(Once link above clicked, go to "I Want To..." at top of page, then "Report..."
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Welcome to the Oakland Drive - Winchell Neighborhood Association website!
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*"Vermeulen Property" Update
The "Vermeulen" property, a 17 acre tract of land situated at the southeast corner of Stadium Dr. and Drake Rd. was recently sold to an Indiana-based developer. Many local citizens, environmental groups as well as the ODWNA have been communicating with the City in anticipation of the re-zoning of the land to Commercial as well as the impact the Master Plan's Natural Feature Protection (NFP) Overlay will have on future development. The concern lies in the fact that this property lies adjacent to the Asylum Lake Preserve, with potential light, noise and visual impact issues, as well as increased surface and groundwater discharge, and air pollution being distinct possibilities as a result of the future commercial development of this land. You can read more about this important issue HERE; an MLive article published August 9. *ODWN Neighborhood Plan
August Progress Report All five committees have now met with city staff to look for ways to work with the city, and other area partners we can identify, to help us formulate plans to accomplish them. We are getting a better vision of what is possible, what is probable, and what we will need to do (and who we need to partner with) to accomplish our more detailed, complex goals. We will continue to keep you updated as to how our meetings go and what next steps will be. =========== You can click HERE to see our five committee's draft of initially identified neighborhood Goals and suggested actions. (NOTE: we are currently in the process of updating this based on our conversations with City staff)
Each month, we will keep everyone informed via our eNews, website, Winchell Neighborhood FB page, etc. of our progress as well as reach back out to everyone for additional clarification and review of our progress.
======================= The 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. *"Right of Way" Yard Signage
The City of Kalamazoo reminds everyone that it is against City Ordinance to place signs of any kind, including election signs, in the City right-of-way without permission. Any signs placed in violation of the code will be removed without notice and disposed of. On streets with sidewalks, the right-of-way generally extends to the house side of the sidewalk. On streets with no public sidewalk - most right-of-way lines are 33 feet from the center of the road, though this is a general rule and there are exceptions throughout the City. Anyone with specific questions about proper sign location should call the City’s Right of Way Coordinator at 269-337-8436 *Neighborhood Crime
We have been alerted to the fact that there have been quite a number of break-ins, attempted break-ins, suspicious activity, etc. going on in our neighborhood for the last month or so. Of course, any emergency situation should be reported immediately by calling 9-1-1. But 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 Trash Ordinance
Property owners in the City are reminded of their responsibilities to keep properties trash free throughout the year. Chapter 15A of the City of Kalamazoo Code of Ordinances (commonly known as the Trash Ordinance) states, "…All garbage must be stored in a watertight container that is constructed of metal, plastic or other durable material impervious to rodents, has a tight-fitting lid or cover, and is capable of being serviced without creating unsanitary conditions..." After April 22, 2017, properties that are in violation of the ordinance will be issued a written citation allowing 10 days to clean up the property and a $77 fine. If the property is not cleaned up within 10 days, a crew will be dispatched to clean up the property on behalf of the property owner, who will be billed for the recovery of enforcement costs. Please take a proactive approach and help keep our city clean and inviting for everyone who lives, works, learns, or plays in Kalamazoo! *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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SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Winchell Elementary - Library; 7:00PM (Meet your neighbors/ODWNA Board @ 6:30pm) Speaker: Jim Ritsema, City Manager Topic: City Budgeting, Neighborhood Plans, FFE =================== Reminder - We do not hold Association meetings in June, July, or August; but the Board can always be reached by email. Also, our Neighborhood Plan committees will meet throughout the summer ======================== ** Our Board can always be reached via EMAIL HERE *2018-19 ODWNA Speaker Series
Sneak Preview We have almost finalized our upcoming season's Speaker Series. We will mail out to you in mid-September the full lineup once we've confirmed everyone, but we can give you a preview! September - Jim Ritsema, City Manager. Jim will be speaking to three important topics, as well as taking your questions:
October - ODWNA Open House. As part of the ongoing Neighborhood Plan initiative, we would like to present our work (Goals and Actions) to-date in an informal, "open house" basis. Our five committees will be represented to discuss our progress with you; our goal is to insure that we are "on track" in accurately representing the neighborhood's views. Our next step after this meeting will be to incorporate any new feedback, with the plan of finalizing the Plan for full neighborhood review (via eNews, website & Winchell FB postings) and then presenting to the Planning/City Commissions for approval (sometime early next year). Remember - ODWNA meetings are open to all! NON-Association neighbors are always welcome! *Kalamazoo Municipal Drinking Water Show Results Within Safe Drinking Water Guidelines
Based on 6/15 PFAS Tests Recent PFAS testing of water pumping stations serving the Kalamazoo municipal drinking water system have found results well within the safe drinking water guidelines of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) set by the Environmental Protection Agency.Fifteen water pumping stations in the City of Kalamazoo Public Water Supply System were sampled on June 15, 2018. None of the tests revealed levels of PFOA/PFOS above the 70 ppt health advisory level. Of the 15 samples, 12 results were “non-detections,” and 3 stations had detectable levels below 70 ppt. 1 part per trillion is equal to roughly one drop of impurity per 16 million gallons of water, or per 24 Olympic-sized swimming pools. All “baseload stations,” those which typically operate daily to provide water to customers, revealed no detection of PFOA/PFOS. The three stations at which low levels were detected are considered “peaking stations”. The three “peaking stations” where low levels were detected will only be activated in case of emergency for fire response, system flushing, or in times of peak demand if other water stations cannot meet the demand. You can see detailed result data HERE *"Movies in the Park" Series
Extended Thru Sept. 7 Kzoo Parks is excited to announce that the 2018 Movies in the Parks Series is being extended with a showing at Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo on Friday, September 7! The movie will be chosen by popular demand from a selection of 80's classics. Vote HERE. Moviegoers will also be permitted to bring alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the movie, in accordance with the City of Kalamazoo's event policy and with valid I.D. *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 2018 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. Spring/Summer 2018 View From The Curb HERE
*Lunchtime Live!
Every Friday: 6/28 thru 9/28 Bronson Park; 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Live music, great scenery, fun summertime games, and amazing food….Lunchtime Live has it all! Get the family out of the house this summer and head to Bronson Park in Downtown Kalamazoo for a Friday afternoon on the town. There will be great local food trucks and homegrown musical talent. *Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation
The 2018 Activity Guide is now available! Click HERE to download your summer guide to all Parks & Rec programs and special events! The City of Kalamazoo Parks are open: May 1st - October 1st, from 8 am to dusk/sunset. Park restrooms will be open Memorial Day through Labor Day. CONTACT (269) 337-8191 ~ www.kzooparks.org *Brush Pickup Program
Monthly Brush Collection
** Further details on the City's website HERE or in the Spring/Summer 2018 View From The Curb HERE *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.
-Encurage the beautification, physical well-being and neighborhod 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.
-Encurage the beautification, physical well-being and neighborhod 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.
2017-18 ODWNA Board Members
President - Peter Kushner
Vice President - Chris Shook
Treasurer - Diana Morton-Thompson
Board Members at-large:
Barb Ross
Paul Scott
Kathy Shook
President - Peter Kushner
Vice President - Chris Shook
Treasurer - Diana Morton-Thompson
Board Members at-large:
Barb Ross
Paul Scott
Kathy Shook
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