Ann Arbor City Council: July 15, 2024

Jul 15, 2024 | City Council

DTE | SouthTown

This Ann Arbor City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.

CM Song was absent

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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: The zoning of “Southtown” at State/Stimson is amended. In September 2023, the 1.7 acre block at State/Stimson was rezoned from R4C (Multiple Family Residential) to C1A/R (Campus Business Residential) in order to permit the construction of a development (“SouthTown by 4M”) that includes 216 dwelling units with a 54 space parking garage. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A $1,073,636.22 contract with consultant Sam Schwartz, to provide engineering and support services necessary to fully plan and design Quick Build and Speed Management projects in the City. The projects include green paint, centerline hardening, curb extensions, rubber speed bumps, and bollards at various corridors and intersections. The projects are intended to reduce speeds for safer crossings and benefit vulnerable road users such as walkers and bikers. (Legistar)

POSTPONED: A $980,000 grant from Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and a $1,250,000 contract with DTE to accelerate the conversion of street lights to much more efficient LED. The grant will provide $980,000 and an additional $270,000 will be allocated from Climate Action Millage funds. (Legistar)

  • This item was postponed to the August 8, 2024 City Council meeting.
  • The details of the contract with DTE has prompted questions because in September 2021, City Council approved extensive amendments to the City’s outdoor lighting ordinance. https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-council-september-7-2021/
  • The 2021 amendments addressed color spectrum management, glare, illuminance, and specific standards for “light trespass” on neighboring properties.
  • The purchase agreement with DTE directs that every LED conversion in the City will use the same bulb wattage and brightness, whether located on a high traffic corridor or within residential neighborhoods. In answer to questions, staff explained that the City would have to hire an additional employee to manage the installation of different bulbs appropriate to different locations.
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2024/07/proposed-led-streetlights-are-too-bright-ann-arbor-dark-sky-proponents-argue.html

APPROVED: A township island of 2.65 acres at 2862 Stone School Road will be annexed into the City. It is currently in the City’s water sewer service area. After annexation, Council will consider the recommended zoning of PL (Public Land District), which is consistent with adjacent zoning, land uses, and the comprehensive plan. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A township island of 3 acres at 3801 Stone School will be annexed into the City. It is currently in the City’s water and sewer service area. After annexation, Council will consider the recommended zoning of PL (Public Land District), which is consistent with adjacent zoning, land uses, and the comprehensive plan. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Property owners at the intersection of Eisenhower and State Street petitioned the City to establish a State Street Business Improvement Zone (“BIZ”) for ten years. The proposed zone includes most of the Transit Corridor zoning district in that area, plus Briarwood Mall. (Legistar)

  • The State of Michigan allows the creation of these districts where property owners seek to collaboratively fund projects and services through assessments. Only commercial properties will pay into the “BIZ.” The petitioners propose future improvement of medians with planters, landscaping with flower beds,“gateway” signage, and marketing of the district as a unique location for research, innovation, retail, and office space. They estimate an annual budget of $143,593.
  • All property owners in the zoned area will now vote on the establishment of the State Street BIZ; it must be approved by 60% of property owners.
  • Since 2010, property owners on Main Street downtown have maintained a “BIZ” district. Read about the Main Street BIZ here: https://www.annarbormainstreetbiz.com/
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2024/07/new-proposal-would-infuse-vibrancy-into-briarwood-mall-area-in-ann-arbor.html

APPROVED: By resolution, Council directs the City Administrator to ensure that the Police Department is trained in preventing and responding to hate crimes and provide updates Council. Council also directs the City Attorney’s office to offer legal updates to the Police Department on the investigation, prevention, and response to hate crimes. Council will re-affirm its commitment to diversity and inclusion. (Legistar)

APPROVED (First Reading): An area of 27.65 acres at 3380 Nixon Road will be rezoned from R4A (Multiple Family District) to R4D (Multiple-Family District) to allow the construction of a five story residential building with 131 apartments. This will expand an existing residential community called Owl Creek, which currently has three three-story apartment buildings and 264 apartments. The rezoning includes conditions: a maximum height of 75 feet and a contribution of $81,875 to parks. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 15, 2024 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 15, 2024 Part 2

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