Current NFP Language changes
August 2023 The latest proposed changes are as follows:
These are the latest revisions to the Zoning ordinace pertinent to the zoning request and the Natural Features Protection Overlay: 50-3.2 Natural Features Protection Overlay Standards
p.92 A. Intent. The intent of the NFP Overlay District is as follows:
(1) to protect Natural Features in the City of Kalamazoo, specifically Wetlands, Water Resources, Trees,Woodlands, Floodplains, Slopes, Natural Heritage Areas, and Habitat Corridors(2) To guide site development, balancing growth and redevelopment with the protection of our existing natural features. (3) To create site designs that are responsive to the existing natural features and minimize impacts to the extentpossible.
Zoning Updates propose language change regarding NFP intent
(May 2023) The recent zoning update proposals contain language that change the intent of the formation of the Natural Features Protection Ordinance. The original text is in black and the proposed changes are in red. ALPA opposes these changes. The complete plan can be viewed here:http://www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/zoningupdates/
Corner of Stadium and Drake prompts ALPA to take new Position
(September 2021) Although the NFP ordinance has put restrictions on the corner property, the new owner still desires to develop it commercially, including a car wash. The property remains zoned as residential at this time. ALPA continues to work to preserve the ecological and natural integrity of the adjacent Asylum Lake Preserve and has passed a new position statement regarding this issue: The Board of the Asylum Lake Preservation Association advocates that the former Vermeulen property be included as part of the Asylum Lake Preserve and provided with the same oversight and protections afforded the Preserve.
ALPA encourages the community to stay aware of any changes in the situation and be prepared to support our efforts in preserving this community treasure.
City Commission Passes NFP Amendments
(August 16, 2021) The Kalamazoo City Commission approved to expand the parcels of land to be protected under the Natural Features Protection Ordinance to neaerly 1500. After numerous public hearings and adjustments this new map will protect many new areas and increase the protected areas around Asylum Lake. The NFP overlay district does not stop development, redevelopment or improvements to existing buildings. It requires things such as new buildings and parking lots to be set back from lakes and rivers. It allows, but puts limits on, land clearing and also prohibits planting problematic invasive plants and protects steep slopes to prevent erosion.
city commission to consider NFP amendments
(August 2021) ALPA strongly supports the amendments to the NFP map and encourages all members and supporters to comment however they are able.
The Kalamazoo City Commission will hold its regular business meeting on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. (or just after). A public hearing will be held during the meeting to consider amendments to the NFP Overlay District map and ordinance text. The Commission will be taking public comment on the amendment. The agenda and supporting documents for this meeting will be available at https://kalamazoomi.civicclerk.com/web/home.aspx. Details on how to participate were removed after relevant date.
The Asylum Lake Preserve and Kalamazoo’s Natural Features Areas need your help before or on July 1
(June 22, 2021) As you can read in the previous postings:
the Natural Features Protection Ordinance has been a developed with a professional and thorough study of all parcels by the planning staff.
The community strongly supported Phase 1 and have been pleased with its implementation.
The Natural Features Protection Board and Planning Commission staff work with individuals and developers to help them work out a plan to respect the natural features and excellent results have been noted so far.
This is an one time opportunity for Kalamazoo to retain it’s green space, which does not meet state guidelines, and put our City’s future on the right path.
Here are 3 ways you can make your voice heard, especially using the points above, and Asylum Lake needs you to speak up. (Details and dates have been removed)
WEBSITE FOR ALL THINGS NFP2
NFP PHase 2 reboot by Planning COmmission
(April 2021) As we reported earlier the City Planning Commission has decided to relaunch the NFP Phase 2 and reintroduce the map, amend some of the text, and extend the notice period in order to enable more community dialog. The map has been expanded to include water bodies, steep tree covered slopes, preserves and green spaces, and connected corridors. The rules will apply with development projects and the proposed affected parcels have increased from 300 to more than 1,000. ALPA encourages anyone concerned with preservation of green space to participate in this public engagement process. (Details were provided and then removed after relevant date)
NFP Phase 2 Update
Update (January 2021) Decisions on the proposed additions and expansions to the Natural Features Protections areas had been postponed by the NFP Review Board. The Commission found that there was not enough time in the original schedule to notify the property owners adjacent to the new NFP-designated sites. The Planning Commission requested further information, clarification and community engagement. The next NFP Board meeting is planned for February 23, 2021 where City staff will be reviewing the map and any recommended text amendments with the board. Plans are to bring the proposed NFP expansion back to the Planning Commission in late spring.
NFP Phase 2 nearing Approval - Let your voice be heard
(October 2020) Review of Phase 2 of the Natural Features Protection plan is being undertaken by the Natural Features Protection Review Board. More meetings are scheduled and your input is needed. Please review nd join the meeting or communicate your concerns. ALPA has been monitoring this effort and attending meetings when possible, and is pleased with the recent additions.
The NFP: Phase 2 overlay map is nearing completion, but you still have time to make your voice heard on this important environmental ordinance! See the following information to learn how:
NFP Phase 2, Special Meeting of the NFP Review Board
Tuesday October 13; 4:00pm (Details and times have been removed)
City to consider NFP map updates
ALPA strongly supports the amendments to the NFP map and ecourages all members and supporters to comment however they are able.
The Kalamazoo City Commission will hold its regular business meeting on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. (or just after). A public hearing will be held during the meeting to consider amendments to the NFP Overlay District map and ordinance text. The Commission will be taking public comment on the amendment. The agenda and supporting documents for this meeting will be available at https://kalamazoomi.civicclerk.com/web/home.aspx.
How to participate and comment:Persons who wish to contact members of the City Commission prior to the meeting to provide input about items on the meeting agenda may do so via email to CityCommission@kalamazoocity.org. (Letters submitted to the Planning Commission have been forwarded to Commissioners in the agenda packet).
Persons who wish to address the City Commission during the meeting to provide input about items on the meeting agenda or to make general comments may do so on August 16th between 7:00 p.m. and the end of the public comment period by calling 269.226.6573 and leaving a recording.
Note: This meeting will be conducted electronically in order for members, staff, and the public to comply with the Emergency Order under MCL 333.2253 – Gatherings and Face Mask Order issued by Elizabeth Hertel, Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, on May 24, 2021, effective June 1, 2021.
Accessing the Meeting:The meeting will be streamed live on the City’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/KalamazooCity/) and YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIgXSSXLSDxThVaaiRMsR5Q).
Members of the public without a computer or internet access can listen to the meeting by calling 269.552.6425 and entering Meeting ID 918 6166 7153 when prompted.
help Needed on Natural Features Protections
(June 22, 2021) As you can read in the previous postings:
The Natural Features Protection Ordinance has been a developed with a professional and thorough study of all parcels by the planning staff.
The community strongly supported Phase 1 and have been pleased with its implementation.
The Natural Features Protection Board and Planning Commission staff work with individuals and developers to help them work out a plan to respect the natural features and excellent results have been noted so far.
This is an one time opportunity for Kalamazoo to retain it’s green space, which does not meet state guidelines, and put our City’s future on the right path.
Here are 3 ways you can make your voice heard, especially using the points above, and Asylum Lake needs you to speak up.
1. Email Jamie McCarthy at the Planning Dept. mccarthyja@kalamazoocity.org
2. Copy your above email to Pete Eldridge EldridgeP@kalamazoocity.org
3. Attend the virtual Planning Commission Meeting and Public Hearing and call in your comment.
DATE: Thursday, July 1
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Record public comments to be played during the meeting by calling (269) 226-6573. The call-in line will open at 6:30 p.m. on 7/1 and will be open until the end of the public hearing. There will be specific prompts to record your message for different agenda items. Letters can be submitted to Jamie McCarthy at 245 N. Rose Street, Ste 100, Kalamazoo, 49007 or by email (mccarthyja@kalamazoocity.org). Written comments will be shared with commissioners but not read aloud during the meeting.
PARTICIPATE: The public can watch this virtual meeting on the City’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/KalamazooCity/) and YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIgXSSXLSDxThVaaiRMsR5Q). The full notice and instructions will be posted to https://www.kalamazoocity.org/notices prior to July 1st.
PURPOSE: Recommend approval to the City Commission.
Attending (virtually ) this meeting is very important, and making a short comment will help support the passage of the ordinance,
If the Planning Commission recommends approval to the City Commission, the item will be placed on two subsequent City Commission meetings for consideration.
WEBSITE FOR ALL THINGS NFP2
This website link will give everyone the background on the NFP2, including future meeting dates (those will be updated Monday), view the map, download the text amendments, and search the list of parcels in tabular format, not map). You can zoom in/out of the map using the buttons on the upper right. You can search addresses in the upper left. The green parcels are currently in the NFP overlay district. The pink parcels are proposed to be added (light and dark pink are the same designation). You can view information about each parcel and the natural features by clicking on individual properties on the map.
Updates regarding the Natural Features Overlay
NFP PHase 2 reboot by Planning COmmission - April 2021
(April 2021) As we reported earlier the City Planning Commission has decided to relaunch the NFP Phase 2 and reintroduce the map, amend some of the text, and extend the notice period in order to enable more community dialog. The map has been expanded to include water bodies, steep tree covered slopes, preserves and green spaces, and connected corridors. The rules will apply with development projects and the proposed affected parcels have increased from 300 to more than 1,000. ALPA encourages anyone concerned with preservation of green space to participate in this public engagement process.
The revised schedule for public engagement is as follows:
April 20-Public input & map approval Early May -Notice letters Mid-May -Virtual townhall and office hours
May 18 -Public input @NFP meeting June 3 Present to planning commission Jun-July -Present to City Commission Phase 3 will follow and focus on:
Public Education & Guidance for Development, Heritage Trees and Partnerships & Community Engagement
Dates and times will be posted on our calendar. Letters of support or comment can be emailed to mccarthyja@kalamazoocity.org or staff in the Planning Department. These will be included in th packets distributed to the Commission members, but Jamie McCarthy encourages people to call in and record a message, including just reading your letter. The call-in lines open a half hour before meetings and stay open until the comment period (4 minutes per person) is closed.
NFP Phase 2 Update - January 2021
Update (January 2021) Decisions on the proposed additions and expansions to the Natural Features Protections areas had been postponed by the NFP Review Board. The Commission found that there was not enough time in the original schedule to notify the property owners adjacent to the new NFP-designated sites. The Planning Commission requested further information, clarification and community engagement. The next NFP Board meeting is planned for February 23, 2021 where City staff will be reviewing the map and any recommended text amendments with the board. Plans are to bring the proposed NFP expansion back to the Planning Commission in late spring.
NFP Phase 2 nearing Approval - Let your voice be heard
Review of Phase 2 of the Natural Features Protection plan is being undertaken by the Natural Features Protection Review Board. More meetings are scheduled and your input is needed. Please review nd join the meeting or communicate your concerns. ALPA has been monitoring this effort and attending meetings when possible, and is pleased with the recent additions.
The NFP: Phase 2 overlay map is nearing completion, but you still have time to make your voice heard on this important environmental ordinance! See the following information to learn how:
NFP Phase 2, Special Meeting of the NFP Review Board
Tuesday October 13; 4:00pm
At the September 29 NFP Review Board meeting, staff presented information on the NFP Phase 2 project including information on the mapping analysis, community input, and proposed updates to the NFP overlay map. A recording of the 9/29 meeting can be downloaded from the IK website: http://www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/nfp2/
The board decided to schedule a special meeting on October 13 for further review of the map and text amendments to the ordinance, starting at 4:00 PM.
Information on how to access this virtual meeting and leave public comment can be found here: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/notices.
The board will review the latest draft of the NFP Overlay District, which was updated after the September 29th meeting to reflect recommendations from the public the board agreed should be included on the map. You can download a PDF copy of the map, use the interactive web map, and leave a comment here: http://www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/nfp2/.
(Note: the green solid color represents what the new NFP overlay district would look like in its entirety once adopted by City Commission; you can distinguish the current overlay district which is shown in orange/dotted parcels and the expansion areas proposed to be added are shown in pink/hatched lines). The next steps for this project will be to:
Mail notice letters to all parcel owners being added to the overlay district
Hold a virtual townhall to provide background and answer questions (October 28 at 6:00 PM – full information is at http://www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/nfp2/)
Present the map to the Planning Commission at their next regular meeting scheduled for November 5
natural features protections overlay - May 2019
In 2017 and 2018 work on the Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 Master Plan included the designation of Natural Features “an area with existing natural features, including creeks, floodplains, stands of large trees, and slope that should be protected through such methods as conservation easements or land acquisition” and mapped them as an overlay on the Future Land Development Map. In working with stakeholders around the City it came to the attention of many that some areas targeted for development or redevelopment contained possible overlays. It became obvious that in order to achieve the long-term protection of these areas an ordinance needed to be written. In 2018, the City Planner formed a technical steering committee to assist with recommendations, policy development, and further mapping of Natural Features, setting the groundwork for the NFP ordinance and standards.
In working with stakeholders around the City it came to the attention of many that some areas targeted for development contained possible overlays. It became obvious that in order to achieve the long-term protection of these areas a more comprehensive ordinance needed to be developed as soon as possible and a six- month moratorium on development in areas affected by the ordinance was put in place.
ALPA board member (Mark Hoffman) drafts memo regarding property in conjunction with ODWNA which is shared with City Planner and results in NFP overlay added to the property. (2017)
Members speak at Planning Commission about Asylum Lake and thank them for adding Natural Features Protections to Asylum Lake and other areas. (Oct 2017).
ALPA member is included in meeting with the developer and continues to advocate for special NFP protection directly to the City and through ODWNA neighborhood plan discussions. (Feb 2018)
ALPA board members interviewed by Gazette and advocate for special consideration in NFP for areas like Asylum Lake. (Aug 2018)
Many ALPA members speak at City Commission meeting and play a key role in convincing the City to halt all development of currently undeveloped land in the city, pending the creation of guidelines (NFP) regarding the reservation of natural features, such as trees, slopes, streams, and wildlife habitats. (Dec 2018)
ALPA members attend and question City Planning staff regarding NFP at community forum. (Mar 2019)
ALPA sponsors table at Earth Day to inform the public of NFP and Stadium and Drake property issues. (Apr 2019)
ALPA takes no official position on NFP ordinance but members attend both Planning and City Commission meetings and encourage its passage. (Apr, May 2019)
The Natural Features Protection Overlay District is approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on May 20, 2019. This Ordinance and Map change is the first phase of Natural Features Protection (NFP) work in Kalamazoo. Future phases will focus on a deeper dive into the mapping of the Natural Features in Kalamazoo and environmental stewardship and education with partners like the Kalamazoo Nature Center. ALPA remains concerned that the ordinance currently covers only specific features and not larger areas like the Preserve.
phase 2 - what’s next
In Phase 2 of this project, city staff, NFP Review Board, and partners are evaluating the current overlay district and mapping existing natural features throughout the City. The goal is to align the overlay district with areas where natural features are known to exist using spatial data and GIS analysis. They are also currently working on defining what a “preserve” is.
Imagine Kalamazoo | Phase 2 Natural Features Protections
Natural Features Protections (NFP) Review Board
This board meets to approve or reject site plans which a developer presents to the city in regard to their compliance to the NFP standards.
NFP Review Board meeting minutes
natural features protections overlay
In 2017 and 2018 work on the Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 Master Plan included the designation of Natural Features “an area with existing natural features, including creeks, floodplains, stands of large trees, and slope that should be protected through such methods as conservation easements or land acquisition” and mapped them as an overlay on the Future Land Development Map. In working with stakeholders around the City it came to the attention of many that some areas targeted for development or redevelopment contained possible overlays. It became obvious that in order to achieve the long-term protection of these areas an ordinance needed to be written. In 2018, the City Planner formed a technical steering committee to assist with recommendations, policy development, and further mapping of Natural Features, setting the groundwork for the NFP ordinance and standards.
In working with stakeholders around the City it came to the attention of many that some areas targeted for development contained possible overlays. It became obvious that in order to achieve the long-term protection of these areas a more comprehensive ordinance needed to be developed as soon as possible and a six- month moratorium on development in areas affected by the ordinance was put in place.
ALPA board member (Mark Hoffman) drafts memo regarding property in conjunction with ODWNA which is shared with City Planner and results in NFP overlay added to the property. (2017)
Members speak at Planning Commission about Asylum Lake and thank them for adding Natural Features Protections to Asylum Lake and other areas. (Oct 2017).
ALPA member is included in meeting with the developer and continues to advocate for special NFP protection directly to the City and through ODWNA neighborhood plan discussions. (Feb 2018)
ALPA board members interviewed by Gazette and advocate for special consideration in NFP for areas like Asylum Lake. (Aug 2018)
Many ALPA members speak at City Commission meeting and play a key role in convincing the City to halt all development of currently undeveloped land in the city, pending the creation of guidelines (NFP) regarding the reservation of natural features, such as trees, slopes, streams, and wildlife habitats. (Dec 2018)
ALPA members attend and question City Planning staff regarding NFP at community forum. (Mar 2019)
ALPA sponsors table at Earth Day to inform the public of NFP and Stadium and Drake property issues. (Apr 2019)
ALPA takes no official position on NFP ordinance but members attend both Planning and City Commission meetings and encourage its passage. (Apr, May 2019)
The Natural Features Protection Overlay District is approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on May 20, 2019. This Ordinance and Map change is the first phase of Natural Features Protection (NFP) work in Kalamazoo. Future phases will focus on a deeper dive into the mapping of the Natural Features in Kalamazoo and environmental stewardship and education with partners like the Kalamazoo Nature Center. ALPA remains concerned that the ordinance currently covers only specific features and not larger areas like the Preserve.
phase 2 - what’s next
In Phase 2 of this project, city staff, NFP Review Board, and partners are evaluating the current overlay district and mapping existing natural features throughout the City. The goal is to align the overlay district with areas where natural features are known to exist using spatial data and GIS analysis. They are also currently working on defining what a “preserve” is.
Imagine Kalamazoo | Phase 2 Natural Features Protections
Natural Features Protections (NFP) Review Board
This board meets to approve or reject site plans which a developer presents to the city in regard to their compliance to the NFP standards.
NFP Review Board meeting minutes
Environmental Concerns Council (ECC)
sale and development of property at stadium & drake
Beginning in 2017 ALPA closely monitors the sale of the former Vermeulen property at Stadium and Drake and begins intensive interactions with the City Planner, City Planning Commission, the developer, and the ALPMC, WMU, neighborhood organizations and the greater community advocating for limited and responsible development. Efforts result in placement of a Natural Features Protection overlay on that property, a moratorium on related development, passage of the Natural Features Protection ordinance for the City, and successfully halting the first step in rezoning the parcel to heavy commercial and removing the ordinance.
At the same time ALPA works with ALPMC to inform the public and arrange for investigation and remediation regarding a serious silt spill into the lake originating from the BTR-2 (Colony Farm Orchard) site in the summer of 2019.
2017
In October, 18 plus acres at the corner of Stadium and Drake, on the northwest edge of the Preserve, are sold to Haji Therani, a developer from Indiana who builds car washes, for 2.5 million dollars. ALPA sets out pamphlet about this potential development in the Preserve, publicizes it as much as possible in the environment of little public media, though articles appear in MLive and Second Wave Media. One ALPA member begins a series of emails to a list that grows to over 200 people. Many recipients say that this is their only way to get updated about the proposed development and its disastrous effect on the Preserve.
ALPA board member (Mark Hoffman) drafts memo regarding property in conjunction with ODWNA which is shared with City Planner and results in NFP overlay added to the property.
Members speak at Planning Commission about Asylum Lake and thank them for adding Natural Features Protections to Asylum Lake and other areas. (Oct)
2018
ALPA sends its concerns to the Planning Commission regarding development at Stadium and Drake. (Jan)
ALPA member included in meeting with the developer and continues to advocate for special NFP protection directly to City and through ODWNA neighborhood plan discussions. (Feb)
ALPA board members interviewed by Gazette and advocate for special consideration in NFP for areas like Asylum Lake. (Aug)
ALPA continues to push for ALPA’s inclusion in any meetings involving the Stadium and Drake property (Sep).
Many ALPA members speak at City Commission meeting and play a key role in convincing the City to halt all development of currently undeveloped land in the city, pending the creation of guidelines (NFP) regarding the reservation of natural features, such as trees, slopes, streams, and wildlife habitats (Dec)
2019
ALPA sponsors table at Earth Day to inform the public of NFP and Stadium and Drake property issues (Apr)
ALPA members attend and question City Planning staff regarding NFP at community forum (Mar)
ALPA takes no official position on NFP ordinance but members attend both Planning and City Commission meetings and encourage its passage. (Apr, May)
The Natural Features Protection Overlay District was approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on May 20, 2019. This Ordinance and Map change is the first phase of Natural Features Protection (NFP) work in Kalamazoo. Future phases will focus on a deeper dive into the mapping of the Natural Features in Kalamazoo and environmental stewardship and education with partners like the Kalamazoo Nature Center.
ALPA creates position statement regarding the Vermuelen property and actively works to have other organizations and ALPMC do the same and inform the City. (Jun)
Carwash developer interested in property at Stadium and Drake