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Posted on Wed, Dec 5, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.

Watershed must be studied to determine best way to deal with stormwater

By Letters to the Editor

721_N_Main_floodplain_map_2012.jpg

City of Ann Arbor

Glen Thompson's observations (in his comment) are partially correct in the article "Conceptual plan emerges for greenway park at 721 N. Main in Ann Arbor." As the former Land Development Coordinator (Jerry Hancock's old job) and Park Planner with the city, I agree that moving stormwater out of the floodway might be more appropriate, but given the trend toward more frequent and intensive storm events, the entire watershed needs to be carefully studied to determine what the best approach would be.

If nothing else, replacing impervious surface here would help infiltration rates. Unfortunately, this location is not a good site for the skate park as it needs good access and parking, plus additional amenities to serve kids and families, which are already available at Vets.

The additional imprevious surface area at Vets should be compensated for with additional stormwater detention on site — if not, then the city is not folowing its own regulations, which is totally inappropriate.

Carolyn Poissant

Ann Arbor

Comments

Roger Kuhlman

Wed, Dec 5, 2012 : 9:38 p.m.

Since money for conservation and environmental projects is extremely scarce it should not be spent willy nilly on plans like 721 North Main that may have little benefit compared to other environmental or conservation proposals. Environmentalists can not operate on the basis that there is unlimited free money out there and Environmentalism becomes compromised when it is put forth as a smokescreen for NIMBYism and advancing personal self-interests