Author

Al Jones

Al Jones

Al Jones is a freelance writer who has worked for many years as a reporter, editor, and columnist. He is the Project Editor for On the Ground Kalamazoo.

Al Jones's Latest Articles

Metro Transit boosts service on busy routes during holiday shopping season

Metro Transit is adding extra weekday bus service on three high-ridership routes from Dec. 15 through 28 to improve reliability during icy conditions and meet increased holiday shopping demand in Kalamazoo.

A 70-unit senior living project is on track to open in 2026 in Kalamazoo’s Northside Neighborhood

The Legacy Senior Living complex is expected by its proponents to hasten the transformation of the Northside.

Winter heating relief gets a boost with over $19K from Guys Who Give

Guys Who Give donated over $19,000 to Community Homeworks to help Kalamazoo-area homeowners facing critical winter heating and furnace repair needs.

Remembering the Block: How Black history and culture inform Kalamazoo’s present

As downtown Kalamazoo transforms, residents are turning to the deep history of Black art, culture, and community on North Burdick Street to ground the present by understanding and respecting the city's roots.

It’s one mission but many housing projects for the Kalamazoo County Land Bank

At present, the Kalamazoo County Land Bank has a portfolio of 322 land parcels in Kalamazoo County. After 16 years, the Land Bank's mission and work have expanded.

Micro home community is a big project in a small corner of Kalamazoo

Jeremy Cole has acquired 2 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to 132 W. Cork St. with plans to build a "micro" home community for homebuyers of modest means.

Metro Transit hopes to replace aging fleet with hybrids, eyes federal grant

Kalamazoo Metro Transit is seeking federal funding to gradually replace its aging bus fleet with more environmentally and financially sustainable hybrid vehicles — and also seeking local millage support for current bus system and popular Metro Link.

Gospel Mission caps overnight shelter services to promote long-term programs

During the last three years, Kalamazoo Gospel Mission has seen a 68 percent increase in the number of single men seeking overnight shelter and a 51 percent increase in single women. Now they must cap entry to maintain safe conditions for those seeking shelter and staff.

Big plans, big questions: Northside residents eye inclusion as Kalamazoo Event Center takes shape

Northside residents are hopeful the new $300M Kalamazoo Event Center will bring jobs, training, and business opportunities to their community.

Millage request is next stop for Kalamazoo’s Metro Transit

Kalamazoo’s Metro Transit is seeking a five-year millage increase to sustain bus services and expand its growing on-demand Metro Link program.

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