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Kalamazoo commissioners pause MDOT Safe Routes contract after residents raise safety, sightline and outreach concerns
Summary
Commissioners declined to approve an MDOT contract for Winchell Avenue and Howard Street Safe Routes to School construction after extended public testimony and commissioner questions about a relocated mid‑block crossing and limited earlier public engagement; staff said construction would start in fall 2026 and can return with alternatives following MDOT consultation.
Kalamazoo City Commissioners on Monday did not approve a resolution to enter MDOT contract No. 25‑5691 for Winchell Avenue and Howard Street Safe Routes to School construction after residents and several commissioners pressed staff for more outreach and design options.
Director of Public Services (Director Baker) told the commission the project design was completed in 2023 and that MDOT has bid the work; the staff recommendation before the commission was to move forward with construction. Baker said the work covers sidewalk and crossing improvements at two school routes (Windchill Elementary and Maple Street Magnet School), and that, if approved, construction would begin in fall 2026 and continue through 2027. He said the design team moved a proposed pedestrian refuge island and crosswalk west of the Merrill intersection based on engineering considerations…
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