Why the Kalamazoo Mall parking kiosks were removed — for now

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — New parking payment kiosks along the Kalamazoo Mall have been removed as city crews address technical problems and make sure they meet federal accessibility guidelines.

The parking machines, which city announced a few ago would would be in operation, are part of a strategy to draw more people to the Kalamazoo Mall, city officials say.

“(The) stations, when they were in, didn’t quite meet Americans with Disability Act (requirements), so all the bases are being redone to make absolutely sure that they all meet ADA,” Kalamazoo parking and mobility consultant Rob Bacigalupi said.

Bacigalupi added there was a technical problem: The machines were not communicating properly with the apps people can use to pay to park. He said the kiosks could be back up and running by late this month or early November.

City officials say the idea behind the downtown parking strategy is to create more turnover along the Kalamazoo Mall, thereby bringing in more visitors to shops and restaurants. The on-street parking costs $2 per hour and is limited to 90 minutes.

There is an option for free 90-minute parking at parking structures like the Epic Center parking ramp, which isn’t far from the Kalamazoo Mall. That free period has been available since November.

“I think (the on-street parking fees) would be a good way to increase foot traffic down here. I mean, the festivals and little events they have in the mall have already gotten people down here and moving around,” Dennis Waltz, who works as a sous chef at a restaurant along the mall, said.

The city is planning to roll out overnight parking passes for downtown residents in November.

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