DDRD Vote Monday 2/16/15 7pm Please come voice your opposition and request Don Cooney to make a motion to place a 6 month moratorium on the matter. Also David Anderson, Jack Urban and Eric Cunningham or Bobby Hopewell would need to follow Cooney's lead. A Stronger Kalamazoo Downtown Design Review District Expansion January 16, 2015 By Matt Milcarek UPDATE: This article has been updated to reflect new information obtained after the original posting. They City of Kalamazoo is proposing the expansion of its Downtown Design Review District into a new area designated the “Southtown Review District”, bounded by Walnut St, Burdick St, Stockbridge Ave, and Portage St. With efforts underway in this area in regards to the KVCC Healthy Living Campus and Washington Square revitalization, the City f... 02/14/2015

An employment research organization, has spoken to Laura Lam about a partial Grandfathering for Existing Owners of Commercial Buildings in the DDRD Expansion zone. An Urban Planner posed the question for an exemption for 10 years or until the property sells. This would give these businesses time to adjust to the new restrictions while still maintaining their older buildings without having to close their doors or move as many fear. Also, this would allow time to adapt their business model for such things as the most restrictive signage rules in the City. Many retail businesses in the zone rely on their signage which conforms to current rules to attract customers which creates jobs and helps support themselves and their employees. Without the exemption, these businesses would be unable to... 02/02/2015

s: 1109 Sherwood Kalamazoo MI 49001 $14,900 4 bedroom 2 bath home for sale. Kalamazoo Promise qualified. Seller is selling the property AS IS. Buyer to verify all data. Clients may see all data and schedule showings at www.REOmamma.com or call Richard Stewart 269-345-7000 REO Specialists llc    01/27/2015

Recording exposes Kalamazoo City Commissioners blatant disregard for Residents and existing business owners who overwhelmingly oppose the DDRD Expansion/Artificial Gentrification in its current form The Kalamazoo City Commissioners listened to lines of residents and business owners who oppose the DDRD Expansion in its current form and yet they minimized those who spoke and paved the way on a vote 2/2/15 at the next City Commission meeting. Only Don Cooney listened to the overwhelming opposition and chose to be the only no vote. See the blatant disregard for the wishes of the residents and existing business owners in the recorded version at  Video recording of Kalamazoo City Commissioners EXPOSED 01/20/15   WARNING: This Video may be offensive to some viewers   Coalition against DDRD Exp... 01/26/2015

The City of Kalamazoo employees went into Emergency Mode on Friday, after 30 residents and property owners voiced strong opposition to the DDRD expansion at the meeting at Edison Neighborhood Association. After admitting that the guidelines would increase costs to property owners within the targetted zone, the City added an exemption to the owners of 3 or more unit rental properties.  This move leaves the existing comercial property owners to bare the higher costs and other negative consequences of this artificial Gentrification. See the full storey at http://astrongerkalamazoo.com/downtown-review-district-expansion/?fb_comment_id=fbc_767073110034078_767113786696677_767113786696677#f32a0cbe9722778 01/18/2015

Downtown Review District Expansion January 16, 2015 By Matt Milcarek UPDATE: This article has been updated to reflect new information obtained after the original posting.  They City of Kalamazoo is proposing the expansion of its Downtown Review District into a new area designated the “Southtown Review District”, bounded by Walnut St, Burdick St, Stockbridge Ave, and Portage Ave. With efforts underway in this area in regards to the KVCC Healthy Living Campus and Washington Square revitalization, the City feels that development guidelines could offer assurances to potential investors, however, many residents and property owners in the expansion district have raised a number of concerns regarding these proposals. What’s the change? These proposed changes would set in place two different se... 01/16/2015

How does the DDRD expansion in the City of Kalamazoo increase costs? If a property owner is "persuaded" to sell, the real estate tax is UNCAPPED which results in new owner paying a higher recalculated tax. When you increase the costs of commercial property owners and 3 or more residential property owners, you increase costs which results in increased rents. It forces relocation of the tenants who can not afford this artificial increase in costs. When rents go up, values go up. (Its called the income approach on appraisals). If you improve a building with affordable vinyl siding for $5000, the improvement will be taxed. When you prevent a property owner from using the most common and affordable materials like vinyl siding, and force them to use brick or granite, the cost is higher and ca... 01/15/2015

The City of Kalamazoo is attempting to expand the Downtown Design Review District via a simple text amendment. By choosing this method to expand the restrictive zone, the public does not get to vote on the matter. This legislation is a direct attack on the poor and property owners of more modest means. It is artifical Gentrification and has negative consequences to the most vulnerable members of society and the existing commercial building owners in its path. Please join us at the City Commission meeting 1/20/15 7pm to express your concerns of Government Overreach. Citizens have requested an impact study to identify all the negative consequences they can expect prior to any vote. So far, the city refuses to conduct this third party independent study and is treating this low income area ... 01/14/2015

Kalamazoo City employees are crossing the line. They are fast tracking bad legislation that would have negative consequences to the existing owners of commercial buildings and 3 or more unit residential buildings. If the measure were to be voted in by the City Commission on 1/20/15 in its current form, costs to the tenants and the residents of these existing buildings will be artificially increased and create a STAY AND PAY, OR SELL AND LEAVE decision for the existing property owners and/or the tenants. The Downtown Design Review District currently ends at Walnut Street where it should, being the boundary originally established for the downtown district. With support and influence from DKI, the city employees plan to expand the downtown district by crossing the Walnut St line and extend... 01/08/2015

1109 Sherwood Kalamazoo MI 49001 $17,500 4 bedroom 1 bath home for sale. Kalamazoo Promise qualified. Seller is selling the property AS IS. Buyer to verify all data. Clients may see all data and schedule showings at www.REOmamma.com or call Richard Stewart 269-345-7000 REO Specialists llc AGENTS please follow instructions in MLS 11/09/2014

1523 Krom Ave Kalamazoo MI 49007 $24,750 Large home with many updates including vinyl siding. Needs some interior work but could easily be a nice home once again. For financing specials and incentives, Seller requests potential buyers contact Chase Loan Officer, Todd Possett NMLS ID# 608832 at 616-891-2744 or john.t.possett@chase.com . Seller is selling The Property AS IS''. Buyer to verify all data. See all data and schedule showings at www.REOmamma.com or CLIENTS may call Richard Stewart 269-345-7000 REO Specialists llc 05/25/2014

 See all data on these Foreclosures, Bank Owned and HUD Homes for sale in Kalmazoo MI and schedule showings at www.REOmamma.com or call richard Stewart 269-345-7000 REO Specialists llc As of 02/13/14  Active 86/86   11/14/13 13065319 6,000  1402 N Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo K - 8 3 2 (2 0) 0.1300 1128   Active 28/28   01/15/14 14002770 10,000  308 Norway Ave Kalamazoo K - 8 3 1 (0 1) 1980 1041   Active 15/102   01/28/14 14004824 12,850  717 Hawley Kalamazoo K - 8 3 2 (1 1) 0.0800 1434   Active 78/78   11/26/13 13066715 13,860  1333 N Park St Kalamazoo K - 8 3 2 (2 0) 0.1000 1144   Active 0/0   02/12/14 14006710 15,500  1123 Lay Blvd Kalamazoo K - 10 3 2 (2 0) 0.1400 1456   Active 65/65   12/05/13 13067097 16,200  1001 Hays Park Ave Kalamazoo K - 10 4 2 (2 0) 0.1100 1765   Active 34/34   01... 02/12/2014

When you go to see a home, do you want your agent to be fumbling around with a stack of messy papers and scribbles on unkempt scraps of paper? Of course not! Imagine what their desk might look like and worse, (gasp!) how must they be handling your transaction?? Walk into a showing with confidence knowing your agent is well-equipped with the knowledge to talk about the home(s) you're going to visit and if she doesn't know every little detail - well, that's ok - at least she has the information readily available  Well when you're ready to see homes, here's how I show up: Yep! Just me, myself and my iPad. All you need is stored right on my trusty iPad and there's no need for clumsy papers or knocking down more trees than needed.  Of course, if you like having them, I'm happy to provide cop... 01/17/2014

$90,000 , 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 0 half baths, 1,050 square feet     Matt Mulder | Keller Williams Realty | (269) 207-4712 2921 Crestview Ave, Kalamazoo, MI www.findkalamazoohomes.com 3BR/2BA Single Family House   offered at $90,000 Year Built 1950 Sq Footage 1,050 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size 0.14 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Cute ranch home on a quiet cul-de-sac, in a prime Westwood location. Main floor features beautiful hardwood floors throughout, cozy living room with gas log fireplace, charming eat in kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, three good sized bedrooms, and a full bathroom. Downstairs you'll enjoy the partially finished basement with a rec room/family room, office/playroom, and a full bathroom with stand ... 11/05/2013

$110,000 , 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 0 half baths, 1,227 square feet     Matt Mulder | Keller Williams Realty | (269) 207-4712 1309 Pinehurst Blvd, Kalamazoo, MI www.findkalamazoohomes.com 2BR/2BA Single Family House   offered at $110,000 Year Built 1945 Sq Footage 1,227 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.55 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This charming Westwood home is located in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood w/ low Kalamazoo Township property taxes. Main floor features a lovely living room and dining room with hardwood flooring. French doors open off of the living room into a cozy den/home office space. Upstairs, you'll be impressed by over 400 sq. ft. of a master suite that boasts a landing/sitting area, bedroom, a formal sitti... 11/05/2013

$18,000 , 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 0 half baths, 1,648 square feet     Matt Mulder | Keller Williams Realty | (269) 207-4712 1319 Princeton Ave, Kalamazoo, MI www.findkalamazoohomes.com 3BR/2BA Single Family House   offered at $18,000 Year Built 1905 Sq Footage 1,648 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 5,398 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION HUD Home Sold As Is by electronic bid only at www.HUDHomeStore.com. Revitalization opportunity in Kalamazoo. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom traditional 2 story home with over 1600 sq ft of living space. This is the perfect project to flex your DIY muscle. Some of the work has already been started. Please visit BLBResources.com for forms, updates and free photo list.   Kalamazoo see additional photos below PRO... 11/01/2013

$170,000 , 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half baths, 1,562 square feet     Matt Mulder | Keller Williams Realty | (269) 207-4712 4609 Cypress Creek Ln, Kalamazoo, MI www.findkalamazoohomes.com 3BR/3+1BA Single Family House   offered at $170,000 Year Built 1997 Sq Footage 1,562 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .25 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Great traditional home with a charming front porch. You'll love the spacious and open living/dining room. Kitchen is beautifully updated with nice countertops, tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Main floor also features an updated half bathroom and a another room that can be used as a formal dining room, den, or home office. Upstairs you'll be pleased with three spacious bedrooms,... 10/28/2013

$75,000 , 2 bedrooms, 1 full baths, 0 half baths, 875 square feet     Matt Mulder | Keller Williams Realty | (269) 207-4712 748 W Kilgore Rd Apt 101, Kalamazoo, MI www.findkalamazoohomes.com 2BR/1BA Condo   offered at $75,000 Year Built 1968 Sq Footage 875 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size 1.61 acres HOA/Maint $175 per month DESCRIPTION Stunning remodeled condominium with many great features! You'll love the openness of the living and dining room which features a slider door to the patio, as well as, the elegance of the cherry hardwood floors. The kitchen is beautifully updated with neutral cabinets, ceramic flooring, tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Both of the bedrooms are ample in size, including the master which houses the... 10/18/2013

$315,000 , 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half baths, 2,820 square feet     Matt Mulder | Keller Williams Realty | (269) 207-4712 5688 R Ave E, Scotts, MI www.findkalamazoohomes.com 3BR/2+1BA Single Family House   offered at $315,000 Year Built 2002 Sq Footage 2,820 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 1.12 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Beautiful, custom built Ranch Walk-Out, featured in the Kalamazoo of Parade Homes! Sports 2,800 sq. ft. of finished living space. surround sound on every level. You will love the great room w/ a fireplace & picture windows w/ a view of the gorgeous backyard, as well as, the updated kitchen w/custom cabinets and granite countertops.Enjoy the spacious master suite w/ dual closets, walk-in closet, ... 10/08/2013

$169,000 , 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half baths, 1,688 square feet     Matt Mulder | Keller Williams Realty | (269) 207-4712 3404 Glengarry Ave, Kalamazoo, MI www.findkalamazoohomes.com 3BR/2+1BA Single Family House   offered at $169,000 Year Built 1976 Sq Footage 1,688 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Beautiful, well taken care of ranch in a great location! All new energy efficient windows. Great sized living room w/ large windows and gorgeous view. Open kitchen/family room w/fireplace/dining room is perfect for entertaining. Kitchen tastefully updated w/ quartz countertops, an island w/ sink, tile backsplash, & pantry. Conveniently located half bathroom to the family room, kitchen, & dining room.... 10/01/2013