On Thursday, January 7, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of Eastside Zoning Code Updates. The meeting agenda, presentation slides, and recording are available below. The Eastside zoning agenda item begins at approximately 18:40 into the meeting.
During the meeting City Planner, Christina Anderson, gave a presentation on the proposed zoning updates including project background, the community engagement process, and an overview of the proposed changes.
Kelly Clarke, Executive Director of Kalamazoo County Land Bank (KCLB) and Steve Hassevoort from InForm Architecture also spoke at the meeting about a project they are working on with the neighborhood to redevelop two blocks along E Main in the area of the proposed zoning changes. They discussed what they heard from the neighborhood during engagement for the planned redevelopments and how that work aligns with the proposed zoning updates. Pat Taylor, Executive Director of Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association (KENA), also spoke to the excitement the neighborhood shares around these projects.
During discussion on the item, Planning Commission Chair, Greg Miliken noted,
“…this is a perfect example of zoning evolution and right sizing that fits the vision of a Master Plan and a neighborhood … The zoning that was in place clearly has inhibited development and my hope is that with the action that is laid out before us we’re able to change that and make some change in the right direction.”
The proposed zoning updates will go before the City Commission in February to seek approval. Meeting details will be posted to the project page when available: www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/eastsidezoning