Summary
A 23-acre youth sports complex at 1617 N. Drake Road means clearing most of an 89%-wooded site. The applicant reworked the plan to preserve 27.2% of woodland after the ZBA denied a variance, and the board attached a bond to guarantee restoration if the project stalls.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
A project bond, with type and amount set by city staff, gives the city a funding backstop to replant or restore the site if the project falters.
Families and youth sports users get a new amateur sports facility, developed by Discover Kalamazoo with US-131 visibility.
About 73% of the on-site woodland will be cleared, which neighbors of the Westwood-area site may experience as loss of tree cover and habitat.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Environmental Concerns Committee - Apr 15, 2026
Phase 1 of the Westgate Sports Complex was approved after the developer redesigned the site to meet the 25% woodland cover requirement. Nearly 90% of the lot is tree-covered, so most trees will still be removed; Phase 2 is under review.
Natural Features Protection Review Board - Mar 24, 2026
A 23-acre youth sports complex at 1617 N. Drake Road means clearing most of an 89%-wooded site. The applicant reworked the plan to preserve 27.2% of woodland after the ZBA denied a variance, and the board attached a bond to guarantee restoration if the project stalls.
Related development
Westgate Sports Complex Phase 2
Most trees on the nearly fully wooded parcel will still be removed, but the redesign preserves the required woodland cover.
Westgate Sports Complex - Phase 1
Roughly 15 acres of trees come down for the sports complex, with preserved woodland along the north line and on steep east slopes; clearing starts only after April 1 site plan review, and Phase 2 (building, parking, landscaping) returns to the board later.
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