KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A couple of prominent and authoritative Kalamazoo residents are calling a plan to further alter Winchell Avenue dumb and dangerous.
In an effort to make room for bike paths on the west end of Winchell Avenue near Asylum Lake, the City of Kalamazoo has proposed reducing two-way traffic to one 12-foot wide lane for half mile stretch from Rambling Road to its end, where there is a large apartment complex.
Winchell Avenue (courtesy John McNeill)
Retired Kalamazoo City Manager Ken Collard, who is a civil engineer, was the latest resident to express opposition, calling the plan stupid. Collard says his neighbors, as well as traffic, fire, and police officials he has spoken to all agree).
Retired Public Services Director Bruce Merchant agrees it’s just a dangerous idea and will likely cause head-on collisions.
Vice Mayor Don Cooney agrees that city staff should reconsider the change and return to the plan preferred by the Winchell Neighborhood.
(courtesy John McNeill)
The street has already been altered to add bike lanes on both sides, eliminating parking near the access to Asylum Lake. Residents have been complaining about that change for months, saying it limits the ability to enjoy the natural preserve, especially for families with children.
reporting from John McNeill
