RCKC Update Regarding Tornado-Colony Woods, Texas Township

KALAMAZOO, MI- To keep road users informed of the latest traffic and road maintenance operations by the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County (RCKC), we have provided the following update.

Directly following the tornado in early May, the priority of the RCKC was assuring the safety of the road right-of-way (ROW) and getting roads open hastily in order to allow access to residences. This resulted in many trees and limbs being relocated to the side of the road. We appreciate the patience and feedback received from the residents of Colony Woods as we continue to navigate through this challenging situation.

The RCKC has assessed the area of Colony Woods and determined the tree debris that came from the ROW and was moved to facilitate road clearance. Additional correspondence will be forthcoming for affected property owners at these specific locations and/or where trees that initially came from the ROW were already addressed. In the meantime, our RCKC contractor will begin work the week of June 3rd at the RCKC designated locations only in the road ROW for specific tree debris removal, stump removal, and restoration.

Action Plan:
Tree Debris Management:

June 3^rd:  RCKC contractor will begin work at RCKC designated locations only in the road right-of-way for specific tree debris removal, stump removal and restoration.

To help relieve the amount of tree and brush debris in the ROW within Colony Woods only, the RCKC has opened up our gravel pit in Prairie Ronde Township on 4^th Street between U Avenue and Paw Paw Lake Drive as a disposal area for tree and branch debris only. Residents from Colony Woods only may drop off their tree debris anytime Monday through Sunday, 8:00am – 7:00pm until June 30th, 2024 (extended from May 28th, 2024). Refer to the following map for the location of where to place tree debris. Please note this is an honor syste­m; this program is for the residents of Colony Woods only. Household items and hazardous waste cannot be disposed of at the gravel pit; abuse of this program will result in the closure of­­ the pit. Our RCKC team also use this site currently, therefore please monitor traffic in/out of the pit areas.

Traffic Management: To ensure smooth operations and keep roads open, we suggest residents collaborate with assisting companies to park or conduct work on one side of the roadway. This will help mitigate safety concerns in a fluid work environment.

Sweeping/Drainage:  The RCKC will address sweeping and drainage structures once there is some relief from the cleanup efforts.

For other areas outside of Colony Woods:

• A pink flag was left near the relocated tree informing property owners to contact the RCKC within fifteen (15) days for tree removal options.
• The relocated trees from the roadway are available for the property owner’s use and/or disposal.
• In other instances, the RCKC will return to address the relocated tree as prioritized within other RCKC operations pending further direction received from the property owner.
• If you are unsure of the process, the property owner may submit a service request by calling 269-381-3171 or at our website at https://www.kalamazoocountyroads.com/contact.php.

Please note that trees/brush on or from private property will need to be addressed by the property owner. For any further questions, please see our Roadside Vegetation Management Policy on our website at www.kalamazoocountyroads.com or please call the RCKC at 269-381-3171. For RCKC road related emergencies after normal business hours, please call 911.

We appreciate the patience across the county in response to this situation. We also want to thank the many public service teams, first responders, utilities, residents, and consolidated dispatch personnel who actively worked safely together in response.

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