AUDIO: Kalamazoo County board finalizes hotel purchase for homeless shelter

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo County has finally closed on a hotel purchase for a new transitional family shelter for the homeless.

County Housing Director Mary Balkema announced the good news at the top of their latest county board meeting.

A negotiation with another hotel operator fell through late last year, after the deal had been announced, so they had reason to celebrate this time.

County board chair Jen Strebs, who was there to sign the papers, said she was impressed by the owner selling the property because he had had the opportunity to sell it for more.

Strebs says the former owner plans to build a playground for the new shelter.

The property, on Kilgore Road near Sprinkle had been the Country Inn and Suites.