Planning Commission Approves Rezoning of Rosscamp, Millard Court Properties to LiveWork1

The City of Kalamazoo Planning Commission voted to approve a staff recommendation to change the zoning of properties on Rosscamp Court, Millard Court and 736 East Crosstown Parkway from manufacturing to LiveWork1, with one parcel (a pond) to remain zoned M2. The commission approved the rezoning by roll call; the recommendation will proceed to the City Commission and requires two meetings there before final action.

Planning staff told the commission the request covers about 13 to 14 parcels and reflects the area’s existing built form — older single-family homes, vacant lots and infill parcels clustered between heavier industrial uses and a school and Boys & Girls Club across the street. Staff briefed commissioners that LiveWork1 is a lighter form of the city’s mixed-use zoning intended to allow primarily residential uses, limited maker/retail spaces and small-scale commercial activities, and that the proposed changes would make existing homes conforming uses rather than nonconforming manufacturing parcels.

The rezoning proposal was presented as consistent with the City’s future land-use map and master-plan development scenarios; staff noted the Southeast downtown area has carried manufacturing zoning since at least the 1970s and appeared as manufacturing on a 1932 map. Staff said changing the zone removes a barrier that can complicate home improvements, financing or rebuilding after a loss for properties currently zoned manufacturing.

During the public-comment period, property owner Richard Stewart of Portage Street criticized city staff and the rezoning process, saying "city staff, unelected bureaucrats have used zoning as a weapon against the existing property owners" and urging better remote-access for public participation. The Planning Commission chair noted outreach had included postcards and door‑to‑door contact; staff reported the postcard mailing produced one confirmation call and three returned postcards.

Commissioners asked for clarification about permitted uses and a parcel that would remain M2. A planning staff member explained the M2 parcel is essentially a legacy collection of tax parcels that function as part of an existing facility and stormwater pond; it has no street frontage from Rosscamp Court and would require redevelopment to change its use or access. Commissioners were also told that LiveWork1 permits duplex and multi-unit residential forms, maker spaces and adult/child foster care homes, while maintaining some flexibility for light commercial activities on main corridors.

A motion to recommend approval of the rezoning was made and seconded; the commission approved the recommendation by roll call with all members voting yes. The commission recorded nine yes votes and no dissent. Staff said the item will now go forward to the City Commission and requires two city meetings for final action.

The commission closed the public hearing after the vote and reminded the public there will be another opportunity for comment when the item is on the City Commission agenda.

Votes at a glance Motion: "Approve the rezoning request from the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development to change the zoning of all properties on Rosscamp Court, Millard Court, and 736 East Crosstown Parkway from manufacturing to LiveWork and manufacturing-2." Mover: not specified. Second: not specified. Outcome: approved (recommendation to City Commission). Roll call votes recorded as Yes: Audette Baumann; Curtis (last name not specified on the record); Descenzo; Costa; Patelco; Smith; Swan; Tolbert; Wilson. Tally: Yes 9, No 0, Abstain 0.

Why it matters: The change would regularize long-standing residential uses in a transition zone and make rehabilitation, additions or new housing development less likely to be constrained by a manufacturing zoning designation. The recommendation does not itself rezone property; it forwards the commission’s recommendation to the City Commission for final decisions.