KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo city commissioners admit it isn’t going to solve the housing crisis, but they were happy last night to approve grants and tax relief measures that will help add dozens of new affordable units in the city.
It came after commissioners got a report from staff that most of the statistics show the housing crisis is not easing at all in Kalamazoo.
Compliance Officer Julie Johnston reported they are working on a five-year plan to ensure continued housing funding from the federal government, but the grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development aren’t keeping up with the gap in affordable homes.
Market studies show that the city has 1,058 fewer homes than it needs right now to meet demand in its downtown and targeted neighborhoods.
Commissioners approved tax breaks and grants to convert a motel to affordable units on Kilgore, build housing for victims of domestic assault on Duke and recovering addicts on Alcott.
Still, some homeless advocates told commissioners it was not enough.
Commissioner Chris Preadel says it took considerable work with new partners to make those projects happen.
Mayor Dave Anderson says some of those projects have taken years to put together.
Commissioner Don Cooney says he agrees it’s a crisis, but its beyond Kalamazoo, or any city’s, ability to solve alone.
Mayor Anderson says the news that the closure of a shelter in Battle Creek had resulted in more homeless moving to Kalamazoo demonstrates the need for regional, statewide and national solutions.
Many of the new units are being reserved for residents, making less than 50% of the area median income, the toughest group to find housing for.
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