Snyder signs bill opening door for corridor improvements on Washtenaw Avenue
An initiative aimed at revitalizing Washtenaw Avenue and improving conditions for motorists, pedestrians and transit riders just received a big boost from the state of Michigan.
Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law House Bill 5142 to allow four local municipalities to create a corridor improvement authority to encourage investment along the corridor.
"I'm just very happy the Legislature and the governor took positive action on this because this will really benefit us, and it's a great example of regional collaboration," said Ann Arbor City Council Member Tony Derezinski, D-2nd Ward.
A corridor improvement authority could be formed for Washtenaw Avenue under a new state law.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
But under the state's old Corridor Improvement Act, four or more municipalities could not create a joint authority.
They can now under Public Act 229 of 2012.
The legislation was sponsored by state Reps. Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township, and Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor. It allows multiple municipalities to join together to create special tax-capturing districts to redevelop commercial corridors at least 30 years old.
Ouimet said the changes to the law mean the most congested transportation corridor in Washtenaw County can become more walkable and less clogged.
"The new law will literally change the landscape of Washtenaw Avenue and help make our area more livable," he said, thanking Irwin for his support on the issue.
The new authority will be able to apply for federal highway improvement funds. It also can levy a special assessment, issue revenue bonds and notes, or create a tax-increment financing plan with a vote of its governing board, consisting of up to three members from each municipality.
The new law prohibits an authority board from adding a toll or user fees for any motor vehicle access to new or existing roads or bridges.
Local officials have been working toward creation of a corridor improvement authority for the 5-mile stretch of Washtenaw Avenue from Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor to the water tower in Ypsilanti for more than two years, but they ran into legal hurdles.
Derezinski and Terri Blackmore, executive director of the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study, went to Lansing to testify in support of the changes to the law.
When the legislation got hung up in the Senate, Derezinski and Kirk Profit, the city's lobbyist, went to personally talk with state Sen. Dave Robertson, chairman of the Local Government and Elections Committee. Soon after, it was on the committee's agenda and passed.
"We were very happy," Derezinski said.
The Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously in December 2010 on a resolution of intent to create a joint corridor improvement authority. The three other jurisdictions did the same, but no final decisions on actually forming the authority have been made yet.
"I think it's possible. I wouldn't say it's a slam dunk," Blackmore said. "There's a lot of negotiation that still has to go on."
Ann Arbor City Council members get advice on carefully wording a resolution of intent to form a corridor improvement authority during a break in a meeting in December 2010.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"We're a couple of steps away from creating it, but at least we've taken the preliminary steps," Derezinski said, hesitant to say when it might come back before council.
Through Washtenaw County, the initiative landed a $3 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last November.
Blackmore said the corridor improvement authority will allow the four municipalities to implement a lot of the planning efforts that are under way.
Projects being talked about include a dedicated transit lane on Washtenaw, non-motorized improvements from Pittsfield Boulevard past the US-23 interchange to Carpenter Road and improved pedestrian crossings on Washtenaw, including across from Arborland.
County officials put out a request for proposals on June 22, seeking a consultant to take on a $251,000 study of future right-of-way needs for improvements along Washtenaw, including pedestrian crossings, transit super stops, bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, sidewalks and other transit amenities. The RFP notes the project area includes more than 100 acres of vacant or underutilized sites with significant potential for infill and redevelopment.
"The Re-Imagining Washtenaw Avenue corridor redevelopment project envisions retrofitting the auto-oriented suburban stretch between the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti into a sustainable transit corridor with unique places along the corridor," the RFP reads.
The county is planning to use a portion of the $3 million HUD grant for the study, which it wants completed by June 2013.
The RFP goes on to note the project will encourage redevelopment emphasizing mixed uses and compact design, providing a greater range of housing options and increasing investment in non-motorized connections and enhancing transit service.
Blackmore predicted there could be a number of consolidated bus stops — so-called "transit super stops" — along Washtenaw Avenue in the future.
"They'll have a big shelter and they may eventually have 'next bus' information telling you how long before the next bus comes," she said.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
tosviol8or
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 4:23 a.m.
This bill does nothing to allow additional "regional collaboration". The four units could have each created their own CIAs, then entered into an interlocal agreement to operate them as one without the bill. The biggest "benefit" from allowing only four Washtenaw County municipalities to form a "joint authority" is that it will be much more difficult for one or more of them to withdraw in the future when they realize they aren't getting much for their efforts and money. "The new law prohibits an authority board from adding a toll or user fees for any motor vehicle access to new or existing roads or bridges." Where'd you get that from? I read the bill, and it says nothing of the sort. "The Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously in December 2010 on a resolution of intent to create a joint corridor improvement authority. The three other jurisdictions did the same, but no final decisions on actually forming the authority have been made yet." What weight does a resolution to do something not authorized by statute carry? Joint authorities weren't allowed in Dec. 2010. This legislation is poorly written. The authority board members will discover that when they find out many of their plans have to be approved by four municipal legislative bodies. "The new authority will be able to apply for federal highway improvement funds. It also can levy a special assessment, issue revenue bonds and notes, or create a tax-increment financing plan with a vote of its governing board..." They could have done all those things without the amendment. This is another example of legislators creating a solution to a non-existent problem. Lansing/East Lansing/Lansing Township created authorities and an interlocal agreement for Michigan Avenue without PA 229. The reason the Washtenaw governments didn't is because they have undoubtedly discovered some underhanded ways to avoid public scrutiny under the newly allowed structure.
Jeff Irwin
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
Thank you to Rep. Ouimet for helping to open new options for local units to collaborate.
aaudubon
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 12:34 a.m.
To clarify for some of the commenters here, this act by Snyder simply expands the prior law to ALLOW for the creation of a Corridor Improvement Authority across four jurisdictions. It has not created one. If the communities choose to follow this route as one option toward encouraging redevelopment and investment in the corridor, there are a number of steps that need to take place, including public input.
JRW
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
"It also can levy a special assessment, issue revenue bonds and notes, or create a tax-increment financing plan with a vote of its governing board, consisting of up to three members from each municipality." READ: Increased taxes for this debacle.
JRW
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 6:58 p.m.
Ouimet said the changes to the law mean the most congested transportation corridor in Washtenaw County can become more walkable and less clogged. "The new law will literally change the landscape of Washtenaw Avenue and help make our area more livable," he said, thanking Irwin for his support on the issue. ========= So, they are proposing to add bike lanes and sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, along with more infill development, to the most congested stretch of road in Washtenaw County??? How does this LESSEN the unbelievable congestion on Washtenaw? Bike lanes? Are you serious? There is already a paved path well off the roadway that is rarely used. Isn't that a walkway and bike path? They recently spent all kinds of money on a "bike path" from Washtenaw to campus, and I've never seen it used by one bicycle or pedestrian. NONE of the suggestions listed will decrease traffic in that corridor. It is a classic example of too many cars, too many strip malls and terrible entrances and exits from these strip malls (think Arborland). Bike lanes and sidewalks will do NOTHING to decrease traffic flow. This is car country, folks, and what do they think people would walk to? Walk to Hillers and purchase what? One can of soup and a head of lettuce? How much do you think people can carry home? Speaking of which, they discuss adding residential along Washtenaw? Who in their right mind would want to live (or walk) along this choked, congested corridor and breathe all that exhaust?
alterego
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
Tree-lined boulevards.
Andrew Smith
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.
A streetcar (tram, trolley) along Washtenaw would relieve traffic congestion and get more people moving smoothly. Lay the rails on the center left-turn lane, from downtown Ann Arbor to downtown Ypsi.
alterego
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 5:17 p.m.
It's been done before...Maybe someday when fuel becomes expensive enough.
melloyellow
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 3:29 p.m.
When or where is the GOLDEN SPIKE going to be build,? 30 years is LOONG enough! where is all l the fedreal money for that project ? When is the train stopping in depotwon, as advertise in 2010.. For the thankgiving parade to detroit? Rep. John Dingell iussed $ 200 Million.
Peter Eckstein
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2:43 p.m.
"The new authority will be able to apply for federal highway improvement funds. It also can levy a special assessment, issue revenue bonds and notes, or create a tax-increment financing plan with a vote of its governing board, consisting of up to three members from each municipality." Don't we have enough "buckets" and enough unelected bodies with a permanent source of tax dollars able to spend on whatever strikes their fancy (the latest being the two-story Blake center, with only one floor for the use of passengers)? It will be able to issue revenue bonds--against what revenue? Obviously revenue that would otherwise be available for police, fire, parks and other essential city services. It would be able to create a TIF plan on its own, allowing the 3/4 of the board not from Ann Arbor to siphon tax dollars away from Ann Arbor. The projects outlined last year when this was rolled out were either preposterous (creating greater density) or just trendy (having all the stores along the avenue with their parking lots in back). Also counterproductive--bike lanes and reserved lanes for buses. What is hurting Washtenaw Ave in Ann Arbor is traffic congestion, pure and simple. Density and reserved lanes will make this worse, possibly far worse. If they want an authority with only the ability to attract federal highway funds to improve and/or divert the flow of vehicular traffic, fine. But almost no one bikes to buy groceries at Whole Foods or Hillers, etc., now, and adding a few bike lanes will drive away more customers than it will attract. Vivienne Armentrout makes a lot of sense on this issue--as is so often the case.
P. J. Murphy
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.
Interesting analysis, but frankly unpersuasive. Congestion is not the problem. The problem is that people don't want to get out of their cars. And if they are not in a car they don't want to be on the street. It's further compounded by the distinctly different nature of the the east and west ends of the avenue. High end shopping like Whole Foods, or Hiller's might work west of the Parkway, but east of Carpenter the picture changes and the residential density also increases. Restructuring the road to accomodate traffic flow will do nothing to improve the value of street frontage for merchants and the attractiveness of this area to potential shoppers or alternate travelers. Any basic rethinking of this street clearly begins with making it more hospitable to other types of use. Done well it could accomodate the existing vehicular traffic, yet also invite participation by those who have avoided it in the past. You may argue that the actual commercial impact of pedestrians and cyclists is negligible. Perhaps. But they can change the atmosphere, and rescue it from it's existing destiny as just another strip of asphalt and neon. The fact that this new political entity has some clout bothers me far less than you. It needs clout to get people's attention and to actually have the ability to pull financial strings to accomplish it's goals. I won't argue that the potential for misuse, waste, graft, and a hundred other horrible outcomes isn't possible. So both the press and the pubic need to exert due diligence at every step. Yep, it could be a boondoggle. But as mentioned above, no action in this matter is without risk. With inaction the decline of this avenue is likely to continue, and perhaps accelerate.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
In the A2 section of Washtenaw, they should use the tax revenue from those busy businesses that are getting all the traffic to fund the necessary improvements. If Whole Foods wants to play tricks with parking and density, let them pay for the infrastructure to support their store, etc.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
Hang on to your wallet! I have a feeling A2 taxpayers are going to be forced to fund improvements far beyond the city limits, thanks to the new taxing authority this new government agency will have.
tdw
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
Ron....Why not ? they already buy a butt load of farms outside of A2 that no one can use
jmac
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
I hope there's no discussion of reducing Washtenaw down to one lane each way and a middle turn lane with 'traffic calming islands' and/or putting rotaries (traffic circles) in at the Mjaor (e.g., Ellsworth/Carpenter) intersections - these all seem to be the current 'trends' in traffic management for the region!
Veracity
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
Hey, the New Transit Authority could impose such changes. It is a risk as will be everything that the New Transit Authority decides to do. But you can count on this: developers will receive most of the benefits while tax payers will carry most of the liabilities.
Linda Peck
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
This is long overdue. I hope the project that appears to be moving ahead will do so with efficiency and economy, but with an eye toward beauty and function.
Veracity
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
What specifically is long overdue? Many of the design features illustrated on the Re-Imaging Washtenaw website are impractical and would actually increase road congestion. Where is the value in speculative developments like Arbor Hills Crossing? What shops do you plan to visit there? Can't name any because no private enterprise has committed to leasing property there? That is just my point. If commercial retail construction is needed along Washtenaw Avenue then why is the old Hollywood Video store still vacant at Huron Parkway and Washtenaw Avenue? Why do the old Borders and Circuit City stores remain unoccupied in Arborland?
RUKiddingMe
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 10:51 a.m.
Heartily agree with Armentrout on this. Every time I hear about a new "Task Force" or "Think Tank" or "Governing Body" or "Authority" all I can think of is the additional siphons and leaks for the money. This whole area seems to be continuously adding and staffing groups, organizations, bodies, tanks, and forces, and it's all just a model for mis-spent, mis-allocated money. Get the job done with existing staff; collaborate, cooperate, facilitate. Don't invent new bodies.
tdw
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 10:07 a.m.
As I stated before I just hope A2's influence stops at the city.I won't speak for Pittsfield .But for bike lanes in Ypsi Twp to use them you need to be able to get to them.There are only 4 streets to get to Washtenaw between Golfside and Hewitt and those are 4 blocks from Hewitt.The bike path on Packard between Hewitt and Golfside is almost and has been unusable for the most part many,many, many years.What may work for A2 doesn't mean it will work for Ypsi Twp
P. J. Murphy
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 6:02 a.m.
Unpleasant to drive, ridiculous to walk or bike, more than a little creeping blight, yet this is the major connection between two neighboring cities. Put your calculators aside and just ask, what could this avenue be? Beautiful cities are not the result of bean counters. Or those who worship the automobile. It's unlikely that this corridor will see much future retail development in the traditional model. It's never been that strong, and the competition both locally and on the web is formidable and growing. But it has a lot of traffic, it is just off 23. What it lacks mostly is any sense of character or place. Compare it to Depot Town or Kerrytown. Consider Ann Arbor's downtown before Flood's Party or the Whiffletree. That's Washtenaw Ave. now. It has some promising spots, but it could use some help. The general plans as outlined seem include a variety of different modes of transportation. This seems pretty elementary to me. And I don't mind administrators and politicians from both communities meeting. Who knows, maybe they will learn something. Making new friends is something politicians should be good at. Certainly there are risks. But doing nothing also carries a risk as well. So I'm happy to see this Authority formed, glad to see they're empowered to really do something, and I'll be very interested in what they come up with.
treetowncartel
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 6:58 p.m.
I don't think treees are necessary or a good idea. The Authority, or any of the municipalities associated with it, are not going to take care of thlift concrete and ashpahlte leaves every fall. The will just end up clogging sewers and the roots of the trees can also lift up concrete and ashphalt. Oh, and no big perenials near the roadway either, they impede your vision. I do wonder how they intend to make Washtenaw wlkabale and ADA acccessible under 23. That big foot bridge over 23 at Geddes would have been better placed down there. Also, I'd suggest a highway entrance/exit at either Packard or Ellsworth, that would take some of the congestion off of Washtenaw, and then go ahead and widen 23 to three lanes from the triple decker down to 94.
melloyellow
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 3:23 p.m.
Where are the TREES on washtenaw Road? we need more green and cool place to stop in!
Veracity
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
Washtenaw Avenue has been a main artery into and out of Ann Arbor for years in the past and will be for the foreseeable future. Most commuters. including myself, pay little attention to the appearance and amenities along Washtenaw Avenue. Trees and other attractive plantings along the side walks could enhance the appearance and can be established without a New Transit Authority. In considering the value that may be provided by a New Transit Authority attention should be directed towards identifying the end-destination targets for consumers along Washtenaw Avenue. On the West side of US 23, Whole Foods and Barnes and Noble are the only end-destination sites that can be identified. Panera, Qdoba and Paesano's Restaurants are lesser considerations. The true underlying motivation for creating the New Transit Authority is provide a source of financial support for private development of mixed residential-commercial development. Unfortunately, the need for more mixed residential-commercial development has never been established. In fact, the proposed Arbor Hills Crossing development is entirely speculative with no occupants of the proposed commercial construction identified yet. And the proposed return of TIF money to developers as reimbursement for Brownfield remediation promises that the City will not see a financial benefit from the development. Creation of a New Transit Authority is no panacea for Ann Arbor which will finance the Authority's activities with new taxes and yet receive little if any monetary benefits in return.
Veracity
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 5:03 a.m.
Plans so far revealed for development of Washtenaw Avenue will neither improve traffic flow nor guarantee financial benefits to Ann Arbor. The Arbor Hills Crossing development will require a new traffic light at Platt and Washtenaw Avenue which will impede vehicle flow. Cars entering and leaving the parking lot of Arbor Hills Crossing along Washtenaw Avenue will also slow down traffic. Furthermore, additional pedestrian crosswalks will interrupt the movement of traffic. Arbor Hills Crossing is being built speculatively with no assurance that all commercial space will be leased or that the businesses which do lease will be successful and avoid bankruptcy. Hopefully the companies that occupy Arbor Hills Crossing will generate enough revenue to allow TIF payments to the City. Of course the City will not retain the TIF payments for many years as it has agreed to apply the TIF funds for remuneration of Brownfield remediation and other site development costs. The plan to have an additional traffic lane along Washtenaw Avenue dedicated for rapid transit use will not work because the US 23 underpass will not accommodate an additional lane. Finally, the transit system imposed on Washtenaw Avenue will require substantial subsidies since little demand for the service will not produce enough riders to make the sytem self-sustaining financially.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 3:15 a.m.
For a lot less than $250k I can volunteer what's wrong with this stretch of road. Abandoned shopping centers and car dealerships. Surprisingly, there are a ton of great restaurants, most of which are reasonably priced. Ypsi Township gets the hall of shame: K-mart and the bowling alley. Honorable mention to the shopping center across from Arborland.
tdw
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 9:46 a.m.
Bob....K-mart is still open ( unless you are referring to Farmer Jacks ) and if reports are true at least two new businesses will be opening at the bowling alley was.And the place where Kroger was is no jem
Vivienne Armentrout
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2:57 a.m.
I like the idea of improving the Washtenaw Avenue connection between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. I like the idea of a more walkable corridor (in the spirit of Complete Streets). I like the idea of a seamless transit network between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Our entire urban area should be a whole in every way. But I'm opposed to a Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA). This would be a TIF-type authority similar to the DDA. It would siphon off tax dollars from any new development along the corridor. A lot is already happening in that area. Would the new CIA benefit from the already planned Arbor Crossings project and other improvement already in the works? As I understand it, it would. Ann Arbor's tax base is limited. We are a landlocked city and the UM is taking more property off the rolls every day. The emphasis on downtown development is sending more of our new tax base to the DDA. We don't need another unaccountable autonomous authority that would strip out tax revenue from new development. We need that money for police and fire protection, solid waste, roads, and parks, and other local taxes that support our basic services and the additional services that we voted extra taxes on ourselves to pay for.
Dog Guy
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2:49 a.m.
The Boss may be expected to re-imagine Washtenaw Ave. as a greenbelty greenway with only a two-way bike path disturbing ineffable verdure. Committees and councils cannot but agree.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2:43 a.m.
Lets see - dedicated transit lane 24 feet (one on each side), bike lanes 20 feet (one on each side), sidewalks with buffer from the roadway 20 feet (5 foot sidewalk and 5 foot buffer on each side), 2 lanes for traffic going each way 48 feet, center turn lane 12 feet. Total transportation corridor width for 5 miles = 124 feet or 75 acres of paved area - that should fix most of the 100 acres of under developed land right there. Reality is about 1/2 of this is already roadway - but the parking in front of a lot of places is going to disappear if they get their "magic ribbon" of mixed use transportation.
michman
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2 a.m.
Just what we need along the most congested corridor...bike lanes. That'll cut down on congestion.
djm12652
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
haha Ross...you said "dude"... how left er I mean West Coast! LOL
Julius
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 4:32 p.m.
It seems to me that there are enough roads so that Washtenaw could be more of a thoroughfare on which traffic can flow much more efficiently than it is. Packard is not that far away so it could be the main bike route into and out of town while Washtenaw gets an overhaul allowing for better traffic flow. There are times in which you come around the curve at the Stadium split and see nothing but cars from there to the freeway. Freeway improvements wold cut down on the congestion there as well. Part of the reason Washtenaw gets backed up is because 23 is an utter joke, especially on the north side. Traffic is slow for miles. So much so that I'd rather drive all the way to Saline and pick up Willis road -- just to avoid A2 all together. It might take a little longer, but if I'm in my car, I'd rather keep moving. No one's lazy for not riding a bike. You're less safe and susceptible to weather changes.
foobar417
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 10:35 a.m.
MDOT has already announced plans to add room for bikes going under 23 this summer, I believe.
michman
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 3:23 a.m.
I'm not confusing it with the Jackson Road project at all (nor am I lazy). I'm just looking at this idea realistically and objectively, at least from my POV. There isn't a whole lot of room to add bike paths, particularly at the 23 overpass. If you can't link the two sides under 23, what's the point? At the overpass, you have the same issue there as there is for adding lanes to 23, north of AA...bridges aren't wide enough. And realistically, how many people will switch from cars to bikes along that corridor? That survey needs to be part of the $251,000, otherwise, who really knows if it's worth investing the money in bike paths? Show me the data, otherwise it's just another sustainability thing that sounds nice in concept. Hate to sound so pessimistic about the idea. In short, I guess my point is, there will need to be a cost/benefit analysis and see if it's even worth it to put our fuel tax dollars into it. It may reduce congestion, but by how much. Enough to make it worth it? The way I see it, I just don't see the benefit being big enough. That's all. I do agree, however, that pedestrian traffic crossing from Arborland to the south side needs to be addressed. Those brave people...
Ross
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2:31 a.m.
What a silly thing to say. Any proposal or idea so grand as this will not simply take away car lanes to add bike lanes. (please don't compare this with the MDOT idea to reduce jackson rd; not the same situation at all). Any major new work here would likely ADD bike PATHS off of the road. Even adding a new, separate bike lane within the contiguous paved surface, provided car lane count is maintained, would HELP REDUCE congestion. Imagine not having to brake and avoid those sporadic brave souls who DO ride through on their bikes now. OR! Even better, some of the people who are currently afraid to ride a bike through there, and are now driving a car instead, could simply bike. Thus further reducing congestion. Just because you are too lazy to exercise on a bicycle doesn't mean they are bad for our roads, cities, and planet, dude.
Myles
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:57 a.m.
I like this, it's supporting the plan of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw county in general becoming collaborated, maybe even the next metropolitan area, Metro Ann Arbor.
Ben Petiprin
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2:54 a.m.
If the cities were to combine, Ann Arbor would be referred to as "Little Ypsi."
djacks24
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2:40 a.m.
Many Ann Arborites would rather die than see that happen. They truly think the world is flat and ends across the city limits. Imagine Ypsi or Ypsi township being considered Metro Ann Arbor. Talk about a fate worse than death for them to be lumped into the same demographic as their neighbors!
treetowncartel
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:50 a.m.
The interchange at US 23/Washtenaw/Carpenter needs to be redone. The state should use its power of eminent domain and take some property in the area to facilitate it.
GoNavy
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
Eminent domain? Heck, they already own the land...the State can just go ahead and tear down it's nice new sherrif's facility on Hogback and Washtenaw, and put the interchange right there.
arborani
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:38 p.m.
Aw, one of my favorite sports is the we-double-dare-you merge in crossing Washtenaw northward onto Hogback.
Monica R-W
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:43 a.m.
Let's get this going Ypsilanti Township! Lord knows we could use improvements along the Washtenaw Coordinator!
jns131
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
Ypsi township has been way ahead of Ann Arbor for a long time. Tearing buildings down and making new ones look new. It is about time Ann Arbor you make your corridor look nice. Not sure I am ready for another orange barrel polka this fall.
arborani
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
Coordinator? In a wacky way, that almost fits . . .
stihl1
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 3:54 a.m.
Vote for Y-Town Future in August. Getting that area developed properly means getting new people in office in the township.
tdw
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:27 a.m.
I just hope Ann Arbors city council's influence stops at their city limit
antikvetch
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
But the money will be wasted in a more thoughtful and enlightened way....
tdw
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 9:38 a.m.
Because A2 city council has a long history of wasting a lot of money on nothing of any real value.They simply waste time and money on getting nothing done.They will spend tons of money ( like greg, too pointed out ) on studies take a few years to start, go over budget, go past the complete date and still screw it up
Myles
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:59 a.m.
Why would you hope that?
greg, too
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.
So 250k of the $3mil will be spent just trying to figure out what to do?
GoNavy
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
Measure twice. Cut once.
Chris Hall
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 12:05 a.m.
If I'm reading this right, it looks as though something bi-partisan might have happened in Michigan! Could it be?
Jay Thomas
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
Ricky is a RINO so don't be too shocked.