KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – If you think all the construction in Kalamazoo has been a nuisance for you, it’s created a crisis for impacted businesses.
Merchants and customers came forward last night to plead with the city commission to do something to improve access.
The owners and operators say sales have dropped 20 to 40%, they have begun layoffs, and are watching their perishables go bad before they can be sold.
Some asked for financial support.
City Manager Jim Ritsema says they are working on plans, scheduling meetings with affected businesses and have set up a shuttle service to get customers to Midtown Fresh Grocery.
But he says monetary bailouts are not possible.
This is just the beginning of what could be years of even more disruptive construction, and several commissioners say they must explore alternative ways to get the work done without hurting business.
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