Youth sports facility

Staybridge Suites employee of ten years says the hotel industry has been hurting since COVID and Wings West closed; hotels already voted for the assessment and are eager to see the facility built.

Oshtemo Township's public works director offered conditional support, urging continued coordination, protection of natural features, and alignment with the township's master plan for the nearly 400 undeveloped acres nearby.

Local business owner and nearby Oshtemo resident supports the project for tourism, youth opportunity, and community-building.

A young basketball and volleyball player from Oshtemo said it would be exciting to play close to home and would help her mom's business.

State representative and Westwood resident reported only positive constituent feedback, cited the county board's unanimous vote, and noted patients traveling far for tournaments.

Holiday Inn Express representative and Kalamazoo Promise alum supports the project for tourism and youth opportunity.

Oshtemo Township planning director asked that the future Maple Hill Drive extension through the preservation area be acknowledged in the minutes and requested a visual impact assessment of the tall building's north face near future residential land.

Event planner and WMU professor sees partnership opportunities for the school's 265-student sports management program.

Next Level Sports Center coach and sports mom says families are spending fortunes traveling out of town for tournaments that could be held here.

Former WMU volleyball coach who runs a training business says his 120-150 athletes can't find gym space; enrollment doubled the last time more courts became available.

Chamber of Commerce leader framed the variances as balance between preservation and progress, and recalled how a community rec center kept him out of trouble growing up in Detroit.

Kalamazoo Central basketball coach and Promise alum says a local facility would keep kids safe, cut travel costs, and help retain local talent.

Kalamazoo Central senior and three-sport athlete says the facility would keep kids off the streets and build the community.

Dome Sports Center general manager supports the project, saying it complements rather than competes with existing facilities and keeps kids off their phones.

Next Level volleyball coach says her leagues sell out in a day and they can't meet rental demand from youth or adult athletes.

A 30-year YMCA youth director is excited for the complex and says the variances matter to build it right.

Delta Hotels general manager says the venue would drive year-round weekend demand for hotels, dining, and visitor spending.

Kalamazoo County commissioner from Portage urged the board to support the project as a major youth investment, noting the county board's unanimous backing.

Owns all the land to the north; supports the project overall but wants to know what a 56-foot building will look like from his property, wants a traffic study, and worries things are moving too fast.

Former township planning commissioner supports the concept but urged denial or tabling: five variances on a too-small parcel is a self-created hardship, and buying more of the same owner's land would fix it.