From housing costs to gun violence, Kalamazoo Commission faces community concerns

The Kalamazoo City Commission met Monday, August 18, for its regularly scheduled business meeting.

Residents spoke about flooding and housing concerns, while others urged the city to denounce the federal 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to partner with ICE on immigration enforcement.

The commission also held a public hearing on a proposed Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) covering three blocks bounded by East Frank, Walbridge, East Ransom, and North Pitcher streets. The zone would support developments like PlazaCorp’s mixed-use project at 619 Porter, which includes apartments above ground-floor commercial space.

Mayor David Anderson acknowledged the urgency of creating new housing but raised concerns about the city’s ability to absorb the cost of tax abatements.

“More tools are being created, as a variety of folks recognized…the big, big challenge in creating housing these days, and I appreciate that,” Anderson said, referencing earlier public comments. “The Brownfield tax credits specifically for housing is a new opportunity to buy some credit into housing development…it’s important, but it would be nice if there was a mechanism that kept cities whole when it comes to property taxes. That’s how we pay for fire response, plowing our streets, and that sort of thing.”

City staff explained by law, no action can be taken on the NEZ until at least 60 days after taxing jurisdictions were notified. Since notices went out July 7, the earliest possible vote would be in mid-September.

In new business, commissioners discussed the timeline for selecting Kalamazoo’s next city manager. The city has posted the job opening and expects to narrow the pool to no more than five finalists. Each will be invited for public interviews, a community meet-and-greet, and a city tour. While no dates have been finalized, the process is expected to take place in mid-to-late October.

Only two votes were taken Monday night, both unanimous, with commissioner Chris Decker absent. Commissioners approved the consent agenda — which included funding for a new fire engine, Princeton Park renovations, and housing grant extensions — as well as a $1 million ARPA grant extension to Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services to rehabilitate 14 homes.

During commissioner comments, Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman described a frightening experience the previous Friday, when three bullets struck her home.

“I will be forever changed,” Hoffman said. “What we have been doing is not working. I want us to figure out as a community how we can create other avenues to address gun violence. Please, please put the guns down and choose life.” Mayor Anderson offered a few words in response before inviting attendees to bow their heads in prayer.

The commission’s next regular business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2 at 7 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice