*Native Plants
Update: Further Info. and Plant Sales
We had a great turnout (and interest!) in our February 2021 ODWNA meeting relating to native plants. As a follow up, you will find below further information regarding native plants, as well as opportunities for you to purchase native plants for this year!
1) Native Plants "Cheat Sheet" - thanks to our February speaker Linda Whitlock, you can download HERE a "cheat sheet" of native plant information for our area, as well as other valuable resources.
2) Local Native Plant Sales (click on the links for details):
Update: Further Info. and Plant Sales
We had a great turnout (and interest!) in our February 2021 ODWNA meeting relating to native plants. As a follow up, you will find below further information regarding native plants, as well as opportunities for you to purchase native plants for this year!
1) Native Plants "Cheat Sheet" - thanks to our February speaker Linda Whitlock, you can download HERE a "cheat sheet" of native plant information for our area, as well as other valuable resources.
2) Local Native Plant Sales (click on the links for details):
* Natural Features Protection (NFP): Phase 2
September 2021 Update
Updates to the Natural Features Protection Overlay district and related zoning code standards ("Phase 2") were unanimously approved by the City Commission on Monday, August 16, 2021. These updates will go into effect on Thursday, August 26, 2021.
All NFP details can be found HERE
The ODWNA board, based on the ODWN Neighborhood Plan ("Environmental Responsibility" section), supports the new updates to the NFP via Phase 2
September 2021 Update
Updates to the Natural Features Protection Overlay district and related zoning code standards ("Phase 2") were unanimously approved by the City Commission on Monday, August 16, 2021. These updates will go into effect on Thursday, August 26, 2021.
All NFP details can be found HERE
The ODWNA board, based on the ODWN Neighborhood Plan ("Environmental Responsibility" section), supports the new updates to the NFP via Phase 2
* Vermeulen Property: January 15, 2020 Update
Rezoning Request RESULT:
TU 1/14 Planning Commission Meeting
So...after a loooong night with well over 300 citizens showing up to have their voices heard, the Planning Commission voted:
1) To recommend NOT to remove the NFP Overlay from the two Stadium Dr. parcels of land, and
2) To NOT recommend to rezone any of the three parcels to Community Commercial (CC), the most intense-density commercial development zoning district allowed in Kalamazoo.
We will keep you updated as to the next meeting; this issue will now go before the City Commission, the commission that actually has the authority to change (or not change) city zoning.
The ODWNA Board has taken the position that we are not opposed to some, lower-density commercial development on portions of that property, but that CC (the highest intensity-level of commercial development allowed by the City) is unacceptable.
Additionally, the applicant is asked the City to remove the NFP Overlay from 2 of the 3 parcels. The ODWNA Board is strongly opposed to removing the Overlay.
What can YOU do? Stay tuned; we will post updated meeting information as we learn it
Rezoning Request RESULT:
TU 1/14 Planning Commission Meeting
So...after a loooong night with well over 300 citizens showing up to have their voices heard, the Planning Commission voted:
1) To recommend NOT to remove the NFP Overlay from the two Stadium Dr. parcels of land, and
2) To NOT recommend to rezone any of the three parcels to Community Commercial (CC), the most intense-density commercial development zoning district allowed in Kalamazoo.
We will keep you updated as to the next meeting; this issue will now go before the City Commission, the commission that actually has the authority to change (or not change) city zoning.
The ODWNA Board has taken the position that we are not opposed to some, lower-density commercial development on portions of that property, but that CC (the highest intensity-level of commercial development allowed by the City) is unacceptable.
Additionally, the applicant is asked the City to remove the NFP Overlay from 2 of the 3 parcels. The ODWNA Board is strongly opposed to removing the Overlay.
- You can read our full statement that we submitted to the Planning Commission HERE
- The information packet for the Planning Commission meeting on January 14, 2020 can be viewed HERE. Note that this packet includes the city staff report, developer information as well as letters of opposition.
What can YOU do? Stay tuned; we will post updated meeting information as we learn it
* Natural Features Protection (NFP) Overlay
May 20, 2019 UPDATE
At their 5/20 meeting , the City Commission voted to APPROVE the NFP Overlay Ordinance as well as the overlay map as presented to us throughout the process. Many environmental groups, concerned citizens, as well as the ODWNA spoke in favor of passing this zoning ordinance. This is a great step forward for natural preservation in our neighborhood as well as the city at-large.
NEXT STEPS:
Per the city's NFP webpage:
The ODWNA January 15, 2020 speaker will be Jamie McCarthy from the city, who will discuss the NFP: Phase 2, in detail!
We will keep you up to date, and you can always go to: http://www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/nfp/ for updated NFP information.
The Board of the ODWNA supported the NFP Ordinance and revised Map. You can read the letter of support we submitted to the Planning and City Commissions, and city staff HERE
At their 5/20 meeting , the City Commission voted to APPROVE the NFP Overlay Ordinance as well as the overlay map as presented to us throughout the process. Many environmental groups, concerned citizens, as well as the ODWNA spoke in favor of passing this zoning ordinance. This is a great step forward for natural preservation in our neighborhood as well as the city at-large.
NEXT STEPS:
Per the city's NFP webpage:
- June 2019 – November 2019 – NFP Map Review
- August 2019 & Beyond – NFP Property Stewardship
The ODWNA January 15, 2020 speaker will be Jamie McCarthy from the city, who will discuss the NFP: Phase 2, in detail!
We will keep you up to date, and you can always go to: http://www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/nfp/ for updated NFP information.
The Board of the ODWNA supported the NFP Ordinance and revised Map. You can read the letter of support we submitted to the Planning and City Commissions, and city staff HERE
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ODWNA ~ P.O. BOX 20061 ~ Kalamazoo, Michigan 49019
ODWNA ~ P.O. BOX 20061 ~ Kalamazoo, Michigan 49019
