KALAMAZOO, MI — Kalamazoo City Hall is preparing for a large turnout at the upcoming Monday, Jan. 26 meeting.
City commissioners will be voting on a controversial request to allow commercial development on a residential property near the Asylum Lake Preserve following a public hearing.
Commissioners have the final say whether the rezoning is allowed or quashed for a third time since 2020.
Planning commissioners voted unanimously against the rezoning recommendation last November following more than three hours of public comments.
Owners of the property highlighted in blue on the map above want to change the allowable uses of the land.City of kalamazoo
Some people waited for several hours outside of packed commission chambers for a chance to speak, Mayor David Anderson said previously, while others headed home.
In addition to reducing standing time, Anderson said residents should not have to rely on personal devices to stream the meeting within city hall.
City staff are preparing accommodations to “ensure that all individuals who wish to provide public comment will have a fair and equal opportunity to do so,” per a city press release.
City staff will invite small groups of in-person attendees to approach the podium from viewing areas throughout city hall, per the release.
It will not use a numbered ticket system, as previously discussed, per the release.
The commission will also hear call-in comments from remote viewers during the public hearing, a practice it discontinued in February 2024.
During the public hearing after the in-person public comments, individuals may call 1-888-382-9556 to provide public comment.
Both call-in and in-person comments will be limited to three minutes each, Anderson said.
Call-in comments are available only during the public hearing and not for general public comment. Those unable to attend in-person may also watch the meeting live on YouTube or on Facebook.
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