KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Some hard bargaining has resulted in the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners chairman signing an agreement with the developers of Kalamazoo’s proposed downtown sports arena.
The county board got most, but not all of what they wanted in exchange for signing a $4.1-million deal for some of the land needed for the $300-million dollar sports and concert venue.
The county will get first dibs to buy the property back if the project falls through, and clearer language on guarantees for community benefits for the northside.
However the developers would only offer a compromise on a request for a larger break on rentals for minority vendors. According to county cttorney Angelina Barnes, they might be willing to offer a better deal if the vendor really needs it.
Commissioner Jen Strebs, who requested the upgrades earlier this week, was satisfied with the changes.
Board chairman John Taylor told us, just seconds after signing the agreement, that it was a productive process, and the agreement now is better for the community.
A lot still has to happen before the first puck is dropped or the first guitar riff is heard. The developers still have to secure options on other land, get the financing, get the permits, and design the place.
It appears they may also have a public relations challenge to sell it to some of the neighbors.
The board took no vote on the matter last night, and that confused some of the public who attended the special session. The board had already given authority to Taylor to sign the agreement last month.
reporting from John McNeill
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