Ann Arbor voters approved Proposal A on Tuesday. It requires the city-owned "Library Lot" be reserved for development of an urban park and civic center commons. Alan Haber is a member of the Ann Arbor Committee for Community Commons and helped lead the petition drive that put Proposal A on the ballot. Haber joined 89.1 WEMU's David Fair to discus the win and what comes next.
Ann Arbor Approve Proposals A, B, and C
Easily the most controversial proposal anywhere on a Washtenaw County Ballot, Proposal A was succesful with 52.61 percentage of city voters decided to preserve the so-called “Library Lot” to house an urban park and civic center. The area will now become known as the “Center of the City.” Had it failed, city officials would have continued to work with Chicago-based developer, Core Spaces, to being to life a mixed-use, 17-story high rise with a 12,000 square-foot public plaza.
The measure had split many in the community. For some, this was about preservation versus development. For others, it was about the economic growth of the downtown area and a way in which to better provide funding for more affordable housing.
The other two proposals on the Ann Arbor ballot were far less divisive, as evidenced in the voting.
Proposal B amends the city charter to change the manner in which vacancies are filled in elective offices. It passed, winning 87.45 percent in support. Up until now, when someone leaves office, city council would make an appointment and that person would serve out the remainder of departed elected officials term. Moving forward, the appointee will serve until the next, regularly scheduled election takes place.
Proposal C was a millage renewal for Ann Arbor park. The 5-year, 1.1 mill levy replaces an expiring, voter -approved, five-year levy. The tax is expected to generate over $6-million dollars in tax revenue in the first year of collection. The money will be dedicated to parks maintenance and capital improvements.
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— David Fair is the WEMU News Director and host of Morning Edition on WEMU. You can contact David at734.487.3363, on twitter @DavidFairWEMU, or email him at dfair@emich.edu
