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Arlo Getachew inside City Boundary June 4, 2024, 9:36 AM
Your neighborhood is: West Main Hill
What types of uses (retail, restaurant, services) must exist within your neighborhood for it to be considered complete? Small grocers, safer streets, delis or food places in general, accessible streets for biking and walking and lots of green
Do the activities in the park matter? Is your neighborhood complete if there aren’t activities? They do matter. I dont think my neighborhood is complete without activities.
Can the sidewalk be on only one side, or must it be located on both sides of the street? Both sides of the street.
If there is a trail system, but not a sidewalk, within the neighborhood, does it count toward the requirement? Yes
What is the maximum distance you should walk to the transit stop or bicycle lane/path? 1/4 to 1/2 a mile.
Do the destinations of bike lanes and transit routes matter? Should they connect to specific destinations? They shouldn't be smaller and right next to roads above the speed limit of 30. Should connect, yes.
Is there a maximum distance from each neighborhood that is acceptable to travel for large grocery store? 1 mile? 2 miles? What about smaller markets? 1/2 a mile is where I'm at. It needs to be easier to walk or bike to get groceries. I know this is not a reality for many people in Kalamazoo right now though.
How is a food store defined - based on square footage, or providing items as fresh fruits and vegetables? If a store provides fresh foods, it is an adequate food store. I am not talking about convenient stores with just processed junk food.
Is access to a farmers’ market the equivalent of a food store? How long do farmers’ markets need to be open to be considered as such, and how frequently? Yes a Farmers market is an equivalent. The Kalamazoo farmers market is a good example of this, and I think only one day a week, or more.
If you could have a community garden in a nearby park, where would you put it? If you could have fruit trees in your park what type would you like? In a neighborhood center or off to a significant side, like Vine's Davis street park or davis field.
How does indoor growing/aquaponics figure into the evaluation of neighborhood food access? I think community gardens are a great staple for a neighborhood, however, it isn't really needed all the time. With this hopefully more neighborhoods soon will have smaller grocers.
Chelsea Arthur inside City Boundary April 24, 2024, 12:10 PM
Your neighborhood is: Burke Acres
What types of uses (retail, restaurant, services) must exist within your neighborhood for it to be considered complete? Small businesses, especially businesses that facilitate community engagement and interaction. Locally owned restaurants would add a lot to the Burke Acre neighborhood, as would family and kid-friendly businesses.
Do the activities in the park matter? Is your neighborhood complete if there aren’t activities? No, I think more activities would improve the parks and add to the community-feel. Spring Valley has a lot of disc golf-centered events, which is great, but it would be nice to also have events that cater to families or young adults. Kindleberger Park has a lot of summer festivals and concerts, and it would be really nice if we could have similar events.
Can the sidewalk be on only one side, or must it be located on both sides of the street? Sidewalks on both side of the road would add so much in terms of walkability. There are a lot of older or disabled residents that would benefit from more sidewalks. It would make walking feel safer and easier. Right now, the neighborhood does not seem like people are meant to walk; it feels like cars are prioritized and walking should only happen when absolutely necessary. I would love for that to change. Mt. Olivet is so wide, I don't understand why there aren't sidewalks on both sides of the street.
If there is a trail system, but not a sidewalk, within the neighborhood, does it count toward the requirement? I'm not sure what you mean, but I guess no; while I love trails, that does not seem very accessible.
What is the maximum distance you should walk to the transit stop or bicycle lane/path? Half a mile if there are sidewalks, less if there are not.
Do the destinations of bike lanes and transit routes matter? Should they connect to specific destinations? Yes, they should connect to popular destinations as well as destinations that can serve residents' needs.
Is there a maximum distance from each neighborhood that is acceptable to travel for large grocery store? 1 mile? 2 miles? What about smaller markets? I think as long as there are adequate bus stops, 2-4 miles is acceptable.
How is a food store defined - based on square footage, or providing items as fresh fruits and vegetables? Fresh foods
Is access to a farmers’ market the equivalent of a food store? How long do farmers’ markets need to be open to be considered as such, and how frequently? No. They are great but I do not think they are equivalent to a food store based on how they currently function.
If you could have a community garden in a nearby park, where would you put it? If you could have fruit trees in your park what type would you like? Apple trees and I don't know where a community garden would best fit into a park in Burke Acres. It would be nice though.
How does indoor growing/aquaponics figure into the evaluation of neighborhood food access? I don't know.
Name not shown inside City Boundary April 9, 2024, 4:51 PM
What is your age? 30 - 45 years old
Choose the answer that best describes you (choose one): I am a resident of the City of Kalamazoo (not a resident in Northside, Vine, Downtown) but I travel Westnedge and/or Park Street
Check all that apply to you: N/A
Check all that apply to you: I drive along Westnedge and Park
I use the pilot bike lane: I do not use the pilot bike lane
How has the pilot bike lane changed your level of comfort as a bicyclist, driver, and pedestrian on Westnedge and Park?
How likely are you to use the pilot bike lane in the Fall? In the Winter? In the Spring? What would impact your usage? Never just like 99.99999 of the people that travel this corridor.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about using the pop-up bike lane on Westnedge and/or Park? It is a dumb idea that inconveniences thousands of drivers daily so maybe a couple dozen people can ride in it a week.
Name not shown outside City Boundary February 19, 2024, 10:14 PM
What is your age? 30 - 45 years old
Choose the answer that best describes you (choose one): I am not a resident of the City of Kalamazoo, but I travel Westnedge and/or Park Street
Check all that apply to you: N/A
Check all that apply to you: I drive along Westnedge and Park
I use the pilot bike lane: I do not use the pilot bike lane
How has the pilot bike lane changed your level of comfort as a bicyclist, driver, and pedestrian on Westnedge and Park?
Name not shown inside City Boundary June 2, 2023, 12:02 AM
What is your age? 15 - 30 years old
Choose the answer that best describes you (choose one): I am a resident of the Vine Neighborhood
Check all that apply to you: Biking is my primary form of transportation, I occasionally bike as my mode of transportation
Check all that apply to you: I drive along Westnedge and Park, I bike along Westnedge and Park, I walk along Westnedge and Park
I use the pilot bike lane: I do not use the pilot bike lane
How has the pilot bike lane changed your level of comfort as a bicyclist, driver, and pedestrian on Westnedge and Park?
How likely are you to use the pilot bike lane in the Fall? In the Winter? In the Spring? What would impact your usage? actual protection would greatly increase anyone’s comfort using/driving near the lanes. improved maintenance (on all roads; fixing potholes, routinely removing debris) would also help.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about using the pop-up bike lane on Westnedge and/or Park? i genuinely don’t ride down westnedge or park because the new lanes are obscenely dangerous, both as a cyclist and a driver. drivers are confused, nervous, and erratic due to the bizarre turning pattern at w. kalamazoo ave. & park. i avoid the area, as both a driver and cyclist, at all costs. i greatly encourage y’all to add sensible, coherent lanes, and to put in actual protections for cyclists.
Name not shown inside City Boundary May 3, 2023, 10:16 AM
What is your age? 60+ years old
Choose the answer that best describes you (choose one): I am a resident of the City of Kalamazoo (not a resident in Northside, Vine, Downtown) but I travel Westnedge and/or Park Street
Check all that apply to you: I bike for exercise or as a hobby
Check all that apply to you: I drive along Westnedge and Park, I walk along Westnedge and Park
I use the pilot bike lane: I do not use the pilot bike lane
How has the pilot bike lane changed your level of comfort as a bicyclist, driver, and pedestrian on Westnedge and Park?
How likely are you to use the pilot bike lane in the Fall? In the Winter? In the Spring? What would impact your usage? Never. Too dangerous. Don't trust the cars.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about using the pop-up bike lane on Westnedge and/or Park? They look awful. There are better places and ways for bikers to get around.
Katherine Kaczmarek inside City Boundary April 17, 2023, 2:41 PM
What is your age? 30 - 45 years old
Choose the answer that best describes you (choose one): I am a resident of the City of Kalamazoo (not a resident in Northside, Vine, Downtown) but I travel Westnedge and/or Park Street
Check all that apply to you: I bike for exercise or as a hobby
Check all that apply to you: I drive along Westnedge and Park, I bike along Westnedge and Park, I walk along Westnedge and Park
I use the pilot bike lane: I do not use the pilot bike lane
How has the pilot bike lane changed your level of comfort as a bicyclist, driver, and pedestrian on Westnedge and Park?
How likely are you to use the pilot bike lane in the Fall? In the Winter? In the Spring? What would impact your usage? Likely in the months where there is no snow on the ground
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about using the pop-up bike lane on Westnedge and/or Park? Has anyone ever considered using traffic circles on Crosstown Parkway to ease travel on that route through town? If I didn't have to sit at every single stop light as I tried to go through the city of Kalamazoo, I would use that route on my daily commute exclusively. The way it is situated makes me (and other drivers) choose alternate routes such as Westnedge up to Kalamazoo or Main. Crosstown Pkwy has plenty of room to add traffic circles, it would calm the flow of traffic as well as allow easier commuting across town and taking away from the traffic that flows directly through downtown every day on Kalamazoo and Main streets.
I currently commute to Richland, and the traffic circle that was installed at the intersection of Gull Road and G Avenue has been VERY effective at easing travel as well as increasing safety for cars, pedestrians and bikers.
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Philip Minich inside City Boundary February 9, 2023, 2:30 PM
The limited space on this section of Maple St limits what can be added once the street resurfacing is complete. Bike lanes or an on-street parking lane could be painted but not both.
Which option would you rather see once roadwork is complete? On-Street Parking
Please provide a reason for your choice below. These homes are located close together, the capacity of driveway space is limited on most of these homes on West Maple St. Often times there is no spot for visitors in said driveways or moving the families car's around. Currently there is enough room to park a vehicle on both side of the street, allowing traffic to pass in both direction. Although I do care about safe travel for those on bicycles, it is the law of the road for both motor vehicles and bikes to follow the same rules. Educating and training individuals to share the space is the best way to get the two, to co-mingle in the right-of-way.
Do you support upgrading the existing speed hump and the addition of another speed hump? Yes
Please provide a reason for your choice below. They help keep the general public honest, for the most part and are functionally effective,. they are in No way, a good substitute for neighborhood patrol and a good police presents...It get's to be quite dangerous between the hours of 7-9 am and 4-6 pm daily...any time in between it all bets are off..It become a cross between a circle race track and a demolition derby... refer to the the police traffic report, speed indicator, that was stationed on Maple St. before the current speed hump was installed.
If you have any comments or feedback, please share using the box below! I have lived on W. Maple St. since 1980, I didn't much notice things around the neighborhood as a younger individual, but have since done as much as humanly possible, to up-keep the neighborhood. I have restore several properties, I do summer and winter maintenance, not only for my home but also to those who can not or are temporarily vacant....Our residential area is now more than ever occupied by the actual home owners, and would like to keep it as such. Please maintain street parking, reduce traffic, restore our trees and sidewalks, make our little piece of the community welcoming," To All"!...TX
Name not shown inside City Boundary January 25, 2023, 6:50 PM
What is your age? 45 – 60 years old
Choose the answer that best describes you (choose one): I am not a resident of the City of Kalamazoo, but I travel Westnedge and/or Park Street
Check all that apply to you: I bike for exercise or as a hobby
Check all that apply to you: I drive along Westnedge and Park
I use the pilot bike lane: I do not use the pilot bike lane
How has the pilot bike lane changed your level of comfort as a bicyclist, driver, and pedestrian on Westnedge and Park?
How likely are you to use the pilot bike lane in the Fall? In the Winter? In the Spring? What would impact your usage? The law already existed for bikes to use the road. The bike lanes are dangerous, creat awful congestion, and don’t follow a logical system. I would never bike downtown as the traffic heavy. This is Michigan people use cars to get places. Think about winter. Wasted use of an expensive public expense for 3 people who ride bikes. Use the KalHaven trail.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about using the pop-up bike lane on Westnedge and/or Park? I have only seen three people use the bike lane, two were going the wrong way and the third was wearing dark cloths at night. And I haven’t seen 1 person use it at all since October.
SHAOFEI XU inside City Boundary December 19, 2022, 3:55 PM
What is your age? 30 - 45 years old
Choose the answer that best describes you (choose one): I am a resident of the City of Kalamazoo (not a resident in Northside, Vine, Downtown) but I travel Westnedge and/or Park Street
Check all that apply to you: Biking is my primary form of transportation, I bike for exercise or as a hobby
Check all that apply to you: I drive along Westnedge and Park
I use the pilot bike lane: 1 day per week
How has the pilot bike lane changed your level of comfort as a bicyclist, driver, and pedestrian on Westnedge and Park?
How likely are you to use the pilot bike lane in the Fall? In the Winter? In the Spring? What would impact your usage? I normally use Burdick to travel from Westnege Hill to downtown, however I've been using more of Westnege and Park bike lane since it opened. I especially appreciate the fact I can hop on Westnege bike lane after art hop and get home without detours by bike.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about using the pop-up bike lane on Westnedge and/or Park? I find drivers on Westnege and Park to be more aggressive toward bikers than other streets. Therefore Westnege and Park will not be my first choice to bike on. However on a day when traffic is not busy I am ok biking on Westnege