KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — City commissioners say they’re trying to encourage new mixed-use developments by agreeing to rezone 50 acres near downtown Kalamazoo.
The site spans between South Pitcher and Mills streets and between East Michigan Avenue and the Portage Creek-King Highway area.
“This is an area that, years and years ago, was a vibrant area full of many small businesses and industrial sites,” Commissioner David Anderson said. “Things you don’t see so much anymore.”
Anderson said the area has potential.
“It includes both sides of the Kalamazoo River and it’s down where there have already been significant investments,” Anderson said. “Arcadia Brewery, for example, is in that area.”
Rules on the site require development that would be friendly to pedestrians. Buildings would also have to be at least 20 feet tall, constructed near front property lines and there must be nearby parking.