Interstate Capital Director of Engineering Jason Raleigh (left) and Darius Udrys, Director of Communications for Interstate Capital, review a proposed development project at the Charleston Township Planning Commission meeting April 21.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)
By Bruce Rolfe
Representatives from a development company presented an overview of a proposed development project at the corner of 40th Street and L Avenue and on L Avenue in Charleston Township that would require rezoning part or all of a parcel, at the Charleston Township Planning Commission meeting April 21.
Darius Udrys, director of communications for Interstate Capital, and Interstate Capital Director of Engineering Jason Raleigh informed the Planning Commission and a full township hall audience about the company’s intent for the two parcels of land if zoning is approved.
The possible applicant’s application calls for development on 79.94 acres at the corner of 40th Street and L Avenue and consideration of re-zoning part or all of 77.69 acres on L Avenue, east of the property at the corner of 40th and L Avenue.
Interstate Capital would like to purchase the two parcels but is requesting the zoning be changed on one of the parcels before the purchase is finalized.
Raleigh said the property at the corner of 40th Street and L Avenue is currently re-zoned light industrial. The applicant would like the township to consider re-zoning the eastern 77.69 acres from agriculture to light industrial.
Udrys said Interstate Capital would like to construct two light industry buildings to lease out space to companies.
Raleigh said Interstate Capital has a master plan to deliver two – 500,000 square foot buildings with the ability to expand up to approximately 850,000 square feet to meet users operational needs.
He adds typically once a project is approved, the projected size would be at or under 500,000 square feet. Tenant needs and market demand could drive the size of the addition or phase 2 building.
The elongated structures would be constructed from east to west.
Udrys said the submission is only the very first step of a process that will involve “more detailed study and dialog with community stakeholders about how to harmonize the twin goals of economic development and quality of life - including the cost of critical infrastructure that could be significantly offset by our proposed development.”
He said the development could create 200-400 new jobs, however that number could increase pending further conversations with potential users.
Udrys said the structures would be used more for warehousing with light manufacturing.
There were concerns about a data center being constructed at the location, however in its presentation packet, Interstate Capital notes no special exception uses are being proposed and the site will not be used as a data center.
The company also provided a list of excluded uses including:
• Any use or accessory uses associated with the keeping of animals.
• Builder supply sales and lumber yard.
• Contractor’s equipment yard.
• Institutional or public use.
• Machine shop.
• Machinery and heavy equipment sales/service.
• Public utility service facilities.
Raleigh said Interstate Capital would commit a dedicated green space buffer approximately 260 feet from the property line. There would be landscaping, some storm lot management, and no parking near the proposed L Avenue property that is located near a subdivision housing plat. There will be an additional 200 foot buffer where no building is located.
Raleigh adds Interstate Capital is working with Consumers Energy to relocate an overhead power line, which would be necessary for the property to be utilized to its potential.
The company is unable to relocate the gas line, and would work with the gas owner to design around the line, putting it into an easement for any required maintenance.
Raleigh said Interstate Capital is in discussions with a few potential interested parties who will not commit until the re-zoning is approved.
Interstate Capital plans to submit a site plan review to the Planning Commission at the May 19 meeting.
“Looking at an industrial zone, there’s a number of uses in there. We’ve really looked at those uses. From our ownership side, we want to own something that’s longstanding in the community, and is good for the community,” said Raleigh.
Entrants and exits would be focused on 40th Street, not east in the residential area.
Raleigh said Interstate Capital was interested in feedback first before submitting a site review plan. The group can’t commit to purchasing the property until the zoning issue is answered.
“This is the initial step among many and we do want to work closely with the Township and neighbors to ensure we put forth a good plan that will benefit the Township. It is a good opportunity and is a good location for this type of development,” adds Raleigh.
Udrys said it is difficult to know what types of light industry companies will lease space in the buildings until the zoning is approved and the sale is completed.
Raleigh adds it is still too early to determine if the company will seek any type of tax relief.
Pointing to increased traffic associated with the development at exit I-94 on Watkins Road, one resident was concerned about increased traffic at the intersection of L and 40th Street, especially with Target Distribution Center and Eaton traffic being heavy during certain times of the day. Another resident felt the Planning Commission should have restrictions in place before approving the re-zoning request.
A traffic study would have to be performed, and Interstate Capital would have to get permitting from the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County.
According to information provided to the Charleston Township Planning Commission, Interstate Capital was founded in 2019 and is a Michigan-based industrial development firm with a singular focus on speculative and build-to-suit industrial parks across the state.
Since 2019, Interstate Capital has developed or entitled over two million square feet of Class A industrial product in Michigan. The company has collectively developed more than 1.5 million square feet of modern industrial space in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, facilitating expansions for major tenants such as Pfizer, Zoetis, FedEx, Bradford White, and multiple Tier 1 suppliers to Ford’s BlueOval initiative.
Interstate Capital developments near the proposed Charleston Township facility include the FCIP South Park in Battle Creek, IPUSA Portage facility in Portage and the N Avenue Industrial facility in Pavilion Township.
Barn Theatre Site Place for Storage Building Approved
After reviewing a site plan at the Barn Theatre for a 2400-square foot storage building with a small gravel drive and some parking, the Planning Commission unanimously approved the site plan with two conditions. It is estimated the structure would be under 20 feet tall, however the Planning Commission requested an actual roof height be included in the site plan and an architect seal be included in the site plan.
Moratorium on Data Centers, Battery Storage Facility Discussed
Planning Commission member Brian Moravek said after learning a number of townships had concerns with data centers and battery storage facilities, he told the Planning Commission the Township could have a moratorium put in place that could last six months up to two years. He said a moratorium would allow the township time to change any ordinances that may need to be changed and study the issue further.
Moravek said to his knowledge, nobody is inquiring about a proposed data center or battery storage facility in the township.
There was general consensus for Moravek, also a member of the Charleston Township Board, to advise the Township Board about the Planning Commission’s recommendation to pursue the moratorium. The township attorney would have to be involved drafting the moratorium language. Planning Commission member Sue Balkema asked that a moratorium on wind and solar farms also be considered.
In other items covered at the Planning Commission meeting:
• The Planning Commission unanimously approved Tim Vosburg as Planning Commission chairman, Sue Balkema as vice chair, and Brian Moravek as secretary.
• The Planning Commission set the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the township hall as the Planning Commission meeting dates and times for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
• The Planning Commission expressed interest in requesting the township board consider an ordinance that addresses semi trailers parked in yards, especially in residential areas.
Representatives from a development company presented an overview of a proposed development project at the corner of 40th Street and L Avenue and on L Avenue in Charleston Township that would require rezoning part or all of a parcel, at the Charleston Township Planning Commission meeting April 21.
Darius Udrys, director of communications for Interstate Capital, and Interstate Capital Director of Engineering Jason Raleigh informed the Planning Commission and a full township hall audience about the company’s intent for the two parcels of land if zoning is approved.
The possible applicant’s application calls for development on 79.94 acres at the corner of 40th Street and L Avenue and consideration of re-zoning part or all of 77.69 acres on L Avenue, east of the property at the corner of 40th and L Avenue.
Interstate Capital would like to purchase the two parcels but is requesting the zoning be changed on one of the parcels before the purchase is finalized.
Raleigh said the property at the corner of 40th Street and L Avenue is currently re-zoned light industrial. The applicant would like the township to consider re-zoning the eastern 77.69 acres from agriculture to light industrial.
Udrys said Interstate Capital would like to construct two light industry buildings to lease out space to companies.
Raleigh said Interstate Capital has a master plan to deliver two – 500,000 square foot buildings with the ability to expand up to approximately 850,000 square feet to meet users operational needs.
He adds typically once a project is approved, the projected size would be at or under 500,000 square feet. Tenant needs and market demand could drive the size of the addition or phase 2 building.
The elongated structures would be constructed from east to west.
Udrys said the submission is only the very first step of a process that will involve “more detailed study and dialog with community stakeholders about how to harmonize the twin goals of economic development and quality of life - including the cost of critical infrastructure that could be significantly offset by our proposed development.”
He said the development could create 200-400 new jobs, however that number could increase pending further conversations with potential users.
Udrys said the structures would be used more for warehousing with light manufacturing.
There were concerns about a data center being constructed at the location, however in its presentation packet, Interstate Capital notes no special exception uses are being proposed and the site will not be used as a data center.
The company also provided a list of excluded uses including:
• Any use or accessory uses associated with the keeping of animals.
• Builder supply sales and lumber yard.
• Contractor’s equipment yard.
• Institutional or public use.
• Machine shop.
• Machinery and heavy equipment sales/service.
• Public utility service facilities.
Raleigh said Interstate Capital would commit a dedicated green space buffer approximately 260 feet from the property line. There would be landscaping, some storm lot management, and no parking near the proposed L Avenue property that is located near a subdivision housing plat. There will be an additional 200 foot buffer where no building is located.
Raleigh adds Interstate Capital is working with Consumers Energy to relocate an overhead power line, which would be necessary for the property to be utilized to its potential.
The company is unable to relocate the gas line, and would work with the gas owner to design around the line, putting it into an easement for any required maintenance.
Raleigh said Interstate Capital is in discussions with a few potential interested parties who will not commit until the re-zoning is approved.
Interstate Capital plans to submit a site plan review to the Planning Commission at the May 19 meeting.
“Looking at an industrial zone, there’s a number of uses in there. We’ve really looked at those uses. From our ownership side, we want to own something that’s longstanding in the community, and is good for the community,” said Raleigh.
Entrants and exits would be focused on 40th Street, not east in the residential area.
Raleigh said Interstate Capital was interested in feedback first before submitting a site review plan. The group can’t commit to purchasing the property until the zoning issue is answered.
“This is the initial step among many and we do want to work closely with the Township and neighbors to ensure we put forth a good plan that will benefit the Township. It is a good opportunity and is a good location for this type of development,” adds Raleigh.
Udrys said it is difficult to know what types of light industry companies will lease space in the buildings until the zoning is approved and the sale is completed.
Raleigh adds it is still too early to determine if the company will seek any type of tax relief.
Pointing to increased traffic associated with the development at exit I-94 on Watkins Road, one resident was concerned about increased traffic at the intersection of L and 40th Street, especially with Target Distribution Center and Eaton traffic being heavy during certain times of the day. Another resident felt the Planning Commission should have restrictions in place before approving the re-zoning request.
A traffic study would have to be performed, and Interstate Capital would have to get permitting from the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County.
According to information provided to the Charleston Township Planning Commission, Interstate Capital was founded in 2019 and is a Michigan-based industrial development firm with a singular focus on speculative and build-to-suit industrial parks across the state.
Since 2019, Interstate Capital has developed or entitled over two million square feet of Class A industrial product in Michigan. The company has collectively developed more than 1.5 million square feet of modern industrial space in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, facilitating expansions for major tenants such as Pfizer, Zoetis, FedEx, Bradford White, and multiple Tier 1 suppliers to Ford’s BlueOval initiative.
Interstate Capital developments near the proposed Charleston Township facility include the FCIP South Park in Battle Creek, IPUSA Portage facility in Portage and the N Avenue Industrial facility in Pavilion Township.
Barn Theatre Site Place for Storage Building Approved
After reviewing a site plan at the Barn Theatre for a 2400-square foot storage building with a small gravel drive and some parking, the Planning Commission unanimously approved the site plan with two conditions. It is estimated the structure would be under 20 feet tall, however the Planning Commission requested an actual roof height be included in the site plan and an architect seal be included in the site plan.
Moratorium on Data Centers, Battery Storage Facility Discussed
Planning Commission member Brian Moravek said after learning a number of townships had concerns with data centers and battery storage facilities, he told the Planning Commission the Township could have a moratorium put in place that could last six months up to two years. He said a moratorium would allow the township time to change any ordinances that may need to be changed and study the issue further.
Moravek said to his knowledge, nobody is inquiring about a proposed data center or battery storage facility in the township.
There was general consensus for Moravek, also a member of the Charleston Township Board, to advise the Township Board about the Planning Commission’s recommendation to pursue the moratorium. The township attorney would have to be involved drafting the moratorium language. Planning Commission member Sue Balkema asked that a moratorium on wind and solar farms also be considered.
In other items covered at the Planning Commission meeting:
• The Planning Commission unanimously approved Tim Vosburg as Planning Commission chairman, Sue Balkema as vice chair, and Brian Moravek as secretary.
• The Planning Commission set the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the township hall as the Planning Commission meeting dates and times for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
• The Planning Commission expressed interest in requesting the township board consider an ordinance that addresses semi trailers parked in yards, especially in residential areas.
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