Community input will be sought in August for project design
The City of Kalamazoo is launching a project to calm traffic on Westnedge Avenue and Park Street and is seeking input from residents to inform design decisions. This project focuses on Westnedge Avenue and Park Street between Dunkley Street (north city limit) and Crosstown Parkway, a section that crosses the Northside, Downtown, and Vine neighborhoods and is adjacent to the Stuart neighborhood.
This project is a first step to better serve all users while long-term street design and construction planning work is underway, such as converting one-way streets downtown to two-way traffic. The City’s goal through this project is to implement short-term, immediate improvements to reduce speeding, create streets that allow all users to travel safely and comfortably, support economic vitality by removing transportation challenges, and align streets with the character of the neighborhood.
Residents can share their input at a series of events throughout August, or participate online starting Tuesday, August 3. Participants will be asked to prioritize intersections for pedestrian improvements and share their thoughts on adding bike lanes and on-street parking. Youth input is encouraged, and events will include activities for kids to participate as well.
In-person opportunities will start Tuesday, August 3 and continue throughout August. Each event will include mapping input and a survey along with other activities.
NACD National Night Out: Tuesday, August 3, 4 pm - 7 pm at Northside Association for Community Development (NACD) (612 N Park)
A table will be set up at the event with activities including career exploration information for children and a Lego building activity. Participants will have a chance to win a $25 gift card to Park Street Market.
Lunchtime Live: Friday, August 6, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at Bronson Park (200 S Rose)
Participants will have a chance to win Downtown Dollars which can be used at several participating Downtown Kalamazoo businesses.
VNA Art Hop: Friday, August 6, 5 pm - 9 pm at Vine Neighborhood Association (VNA) (806 S Westnedge)
This event will include an art-themed activity where residents will share their input in a Storytelling Video Booth. These video entries will be compiled into a video short to tell the story of resident’s experience traveling on Westnedge and Park. There will also be free ice cream and participants will have a chance to win a $25 gift card to Midtown Fresh.
Galilee Parking Lot: Tuesday, August 10, 6:30 pm - 8 pm at Galilee Baptist Church (1216 N Westnedge)
Activities will be set up in the parking lot including a Lego building activity and free ice cream. Participants will have a chance to win a $25 gift card to Park Street Market. Volunteers will also lead walking activities at 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. along Westnedge and Park to collect input on their experiences. Residents can sign up to participate in a walking activity at www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/westnedgepark
Walnut & Park Cafe Patio: Thursday, August 12, 12 pm - 6 pm at Walnut & Park Cafe (322 W Walnut)
Activities will be set up on the café’s patio. Participants will be able to receive free coffee provided by Walnut & Park Café. Volunteers will also lead walking activities at 6 p.m. along Westnedge and Park to collect input on their experiences. Residents can sign up to participate in a walking activity at www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/westnedgepark
Lunchtime Live: Friday, August 13, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at Bronson Park (200 S Rose)
Participants will have the chance to win Downtown Dollars which can be used at several participating Downtown Kalamazoo businesses.
Attendees should remain cautious and follow CDC and local health official guidelines to protect themselves and the community from COVID-19. Before attending an event, residents are encouraged to complete a Pre-Event Input Activity to share their experience walking and biking along Westnedge and Park and identify their top 3 intersections for pedestrian improvements. Residents who complete the survey through Monday, August 2 will have the option to enter to win a $25 gift card to Park Street Market or Midtown Fresh.
Community members that prefer to share their input online can do so from Tuesday, August 3 to Tuesday, August 17 at www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/westnedgepark. This will include a video presentation, online mapping and self-guided walking activities, and additional questions mirroring in-person activities.
Residents can also share their input anytime by calling the City’s Community Engagement Hotline at (269) 226-6524 and leaving a message or by emailing hello@kalamazoocity.org and noting their top three intersections for pedestrian improvements on Westnedge Avenue and Park Street, as well as any other information about walking & biking in the area.
“We know that streets like Westnedge and Park are intimidating for many users and create divisions in our neighborhoods and downtown,” said Christina Anderson, City Planner for the City of Kalamazoo. “This project will be a first step as the larger plans keep moving forward to make our major roads safer and more comfortable for everyone in Kalamazoo.”
Residents and property owners in the project area were mailed information about this project and encouraged to share their input. In addition, City staff will be distributing flyers to businesses in the project area with event and project information on Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30. More information on this project is available at www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/westnedgepark