Residents Urge Planning Commission to Reject Truck-Stop-Style Redevelopment Proposal for Riverside Golf Club

During the public-comment period on August 27, two Battle Creek residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed redevelopment plan for the historic Riverside Golf Club, characterizing it as a potential truck stop or petroleum operation.

Ed Thurston, a resident of Golden View Estates, expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion at the Columbia Avenue/M-66 overpass, as well as potential noise and pollution. He stated, "I really don't want a concrete jungle a couple blocks from my house," and suggested alternative uses for the site, such as a gated residential community with bike and hiking paths or an event center utilizing the club's historic building.

Marvin Hicks, residing at 112 Clubhouse Drive, emphasized that the golf course and its scenic views were primary reasons for his family's move to Battle Creek. He urged for more community discussion before any rezoning or sale, expressing that industrial developments disrupting the area's natural beauty could prompt his family to relocate. Hicks called for the city to consider resident preferences in the decision-making process.

Both speakers advocated for a master-plan-driven approach and encouraged collaboration with local foundations and development groups to shape the site's future. Notably, no formal application regarding Riverside Golf Club was on the Planning Commission's agenda that evening; these remarks were part of the public comment and did not result in any binding action by the commission.

In subsequent developments, the Battle Creek City Commission unanimously rejected a proposal to rezone the Riverside Golf Club property for industrial and residential development. The decision was influenced by significant community opposition, including concerns about infrastructure impact and alignment with the city's Master Plan. The Michigan Department of Transportation indicated that any roads affected by the rezoning would require a traffic impact study, with costs estimated between $80,000 and $500,000, to be funded by the developers. City planning staff recommended against the proposal after an extensive review, leading the Planning Commission to advise the City Commission to deny the rezoning request. At the meeting, all present members voted against advancing the ordinance.

Planning Supervisor Darcy Schmitt highlighted the unprecedented level of community involvement, stating, "We've had residents in that area reach out and say they want to be part of this. That's almost unheard of." Schmitt emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to determine the property's future, suggesting that developing it for housing would be more feasible given its century-long history as a golf course. The city is currently updating its Master Plan and is hosting housing strategy meetings to gather input from residents. Upcoming public stakeholder meetings are scheduled to discuss housing strategies with developers, realtors, and neighborhood planning councils. These sessions aim to shape the future development of the Riverside property and other neighborhoods throughout Battle Creek.

As the community continues to engage in discussions about the future of the Riverside Golf Club, residents remain committed to preserving the character and integrity of their neighborhood while exploring development options that align with the city's long-term vision.