from Milwaukee and Grand Rapids, where river naturalization brought vibrancy and community benefits.
Economic and Community Development Connection (00:21:15)
BCU's work ties economic development with community development for better quality of life.

Battle Creek Unlimited connects economic development with community development, enhancing quality of life and attracting businesses.
Public Engagement and Survey for River Project (00:28:13)
A public survey is open to gather community input on the river project.

The public survey is open until fall, with outreach events planned to gather community input on the river project.
Introduction to Project Timeline (00:29:07)
The project has no set end date as consultants are gathering data and reviewing environmental assessments.

The speaker outlines the current phase of the project, where consultants are involved in gathering data, reviewing environmental assessments, and conducting various analyses. This phase is crucial for understanding the challenges and possibilities for the project.
Community Input and Feedback (00:29:29)
Community feedback is valued and a survey is available for input on the city's website.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of community input in the planning process and encourages residents to participate in a survey available on the city's website. This survey is designed to gather constructive ideas and feedback from the public.
Project Information and Updates (00:30:08)
BCU will have a project page for updates on the soil and water tests related to the investigation.

Information about the project's progress and results, particularly concerning soil and water tests, will be available on a dedicated project page by BCU. This will allow interested parties to follow the developments closely.
Legacy Pollution and Cleanup Challenges (00:30:33)
Challenges include legacy pollution and previous oil spills, requiring careful mitigation and cleanup.

The project faces significant challenges due to legacy pollution and previous incidents like the Enbridge oil spill. While cleanup efforts have been made, not everything was removed to avoid disrupting the ecosystem. These issues require ongoing attention and mitigation.
Long-term Project Barriers (00:31:51)
Long-term nature of the project poses barriers, with changes in city management and political cycles.

The project faces barriers due to its long-term nature, requiring consistent plans and support across changing city officials and political cycles. The importance of continuity in management and political support is highlighted as crucial for the project's success.
Funding and Strategic Challenges (00:32:49)
Securing funding is a challenge, but significant grants have been obtained, indicating progress.

Funding remains a significant challenge, with limited state and federal resources. However, the project has secured major grants, showing progress and the importance of strategic planning and making a strong case for the project's benefits.
Excitement and Personal Connection (00:35:01)
The speaker shares personal ties to the area and excitement about the project's potential benefits.

The speaker expresses personal excitement about the project, sharing connections to the area and enthusiasm for the environmental and community revitalization it promises. The potential for creating vibrant, sustainable spaces is a significant motivator.
Bipartisan Support and Momentum (00:36:49)
Bipartisan support for the project is strong, with local and federal backing, indicating positive momentum.

The project enjoys strong bipartisan support, with backing at both local and federal levels. This support is crucial for maintaining momentum and securing the necessary resources to bring the project to fruition, demonstrating its wide-reaching benefits.
Conclusion and Future Engagement (00:37:50)
The speaker thanks the audience and expresses eagerness for future updates and engagement with the project.

In closing, the speaker thanks the audience for their interest and expresses a desire to continue the conversation in the future. The importance of ongoing community engagement and the promise of future updates are highlighted as key aspects of the project's development.

Connecting Communities (28 Episodes)

Updated 13 days ago

Connecting communities through conversation - a panel discussion on a broad range of topics affecting the now and future of local politics and society at large.