KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Complaints about the homeless using the Downtown Mall in Kalamazoo as a toilet resurfaced last night at the City Commission meeting during public comment.
The issue first came up when the commission voted earlier this summer to decriminalize public urination.
The former owner of Bell’s Brewing, Larry Bell, sharply criticized that vote, presenting photographic evidence. Bell called the vote “tone deaf’, and other downtown business representatives called for action as well.
City Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman says there is a much bigger issue involved, saying if they they solve the homelessness problem in Kalamazoo, they will solve this problem too.
A committee has been formed to look into the complaints coming from downtown, with a deadline to come back with recommendations by the end of the month.
(reporting from John McNeill)
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