AUDIO: Kalamazoo city commission approves tax-exempt Neighborhood Enterprise Zone

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo city commission has approved a tax-exempt Neighborhood Enterprise Zone in downtown for the development of new one-bedroom apartments.

Developers Brian and Carmen Harris want to turn the second floor of the Hiemstra Optical building on East Michigan Avenue, which was constructed in the 1860s, into four apartments.

The city approved the NEZ for a block bordered by East Michigan Avenue, Portage Street, East South Street, and South Edwards Street.

Kalamazoo assistant city planner Bobby Durkee says the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone downtown makes sense.

Durkee says the NEZ was suggested because it will give small and large developers a chance to bring more projects to the city like the Harris’ four apartments.