Latest version of A2D2 comes before City Council

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 | Source: Concentrate

A2D2 take… Uhhh… Is anyone even keeping track anymore?

The latest version of the downtown Ann Arbor new design guidelines and zoning ordinances (that sounds nice and safe) is available for viewing here. The chance to add your two cents (along with everyone else's) about the controversial proposal will be at a public information meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in City Hall.

City planners, developers, businesses and residents have been wrestling with the revision of the downtown zoning guidelines for the last few years. City officials reopened the document to changes and public comment in September and are hoping to get City Council approval before the end of the year.

Numerous interest groups, ranging from preservationists to developers, have lobbied to mold A2D2 into a shape that serves their agenda. It has resulted in fluctuating boundaries of downtown and a height limit on new construction, among other things. Among the more recent changes is whether to make the suggested design guidelines in the latest version mandatory for any new construction.

It all promises to produce great political theater before the year is out as a new City Council takes up the issue how to shape downtown for the next decade or two. For information on the public meeting, contact Alexis DiLeo at adileo@a2gov.org or (734) 764-6000 ext. 42610.

Source: City of Ann Arbor
Writer: Jon Zemke