Stadium Drive Development
December 2, 2009
Kalamazoo Gazette / MLive Article:
December 2009
Important information follows regarding problems caused by recent construction/destruction on the Stadium Drive neighborhood boundary. Thank you to Sycamore area liaison, Jennifer Frea, for her update which we summarize below.
Summary: A Stadium Drive commercial property owner recently removed trees on his property and cut into the hill to construct a retaining wall. Residential neighbors were not consulted or advised of these actions which had immediate and long-term impact on the value and desirability of their combined properties. The commercial property owner believed he was “within his rights” in terms of his own property. However, residential owners believe his actions have had an adverse impact on their properties, and they are seeking appropriate remediation.
Neighbors in the Fair Oaks Drive neighborhood report the following concerns and/or adverse impacts:
- Over 135 truckloads of dirt containing loose soil and potentially toxic rubble have been dumped into an embankment behind neighborhood homes, partially burying trees and even telephone poles.
- The immediate impact has been the flooding of backyards and concurrent sewage backups. Residents fear that the anticipated soil erosion of the embankment will increase these problems.
- Storm water from a related retention pond floods residential areas.
- Roots of mature trees have been buried and/or cut and this will result in loss of the trees and expense to the property owners who “own” them.
- The loss of the natural buffer subjects the residents to increased air, sound, and light, and visual pollution. It is extremely unsightly!
Jennifer points out she cannot undo all the damage done, but she and her neighbors are determined to seek remediation. Jennifer is also determined to address and remediate inadequacies in current city regulations and policies that should have considered and protected residential owners rights!
October 13, 2009
Kalamazoo Gazette / MLive Article:
October 6, 2009
Kalamazoo Gazette / MLive Article:
September 26, 2009
Kalamazoo Gazette / MLive Article: