KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University is holding its first input session on the planned expansion of its Business Technology and Research Park -- and all ideas are on the table, according to a WMU spokesman.

The meeting on Phase 2 of the BTR Park development will 6 to 7:30 p.m. today, Dec. 17, at Oshtemo Township Hall, 7275 W. Main St. The forum will be an opportunity for members of the community to learn more about project and to share their thoughts and concerns about the 44-acre expansion into the area known as Colony Farm Orchard.

WMU Associate Vice President for Community Outreach Bob Miller, which oversees development of the BTR park said this first public meeting is key to the development process.

"We told the design firms that before any design occurs, before anything happens, we need to engage the public and get their ideas and thoughts," Miller said.

Part of that process also has included the naming of an advisory committee. The nine-member committee includes members of the Asylum Lake Management Council and the Asylum Lake Preservation Committee, as well as Students for Sustainable Earth. The committee also includes business representatives from Battle Creek Unlimited and Southwest Michigan First.

Miller said there are no preconceived design concepts, other than to retain some core values for the project such as to make the area attractive to the private sector, to create jobs and and to work on environmental sustainability, including improving storm water management in the area, which affects the BTR and nearby Asylum Lake Preserve.

The firms of Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber and O'Boyle, Cowell, Blalock, & Associates have been chosen as the design team for the project. They also designed Phase I of the BTR park. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2016 with completion expected by June 2017. Infrastructure costs are expect to be between $3 million and $4 million, Miller said. The costs are expected to be covered by Oshtemo Township and a federal Economic Development Administration matching grant.

Two future public input sessions will focus on design direction and a review of the final designs. Miller said he expects one in February or March, where designers will unveil their plans.

Since Phase II of the business park has been announced there have been some who have protested the spread of the business park. Some protesters object to development of the Colony Farm parcel, arguing there are developed properties in downtown Kalamazoo that could be used for business park activities. Others have expressed concern for the future of the nearby Asylum Lake Preserve.

When the original BTR plans were announced, Miller said, WMU made a commitment that it would develop Baker Farm, including Old Colony Orchard, but that it would not develop Asylum Lake Preserve.

"That would remain passive for recreation and research," he said. "The university is absolutely committed to keeping that promise."

WMU President John Dunn reiterated that sentiment on WMUK 102.1 FM's "South by Southwest" program today. Saying that, "Yes," WMU intends to honor that pledge.

Dunn said the BTR development allows WMU work on protecting the areas by planning elements such as storm water management.

Miller said that there will always be a small percentage of any community that is opposed to any development. "We accept that," he said. "And we still want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be heard."

Miller and Dunn said they expect Phase II to attract many of the same kinds of business that are in the original park, including advanced engineering, information technology and life sciences. Dunn said there may be even more interest in the life sciences given the opening of the WMU medical school.

"We're really excited the original project has been a tremendous success with more than 40 companies, several million in taxes generated from the companies there and over 200 student internships with those firms," Miller said. "We want to keep that momentum going."

Linda S. Mah is a reporter for the Kalamazoo Gazette. Reach her at 269-303-6567 or her at lmah@mlive.com. You can follow her on Twitter.