STOP THE LOT – COMMUNITY UPDATE & CALL TO ACTION
Village Council Meeting – Monday July 14th at 6:30 PM
Village Hall, 250 S. Maple Street, Caledonia, MI
Please plan to attend the Village Council meeting this Monday evening and speak during public comment if you’re able. The Village continues to move forward with their DNR Passport Grant application for a 23-space parking lot at Kinsey & Main, despite significant public opposition. This is our opportunity to show up and be heard.
What to Expect:
Public comment takes place at the end of the meeting. Speakers are typically allowed 2–3 minutes each. Whether you speak or simply attend, your presence sends a clear message that the community expects transparency and responsible decision-making.
Support vs. Opposition: The Facts
The Village’s DNR grant application included just eight letters of support:
- 1 from the Township
- 1 from Disability Advocates
- 2 from local business owners near the lot
- 3 from individuals who work for or have worked for those businesses
- 1 unverified resident
In contrast, the STOP THE LOT petition has collected 500 signatures:
- ~ 300 from Caledonia residents
- The remainder from nearby communities and trail users
Despite this, the Village Council has shown no indication of withdrawing the application.
Yard Sign Reminder
The Village has been removing STOP THE LOT signs placed on the street side of sidewalks (in the public right-of-way)—without notifying residents.
To prevent removal, place your sign on the house side of the sidewalk, within your property line.
To request a yard sign or get involved, email: StopTheLot25@gmail.com
This is about more than a parking lot.
It’s about transparency, integrity, and whether local residents will have a voice in shaping what happens in their own community. We encourage all Caledonia residents and supporters to attend, speak respectfully, and stand for responsible leadership.
Let’s show the Council we are paying attention and we expect to be heard.
Resources:
- Click below to email opposition (Village, School Board, DNR, Kent County)
- Subject: Opposition to the Proposed Parking Lot at Kinsey and Main in Caledonia - Grant Application Reference ID: RP25-0028
- Emails: vilofcal@villageofcaledonia.org; president@villageofcaledonia.org; manager@villageofcaledonia.org; isick@calschools.org; garciab@calschools.org; collinss@calschools.org; nicholsj@calschools.org; jessicalkohn@gmail.com; timmorris@calschools.org; brandowj@calschools.org; weeldreyerd@calschools.org; MillardR2@michigan.gov>; dnr-grants@michigan.gov; ben.swayze@kentcountymi.gov
- Grant Application Submission Documents: ShareFile - Where Companies Connect
- STOP THE LOT Google Drive: Includes the grant submission document and grant guide requirements.
- More Information: STOP THE LOT Updates and Contact Information
- Petition Link - Let's get the word out!: https://www.change.org/STOPTHELOT25
See you at tomorrow's Village Council Meeting!