Ypsilanti City Council delays vote on Thompson Block lane closure

Many residents who use the road have complained about driving delays because of the street closure, and Depot Town business owners say it has caused a serious drop in commerce in the area.

Council members voted 4-3 to delay a 45-day extension of the road closure while they review details of Beal's plan to open Cross Street. Beal's current order allowing the closure expires Dec. 23.

The Ypsilanti City Council delayed making a decision on the lane closure near the Thompson Block.

Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com

Beal said he intends to reopen the street and eventually develop the historic building. He said he wants the extension to be granted by council so he can move forward.

"I would like to work it out right now," Beal said.

The city granted Beal a 90-day traffic control order to close the westbound lane of the street following the fire. But on Nov. 2, Fire Chief Jon Ichesco sent Beal a letter ordering him to either stabilize the building or demolish it, which Beal said caught him off-guard.

City Attorney Karl Barr said the building could be a liability issue. "Make it (the building) safe whether demolished or not," Barr said.

Council Member Lois Richardson said Beal has done little in the 90 days to improve the site while it's disrupting traffic and business in Depot Town.

"I'm just concerned about the people that live in that area and the people in Depot Town," Richardson said.

Beal disagreed, saying he's had engineers and historic preservation architects looking over the building during that time. He said if the council granted him the extension, he could have the street open in 15 days.

Beal said he would do that by moving the fencing back by 6 feet to open the sidewalk and create a 12-1/2 foot traffic lane on westbound Cross Street.

Stan Kirton, head of the city's Public Services department, said he has doubts about the safety of the building and Beal's plans to open the sidewalk and street. He said the 12-1/2 foot lanes would have to separated by traffic barriers, which would make the street hard to traverse - much less plow after snowstorms. He also said he's concerned about the building's safety supports and the wisdom of opening up the sidewalks without better stabilization in place.

The discussion became tense between Beal, his father Fred, president of JC Beal Construction Inc., and some members of the council when they asked Beal to have city staff review his plans before granting an extension. Beal said he had already submitted his plans to the city and would be happy to review them.

Stewart Beal

Council Member Mike Bodary said the council and Kirton haven't had time to review the street plan, so they requested the delay until they can look over the details. He said they want to reopen Cross Street as soon and safely as possible.

"I think it is prudent for the public safety and interest," Bodary said.

Beal said he's sorry if the closure has disrupted traffic and business in Depot Town, but he needs more time to come up with plans to stabilize and then develop the building. He added Ypsilanti residents have spoken mostly in favor of preserving the site.

The Thompson Block dates back to the 1850s and has served as a Civil War barracks, a horse buggy manufacturing plant, and a Dodge dealership.

Former Mayor Cheryl Farmer supports its preservation.

"Don't allow the Thompson building to be torn down," she told the council.

But Barbara Hale, an Ypsilanti resident since 1949, said the building should probably go.

"This particular building has been an eyesore since I've been in town," Hale said.

David Wak is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.