Master plan workshops topics of discussion
Replacing three hazardous railroad crossings on Stadium Drive with one lighted intersection was a good idea. However, there is no longer a West Michigan approach to the main campus.
What can be done to improve the Lovell Street intersection?
There are long-term plans to improve the appearance and the welcoming aspects of Stadium Drive on the eastern approach to campus. Clearly defined and visible campus entrances are one of the master plan’s fundamental concepts. Anything involving multiple properties and governing jurisdictions takes time, planning and dollars to accomplish; these changes will be made gradually over time, usually as parts of many different projects.
The Lovell Street, Stadium Drive and South Street group of intersections is the most direct link between the Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College campuses and the downtown business district. It has been, and will continue to be, on the planning table at WMU and the city of Kalamazoo for years. It has been the focus of community projects as well. It is highly congested almost any time of the day, it is confusing for drivers, and it is one of the most unfriendly intersections for pedestrians and bicyclists in the city. The difficulty lies in making changes to the road configuration, landscaping and signage that truly simplify and don’t merely increase the confusion. Unless carefully planned and tested, more signage may just increase the visual clutter for already distracted motorists.
Are there plans for other road projects?
There are on-going discussions with the city to reconfigure the intersection at West Michigan and Western Avenues.
Why don’t we direct people to the east side of campus via Lovell Street? Isn’t that friendlier and more pleasant than Stadium Drive?
The University must be sensitive to the effect that over 10,000 commuters have each day on the neighboring streets and residential neighborhoods. WMU, the city, the county and the Michigan Department of Transportation all work to ensure that the roads and arteries designated as entrance and exits for campus can successfully handle that volume of traffic. When drivers seek detours into the nearby residential neighborhoods they are usually quite unwelcome. Every effort is made to make the main roads as convenient for commuters as possible so they aren’t tempted into “shortcuts”.
Can we get better signs directing people to campus from the highway?
Driving between campus and downtown Kalamazoo is confusing, especially the return trip; not enough WMU direction signs.
The east entrance and the routes between downtown Kalamazoo to the campus do not have adequate signage or directions. Can we get better signage to direct people to this side of campus?
The signs installed on the highways, state roads and city streets are determined by the Michigan Department of Transportation or the local governing body. WMU contributes information and recommendations as to content, but the final decision rests outside the University.
Is there a bike path out to the Parkview Campus?
A portion of the Kalamazoo Non-Motorized Vehicle Trail is on the main campus between Lovell and Howard Streets, roughly parallel to Stadium Drive, identifiable by the black fencing that lines it. The Non-Motorized Trail continues along Stadium Drive as an asphalt path. Riders can then follow the bike lanes on Drake Road to get to the Parkview Campus.
Are there plans for connecting with downtown Kalamazoo?
How does community and WMU planning merge?
Is the University working with the West Main Neighborhood Association?
An institution the size of WMU is essentially a small city completely surrounded by a larger city, Kalamazoo. The physical, social and cultural connections between WMU, downtown Kalamazoo and the local neighborhoods are very important to the well-being and economic health of the community.
For WMU students, their overall satisfaction with the campus experience is directly related to the links and connections they have to their surroundings. Helping students to find shopping, restaurants and other activities in the surrounding neighborhoods is one way to forge these community links.
WMU staff regularly participate in planning meetings and workshops with its neighbors, and likewise keeps them apprised of major projects.