KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — There were a few objections to a final draft plan as Western Michigan University prepares to turn the old Colony Orchard Farm into the second Phase of their Business, Technology and Research Park at Stadium Drive and Parkview Avenue, but most have been supportive of efforts to keep it as environmentally sensitive as possible.
The 51-acre parcel that was once an orchard has been neglected for decades and has become covered in non-native species and the orchard has become diseased and overgrown.
The initial design would minimize the incursion of pavement into the parcel, control water runoff and surround the park with trees and a wide buffer. The northern-most forest that impacts the Asylum Lake Preserve across the street would be left as it is.
One concern expressed at last night’s final public hearing is the plan to plant all the trees at the front of the property in rows. The professional design team thought that would suggest its history as an orchard, but many at the meeting thought a more natural and random planting of Oaks would be more appropriate because it was an oak savannah before it was converted into an orchard.
The designers said they would take the comments into consideration.
Another concern was a guarantee of a long term commitment to maintain and uphold the rigorous environmental standards that are being promised now, especially when it comes to preventing contaminants from flowing into Asylum Lake. That was a concern that was not as easily addressed at last night’s meeting.
The consultants will prepare the detailed plans this summer, the project would be bid this fall and construction to install the roadway, sewage, water and utilities, sidewalks and paved trails would be done during the 2017 construction season.
By then, Western may have a few new businesses lined up and ready to buy in and build.
