Kalamazoo & You - Arcadia Creek Project: Phase Zero

Updated 12 days ago

Take an inside look at the city of Kalamazoo's important infrastructure project at the site of the new Event Center. City engineers talk about phase zero of the Arcadia creek project and how local street projects helping to combat future flood issues with Arcadia creek and surrounding neighborhoods.

Chapters

Introduction to Kalamazoo Infrastructure (00:00:18)
Mike Smith introduces the program and the location at Arcadia Creek Infrastructure Project.

Hello and welcome to Kalamazoo and you. This is a program where we have conversations of city events, issues, activities. Mike Smith, the communication manager for the City of Kalamazoo, welcomes viewers to the program and introduces the location of the discussion, which is the Arcadia Creek Infrastructure Project.
Importance of the Arcadia Creek Phase Zero Project (00:00:31)
Dennis Randolph explains the critical reasons for the Arcadia Creek Phase Zero project.

Dennis Randolph, the city engineer and manager, discusses the importance of the Arcadia Creek Phase Zero project. Phase Zero addresses flooding and is a beginning component of the protect grant, which is intended to help the Arcadia Creek along its length down to Oliver Street by Western Michigan University. He explains the need to correct the encased creek due to recurring flooding problems and modern hydraulic standards.
Floodplain Improvements for Event Center (00:00:49)
The project aims to move the floodplain away from the new event center to protect it and surrounding areas.

Dennis Randolph elaborates on the importance of moving the floodplain away from the new event center building to protect it and surrounding homes and streets. This adjustment, along with fixing the grades of the sewer, is crucial for the safety and future development of the area.
Two-Way Conversion and Economic Development (00:01:09)
The project fits into the city's two-way conversion projects and aims to improve traffic and economic development.

The Arcadia Creek project is part of the city's two-way conversion projects on Michigan and Kalamazoo, as well as improvements on Stadium Drive. These efforts aim to make traffic more convenient and safer, allowing better circulation to help economic development in Kalamazoo.
Federal Grants and Infrastructure Funding (00:01:29)
Discussion on federal grants received under the bipartisan infrastructure law to fund city projects.

Over the past three to four years, Kalamazoo has received grants from the bipartisan infrastructure law, totaling almost a hundred million dollars, to fund projects including two-way conversions and the Protect grant for the Arcadia Creek project. These grants play a crucial role in the city's infrastructure development and future planning.
Historical and Ongoing Flooding Issues (00:02:11)
The city's historical flooding issues and the need for larger sewers to handle changing precipitation patterns.

The city has experienced recurring flooding problems due to inadequate sewer systems that do not meet modern hydraulic standards. With changing climate patterns leading to more intense precipitation, the project aims to enlarge the sewers significantly to handle the increased flow, starting with phase zero. Similar efforts will be made on the Portage Creek side with assistance from the Corps of Engineers.
Focus on Portage Creek and Funding Sources (00:03:13)
The Corps of Engineers' involvement in securing funds for Portage Creek and city infrastructure projects.

People might question the focus on specific areas like downtown Kalamazoo, but the Corps of Engineers has secured funding from Congress for Portage Creek projects. Director Baker developed plans that the Corps ran with, allowing the city to address crucial jobs with available resources, even if they're not as massive in terms of dollars.
Integration of Event Center and Creek Improvements (00:04:02)
The project integrates floodplain improvements with the new event center to prevent disruptions from flooding.

By fixing the creek's grades and moving the floodplain, potential flooding of the event center and nearby areas is mitigated. This integration is crucial for ensuring the safety of thousands of people using the event center and for encouraging downtown investment.
Current Infrastructure Work at Arcadia Creek (00:05:06)
On-site explanation of the current work on the Arcadia Creek culvert and its significance for future phases.

Tom Lumbo, senior civil engineer, explains the current state of the West Niche area, where a new culvert is being constructed under West Niche as part of phase zero of the Protect grant project. This work sets the stage for future upstream projects and addresses flooding problems.
Floodplain Elimination Benefits (00:06:13)
The project aims to eliminate the floodplain, reducing flood risk and insurance requirements for residents.

The project will eliminate the floodplain by providing more capacity and removing a bottleneck in Arcadia Creek. This will reduce flood risk for residents, businesses, and apartments, and remove the requirement for flood insurance. The design ensures that Arcadia Creek won't back up even if the Kalamazoo River rises.
Impact on Local Traffic and Infrastructure (00:07:59)
The MIC project and its impact on local traffic and future flood management strategies.

The MIC project involved reconstructing and realigning Mical to allow for future culvert work. Mical and Eleanor Street currently act like rivers during floods, but the project plans to build a channel for floodwater to reduce flood risk for local homeowners.
Benefits for Students and Connectivity (00:09:57)
The project will improve connectivity and safety for students traveling between campuses and downtown.

For years, it has been unsafe for students to walk downtown from K College and Western Michigan University. The project will include a trail for bicycling and walking, enhancing connectivity and enabling safe travel between educational institutions and downtown.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Upgrades (00:11:27)
The project includes comprehensive upgrades to transportation and sewer infrastructure in the city.

As part of the infrastructure upgrades, the city will install new sanitary sewers along Kalamazoo and Michigan Avenue, convert roads from one-way to two-way, and improve Stadium Drive with a new interchange at Level and Stadium Drive. These upgrades are crucial for the city's future.
Long-Term Vision for Kalamazoo's Future (00:12:54)
The city is building infrastructure with a focus on the next century to accommodate future growth and development.

The various projects discussed are part of a long-term vision to prepare Kalamazoo for the next hundred years. These infrastructure improvements are aimed at ensuring sustainable growth, safety, and enhanced quality of life for residents and businesses.

Kalamazoo & You (11 Episodes)

Updated 12 days ago

City of Kalamazoo leaders host to discuss Kalamazoo's strategies, updates, projects, and more to share what they mean for our community.