KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Residents in the Winchell neighborhood in Kalamazoo say they don’t like the temporary roundabouts the city has set up on Chevy Chase, and they want them removed.
Katie Bloom presented a petition to commissioners last week with 375 signatures, letting them know that this particular measure to slow down traffic is not popular with the neighbors, because it made the area less safe.
It’s just one of a number of street changes that some residents like, and others dislike such as speed bumps, lane reductions, bike paths and others.
Commissioner Quinna Decker says the city has a way to resolve these differences, the Traffic Board, but it has not been consulted by city staff.
Commissioner Don Cooney has taken the hardest line, refusing any new money for the streets department.
Public Works manager Jim Baker admits they do make mistakes, and they have already modified some of their plans because of citizen opposition.
Mayor Dave Anderson says they should take advantage of the winter lull in construction to reach a meeting of the minds on this issue.
It’s this time of the year when the streets are sometimes snow covered and slippery when the changes the city is implementing is causing the greatest concern for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Comments