OVERVIEW

We are looking for Southside residents to join us and get involved in neighborhood planning!

NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING OVERVIEW

WHAT IS NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING?

During the Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 planning process, neighborhood plans were identified as a need so that neighborhoods could create their own vision while realizing the community’s overall vision. This process is resident-driven that allows neighborhoods to take control of their future.

WHY SHOULD I GET INVOLVED?

  • Ensure the City’s work aligns with your priorities - Neighborhood plans help inform the work the City does every day including things like sidewalks repairs, park improvements, and more! By getting involved, you can help to shape the priorities for your neighborhood and ensure that the City’s work aligns with what you would like to see in your neighborhood.

  • Create positive change - You are the expert of your neighborhood. Through neighborhood planning you can use your knowledge and experience to help identify issues and create positive change.

  • Build community – Getting involved in the neighborhood planning process is also a great way to get to know your neighbors and build community.

WHAT CAN WE INCLUDE IN A NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN?

The minimum requirements for a neighborhood plan are to have an open and transparent process and to align with the City’s Strategic Vision. Your plan will be unique to your neighborhood’s needs and priorities, but here are just a few examples of the types of projects that can result from neighborhood planning:

  • Murals installed by local artists

  • Sidewalk repairs in prioritized areas

  • Business storefront improvements

  • Informing street projects & park improvements

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

As the name suggests, the Southside neighborhood lies to the south of downtown. It is a largely residential neighborhood and includes several historic homes. See the map below for the neighborhood’s boundaries.

Historically, the Southside area was one of Kalamazoo’s flower-growing districts. Today, a single pansy farm still exists. This is the only remaining business of its kind within the City of Kalamazoo.

GET INVOLVED

If you are interested in getting involved in neighborhood planning for the Southside neighborhood. Please fill out the form below and we will make sure you receive updates and opportunities for this project.

INVENTORY KALAMAZOO

Have you volunteered for Inventory Kalamazoo? Visit the Inventory Kalamazoo project page to get involved and help with the neighborhood plan! Data collected through the inventory will give us valuable data to create our plan.