KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – They snipped the ribbon Friday morning on the new southbound off ramp for the U.S. 131 Business Loop.
The $24 million dollar project makes the intersection, which had only been accessible to and from the north, also accessible from the south. Kalamazoo officials hope it will revitalize the large open tracts that were once home to the community’s industrial center.
(photo courtesy of John McNeill)
Jill Bland with Southwest Michigan First says they don’t have any major employers on the hook right now, but they are hopeful.
“Over the years have had many prospects look at the open parcels, and as we worked on the redevelopment and parchment, accessibility to the highway has been a key factor.”
State Representative Julie Rogers, who has been working on this since she was on the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners says it’s been a long time coming.
“I am like a kid in a candy store today. I am so excited this is over 30 years in the making and many many meetings and planning and blood sweat and tears.”
State Senator Sean McCann who gave the project its biggest push in Lansing told the group of dignitaries gathered for the ceremony that it addresses a major problem for residents on the north side.
“This project represents long delayed justice and relief for residential areas overburdened by industrial truck traffic and the related effects particularly as we know in the north side.”
He says the plan is to direct truck traffic across on Mosel Avenue to link up with the Business Loop.
Mattie Jordan-Woods, who sits on the Northside Association for Community Development Board, says she would like to see signs banning truck traffic on Patterson, to make sure they stay out of the neighborhood.
The improvement will make downtown Kalamazoo more accessible, with a direct route to and from the New Event Center when it opens.
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