Tag Archives: Wyoming City Council

Wyoming gives tentative approval to first plat in a couple of years

Citizen Journalism, , , ,
The above image shows the location of the Greens of Wyoming plat.
The above image shows the location of the Greens of Wyoming plat.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

 

After determining a developer had followed all the proper procedures required, the Wyoming City Council gave tentative approval to its first plat proposal in more than two years.

 

At its July 5 meeting, the Wyoming City Council followed the lead of the city’s Planning Commission and approved a tentative preliminary plat proposal, called The Greens of Wyoming, for a 13.15-arce parcel located off 56th Street not far from Gezon Parkway. Developer of the site is Sniper One LLC.

 

The tentative proposal calls for 39 lots to be built on the property with a straight road running about the full length of the site with a cul-de-sac at the end. The development is designed to connect with the Palmer Park subdivision to the east of it with Mulligan Drive being extended. Mulligan Drive is designated by the city to eventually link all the subdivisions over to Burlingame Avenue.

 

Many of the residents in the Palmer Park subdivision attended the meeting in opposition of the project citing a number of concerns including that the full engineering on the plan was not included and existing drainage problems that could increase if the plat is put in.

 

“I really don’t see how we can deny this project,” said City Councilmember Dan Burrill, who sits on the Planning Commission as the council’s representative. Burrill pointed out that the plat meets all the requirements set forth by the city including fitting the zoning for that area which is R-1 Residential.

 

City Manager Curtis Holt said it has been some time since the city council has had to review a plat. In fact, the last plat project brought to the city was the Rivertown Valley III located just south of 56th Street on Nile Drive. That plat’s final approval was in 2014.

 

A portion of the tentative preliminary site plan for the Greens of Wyoming.
A portion of the tentative preliminary site plan for the Greens of Wyoming.

For the City of Wyoming, the platting of property is a three-step process. The first step is the tentative preliminary plat which authorizes the basic lot sizes and orientation and street layout. The second step is the preliminary plat approval which will include the engineering detail for the construction of the plat. The last step is the final plat approval.

 

City Planner Tim Cochran said the city has a number of similar blocks of land like The Greens of Wyoming that could be developed especially now that the housing market seems to have stabilized. In fact, just west of The Greens of Wyoming property is another undeveloped parcel of land.

 

Residents especially were concerned about the overall layout of the plat and drainage issues. Because of the narrowness of the property, staff said there is not much more the developer could do as far as layout. The property does meet zoning with its 10,000-square-foot lots, which residents noted does not fit in with the current lot sizes of the existing properties.

 

As for drainage issues, Wyoming Department of Public Works Director Bill Dooley said after the June Planning Commission meeting, his staff investigated if it had received any complaints and did not find any on record. Mayor Jack Poll said staff will get back with residents on the drainage concerns.

 

Dooley said it’s good when residents do voice their concerns as it makes city staff and officials aware of what has been happening in a specific area and to make sure those concerns are addressed.

 

The developer can now move forward to get engineering and other requirements for the preliminary plat approval. This includes having the plan reviewed by the Kent County Drain Commissioner’s office.

We the People: Wyoming City Council Candidates – 2016 Primary

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Election, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , , , ,

We The People 2016

WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters. Note: Wyoming City Council seats are nonpartisan and decided at the Aug. 2 primary.

 

2nd Ward

The City of Wyoming’s 2nd Ward Council area covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming from Chicago Drive in the north to Prairie Parkway down Burlingame Avenue over 36th Street and up along 32nd Street on the south. The 2nd Ward western border is Wentworth and the eastern border is the city limits.

 

Richard Kent Pastoor – Incumbent

Occupation: Worked in sales and broadcasting. Has been on the Wyoming City Council since 2001

Residence: Wyoming

 

Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 2nd Ward?

“Well, I was appointed to the 2nd Ward back in March of 2001 and liked it, so I decided to run again in 2003. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had and I’ve met some great people. I try to serve the people and I love being able to help them.”

 

With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“Most of that area is in my ward and the people over there have always felt slighted and cheated that the City ignored them. That the business ventures stopped at Burlingame. I hope it’s something that takes off and benefits the businesses in the area. I would like to see all of 28th Street re-birthed.”

 

Jeremy Bakken – Candidate

Occupation: Senior Director at Lambert Edwards and Associates

Residence: Wyoming

 

Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 2nd Ward?
“I’ve been involved with the city for years as a member of the Wyoming Community Enrichment program and I have enjoyed my time serving. I joined after wanting to see a fireworks show in Wyoming and we now have one with the WY-FI event. I want to do more and help Wyoming stay great.”

 

With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“I’m excited about it. That section has seen a lot of change and it will be great for the area and for the businesses. Visually it will look great and the new design will give people space to walk around.”

 

Marissa K. Postler – Candidate

Occupation: Works at Costco Warehouse

Residence: Wyoming

 

Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 2nd Ward?
“I was frustrated with Millennials engagement into politics. I want to bring more people into politics in order to give a more accurate representation of the community. With a median age of just over 30, the City Council needs more diversity to properly represent the City of Wyoming.”

 

With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?

“I’d love it as long as we get the right types of businesses in. With young people taking advantage of the low housing market in Wyoming, we need to keep them here. A new 28 West has the potential to increase Wyoming’s appeal.”

 

3rd Ward

 

The City of Wyoming’s 3rd Ward Council area encompasses the city’s panhandle area that includes most of the western area of the city from Prairie Parkway on the north to 60th Street in the south. The 3rd Ward eastern border wraps around the city limits to Kenowa Avenue and its’ western border is Burlingame Avenue.

 

Tamara I. Lopez – Candidate

Occupation: Lawyer

Residence: Wyoming

 

Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 3rd Ward?
“As a lifelong resident of Wyoming, I believe it is important to give back to the community that contributed so much to my upbringing. My calling in life as a lawyer is to be an advocate for my clients and I feel representing the 3rd Ward would be natural for me.”

 

With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“It will impact the City immensely and will bring back a part of Wyoming that used to be thriving. It will offer a distinct shopping district with stores that serve the local market and meet the demands of the city’s ever changing consumer demographic.”

 

Rusty Richter – Candidate

Occupation: Twenty-seven years as a commercial real estate broker and property manager

Residence: Wyoming

 

Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 3rd Ward?

“I’ve lived in Wyoming my whole life and so have my parents and their parents. In order to keep the solid foundation the city is built on, you have to be involved to make sure it remains sound and sensible”

 

With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“I think it’s an important project for Wyoming. It has to be competitive in growing business development and the project will help with that. It will also help Wyoming develop a downtown feel.”

 

Robert D. Postema

 

Due to a family emergency, Robert was not able to make it in to film a video message to the voters.

 

Occupation: Engineer / Part Owner of Richard Postema Associates PC, Architects & Engineers

Residence: 36 years in Wyoming

 

Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 3rd Ward?

“I am running for election because I believe I have the experience and critical thinking necessary to properly guide the decisions made by the City Council. I have consistently shown in my work the desire to fully understand an issue and make a thoughtful, common-sense decision on how to proceed. I grew up in Wyoming, raised my own family here and own a business in Wyoming. I want Wyoming to continue to be a great place to live, raise a family, and run a business. I am committed to limited government, being accessible and accountable, fiscal responsibility, strong public safety, and smart growth. ”

 

With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?

“The 28 West project is the catalyst that should help drive new development in Wyoming’s DDA. Redevelopment often is about momentum with new development driving more new development. The city needs to work promote the area and also needs to remain flexible enough to work with developers on concepts that may not have been envisioned in the 28 West plan but hold true to the plan’s ultimate goals.”

 

All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters. Only contested races where the field would be narrowed or decided at the primary on August 2 were included.

The Tree Amigos and a quest for a healthier Wyoming

Area Education, Community Health, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, Volunteers, , , , , , , ,
Trees
Trees are not only beautiful, but they add many other benefits to a community

By: Mike DeWitt

 

What started as a routine tree removal ended up igniting an inner-passion in Wyoming resident, and former city commissioner, Greg Bryan.

 

“If the city was smart, they would’ve replaced my tree and this group never would’ve been created,” exclaimed Greg with a tinge of humor in his voice before getting serious once again. “When the city came in and chopped down my trees, I said to myself, ’this has to stop!’ So, I called [city council member] Kent Vanderwood and told him we have to do something.”

Oriole Park

 

That ‘something’ has morphed itself into a group called the ‘Tree Amigos,’ a Wyoming, Michigan citizens committee supporting a vibrant tree canopy. The group started as a Neighborhood Watch campaign to raise awareness of the Gypsy moth blight in the Oriole Park neighborhood.

 

Now the group has a new focus: to establish a new commission centered on planting trees in the City of Wyoming. Ultimately, the goal is to have Wyoming become the 120th city in Michigan, and part of 3,400 communities nationwide, to become a part of Tree City USA. In order to achieve status as a member of Tree City USA, a community must meet four core standards of sound forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day.

Wyoming's former tree planting program
Wyoming’s former tree planting program

 

A tree planting program is nothing new for Wyoming. In fact, a program existed back in the 70’s to plant and install trees under contract by the township. However, the program ran out of money due to budget cuts and the city hasn’t planted trees since.

 

“There’s so much beauty and serenity in trees and the wildlife that comes with them. There are also huge health benefits as well,” explained Tree Amigos member Stelle Slootmaker on her decision to help lead the group.

 

Those benefits? Well, trees are extraordinarily energy-efficient. Amazingly, 100 trees remove 26 tons of CO2 and 300 pounds of pollutants from the air. They provide the net cooling effect of 1,000 air conditioners! The same number of trees can also intercept more than 200,000 gallons of rainwater each year, reducing the need for storm water controls, and providing cleaner water.

 

On top of reducing costs for the city over time, trees can also add market value to residential real estate. One large tree can add 10 percent.

 

While trees are helpful from a numbers perspective, they also benefit in ways that are more difficult to measure. Trees build strong ties to neighborhoods and communities. They help promote better psychological well-being and make people happier. More trees are linked to faster hospital recoveries, increased employee productivity, less crime, and reduction in stress and anxiety.

 

According to one survey, having on average 10 more trees in a city block improved how someone rated their health by a level comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000, moving to a neighborhood with a $10,000 median income, or being seven years younger.

 

With all the benefits of trees, it seems like a no-brainer for the city to implement a tree planting plan. However, whenever there’s work to be done, there needs to be someone willing to take up the new workload. It’s always easier said than done.

 

That’s where the Tree Amigos come in. The group has already put in the time and effort to research the steps to make Wyoming a part of Tree City USA. They have also taken the time to present the idea of forming a new commission to the City Council. Most importantly, the Tree Amigos aren’t simply dropping the workload for someone else to pick up. They’re looking to be on the front line as volunteers wherever this effort takes them.

Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council
Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council

 

“It’s important to Greg. He represents a neighborhood that needs help with trees,” said Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood. “It’s the right response for us to get behind as a city. Whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do.”

 

Two members of the Tree Amigos, Stelle and Arborist Bill Brown, gave a formal presentation at the City Council meeting on February 8. They are meeting with the Council again this Wednesday, February 24, to talk about the next step.

 

Bill is hoping everyone is on the same page going forward, “I grew up in Wyoming. This is what I do everyday. I understand the importance of trees. It’s something Wyoming needs now.”

Pinery Park Little League on the Right Track

Hard News, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Sports, , ,

PineryParkBy: Mike DeWitt

Following weeks of speculation about whether the Pinery Park Little League (PPLL) would exist after 60 years of operation, the PPLL and the City of Wyoming agreed on a new contract to keep the league in charge of youth baseball.

Pinery Park Little League was in jeopardy of losing its contract with the City of Wyoming and Pinery Park due to a lack of transparent bookkeeping and the loss of nonprofit 501(c)(3) status.

The League made tremendous progress ironing out those issues over the past two weeks.

“I guess it took some major deadlines in order to have this contract happen,” exclaimed Mayor Jack Poll at the October 5 City Council Meeting. “I think it’s a good agreement. It protects both the park and those involved with the PPLL.”

There is new leadership within the League as almost an entirely new board was voted in during the elections on September 30. Mayor Poll was in attendance and cast his vote for the League leaders.

It is clear the new board wants the new contract and agreement to work. The members are shouldering a large responsibility to meet the requirements of the contract. The new board will have to prepare and show financial statements to the fiduciary handling the league’s financials. The PPLL board will meet on a regular, scheduled basis to stay on top of happenings throughout the league.

One of the main hiccups was the loss of 501(c)(3) status for the League back in 2011. The IRS has received and is reviewing the PPLL’s application to reinstate that status. The League must now wait 60-120 days for an answer from the IRS.

“The Pinery Park Little League knows how to run a league, they’ve been doing it a long time,” said Mayor Poll.

Now the league, the City, the parents, and the players can focus on the most important aspect… PLAY BALL!

Time is Running Out on Pinery Park Little League

Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, , , ,

By: Mike DeWitt

It’s every little leaguer’s dream, that perfect game-ending situation that runs through a ballplayer’s mind: At the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, the bases are loaded with your team down a score. Three balls and two strikes, a full count and it’s do or die.

There’s nowhere to hide. It’s just you at the plate. A chance to be the hero.

For Pinery Park Little League (PPLL), the game is winding down and it’s time for the league to step up to the plate so that its contract with the City of Wyoming and Pinery Park isn’t terminated.

After 60 years of organizing youth baseball here in Wyoming, the PPLL is in jeopardy of losing its home.

PineryParkThe problems started back in 2011 when the PPLL lost its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS due to a lack of transparent bookkeeping and financial information. Since the loss of 501(c)(3) status, the City of Wyoming has asked the PPLL to take the necessary steps to get the nonprofit title back with the IRS.

Four years later that still has not been accomplished. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for an organization that has proven to be run very inefficiently.

Electrical and maintenance bills haven’t been paid on time. Board meeting dates are flimsy with sometimes only a couple of days’ notice before a meeting. Board election positions are posted with the minimal amount of notice (two weeks) mandated by the league’s bylaws. Umpires are paid in cash out of the concession stand register with no paper trail to follow. And the League has been unable to present their financials at the request of the Wyoming City Council.

“This league is extremely, extremely unorganized,” exclaimed Mayor Jack Poll in a heat of passion and disappointment at the City Council Meeting on September 14. “And, if they can’t have the leadership to run this league on our fields with the requirements that we have, then it’s time to change direction.”

The Wyoming City Council had a very long discussion about what to do with the PPLL and whether or not the contract should be terminated. By the end of the meeting, they decided on a few next steps:

  • The PPLL must turn over all financials, bank statements and loose pieces of paper
  • The PPLL lawyer and the City lawyer will draw up a new contract that has some teeth
  • The new contract will designate the Community Resource Alliance as the fiduciary for the finances of the PPLL
  • The PPLL will form a separate committee to field complaints from league participants

The new contract must be submitted by September 30 so that it can be placed on the October 5 meeting’s agenda. If no agreement is reached, the contract will be terminated on October 5, and the Parks and Rec Department will charter youth baseball.