Kalamazoo City Commission - July 7, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

Deputy City Manager Rebecca Kik presents two significant projects: the redevelopment of Arcadia Creek Festival Place and the Stockbridge land use plan. The Arcadia Creek Festival project aims to transform the site into a dynamic park space with flexible event areas, improved accessibility, and sustainable features. The Stockbridge plan focuses on reintroducing housing to a former Department of Health and Human Services site, with mixed housing types and green infrastructure to mitigate flooding. Commissioners discuss funding strategies, community engagement, and potential challenges for both projects.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:02:24)
Meeting called to order and roll call conducted; Commissioner Cooney absent.

The committee of the whole meeting for the Kalamazoo City Commission was called to order. Roll call was conducted, with Commissioner Cooney noted as absent and excused by motion.
Approval of Motion to Excuse Commissioner Cooney (00:02:49)
Motion to excuse Commissioner Cooney from the meeting was made and approved.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hess and supported by Commissioner Decker to excuse Commissioner Cooney from the meeting. The motion was carried with an affirmative vote.
Communications (00:03:10)
COO Laura Lam deferred communications to the evening meeting.

Chief Operating Officer Laura Lam stated that communications would be deferred to the 7 PM meeting, which was acknowledged by the committee.
Public Comments (00:03:15)
Public comment period opened for two minutes; no comments were made.

The opportunity for public comments was announced, allowing two minutes for comments related to the committee of the whole. Seeing no participants, the meeting moved on.
Presentation on Arcadia Creek Festival Place Redevelopment (00:03:36)
Deputy City Manager Rebecca Kik presented plans for the Arcadia Creek Festival Place redevelopment.

Deputy City Manager Rebecca Kik presented detailed plans for the redevelopment of Arcadia Creek Festival Place. The plans include stakeholder engagement, design principles, and a preferred plan with focus on a flexible event and park space. Discussion included the introduction of a new pavilion, playground, and splash pad, as well as considerations for accessibility, sustainability, and future construction phases.
Discussion on Arcadia Creek Festival Place Development Plans (00:30:56)
Commissioners discussed the redevelopment plans, inquiring about funding, construction, and community impact.

Following the presentation, commissioners engaged in a discussion regarding the redevelopment plans for Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Questions were raised about the timeline for construction, funding strategies, including grants and sponsorship opportunities, and the potential community and commercial impact of the new development. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the family-friendly elements and the potential for increased community engagement.
Discussion on Community Lighting and Festival Site Accessibility (00:35:24)
Discussion about improving community lighting and making the festival site more accessible and open to the public.

The meeting discussed lighting improvements along Eleanor and the creek to enhance neighborhood aesthetics. Concerns were raised about the Arcadia Festival site feeling gated or exclusionary. It was clarified that fencing is not required for events with alcohol, allowing the site to remain open and accessible. Options for temporary fencing are being considered for events needing it.
Cost Savings for Nonprofits with New Festival Site Concept (00:38:30)
Discussion on the cost savings for nonprofits using the new festival site concept that eliminates the need for street closures.

Commissioner Hoffman inquired about potential savings for nonprofits using the new festival site concept. It was explained that closing streets can be costly, and the new concept could save money, which can be redirected to fundraising efforts. The elimination of trailers for cash rooms and green rooms was also noted as a cost-saving measure.
Presentation on Housing Development Plans (00:40:08)
Presentation on housing development plans for a newly acquired property, focusing on community integration, flood risk mitigation, and housing variety.

The presentation detailed the development goals for a new housing project on a former Department of Health and Human Services site. It emphasized community integration, various housing types, flood risk mitigation, and connectivity. The project aims to offer diverse housing options while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Environmental considerations include soil cleanup and floodplain management. The presentation included housing plans, market analysis, and the importance of community engagement in finalizing the development.
Community Engagement and Next Steps for Housing Development (01:05:03)
Discussion on community engagement plans and next steps for the housing development project, including addressing flooding concerns.

The discussion covered plans for engaging the community in the housing development process. Upcoming meetings with the Edison Neighborhood Association and broader community workshops are planned to gather input on housing options and flood mitigation strategies. The importance of addressing community concerns about flooding and providing evidence of mitigation efforts was emphasized. The process for finalizing development proposals and ensuring community involvement in decision-making was also outlined.
Discussion on Trail Connectivity and Community Development (01:09:29)
Discussion about plans for a trail that will connect various community areas, enhancing connectivity and providing a non-motorized amenity.

The discussion focused on the plans for a trail that will connect the farmer's market area through Lake Street into Reed, and further south to Alcott through the Allied Superfund site. The trail aims to enhance community connectivity and provide a valuable non-motorized amenity. The city sees this as a worthy investment and plans to integrate it as part of the overall development plan.
City Investment and Housing Development Support (01:10:22)
The city plans significant investment in infrastructure to support housing development, including utilities and roads, to make the area development-ready.

There was a discussion on the city's significant planned investment to prepare the area for development. This includes making the area development-ready with utilities and roads. The city acknowledges the high cost of housing and is considering public support mechanisms such as down payment assistance to help first-time homebuyers. The aim is to create intergenerational wealth and support community development.
Energy Efficiency and Pre-approved Housing Plans (01:13:28)
The city has pre-approved net-zero housing plans that include solar panels and energy efficiency upgrades, aiming to reduce costs for new homeowners.

The discussion highlighted the city's initiative to incorporate energy efficiency into housing plans. The pre-approved plans are net-zero and include solar panels, with support from Consumers Energy. These plans aim to reduce energy costs for homeowners and prepare houses for future needs like electric car charging. The city is also looking at ways to incorporate workforce development in green energy sectors into these plans.
Flood Zone Considerations and Housing Development (01:18:00)
The city is considering flood zone impacts on new housing developments, ensuring that raised topography does not negatively affect surrounding areas.

There was an extensive discussion on the flood zone considerations for the new housing development area. The city is planning carefully to ensure that any changes in topography do not lead to flooding in surrounding areas. The development plans are being coordinated to balance the effects across the region, particularly with the Portage Creek area. The city is committed to presenting detailed plans to ensure transparency and safety.
Community Involvement in Housing Development (01:29:40)
The city emphasizes community involvement in building the new development, aiming to engage local developers and associations in the process.

The discussion emphasized the importance of community involvement in the housing development process. The city wants to engage local developers and neighborhood associations to take part in building the community. The aim is to have a diverse range of developers involved, which would allow for various types of housing at different price points, fostering a sense of community ownership and involvement in the development process.
Closing Remarks and Commissioner Comments (01:34:01)
The meeting concluded with thanks and an invitation for commissioner comments, with a reminder of the upcoming business meeting.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor thanking participants for their contributions. Commissioners were invited to make final comments, with a reminder that they will have further opportunities to comment during the upcoming business meeting. The session ended with an adjournment, providing a break before the next meeting.