OVERVIEW
Both Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 and Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership realize that parking management is critical to the success of any thriving Downtown. Because of this, the Downtown Parking Study was conducted in an effort to better understand ways in which more affordable and well located parking can be brought to downtown Kalamazoo.
The Downtown Parking Study included collecting data counts of cars parked Downtown as well as an online community survey. In 2019, the data collected from the study and survey will be compiled and used to address problem areas.
PROJECT MANAGER:
Christina Anderson, City Planner, andersonc@kalamazoocity.org
OBJECTIVES:
To better understand the current state of parking in Downtown Kalamazoo.
Use the data collected to offer more practical parking options, making Downtown Kalamazoo a more inviting, connected destination.
To strengthen partnerships with local colleges and universities.
SCHEDULE:
October 2018 – Student volunteers recruited
November 2018 – Data counts collected
December 2018 – Launch of online community survey
2019
o Results gathered and synthesized into usable report.
o Use findings to remedy identified problem areas
PARTNERSHIPS:
Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership, Central City Parking, Western Michigan University.
Without the support of Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University students, the parking study would not have been possible. With over 20 hours of collective volunteerism, all of the students made a large contribution to the community.
STAFFING:
Community Planning and Economic Development
OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS:
MKSK, Nelson Nygaard, Gibbs Planning
CONSISTENT WITH PLANS:
2025 Master Plan, Strategic Vision, 2045 Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study Metropolitan Plan
VISION:
To provide ample, affordable, and well located parking options in Downtown Kalamazoo.
STRATEGIC VISION GOALS:
Connected City, Complete Neighborhoods, Inviting Public Places, and Safe Community
METRICS:
N/A
BUDGET:
N/A
FUNDING SOURCES:
KDP