METRO executive director Sean McBride presented a review of Kalamazoo area Metro Transit including usage statistics and available services like Metro Connect. Western, Valley, and KPS students ride free.
The board approved an Industrial Facilities Tax exemption for One Way Products a local cleaning supplies producer but will be considering tax abatement policy in the future. In a similar consideration the Board created an Industrial Development District for Farraday Properties LLC a local Oshtemo research and development business that produces advanced electronic devices and security applications. The IDD will accommodate a parcel of property for Farraday to construct a new facility with hopes to create a broader district to bring in other businesses to this underdeveloped land. Farraday Properties will ultimately seek an Industrial Facilities Tax exemption but must first be part of an IDD to apply. The board amended the policy of sale or disposal of real or personal property to allow transactions ‘in furtherance of public purpose’ in addition to fair market value. Additionally the Board approved the sale of a parcel of property for the MDOT US-131 Business Loop extension project. The parcel will be designated as a scenic strip wherein no advertising is to be posted. $16,500 from the purchase will be returned to the road fund.
The board has agreed to the 2023 Hazard mitigation plan – a strategic organization of local law enforcement, emergency response, and resource allotment in the event of catastrophe. Westridge Condominium was approved for the first phase of site planning as they intend to build a 41 unit housing development at 720 West Main St. With the greenlight land is expected to be cleared this Fall and construction would begin in 2025.
