Community Invited To Share Vision for Two-Way Michigan Ave Redesign
Published on September 03, 2024
The City of Kalamazoo is calling on residents to participate in shaping the future of Michigan Avenue by attending a series of meetings this fall. The first is a Community Open House set for Thursday, Sept. 12.
The Kalamazoo Streets For All Community Open House is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall. This meeting will include an overview of Streets For All projects in Downtown Kalamazoo and will be the first of several meetings to collect input on the two-way street redesign of Michigan Avenue stretching from Michikal Street/West Main Street to Harrison Street.
Additional meetings on the two-way street redesign of Michigan Avenue will be held each month this fall with the goal of moving from this initial input phase to design work this winter.
“We are eager to hear from the people who live, work, shop and dine along this essential corridor,” said Christina Anderson, City Planner and Deputy Director of Community Planning and Economic Development. “This is an opportunity for the community to share their vision, ensuring this section of Michigan Avenue becomes a space that is accessible and welcoming for everyone for generations to come.”
In addition to gaining feedback on Michigan Avenue’s redesign, the session will offer information on other upcoming Streets For All projects, including work on Kalamazoo Avenue, Douglas Avenue and West Main Street planned to start next year.
“As we work to redesign our city streets, it’s crucial to open a dialogue that includes all voices — motorists, cyclists, riders of public transportation and pedestrians alike,” Anderson added. “We want to hear your ideas for creating a barrier-free, easy and equal access space. Your input is vital for our shared future.”
In addition to public-facing events like the open house, stakeholder meetings are being held with business owners, delivery drivers, landowners and other downtown stakeholders to gather additional information based on their unique interests.
These projects, backed by a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation(PNG, 149KB), are part of a larger effort to rebuild significant portions of West Main, South Street, Lovell Street, Stadium Drive and Douglas Avenue. This funding supplements the $12 million federal grant received two years ago for the reconstruction of Kalamazoo Avenue and Michigan Avenue.
The City of Kalamazoo is engaged in utility upgrades to replace aging infrastructure and address Arcadia Creek. The City’s initiatives aim to create a downtown where residents and visitors can enjoy shops, restaurants and events, and where pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists can navigate streets safely and comfortably.