Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors press board on wetlands, drainage and traffic at Bison Preserve presentation
Summary
Multiple residents voiced concerns about wetlands protection, drainage and increased traffic near the school during public comment on the proposed Bison Preserve development; some supported workforce housing while others urged reconsideration of the site.
Neighbors and community members used the public comment period to press the board on environmental safeguards and infrastructure capacity for the proposed Bison Preserve. Speakers raised questions about drainage and sewer infrastructure, the preservation of wetlands, and how traffic near the school would be managed.
Carter Vravis expressed concerns about drainage and whether existing sewer and water infrastructure could support the development. Kelly Perkins said she had been told when purchasing her home that "the adjacent wetlands would remain undisturbed" and asked how that expectation would be honored. The board responded by reiterating that wetlands cannot be built on and that the plan seeks to preserve wetlands and trails; as President Denise Churchill put it, "you can’t build on wetlands, that is why we are building around them."
Other commenters worried about construction noise, density and property values. Several residents asked for more engineering and wetland studies before approvals. At least one resident and a local business owner supported the project as a way to provide workforce housing that could keep employees and teachers in New Buffalo.
