annie

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.

@Ann English Please don't start bring up a roundabouts,First there is no room on Golfside or do you propose taking out the front lawns of the homes there? and there is not much land in front of Fortis Academy, And I really don't see the Jehovah church or golf course giving up any of their land. The problem come from parents on Ellsworth turning right on to Golfside and then others on Ellsworth turning left on Golfside and last but not lease parent coming down Golfside turn left to go into the school drive, and then parent trying to leave going either right or left onto Golfside (please remember Golfside is only 2 lane road with no way of widening it)

Ann English

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:56 p.m.

After reading about descriptions of traffic backups in front of Fortis Academy and long waits to turn left on Golfside, I wonder if roundabouts would help smooth traffic flow in those two places. There's more room for a roundabout on Ellsworth than in front of Fortis. I don't drive in that area every week, but would a roundabout in front of Fortis cut into its property and the homes across from it too much? Still, it would be better than widening Golfside from Ellsworth to the golf course. Roundabouts were considered and built in the early days of Skyline High's construction, not proposed later on.

Basic Bob

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.

@walker101, This is not a mosque, it is a school. The mosque is located about a mile away, on the other side of Michigan Avenue. It is called Masjid Bilal, and it is right behind my house. There were some initial concerns from the neighbors, but there have been no problems. There are some difficulties with the specific property, but rest assured that many people in Pittsfield would welcome an Islamic school in a more suitable location.

bunnyabbot

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.

and here I pulled from the article that the property was zoned residential and many bought homes on the neighboring properties under the impression that that plot of land was zoned residential. I would be mad if I bought a house next to open space that was zoned residential but someone wanted to get it rezoned to build something non residential. This would be no different than someone wanting to build a cvs or rollerrink.

kbarker

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.

I have major concerns with the recent proposal for two buildings to be built in the wet lands directly across from my house. Currently I look out of my front door to open natural wetlands. Our neighborhood is peaceful and has minimal traffic. My first concern is that you, Pittsfield Township are even fathoming the thought of destroying a natural wetland. This is pure nature which brings a calming privacy to our neighborhood. The natural wetland is a nice property divide line that outlines part of Silverleaf. This is a natural habitat all in itself. My second concern is "if" this wetland becomes developed buildings there will be far more traffic. I am concerned with the parking and fear that many more cars will be parking on our street (Persimmon Drive). I fear that cars will be parked right in front of my house. I do not want constant traffic all hours of the night. I have a family, a dog and will be having children. I am also questioning the maintenance of these proposed buildings. Will this raise my taxes? Will this be constant noise for me to deal with night and day due to the construction? My third concern pertains to the fact that there is a plethora of vacant/open land/property for sale within only a few miles of these natural wetlands. Why are you proposing to build two buildings on a narrow strip of natural wet lands? There is no reason these buildings must be built on this specific piece of property. In addition who in their right mind would ever propose to build a school close to a highway? Who will be doing the upkeep and maintenance of these two buildings? Will these two buildings be closed on the weekends and at a reasonable time in the early evening? These two buildings will greatly disturb the quiet neighborhood that I chose to live in just over a year ago. Prior to purchasing our first home my family searched for neighborhoods surrounded by land and houses to avoid living by urban buildings/business establishments.

walker101

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.

I guess they (homeowners) don't like the idea of viewing a Mosque from their backyards. The planning commission doesn't have the money nor the expertise to stop this project nor do the homeowners. Wait till the ACLU finds out, the township may end up paying for the school in the end. What about a Christian Academy School?

tmoney

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 12:43 p.m.

Is this the school/community center group that at one time was going to buy Ardis Elementary from the Ypsialnti School District but could not get the financing to purchase the building? It seems that most schools/community centers are located near or around subdivisions.

GRANDPABOB

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.

Why don't they just buy the old PETE PESTILLO center on 12 for their school?

Jack

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 12:18 p.m.

I am stunned at the readiness of many of the contributors here to cry bigotry. Has name calling become that easy? Is the dreaded cry of "racism" to be hurled at every person whose decisions don't go one's way? One could as easily say that these writers want the school out of Ann Arbor and into another community and therefore are racist. Could there not be good reasons in either case for not wanting a school at a particular location? Simply because one feels that the article does not supply enough information is NOT a good reason to attempt to tar somebody by labeling them as racist. I wonder if these are also people who blame Sarah Palin for the Tucson massacre. It would indeed be ironic. If one is really in need to know, perhaps contacting the Pittsfield Township Planning Commission would supply the answers. It would seem preferable to the nastiness I see here.

oldhickory

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 12:10 p.m.

I do not see any problem with traffic congestion. The area is already very busy, and a small school will not significantly add to the already occurring problem. Diversitiy is part of America, and private schools add to our society. I hope the objections will be outnumbered by those who approve of the new school.

oldhickory

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 12:04 p.m.

I do not see any problem with a school in this area. Diversity is part of American life, and private schools are a benefit to society. Considering the already busy traffic situation of this area, I do not think that a small private school will add to the disruption of residents' lives.

cinnabar7071

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 10:44 a.m.

"and, like lemmings, so-called "liberals" will jump on the bandwagon, trying to become supporters of what ever the muslim groups want to do." Well at least the libs didn't try and blame Palin or the Tea party for this. It would really be nice if they could discuss the issues instead of the name calling, but if thats all they got! LOL!

DFSmith

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 10:27 a.m.

Accusing people of harboring anti-Muslim biases is a technique advocated by Islamic NGOs like CAIR- this way they can try to defame the opposition, and get what they want, even if the protestors against a Muslim school/community-center or whatever have a valid, non-biased reason for opposing said Muslim institution. and, like lemmings, so-called "liberals" will jump on the bandwagon, trying to become supporters of what ever the muslim groups want to do.

eyeonthenews

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 10:22 a.m.

I work on Plymouth Rd. and know the school has outgrown that site and needs to move to another location where they can expand. Surely there is another piece of property that might be more conducive for their expansion. Also, we have so many businesses that have closed their doors so why not look at rezoning one of those properties in a better suited area for growth.

cinnabar7071

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 10:11 a.m.

"The fact of the matter is that your ordinary citizen doesn't want to live near Muslims, especially a Muslim school." Really?! This area has a high Muslim population so I guessing the people only dislike young educated Muslims. You people need to stop crying racist everytime somebody disagrees with you, it was getting very old when you played race card with people who didn't like Obama. Playing the race card is so 2009.

PittsfieldTwp

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 10:10 a.m.

For decades, this nation has assimilated and blended different cultures through a common institution - the public school system. No matter where you came from, everyone had that common experience. Not so much the case any more. One goes to a charter school, the other goes to a Christian school, another to a Islamic Academy, even more are schooled at home.

annie

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 10:09 a.m.

@AArborite "I have no idea what motivated the denial. Usually during tough economic times, towns will bend over backward to facilitate investment from schools, businesses and others. So let's just say I'm very, very skeptical" If that the case then why isn't Ann Arbor bending over backward to keep them? can't Ann Arbor use the money from schools,community center, businesses and other too? surely there is land around Ann Arbor you could sell them.

Rusnak

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 9:56 a.m.

Were talking about 26 acres of land here folks, that's huge, a grade school through high school. I think you have to visualize this long term. I don't know about some of you but my high school had about a thousand students. Were not talking about just a grade school with 200 kids. If I lived in the Silverleaf sub I wouldn't want it either. There's a lot of distrust towards Muslims. In the article it mentioned a "community center" if your going to build a mosque say so. And those who commented on "intolerance"? Let's talk about rights of women, stoning, beheading or, that a woman has to have four male witnesses to prove she was raped. Seriously? To those of you who are so tolerant let them build in your neighborhood. The reason Ann Arborites have no problem is that they won't build in Ann Arbor, taxes are too high which makes the Township more appealing.

AArborite

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 9:48 a.m.

It's impossible to decipher racism these days because people are wise enough to think of a pretext. The fact of the matter is that your ordinary citizen doesn't want to live near Muslims, especially a Muslim school. I have no idea what motivated the denial. Usually during tough economic times, towns will bend over backward to facilitate investment from schools, businesses and others. So let's just say I'm very, very skeptical.

annie

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 9:31 a.m.

@Robert Granville You said "As far as the school, I have to agree... this sounds like nothing but veiled intolerance for an Islamic school. People have gotten very good at hiding their prejudice. However, they don't realize that their zeal often reveals their true motivations" There is no veiled intolerance or prejudice on my part. I really live here on Ellsworth not far from where they want to build (for 18+ year and seen it been develop more and more and frankly I am a little tired of it) and I would have a problem if anybody would build there, to suggest others wise is repugnant. I rather have it stay an wetland it is nice seeing something green along Ellsworth.

DrD

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 9:22 a.m.

AA.com - You have to be honest with yourself, this was not a good article. The article claims that "more than a dozen residents" spoke out against the plan, however, it doesn't even cite the number of supporters for the large investment which would provide a school for 360 students. Was it more than a dozen vs. nobody? If you base the popularity of the project on attendance of one hearing, then post the time and location of the next hearing and we'll do a head count. This article only provided one side of the story which gave me a poor impression for some Pittsfield residents and AA.com's editorial supervision.

suburbia

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 9:13 a.m.

I agree with Jmac. The area was not zoned for a community center and school. I live in that area and it it is a very diverse and welcoming community. The concerns are NOT race based, rather putting a school and a parking lot 50ft behind people's backyards is a big concern. The lighting at night lighting up the houses, the bus traffic right outside of people's backyards is a big factor. The proposed plans have the school being build at the edge of the property near I-94. The school property ends literally 150 from I-94!! That seems very dangerous all around. The Community Center is proposed to be near Ellsworth and the residents I spoke with seem less concerned about that going up. The school on the other hand doesn't have decent entry and exits and would be in the middle of the already busy Golfside. My feeling is to allow the community center but rethink the school.

Robert

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 9:03 a.m.

Gotta say I love living in Ann Arbor. In my hometown, Kalamazoo, this article would be covered in bigoted comments about how Islam is of the devil, etc. Here there's nothing but support and tolerance. As far as the school, I have to agree... this sounds like nothing but veiled intolerance for an Islamic school. People have gotten very good at hiding their prejudice. However, they don't realize that their zeal often reveals their true motivations.

Jaime

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 8:59 a.m.

The township is right to deny the request if it requires rezoning. One of the worst things a governing body can do is rezone and allow exemptions to the master plan. It just opens the flood gate to being taken to court for unequal treatment. I can understand nearby residents wanting the area to stay residential if that is was was expected when they purchased their homes.

annie

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 8:45 a.m.

@KathrynHahn You must not drive it everyday then because I live on Ellsworth, I do work on Carpenter, I use Golfside to get to WCC, and it is a nightmare I got caught it it yesterday, it should not take 30min to go down Golfside and I am talking from the light at Ellsworth to the light at Packard. And as I stated early, I would have a problem anything being built there. And as for your statement "Ellsworth is a 5 lane road" since when can you continuously drive in the turning lane? And please tell me why is that when anybody object to something they are call either a racist or a bigot?

jmac

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 8:36 a.m.

If you recall from yesterday's story on this, there were access issues (only one way in and out of the intended school property) with this site. Traffic is also a real issue; both of my children attended Fortis and traffic at the Golfside/Ellsworth intersection during the hour before and after school was always very heavy. But...the main concern here is that homeowners in the Silverleaf subdivision object to having a school in their backyard that wasn't part of the original site plan. I think Pittsfield is right to listen to these homeowners rather than just disregard their legitimate concerns. It wouldn't matter if the school was a Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, or non-denominational Academy. This is just a bad site for a large school, period.

Barb's Mom

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 8:32 a.m.

@racerx The Walmart and those empty stripmalls that you are talking about are in Ypsilanti Township not Pittsfield Township.

annie

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 8:30 a.m.

@Dark Dichotomy,I am not one of the these nameless, faceless people I live here on Ellsworth and not far from Golfside and I work on Carpenter Road, So I either have to go down Ellsworth or Golfside to get to work and it is a nightmare with those parent dropping and picking up at the school there,they block both lanes on Golfsides. And to suggest other wise is repugnant, and to be honest I would object to anything being built there.

joe s

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 7:54 a.m.

We posted simultaneously,did not direct at anyone just overall consensus.Do not like spin put on article since not all of us know what is really going on nor do we operate the same.

Laith

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 7:46 a.m.

@joe s - My comment was motivated A) By some comments in the thread that are clearly expressing prejudice... and B) By the fact that no good reason was given. So, fair enough... I hope to see some logical reason put forth so that I might feel a little better about the state of affairs for Islamic people in this community.I truly hope that I am wrong.

joe s

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 7:36 a.m.

A lot of support on this post for the School.However am thinking probably you do not live there-Easy to be Generous/Gracious when it does not directly affect you!Maybe the Righteous Tirade about bigotry makes you feel good?Suggest you save that and your comments until time as you have any idea what you are talking about!

average joe

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 7:26 a.m.

Interesting that the same pittsfield board is considering approving (with more information requested)the menards store on carpenter, even though there is already two home improvement stores very close by, but does not give a genuine reason for denying the request for this school. If the reason is the traffic concern on Ellsworth, then they should have denied the menards proposal (& any future requests on carpenter) months ago for the same reason, as both carpenter & ellsworth are 5 lanes, & probably have similar traffic counts. I'm not saying there is another reason for denying the request, but if it walks like a duck.....

thehawk

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:33 a.m.

Traffic at Ellsworth and Golfside *is* a problem from 7:30-8am and 3-3:30pm most days. I know because I'm in the middle of that mess every day. Traffic stacks up down Ellsworth, almost to WalMart some days, and traffic turning left onto Golfside there gets backed up as well when no one can turn at all, due to traffic backed up solid both directions on Golfside. Ask the firemen who had to try to squeeze through that mess this week on a run during one of the peak times.

KathrynHahn

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 4:38 a.m.

I drive by Fortis every morning during student drop-off time. There is hardly a traffic problem there, and over on Ellsworth is a 5 lane road that would be easily accessible. Sounds like bigotry to me too.

Laith

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 4:18 a.m.

This is obviously motivated by bigotry and prejudice. It is truly a shame to see such ignorance and hateful filth spewing from readers like Peter and Bruceae. It is only an indicator that there are many other racist and closed minded individuals (like those in Pittsfield Township) that feel that it is OK to discriminate against others based on their race and/or religion. If this is not illegal and unconstitutional, it certainly should be! I'm sure they'd have no problem with Tom Monaghan funding some fundamentalist Word of God school out there...

racerx

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:53 a.m.

As someone who lives in this area and frequent this area daily, if the school is on the opposite side of Fortis and between Roundtree and Silverleaf, then installing a traffic light to enter and exit the site would seem to be enough. Was any traffic studies completed to support the claim of traffic congestion? Wasn't Ellsworth Rd designed to accomodate a certain level of traffic/cars on a daily basis? Are these same citizens concerned with the new subdivision being built next to Silverleaf and the existing one already there? Why doesn't A2.com asked even the basic questions, who, what, when, WHY, and sometimes how? Shame on the planning commision for not offering reasons why. Take a stand Pittsfield, allow the school to be built. The site is such an eyesore as it is and a new school would be very welcoming for this area. Then maybe those empty businesses in front of WalMart can become occupied or at least the existing strip mall can generate some better stores.

Dark Dichotomy

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:29 a.m.

Also: Bruceae, if you want them out of the Plymouth rd. site so much you should become an advocate for the new school. The article says that they intended to close the exsisting facility when the new school was constructed. I also am curious about the opinions of the 360 students who would have attended, and their parents. Doesn't that count at all versus the "more than a dozen" (13?) people who voiced opposition?

Dark Dichotomy

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 2:06 a.m.

I can understand the traffic problem at the intended site with another school nearby but the problem with traffic at the Plymouth Rd. site is out of hand. It is probably more because of religious services than the school, but they do not have sufficent parking on site and vehicles entering and leaving have a very difficult time with the heavy traffic. They are commonly major traffic problems because the left turn lane to enter the area is too short. I was also almost hit by someone leaving there because they were frustrated by the heavy traffic and decided to just pull out right in front of me while I was going 35 MPH. Besides, just how much support do they need in order to build a school in our free country? Seems to me that people trying to build a school should be admired. Unless there is some other reason these nameless, faceless people object to having an Islamic school near them... It does make me wonder who decided that it was so unpopular.

Jay Thomas

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 1:51 a.m.

@Peter & bruceae: Muslims are directed to expand Islam. Read the Koran. Dearborn and Plymouth road just won't cut it.

Peter

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 1:33 a.m.

Why not stick with dearborn?

jcj

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.

This is another example of lazy reporting by A2.com staff. Why are they recommending refusal? Would it have to be rezoned? The article states that "many residents said already is congested". When did these residents say this?At the meeting? I have no problem with the refusal IF there are legitimate concerns or zoning issues. But let us know the specifics of why.

Jason

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 12:02 a.m.

I sure don't support anything where are the supports for christians please someone show me I would like to know as far as Islamic they dont have my support maybe out in the woods far away that would be a ideal as for one right down the street basically they are frickin crazy

NorthsideZak

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.

This article leaves me with two questions for every one answer I received. Can someone rewrite this and tell me WHY they are drafting a resolution recommending that the township Board of Trustees deny the request? Give me something more than a few residents complained about traffic. A Walmart is located 100 yards east of this spot so it's hard for me to beleive they would deny a school there based on traffic. If it's what i think it is just say so, "the racists in Pittsfield don't want a Muslim school there". See thats not hard now is it?

Rod Johnson

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.

The Plymouth Road center is fine. Nice people, good neighbors. What were the grounds for this denial? Is there anything more to this than bigotry?

Linda Peck

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 11:06 p.m.

The traffic is a valid concern, with school buses and parents driving children.