KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The effort to create more affordable housing in Kalamazoo continues to be a struggle. Last night the Kalamazoo City Commission approved their action plan for spending federal housing dollars in the city.
It was a plan developed over months by local volunteers and city officials. Vice Mayor Don Cooney says at just over $2.2 million, it’s not nearly enough, and a lot less than United States Housing and Urban Development used to spend on housing. He says they cut funding for housing by 75% and never restored it.
City Compliance Specialist Julie Johnston says the lion’s share of it will go into low income neighborhoods where it’s needed most, and to help the homeless. The city hopes to build 11 new units and rehab 76 existing units.
Local agencies and contractors are hired to do the actual administration and construction to get the work done.
The plan was approved unanimously by the City Commission.
reporting from John McNeill
