KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo City Commission has turned down a Community Benefits Agreement with Graphics Packaging, with the majority of the commission saying that it just doesn’t go far enough to appease north and east side residents, who claim discharges from the plant are ruining their health.
The agreement was proposed as a way to get the paperboard recycling company to improve its community engagement, using a tax break as leverage. But community members at Monday’s city commission meeting made it clear that the proposal to hold job fairs, set up an events site, and hand out mini-grants was not good enough.
Several neighbors actually demanded the company pay to relocate them.
The idea for the agreement came from the previous City Commission, but the new commissioners did not feel obligated to approve it.
Graphic’s Packaging Vice President Andy Johnson seemed stunned by the opposition, saying the firm had already hired former City Commissioner Eric Cunningham to improve their community relations.
A preliminary report from state environmental agencies found no link between discharges from the plant and local health issues. A more comprehensive report is pending.
City Attorney Clyde Robinson warned Commissioners they don’t have a lot of leverage, since the company can’t be denied a tax break because of the agreement.
The proposal, which would have benefited the city more than the company, died for lack of support. Commissioners asked for a better plan to be brought back this fall. But it’s up to company executives to decide if they still want to work with the city, after their agreement was trashed Monday night.
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