Ann Arbor may spend nearly $13 million in the hopes of ultimately keeping a State Street property on the tax rolls. City Council Monday will consider a resolution to use their right of first refusal to purchase the Edwards Brothers property instead of it being sold to the University of Michigan.
Another pair of items on the agenda will have a big impact on the future of public art in the city. Council will consider the first reading of an ordinance amendment to allow uncommitted percent for art funds return to their source. Several council members have pushed for this move in the past, but others say the money is needed as the Public Art Commission looks to move to a new funding model relying on donations.
A six month contract extension for Public Art Administrator Aaron Seagraves was postponed two weeks ago and will be considered again. The delay was designed to have his contract considered at the same time the funding issue would be debated.
— 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.
