KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Kalamazoo County’s new administrator is proposing that commissioners consider moving county headquarters from downtown Kalamazoo to a location on Alcott Street.
The agency is already building a new home there for its health and community services department.
Terrence Neuzil said there is enough room at the new facility, if the county board is willing to spend more to cover unexpected environmental problems at the former Allied Paper site.
“This is one of the biggest decisions that you will make as a county commissioner,” Neuzil said.
He said the county may need some assistance from the city, which would benefit if their current home on Kalamazoo Avenue can be sold and it goes back on the city’s tax roles.
Several commissioners say it’s worth the extra cleanup costs to give a big boost to the Edison and Milwood neighborhoods.
It may all depend on additional tests authorized by the county board on Tuesday, to determine just how much it will cost to clean up the old industrial site.
– John McNeill
