KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo City Commissioners have voted in favor of approving new funds for use at the Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market Redevelopment Project.
During a virtual meeting Monday night, Commissioners voted for funding that was written across two different contracts. Both sections of the funding were divided into “A” and “B” contracts.
According to city documents, the contract section “A” would be awarded to Cornerstone Construction Management, Inc. for redevelopment activities in the amount of $3,769,000.
City documents for contract section “A” state the following details:
“The Bank Street Farmers’ Market planning has been ongoing for the past few years with the purchase of several properties making way for the realignment of Bank Street and additional parking to the south of the existing site. InForm Architecture has been working with Parks and Recreation staff to develop a plan that is “buildable” and within a reasonable budget. The decision was made in the spring of 2021 to combine phase 1 and 2 in order to obtain better pricing for the project. Bids were opened on March 15th, 2021.”
Documents further state that this project is in line with the Strategic Vision Alignment because the end result will provide “vibrant streets, exceptional parks, and welcoming activities.”
For section “B” of the Farmers’ Market Redevelopment Project would be awarded to Peters Construction, who would be tasked with developing two segments of trail, one of which would be connecting to the Farmers’ Market area.
City documents state the following on this facet of the project:
“Two segments of trail will be constructed to continue development of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail system. The first segment will connect Walnut Street to Pitcher Street. The second segment will begin at the south end of Upjohn Park and go past the Farmers’ Market on the newly re-aligned Bank Street and continue south through the Farmers’ Market site to Stockbridge. The trail will then continue on Reed Court south to Reed Street.”
Documents further state that this contract would help the city meet its goal of having inviting public places, as well as helping make the city better connected.
Ultimately, both contracts were approved by Commissioners. The meeting only lasted about 45 minutes, but Commissioner Jeanne Hess said a lot had been accomplished, including the Farmers’ Market funding.
She said it would be a seed of economic growth in the community.
“Even though it was a very short meeting, we did a lot for this community, and I take great pride in that,” Commissioner Hess said.
Further Viewing –
- A recording of the meeting can be viewed on the City of Kalamazoo YouTube page at this link.
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