Community input reshapes path for Winchell-Howard school safety plan
Kalamazoo City Commissioner Chris Praedel said the process reflected strong community engagement.
“It’s refreshing to see these outcomes when it happens this way. It does not always turn out this way, and I am grateful that it has — but it only happens this way when everybody is willing to lean in and try something a little bit different,” Praedel said.
The project combines improvements along two corridors — Winchell Avenue and Howard Street — under a single MDOT contract, meaning the elements cannot easily be separated for approval.
The Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday unanimously approved a Michigan Department of Transportation contract for infrastructure improvements along Winchell Avenue and Howard Street, moving forward a Safe Routes to School project after delaying the decision earlier this month.
The project — which includes new sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian beacons and pavement markings — is funded through the Safe Routes to School program and aims to improve safety for students walking along both corridors.
Commissioners approved MDOT Contract No. 25-5691 in the amount of $47,367.
The item first drew controversy when it appeared on the commission’s consent agenda earlier this month before being moved to the regular agenda, where residents raised concerns that some elements — particularly along Howard Street — could make conditions less safe for pedestrians.
At that earlier meeting, commissioners questioned Public Services Director James Baker about those concerns, but staff did not have complete answers at the time. The commission voted to postpone the item to allow for additional public input.
In the weeks since, city staff hosted community engagement efforts, including informal “crosswalks and coffee” conversations with residents, to gather feedback and explore potential adjustments to the project.
Commissioner Chris Praedel said the process reflected strong community engagement.
“It’s refreshing to see these outcomes when it happens this way. It does not always turn out this way, and I am grateful that it has — but it only happens this way when everybody is willing to lean in and try something a little bit different,” Praedel said.
The project combines improvements along two corridors — Winchell Avenue and Howard Street — under a single MDOT contract, meaning the elements cannot easily be separated for approval.
While the contract approval allows the project to move forward, city officials indicated design details could still be adjusted based on continued community feedback, and additional engagement is expected as the project develops.
Several residents and neighborhood representatives spoke in favor of the project Monday, including leadership from the Maple Street Parent Teacher Student Organization and the Oakland-Winchell Neighborhood.
One resident who said the sidewalk would be constructed in front of her home expressed support despite personal impacts.
“Viewing the project through the narrow lens of my life is one thing, but if I step back and view the project through the wider lens of our lives, I believe the sidewalk project on the south side of Winchell will be a good long-term benefit,” she said.
City staff said the project is expected to reach substantial completion by fall 2027.
The item was the commission’s only piece of new business on the regular agenda.
Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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