Residents on the southern edge of downtown Ann Arbor will no longer face 180-foot buildings.
Ann Arbor officials hope a zoning change will avoid another controversy concerning the allowable size of construction on the edges of downtown.
Cranes continue to soar above 413 East Huron and the neighborhood directly to the north of the project. The 14-story development, at Huron and Division Streets, was approved two years ago because it met height requirements. However, no one on council thought it was appropriate for the edge of downtown. Residents living on southern edge of downtown will no longer face the same threat. Council Member, Chuck Warpehoski, says zoning 425 South Main as D-2 eliminates the possibility of a 180-foot building on the site. Warpehoski is confident that 425 South Main will "be a much smaller building whenever it gets developed." He thinks that no matter the development, with the new zoning it will end up being "a much better fit for the neighborhood."
Some neighbors wanted an even stricter limit. However, this zoning change is more closely aligned with the Ashley Mews building across the street.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.
