University of Michigan soccer complex annexation to come before Ann Arbor Planning Commission

An artist rendering of U-M's proposed soccer stadium.

The university wants to connect to city utilities to provide restrooms and other amenities for a new soccer stadium to be constructed around a competition field on the site. U-M currently uses the land for two practice soccer fields and one competition field.

City staff is recommending the petition be approved because the property is within the city’s water and sewer service area, and the university wants to connect to the city's sanitary sewer and water system.

"This parcel would have water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer improvement charges based on the council-approved amounts in place at the time of active service," Jill Thacher of the city's planning staff wrote in a report. "The 2009 amounts are $37,389 water improvement charge, $97,740 sewer improvement charge, and $14,000 local public improvement charge for storm sewer. The storm sewer charge is due upon annexation; the others are due at connection."

U-M unveiled an architectural rendering in September showing its plans for a $6 million soccer stadium.

The design by Jickling Lyman Powell Associates Inc. was approved by the university's Board of Regents in June. It calls for a 20,000-square-foot building with seating for 1,800. 

Funding will come from athletic department resources and gifts. The project includes concessions, restrooms, a media area and two team locker rooms.

The soccer complex is located on the east side of South Main Street, south of Ann Arbor Saline Road, and is in the Huron River Watershed.

Also on Tuesday's agenda is a discussion on the City Planning Commission bylaws.

The Planning Commission will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 15, where it will hold a public hearing before adopting the 2011-16 Capital Improvements Plan. The CIP is a supporting document for the city's master plan and is used as the source document for capital budget planning.

Also at that meeting, a public hearing will be held on a request by Arbor Dog Daycare, 2856 S. Main St., to allow the business to increase total floor area from 3,200 to 8,800 square feet, add five spaces for a total of 13 spaces, extend the hours of operation and allow for up to 125 dogs on site.

The Planning Commission meets in the City Council chambers on the second floor of city hall, 100 N. Fifth Ave.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.