The City of Kalamazoo and project partners Progressive AE and Wightman have released a five-part video series highlighting the upcoming project to convert Kalamazoo Avenue back to a two-way street. Each video focuses on a different aspect of the project, from the street’s history to planning, design, community involvement, and the outlook for the future.
The video series is being released leading up to two public meetings at which the draft design will be released to the public:
Wednesday, May 24 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at Bell’s Brewery, Backroom (355 E. Kalamazoo Ave).
Tuesday, May 30 from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Catalyst Center, Building Lobby (180 E Water St). Coffee and refreshments will be provided. Bike Parking is available.
Both events will be open house-style and attendance for the entire event is not necessary. Residents will be able to view the design plans and share their input on boards and through discussions. City staff and design consultants will be available to provide information and answer questions. Both events will cover the same information, with the May 30 meeting being focused on downtown businesses.
The draft plans will be posted to the Imagine Kalamazoo project page following the meetings.
About Streets for All
Streets for All is a project to redesign several major streets in Kalamazoo to create a street network that meets the needs of the community, promotes safe transportation for all modes, and fosters more vibrant public places. Starting in 1965, many downtown streets in Kalamazoo were converted from two-way to one-way traffic with wide, highway-like lanes. These streets create barriers for many Kalamazoo residents and visitors – pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists.
After decades of discussion, clear direction from the Imagine Kalamazoo Master Plan, and transfer of control of these streets to the City of Kalamazoo from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in 2019, the City has an opportunity to redesign the way the streets function and transform Kalamazoo’s downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The first changes started taking shape in 2022 with the reconstruction of Stadium Drive and traffic calming work on Westnedge and Park. For more information, visit www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/streetsforall