Kalamazoo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kalamazoo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.