June 23, 2026 Natural Features Protection & Review Board

The City of Kalamazoo Natural Features Protection & Review Board held a meeting on June 23, 2026, focusing primarily on land development and environmental protection within the city. Key procurement-related discussions involved recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals for granting relief from protected slope and slope setback standards for multiple residential parcels on West Cork Street (112, 114, and 132 West Cork). These recommendations included conditions such as no work beginning until full site plan review approval and maintaining tree protection fencing during construction. The board also reviewed and approved the Milham Park Improvement Project at 607 East Kilgore Road, a city parks and recreation initiative involving tree removals and replacements, parking lot renovations, and accessibility improvements. Conditions for this project included full site plan approval and implementation of conservation measures to protect endangered species. The meeting included detailed discussions on environmental considerations, tree protection, and construction best practices, but no direct contract awards or vendor selections were reported. The board passed motions recommending approvals with conditions and emphasized the importance of shade-tolerant seed mixes and certified arborist involvement in tree planting and management.