How can the Y Lot and the Old County Road Commission Building be used to help housing affordability in Ann Arbor?

Gentle readers, as you know, Ann Arbor is in the process of deciding what to do with several city-owned properties. Two of those properties are the Y Lot on William between 4th Ave and 5th Ave and the Old County Road Commission Building at 415 W. Washington, across from the current YMCA. Right now Ann Arbor is collecting input on how these properties can best be used to support housing and affordability. You can find more about these projects here. In addition to a survey on the project page, there are also 5 community discussion sessions on housing and affordability today and running through December 9th. Here are the session dates:

Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, 150 S. 5th Ave., Suite 301, 5-9 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 6 at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, third floor freespace, noon-4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Ann Arbor YMCA, Michigan Room, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8 at Cirq, 210 S. 1st St., noon-4 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 9 at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, third floor freespace, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

There is a housing shortage in Ann Arbor. There is insufficient affordable (subsidized) and market-rate housing. Please at the least take the survey and let the city know what you think. If you have the time, please go to one or more of the conversations and make sure your voice is heard.