Kalamazoo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kalamazoo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Pedestrian safety improvements via MDOT contract
An MDOT contract (25-5682) was up for approval to fund pedestrian safety improvements at multiple locations around Kalamazoo.
Cork Street safety improvements
Parents say kids crossing Howard Street near Maple Street Magnet School face four lanes of fast traffic in the dark. The redesigned crossing moves away from Merrill Street, and residents worry children will keep crossing at the old spot out of habit. The commission held off voting so staff can engage the neighborhood and return by March 16.
Winchell and Howard sidewalk tree removals
Families on the south side of Winchell have no sidewalk or safe path to a crossing to reach Winchell Elementary — the Safe Routes project would finally fill that gap.
Shuttle and micromobility options downtown
An upcoming meeting with the City will explore shuttle and micromobility options like scooters and e-bikes. The board suggested reviewing previous RFP proposals and reconnecting with potential providers.
Transit millage and Metro services
Kalamazoo Metro reported nearly 2 million rides last year and flagged a countywide 0.36-mill, seven-year millage on the August 4 ballot funding Metro Connect and Metro Share services.
Two-way conversion of Kalamazoo Avenue
The city just locked in the money and engineering muscle to turn Kalamazoo Avenue back into a two-way street — a project a decade in the making that also replaces century-old water mains underneath. Construction runs over three years, and staff will detail schedules and detour plans on June 15. Residents are worried about traffic during construction and once the arena opens in fall 2027.
Portage Street 4-to-3 lane conversion (road diet)
Portage Street from Cork to Stockbridge gets a lane reduction with a center turn lane, bike lanes and pedestrian refuge islands, using $750,000 in federal funds. Supporters point to a 42 percent crash reduction on similar projects; one commissioner wanted sidewalks instead of bike lanes.
Downtown rail yard relocation planning
The city accepted $3.225 million to plan moving the downtown rail yard and eliminating grade crossings that snarl traffic — a problem dating to the 1800s. A recent derailment blocked Michigan Avenue for over a day. Actual construction could cost $50-100 million.
Peak Street Play Street Closure
Bill and Maureen Cartmill said two years after Peak Street was closed, no compromise discussion has happened, winter emergency access is dangerous, and permanent planters replaced temporary barriers. Commissioner Slaby agreed residents deserve a timely response.
Howard Street pedestrian crossing at Merrill/Howard
A long line of Vine neighborhood residents — including a 2019 crash survivor — asked the commission to keep the crossing at the bottom of the Howard Street hill and install a pedestrian-activated stoplight instead of moving the crossing uphill near the school bus exit. The City Manager said a meeting with Vine and Winchell neighborhood leaders is planned to coordinate broader engagement.
Howard Hill road diet concern
A resident warned that a planned road diet on Howard Hill would be dangerous in winter, as cars slide back down the hill.