Monday, September 19, 2022

Ann Arbor City Council Preview: September 19, 2022


 Gentle readers, it's #a2Council Night in Ann Arbor. Here's the agenda

The evening kicks off with a respectable, 15-item consent agenda. Of note. CA-6, a resolution to remove parking on Division between Hoover and Packard. The removal of parking will allow for extension of the protected bike lane on Division. You love to see it. While we are on the topic of road safety, let's talk about CA-8. This is a resolution to study jurisdiction of the MDOT roads to the city. MDOT currently "owns" some major roads in Ann Arbor: Jackson Road, Huron Street, Washtenaw Avenue, and North Main Street. MDOT tends to prioritize moving vehicles quickly over pedestrian safety and livability. Needless to say, I'm in favor of Ann Arbor taking control of these roads so that the city can continue with its vision zero goals. 

There are two public hearings on the docket tonight, both are for the PUD at 340 Depot. 

Rendering of the proposed PUD at 340 Depot. 

PH-1/B-1 is for the PUD Zoning. PH-2/DB-1 is the site plan for the project. This project is located across from the Amtrak Station. This will be a 2 story building with commercial on the first floor and 4 residential units on the second floor. I only have two critiques of this project. First, it is too short. Why not build this 6 stories. Secondly, it's silly that something as simple as this needs a PUD. We really need to simplify our zoning code. 

There is one ordinance first reading on the agenda tonight. C-1 is the first reading of the right to renew ordinance.  This is an exciting new ordinance that would require landlords to renew rental agreements unless there is good cause not to. 

Rounding out the agenda we come to the resolutions. DC-1 is a resolution to appoint Claire McKenna to the energy Commission. DC-2 is a resolution to accept an easement to Leslie Park and reimburse Dhu Varren on the Park Condominium Association $47k for it. DC-3 is a resolution to accept a grand for a reconnaissance level survey update for the Old Fourth Ward Historic District. DC-4 is very exciting. It's a resolution to prevent right turn on red in the downtown area. When I looked at the crash data a few years ago, ~40% of pedestrians who were hit by drivers were hit by drivers turning right on red. This is a great way to make our city safer. And finally we get to DC-5, a resolution to require masks at City Council Meetings when COVID transmissions are at a level that warrants it. I think this makes a lot of sense.

And that's all there is. Looks like it'll be a pretty short meeting. What items are you most looking forward to seeing? Hopefully we will see you there. The CTN stream starts at 7 pm. Make sure you follow the action on the #a2Council hashtag.




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