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GOVERNMENT
Portage resident frustrated by lack of tornado assistance from agencies
PORTAGE, Mich. — Violet Wagner is a former resident of Timber Creek Court, a townhome community devastated by the tornadoes on May 7th. Several residents have been displaced and won't be able to return to their homes. The area was unique in that these were blue-collar workers who were paying between $750-$950 per month on rent, according to Wagner.
Portage has spent $2M on tornado cleanup so far — some say it’s not enough
PORTAGE, MI — The May 7 tornado cost the city of Portage about $5.2 million so far, said City Manager Pat McGinnis. That includes about $3.2 million in damage to city-owned property like parks, telephone poles and trees, and about $2 million in cleanup efforts, including moving crews and overtime.
58-unit housing development gets final approval in Portage
PORTAGE, MI -- Portage’s City Council approved final plans for a 58-unit residential community called Oakland Commons during its Tuesday, May 25 meeting. The new neighborhood is a 12.6-acre site at 9581 Oakland Drive, just north of the Oakland Drive and Shaver Road intersection and south of where Oakland Drive intersects with Vanderbilt Avenue. It includes a mix of multi- and single-family homes:
Kalamazoo County removes invasive species to control flooding and protect ecosystems
Invasive species can clog drains that control water levels and water flow between lakes. Here, phragmites reed grass is encroaching on the drain canal that feeds into Long Lake from Austin Lake in Portage. A pilot project aims to remove invasive species growing near four drains that help regulate water...
Kalamazoo's free homebuyer "pop-up shop" aims to connect 100 with local experts
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A free homebuyer "pop-up shop" is coming to Kalamazoo Saturday. Hosted by the Northside Association for Community Development, participants can attend the event to learn more about buying a home. Rent: Michigan bill could cap soaring rents, aligning with six other states and D.C. The goal...
New sober housing coming to Kalamazoo, removing barriers for those in recovery
KALAMAZOO, MI — A new sober living opportunity for men in recovery will break ground this summer. Being built by area nonprofit Reach Sober Living, Inc., the 3,220 square-foot, four-unit residential living space at 1109 Engleman Ave. expects to open in early 2025 on Kalamazoo’s east side. If...
Portage utility rates will increase this summer
PORTAGE, MI -- Portage residents will see water and wastewater rates increase this summer. Portage’s City Council approved the 2024-2025 budget during its Tuesday, May 28 meeting. The budget includes $103 million in expenditures and $104 million in revenue -- including money the city receives by providing water and wastewater services.
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