KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The City of Kalamazoo is taking a small step to address climate change, and while it may not save the planet, it will keep the City greener and cleaner.
During a virtual meeting Monday night, Commissioners expanded their Natural Features Protection Plan. The effort began after a developer proposed building a huge car wash next to Asylum Lake.
Now, the plan is being expanded from just under 400 environmentally sensitive properties to just under 1800.
“It includes both public and private parcels because it focuses on identifying those natural features, and it does not really focus on ownership, because ownership is fluid and it will change over time,” Development Project Coordinator Jamie McCarthy said.
McCarthy says property owners will be dissuaded from disrupting waterways, removing slopes or old growth trees and making other changes to the city’s natural features.
It was unanimously supported during the public comment period, as well.
Most developed residential areas will benefit from the changes, but won’t be directly impacted.
A map of the updated plan can be viewed below.
Updated Kalamazoo Natural Features Plan as of August 16, 2021. The areas highlighted in green are the original properties, while the pink ones have just been added. (Photo via City of Kalamazoo virtual meeting).
— Copy written by John McNeil —
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