Resident tells commission sewer backups flooded basements, urges fixes and protection of neighborhood green space

During public comment a longtime Kalamazoo resident identified as Tina presented photographs and described a Dec. 27 sewer backup that sent city sewage into basements across her neighborhood, including effects reaching near Bronson Hospital.

Tina said a city worker applied a temporary repair "like a band aid," that residents had to do clean‑up themselves and that she received no direct outreach from the city about the incident. She urged the commission to address failing sewer infrastructure, preserve remaining green space such as Lake Stockbridge and the local natural watershed, and criticized perceived faster city responses in wealthier neighborhoods.

No staff response was recorded during the public comment period; the matter was raised in open public comment for the commission’s consideration.