On 2/12/26, the WMU Board of Trustees unanimously voted to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow negotiations with the County toward a formal transfer agreement. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a formal but non-binding agreement between parties that outlines their shared intentions, roles, and objectives as a framework for working together, often in advance of a binding contract. It is expected that the County Board of Commissioners will also vote to enter the MOU during their 2/17/26 meeting.
The Asylum Lake Policy & Management Council also met on 2/12/26, where the County Parks Director and WMU vice president for Government Relations addressed ALPA's questions. ALPA has now engaged with Kalamazoo County Parks, WMU, and the Asylum Lake Policy & Management Council (ALPMC) regarding this proposed transfer. The following summary reflects ALPA’s current understanding of the terms outlined in the MOU, including details from public conversations, between Kalamazoo County and WMU.
Denied: Commercial Rezone Request for 4301 Stadium Dr.
Dozen’s of public comments in opposition to rezoning resulted in the City Commission voting unanimously to deny the proposed commercial rezoning request for the intersection of Stadium and Drake, adjacent to the Preserve. In the video below, ALPA delivers a five-part public comment in opposition to rezoning. Just before ALPA begins their comment, several other current and past ALPA members speak on the issue as well.
(MLive coverage) (WMUK coverage) (City Commission meeting on youtube).
We're so grateful to all who submitted well-researched statements and stood up to give personal and organizational testimonies against the proposed change.
ALPA Board Member, Wendy Denning giving public comment. Other board members in background, wearing green ALPA t-shirts (from left to right: Tom Howes, Dok Stevens, Judy Huxmann). ALPA volunteers and community members in line and crowd.
ALPA Continues Work to Stop Rezoning of 4301 Stadium Dr.
January 2026 | The result of an intense information campaign by ALPA, with the help of many community members and organizations, was that the City Planning Commission voted in November, to not recommend the zoning change request for the property at 4301 Stadium Dr. The City Commission will ultimately decide the request at its January 26th meeting. ALPA has continued working tirelessly with neighborhood and relevant organizations, news sources and social media to remind the community to continue to voice their opposition to this rezoning by contacting City Commissioners and/or attending the meeting on January 26th in person or by zoom and phone.