KALAMAZOO COMMUNITY-WIDE VISIONING FORUM March 20, 1997

 

VISION STATEMENTS

Top Visions (# of votes received)

Downtown Revitalization (65) Preservation and Protection of Open Space and the Environment (57) Unified Regional Government (51) Convenient and Sustainable Neighborhoods (46) Improved Infrastructure, Streets, Parking, Etc. (38) Multi-Modal Regional Transportation System: e.g., Traffic Patterns, Mass Transit, and Bikeways (29) Recreation Improvements: Riverfront Improvement, Bikeways (29) Good Housing, Single Family, Owner Occupied (25) Pedestrian Friendly Community with Vibrant Neighborhoods (23) Improved Educational System and Opportunities for Youth (21) The Local Economy; Jobs, Brownfields, Vocational Training (15) North and East Sides Look Like South and West Sides (10) Harmony Between People (8)

 

VISION STATEMENTS Complete Unabridged Listing of Visions (by general topic)

 

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION/BETTER GOVERNMENT

Metropolitan Government Authority Whole County Is One Entity Which Solves Problems Together "County-Wide" Community Government Unified Government That Is Responsive to Needs / Region That Supports Core Facilities City Government Responsive to Residents' Needs Friendlier Local Government Adequate Enforcement of Zoning Ordinance Unified Government and Services That Is Responsive to Needs / Regional Financial Support One Government in County More Government Involvement with Residents and Community Involvement with Two-Way Street Issue Better Communication Metro Government Improved Postal Service City Income Tax Better Income Tax Instructions Unified Units of Government Mayor (Vote) / Ward System Citizen-Driven Government Coordinated Government or Planning in the Area Duplication of Services and Activities / Shared Tax Base Enhanced Building Codes No Boundaries Classifying People More Harmonic Relations Between People with Diverse Backgrounds Consolidate All City/village/township Governments into One Unit Fiscal Condition Improved Intergovernmental Regional Cooperation for Economic Development More Revenue Sources for City Besides Property Tax - Income Tax Good Community Communications Citizen and Inter-government Cooperation Different Viewpoints Incorporate All Townships Remove Divisions Between Communities Diversity in City Leadership City Leadership/government Income Tax Unison Diversity Uni-Government People Who Care / Vision and Imagination

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Economic / Cultural Vitality Jobs / Prepared Workforce Jobs More Employment - Less Poverty Living Wage for Willingness to Work Vocational Training "Kalamazoo Rejects Microsoft Because We Have All Computer Applications and Connections" Lessening of Income Gap Redeveloped Brownfields More Proactive Development with Involvement of Communities Deal with NIMBY Redevelop Brownfields - STAT! At Least Two Industrial Parks in the City (From Brownfields) Strong Economy / Expanding Tax Base Revitalize Buildings More Youth Opportunities: Recreation, Jobs Strong, Viable Downtown, More Connections Throughout Downtown Kalamazoo Identity - Destination Place Thriving Commercial / Individuals More Global Economy / Look Outside Community Exploit Students by What Is Provided Downtown (College) Lots of People on the Mall Small Acts / Performances Racial Mixes Businesses That Smell Good / AM Todd Company Arboretum in the Central Business District (CBD) Full of Butterflies Downtown Grocery Store or Outlet Mall Greater Downtown Riverwalk of San Antonio Arts / Shopping of Chicago Friendly Culture / Cleanliness of Toronto Jacobsens Revitalized as Enclosed Mall on Tax Rolls Convention Center at Cole/Gilmore Site Hotels 60th Anniversary of Pedestrian Mall Waiting List of Businesses Wanting to Locate Downtown More Airwalks Healthy Mix of Residents of All Types Historical Restoration Downtown Vibrant Shops Downtown / Specialty Shops, Outdoor Cafe, Night Shopping, Theaters Downtown Landscaping / More and Better / Better Lighting Mall Still There / Flourishing More Business and Housing on North Side / Specifically Brownfields No Parking Meters / Free Parking Three-Level Buildings in Downtown Open Air Cafes Innovative Large Employer / on Cusp of New Technology / Modern Version of Upjohn Brownfields Redeveloped Successfully Industrial Uses New Businesses in Old Buildings / Lots of Employment Generated Full Employment River Used for Electricity More Buildings Downtown / Fewer Parking Lots Historically Accurate / Fit Like Arcadia Commons Reuse of Existing Structures Gilmore Parking Lot Finding Desirable and Productive Users for Abandoned Properties New Industrial Development on Brownfields Incentives to Bring Business Downtown Downtown Populated with People / A Downtown Which Uses its Existing Resources for Housing Incentives to Bring People Downtown / Business, Pedestrian Access and Social Services Economic Development /Mixed Uses Along Major Thoroughfares Buildings and People / More Social Atmosphere Downtown Employment / Development Lots of Jobs Economic Development Large Employer Brownfields Voc-Tech Downtown Revitalized Free Parking - No Parking Meters Improved Perception of Downtown Safety Full Economic, Social and Cultural Diversity Shown Through Involvement of Citizens in City Planning Excellent, Effective Schools Downtown Year-Round Events Improved Corridors Improved Perception of Safety High Rise Downtown Apartments Vibrant Downtown Center Bustling with Activity All Day and Night New Development Has Been Integrated with Historic Character Housing over Storefronts Vital Downtown Specialty Experience with Elevated Enclosed Sidewalk Butterflies Lots of People Living Downtown and Activity Around the Clock / Safe Environment Year-Round Downtown Events Good Economic Base / Diversity / Community Friendly Secured Parking for Downtown Residents High Tech Businesses Located Within Neighborhoods Vital Downtown (Activity, People, Culture, Entertainment) Downtown Diversity That Draws People Downtown Multiple Entertainment Arena Entertainment Center More Residents Downtown Movie Theater More Stores / Unique Stores like Crate & Barrel Night Life Downtown Two Blocks of the Mall Remain with Vehicular Traffic South of Michigan Avenue Chicago-Like Activities but in a Smaller Town Environment / Pace Outdoor Public Pools Regional Park / Railway System Maintained by Region Vibrant Downtown with More People / Cultural Activities Smell Like the A. M. Todd Company Mall Still Here Redevelopment of Cork Street Landfill Vibrant Downtown Center Bustling with Activity All Day and Night Eliminate Poverty Healthy NBD Business Centers Homeless People / Five a Year / Portland Program Brownfields All Redeveloped Strong Economic Base with Elimination of Brown Spaces City Work Corporation / WPA-KPA Good Italian Restaurant

 

PUBLIC SERVICES AND CULTURAL FACILITIES

Total Racial AND Cultural Harmony and Equality Volunteerism Increased Arts Increased Level of Support Continued Improvement of Facilities Stellas Education System / Model for Other Low Drop-Out Rate Facility for Cultural Preservation and Appreciation Eliminate Crime Non-College Bound Kids Have Voc-Tech Apprenticeship Programs with Local Businesses / Paid Strong Educational, Cultural and Recreation Programs for Our Youth Technical Advisors (Schools / Libraries) Gibson Guitar Building Turned into Folk, Country, and Blues Music Museum More Community Meeting Places More Youth Involved with Community Boards and Activities Eliminate Racism, Classism, and Sexism Community Based Policing Education Linked to Economic Development / Stellas Tied Into Seasons Best Schools in State and High Graduate Rate Improved Community Involvement Community Leaders Work Better with Community Vibrant and Healthy K-12 School System World Class Habitat / Volunteerism / Public-Private Partnership Superior Schools / KPS and City Government Cooperation More Non-Motorized Police Patrols Miscellaneous Scent of Marinara Sauce WMU Responsibility Broader Racial Integration of All Activities Open Mindedness City Cultural Events History / General Prairie Gilmore Festival High Standard Public Schools / World Renown High Quality Education Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence and Infant Mortality Keep Social / Human Services in the Center of the City Community That Endorses Friendliness / Sharing Between For-Profit and Non-Profit Communities Universal Health Care / Adequate Nutrition for Everyone Concerts Cultural Activities Available to All (Free) Everyone Becomes a Volunteer for Community Take Care of City's Elderly Population Collaboration Among Human Services Agencies and Other Non-Profits Public Restrooms in Downtown Children Safe Productive Creative Contributing Parents Accepting of Others The Scent of Marinara Sauce More Community Participation in Campus of Non-Profits Better Medical Facilities New School Buildings Higher Education for All Preservation and Support of the Arts More Responsibility from WMU Center for Non-Profit Organization [501(c)(3)] Shared Sense of Belonging / Responsibility Historic Walk (A.K.A. Boston Freedom Trail) High Quality Schools / Pre-School through College More Sensitive Police Force Facilitate Pro-Active Citizen Involvement Excellent and Effective Schools No Bikes on Mall / No Skateboards Family Issues Domestic Violence Parenting Alternatives to Colleges Drug-Free City Open Mindedness Street Musicians Medical Specialties Clinic Broader Integration of All Activities Safe Concert-Like Community / Unified Historic Buildings Preserved / New Development Integrated / Sensitive to Historic Character Better Attendance at Cultural Functions

 

PARKS AND RECREATION

Better Parks / Another Swimming Pool Parks and Recreation / Open Space / Pedestrian-Friendly Atmosphere / Linear Park Recreational Activities for Youth / Older Youth Better Park on the East Side Better Recreational Facilities Healthy Park System / Well Dispersed and Diverse Linear Park on River Numerous Recreational Opportunities Including Outdoor Pools No Fees to Use Parks Bronson Park / Center for Community Involvement More Recreational Facilities Community Center for Recreation, Conventions, Child Care, etc. Multiple-Purpose Arena Recreation More Facilities for Sports, etc. Bike Trails / Walkways Open Air Cafes

 

TRANSPORTATION (MOTORIZED AND NON-MOTORIZED) AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Improved Infrastructure (Natural and Man Made) Better Streets Better Lighting Equal Access Improve Streets and Parks (What We Have) Alleviation of Parking Problems Leisure Activities Within Walking Distance of Your Home / Pedestrian Improvements Wider Roadways / Boulevard-Like System (Saratoga) Fewer Cars / More Mass Transit Tree City USA / More Street Trees No Street on Mall Pedestrian Oriented Community Bikes / Railways Connections to Services and Neighborhoods Eliminate Parking Problems Street on Mall No Parking Meters Smooth Roads Parking Fines Go to Improving City (Auto Park) Northside and East / West By-Pass Road More Attractive Gateways More Intermodal Transportation Choices for Traffic Flows County-Wide / Centralized Computerized Traffic Lights Roads Paved Smooth Magnetic Train (High-Speed Rail) Train Station Next to Derek Jeter's Restaurant in Kalamazoo Hiking / Bike Paths Inter-Urban Commuter Rail Completion of Trail Systems Separated Train Traffic from Grade Level Traffic Slowed Down Traffic on the Business Loop Gateway / Pedestrian Linkages Increased Dependence on "Footpower" Rather than Cars Narrower Streets and Slower Traffic Neighborhoods and Downtown (Neighborhood Business Areas) Bike Trails New Southside Gateway with Residential Development with Bronson Expansion and Portage Creek Downtown Connected to WMU Monorail from Rose and Michigan to Crossroads Mall Improved Corridors into Mall Elevated Sidewalk from Hinman to Train Station with Hanging Gardens / Rose to Pitcher (Enclosed) Bike Paths / Alternate Transportation Bicycle Paths into the Downtown People on the Streets / Less Cars Connect US-131 and I-94 East of Kalamazoo Linear Park System Connecting Kal-Haven Trail to Portage Parks Clean Community / Boulevards / No Litter / Trees River Connected to a Regional Linear Park (South Haven / Battle Creek / Grand Rapids / Portage) More Public Transit and Less Automobiles Highspeed Rail Better Parking More Walkways / WMU / CBD / Non-Motorized Organized Traffic Pattern with Good Roads That Can Handle the Traffic More Expansive, Multi-Modal Transportation System for the Region for All Groups Including Better Roads / US-131 Business Loop Extended Coordinated with Mass Transit Better Bus System Business US-131 Extended East Regional Railway System Two-Way Streets and Free Parking Downtown / Pedestrian Islands / Calmed Traffic Improved Infrastructure Lights Streets / Clean Attractive Pedestrian Access Barrier Free Parking (No Meters) Alternative Transportation "Clean & Green": Biking / Public Transportation / Publicly-Sponsored / Commonly Used by All Income Levels / Shuttles Transportation Upgraded Expressway Links to Other Areas Business US-131 Is Extended East Less Reliance on Automobiles Better Transit / Cabs with Special Services for Special Needs Groups Less Intense Roadway System More Expansive Transit System / Multi-Modal System for Region Long-Term Solution to Roads Wide and Well Maintained Street Road Side Trees Transportation System with Less Neighborhood Traffic Constant Upkeep of Infrastructure Pedestrian-Friendly City / Sidewalks Connected Excellent Regional Motorized and Non-Motorized Transportation System / No Potholes Underground Electric Lines Two-Way Street with West Michigan Boulevard Loop Highspeed Rail No Parking Meters Maintain Traditional Street Grid System / Facilitate Better Traffic Flow Connection / Flow Between University and Downtown (Linkages) Infrastructure Maintained Electricity from River Visually Attractive Non-Fossil Fuel Driven Public Transportation Monorail with Ramp (Like Toronto Public Transport) Getting Around Safely Narrower Streets and Slower Traffic All Streets / Improve Pedestrian Links and Bikeways / Become More Pedestrian-Friendly Improve Gateways / Especially Portage Loop Around Northside / Interstate Highspeed Rail / Inter-Urban Rail Again Services Within Walking Distance in Neighborhoods Two-Way Streets on All Roads

 

LAND USE

Nice Entrance from River Downtown to University Running Down Arcadia Creek Redevelop Land and Buildings Keep "Big City" Amenities with "Small Town" Flavor Annual Community Planning Forums Improvement of Existing Conditions Visual and Financial Link Between WMU And Downtown North and East Ends Look Like South and West Gateways / Beautiful Entrances to the Downtown and Through the City Prepared for Future / Alternatives Provision of Utilities and Communications Less Crosstown Rivalries WMU Houses for Students on Campus Urban Growth Boundaries Which Will Preserve Countryside and Revitalize Urban Center Decrease Residential Development in Rural Areas Clean Historically Significant Buildings and Areas Preserved Everything Physically and Programmatically Accessible (Technology and Physical) to Whole Population "Big City" Amenities with "Small Town" Flavor Gateways Linkages Between WMU and Downtown Attractive Entrances to Downtown "Wow Image" More Attractive Surroundings / Visual To Look Like it Does the First Week in June Mixed Uses - Riverfront Development Sense of Kalamazoo as a Village Visual Blight Eliminated: Billboards, Electric Lines, etc. Prettier City No Billboards Gateways Improve Gateways into City / Pedestrian Also

 

NEIGHBORHOODS & HOUSING

Owner-Occupied Investment in Neighborhoods Integrated Neighborhoods / Neighborhood Schools / No Need for Busing / Safe Schools Pedestrian-Friendly Neighborhoods with Neighborhood Shopping Districts / Including North Side Beautiful, Affordable, and Quality Housing for All of Kalamazoo's Citizens More Owner-Occupied Housing Public / Private Partnerships / Revitalize One Block at a Time Habitat / Churches / Architects Neighborhoods That Are Clean, Green, Healthy, Safe, and Loving Housing and Healthy Neighborhoods Vibrant Neighborhoods / Vibrant Downtown with Friendly People/ City Is Working / There's Room for Everybody and People Are Happy, Healthy and Empowered / Economically Diverse / Different Sized Houses and Uses / Diverse Neighborhoods / Convenient Services Within / Close to Walk To Safe and Affordable Housing / Single-Family Housing Quality Neighborhoods Neighborhoods That Are Economically Diverse / Different Uses and Sizes of Homes Healthy Neighborhoods / Safe / Beautiful / Aesthetics / Houses Restored Less Liquor Stores in Neighborhoods Attractiveness / Housekeeping! More Owner-Occupied Houses More Single-Family Housing Housing More Owner-Occupied Downtown High Rise and Over Stores Accessible and Affordable Unblighted Landscapes / Homes Make City Neighborhoods Most Desirable Living Space in the County Community Retail "Clustering" / Neighborhood Markets More Owner Occupied Housing from Consortium Revitalized East and North Side with Better Traffic Links (Ring Road Concept) Strong Neighborhood Groups with "Proper" Political Representation / Grocery Store on North Side Streetscape / Active Neighborhoods Affordable Housing for Everyone in Self-Sustaining / Unique Neighborhoods with a Sense of Community / Diversity / Stores / Schools Signature Neighborhoods / Each One Diverse Better Integration of Student Housing in the City Apartments Built with Safety in Mind More Downtown Housing Self-Sufficient Neighborhoods with Retail, Commercial and Other Services More Single-Family Housing on Brownfield Sites and Downtown People Know Neighbors Neighborhoods with Convenient Store Locations Great Sensitivity to Residential Needs More Owner-Occupied Housing People Smiling / Relaxed Faces (Friendly) Housing / Neighborhoods Affordable Housing at All Levels Self-Sustaining, Walkable, and Unique Neighborhoods with Nearby Schools, Commercial, and Services Zoning That Allows New Traditional Neighborhoods Unique Character of Various Neighborhoods / Stores / Schools / Self-sufficient Reduced Density in Older Homes More Owner-Occupied, Single-Family Units More Financing Options Rehabilitation of Existing Housing Stock for Affordable Housing Return to Single-Family Zoning in Core Neighborhoods

 

OPEN SPACE

Dedicated Parkland with Connected Greenways and Trails Maintain Community / Clean Open Space / Environmental Condition Retain / Protect Clean Polluted Waterways More Planned Green Space to Add to Quality of Life Develop and Clean River Area Riverwalk Safe Edible and Good Fishing / Clean Water Clean Environment More Water / Expansion of Riverfront Activity Adequate Play Space and Green Space in All New Developments Preservation of Green Space More Riverfront Activities Visual Beauty / No Wires, Dead Trees, or Billboards Redevelopment of Water System in Kalamazoo Cleaner Water and Redistribution of Where Wastewater Goes Lots of Green and Open Space Throughout the City Riverfront Development Clean Up Open Space Preservation Lee Baker Farm / Asylum Lake Complete Inventory of Possible Preservation Areas Money to Preserve

 

PROUDS AND SORRIES (top Prouds and Sorries from each small group)

Prouds

Educational Institutions Neighborhoods and Neighborhood Organizations Open Space / Parks / Lakes Education / All Levels Mall / Arcadia Commons Hospitals / Hospice / Health Services College Town Atmosphere Community’s Giving Spirit Cultural Facilities and Activities Diversity of Community Cultural and Social Activities Arcadia Commons Cultural / Ethnic Diversity Downtown Redevelopment / Beautification Arts and Entertainment Educational Opportunities Cultural Opportunities Health Care Cultural Opportunities Development of Downtown Political Structure (City Manager / Commission Form of Government) Education / Particularly WMU Cultural Offering Open Space / Parks Kalamazoo is Awakening to its Major Challenges: Domestic Violence / Poverty / Teen Violence and Pregnancy / Redistribution of Wealth / Blatant Racism Active Preservation Community Rich Cultural, Arts and Education Community / Small Town Atmosphere of Downtown Cost of Living Safe / Cultural Activities, i.e., Museum, Library, Arts, and Festivals / Neighborhoods City is the Cultural Core of the Area Community Spirit / Volunteerism Efforts to Revitalize the Downtown Higher Educational Institutions - "College Town" Cultural Amenities and Activities Strong Neighborhoods New Development Citizen and Neighborhood Association Restoration of Old Houses Brownfield Redevelopment Cultural Diversity Arcadia Creek Project

Sorries

Roads and Traffic / Lack of Transportation Planning Too Much Politics / Not Enough Leadership / Too Much Polarization with Portage Lack of Economic Development Coordination Infrastructure Zoning Problems / Billboards / Land Use / Incompatibility in Mixed Uses Deteriorating Neighborhoods / Rentals / Absentee Landlords Racism Poverty Crumbling Infrastructure Polluted / Superfund Sites Throughout the City Lack of Intergovernmental Cooperation Poor Condition of Roads Housing No Cosmopolitan Vision Infrastructure Economic Opportunities Infrastructure Problems Housing / Blight / "Looks Like an Inner City" Transportation / Condition of Roads Lack of Economic Development Plan / Community Wide Consensus Lack of Neighborhood Cooperation (Between Neighborhoods) Rental versus Home Ownership Deterioration of the City / Street Conditions / Fiscal Condition Downtown and Northside have been Neglected Not Culturally Diverse / Don’t Bring Out the Diversity in the Community Too Much Economic and Social Segregation / High Infant Mortality Poor City Ordinance and Zoning Street Repair Decline in Retail in Downtown Lack of Quality Shopping / Commercial Establishments on the North Side Lack of Revenues to Achieve Improvements Condition of Roads Dilapidated Housing Northside Deterioration Insufficient Activities for our Children Arboretum Crime Multiple-Family versus Single-Family Housing Lack of Downtown Redevelopment Condition of Roads Lack of WMU Accountability

 

[ Vision Council ] [ Community Profile Report ] [ Preface ] [ Neighborhood Visionary Meetings ] [ Communitywide Visionary Forum ]