(Once link above clicked, go to "I Want To..." at top of page, then "Report..."
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*Proposed* Glen Park Youth BMX Bicycle Trail
7/8 UPDATE: Results of PRAB Meeting and Next Steps The Parks & Rec Advisory Board (PRAB) met on Zoom last night for their July meeting; the proposed youth BMX bike trail in Glen Park was on their agenda. It was suggested by Sean Fletcher (Parks & Rec Director) that PRAB table any decision they might make until their board can first:
The PRAB agreed to pursue Sean’s suggestion, and to form an ad hoc committee of 3 PRAB members (and Sean) to put together those responses and then meet with us and the neighborhood. No timeline on accomplishing those objectives was discussed by the PRAB board. The ODWNA board will continue to communicate with Parks & Rec to gather additional proposal information (there has still not been much put forth) and ensure that this (or any) proposal aligns with our Neighborhood Plan, and that two-way communication with our neighborhood takes place. *K College Student-Based Kalamazoo City Deer Population Study – You Can Help!
Two K College students (working in conjunction with the Kalamazoo Nature Center) created a deer monitoring project within the smartphone app called iNaturalist, a free platform that allows for photo documentation of living creatures by community members. These students are particularly interested in the population and distribution of deer in the City of Kalamazoo after hearing that residents are concerned about a possible rise in their population and the impacts of that rise. For anyone that would like to participate you simply need to create a free account in iNaturalist through the phone app. Once you have an account use the Search function by entering: "Deer populations in the residential areas of Kalamazoo", then click on the project. There should then be another button to join the project. When you are out and about and spot some deer you can open the app on your phone, click the “observe” button and snap a photo using the camera on their phone. Once you have a clear photo click the “next” button and there will be a screen to enter information about what you took a photo of. This where you will type in “White-tailed deer” and make sure the project it is going into the Kalamazoo project and that's it. You can do this over and over for all the deer that you see anytime. It will then populate a map so they know where all of the deer observations are coming from. There is also an area to type in comments for each photo, like if the deer are browsing on particular plants or what their behavior is, etc. *Want to use your computer instead of your smartphone? You can submit camera-taken photos here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/deer-populations-in-the-residential-areas-of-kalamazoo The students will be working on this project for the summer but if it is proves successful they might continue it so folks can be made more aware of the population/distribution of deer in the city. Any questions can be directed to Jennifer Meilinger, Community Science Director, Kalamazoo Nature Center: jmeilinger@naturecenter.org * Neighborhood Water Discoloration
Water Remains Safe Per the City, ongoing enhancements to the municipal water system combined with the high demand for water for firefighting activity may cause some Kalamazoo water customers to have cloudy or discolored water. These non-typical conditions have stirred up iron that settles in the water mains, which can cause aesthetic issues. Currently large-scale water main construction projects are underway:
You can call 3-1-1 to reach the city if you have further questions. * Oakland Dr. Construction Project
5/26/20 UPDATE PHASE 2 BEGINS WEDNESDAY MAY 27 
(Click HERE to access links to larger detour maps)
Northbound Oakland Drive between Howard Street and Whites Road will be closed beginning May 27, 2020 through October 2, 2020 for roadway construction, water main and hydrant work.
There will be impacts to the motoring public. Detour routes will be posted for through traffic. Access to local businesses and private residences will be maintained. Sidewalks will remain open for pedestrians and are permitted for use by bicycles. More information, improvement details about the project, and larger detour route maps are available online at: www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/oakland/ Note that these improvements were at the direct request of the ODWNA (mainly through the efforts of our Neighborhood Plan) or are a requirement of NACTO/AASHTO. The ODWNA is continuing to work with the city to be proactive to address and solve potential issues we encountered last year, namely: “cut-thru” traffic and speeding. Also, we will keep you updated with any further information we learn as this project moves forward. If YOU have any questions or comments on this project, you are encouraged to call: 269-337-8000 and express your thoughts to the city. *ODWN Neighborhood Plan
JUNE Progress Report - APPROVED By City Commission Our Plan is complete and has been approved by the City Commission (at their June 1, 2020 meeting). Our Neighborhood Plan is now a part of the City's Master Plan.
THANK YOU to all neighbors who contributed to this comprehensive document - it could not have been completed without YOU! The City Master Plan states that Neighborhood Plans will: • Align with the Strategic Vision and Master Plan at the neighborhood scale. • Develop individual strategies needed to achieve neighborhood completeness. • Establish a unique neighborhood vision, goals, and actions for implementation. • Establish relationships within the neighborhood to support implementation. • Use IK 2025 input from residents as a place to start. COVID-19 Information
- Updated City information can be found here: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/news - Updated State of MI COVID-19 information can be found here: https://www.michigan.gov/Coronavirus -Updated KPS news can be found here: https://www.kalamazoopublicschools.com/Home.aspx * You can find a full list of COVID-19 resources HERE Stay safe, wash your hands, and take care of your family, friends, and your fellow citizens! 
* Annual Neighborhood Garage Sale
Due to the "new normal" we are officially postponing the annual neighborhood Garage Sale (normally the last Saturday in April). After talking to neighbors as well as checking first day of class (and first home football games) for: KPS, WMU, MSU, GVSU, and UM, we are CHANGING the Garage Sale date to: SATURDAY AUGUST 22. Of course we will post reminders as we get closer to that date. Thanks! 
*Neighborhood Crime
Here's a great new (FREE to you) initiative that partners KDPS and "Ring!" * You can also put the FREE app on your PC or Mac if you don't have a smartphone! Just go HERE ================== What should you do to report something that is of a non-emergency nature? Well, our friends at KDPS tell us you should:
KDPS is here to help us...but they need our help as well! By reporting non-emergency issues, KDPS can track and identify trends in our neighborhood, and not only respond, but understand how to best be pro-active to prevent crimes as well! *City Contacts
"Quality of Life" Issues/Who to Contact
Ordinance Enforcement As a follow-up to recent neighbor concerns regarding nuisance/quality of life ordinance adherence, we have listed on our Resource Links page the areas of concern as well as the City contact phone number you may call to report any perceived violations. Our City Rental Inspector has assured us that any complaints registered with the city will be followed up on, and the person reporting the violation will remain anonymous. You can also report violations via the City's website with their Report It! link Go HERE to read the full meeting minutes of this (or any) of our ODWNA Association meetings
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Wednesday September 16, 2020
Winchell Elementary - Library 7:00PM (meet your board & neighbors @ 6:30pm) Look for our 2020-21 Speaker Series lineup in August! ======================== ** Our Board can always be reached via EMAIL HERE *Community Input Sought on Zoning Downtown
July 15 Deadline The City is seeking input from the community to help inform updated zoning standards for the Downtown area of Kalamazoo. Residents are invited to complete a mapping activity where they will review and share feedback on proposed zoning maps. This mapping activity can be completed online, on paper, or over the phone until Wednesday, July 15.
In addition to the Mapping Activity, the City is also seeking feedback from those who have opened a business or developed a building Downtown through an online Development Project Survey. The survey asks for feedback on the review and approvals process they went through for their project(s). The goal of this project is to create a zoning code that is clear and easy to understand, creates predictable outcomes for development, and ultimately help to achieve the community’s vision for Downtown. The current zoning code was last updated in 2005. Since then the City has completed two Master Plans including the most recent 2025 Master Plan which specifically calls for an update of the zoning code. Additional information on this project is available on the Imagine Kalamazoo project page at www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/downtownzoning/ For assistance or questions, residents are asked to call the City’s Engagement Hotline at 269-226-6524. *Kzoo Parks Summer Cinema Event Series Starts June 26
The City of Kalamazoo’s Parks & Recreation Department will host five Summer Cinema events this year at different parks throughout the city. The Summer Cinema movie series is presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union and offers free outdoor movies on select Fridays throughout the summer:
At each event the video screen will be set up with music playing at 6:30pm and the movie will begin at 7:30pm. Attendees are welcome to settle into their spot and enjoy some family time in the park before the movie begins. Community members are advised to still be cautious and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, wearing face coverings, coughing into your elbow, and staying home when you are sick are still necessary to prevent the spread of the disease in our community. Summer Cinema events are free, and all community members are welcome. *City Parks and Amenities Reopening
June 9 UPDATE: Programs to begin in June and July Summer programs that were delayed due to COVID-19 are now scheduled to begin in late June and early July, and Kzoo Parks is in the process of preparing parks and park amenities to fully reopen to the public, which should be completed in June. As parks, programs, and amenities reopen or resume, community members are advised to still be cautious and follow guidelines to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, staying home when you are sick, and coughing into your elbow are still necessary to prevent the spread of the disease in our community. Changes have been made to youth programs to limit group size and otherwise prevent the spread of COVID-19.
*Brush Pick Up
The regular monthly Brush Program will resume in June. Complete program details (and collection schedule map) are available at: www.kalamazoocity.org/brush * Additional Metro Public Transportation Service
Starts Monday June 8, 2020
In order to continue to protect the community from the spread of the coronavirus riders must follow the new guidelines on all Metro vehicles. Specific route information including modified schedules, coronavirus guidelines and regular updates on Metro’s public transportation service is available at: www.kmetro.com or by calling (269) 337-8222. Additional updates are also available on Facebook at Metro Transit. * Census 2020: Michigan Needs You; Make Sure You Are Counted!
It is vital for everyone living in Michigan on April 1, 2020 – or anyone who spends at least 50 percent of their time in Michigan – to be counted as living in Michigan on the 2020 U.S. Census. An accurate census count is critical as it determines how much funding Michigan communities will receive for essential services through 2030 such as police, fire departments, health care, education, roads and infrastructure. In 2016, Michigan received nearly $30 billion in federal funding, including:
So, what can YOU do to help ensure a successful and accurate 2020 Census count? First, be counted! By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census marks the first time you'll have the option to respond online; you can even respond from your mobile device. Responding by phone or mail will also continue to be options. Second, help spread the word to your family members, friends and neighbors that responding to the census is vital to Michigan’s future success. For more information about the 2020 U.S. Census, visit https://my2020census.gov/ *Recycle Coach
Free App For Personalized Trash, Recycling Info. And More! The City of Kalamazoo has launched of a mobile app (iPhone & Android) and website plug-in containing all of the information residents need to know about residential trash and recycling services, tailored specifically to your neighborhood. Other features include:
The app is available for Android and iPhone users and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play for free by searching for “Recycle Coach” *NEW City Public Services Information
*Upcoming City Projects
Curious about a project that is happening in the City? Want to find out what street construction projects are planned this year? Wondering about upcoming parks projects? All City-planned projects for 2019 can be found at: www.kalamazoocity.org/projects Projects are identified on an interactive map that includes the project scope and estimate start and completion dates (actual dates are dependent on weather and other factors and may differ). You can also sign up for email updates on road construction at that website that will be provided approximately every two weeks. *Kalamazoo County Smart911 Available
Now Available! Public Safety Officials Encourage Residents to Sign Up For the Free Service That Provides Emergency Responders with More Information in the Event of an Emergency Public safety officials in Kalamazoo County announced today that Smart911 is now available to all individuals in Kalamazoo County. Smart911 is a free service that allows individuals and families to sign up online to provide key information to 9-1-1 call takers during an emergency. Smart911 allows citizens to create a Safety Profile at www.smart911.com for their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 and response teams to have in the event of an emergency. When a citizen makes an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right response teams to the right location with the right information. *Are Your Service Water Pipes Made of Lead?
Check the map and database link below Kalamazoo's municipal water system has about 4,300 known lead service lines at about 2,800 addresses out of a total of more than 46,000 service lines in the system. At about 1,600 addresses, both the yard service lines and street service lines are lead. Of those addresses with one or the other, most of the lead pipes are yard service lines, according to city records. You can go to an MLive article HERE to access the map and/or search the database to see if your address is listed. Lead and Copper Program The City offers free lead and copper testing kits to City of Kalamazoo water customers. In an effort to streamline the City’s Lead and Copper program and respond timely to customers, the City requests that all calls and inquiries be directed to (269) 337-8550. ================== Here is a guide from the EPA, supplied to us by the City, that explains: • How lead gets into the body • About health effects of lead • What you can do to protect your family • Where to go for more information Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home * Connect With City Government!
Connect with the city to receive news, updates, and alerts 1) Foundation For Excellence website 2) www.ImagineKalamazoo.com where the public can connect and collaborate with local decision makers and other residents on the future of our community. 3) www.kalamazoocity.org/connect provides information on how residents can connect with the city to receive important information and updates. 4) The city has created an online newsletter. This bi-monthly publication will contain information about what is happening around the City and include news, alerts, meeting schedules & agendas, and events. Go HERE to sign up. |
ODWNA Statement of Purpose
-Preserve and enhance the neighborhood living concept in the area.
-Protect the natural beauty of the area.
-Encourage the beautification, physical well-being and neighborhood spirit of the residential area.
-Constructively assist the Kalamazoo City and County Planning Commissions.
-Provide a forum for open and frank discussion of different points of view on neighborhood development.
-Provide for communication on matters of neighborhood interest to residents.
The Oakland Drive/Winchell Neighborhood Association was founded in 1973 in response to the City of Kalamazoo's proposal to widen Oakland Drive, which would have required the removal of many trees.
-Protect the natural beauty of the area.
-Encourage the beautification, physical well-being and neighborhood spirit of the residential area.
-Constructively assist the Kalamazoo City and County Planning Commissions.
-Provide a forum for open and frank discussion of different points of view on neighborhood development.
-Provide for communication on matters of neighborhood interest to residents.
The Oakland Drive/Winchell Neighborhood Association was founded in 1973 in response to the City of Kalamazoo's proposal to widen Oakland Drive, which would have required the removal of many trees.
2019-20 ODWNA Board Members
President - Peter Kushner
Vice President - Chris Shook
Treasurer - Kathy Shook
Secretary - Chris Bovid
Board Members at-large:
Eric Boersma
Diana Morton-Thompson
Paul Scott
President - Peter Kushner
Vice President - Chris Shook
Treasurer - Kathy Shook
Secretary - Chris Bovid
Board Members at-large:
Eric Boersma
Diana Morton-Thompson
Paul Scott
Oakland Drive / Winchell Neighborhood Map
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ODWNA ~ P.O. BOX 20061 ~ Kalamazoo, Michigan 49019
ODWNA ~ P.O. BOX 20061 ~ Kalamazoo, Michigan 49019
