Residents urge Caledonia board to stop plan for trailhead parking on school land, citing safety and property‑value concerns

Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education meeting — Public comment: Several residents urged the board to prevent village plans to use school‑owned land at Main and Kinsey for a trailhead parking lot, saying the proposal would endanger students who use the Paul Henry Trail, reduce property values and inappropriately use a DNR grant.

Speakers who identified themselves as nearby homeowners and longtime village business owners said the sketch plan discussed by the village would clear mature trees, pave about six acres, add lighting and create a hidden area adjacent to the trail. “To build a lot means to clear cut 6 acres of mature trees along that trailhead, cover the area with asphalt,” said Sylvia Murphy, who lives on Mill Avenue and said the plan would “create a hidden area which invites crime.” She told trustees that at a recent village council meeting 49 residents attended and 45 opposed the lot; the four supporters were merchants.

Jenna Weinsma, who lives next to the proposed site, said the lot would bring “more traffic and congestion in a quiet neighborhood, constant noise from cars and late night activity” and accused the village of framing the project as a DNR passport grant for trail‑head improvements while actually intending to support merchant parking. “Why is the board approving a project that makes students less safe on the land that you own?” she asked.

Another business owner said many communities provide trailhead access and lit parking; she urged the board and village to design an approach that balanced safety and homeowner concerns and cited examples in nearby towns where communities have 15–63 trailhead spaces.

Why it matters: The site borders a primary walking route used by students. Speakers emphasized student safety, neighborhood character and whether the DNR passport grant — intended for trail improvements and recreation — is being used to support merchant parking rather than trail users.

Board action/status: The parking proposal was discussed earlier at a village council meeting; during this school board meeting residents asked the school board to stop the village from using school property for the lot. Trustees did not take a formal vote on the proposal at this meeting. Board members acknowledged the comments and said they would continue discussions with the village and review the matter in future meetings.

What comes next: Residents and trustees indicated the issue will return for more discussion; several commenters requested transparency around any agreements or grant applications relating to school property.