Street changes are coming to areas close to campus, and you have a chance to express questions and concerns. The public is invited to participate in a public open house to help determine future improvements within the downtown Kalamazoo Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study area. The open house occurs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, at the Metro Transit Center (530 N. Rose Street).

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be using the PEL process to determine future improvements within the downtown Kalamazoo study area: Stadium Drive between Howard Street and Michigan Avenue; Michigan Avenue between Stadium Drive and Kalamazoo Avenue; Kalamazoo Avenue between Douglas Avenue and Harrison Street; Michikal Street between Michigan Avenue and Kalamazoo Avenue; Riverview Drive between Harrison Street and Gull Road; and Douglas Avenue between West Main Street and Kalamazoo Avenue.

The PEL process is a planning tool used to streamline the project development process. It is an approach to transportation decision-making that helps the community consider environmental, historical, cultural, and feasibility issues early in the transportation planning process.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to attend and share ideas, suggestions and concerns as part of the planning process.