ALPA, the Asylum Lake Protection Association, will hold the first general public meeting for discussion of the attempt by State Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) and Western Michigan University to remove conservation restrictions on the Colony Farm Orchard.  The restriction placed on the land when it was conveyed by the state to WMU through the efforts of Bob and Jack Welborn (both R- Kalamazoo) states, “The conveyance shall provide that Western Michigan University may utilize the property solely for public park, recreation, or open space purposes, except that the legislature, by statute, may authorize Western Michigan University to utilize the property for some other public purpose.” WMU has stated that it plans to expand its BTR park onto this land located in Oshtemo Township.

Downtown Kalamazoo Public Library, Site of 8 December 2009 Rally to Save the Colony Farm Orchard

The meeting will be held Tuesday 8 December 2009 at 6:30 PM in the VanDeusen Room of the Kalamazoo Public Library (downtown Kalamazoo, 315 S. Rose St.).  Parking is available on nearby streets.  The program will include statements by concerned groups and individuals, a showing of Matt Clysdale’s documentary “Here We Go Again: Colony Farm Orchard” with new footage, a question-and- answer session, and information on how the concerned citizen can get involved.

Other Recent Developments

Something of the mood of the Kalamazoo public on the issue is shown by the Friday night (4 December) Viewpoint in the Kalamazoo Gazette by Holly Jensen. The Gazette headline was “Time to take a second look at donating to WMU.”

The Viewpoint takes a position against WMU selling the Orchard property to private developers.  It mentions an e-mail and letter-writing campaign by a WMU alum to other alumni and donors suggesting they reconsider future donations/endowments/bequests.  The article concludes: “Consider Scarlett O’Hara’s father’s conviction that land is ‘the only thing that lasts,’ because WMU has its ‘For Sale’ sign out.”

Another recent development that has come to my attention:  An attempt by ALPA to arrange a face-to-face meeting with Senator Tom George (R-Kalamazoo) was unsuccessful.  Senator George has stated his approval of the Colony Farm Orchard conversion and voted in favor of Representative Jones’s HB 5207 in the Senate Appropriations Committee.  The explanation for his unwillingness to meet with local citizens, either here or in Lansing, was that he was too busy.  It was suggested that ALPA could try again in January.

It may be of interest that the only member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who voted against HB 5207 was Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor), who has probably the strongest record as a conservationist in either house.  Thanks to Liz Brater are in order from all those striving to continue the existing protection of the Colony Farm Orchard.

See you at the Rally!