[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6053279,"mediaKeyId","3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52","parentId",3375822,"title","Residents push for full Civil Rights Board enforcement as commission hears housing, policing and mass‑incarceration concerns","audioSeconds",236,"startMs",2087000,"endMs",1851000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52&start=2087&end=1851","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52/thumbnail_2087000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6053279/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Residents-push-for-full-Civil-Rights-Board-enforcement-as-commission-hears-housing-policing-and-massincarceration-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053279-1d30ecda5f038947ebba84c2709c2fab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159979&Signature=DkO-TjsJT92yZP2GFbj7P8~pxhseGRY~qqYPFksuaw5JmVx8G~L2RfhiNdUbzAYRZLkdDk1r5vYOSjgCgGBA4CAOtyc3wAT5A6gM6NthD9rYai8BYSfSYRfAGngZxndNLCOdE~bqUwOkKh39CFK~tO0YTCLHvSLm0PktXpP3n-mByrNPapiC~BZFMIdtz5X1e4WzYogeIRlQcMy-nYf426zkb6VhFiUoABzExsxXFiT90dSrQoFczG3Y3sc-tEbK1AAdDepI-hhxGd5l26WWDy1IC7mai0mGI1Rr6--~mSMv5g-Z3RArmtJnSmQZXlNCUpjhaBic3GY8BtlR--0TMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Kalamazoo","date","2025-05-13T13:31:51Z","article","Multiple speakers at Monday’s public comment period urged the City Commission to ensure the Civil Rights Board (CRB) has investigatory and enforcement capacity, to address housing discrimination, homelessness and related safety concerns.

Kathy Faison, chair of a civil‑rights board partnership group, cited model language taken from Detroit’s human rights ordinance and said residents seek an enforceable mechanism rather than advisory language. “What we are asking for is enforcement,” Faison said, reading portions of Detroit’s powers and duties for a human rights department to illustrate the scope the CRB advocates want.

Speakers, including Charle Davis of ISAAC and residents who identified themselves as Kalamazoo residents, linked the CRB discussion to broader housing equity issues. Toby Hannah Davies, a city resident and volunteer, urged the commission to consider the effects of mass incarceration on housing access, quoting Michelle Alexander’s New Jim Crow and noting that criminal records routinely block access to housing.

Other public commenters described direct policing encounters and homelessness challenges; one speaker said a person sleeping on a bench was cited by police, and that when residents tried to check on the person they were threatened with arrest for interfering. Shauna Espinosa described being threatened with arrest while checking on a person sleeping on a bench and argued the city lacks adequate housing resources.

Commission response: Commissioners acknowledged the urgency raised by commenters. Several commissioners, including Commissioner Prado and Vice Mayor Jean Hess, said they want to work with the CRB and community stakeholders to rebuild trust and clarify the board’s role. Manager Risma and staff offered to sit down with the CRB and other advocates to pursue workable language and process. City attorney and staff also previously briefed the commission on CRB scope during a committee meeting, and multiple speakers requested a clearer path for complaint investigation and case completion.

Why it matters: Advocacy groups and CRB members told the commission that without enforceable complaint procedures and adequate staff support, community trust has eroded and many complaints remain unresolved; Faison said only a small number of complaints had been fully investigated and a still smaller number afforded hearings.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to continue engagement; staff and commissioners said they will seek to develop practical steps to improve complaint intake, investigation timelines and communication with complainants while respecting legal constraints and the city’s processes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 12, 2025 Regular Business Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment Monday, residents, CRB members and community advocates urged the Kalamazoo City Commission to restore enforcement capacity and rebuild trust in the Civil Rights Board to address housing discrimination, unresolved complaints and related inequities.","taxTitle","Kalamazoo City, Kalamazoo County, Michigan","taxId",3977,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6053284,"City outlines Phase 0 of Arcadia Creek project: $12M in work, detours and a June construction target",473,4281000,4754000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52&start=4281&end=4754","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52/thumbnail_4281000.jpg","/articles/6053284/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/City-outlines-Phase-0-of-Arcadia-Creek-project-12M-in-work-detours-and-a-June-construction-target","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053284-0acc40d801bfafff6832bbc28b290043/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159979&Signature=b2s8vdU11TCaZbhiKqhxAQzH2nIzgqgtuvKtkR2I4Yv6UT6wL7IHk3pdymF6OBpZDyx5SiYi0KCljpeeL8TqI0HBzH-gC1jtvcnozDEKKUsQnZZDEMmGaKvV8U2F5BSU0zi7GS7HOCBh4iiONNOs26LraN4eTbi16iqRmTqbpq6m3v2qxSH-BHvjMFSK65Fd5F60cYq1q2P7GrcVsAzOip70xBELjRW8vxeAyix0fBB7BTM7CJw5RHUWB0Iu2SAqa4-PSjYL7aPcvuujkFxDYsldGwSjilZBPX-FackwLjFLwc-X12OYdG~MwGamTb5I2ApFj6vjwNV4m70hjwJI-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Services Director James Baker presented highlights Monday of a Phase 0 construction package tied to the Arcadia Creek/event center area that will address stormwater, water and sewer needs and will require a full roadway closure of Westnedge Avenue during portions of work.

Baker said the overall effort aligns with a $38 million federal PROTECT grant awarded last fall and will address stormwater capacity, aging pipes and a creek reconfiguration in the Allen neighborhood and parts of the Stadium Drive corridor. Phase 0 itself is approximately $12 million, with a developer contribution of $5 million and other project‑level splits (roughly $3 million streets, $1 million wastewater, $2 million water) tied to the infrastructure being installed.

Planned work: The project includes large box‑culvert sections north of Water Street, lowering and reconfiguring a 42‑inch sanitary interceptor, and installing a new 24‑inch ductile‑iron water transmission main to increase reliability and redundancy. Baker said the city will “upsize” pipes with the developer paying for a portion of the pipe sized to serve the project’s needs.

Schedule and traffic: Staff said they plan to ask the commission to approve a third‑party construction agreement in June (either the June 2 or June 16 meeting) and aim to begin construction in late June or early July; if the schedule holds, the city hopes to open at least one lane on Westnedge by late November and complete paving and final work by the following June. The work requires a full closure with detours routing southbound traffic via Michigan Avenue and Kalamazoo Avenue; staff plan communications, portable message boards, and direct outreach to businesses and institutions (including Saint Augustine’s Cathedral and nearby employers) to maintain access during construction.

Community and safety: Commissioners raised concerns about winter schedules, neighborhood cut‑through traffic, signage clarity and safety for pedestrians and children. Baker said traffic engineers and Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will coordinate maintenance‑of‑traffic and that the contractor will be required to maintain traffic control seven days a week. The city will also distribute direct mail and use message boards to notify residents ahead of closures.

Ending: The commission received the update; staff plan to return with the construction agreement in June. The project is tied to larger multi‑phase creek improvements expected to continue in subsequent years.","Public Services presented a Phase 0 overview for the Arcadia Creek/event center area: a Protect grant supports stormwater upgrades, the city and a developer will share costs for major culverts and water/wastewater upsizing, and staff anticipate starting construction in late June with a one‑lane reopening by November.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6053289,"Commission adopts mobile‑nuisance vehicle impoundment ordinance to curb late‑night parties",1988,2284000,4272000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52&start=2284&end=4272","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52/thumbnail_2284000.jpg","/articles/6053289/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Commission-adopts-mobilenuisance-vehicle-impoundment-ordinance-to-curb-latenight-parties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053289-223aa349d863a67677ec5fad6448e997/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159979&Signature=ZqPj9TO3-WFipEsVWU2NgjeUoy9tghbeXJEWi9ZOFB8UGVC1lJ~ghp~yYEhBqo9sEtaVeXKd3ub01aHKd42EbW1nwUWlp6HAakVTjwyuATIh1LbmrZb5LBMkxd1AoB29dYRbELVDtaxJcDlQJYXOjSS5R97fLwo4o206RjiBhKgEZBTRnf2v7VQn5y3VOnIj1h6-uAomYHRSlHe8HY4VPrlPj6-fKjZhLAsw2hMWZmEJAx8sbOmYNqDtNQOTw0GNXfW9NX8H6UG66Rv3gvak6UTVEmvikea~ZlLLlniYG0M6aiKxIv4kYT7YMgYLlPcrwzS1UiwxP6NBOswd0Jssxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 21, Article 3 of the city code to add Section 21‑28, allowing impoundment of vehicles involved in “mobile nuisance” gatherings.

Chief Boysen (Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety) explained the ordinance’s definition and its enforcement tools, saying the ordinance targets social gatherings that—by the conduct of attendees—cause unlawful vehicular traffic, block access for emergency services, create unlawful parking on public rights‑of‑way, or produce unreasonable noise.

“To me, that’s one of the major ones,” the chief said, describing repeated instances of gridlock on neighborhood streets in 2022 that at times persisted into the early morning and impaired emergency response. He told commissioners that towing, accompanied by a system of warning letters to registered vehicle owners, produced measurable reductions in repeat participation.

Why it matters: Residents and commissioners said the ordinance responds to longstanding quality‑of‑life complaints—particularly from the North Side—about large summer gatherings that obstruct streets, produce dangerous driving patterns and create late‑night noise and safety concerns.

Notable enforcement details: The chief said the city can issue on‑site tows when violations are observed and may serve seizure orders after warning letters if registered owners fail to correct behavior. He reported that in the prior year the department impounded 23 vehicles at events and later served 14 seizure orders on repeat offenders; in the most recent spring period staff identified 29 vehicles participating, 17 percent of which were rental cars.

Commission action: Commissioner Prado moved to adopt the ordinance; Vice Mayor Jean Hess seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor.

Community questions and staff follow‑up: Commissioners asked about rental‑car company cooperation (the chief said companies add offending renters to a “do not rent” list to avoid losses when cars are impounded), and whether the program had risked overreach; staff emphasized warnings and targeted enforcement. There were no public speakers on the item at Monday’s meeting.

Ending: The ordinance joins the city’s toolset for addressing neighborhood safety and quality‑of‑life issues tied to large gatherings; staff will continue to issue warning letters and report enforcement outcomes to the commission.","The commission voted to adopt a new ordinance adding Section 21‑28 to the Kalamazoo code to permit impoundment of vehicles used in mobile nuisance gatherings after warning notices; public safety officials said towing and warning letters reduced repeat events.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6053294,"Kalamazoo to buy former Bright Eyes site on South Burdick for water‑system consolidation",731,3044000,3775000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52&start=3044&end=3775","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52/thumbnail_3044000.jpg","/articles/6053294/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Kalamazoo-to-buy-former-Bright-Eyes-site-on-South-Burdick-for-watersystem-consolidation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053294-e832b57f254cbfd7952c92c2c23124a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159979&Signature=Twfvht6Vfkmiw3klqU0~oY9QcWyh4W6NW51mpQJ8UEm-roZN9KKqBjIuGYlIuROPwv0Z-SamMqpNeWltfTA-31wHwRI7LkYb8v6EiCSWTL60F7BM7T5PVQAOYK~VtlKC9BNufr7cjXxAAgSbVkV5V1PiXP0D1bOks44ymMHi0jk8HwyTV2tW7I3jo2rN-L5N1e2YLrct~N4-wsSE912PtsldTxiwOSThEJZypesfXnxZBdbm~c2f~Iq-VFM8cc2JrxTcJ3DERr0UvK6bn8Tu67rpKUq5NmnAJog~5kB8~CzwgsC0MF4H1RHNzLmsfHJUs3qWDMoaAR21RKJg9Mtswg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a purchase agreement Monday to buy 1156 and 1204 South Burdick Street from Burdick Crosstown LLC for $335,000 to support a planned consolidation of the city’s water treatment footprint.

City Public Services Director James Baker told the commission the purchase is intended to provide additional surface area and subsurface space near the city’s central treatment plant for new wells, larger treatment facilities and major transmission piping needed as the utility consolidates treatment that currently occurs at multiple sites.

“The consolidation plan calls for us to bring in additional stations for treatment at that one location,” Baker said. “We’re talking about more wells, and we’re talking about bigger treatment facilities.”

Why it matters: Kalamazoo’s water master plan, prepared under direction from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), compared alternatives including a Lake Michigan intake or consolidating existing stations. City staff concluded consolidation offered lower net present cost and greater precision in delivering consistent water quality across the system.

What the commission approved: The motion to approve the purchase was made by Commissioner Decker and seconded by Commissioner Hoffman; the roll call vote was recorded in favor by all commissioners and the motion passed. The manager was authorized to sign purchase documents.

Project details and neighborhood impacts: Baker said the work tied to consolidation will include drilling additional wells, installing large-diameter ductile‑iron mains (on the order of 24 inches), and other utilities that could require demolition of buildings in the immediate footprint. He cited ongoing consolidation work at other stations (stations 5 and 14) and said the city’s capital improvement program currently targets beginning major work at the central site around 2028.

Commissioners asked for sensitivity to small businesses and nearby homes. Commissioner Bridal said he supported the purchase but urged staff to seek “creative opportunities to avoid having to demolish small business storefronts” when feasible. Vice Mayor Jean Hess asked whether the acquisition would address local flooding; Baker said the parcel lies within a floodplain but that the larger floodplain issues involving Portage Creek and the Kalamazoo River require a separate, federal‑scale Army Corps effort funded through the 2024 Water Resources Development Act.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with the property closing and will integrate the site into planned capital projects, including transmission main replacements beginning in 2026. Baker said detailed design of the new footprint and public-facing amenities (he described the likely long-term surface use as passive green space) will come later in the capital program planning process.

Ending: The commission’s approval allows staff to secure land needed for the water consolidation program; the city will provide specifics on demolition, design, and community engagement as planning and engineering move forward.","The City Commission approved purchase of two South Burdick parcels for $335,000 as part of a long‑range plan to consolidate water treatment sites and install new transmission mains; commissioners said the work could require demolition of existing buildings and extensive construction in the neighborhood.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6053274,"Mayor proclaims Period Poverty Awareness Week; Care Collective urges donations and storytelling event",265,742000,1007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52&start=742&end=1007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3375822-58c3f0c169b887dcd891796c7b834f52/thumbnail_742000.jpg","/articles/6053274/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Mayor-proclaims-Period-Poverty-Awareness-Week-Care-Collective-urges-donations-and-storytelling-event","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053274-4f131dd0579465ba4d9d840f05a6330e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159979&Signature=kdfrH8A-1qF923vQ9~eLjdGGzatMNmgBWE6JynmjDwTuHx~HEEOPeQYeEJsv0uiSmY9QDM8I4NZFRWd4qyIONcOscHEtdbgXoneFCcxWycgmw3B5WvIW5F2c4u6ZVbiFPsevLz2EDleIp8GuBJ-VKcP4Uy-~6JWUHUdZk75MREmGt4M-0xe2QnyQ-iPJx1Ae8YdEIvZrXdbJuZBCdjwG9WoAhlValhtCQiOQ6EGlgxklJE7BE1DZGzR7AREDFAmduQNewtQJCl79-9yjLlNcNIFpPDSxxmQbm4ecl3mRBX9qrH4f-XPHHckhf65qajJjRDUQTYc0Oc8~qUlPDP29wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor David F. Anderson presented a proclamation designating May 12–18, 2025 as Period Poverty Awareness Week in Kalamazoo, citing national studies on access to menstrual supplies and local distribution efforts.

Sarah Kessler, representing Care Collective of Southwest Michigan, described the group’s work distributing free menstrual products and urged three concrete actions: attend a storytelling event on Wednesday (doors at 5 p.m., stories at 5:30 p.m.), donate during Period Poverty Awareness Week to take advantage of an anonymous matching donor, and continue to discuss menstruation publicly to reduce stigma.

Kessler said the storytelling event will feature local community members and that donations will be matched for the week, creating an amplified fundraising opportunity. The proclamation and Kessler’s remarks emphasized that lack of menstrual supplies—often called period poverty—can force people to miss school or work and is a public‑health and equity issue.

Ending: The mayor and commission encouraged residents to support local product drives and the Care Collective’s events; staff and community partners will share details on the city website and Care Collective channels.","The commission proclaimed May 12–18, 2025 Period Poverty Awareness Week. Sarah Kessler of Care Collective of Southwest Michigan asked residents to attend a storytelling event, donate (with a matching donor offer), and talk openly about menstruation to reduce stigma.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents push for full Civil Rights Board enforcement as commission hears housing, policing and mass‑incarceration concerns

City outlines Phase 0 of Arcadia Creek project: $12M in work, detours and a June construction target

Commission adopts mobile‑nuisance vehicle impoundment ordinance to curb late‑night parties

Kalamazoo to buy former Bright Eyes site on South Burdick for water‑system consolidation

Mayor proclaims Period Poverty Awareness Week; Care Collective urges donations and storytelling event