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Downtown Kalamazoo PEL Study
The Downtown Kalamazoo Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study was conducted from 2014 to 2018 by MDOT in partnership with the City of Kalamazoo. The PEL process approach to transportation decision-making considers environmental, historical, cultural, and feasibility issues early in the transportation planning process. Public engagement gives the community the opportunity to be part of the process and guide the project team to acceptable decisions. Two public meetings were held. The first public meeting covered the PEL process and approach, the project schedule, and an overview of the study area. The comments received generally supported two-way street functionality, enhanced pedestrian crossing and intersection safety, bike lanes, and traffic calming. The second public meeting reviewed the draft purpose and need for the project.
Based on the priorities of both the City and public, a jurisdictional transfer of streets (shown in Figure 8-1 within the draft document) from MDOT to the City is the final recommendation of this study. Both MDOT and the City were engaged in this partnership and demonstrated the commitment and communication to see the transfer through. A large effort in this coordination was establishing the current condition of turnback streets and the associated costs to repair them. The State Transportation Commission and State Administrative Board approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 17 and 18, 2018, respectively. The Kalamazoo City Commission approved the MOU with an 8-1 vote at their meeting on January 7, 2019. The MOU was approved by MDOT on January 14, 2019.
Draft Purpose and Need Statement
Resources
Appendix A - Previous Studies
Appendix B - Public Engagement
Appendix C - Agency Coordination
Appendix D - Environmental Resources Reviewed
Appendix F - Road Safety Audit
Appendix G - PEL Questionnaire
Kalamazoo PEL Study Introduction
Kalamazoo PEL Map