The Kalamazoo City Commission could decide as early as its next meeting whether to make part of the Edison neighborhood into a “design review district.”
Supporters say that raising the standard for development and planning would enhance the quality of life there. Community Planning and Development Director Laura Lam spoke to commissioners last night.
"We talk about how neighborhoods closest to downtown need to be walkable with well-designed facilities. That expansion of campuses should really reinforce links with downtown and campuses," she said.
Architect Frank Lucatelli supports the proposal. He told commissioners that current development is too spread out. "Allowing suburban-style construction in an urban area like Kalamazoo is a poor use of land that is very limited," he said.
But many said they were concerned that the regulations would hinder business growth, change Edison’s culture and make it a more expensive place to live. Resident Jacob Johnson said he realized that the commission was considering exempting homes – except those in multi-use buildings – from the standards.
"But I still hope that we can put something that holds management companies accountable for people who are not homeowners who see a big moneymaking opportunity with this development or expansion," he said.
The Commission did eventually vote to exclude residential properties from the proposal.
Resident Matt Milcarek (Mil-zah’-rek) says he thinks the city is close to a plan that “everyone” would like – and that’s a reason to wait a few months.
"The potential of someone groundbreaking on a pole barn on Portage Street that’s going to just be a total eyesore is pretty minimal I think, in February at this point," he said.
The commission's next meeting is set for February 2nd.
