KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo city officials hope that eliminating one-way streets will mean prosperity for the central city, but it could be risky business.
Stores, bars, and offices will have to survive several years of intense construction first.
That’s why they have contracted with Western Michigan University researchers to check the pulse of downtown businesses and residents quarterly over the next few years, to see if the construction is a problem.
Assistant City Manager Rebecca Kik says it’s the best way to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.
The long-term study will also give them some idea whether the new configuration worked.
Commissioners approved a $115,000 contract this week to start the study.
The downtown is about to get the biggest facelift its gotten since the Gruen plan was implemented in 1959, converting the streets to one-way.
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