City of Kalamazoo - Zoning Board of Appeals - April 9, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals
The City of Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals convenes to discuss a variance request by the Larry J. Bell Library Foundation. The project involves renovating the former Food Dance building into a library and gallery space. The board deliberates on the necessity of reducing the number of required street-facing entrances from five to three on the North Pitcher Street facade. Despite the complexity of the request, the board unanimously approves the variance.
A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to a debate regarding board member attendance, specifically between members Remi Harrington and Gary Wark, which leads to a decision to review attendance records in the next meeting. The meeting concludes with an announcement of an upcoming joint training session with the City of Portage Zoning Board of Appeals.
00:00 Introduction
00:00:09 Call to Order and Welcome
00:00:24 Roll Call
00:00:49 Public Comments Introduction
00:01:27 Announcements and Changes to Agenda
00:02:27 Approval of Minutes
00:09:49 Public Hearing Procedure Explanation
00:10:53 Variance Application Reading
00:12:43 Applicant’s Presentation
00:18:37 Staff Comments on Variance Request
00:21:41 Public Hearing on Variance Request
00:22:28 Board Discussion on Variance
00:26:10 Finding of Fact
00:31:43 Vote on Variance Request
00:33:31 Announcement of Joint Training
00:34:55 Discussion on Zoning Board of Appeals Training
00:35:39 Attendance and Representation Discussion
00:40:12 Adjournment and Next Steps
