DR

AF
IMAGINE STUART
Stuart Historic
Neighborhood
Association
T
Neighborhood Plan 2023
 CITY STAFF
Acknowledgments
Jae Slaby, Neighborhood Activator
Nolan Bergstrom, Community Planner
Luis Pena, Historic Preservation Coordinator
Jamie McCarthy, Sustainable Development Coordinator
Zach DuMont, LISC AmeriCorps
Many people throughout Kalamazoo volunteered Christina Anderson, City Planner/Deputy Director
their time and expertise to help with the creation
of this plan. Melody Daacon, Neighborhood Business Coordinator
Sharilyn Parsons, Housing Development Supervisor
STUART HISTORIC Rachel Luscomb, Compliance Specialist
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Debbie Miller, Code Division Manager

Gary Wark, Chair Patrick McVerry, Parks & Rec Director

Fred Edison, Vice Chair Ashton Anthony, Parks & Rec Asst. Director
Sharon Carlson, Secretary
Cynthia Whittingham, Treasurer Anthony Ladd, Public Works Division Manger
Megan Faurot Campanile, Communications Dennis Randolph, Traffic Engineer
Marty Anderson Tom Palumbo, Sr. Civil Engineer
Drew Duncan George Waring, Sr. Civil Engineer
David Engerer
Matthew Gamble Amanda Cockroft, Marketing & Communications Specialist
Irma Lopez-Wall Ben Clark, Sr. Systems Analyst
Mimi Leake, 311 Customer Support Manager
PARTNERS
KALAMAZOO PLANNING COMMISSION
Principal Frank Rocco, Woodward Elementary
Kimberly Nemire, Communities In Schools KALAMAZOO CITY COMMISSION
Forest Gluys, Kalamazoo Nature Center
Lisa Garcia, WMU FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE

STUART RESIDENTS

Thank you to all of the residents who helped inform this plan.
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 5

EXISTING CONDITIONS 11

ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH 17

GOALS & IMPLEMENTATION 23

DRAFT
T
INTRODUCTION
 Neighborhood NEIGHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD
Planning RELATIONSHIPS PLANNING
Foster neighborhood relationships Create long-term plans for Complete
by building stronger partnerships Neighborhood implementation
with residents and neighborhood including housing, transportation
coalitions to foster inclusive and shared infrastructure, and land uses that
decision making based on respect and explore and support neighborhood
In 2017, the City of Kalamazoo acceptance. visions.
adopted their Strategic Vision
and the Imagine Kalamazoo
2025 Master Plan (‘IK 2025’).
Of the ten strategic goals the
city has set out to achieve, the
DEVELOPMENT ACCESS TO
Complete Neighborhood goal
aims to support the full range DAILY NEEDS
Incentivize development that
COMPLETE
of people’s daily needs within brings economic opportunity
Provide safe and easy access
residential areas. A complete
and security for all residents
and that is accompanied by NEIGHBORHOOD to goods, services, and
resources for daily
neighborhood has safe
greater race and social equity
needs of neighborhood
with community benefit
walkable streets and housing
residents, including places
models.
for socialization.
options to meet residents’
needs throughout one’s life.

During the engagement phase

for IK 2025, residents voiced HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT LAND USE &
the limitations to enact change Develop and implement long-term TRANSPORTATION
at the neighborhood level. As built environment strategies to Maintain and develop a network of
streets that respond to the
address health disparities with safe
a result of these community access to active transportation, parks needs of the neighborhoods by
conversations, the City’s master and open space, fresh food, quality supporting future land use and
transportation goals.
housing, health care, and resident
plan outlines its neighborhood services.
planning strategy and model.
City staff works with each

Introduction | 6
of the 22 neighborhoods to
develop a plan that captures
what is most important to
its residents. Furthermore,
neighborhood plans are
instrumental in developing Imagine Kalamazoo
strategies for how individuals
can meet the Complete Strategic Vision Alignment
Neighborhoods criteria.

Through the neighborhood SP CC IPP ER SC YD CN SD EV GG

planning processes, residents

Environmental Responsibility
can translate the Master Plan

Strategic Vision Goal

Strength Through Diversity

Complete Neighborhoods
into details to achieve their

Inviting Public Places

Youth Development
neighborhood vision and work

Good Governance
Shared Prosperity

Economic Vitality
Safe Community
toward an implementation

Connected City
strategy that honors their
priorities.

IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY FOR ALL USERS

Parkview Hills Neighborhood Plan Goals
ENHANCE THE PUBLIC REALM
Connected Neighborhood

ADDRESS HOUSING NEEDSCreate a safe and accessible pedestrian network • • • •

CHAMPION COMMUNITY BUILDING
Create safe network for cycling and other non-motorized
transportation modes
• • •
PROMOTE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
SUPPORT WOODWARD SCHOOL
Make a clear and safe road network •
Promote the use of transit •
Vibrant Neighborhood

Create and support shared Parkview Hills identity • • Introduction | 7

Support Neighborhood Youth • • •

Neighborhood Plan
Process Stuart Neighborhood Planning Process

As outlined in the Master Plan,

the neighborhood plan process
is inclusive of six steps that
include activities that help REVIEW ENGAGE DRAFT CONFIRM AMEND ACT
organize the neighborhood,
identify past and present 1981
Reviewed 2022 Spring
Community Living
Focus
Walls
2022 Annual
Summer Planning
Planning

community plans, connect with Commission

past plans Meetings Bash
Stuart Plan Kick Off Groups Meeting Commission

city staff, build a neighborhood Neighborhood

Focus
Groups
coalition, engage community to Celebration City
2009
Association Priority 2022 Walk Partner
EventOrg
City
Commission
establish neighborhood goals, Stuart Plan
Created
Survey Audit
SMART Check-In's Commission
develop a plan, review for
Goals

feedback, present to Planning 2015-16 Jazz on the SMART

Commission for approval, Engagement Lawn Concert Goals
and implement neighborhood
projects.
entered into contracts with recognition as a historic
Neighborhood several neighborhoods using district. The Association
Community Development acquired a house in 1995 that
Association
Block Grant funding to hire served as a neighborhood
neighborhood directors to office and had an affordable
Motivated residents first address housing and blight. rental unit.
formed as the Stuart Area The Stuart neighborhood
Restoration Association on achieved numerous Established as a 5013c, the
November 14, 1973 due to accomplishments during 10-member board is presently
growing concerns about the the long tenure of its first made up of Stuart resident
condition of the housing stock. two neighborhood directors, volunteers that represent
In 1980, the City of Kalamazoo including national and local different geographic pockets

Introduction | 8
of Stuart, demographics,
length of residency, and
perspectives. Today, historic
preservation and general
housing supports still remain
central to the group’s mission,
while also expanding their
role in supporting a range of
community building activities
in the neighborhood.

The organization has since

rebranded as the Stuart
Historic Neighborhood
Association and has been
a key a stakeholder and
facilitator for community
engagement throughout
this neighborhood planning
process.

Introduction | 9
DRAFT
T
EXISTING CONDITIONS
 These streets cut through the housing stock from significant
Site Area neighborhood, seperating the alterations. The Stuart
northern part of Stuart from Neighborhood is located in
the southwest and southeast its entirity within the Stuart
residential pockets. Historic District, which also
includes properties from along
The neighborhood also the edges of the Northside
The Stuart Neighborhood
features a railroad that further and Douglas neighborhoods.
is located just west of
isolates the southeastern
downtown. One of the smaller
area of the neighborhood. This local district has
neighborhoods geographically,
It runs along Arcadia Creek, helped preserve the notable
it's nestled among West Main
which can be seen near the architectural elements that
Hill and Douglas, an area
neighborhood's sole park, West exemplify the Greek and
that has been referred to as
Main Park, and then quickly Gothic, Italianate, Second
the west end district in the
disappears underground from Empire, Queen Anne, and
past, and borders Northside
Elm Street to Westnedge Ave. Colonial Revival styles.
along North Street and the
Kalamazoo River Valley
While there are a few vacant Also, located within the
(KRV) trail as it connect into
lots along the norther border, neighborhood are St.
Westnedge Ave.
the neighborhood's fabric Augustine Catholic School and
remains rather intact 913 Woodward Elementary. Nearby
The neighborhood's other
vacancies in total), with mostly just outside the boundares of
boundaries are West Main
residential, single-family home, Stuart is Kalamazoo College
St/Michigan Ave. (south),
and light commercial on W and Western Michigan
and Douglas Ave. (west).
Main/Michigan Ave, and University's campuses.
Streets that currently serve as
Kalamazoo Ave.This may be
internal boundaries/barriers to
due in part to local regulations
residents when walking within
that have been in place since
their neighborhood is the
the later half of the 20th
City's infamous 4-lane one-way
century to help protect the
Kalamazoo Ave and Michikal.

Existing Conditions | 12
 NORTH ST Legend
Stuart Neighborhood
Buildings
Snapshot LUCAS CT

School Property

ELMWOOD CT
RANSOM ST City-owned Parks
WOODWARD

DOUGLAS AVE
ELEMENTARY Bus Stops
Active Neighborhood Groups:

KR
Railroad
Stuart Historic Neighborhood

VT
ELMWOOD ST
Association

ra
il
WILLARD ST
Special districts or overlays:

GREENWICH PL
Stuart Historic District

ELM ST
Parks & Open Spaces:
West Main Park (City),
Woodward Playground, KALAMAZOO AVE
St. Augustine's Playground,

KALAMAZOO CT
P
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail FERRIS CT
LO
O

WOODWARD AVE

WESTNEDGE AVE
S
ES

STUART AVE
N
Schools: SI
ELEANOR ST BU ELEANOR ST
Woodward Elementary (KPS), 4

OLD ORCHARD PL
/ I-9
St. Augustine Cathedral School KAL
HI
IC
M
Places of Worship:

ALLEN BLVD
ELM
CR
3 churches
OS
SO
VER

Public Transit: W. MA
IN ST ST AUGUSTINE
Metro Bus Routes 7- Alamo, CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

14 - West Main WEST MAIN PARK

Regional Transit:
1-94 (AmVets Memorial Parkway),
Amtrak
0 400 800
Feet
Scale: 1:3,800

Existing Conditions | 13
Demographics to both K College and WMU.

Due to the size of the Across the three block groups,

neighborhood's geography, that make up the Stuart
a moajority of the area falls neighborhood, the employment
within a lerger census tract rate is high at 91%+.
(tract 5) which also includes
Douglas and West Main Hill Most people indicated in
populations. As a result, much the 2020 Cenus, that they
of the following demographic worked in educational services,
and sociecomic data was and health care & social
analyzsed at the block and assistance (28%) or the arts,
block group levels when entertainment, recreation,
available. accommodation and food
Map of Census Tract 5, which
services (21%) industries.
encompasses Stuart, West Main Hill,
Block Groups: 2, 3, and 5. and Douglas neighborhoods.
Of those that are employed
Blocks: 2012-14, 2027-31, 3000- composition is 68% White, 17% across the three block groups,
13, and 5011. Black, 2% Asian, 2% other race, most report having some form
and 11% more than one race. of health insurance coverage,
According to the 2020 U.S. with 79% carrying private
Census Block level data, There are 841 households insurance. 106 households
approx. 1,088 people live within block groups 2, 3, and reported receiving SNAP/SSI
in Stuart. This means the 5. 56% report living alone. The in the past 12 months.
neighborhood's population has median age ranges between
declined more than 16% over mid 20s and early 30s. This The median household income
the past 10 years. lower median age may be is only reported at the census
a result of college students tract level. For census tract 5, it
At the block level scale, choosing Stuart as their home is $26,128.
the neighborhood's racial because of its close proximity

Existing Conditions | 14
Also at the census tract level made the area more accessible brought challenges with
is data regarding disability. to the middle class, ushering some of the larger residences
Roughly 433 residents who live in a period of growth that converted into fraternity
in census tract 5 identify as continued until the turn of the houses, including the Stuart
disabled. twentieth century. House.

Neighborhood History In this period the Stuart The neighborhood attracted

neighborhood became the a growing number of student
This area's earliest, known city's most fashionable renters as the University
inhabinants were the Match- residential quarter, as the city's dropped mandatory on-
E-Be_Nash-She-Wish Band leading carriage, paper, and campus residency requirements
of the Pottawatomi. They plow manufacturers and other in the 1970s. The conversion of
ceded their Reserve to the U.S. businessmen and professionals major streets to one-way and
Government by treaty in 1827. located there. There have the construction of Michikal in
In the late 1840s, the area also been three United States 1965 also changed traffic and
began to attract permanent senators, Charles E. Stuart, connectivity.
non-native residents. Francis B. Stockbridge, and
Julius C. Burrows, whom have In the late 2010s, MDOT
The neighborhood’s namesake, called Stuart home. transferred jurisdiction of
Charles Stuart, purchased Kalamazoo Ave and Michigan
a house that Hiram Arnold A number of factors Ave. back to the City of
constructed, a three-story brought about changes to Kalamazoo with the goal to
mansion featuring a ballroom the neighborhood. Some of convert both coorridors from
and the village’s first indoor the larger houses began to one-way to two-way. The City
bathroom. Stuart was an be subdivided into smaller is working with Wightman
attorney and a U.S. Senator. apartment units as housing to redesign Kalamazoo Ave,
shortages occurred in the and explore how to transition
The neighborhood grew slowly 1920s. A growing student the section that runs through
until the advent of horse- population at Western Stuart function more like a
drawn streetcars in the 1880s Michigan University also neighghborhood street.

Existing Conditions | 15
DRAFT
T
ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH
 Past Outreach Efforts 2022 Engagement
Activities
In the last eighteen months,
the Association has rebuilt
a full board that is more
The Stuart Historic representative of the diversity
Neighborhood Association of the neighborhood. The
initially kicked off the neighborhood also has had
neighborhood planning process a resurgence of interest
prior to the pandemic. This with new residents and
resulted in a sidewalk inventory redevelopment, the most recent
and other engagement being the Westgate Commons
activities which led to the Apartments completed in 2022.
narrowing down of priority
topics, including: There is a renewed
1. slow down traffic, commitment to engaging with
2. fix streets, the City of Kalamazoo and
3. fix sidewalks, developing a plan to guide
4. improve lighting, the Association as it enters its
5. promote historic next 50 years. The City re-
preservation, and engaged the neighborhood
6. support Woodward school. association in April 2022. With
the addition of new board
However, due to board members and new city staff, a
turnover in 2015-2016 and the plan was set out to reignite the
onset of COVID-19 in 2020, Stuart neighborhood planning
neighborhood planning was process. English-version of the door hanger
put on pause indefinitely.
survey that went out to homes in May
2022.
Engagement & Outreach | 18
Neighborhood Outreach as two priority goals, two Coalition Building
priority strategies, and two
In partnership with the City, priority projects. Additionally, Strength is found in
the association leveraged new topics emerged from numbers. Coalition-building
an event and neighborhood recent outreach efforts, is an important part of
beautification program to including housing resources the neighborhood plan’s
bring Stuart residents together. and community building. engagement phase. For
more complex or specific
In May, the neighborhood The neighborhood association projects, the neighborhood
association hosted their Spring solicited more specific should engage and include
Kick Off event at Woodward feedback on these topics organizational partners in the
Elementary, featuring at their June Jazz on the planning process.
entertainment, city and Lawn event at Woodward
community resources, games Elementary, Kalamazoo Ave These partners may be
& activities, food, and sign-ups Open House held at Station agencies or non-profits located
for neighbors to receive flowers 5 in July, and their annual within the neighborhood or
for their yards through the meeting at Woodward’s school may service the area at-large
City’s program. Over 60 people garden in August. Engagement These organizational partners
attended the event and shared activities offered at these may also include neighborhood
their ideas for what to include events included interactive businesses or public/civic
in the neighborhood plan. mapping, polling/ranking, and institutions like a college or
open discussion with city staff. library.
Following the event, board
members walked around the Topic-specific activities were Based on the top priorities
neighborhood and distributed coordinated with the board identified by Stuart residents,
door hangers (in English & which included a walkability the board has strengthened
Spanish), to survey residents to audit conducted in September and built new relationships
confirm their top six priorities. and a neighborhood trail walk with key organizations like
These priorities are embedded in November. Woodward Elementary School
within the plan and reflected (KPS), Communities in Schools

Engagement & Outreach | 19

Kalamazoo, Western Michigan Plan Review, Feedback, After a 2–3-week review
University, Kalamazoo College, and Approval period open to the community,
and Kalamazoo Nature Center. the neighborhood plan is
presented to the Planning
Review of the proposed plan
Cross-Departmental Commission for consideration
is a critical step in the process
Engagement of approval. Once approved,
to ensure there is a shared
the neighborhood plan is
understanding of expectations
officially adopted under the
The City’s neighborhood and alignment between the
City’s master plan as an
activator is the lead contact neighborhood, city staff,
amendment. The plan will
with the neighborhood and other partners on which
also be presented to the City
association to facilitate the projects the neighborhood plan
Commission following Planning
neighborhood planning will include.
Commission approval.
process. The neighborhood
activator is responsible for After review of the initial
coordinating with relevant ideas and concerns, staff
city departments to review worked with the neighborhood
and provide feedback on the association to refine these
projects and ideas brought thoughts into actual projects
forth by the neighborhood. that are specific, measurable,
Staff from these departments and realistic. A draft of the
also connected with residents neighborhood plan is then
directly at the neighborhood created and shared out to the
engagement events and set community, staff, and partner
up site specific reviews with organizations to review and
residents. provide additional feedback
to be integrated into the final
version.

Engagement & Outreach | 20

Why did you become involved in the Stuart
neighborhood association? Meet the
I became involved in the Stuart Neighborhood Board
because my wife and I wanted to drive inclusiveness to the
Southeast side of the neighborhood. In the area we live,
Gamble Family
there was no representation on the board for owners and
renters who could speak to our needs. I wanted to change
that by ensuring no one in the neighborhood was left out
and everyone was represented.

Why did you choose Stuart?

As a family we chose to transition from the Edison

neighborhood to the Stuart neighborhood because we saw
an opportunity in a historic home to revitalize it. It needed
more TLC that we had to offer having a young family. But
with the help of a great team we rolled up our sleeves and
have started breathing life back into it. It been fun and
challenging all at the same time but we don’t have any
regrets.

What does having a neighborhood plan mean to you?

Having a plan means that our voices are being heard. It

means that we have a say in how we want to define our
neighborhood. It allows us to collaborate with the city
and other partners to see the vision of our neighborhoods
throughout the city of Kalamazoo come to life.

Engagement & Outreach | 21

DRAFT
T
GOALS & IMPLEMENTATION
 implanting the plan, each help take residents ideas to
Goals, Strategies, goal aims to bring the Stuart fully implementable actions.
and Projects neighborhood closer to being Each project is intended to
a complete neighborhood help support the achievement
to support the full range of of Stuart’s six goals. A project
people’s daily needs. generally has a start to end,
or another way to measure
Each neighborhood’s plan is
To focus the six goals into progress if it’s an ongoing
unique based on its residents,
manageable and meaningful activity (maintenance, etc.).
geography, land use, and
projects that help express the
history. Stuart neighborhood
intent of the goal through Each project has metrics in
has committed to focusing
programming, policy, or the order define and measure
on six goals – Increase
built environment, a set of success, so that the
Connectivity for All Users,
accompanying strategies neighborhood knows when a
Enhance the Public Realm,
were created for each goal. project is finished, or a routine
Champion Community
These strategies will help action is producing positive
Building, Address Housing
direct residents in organizing results. The projects later
Needs, Promote Historic
support and resources. These on in the sub-goal sections
Preservation, and Support
strategies help further define are the activities that are
Woodward School.
what these goals look like to eligible for neighborhood
Stuart residents, compared to planning funding support.
The creation of these
what another neighborhood The completion of these
goals was driven by the
might describe as community projects will also serve as the
feedback collected from
building or public realm measurement of progress
the various outreach events
improvements, when put into made on overall plan
and engagement activities
action. implementation.
used. They represent the
areas of great interest where
As an extension of these Priorities
residents wanted to see further
strategies, specific projects/
investment and improvements.
activities were developed to
As progress is made on Through stakeholder
Goals & Implementation | 24
engagement across several Priority Goals: Promote Kalamazoo Avenue (North
years, six topics continued Historic Preservation, Support and South Sides of street), and
to be highlighted as Woodward School Lucas Ct; 2) Resurface Elm,
neighborhood priorities. These Greenwich, Old Orchard Place
areas of significant interest, Priority Strategies: 1) and Allen Boulevard in the
along with other topics of Enhance Pedestrian Safety next 10 years.
concern captured from recent and Visibility at Key Crossings;
outreach, served as the 2) Foster Neighborhood When deciding which projects
basis of Stuart’s six goals, its Beautification and Promote to make progress towards
strategies, and projects. Neighborhood Identity. implementing, from year-to-
year, special attention should
Stuart’s neighborhood plan Priority Projects: 1) Repair/ be given to these priorities to
features two priority goals, two replace damaged and missing ensure these are completed
priority strategies, and two sidewalk to be ADA compliant timely and planned with ample
priority projects. near Woodward School, along resources and support.

Neighborhood Priorities Where do these show up in the plan?

Promote Historic Preservation - Priority Goal -> Stuart's Six Goals

Support Woodward School - Priority Goal -> Stuart's Six Goals
Improve lighting - Priority Strategy -> Enhance the Public Realm | Strategy #1
Slow down traffic - Priority Strategy -> Increase Connectivity for All Users | Strategy #1
Fix Streets - Priority Project -> Enhance the Public Realm | Strategy #3
Fix Sidewalks - Priority Project -> Increase Connectivity for All Users | Strategy #2

Goals & Implementation | 25

Goal: Increase Connectivity for All Users
Three of the top six priorities that were identified by Stuart residents are related to
transportation and getting round the neighborhood easily and safely, whether by
wheel or foot. Improving connectivity with all users in mind - motorists, pedestrians,
and cyclists - will create a more complete neighborhood, unifying residents from all
parts of Stuart. Furthermore, improvements to the larger city streets, sidewalk, and trail
networks will improve residents’ sense of connectivity to downtown, college campuses,
and adjacent neighborhoods. Groups of interests when considering what connectivity
looks like in Stuart included disabled residents, families with small children, and college
students living off campus in neighborhood housing.
Strategy #1: Enhance neighborhood. Strategy #2: Improve
Pedestrian Safety and Non-motorized Network
Pedestrian safety
Visibility at Key Crossings enhancements will supplement The residential character
the conversion of Kalamazoo of the neighborhood and
In collaboration with the City's Ave from one-way to two-
Public Works staff, resident presence of Woodward School
way traffic and other and St. Augustine necessitates
would like to see improved traffic calming measures.
safety features installed at key the need for safe, accessible,
Furthermore, this will help and easy to use non-motorized
crossing to be able to connect promote cohesion between the
to different areas within the network for both pedestrians
north and south ports of the and cyclists. Stuart has
neighborhood as well other neighborhood.
parts of the city. sidewalk throughout the
neighborhood that ranges in
Crossing the railroad condition and ADA compliance.
A regular crossing for people tracks was one the most
is along W. Main St. near the Sidewalk replacement and
cited concerns during the repairs should focus on
railroad. While pedestrian engagement phase. Residents
crossing signage already exists increasing ADA compliance
want to be able to connect to along Woodward Ave.,
in this location, residents would downtown more regularly but
like to see more intervention, Kalamazoo Ave, Lucas Ct,,
feel unsafe as they approach Eleanor St.
such as a Rectangular Rapid the tracks. City staff have
Flashing Beacon (RRFB). already began conversations
The City has installed RRFB To better enhance connections
with MDOT and Amtrak to outside of the neighborhood,
around Kalamazoo. Prioritizing review crossings city-wide.
heavily crossed intersections city staff plan to remove the
Scheduling a Diagnostic triangle islands at Douglas
such Woodward & W. Main St., Safety Team Review (DSTR)
Woodward & Kalamazoo Ave. Ave. and W. Main St. which
is the first step in the process are underutilized and not
and near Michikal can increase to exploring the feasibility of
residents' sense of safety pedestrian friendly. A
improved safety measures or realigned intersection with a
when moving around their potentially closing a crossing. signalized light will replace

Goals & Implementation | 27

these islands as part of the improvements to crosswalks
Kalamazoo Ave two-way and the installation of branded
conversion project slated for wayfinding and placemaking
2024 and 2025. signage will help residents
easily navigate to their favorite
The existing state of the trail/ Kalamazoo destinations.
walkway along Michikal is
not appealing for residents. Another opportunity for greater
While Michikal will most likely connectivity is at
remain open to traffic after the intersection of North
the Kalamazoo and Michigan St and Douglas Ave. It is
two-conversions are completed, at this location where three
Stuart residents would like Underutilized green linear space neighborhoods meet - Douglas,
to work with city staff to between railroad tracks and Michikal. Northside, and Stuart. This
reimagine this space as a more Strategy #3: Increase area is also proposed to be
vibrant, safe, and accessible zoned as a commercial node
connectivity to which will require new
greenway.
Downtown, surrounding commercial buildings to be
If funding is available, the Neighborhoods, and constructed up against the
exploration of installing a non- nearby college campuses property line, particularly at the
motorized cross-over in this corner. The existing building
area to help further bridge Residents would like to there on the northeast corner
the Stuart neighborhood and also place greater focus on already poses a sight line
downtown to the west side of connecting to other areas of concern for drivers with nearby
the city, could be a creative the city, mainly nearby college residents reporting accidents
solution for crossing the campuses, and downtown. her as a result.
railroad tracks and accessing
additional green space in the In addition to the two-way Upon review of this intersection
neighborhood. conversions of Kalamazoo with Stuart residents during the
Ave. and Michigan Ave., neighborhood planning

Goals & Implementation | 28

process, the City's traffic Strategy #4: Re-evaluate the school for parents.
engineer selected this as the and Enhance Parking
first location to pilot a 4-way Residents would also like
no turn on red. This traffic
Options and Circulation in to see parking maintained
control is intended to eliminate the Neighborhood along Douglas Ave. The City
cars turning right on red with has future plans to resurface
low visibility conditions present. Given the narrowness of Douglas and explore the
Stuart's streets within the addition of marked bike lanes
Signs were installed early neighborhood, creative on this corridor. Stakeholder
2023 and will be monitored solutions are required to engagement will be important
and evaluated for permanent enhance parking options and once this project comes online
installation. With new improve circulation, particularly to help mitigate conflicting
commercial zoning that during school pick up and drop priorities.
encourages density being off hours.
proposed, this pilot could
model an effective approach One area of concern is
to increasing motorist and the bus-parent-resident
cyclist safety at these kind of interactions along Stuart Ave.
intersections. Working with Woodward staff,
the neighborhood association
is interested in exploring
options for safer parking,
including more immediate
pavement markings to indicate
a bus loading zone, cutting
into the right of way directly in
front of the Woodward School School bus waiting for students in front
to designate a space for a bus of Woodward school on Stuart Ave. Up
queue, and adding loading to 10 buses can be queued up at once
4-way No Turn on Red piloted at spaces along North St. near in this location.
Douglas Ave. and North St.

Goals & Implementation | 29

 An example of a a Rectangular Rapid Flashing
Beacon (RRFB) sign.

The existing pedestrian crossing signage for the crosswalk at Woodward Ave. and W.
Main St.

Goals & Implementation | 30

Increase Connectivity for All Users Goal's Strategies and Actions Project Lead
Strategy #1: Enhance Pedestrian Safety and Visibility at Key Crossings.
Add RRFB crossings with sensory-auditory signals at priority crossings: Woodward & W Main, after Public Works
Michikal, Woodward & Kalamazoo or mid-block Stuart & Woodward.
Set-up a DSTR meeting with MDOT and Amtrak and study feasibility of pedestrian crossings / Public Works
pedestrian improvements at Elm St, Elm Crossover, West Main, and Kalamazoo Avenue.
Explore speed humps, diverters, or other traffic calming alternatives on Elm and Stuart (north and Public Works
south of Kalamazoo) to reduce cut-through traffic.
Convert Kalamazoo Avenue to two-way traffic. Public Works
Strategy #2: Improve Non-motorized Network.
Repair / replace damaged and missing sidewalk to be ADA compliant near Woodward School, along Public Works
Kalamazoo Avenue (North and South Sides of street), and Lucas/Elmwood Ct.
Completely Remove Triangle Islands at Main-Douglas and Douglas-Kalamazoo and replace with Public Works
T-intersections with signalized traffic signals with pedestrian crossings.
Improve / Create Greenway from West Main Park along Michikal and explore the feasibility of a CPED & Public Works
crossover for non-motorized users.
Strategy #3: Increase connectivity to Downtown, surrounding Neighborhoods, and nearby college campuses.
Work proactively with appropriate City departments on open space redevelopment as streets are Neighborhood Association
converted or eliminated (Michikal, Elm Street Crossover). (NA)
Convert W Main St and W Michigan Ave. to two-way traffic. Public Works
Pilot a 4-way no turn on red control at the intersection of Douglas Ave and North St. Public Works
Repaint crosswalks at the intersection of Douglas Ave and North St. Public Works
Install wayfinding and street signs that are stylistically aligned with the overall neighborhood character NA
throughout Stuart. Prioritize main corridors and any areas that have missing or damaged signs.
Strategy #4: Re-evaluate and Enhance Parking Options and Circulation in the Neighborhood.
Provide Advisory Bus Parking / Queue Lane in Front of Woodward School. NA & Woodward
Designate Bus Loading Only with pavement markings & signage in front of Woodward School. Public Works
Explore alternative parking options for parents during pick up & drop off for neighborhood schools. Public Works & Woodward
Work with Public Works staff to explore the accommodation of parking and bike lanes along Douglas Public Works
Avenue from Kalamazoo Avenue to North Street.

Goals & Implementation | 31

Goal: Enhance the Public
Realm
Public realm improvements can support safety,
wayfinding, neighborhood visibility, and
placemaking. What Stuart residents consider
as public realm in this plan is the public right
of way (ROW), streets, and open/green spaces
through the neighborhood. As the other goals
aim to enhance homes, commercial properties,
and other public infrastructure, enhancing the
public realm serves as the other puzzle piece
for a complete neighborhood, improving curb
appeal, utilities, and other amenities.

Residents identified lighting as one their top six

priorities. Not only does lighting lend itself to
creating a safer environment, consistency and
attention to the design and styles can make
public spaces more inviting, reduce overall
light pollution, and strengthen neighborhood
identity.
Strategy #1: Foster Streetscape and other should be given to lighting
neighborhood elements that add to curb features to ensure specific
appeal may include banners, models selected help reduce
beautification directional signage, street and light pollution rather than
and promote the pedestrian lighting, street trees contribute to it further.
neighborhood identity & landscaping, street furniture, Nonetheless, improvements
waste receptacles, utility boxes, to the right of way can create
Stuart's neighborhood mailboxes, green stormwater fun, community building
association and its residents infrastructure (GSI) and public activities for neighbors to come
are passionate advocates art. together and work on a project
for historic preservation and that enhances the overall
restoration. Over the last five In the Fall of 2022, residents neighborhood environment.
decades, the neighborhood particiated in a walk audit
as received national and throughout the neighborhood The neighborhood association
local recogniation, and the to identify areas for will explore partnerships with
neighborhood association has improvements such as pot different organzations with
successfully led and facilitated holes, cracked sidewalks, assistance from city staff to
projects such as the Woodward overgrown trees, stumps, and identify funding sources and
school clock tower restoration. missing or damaged lighting. activities that can support
The architectural styles and There has been a particular the implementation of these
stories associated with these focus placed on matching the projects which often can be
buildings contribute greatly appearance of these public expensive and time intensive.
to the overall character of the realm elements to the overall
neighborhood. style of the neighborhood On the following page are
when replaced. eamples of lighting inspiration
Residents would like to apply a and other right of way
similar lens to the streetscape Currently, the lighting in project inpiration for future
and invest in improvements Stuart ranges widely in exploration. All lighting should
that help enhance and style, light temperatures, & comply with the street design
beautify the public realm. frequency. Special attention guide and zoning ordinance.

Goals & Implementation | 33

An example from Indiana University of hooded street lighting An example of hooded LED street lighting with ornamental
featuring ornamental elements with a frosted globe to prevent elements.
glare.

Goals & Implementation | 34

Strategy #2: Preserve preserving existing mature
trees will help keep Stuart's
existing inventory &
canopy intact, as newer trees
epand Stuart's tree begin to grow and reach full
canopy coverage to meet maturity over the next 30
the City's average over years.
the next 30 years
To help raise awareness of the
When walking around the importance of preserving
Stuart neighborhood one trees, the neighborhood
may notice several mature association will work with the
trees that provide great City's Community Planning
shade and adds to the overall and Economic Development
neighborhood character. (CPED) staff to create
However, based on the City's interactive markers/signs that
2018 analysis and 2021 help identify the tree and
street tree inventory, Stuart offer interesting stories and
found itself in the bottom facts related to the tree and
third for tree canopy cover; 7 its location. Promoting this on
perecentage points below the future historic tours will also
City average (33%). Of the 22 help bring light to the value
neighborhoods in Kalamazoo, that trees can provide to
Stuart is ranked 18th (see table residents and the community
on next page). at-large.

Planting additional trees in Published in the City of Kalamazoo's

the public right of way will Community Sustainability Plan, 2022.
help add to the canopy cover
over time. Most importantly,
properly maintaining and

Goals & Implementation | 35

Strategy #3: Establish the Kalamazoo River Valley issue compared to other core
regular Right of Way Trail (KRVT) coordinator neighborhooeds, however
to facilitate conversations residents due sight issues
(ROW) Maintenance about trail maintenance with storm water drainage
schedule and review and improvements. The and water pooling near their
trail serves as a wonderful homes, particularly near Elm
Regular and consistent recreational ammenity in the St. and Elmwood St.
maintenance of the ROW will Stuart neighborhood for both
help prevent more complex pedestrians and cyclists. Rain gardens can play a role in
infrastructure problems in the water capture and help lower
future and reduce issues that Feedback from residents have costs associated with lawn care
impact residents as a result. highlighted concerns about maintenance. Similarly,
litter and safety, including bioswales in the ROW can
Routine maintenance activities lack of lighting. Indentifying a help filter out pollutants and
within the ROW may include model for funding and support capture water. These measures
tree trimming and other tree (i.e. volunteers, etc.) can help are inexpensive and have
maintenance, stump removal, turn the trail into a reason why co-benefits that help reduce
street resurfacing, street people choose Stuart as their the impact of flooding. Tools
sweeping, and litter/waste neighborhood. like these can be incorporated
removal. into education materials and
Strategy #4: Mitigate neighborhood activities, like
Promoting the use of 311 events that can bring residents
Neighborhood Flooding
will help direct residents to together around a common
customer service specialists and Flood Hazards
cause.
that serve as the bridge for the
city to connect residents to the Flooding is a serious concern
approriate staff or agency. for many city residents,
especially those who live
The neighborhood association within a floodplain. Stuart is
also plans to connect with not largely affected by this

Goals & Implementation | 36

Enhance the Public Realm Goal's Strategies and Actions Project Lead
Strategy #1: Foster neighborhood beautification and promote the neighborhood identity.
Install banners around the periphery of the neighborhood to welcome people to the Stuart Historic District. CPED & Public Works
Collaborate with local partners to roll out a curb appeal project, prioritizing gardens along Kalamazoo Neighborhood
Ave and W Main St. Association (NA)
Install/repair streetlights to achieve lighting consistency and reduce light pollution throughout Stuart. NA & Utilities
Prioritize main corridors - Kalamazoo Ave, Douglas Ave, North St., the trail, Greenwich, Old Orchard, and
courts.
Install pedestrian lighting (including yard and porch lights) that is stylistically aligned with the overall NA
neighborhood character. Prioritize main corridors, Old Orchard, Greenwich, and courts.
Replace and/or underground telecom utility poles, wires, and cables as major redevelopment occurs with Public Services &
streets, sewer lines, and other public infrastructure along main corridors, when feasible. Utilities
Strategy #2: Preserve existing inventory & expand Stuart's tree canopy coverage to meet the City's average over the next 30 years.
Develop a tree planting guide that supports best practices for tree planting and care. Public Works
Host annual tree planting events for tree plantings in ROW and private property - arbor day, earth day, NA
etc.
Host a workshop to help educate residents on tree care & maintenance. NA
Create a tree registry to raise awareness and celebrate the value that mature public trees provide to the NA
neighborhood.
Strategy #3: Establish regular ROW maintenance schedule and review.
Resurface Elm, Greenwich, Old Orchard Place and Allen Boulevard in the next 10 years. Public Works
Remove stumps identified in the Street Tree Inventory from the Right of Way in 2023 and 2024. Public Works
Invite City Public Works Staff to meet with residents on regular maintenance schedule for tree trimming, Public Works
stormwater, etc.
Invite 311 staff to meet with residents and promote 311 resources. 311
Connect with KRV Trail Volunteer Coordinator to recruit college students to help maintain Kalamazoo County
River Valley Trail near Neighborhood.
Strategy #4: Mitigate Neighborhood Flooding and Flood Hazards.
Create and Distribute Rain barrels throughout the neighborhood for two years. NA
Host an annual raingarden class. CPED
Offer flood mitigation information to residents. NA
Install bioswales in curb lawns with identified flooding issues Goals NA
& Implementation | 37
Goal: Champion
Community Building
During the engagement phase, one thing that
became abundantly clear, was that residents wanted
to come together as a neighborhood and have fun!
The neighborhood association invested in hosting
several events through the year. Ongoing engagement
is critical to successfully implementing the projects
outlined in this plan. An emphasis on community
building activities will help build capacity, motivate
residents to get involved, and support one another.

Creating a welcoming environment requires thoughtful

planning. Residents have voiced interest in putting
in place systems to better inform residents of
opportunities, stronger visual neighborhood identity,
and customs that create a sense of belong, especially
for new residents and renters.
Strategy #1: Strengthen boundaries of Stuart. Working While the neighborhood
neighbor relations and with partners like St. Augustine has experienced a decline in
and the City, the association population, recent housing
sense of belong in would like to explore other projects in downtown and
Stuart, with emphasis locations in the neighborhood potential large commercial
on improving the quality that can be more accessible developments like the
of neighbor relations and rotate events throughout proposed event center could
between the eastern the year in these different change this trend.
and western parts of the areas.
neighborhood The Stuart board has set out
To welcome families to the to implement practices that
neighborhood, the board help welcome new residents
Due to existing physical
would like to connect with KYD like welcome kits and updating
constraints of the railroad,
Network, a local nonprofit that their website to include more
Kalamazoo Ave, and Michikal,
builds capacity among other resources that promote school
residents feel disconnected
organizations who work directly enrollment, housing resources,
from different parts of their
with youth. Youth are also and historic tours.
neighborhood. Those that live
a stakeholder within Stuart.
in the area just southeast of
Creating opportunities for Strategy #3: Sustain
Michikal have voiced their
families and college students the work of the Stuart
sense of isolation and lack of
to be involved will add to the
representation. Historic Neighborhood
diversity and inclusiveness of
neighborhood programming.
Association through
Many of the neighborhood capacity building,
events are currently held at recruitment, and strategic
Woodward school, one of the Strategy #2: Welcome
new homeowners and marketing
only large open spaces in
Stuart. The board and City tenants that relocate to
have also planned events Neighborhood associations
Stuart
at Station 5 just outside the have an important role
in connecting residents to

Goals & Implementation | 39

resources and opportunities. leveraging this milestone as an improving facade appearance
An intentional communications opportunity to launch a year- with available grant funding.
strategy is vital to ensuring long capital campaign. The City has had recent
engagement activities are success in partnering other
reaching everyone in the Strategy #4: Create neighborhood associations
neighborhood. opportunities to like Northside Association
for Community Development
engage and support
The Stuart board has recently (NACD) to offer small business
invested in improving their
neighborhood businesses, resources at open house-style
online presence with regular artists/entrepreneurs, events. Similar programming/
updates on their website social and churches materials can be made
media pages. With the name available in Stuart.
change, the association is The Stuart neighborhood is
working towards a more clear more than residential. There
and consistent identity. A is commercial, including
strong neighborhood identity home-based businesses, as
can be attractive to those well as churches, schools, and
relocating to Kalamazoo and professionals who work on
choosing a neighborhood to artistic and entrepreneurial
live, as well as cultivating pride endeavors.
among existing residents.
Strengthening supports and
In order to sustain this level connectivity to these existing
of work and help steward businesses and institutions
the implementation of contributes to being a
neighborhood projects, the Complete Neighborhood.
board recognizes the need These supports can range from
for capacity building. As helping businesses be more
the association turns 50, bike friendly and accessible Recent campaign for logo submissions
the board looks forward to without the use of a car, to to support the rebranding of the Stuart
Historic Neighborhood Association.

Goals & Implementation | 40

Champion Community Building Goal's Strategies and Actions Project Lead
Strategy #1: Strengthen neighbor relations and sense of belonging in Stuart, with emphasis on improving the quality of neighbor
relations between the eastern and western parts of the neighborhood.
Promote the Association's annual meeting and increase attendance at regular board meetings. NA
Sponsor events throughout the year that take place at different locations around the neighborhood. NA
Create an electronic newsletter and publish it quarterly. NA
Partner with KYD Network to build capacity around youth development opportunities for Stuart neighborhood NA
youth.
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Stuart Historic Neighborhood Association. NA
Strategy #2: Welcome new homeowners and tenants that relocate to Stuart.
Develop a welcome kit that includes information on Historic District Standards, city services, downtown activities, NA
and a neighborhood association welcome basket.
Connect with apartment complexes and landlords to identify ways to greet new tenants and share ongoing NA
updates on future neighborhood events and opportunities.
Establish a neighborhood coalition of businesses, churches, and other organizations to plan opportunities to NA
welcome new and connect with existing residents.
Strategy #3: Sustain the work of the Stuart Historic Neighborhood Association through capacity building, recruitment, and
strategic marketing.
Develop a marketing plan and branding/identity for the Stuart Historic Neighborhood Association. NA
Explore hosting an AmeriCorps member or interns to help support outreach and event planning for the association. NA
Collaborate with a college through UniZooCity to redesign the Stuart Neighborhood Association's logo. CPED
Invite advisory members that represent WMU, K College, Woodward Elementary, and St. Augustine to attend NA
regular board meetings.
Launch a capital campaign in honor of the Association's 50th anniversary milestone to pay the mortgage and NA
make repairs to its meeting housing, 530 Douglas Ave.
Strategy #4: Create opportunities to engage and support neighborhood businesses, artists/entrepreneurs, and churches.
Utilize city funding to help neighborhood businesses make improvements to their building. CPED
Connect home-based businesses with the City's technical assistance grants for logistics and marketing support. NA
Create a neighborhood business directory. CPED
Develop info materials to help raise awareness of local and regional business support grants. CPED
Work with small businesses to receive the designation of Bike Friendly Business through the League of Bicyclists. CPED
Goals & Implementation | 41
Goal: Address Housing
Needs
As more commercial and resident development
occurs downtown, Stuart must balance
responding to the growing interest in downtown
living, as well as calls for support from existing
homeowners and renters in maintaining their
properties. The redevelopment of vacant land
like the corner site on North St. and Douglas
Ave. raises interest among residents. Stuart
residents have also cited concerns through
outreach events held this summer and at board
meetings about availability of resources and
continued enforcement of code violations to
help better maintain existing housing.
Strategy #1: Develop tools that help streamline the Top 10 Code Compliance
tools/programs to process will make property complaints in the last 10 years
owners and tenants feel (1/1/12 - 11/2/22)
assist property owners & welcomed in their community.
renters in understanding, Category # of Rank
navigating, and A neighborhood located in the Complaints
funding maintenance city's core that boasts older Curb Lawn 536 1
or improvements to housing stock also has a higher Trash
their properties to likelihood of having significant Private 311 2
increase the energy levels of lead. Stuart is Property
planned to receive focus over Weeds 183 3
efficiency of homes in the the next few year for lead
neighborhood Housing 156 4
service line replacement. In
2022, the City's Public Services Recycling 59 5
During the engagement phase, department also launched
several residents lifted their their water filter program and
Bulk Trash 50 6
concerns about homes needing CPED's staff have been train Zoning 32 7
repair. Both affordability and
Historic 25 8
historic district regulations
Strategy #2: Minimize District
were cited as issues for
residents when seeking to fix household hazards CHP 33 15 9

a maintenance issue. When and risks to support CHP 9 12 10

looking at code complaints healthy and safe home
over the last ten years (see environments, with 2022 City Report via BS&A.
table on the right), this emphasis on seniors
feedback is reflect in the top and families with young
10 complaints.
children
Directing people to existing
Trash in the curb lawn is the
resources and developing
most common violation in

Goals & Implementation | 43

Stuart. Junk and debris stored to invest in recycling programs,
in the curb lawn is a major especially for hazardous
issue. A housing violation materials, and educate on how
addresses any issue with the to dispose of waste and plan
physical structure/dwelling. small home improvements in
Private property violations may alignment with local historic
include trash, porch, district regulations can boost
graffiti, junk auto, and other the appearance of properties
situations that are nuisances and empower families to
on private property. maintain safe and healthy
homes.
When walking around the Empty lot on the corner of North St.
neighborhood, maintenance Strategy #3: Establish and Douglas Ave.
needs are visible. Continuing Stuart Neighborhood as a
With independently-owned
Complete Neighborhood
restaurants like Comensoli's
through thoughtful built- and downtown nearby, these
environment strategies additional amenities would
appeal to existing and new
With little open, abandoned residents, especially students
land in the neighborhood, it and other renters, as well as
can be a challenge to create working professionals that may
more affordable housing work from home.
options or attract new
commercial interests. Encouraging redevelopment on
the North & Douglas corner lot
A long-standing desire of could be a catalyst for more
residents in the area has investment at the core of this
been to attract a coffee commercial node.
Opportunities to support small home shop and laundromat.
repairs with resources and workshops in
Stuart.
Goals & Implementation | 44
Increase Address Housing Needs Goal's Strategies and Actions Project Lead
Strategy #1: Develop tools and programs to assist property owners and renters in understanding, navigating, and funding
maintenance or improvements to their properties to increase the energy efficiency of homes in the neighborhood.
Host annual info sessions for residents to raise awareness of energy efficiency upgrades and CPED
funding opportunities that align with historic district regulations.
Develop informational materials that encourage homeowners to get an energy efficiency audit that CPED
identifies potential upgrades.
Develop informational materials and promote resources for weatherization and home improvement. CPED
Host a resource fair to connect residents with services and resources for home improvement projects. CPED
Code and Rental Inspectors attend board meetings and provide relevant updates regarding CPED
ongoing code enforcement activities.
Strategy #2: Minimize household hazards and risks to support healthy and safe home environments, with emphasis on seniors and
families with young children.
Promote the tire blitz and other existing city and county programming that supports recycling NA
hazardous materials.
Host neighborhood recycling days to collect and dispose of hazardous materials. NA
Promote the city's water filters program to encourage safe and clean drinking. NA
Replace lead service lines throughout the neighborhood. Water
Promote lead and radon remediation services in partnership with KNHS. NA
Promote ways for individual households to improve indoor air quality at home. NA
Strategy #3: Establish Stuart Neighborhood as a Complete Neighborhood through thoughtful built-environment strategies.
Incentivize development that provides safe and easy access to goods, services for daily needs of CPED
neighborhood residents, including a laundromat, coffeeshop, and restaurants.
Encourage the redevelopment of the southeast corner of Douglas Ave and North St to feature NA
mixed use to attract more commercial and residential tenants to the neighborhood.
Support affordable infill housing in vacant lots in Stuart and along its boundaries. CPED

Goals & Implementation | 45

Goal: Promote Historic
Preservation

As a historic district, the Stuart neighborhood

benefits from certain protections that help
aid in the preservation of the area’s historic
architectural character. In addition to this
important regulatory tool, residents have
also expressed an interest in sharing the
neighborhood’s rich history through other
modes such as storytelling, education,
neighborhood branding, and historic-related
events.
Strategy #1: Celebrate May is Preservation Month, quality projects completed in
the history of the Stuart a time to collaborate with the neighborhood.
other preservation groups
neighborhood and the like the Historic Preservation Additionally, residents should
role historic preservation Commission to host historical always be aware of financial
plays in preserving the and preservation related incentives made available
neighborhood's character events. exclusively to property owners
in historic districts by the state
Stuart residents have been Strategy #2: Educate and federal government.
long-time champions of residents on historic
History. In 1976, Stuart became Feedback from residents
district regulations and
the second local historic district regarding historic district
in the city of Kalamazoo in an funding mechanisms regulations include concern
effort to preserve the buildings for the affordability of home
in the neighborhood for future Educating residents in historic
repairs and maintenance.
generations to enjoy. districts about regulations can
Educational resources and
lead to better understanding
training can demystify the
Celebrating the preservation and overall compliance.
process and guide residents
of the neighborhood is one successfully through a project.
way to recognize the past By hosting workshops and
while also planning for the developing materials that
In collaboration with the State
future. Promotional events cover financial literacy, project
Historic Preservation Office,
such as tours, research sessions planning and contractor
residents can learn about
and preservation month selection, residents can be
tax credits that for qualified
celebrations highlight the past more confident in navigating
expenses can be applied for in
of Stuart and are also a great the project and review
historic districts.
way to introduce people to processes. Education will
preservation. reduce confusion and conflict
during the project planning
phase and lead to more high

Goals & Implementation | 47

Strategy #3: Support Additionally, the City has
the preservation of kicked off the updating of
the Local Historic District
existing building stock Standards and Guidelines at
and reinforce the the beginning of 2023.
historic fabric of the
Stuart neighborhood During the engagement
through wayfinding and phase, input is being collected
regulations at the neighborhood level
through surveys and meetings.
Wayfinding helps reinforce Updates are expected to be
the identity and boundaries finished by the end of the year.
of a neighborhood for utility
and social purposes. A historic The City's Historic Preservation
district identifier could be Commission (HPC) has also
installed onto street signs considered developing a local
around the neighborhood historical marker program in 2023 window repair workshop hosted
past years. Such a initiative by the City in the Vine neighborhood.
can enhance the environment
without increasing visual could support groups at the
clutter within the right of way neighborhood level who have
(ROW), thus respecting the had interest in recognizing
existing street scape. significant people or events.

Hands-on training like window Markers can also lend

and masonry workshops themselves as useful stops
empower residents to repair for tours and serve as a
their own homes and learn recreational amenity that
about historic building systems. is both interactive and
educational for residents and An example of a historical marker
visitors strolling past. located at a residence on Stuart Ave,

Goals & Implementation | 48

Promote Historic Preservation Goal's Strategies and Actions Project Lead
Strategy #1: Celebrate the history of the Stuart neighborhood and the role historic preservation plays in preserving the
neighborhood's character.
Promote Historic Preservation Month. NA
Promote Stuart history at the association's Annual Meeting in partnership with WMU and K College students. NA

Develop a house model program for WMU and K College students to gain skills by creating 3D models of Stuart NA
homes to present to residents as an educational tool and keepsake.
Recognize the history of West Main Park as Kalamazoo's first city-owned park through the installation of Parks & Rec
educational signage at the site.
Host an annual Research-a-thon to assist residents and students with researching the history of Stuart homes. NA
Establish a neighborhood tour to help promote the history of Stuart to residents and tourists. NA
Build a relationship with Gun Lake tribe to identify ways to recognize their presence - historically and NA
contemporarily.
Strategy #2: Educate residents on historic district regulations and funding mechanisms.
Host an annual financial literacy workshop in partnership with SHPO to discuss CLG grant opportunities. CPED

Develop an awareness campaign to promote the Federal and State historic preservation tax credits. NA
Create a project planning series that will include support on topics such as project logistics, budgeting, contractor CPED
selection process.
Create a helpful planning guide for budgeting and fixing common home improvement issues. CPED
Promote Historic District Standards in publications such as View of the Curb, neighborhood newsletter, and CPED
neighborhood welcome kit.
Strategy #3: Support the preservation of existing building stock and reinforce the historic fabric of the Stuart neighborhood
through wayfinding and regulations.
Update zoning code to promote and preserve the scale and character of the neighborhood for new development. CPED

Recognize the local Stuart Historic District boundaries by adding 'Stuart Historic District' to street signs. Public Works
Work with the Historic Preservation Commission to establish regular DIY home improvement training sessions. CPED
Update the Historic District Standards & Guidelines within the next five years. CPED
Research & identify locations to install historical markers. NA

Goals & Implementation | 49

Goal: Support Woodward School
While Kalamazoo Public Schools does not operate on a community school model, many
Stuart residents still value Woodward Elementary School as a neighborhood asset.
The neighborhood association would like to further explore ways to strengthen the
relationship between the school and the Stuart neighborhood that centers reciprocity
and community. Residents have communicated the importance of advocating for the
building’s continued use as an active elementary school and supporting its students,
as well as the desire to expand programming and other activities that welcomes and
supports the neighborhood at-large.
Strategy #1: Strengthen when the Stuart Historic the 2020-21 school year, only
the relationship between Neighborhood Association 42% of teachers stayed at
Board recently worked with the school (see tables on next
the neighborhood and Kalamazoo Public Schools' page). Furthermore, Woodward
Woodward School administration and Woodward spends more per pupil than the
staff to restore the school's Michigan average and other
Schools naturally serves as historic clock tower to full similar schools with similar
neighborhood hubs, offering capacity. student demographics and
large spaces for meeting and geographies.
other community events, access The board initiated this
to resources like summer restoration project, worked Supporting students and
food distribution, outdoor to identify a contractor and families at Woodward through
recreational amenities, and coordinated the consultation stronger partnerships with
computer labs, as well as and ultimate repair. At the neighborhood could create
volunteer opportunities for end of 2022, the clock was capacity to offer exciting
those interested in giving back successfully repaired., after not enrichment opportunities
to their community. being able to operate for the led by volunteers rather
past three decades. than increasing after school
Woodward continues commitments for teachers.
to be a focal point for Strategy #2: Create and
the neighborhood, both The board met with
promote opportunities
architecturally and socially. Communities in Schools
Through creative partnerships, for staff and students
(CIS) to learn about existing
the neighborhood and school to get involved in the
programming and volunteer
can work together to develop Stuart neighborhood to opportunities. New and
programming thats beneficial enrich their learning and exciting ideas were exchanged
for both students and workplace at this meeting, and CIS has
residents. shown interest in working with
Teacher retention has sharply the association to do more
A great example of this, is declined for Woodward. In volunteer outreach in Stuart.

Goals & Implementation | 51

Strategy #3: Support
the continued use of
the Woodward school
building as an active
elementary school by
promoting its value as
a neighborhood asset
and attracting families to
live in Stuart and attend
Woodward

Many residents remember

when Woodward was
considered a neighborhood
school before it became a
designated magnet school.
However, as Stuart experiences
a decreasing neighborhood
population, investing in
supports and amenities
that attract families who
also choose Woodward can
both aid in the continued
preservation of housing,
support neighborhood
community building, and keep Stare of Michigan's MI School Data Dashboard for Woodward School for Technology and
Woodward operating as an Research, 2021-2022.
active elementary school.

Goals & Implementation | 52

Support Woodward School Goal's Strategies and Actions Project Lead
Strategy #1: Strengthen the relationship between the neighborhood and Woodward School.
Invite a rep from Woodward to attend Neighborhood Association board meetings throughout the year, Neighborhood Association
prioritizing the annual meeting. (NA)
Host 1-2 events a year at Woodward school. NA
Promote volunteer opportunities on the Neighborhood Association's website and social media. NA
Work with school building staff to create/improve volunteer opportunities throughout the year such as NA & Communities in
reading buddies, career day, and after-school programming. Schools (CIS)
Host an annual back-to-school drive in partnership with Communities in Schools (CIS). NA
Work with Kalamazoo Public Schools to establish a meaningful community engagement plan for NA & Woodward
involving the Stuart neighborhood in decisions regarding the future use of the Woodward site.
Promote the Facilities Rental application on the Neighborhood Association's website. NA
Strategy #2: Create and promote opportunities for staff and students to get involved in the Stuart neighborhood to enrich their
learning and workplace.
Host at least one evening skills-based program at Woodward for parents and Stuart residents. NA & Woodward
Promote and host 1-2 clean up and gardening events each year for residents, the school, and the NA
Kalamazoo Nature Center to maintain the Woodward School Garden.
Register for and utilize PeachJar to promote community events to the school community. NA
Strategy #3: Support the continued use of the Woodward school building as an active elementary school by promoting its
value as a neighborhood asset and attracting families to live in Stuart and attend Woodward.
Create and display 'We Support Woodward School' yard signs in front yards. NA
Promote enrollment to Woodward School on the Neighborhood Association's website and social media NA
during open enrollment in late Summer.
Feature Woodward School promotional materials in neighborhood welcome kits NA
Add Woodward School as a stop on neighborhood tours to highlight its historic value. NA
Attract day care centers to the neighborhood to support working families with young children and serve NA
as a feeder to Woodward.
Host an annual workshop in partnership with CIS to share information about ways to financially CIS
support student success.

Goals & Implementation | 53

 Project Leads & Support Funding
Implementation
The neighborhood projects A range of funding sources
outlined in this plan will be will need to be sought out and
implemented by the assigned leveraged to complete these
lead organization and projects.
The plan does not end supported by relevant partners.
with ideation. One of the Neighborhood projects that
most important phases is The project lead is expected are described in this plan
implementation! During this to champion and steward the are eligible for neighborhood
stage of the plan, we not only execution of the project. Their planning dollars distributed
see the fruits of our labor, but responsibilities may include by the City of Kalamazoo’s
we also get to measure and initiating and coordinating Community Planning &
evaluate the effectiveness of neighborhood and partner Economic Development
these ideas to inform future meetings; creating a budget Department, as funding
planning efforts. and soliciting necessary quotes; allows. This funding is meant
and promoting engagement to support implementation of
This is a great time for opportunities, meeting/events, projects that serve as ‘quick
residents to be reengaged and project updates. wins’ for the neighborhood.
with opportunities where they
can take action and finally Supporting partners may Quick win projects are
experience the improvements aid in connecting the lead generally activities that can
or activities they’ve envisioned organization with additional be done within a one-year
throughout earlier stages of partners or key stakeholders; time frame and engage
the process. sharing promotional materials; residents in participating in the
and providing relevant implementation of the project
information and guidance on as a community event.
project implementation.

Goals & Implementation | 54

Timing among volunteers and thought metrics tied to them (see
partners to get started on Appendix 1 for project
Neighborhood Plans should the implementation phase. summary chart). In addition
be used as a short-range The neighborhood association to achieving these metrics, the
planning tool. While some and city staff will continue impact of projects that have
goals or projects may take to meet on a regular basis been initiated or completed
longer to complete due to as decided by the board will be evaluated at the
available funding sources, and staff to ensure there is end of each calendar year.
laws & regulations, and other regular monitoring of projects’ Neighborhood engagement
external factors, most the progress and open dialogue tools such as surveys, focus
project outlined in the plan are regarding next steps. groups, and testimonials
designed to be implemented will be used to capture this
with 3-5 years of the plan’s The neighborhood association impact along with quantitative
adoption. will continue to explore and methods to help discern trends
put in place best practices for and patterns.
Any projects that are communicating with residents
considered as city core and other key stakeholders, The feedback and other
services, will be integrated with the support of City data collected for evaluative
into city departments’ Capital Staff and other partner purposes will be used to
Improvement Plans and organizations. optimize project delivery
budgets as timing and funding and help inform us of more
allows. The City will share ongoing effective practices to be on
project updates on its websites future projects.
and social media pages to
Communications help document and track Updates/Amendments
neighborhood plan progress.
Once the plan has been
adopted, frequent updates to Most projects should
the neighborhood will remain Evaluation fall within the 3–5-year
important in building interest implementation phase. As such,
Each project has success updates post-plan adoption

Goals & Implementation | 55

should be done sparingly no reasonable alternative redevelopment of property
to preserve the integrity of exists; or ii. natural disasters
the neighborhood plan. In iii. Cost estimates are so iii. public health outbreaks
the event, that a project is exorbitant, and no funding
deemed no longer feasible mechanism exists to This project status should
upon further study, and there properly finance the project, be determined at the end of
is a consensus a month the the project will be deemed the year during the annual
neighborhood association and ‘indefinitely postponed.’ evaluation and documented
the most impacted community appropriately by city staff.
stakeholders, the project may H. The partner/lead
be eliminated. A summary will organization dissolved or Since neighborhood plans
be provided in the next major discontinued their service/ are adopted under the City’s
update of the neighborhood product, and a peer Master Plan, additions (i.e.,
plan. In this context, a project organization does not exist. new goals, strategies, or
that is considered infeasible projects) should go before the
would meet one or more of the I. A change to legislation City Planning Commission as a
following criteria: has resulted in a ban or proposed amendment.
regulations that significantly
G. After conducting a study alter the project/activity If an addition is deemed
or assessment, it has been and no alternative or necessary the neighborhood
determined that either: accommodations can be association must facilitate
i. This activity would result made. and document the
in a negative impact to engagement activities held
the neighborhood and no J. Other external factors with neighborhood residents,
reasonable accommodations that significantly alter a including attendance, contact
can be made; or project or project site and information, and feedback.
ii. It is no longer physically there exists no reasonable This could be in the form of
feasible due to new or accommodations or a petition, survey, recorded
unforeseen space or other alternatives. This may include: neighborhood meetings, or a
engineering constraints, and i. demolition or study.

Goals & Implementation | 56

Stay Connected

There are several channels you

can use to stay involved.

The Stuart Historic

Neighborhood Association
currently meets the 2nd
Tuesday of each month at
6pm to welcome residents and
discuss upcoming business and
events. Meetings are held at
the SARA house located at
530 Douglas Ave.

For meeting updates or to

contact the association online,
visit stuartneighborhood.org.

See a problem in your

neighborhood? Solve it with 311
on your computer or from your
phone.

For more info about this city

service, visit KalamazooCity.
org.

Goals & Implementation | 57

DRAFT
T
APPENDIX