Supporting all residents who say, “I yam, who I yam,” the Vine Neighborhood encompasses one square mile situated between downtown Kalamazoo and Western Michigan University. Vine Neighborhood Association Executive Director Steve Walsh, who has lived in the neighborhood for 18 years described the community as an “eclectic mix of artists, musicians, writers, educators, students and a smorgasbord of people who enjoy urban environments with the ability to walk to the neighborhood pub or pizza parlor. It really feels like a small town in a way.”

With the ability to walk downtown Kalamazoo, residents have an advantage in terms of proximity to enjoy the livelihood of the downtown while enjoying all the benefits of a neighborhood including an elementary school, parks, and general infrastructure that supports walkability.

The Vine Neighborhood recently worked with the City of Kalamazoo to complete its Neighborhood plan and Steve said they appreciated the experience. “The folks at the city level absolutely believe in the neighborhoods and that they’re crucial to what goes on downtown.” Some key portions of the neighborhood plan focused on increasing cultural experiences for the residents. While the neighborhood was able to host a socially distant Juneteenth event and has a Silent Art Auction scheduled for Saturday, September 26, most of the culture and art-focused events were put on hold until it is safe to host. “We’re always looking for more ways to allow people to get in tune with what their neighbors down the block are doing,” said Steve. “My job in the Neighborhood Association isn’t to say ‘no’ to people’s ideas, but rather help them figure out how they can accomplish them.”  

As the neighborhood continues to develop and further engage with justice issues, Steve hopes that the area and its residents continue to be “a mirror that reflects the very best of Kalamazoo. This is the neighborhood we always thought it could be, so it is cool to see it materializing.”