Several residents of Schoolcraft Township’s Prairie Edge Estates addressed the Township Board at the November 10 meeting about concerns for a residential development being proposed near their properties.
At a previous Township meeting, several residents had spoken to the Board about the number of houses being proposed for the 13-acre site, infrastructure changes, and traffic issues.
This month, the residents were seeking some assurances from developer Matt Musselman, owner of Musselman Homes, who was in attendance at the meeting.
Diane Gibson, a Prairie Edge resident, said that some rumors she has heard are outlandish; she encouraged residents to talk to Musselman as she has done. He showed her the plans for the site and how it’s designed to minimize the impact on the residents, she said.
“Matt is willing to talk to us,” she said. “He is willing to work with us and listen to our concerns.”
In response to some questions about zoning issues related to the development, the residents were directed to the Township’s website, schoolcrafttownshipmi.gov, where the zoning ordinances are posted. The residents were also invited to attend planning commission meetings where they can get more information about zoning.
After the public time, the Board approved a Social Security resolution to extend Social Security coverage to Township employees. As part of that process, trustees also approved a petition to hold a referendum among the employees regarding the Social Security coverage, conforming to provisions of the Social Security Act.
An ordinance which deals with keeping chickens and ducks was amended to require that chicken coops and pens be a maximum of seven feet tall and don’t exceed 80 square feet.
In other business, Treasurer Teresa Scott explained that there have been issues with their security cameras which monitor the concession stand at nearby Swan Park.
She presented bids to the Board for replacing the wireless bridge system that sends and receives information from the Township Hall to the cameras. The Board voted to purchase a new upgraded bridge at a cost of $3,523 and a battery backup at a cost of $350.
The Board approved distribution of the future land use plan map to the Kalamazoo County Planning Commission and public utility and railroad companies as required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act.
This is the result of an application submitted by Musselman for rezoning of the 13-acre property for his proposed development. The request asks for a zoning change from “Rural Residential District” to an “R1 Medium Density Residential District.”
The Township’s Planning Commission is requesting comment from affected entities about the change within 42 days.
A dangerous building which has been an issue since 2023 was also discussed. Originally, a tree fell on the house and upon inspection, the house was found to be a hoarding site, Ulsh said.
“We’ve told him he has to repair the house or demolish it,” said Scott.
The Board approved having Ulsh talk to the homeowner personally, which he has done before. He will give the owner his options and tell him he must pick one.
After a closed session to discuss a personnel issue, the board heard reports from Board members.
Trustee Tamra Stafford, who chairs the Parks and Recreation Committee, reported on the latest committee meeting. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan will be sent to the Board for approval at its December meeting.
Stafford reported that phase 1 of the Park Trail will cost approximately $5.7 million. Part of this cost is due to requirements of the Michigan Department of Transportation and its grant process. One of those requirements is for boardwalks which can accommodate up to 10,000 pounds. The trail is projected to have 2,000 linear feet of boardwalk at a cost of $3.5 million. Also, the trail must be 14 feet wide.
The Parks and Recreation Committee is actively involved in applying for grants for the trail project.
Committee member Bill Adams has talked with the Vicksburg Farmers’ Market, the Vicksburg Garden Council, and the Arts Council about gardens, art structures and murals along the proposed trail.
