KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo Vice Mayor Drew Duncan says the city is working to do something about an illegal encampment of the homeless who are squatting on property along Edwards Street.
Several residents in that part of the northside neighborhood complained to city commissioners this week that they are a nuisance and disrupting the peace and business in the area.
Commissioner Alonzo Wilson also had questions about it.
Vice Mayor Duncan wasn’t specific, but said that actions are being taken and talks are underway to find a solution.
Commissioner Chris Praedel told the board he recently learned that both Ann Arbor and Jackson have recently taken actions to restrict sheltering and enacted new ordinances to crack down on homeless encampments and that someone should call them to make sure they are providing alternatives, and that their homeless won’t just relocate to Kalamazoo.
The homeless encampment will be removed starting Thursday.
Tents along the street have been tagged by the city with a notice that the area will be cleared and they need to move somewhere else.
Kalamazoo Public Safety has responded to 300 calls so far in 2026 in the 500 block of Edwards Street.
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