KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo city commissioners took another big step forward in their plan to reconfigure downtown streets last night, knowing that there is a lot of apprehension and opposition to the project.
Last night they approved a two-million-dollar contract to begin the engineering plans for Michigan Avenue.
That planning is already underway for the changes needed on Kalamazoo Avenue, and Douglas Avenue, to restore two-way streets downtown, and work on Michikal could begin later this year.
Bike riders and members of the Streets For All committee spoke in favor of the project.
Jane Ghosh and Jonas Peterson, the directors of Discover Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan First also spoke in favor of the project.
Mayor Dave Anderson said they are hearing from a lot of worried downtown businesses owners too.
City Planner Christine Anderson says this summer, the public will have a number of opportunities to express their thoughts.
The overall project cost is estimated at $30-million, much of it coming in state and federal grants, if they can secure the funding.
Commissioner Don Cooney voted against it, saying he can think of bigger issues the city faces.
The timeline calls for Kalamazoo Avenue to be rebuilt from the sewer lines to the streetlights next year, with work on Michigan Avenue to take the next two years after that.
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