KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A developer from Stevensville has just purchased land kitty-corner from the new development at the corner at Drake Avenue off Stadium Drive and he wants to put in businesses, but it’s right next to Asylum Lake and that’s a problem.
Well over a dozen neighborhood officials, geologists, biologists, local home owners, environmentalists, students and a mom all spoke in favor of a 6-month moratorium on any zoning changes until a Natural Features Protection ordinance could be drafted to protect natural areas from businesses.
Developer Haji Terrani says he will be attentive to the environmental concerns.
Commissioners heard from all the interested parties, and received a request from city staff that they need time to draft regulations that would protect all of the city’s natural preserves from inappropriate development.
It’s not just this proposal, but two other developments that could also fall under the proposed rules.
Commissioners approved the moratorium.
Some commissioners wondered why such language was not already in the city’s zoning ordinances.
They demanded that the developer, nearby homeowners and experts all participate in drafting the new rules, and that it be done in six months or less, with no delays.
