KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Housing Resources Incorporated of has now announced its intention to place a POD community near the I-94 Business Loop in Kalamazoo at 2015 Lake Street, on land owned by Clark Logic.
It comes after considerable public opposition was expressed to that site by its potential neighbors on City Hall this past Monday night.
Rod Halcomb and Carrie Sluiter also voiced their concerns at this week’s Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners meeting, saying g they fear the homeless would bring drug abuse and other crimes to the community.
But HRI Director Michelle Davis says many of the fears expressed by opponents at an initial meeting were unfounded, saying they plan an information campaign and more public meetings with those immediately impacted to ease their concerns.
Tobi Hanna Davies with the ISAAC housing task force has been defending the proposal, saying PODS are nothing like a homeless encampment.
“The feedback was strong, which HRI both respects and appreciates,” she said. “We’ll continue to use that feedback and seek out more of it, both in the neighborhood and in the community at large, to guide the project in the best way possible.”
HRI says the public information campaign is one immediate task. The other is fundraising.
Davis says they need $1.6 millon to secure the lease and begin planning and designs, and $5 million to complete the 50-unit POD community, with the supporting food service facilities, bathrooms, laundry, full time security and the other support facilities.
HRI’s goal is to have the pods available by this next winter.
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