November 2024 City View
Streets Reopen With Modernized Infrastructure As Construction Season Winds Down
Construction season is nearly wrapped for 2024, and most projects have been completed. We know it’s been frustrating at times, but the new infrastructure that is now serving our city will last long into the future. For example, the new water main installed this year is designed to last 100 years! So what improvements did this year bring to our streets and utilities?
Riverview Dr was resurfaced, with ADA improvements to sidewalks and new signage. Howard St was too, with a new left turn to Rogowski Ave, new sidewalk ramps, and storm sewer improvements.
The Inkster Bridge was entirely rebuilt and is once again open to vehicles. The new bridge has wider sidewalks, better lighting, and will last much longer than the old wooden bridge.
Michikal St was the first step to bringing two-way traffic to Downtown Kalamazoo. It’s still one-way for now, but now we’re ready for two-way work on W Main, Douglas, and Kalamazoo Ave (in the Stuart Neighborhood) next year. Michikal is also prepared for future work to reroute Arcadia Creek alongside it.
In Downtown Kalamazoo, utility work started for the new event center. We worked with the developers to make major upgrades to our public utilities as part of their work. In doing so, these investments were completed at a much lower cost and they won’t just serve the event center, but increase capacity and reliability for the whole system.
Westnedge, Whites, Ransom, and Balch St were rebuilt (or are nearly finished) with new water main and other utility improvements as needed. In total, more than seven miles of new ductile iron water main were installed in the system. Ransom St was entirely rebuilt with an emphasis on placemaking. Whites Rd underwent a road diet to make the street safer.
Many of these projects also include other amenities like improved sidewalks or pathways, new trees, and better lighting.
So yes, it was a challenging year to navigate in the city. But these investments will serve us well for decades to come and set the city up for a bright future. We appreciate your patience during construction. The inconvenience is not lost on us- city staff drive in the city every day, too.
Hopefully you’ve been supporting the local businesses even while they were in construction areas. But if not, now that streets are back open you can get back to your routine and visit the shops, restaurants, and groceries our community depends on.
Kalamazoo Celebrates 5,000 Lead Service Lines Replaced
In October, the City of Kalamazoo celebrated 5,000 lead service lines being replaced in the public water system. This milestone means we are about half way toward our goal of replacing every lead service.
To mark the occasion, an event was held at the Edison Neighborhood Association. State and local officials were on hand to offer remarks, and even the White House was represented by Tom Perez, Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. Community members were able to learn about Kalamazoo’s ongoing commitment to protect the community from lead, including a project that is about to start to replace 1,300 lead services in the Edison Neighborhood.
Kalamazoo’s groundwater does not contain lead, but it can enter drinking water when it is in contact with pipes, solder, interior plumbing, fittings, and fixtures that contain lead. Our team will continue replacing all remaining lead service lines until they are entirely removed from the public system.
In the meantime, the City of Kalamazoo offers free water testing for lead and provides NSF-certified filters at no charge to customers served by the public water system. Customers can call 311 or (269) 337-8000 for questions about these services or to arrange for free lead sampling. You can also visit kalamazoocity.org/lead to find information about protecting your family from lead.
We have more work to do, but this is a milestone worth celebrating! Together, we can get the lead out!
Budget Work Session and Discussion In December
Approving the City Budget is one of the most important decisions the City Commission makes each year. The budget is the foundation for all of the City’s work in the following year.
Our City Charter requires a budget proposal to be published by December 1 every year. It will be posted on the City website at kalamazoocity.org/budgets for the community to review once it is published.
On Monday, December 9, at 5 p.m., the City Commission will hold a special meeting to review the budget proposal. This is the first step in the review and approval process. Before it’s finally adopted, it will be presented for a first reading at a City Commission meeting in January and then presented for a vote at a subsequent meeting. City Charter requires a budget to be adopted by January 31.
The City’s budget is important. We encourage you to take time to review it and share your thoughts with your elected officials on the City Commission. You can share feedback via email, by calling 311, or by attending and commenting at any meetings with the budget on the agenda.
City Looks To Keep More Sidewalks Clear This Winter
Snow isn’t far off, and many of our neighbors depend on the sidewalks to stay connected all year long. Snow and ice can make it unsafe or even impossible for people to use sidewalks, especially our older neighbors, children, and people with disabilities.
In 2022, we looked extensively at how to improve how many sidewalks are cleared during the winter. We met with residents, neighborhood associations, and different members of our team. Now, we’re excited to introduce some changes that we hope will make it easier for everyone to get around on our sidewalks. So what’s new this winter?
City Sidewalks: The City is currently responsible for clearing about 19 miles of sidewalk along our properties. We know we haven’t always met our standards for snow clearing, so we have reviewed and updated our operations and pledge to do better.
Sidewalk Clearing Pilot Project: This winter, we’ll take on the responsibility for clearing about 14 additional miles of sidewalk on key corridors, prioritizing high pedestrian traffic areas and transit routes.
Ordinance Updates: City ordinance still requires that all property owners clear their sidewalks of snow and ice within 48 hours. Earlier this year, the City Commission updated the ordinance to streamline the enforcement process, making it easier to hold serial non-shovelers accountable.
Better Communication: We’ll share more information to encourage people to follow the city ordinance and remind our neighbors when and why they need to shovel their sidewalks.
We’re excited for these changes and hope to have a much easier city to navigate this winter. Please do your part and keep your sidewalks clear!
City Launches Economic Development Strategy
On October 7, the City Commission approved the City’s first comprehensive Economic Development Strategy in more than 20 years. The plan was developed with community partners and designed to drive equitable growth and foster long-term prosperity for all residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
The plan was developed with extensive community engagement and outlines four key goals:
- Foster the Business Environment, Target Markets, and Entrepreneurship
- Strengthen Neighborhoods and Community Connections
- Advance Conditions for Growth
- Improve the Downtown Experience
The City will continue to work closely with partners across the public, private, and non-profit sectors to implement the strategy over the next five years, aligning efforts with the broader Kalamazoo economic ecosystem. You can read the strategy online at kalamazoocity.org/EDstrategy.
Energy Efficiency Program Can Help Reduce Utility Bills
Colder weather is here, and for many residents the cost of heating our homes puts a strain on our finances. A free program from Consumers Energy can help weatherize your home, reduce your energy usage, and save money. Schedule a free Home Energy Analysis today to save up to $150 per year, and you can get up to $50 in free energy saving products like efficient light bulbs, insulating pipe wrap, faucet aerators, or even programmable thermostats.
Scan the QR code below or call 888-316-8014 to schedule your free Home Energy Analysis.
Social Justice Youth Award Nominations Due November 29
Every January, the City of Kalamazoo recognizes outstanding students for activities and volunteerism that promote justice and equity for everyone. The Social Justice Youth Awards are presented as part of the community celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Nominations are accepted from adults that work with students, like teachers, coaches, or mentors. Winners receive a $300 scholarship. Learn more and nominate someone at kalamazoocity.org/SJYA.
Multi-Purpose Building Coming to Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market
Construction has started on a new multi-purpose building at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market. It will have meeting space and a commercial kitchen, and be able to host winter markets or events. Plus, it will serve as the main location for the Kzoo Parks Afterschool Program and as a site for the Super Rec summer camp program. We can’t wait for it to be completed next year!
Emerald Park Improvements Will Be Ready for Spring
A project to refresh Emerald Park completed in October will improve the experience for soccer leagues at the park, plus add a new playground for visitors to enjoy.
For soccer players, new benches were added for players to sit on and backstop nets were installed behind the goals (to keep balls from flying way out of play). Plus the field itself has been repaired so there will be a better surface for games. A gate will also be installed before next season to the nearby Lewis C. Howard parking lot, so there will be new parking available during games.
There wasn’t a playground at the park, so now there is a new amenity for parkgoers to enjoy. Visit the park and see what’s changed this fall or winter, otherwise Emerald Park will be ready for a great spring and summer season next year!
Sign Up For Important Safety Alerts
Kalamazoo Public Safety has adopted the Rave Mobile Safety system, which will help keep our community safe in the event of an emergency or any situation where urgent communication is needed. The system will send you a text, phone call, or email when there is something happening in your area that you need to know about. It also integrates with smart911, and can provide first responders with critical information if they ever need to respond to your home, like how many people live in the home or if there are any pets. Signing up is quick and easy- just scan the QR code below.
KDPS Introduces Program to Get Guns Off the Street
A new amnesty program will accept guns with no questions asked as part of Kalamazoo’s commitment to reduce gun violence. Guns can be taken to six participating churches, where they will be locked in a case and collected by KDPS.
Together, we are taking proactive steps to reduce gun violence and protect our residents. For complete details visit kalamazoopublicsafety.org/GunAmnesty.
Learn How to Solarize Your Home at November 12 Event
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association is hosting an event to share a group buy-in opportunity to save money installing solar on your home. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of solar energy and save people money in the process.
The event is from 7 - 8 p.m. at Brewery Outre (567 E Ransom St) on Tuesday, November 12. You can learn more about the event and RSVP at 2glrea.org/events.
Maple Hill Holiday Parade Starts Holiday Season on November 23
Kalamazoo’s Holiday Parade has been a cherished tradition for more than six decades. This year it will mark the start of the magical holiday season in Downtown Kalamazoo for the 62nd year. We hope you’ll join us for the Maple Hill Holiday Parade this year, and stick around after to experience all of the festivities going on downtown.
The parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 23. It starts on Lovell at Portage, west heading to Park St, north to Michigan Ave, east to Pitcher St, and south back toward Lovell.
After the parade, you can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy the festive activities planned downtown. Restaurants and shops will be open, too (many with specials), so you can get a head start on holiday shopping or grab a bite to eat.
Visit kalamazooholidayparade.org for more information.
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Bronson Park on November 29
Gather in Bronson Park with friends, family, and neighbors for Kalamazoo’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 29. Every year our community comes together the day after Thanksgiving to light up the park for the holiday season and celebrate the diverse traditions that make it so special.
The event starts at 5 p.m. and the lighting of the park will occur around 6 p.m. There will be a variety of holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy, like music and dance performances, a craft tent for kids, visits with Santa (& other photo ops), and huskies from the Kalamazoo Husky Club. Plus, there will be free hot chocolate while supplies last.
Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition in Downtown Kalamazoo! Find details at kzooparks.org/TreeLighting.
Santa, Holly Jolly Trolley Roll Into Town at Tree Lighting
The Tree Lighting is also when Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Holly Jolly Trolley come to Downtown Kalamazoo for the season (through December 24).
The Holly Jolly Trolley is FREE to ride and makes stops throughout downtown Thursdays & Fridays (5 - 9 p.m.), Saturdays (noon - 8 p.m.), and Sundays (noon - 4 p.m.). The route will be similar to previous years— look for more information soon!
After the Tree Lighting, Santa’s Workshop will be open Thursdays & Fridays (5 - 8 p.m.), Saturdays (noon - 6 p.m.), and Sundays (noon - 4 p.m.). There are also special hours on December 23 (noon - 6 p.m.) and December 24 (noon - 4 p.m.). Santa’s Workshop is located in the City Centre building just beyond the City Centre Deli.
November 30 is Small Business Saturday
Kalamazoo is filled with unique shops, restaurants, and businesses that offer things you just can’t find anywhere else. This holiday season, make a point to shop small and support these entrepreneurs (who are our friends and neighbors) and make the gifts you give to your loved ones extra special.
Small Business Saturday is on November 30 this year. Many businesses will be running specials throughout the holiday season too, so don’t miss out.
December to Remember
December to Remember is a holiday event for youth in Kalamazoo, planned by Kzoo Parks and Kalamazoo’s Youth Action Council. The event is held under the holiday lights in Bronson Park from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 12.
Kids of all ages are invited to visit the park to enjoy hot chocolate and a little holiday cheer. They can write and drop off letters to Santa and pick up a free holiday craft kit with fun activities like ornament crafts, puzzles, crayons, and a coloring book (while supplies last). Everything is free and the event is open to everyone. Find details at kzooparks.org/December.
Ring in the New Year at New Year’s Fest
Ring in the new year at New Year’s Fest, Kalamazoo’s annual celebration that looks ahead to the promise of a new year. With just one admission, you can enjoy live performances all over downtown, including a huge variety of live music, improv comedy, ventriloquists, and other entertainment. At midnight, the ball drops near City Hall and Bronson Park and everyone can enjoy the fireworks show from downtown. Find full details as the event nears at newyearsfest.com.