City of Kalamazoo - October 3, 2024 Planning Commission

Updated about 8 hours ago

With the pending application withdrawn the Commission works through an Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 presentation and a Meetings on the Go work session to highlight key features and needs around the community.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:49)
The regular session of the city of Kalamazoo planning commission meeting is officially called to order.

The meeting is called to order a little after seven. This marks the beginning of the regular session of the city of Kalamazoo planning commission.
Roll Call (00:02:00)
Roll call is conducted with several members acknowledging their presence as 'here'.

The roll call is conducted by the chair, with several members responding 'here' to confirm their attendance. There is a note of appreciation for the number of members present.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:25)
The agenda for the meeting is reviewed, and a motion is made and approved to accept it with no changes.

The agenda for the meeting is presented to the members. It is noted that the public hearing for one avenue has been withdrawn by the applicant. Seeing no other changes, a motion is made to approve the agenda, seconded, and passed with all in favor.
Approval of Minutes (00:03:01)
The minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed and approved without any changes.

The members review the minutes from the previous meeting. There are no changes, comments, or questions raised. A motion to approve the minutes is made, seconded, and passed with all members in favor.
Communications and Announcements (00:03:25)
There are no new communications or announcements except a special request is mentioned for the November meeting.

The chair asks if there are any communications or announcements. It is stated that there are none, except for a special request that will be made at the November meeting regarding a special use permit request.
City Planner Report (00:03:49)
City Planner Christina Anderson provides an update on the planning process and engagement activities.

Christina Anderson, the City Planner, provides an update on the planning process. She discusses the engagement process, lessons learned, and the goals for the new master plan. She also introduces activities like 'Meetings on the Go' and 'Community Book Read' to engage the community in the planning process.
Discussion and Exercise: Meeting on the Go (00:26:16)
Commissioner Curtis leads a 'Meeting on the Go' exercise to gather personal opinions from members about community goals.

Commissioner Curtis explains the purpose of the 'Meeting on the Go' exercise and leads the members through a mock session. This exercise aims to gather personal opinions from the members about what has changed for the better in the community, focusing on strategic vision and planning goals.
Discussion on Community Challenges (00:32:41)
The meeting discusses challenges including bike lanes, housing, and public transit in Kalamazoo, emphasizing the need for improvement.

The discussion focuses on the challenges that Kalamazoo is facing, such as the integration of bike lanes, the ongoing housing issues, and the state of public transit. There is a consensus that while progress has been made, these remain significant challenges that need to be addressed, especially the frequency and reliability of public transit and the connectivity of bike lanes.
Defining a Happy and Healthy City (00:37:02)
Participants share their visions of a happy and healthy Kalamazoo, focusing on safety, accessibility, and community engagement.

The discussion centers around what constitutes a happy and healthy city, with participants emphasizing safety, accessibility, and community engagement. Key points include the need for safe walking and biking spaces, the importance of community events, and the desire for neighborhoods where amenities are easily accessible, allowing for a vibrant, connected community.
Neighborhood Exemplars of a Healthy City (00:43:00)
Participants describe elements in their neighborhoods that exemplify a healthy city, like walkability and community spaces.

Participants share examples from their neighborhoods that illustrate the principles of a happy and healthy city. These include walkable neighborhoods, community spaces like parks and playgrounds, and the presence of local amenities that are accessible without the need for a car, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
Maintaining and Building a Happy and Healthy Kalamazoo (00:46:00)
The group discusses what needs to be maintained or changed for Kalamazoo to become a happier and healthier city.

The discussion focuses on what needs to stay the same or be improved in Kalamazoo to foster a happy and healthy city. Emphasis is placed on inclusivity, mobility, and the importance of maintaining and developing local commercial areas within neighborhoods to encourage community interaction and sustainability.
Michigan Avenue Redesign Engagement Process (00:54:00)
The redesign of Michigan Avenue is discussed, including public engagement and future construction plans.

The engagement process for redesigning Michigan Avenue is outlined, with a series of public meetings and surveys planned to gather community input. The process involves detailed planning and coordination to ensure the redesign meets the community's needs and integrates well with other ongoing infrastructure projects.
Public Comments (01:00:52)
Public comments are invited, but there are no callers, so the section is closed without input.

The session for public comments is opened, inviting feedback from the community. However, there are no callers or participants wishing to comment, so the section is closed shortly after it is opened.
Commissioner Comments (01:01:29)
Commissioner Praedel thanks the public for their patience during road projects and encourages support for local businesses.

Commissioner Praedel addresses the public, acknowledging the challenges posed by ongoing road projects and emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses during this time. The commissioner also highlights the city's efforts to ensure long-term infrastructure improvements.
Adjournment (01:04:34)
The meeting is adjourned after clearing the agenda and a reminder to vote is given.

The meeting is formally adjourned with a reminder to the attendees to participate in the upcoming elections by voting. The chair thanks everyone for their participation and concludes the session.