[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6517632,"mediaKeyId","5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3","parentId",5404131,"title","Coordinator reports chimney removal, cemetery cleanups and reinterment activity","audioSeconds",375,"startMs",1958000,"endMs",2333000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3&start=1958&end=2333","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3/thumbnail_1958000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6517632/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Coordinator-reports-chimney-removal-cemetery-cleanups-and-reinterment-activity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517632-e9828877d467ec7ac03cfb4f89ad01cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146664&Signature=oOnZtrn~W3NSmDlkX24TrFD1TsilW4XPKD6aqkaWHDR4QNEeqX~HwboD0p4J~SKxnQhSquCZbSsULW5Y0AERMfkf1W7nbuU7~G9fIuqf6P6cYrZWKQSgpHbKRXotFC9UugfMn5qDCoGp473FG~IjF9Bmy6iaUjs566zuUGH2YxytBjZkMhoKD1QjzLRPrLS3rOdkDlYQzFQkSg3zx9v33Hp5-OrNFlqDHGq9kzybkScfBTQ3I5q-UTiSqDS5iWX-365BRQ-o3oobua9b4c2sbXWLzCuOdQ4CqIyEsrjnGV6mJvNfWj6InuvCPscW1FRqud1hqhGRn302sBTXlLSFgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-16T09:46:27Z","article","At the meeting's coordinator report, staff described a recent safety removal of a deteriorated chimney on Elm Street, ongoing cemetery preservation events and the reinterment of human remains uncovered during construction in South Ossining Park.

The coordinator said the Elm Street chimney was heavily deteriorated and \"coming out of the roof was, like, if you ate an apple, like, the center of the core, it was that far eaten away.\" For safety reasons staff authorized removal; the chimney was not visible from the street and the structure was not a distinctive, high‑style example.

Staff highlighted a partnership with Friends of Kalamazoo Historic Cemeteries to run gravestone‑cleaning events; Gary Swain from that group leads training on appropriate cleaning methods and safety. The coordinator emphasized best practices such as starting cleaning at the bottom of a marker to avoid streaking and noted volunteer events are open to the public, though some attendees may prefer not to bring children when chemical cleaners are used.

The coordinator also described the June 30 reinterment of remains found during a city project: the ceremony included members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Boy Scouts and featured clergy performing rites in period vernacular. Staff said the city coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), an archaeologist from the Gun Lake Tribe, an MDOT archaeologist, the Federal Highway Administration and the medical examiner's office to handle the discovery and reinterment respectfully.

Staff reported 60 cases opened so far this year with 12 referred to the commission, and noted other ongoing cases including work at 503 South Westnedge and a mindful door replacement at 628 South Rose. The coordinator said they would share event listings for cemetery cleanups and encouraged commissioners to participate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 15, 2025 Historic District Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Staff reported on a safety‑driven chimney removal, ongoing cemetery‑cleaning events organized with Friends of Kalamazoo Historic Cemeteries, and the June 30 reinterment of remains found during a city project in South Ossining Park.","taxTitle","Kalamazoo City, Kalamazoo County, Michigan","taxId",3977,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6517638,"Commission approves small solar array and battery at 1552 Academy St.",159,1774000,1933000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3&start=1774&end=1933","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3/thumbnail_1774000.jpg","/articles/6517638/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Commission-approves-small-solar-array-and-battery-at-1552-Academy-St","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517638-3e0be53fab0696502be7449000338e65/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146664&Signature=GgQ0caFdJdZHZp4tnq3kXbIw4Uh5eTn7Adtbw9Laq~p0BT-eKCAWxMOaW2ZwBdAn6oRrbE-Nnx2y0VX4FTZLkdLx5bKMJzh0t9tyOymizj7uEJXPwHNu11W0T6e-oCzKk2Cd0xUPKArk1A8WlJuteOMZy2w0j3KpVBUUvM82pQV6ofCElb5oQaCOpmdEMmUsmS3l1CEkwdrWVx3YP587KAWNtjdZxzp7-yznXYTxaY-IN8j0ftbcgxeTElk8579eeXUN3iOyWCImGZBLks1ZOgghSEe8y5D~RfTjH1lJ8YgRjyfvGluxOcBHWsOx4FQzVRgWQZWyFsvkDth2xq5bxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness for the addition of six solar panels and a battery installation for the house at 1552 Academy St.

Chad Becker of Tiger Solar described the work as \"the addition of those 6 panels you see on the southernmost end there, and the battery. But the battery is going in the basement at this point.\" Becker said the roof area is difficult to see from public vantage points on the street, making the panels unobtrusive in the public realm.

A commissioner asked about the racking pitch and mounting system; Becker said the proposal uses a standard rail system approximately five inches tall and indicated panels would be pitched normally on the rail system rather than on an elevated frame. Commissioners noted previous cases and earlier approvals and said the application appeared straightforward given the limited visibility from the sidewalk.

The motion approved the certificate of appropriateness citing Secretary of the Interior Standards 2, 9 and 10. Roll call was unanimous: Katie, Christie, Dana and James voted yes. Staff said permits appeared to have already been applied for and that the commission would follow up as needed.

The commission did not require changes to the visible rooflines and approved the installation as presented, with the battery sited in the basement rather than on the exterior.","The commission approved six rooftop solar panels and a basement battery at 1552 Academy Street, finding the installation unobtrusive from public rights of way.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6517643,"Kalamazoo Community Foundation gets OK for updated, partially digital sign on E. Michigan",848,890000,1738000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3&start=890&end=1738","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3/thumbnail_890000.jpg","/articles/6517643/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Kalamazoo-Community-Foundation-gets-OK-for-updated-partially-digital-sign-on-E-Michigan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517643-800fef22a61762e7f8ae37a06f18e7da/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146664&Signature=TXYfAKnQIrMxWe-xXN5rCOooClL10L-VE7NnbnsU7t-XmV3oyrpg5ErlBeH8SjANwkCyLb~i5yHBRMZu2gZGt9-Qq1QGrU0Abx3pc9SQC4IP5G1~8wfWDJQ8DcbtJ~rHTlpYXlg-TpRPtDZ5Rdsy88YcZsws8M~Q5FBi1Kb~2Mq8zUuebDnh9O47bckJyyaRNd7Vuf2kkk6sPcdQSMIQ1Cj-58VxXCSg2Qr7F4VxDr81UYWjAdLhHia-tDSjVWo2HkiPpPRJ7RHa8h1PVtMyCxwAcQk8gC93sDaKOkI71QJh7nkTSY7oT~vkRQc09WqMbdnPYpuZ3uJzgE1nGhOMMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness for a new branded sign and a separate directional sign for the Kalamazoo Community Foundation at 402 East Michigan.

SignArt's Steve Vandersloot presented the proposal and said the main sign is internally illuminated with an opaque background so the foundation's colors read correctly; the design includes a small digital display area. Vandersloot told the commission the proposed digital component has manufacturer controls for brightness and transition timing and that wiring will be concealed through the building facade.

A representative of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, who identified themselves as a program officer and an employee involved in recent rebranding, said the sign is intended to help the public identify the foundation's services and programs. \"The intent of the digital is really is that contemporary piece. It's communicating to people visually. It's communicating to people in a manner that is timely and very efficient,\" the foundation representative told the commission.

Commissioners asked about the number of signs shown on the application; Vandersloot confirmed the second, smaller sign on Pitcher Street will be a directional sign marking the entrance and is separated from the main sign by roughly 150 feet. Commissioners discussed brightness limits and existing city ordinances that restrict transition styles and light measurements; Vandersloot said comparable municipal signs use similar manufacturers and that the proposed installation can be dialed down in nits to meet local requirements.

The motion approved the certificate of appropriateness \"as it complies with the Secretary of Interior Standards 9 and 10.\" Roll call was unanimous: Katie, Christie, Dana and James voted yes. Staff said it would finish its reviews and communicate with the applicant about permits and installation timing.

The foundation representative said the digital element is meant to extend the organization's outreach and reflect a recent rebrand; staff noted the sign ordinance limits animation and brightness and that enforcement can be measured at property lines in foot‑candles.","The commission approved a multi‑component sign for the Kalamazoo Community Foundation that includes an internally illuminated identifying sign and a smaller directional sign; the foundation said the digital display will be dimmable and programmed to avoid rapid transitions.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6517648,"Commission approves projecting sign at 215 E. Michigan for downtown tenant",316,562000,878000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3&start=562&end=878","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3/thumbnail_562000.jpg","/articles/6517648/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Commission-approves-projecting-sign-at-215-E-Michigan-for-downtown-tenant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517648-72ff933fb3609c4230885295b241be40/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146664&Signature=i7uAsMO6DWNL8Ij1iV1jLhd38KQX03Hhs-w7y8xtFL2kpaPy-WVVJ5s3Q3mV-UpMZc9zfW1n6TN-SzDKaC-yFC~awTq8Q~mmY7LALphWww2tOqyhGGssAgdMCPkXNrNDSiNTvCFLKsMdNbq~WrvaE2p8cJLHMj4p85R2jvEfdaSiD~gHVXPDGaqkOsxGG3p8wEfkbCSfuFdNguN2efWpV2nuhb9QQ3CLiHzqpd2IvhLwG~2JY2gv-vNY8coqVt-8dQIx~J4dC73JDlUdQ0no0~Kp0LfgsPMr4kXLvyo~r5eXgnl0sU47azHnQ8mSTHsUpx8l13rfR1Ms3c27WN2UnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness for a projecting sign at 215 East Michigan, finding the sign's design and mounting method meet Secretary of the Interior Standards 9 and 10.

Steve Vandersloot of SignArt presented the application. He described the sign as internally illuminated with an opaque white background so the tenant's colors show, and said the mounting will use through‑bolts that pass through mortar joints to avoid damaging brick. \"We have all kinds of flexibility so that when we do fasten the sign to the building, it's a through bolt situation. It allows us to pass through mortar joints so we don't have to damage the brick in the process,\" Vandersloot told the commission.

Commission staff reminded members that the building is a non‑contributing structure in the district; commissioners discussed attachment methods and illumination. Vandersloot said the wiring will be concealed and there will be no exposed conduit or indirect glare. The staff member and commissioners agreed the sign meets the ordinance and preferred placement for upper‑level signage.

The motion approved the certificate of appropriateness \"as it complies with the Secretary of the Interior Standards 9 and 10.\" The commission's roll call was unanimous: Katie, Christie, Dana and James all voted yes. Staff said it would complete reviews and follow up with the sign contractor before work starts.

The commission noted that recent changes to the building's façade reflect past efforts to harmonize a mid‑century commercial property with the historic streetscape, and that the proposed sign aims to be compatible without damaging historic materials.","Sign contractor Steve Vandersloot won approval for an internally illuminated projecting sign at 215 E. Michigan; the commission noted the building is non‑contributing and that mounting will avoid damage to historic brickwork.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6517653,"Historic district panel approves replacement window at 422 Stewart Ave.",306,171000,477000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3&start=171&end=477","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5404131-1a90cccc03f7fd34d76575519ddbc1e3/thumbnail_171000.jpg","/articles/6517653/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Historic-district-panel-approves-replacement-window-at-422-Stewart-Ave","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517653-1be21a3de8b539a6d3fc18b4733a4a29/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146664&Signature=QyaaggpN-qaGgCutf3gpFdxQTrAMHXCjRVfqYEyESm8VCYFtlchOKaXFg016cjemG2uP0qgB90512UibDEL5uk9ihWTgKEwmoMJaGL4lGkyaH8w109zW7Sa32bJP7T-GPpgTJ1aVLcxbEBKSUbxuzqSzIO7x1ScLKP2VnlBt6CIz8uuWBzbQTgclkmJ4OLp4IoXntW7~3R9HuQ5gNQP~7NEGJQAsgiaATfGx9MnX2UYEg-kWeNs4UrhfL0im7E-OH0LbKssyDKfxsGMxVpyjjsn2-Y2Aw7TlWSMS0pL0LtuKCKRWZ6WKkU3P28RQWe6ArTr6vG92lVHxW4W~U0q1kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission on a unanimous roll call approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace a third‑story, nonhistoric aluminum pocket window at 422 Stewart Ave.

The applicant, Arnie Block of Block Builders, said the existing sash is stuck and the replacement is needed to restore functionality and provide required egress for a bedroom. \"That window the 1 sash is broken. In other words, it's jammed open, so it's no longer functional,\" Block told the commission. He said the replacement will not change the opening's overall size and that exterior trim will be cedar to match existing finishes.

Commissioners were shown photos and details of the existing condition and the proposed window. A commissioner asked whether the proposed unit will match the visual character of the historic house; Block said the new window will be a single awning sash with a central vertical divided light to resemble what likely existed historically and to align with windows on lower stories. The applicant noted the choice of an aluminum‑clad unit was driven by long‑term maintenance and the need to meet egress dimensions.

The motion approved the certificate of appropriateness \"for the work as described in the application as it complies with Secretary of the Interior Standards 2, 6, 9, and 10.\" The commission recorded a unanimous vote: Katie, Christie, Dana and James all voted yes. The applicant said staff would follow up on whether a separate building permit is needed.

The commission's public file and staff noted guidance documents relevant to such decisions, including Chapter 16 of the City of Kalamazoo Code of Ordinances and the Michigan Local Historic Districts Act. The approval preserves the opening size while allowing a modern, aluminum‑clad sash to be installed for safety and maintenance reasons.

The applicant and commission staff said they would complete paperwork and follow up later in the week about next steps and permitting.","The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace a third‑story, nonhistoric aluminum pocket window with an aluminum‑clad window of the same size to meet bedroom egress and maintenance needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Coordinator reports chimney removal, cemetery cleanups and reinterment activity

Commission approves small solar array and battery at 1552 Academy St.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation gets OK for updated, partially digital sign on E. Michigan

Commission approves projecting sign at 215 E. Michigan for downtown tenant

Historic district panel approves replacement window at 422 Stewart Ave.