KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — After adjourning their first meeting of the new year Monday night, Mayor David Anderson says there could be some divisive issues coming up for the Kalamazoo City Commission in 2020.
On that list is a proposal now before the Planning Commission to rezone land at Stadium and Drake. The land sits between a quickly growing commercial area on one side and the Asylum Lake Preserve and homeowners on the other.
Mayor Anderson thinks other issues could also spark differences this year including their recreational marijuana ordinance later this summer, fair housing proposals, and other zoning ordinances.
He hopes that they can discuss these, “in a way where we treat each other with kindness and respect.”
One issue coming up in two weeks may have fewer opponents. Commissioners will cast a final vote on a proposal to allow more food trucks to operate in town and lower the permit fee later this month.They hope the changes will make Kalamazoo a more attractive place for the food trucks to operate.
There should be smooth sailing for the 2020 Kalamazoo City budget as well.
On Monday Commissioners held a public hearing on the spending plan and no one spoke in opposition to the current proposal.
City Finance Director Steve Vicenzi made some last minute adjustments to the final spending plan, calling it the largest in city history.
Residents can read the full plan online at this link.
