KALMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo County Commissioners came out of a closed meeting last night, ready to commit to a plan that could give a major 80 to 100-million dollar facelift to the west side of Downtown Kalamazoo.
They voted to proceed with complex multiple-party negotiations over land swaps, and purchases.
County Board Chair Dale Shugars says they want to consolidate courthouses and administration into one building. He says it will result in a number of efficiencies and allow them to focus security efforts in one location instead of several.
He says that would open the west Arcadia Commons for developers to add residential and commercial space, add 500 additional parking spaces if a new ramp is financed on Kalamazoo Avenue.
It would finally complete the development of the Arcadia Creek project for the city, generating more tax base, an effort that began a couple of decades ago.
Last night they voted to begin the negotiations.
