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Comstock Township: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Comstock Township, Michigan is a mostly urban area (70% urban, 30% rural) located in the eastern portion of Kalamazoo County. Comstock Township residents enjoy exceptional natural beauty with 17 parks and scenic vistas of the Kalamazoo River.

Prior to 1999, Comstock Township was a thriving industrial community. Our economic base was adversely affected when General Motors closed and various paper companies serving the Kalamazoo area downsized and eventually closed. Since the loss of these major employers, many small companies have emerged and growth has occurred in other major manufacturers that exist in Kalamazoo County. The greenhouse businesses, however. have been consistently growing, although a seasonal employer, we have still been labeled “Bedding Plant Capital of the World.”  Currently, Comstock Township is an area of extreme economic disparity. Although middle-class and affluent neighborhoods exist in the Township, many people live below the poverty level. The percentage of children receiving free and reduced meals through the Comstock Public Schools is 62%.  

Our Comstock Communties for All Ages team is focused on building pride, intergenerational connections and civic engagement, and increasing supports to Comstock residents of all ages through the development of an intergenerational community service corps by and for Comstock residents.  Our Communities for All Ages team for Comstock Township has made a a concerted effort to not only recruit members who have a strong commitment to improving the community, but also those who may not have participated in community development in the past.