Page 557 – Second Wave

Kalamazoo County takes step that could lead to arena funding

By Newsroom

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April 8, 2010

A resolution to declare Kalamazoo County a recovery zone so it can take advantage of $46 million in low cost bonds — which could be used to help build an $81 million downtown event center — has been approved by the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. The low cost bonds are available through the federal stimulus program and $27.65 million can go to private borrowers in the form of tax-exempt financing. The county can use another $18.43 million to build public infrastructure, like roads or water and sewage systems. In the story, County Board Vice Chairwoman Deb Buchholtz says few local projects would qualify for the bonds. Excerpt: "Whatever project is funded with those bonds has to have the financial backing to pay off the bonds," said Buchholtz, R-Cooper Township. County officials are looking to use the facility bonds toward the $81 million arena proposal in downtown Kalamazoo, if the project moves forward. The county board is considering whether to ask voters in August to approve a new tax on food and drinks in bars and restaurants, as well as an increase in the hotel tax, to pay off the construction debt. Buchholtz said the $27.65 million was a "sizable amount," but that Kalamazoo County was still working to access the unused bonding allocation that had been granted to other counties in the state. For more on other funding the county is seeking, read the rest of the story. Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Benton Harbor course may be ready for golfers by May 1

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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April 8, 2010

By May 1 golfers will be able to try out 10 holes of The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course near downtown Benton Harbor. Officials say they hope the entire 18-hole course will be up and running by July 1, reports the South Bend Tribune.A grand opening, featuring golf legends Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, is slated for Aug. 10, the story goes on to say."We're very excited," said Wendy Dant Chesser, trustee of Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment Inc.The par-71, 6,900-yard course is near downtown Benton Harbor, and officials say it could have a major impact on the city's economy as well as surrounding communities. There are also plans for townhouses, cottages, condominiums and a family hotel.The 530-acre development is situated near Lake Michigan and the Paw Paw and St. Joseph Rivers. Excerpt:"All individuals will be driving (through) downtown Benton Harbor to get there," said Mark Hesemann, managing director of Evergreen Development. "It will change the image of Benton Harbor." Dant Chesser said there could be $500 million in tax base incentives over the next 20 years, meaning job creation and increased consumer spending.The story continues, saying officials envision 20,000 rounds of golf played each year. They decided to release the latest news regarding the golf course in South Bend to emphasize the importance regionalism will play in the use of the course, and how the entire area could benefit from the success of such a venture.To find out other plans for the golf course, read the rest of the story.Source: South Bend Tribune

Kalamazoo in 10 years … What do you want to see?

By Newsroom

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Environment & Sustainability

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April 8, 2010

During the next two months the public will be invited to share opinions about the city officials' plan for developing Kalamazoo over the next 10 years, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. The story goes on to say there are a number of ways the public can let the City of Kalamazoo know what it thinks of the plan. Comments can be phoned to (269) 337-8044. E-mail can be sent to cpd@kalamazoocity.org. Comments can be posted on the Plan Kalamazoo Facebook and Twitter sites.Excerpt:City Planner Keith Hernandez said the draft is being delivered to surrounding governmental units to assure Kalamazoo's plan complements future uses forecast for adjacent areas in Portage and neighboring townships.In addition, Hernandez said copies will be available for public review at Kalamazoo Public Library locations, Kalamazoo City Hall and the city's Department of Community Planning and Development office.The draft document also is expected to be posted on the city's Web site.Known as "Plan Kalamazoo," consultants sponsored a series of public meetings over the past year asking residents and business owners for their thoughts on how land can be best used to support Kalamazoo's neighborhoods, its commercial and industrial areas, green spaces and transportation needs. To find out more about the process for adopting the plan, read the entire story.Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Downtown road improvements include dedicated bike lanes in South Haven

By Newsroom

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Development News

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April 1, 2010

When Broadway Street in downtown South Haven is repaved this spring bikers will find they have more room to themselves.The City of South Haven is using the opportunity of the downtown road work to provide dedicated bicycle lanes at the same time as the road is paved.The idea for the lanes came out of a broader plan for redoing the downtown streetscape that had City of South Haven engineers creating a detailed plan of how traffic and bicycle lanes would function together.Instead of one traffic lane in each direction, a center lane for left turns and bike lanes on both sides — a concept that has worked in many communities — a plan was created to deal with specific traffic concerns in South Haven, namely the tie-ups caused when the Dyckman Avenue bridge rises to let tall boats sail the Black River.In response, a plan was drafted to include two northbound lanes on Broadway, instead of a center turn lane."Much careful consideration has been given to maximizing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles in some very complex intersections on this project," a statement released by the city says. "While no plan is perfect, we believe this configuration of lanes and crosswalks represents the best overall safety improvement that can be accomplished without sacrificing the right turn lanes for Dunkley and Conger."A contractor has been authorized to begin work on the pavement project at any time. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: City of South Haven

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport expansion enters final stage, gets $8.5 million to finish work

By Newsroom

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Development News

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April 1, 2010

Work continues under budget and ahead of schedule at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Intenational Airport as the third-phase of construction on a new terminal is about to begin.The new, 92,000-square-foot terminal will replace the original terminal, which was built in the 1950s. It has had three additions since then in an attempt to keep up with growth and industry changes.Perhaps one of the most anticipated features of the new terminal will be the passenger bridges for all five gates at the new terminal. No longer will passengers on some flights have to walk across the tarmac to and from planes.Other features of the new terminal include two baggage-claim conveyors and two security checkpoints.The project recently received $8.5 million from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation for ther terminal, which is expected to be completed in April 2011. The $40-million contruction project received $6.63 million last June and $4 million in September. The cost of the work has come in $5 million under budget, says Cliff Moshoginis, airport director.The airport expansion is being accomplished in three phases — putting in the steel, enclosing the building and the third phase will be work on the interior with construction of such systems as heating and air conditioning and flooring. More than 500,000 passengers use the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport each year. The airport is served by American Eagle, Delta Airlines and Direct Air, which offer 30 daily arrivals and departures. Moshoginis says Delta has increased its flights in and out of Kalamazoo this year as the market has recovered.General aviation, corporate, leisure and recreational flights not connected with an airline, continues to play a big part in the airport's daily operations. It makes up more than 77 percent of the daily air traffic and includes local flying clubs, charter service and private aircraft owners. "This creates a lot of economic benefit to the community," Moshoginis says. "They are coming into the community, spending money with fuel vendors, buying food."A W.E. Upjohn study some years ago showed the airport contributes $175 million to the local economy through jobs created directly and indirectly."A new termininal is not going to bump that number up significantly," Moshoginis says. "But this is the gateway to the community and for businesses looking to relocate this will be a centerpiece. It will have a nice flow and be efficient. It will represent the community well."Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Cliff Moshoginis, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport director

Law firm buys into downtown Battle Creek

By Newsroom

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Development News

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April 1, 2010

A commitment to the revitalization of downtown Battle Creek spurred a group of local attorneys to move from tenants to landlords. The firm of Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos P.C. has bought 1 W. Michigan Ave. from Bank of America."The move was multi-faceted," says Mark Kreter, of Kreis, Enderle. "We have always felt it's better to own than to lease. The opportunity arose when Bank of Ameria wanted to sell."The law firm, which employs six attorneys in its Battle Creek office, had previously looked at properties south of town before deciding to buy the property and stay in the first floor office space it has occupied since 1998."When we looked at it we saw the opportunity downtown, that it will revitalize and flourish," Kreter says. The community's commitment to and significant effort that has gone into revitalization will bring that about, he adds.There are no plans to change the two-story, 11,000-square-foot building at this time. Kreter points out the building has long been an anchor in the downtown. "There has been a bank building or professional offices here since the early 1900s," Kreter says.Bank of America will continue to occupy the second floor on a long-term lease agreement with the law firm, the building's new owner. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Mark Kreter, Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos P.C.

New micro brewery comes to Paw Paw, moves into old Coffee Co. space

By Newsroom

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Development News

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April 1, 2010

Southwest Michigan will soon have a new brew to sip.Renovations on Southwest Michigan's latest micro brewery, the Paw Paw Brewing Company, LLC, at 929 E. Michigan Ave. in Paw Paw, began April 1.The business is owned by brothers-in-law Ryan Sylvester and Ben Fleckenstein, and the building is owned by Sylvester. It was formerly was occupied by Red Arrow Coffee Co, which moved to downtown Paw Paw. The two plan to remodel the 1,500-square-feet space at an initial cost of $5,000 to $6,000. The total remodeling price has yet to be determined, but work is expected to take six months. The business recently got a green light from the Paw Paw Village Council, which recommended the Michigan Liquor Control Commission approve its micro brew liquor license. Once renovations are complete, Paw Paw Brewing Company will feature a tasting room expected to seat up to 20 people and a retail area where its bottled and kegged beer and beer-related goods will be sold. Sylvester said the business will start out small and build over time. It will start out offering three beers: a pale ale, a red ale (amber), and a summer wheat with citrus overtones meant to please all palates, Sylvester says. The brothers-in-law plan to share primary responsibilities for running the business during different times of the year. When Sylvester's job with Great Lakes Landscaping keeps him busy during summer months, Fleckenstein will step up. And when Fleckenstein's job as a flight instructor at Western Michigan University keeps him busy during most of the school year, Sylvester will step in.The men have been experimenting with home brewing for nearly three years and decided, after encouragement from beer-drinking friends, decided to take it to the next level. "That's how everybody starts," Sylvester says. "You have to have a passion for cooking and beer." Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Ryan Sylvester, Paw Paw Brewing Co.

Questions about leasing land for wind energy? Get answers here

By Newsroom

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Development News

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April 1, 2010

Property owners looking to learn more about leasing their land to wind energy development companies can attend informational sessions being offered April 5 in South Haven and Benton Harbor and April 6 in Dowagiac.Dennis Stein, a farm management educator from the Michigan State University Extension, will address landowner inquiries, which have been on the rise recently as talk of wind energy development picks up. He will discuss basic contract details, confidentiality issues, contract duration and compensation clauses. He also will talk about assignment clauses, property taxes, liability issues and other restrictions on land use.Property owners will learn about contract termination as well. It's all part of guidelines designed to help landowners consider important issues when negotiating a contract, Stein says.The topics may help property owners as they consider whether to enter into a contract with a wind energy provider.The sessions are offered in:-- South Haven, 2-4 p.m. April 5, at Lake Michigan College, 125 Veterans Blvd, (269) 657-8213.-- Benton Harbor, 6-8 p.m. April 5, at the Berrien County MSU Extension Office, 1737 Hillandale Road, Benton Harbor, (269) 944-4126.-- Dowagiac, April 6, 11: 30 a.m., at Wayne Township Hall, 53950 Glenwood Road, (269) 445-4438.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Dennis Stein

KVCC’s Patient Care Academy taking applications

By Newsroom

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Development News

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April 1, 2010

Kalamazoo Valley Community College is inviting trainees to its first Patient Care Academy. Instructors will train students in entry level jobs in the health-care industry at the new academy, which runs June 21-Aug. 31 at the Michigan Technical Education Center on KVCC's Groves Campus. The academy is now accepting applications for 12 slots.Training will take place Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for 10 weeks. The fee is $1,995. Financial assistance is available through Michigan Works and Kalamazoo Promise scholarships.Academy students will receive training that lays the foundation to start a successful health care career, says Lesa Strausbaugh, KVCC's director of academies."This academy can be a springboard to careers in other health-care professions," Strausbaugh says. "For example, those on a waiting list for nursing can get this training in the interim and begin working in health care before beginning their nursing studies."Graduates could land in jobs such as a certified nurse assistant, a patient-care assistant or technician, a ward clerk or a medical-records clerk and qualified to work in long-term care, rehabilitation centers, hospice settings, medical offices and hospitals.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Lesa Strausbaugh, KVCC

Community comes together for cleanup at River’s Edge in Kalamazoo

By Newsroom

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Development News

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April 1, 2010

"Close to everything, far from ordinary," is the way the City of Kalamazoo sees the River's Edge project. River's Edge is bordered by Paterson Street, Riverview Avenue, East Michigan Avenue and Walbridge Street. The area encompassing 24 acres, is divided into 16 parcels that vary in size from a 10th of an acre to nearly 7.5 acres. Its development could go in a number of different directions depending upon what the market dictates.It is envisioned to be the hub of a number trailways that link business to the outdoors and capitalize on the natural asset of the river. The Kalamazoo River, now partially obscured by overgrown trees and bushes, will emerge from hiding soon, opening up a whole new part of town for the bikers, walkers, shoppers to enjoy.A number of groups will get to work in May to clean up the site and provide better access to the river. Sunshine Rotary, the Northside Business Association and the Adventure Club are among those who will be part of the cleanup. Within the next six weeks plans also should be finalized for improved traffic flow and appearance of the intersection of Gull Road and Harrison Street. Tthe public will be asked for input on the proposed intersection changes.The city of Kalamazoo began to work on a riverfront redevelopment in 1999. As brownfield redevelopment projects such as the MacKenzies Bakery, 527 Harrison, have succeeded, funding for the riverfront development has increased.The city was able to obtain a $2.8-million Clean Michigan Initiative Waterfront Redevelopment Grant in 2000. It allowed the city to get busy buying property, demolishing buildings and doing other clean-up work necessary to make the land attractive to buyers. In addition, River's Edge has attracted $20 million in public and private money, and the city has invested $7 million in matching funds. Some of the dollars have gone to adding infrastructure like the Jack Coombs Trailway there.The next project to go into the neighborhood will be the 6,000-square-foot People's Food Co-op at 507 Harrison Street. Co-op general manager Chris Dilley has told members one of the positive aspects of the site the co-op is moving to is that it is along the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, connecting Kal-Haven and Parchment and Battle Creek and Portage. "We are excited about this connection and look forward to helping to better connect this area of downtown to the core" of the city, he says.In recent years, the area has attracted the Smartshop Metal Arts Center, One Way Products, a manufacter of industrial process and cleaning chemicals and West Tech Design Inc., a design and engineering firm.Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Martha Aills, special projects coordinator, City of Kalamazoo Community Planning and Development division