STOP THE LOT — COMMUNITY UPDATE
We Stood Together. We Spoke Up. And We Succeeded!!
Friends and neighbors,
We are thrilled to share an important update: the proposed parking lot at Kinsey & Main has been stopped — for now.
Because of your voices, your unity, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our village, three major developments have brought this project to a halt:
- The Village of Caledonia was not awarded the DNR Recreation Passport Grant.
- The Township removed all financial support for the project in their newly approved 3-year strategic plan.
- The Caledonia School Board has stated that this matter is “a done deal” as continued discussion was contingent upon the grant being approved.
When asked whether the Village would pursue this location in the future, we did not receive a definitive answer. Village President, Jennifer Lindsey, stated, “At this point, the Village Council will need to reevaluate the downtown parking situation and determine how to best meet the needs of the area.”
But today — this is a victory.
A victory for transparency.
A victory for residents.
A victory for protecting the character, beauty, and safety of our village.
And it happened because YOU SHOWED UP.
Your signatures, your emails, your attendance at meetings, your thoughtful research, your public comments, your conversations with neighbors, and yes — even your yard signs — all made an undeniable impact.
As we celebrate this milestone, we hold onto two truths that guided this movement:
When neighbors stand shoulder to shoulder, government remembers who it serves. Local action is the foundation of democracy — and every victory begins with citizens who refuse to be silent.
We give all glory and honor to God, who strengthens ordinary people to do extraordinary things when they stand for what is right.
To everyone who placed a STOP THE LOT sign in your yard: thank you for helping inform and unite our community. The signs have served their purpose — you may now remove them with pride, knowing your voice truly mattered.
This moment is a powerful reminder of what our system of government was intended to be:
A government that is accountable to its people, shaped by informed residents, guided by transparency, and rooted in service — not silence or shortcuts.
As voters, it is our responsibility to ensure that local leaders act in the best interest of those who call this village home.
Today, we rest.
Today, we celebrate.
Today, we stand grateful for what can happen when neighbors lock arms and refuse to be ignored.
But we remain watchful.
Although this proposal has been stopped for now, the day may come when we must again protect the trailhead from being plowed over and paved. And when that day comes, we will be ready — united, informed, and strong.
Thank you for fighting for your neighborhood, your village, and your values.
Together, we proved that community matters — and that our voices still carry weight in America.
STOP THE LOT — and keep protecting what matters most.
The STOP THE LOT campaign was led by Todd & Jenna Wynsma AND Sylvia Murphy