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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners has approved $725,000 in new awards through the “Homes for All” Millage for supportive services projects and creative housing projects.
The conversion of a former hotel on Kilgore Road into an 80-unit shelter where unhoused families can receive support as they transition back to permanent housing is urgent, local housing officials say. And work is expected to get underway soon to move the project forward in hopes of housing some families by the end of the year.