Ryan Stoughton

This strategic plan outlines a focused three-year roadmap (2025-2027) for Downtown Kalamazoo, serving as Phase 1 of a broader 10-year strategy. The plan is structured around six strategic pillars: Built for Business, Clean, Safe & Welcoming, Place with Purpose, Streetwise & Connected, Strong & Sustainable, and Vibrant & Visible. It aims to lead downtown's transformational era with intention, equity, and resilience, fostering a thriving downtown where people feel welcome, businesses grow, and place inspires purpose, grounded in strategic leadership, strong partnerships, and purposeful investment.

This strategic plan outlines a new approach for the Downtown Development Authority / Downtown Economic Growth Authority (DDA/DEGA) to modernize the management and growth of Downtown Kalamazoo. Its vision is to establish Downtown Kalamazoo as the most walkable small downtown in the country by improving walkability and creating vibrant street life. The core strategy focuses on activating 'The First 16 Feet' of public spaces through initiatives such as making connections, creating 'outdoor rooms' along waterways, and implementing engaging wayfinding elements. The plan also addresses organizational work, financial stability, staffing, and stakeholder engagement over a ten-year timeframe.

The board discussed a development proposal for residential duplexes located at 132, 112, and 114 West Cork Street, specifically addressing requested relief from protected slope and slope setback standards. The applicant presented a revised site plan featuring a shared driveway access point, which represents a reduction in slope disturbance compared to previous designs. The board reviewed conservation measures, including woodland preservation and erosion control, and evaluated the necessity of the requested variance for the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The commission reviewed an application for window replacement at 808 Southwest South Street, approving the installation of wood double-hung windows with specific grille patterns and trim work. Additionally, the commission discussed a retroactive review for the installation of access ramps at 613 Douglas, noting that the front ramp design altered the existing porch structure.

The committee meeting focused on the proposed phase 2 of the Zone 32 mixed-use housing development project. Discussions centered on the project's financial structure, which includes Brownfield tax increment financing, a neighborhood enterprise zone for tax abatement, and no-interest loans from the housing development fund. The project aims to provide 38 mixed-income housing units, addressing a portion of the identified countywide housing need. Additional topics included the upcoming Juneteenth office closures and public comments regarding the environmental and health impacts of a proposed data center in the Milwood neighborhood.