BACKGROUND

Ransom Street will be reconstructed to replace key underground utilities primarily sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and drinking water infrastructure from Walbridge St to Westnedge Avenue. The reconstruction will also include 50ft on side streets at intersections at Walbridge, Porter, Pitcher, Edwards, Burdick, Rose, Church, Park, and Westnedge. It also will include installing new street features such as lighting, landscaping, wider sidewalks, and other enhancements. The project will take multiple years to implement and will happen in two phases to limit impacts and access to Ransom St. Phase ! will be begin July 24th 2023 from Walbridge St. to Pitcher St. and Phase 2 will start in Spring 2024 from Pitcher St. to Westnedge Ave.

Ransom St is an historically important street for the Northside neighborhood and it serves as a major street for the Northside Cultural Businesses District Authority. This project will provide opportunities to enhance streetscape, lighting, and other amenities to be a safer for all users specifically Northside residents and businesses owners.

OVERVIEW

The reconstruction of Ransom St is being led by City of Kalamazoo Public Services staff to replace aging sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and drinking water infrastructure underground.

Sanitary Sewer:

• Replacement of 24-inch Sanitary Sewer line with 42-inch line

• Explore connections to homes / businesses along Ransom St.

• Locate / Replace all service lateral lines

Water Main:

• 12-inch line placement

Storm Sewer:

• Replace to current standards

• Explore low impact solutions

Ransom Street is considered a Main Street according to the City of Kalamazoo Street Design Manual. This aligns with the Northside neighborhood plan envisioning Ransom St that is inviting to local Businesses and Economic Growth and places a high priority on pedestrian safety via lighting, street design, and other amenities. The Northside Neighborhood plan provides guidance on enhancing key neighborhood corridors and City staff, Consultants, NCBDA, and Ransom Street Businesses are working together to re-affirm these priorities and expand upon them to ensure the project reflects the Northside Neighborhood Plan.

PROJECT MANAGER(s):

Ryan Stoughton, Assistant City Engineer - Wastewater

Sohil Manjiyani, Sr. Civil Engineer - Wastewater
Engagement:
Jae Slaby, Neighborhood Activator - Planning

OBJECTIVES

Redesign & Reconstruct Ransom Street to be safer and more inviting for all users.

SCHEDULE:

Public Input & Coordination with NCBDA & Northside Association for Community Development to reaffirm Northside Neighborhood Plan Priorities – Fall 2022

Final Design and Permitting – Late Fall 2022

Project to Bid - Winter 2023

Phase 1 Construction Start – July 24, 2023 Phase 2 Construction Start - Spring 2024

PARTNERSHIPS

Public Works Division, Community Planning and Economic Development Division, Northside Association of Cultural Development - Mattie Jordan Woods, Northside Cultural Business District Authority (NCBDA)

STAFFING

Public Services & Community Planning and Economic Development Staff

OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS

Redesign - Abonmarche Consultants

Construction - K&R Construction

CONSISTENT WITH PLANS

Northside Neighborhood Plan, Street Design Manual, Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 Master Plan

VISION

To upgrade underground utilities along Ransom St and enhance Ransom St so it is safe and comfortable for all users and is consistent with the Northside Neighborhood Plan.

STRATEGIC VISION GOALS

Connected City, Complete Neighborhoods, Inviting Public Spaces, Safe Community

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