Kalamazoo City Commissioners are allowing a downtown improvement plan to move forward. The proposal approved Monday night includes retail and residential developments, increased connections to student communities and beautification projects.

Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated President Ken Nacci says the plan also includes what he calls "big transformative projects" such as converting one-way streets to two-way traffic and a new arena west of the Arcadia Festival site. The city's approval allows the Downtown Development Authority to conduct feasibility studies and begin fundraising.