Ann Arbor City Council begrudgingly approves Maple Cove apartments project on city's west side

Council members shared the same concerns that members of the Planning Commission expressed last month — that the project at 1649 N. Maple falls short of their expectations and they're disappointed in the developer for not addressing the city's concerns.

Property owner Muayad Kasham, who owns Superior Lawn Care & Snow Removal in Ann Arbor, plans to demolish an existing home and construct two 18-unit, three-story apartment buildings and seven single-family homes, as well as a 64-space parking lot. Site plans for the apartment buildings include 12 one-bedroom units and 24 two-bedroom units.

Residents and city officials have cited potential safety risks posed by a lack of sidewalks, which some fear could force children to walk in the street, and having two driveways close together on Maple Road, just north of Miller Avenue.

According to Planning Manager Wendy Rampson, the developer doesn't have to address those issues and the project meets city code.

Kunselman said he couldn't support the project because the developer is "cutting corners" and it will have a negative impact on public health, safety and welfare.

Other council members shared similar concerns but said it wasn't enough to deny the project, especially since it meets the city's zoning laws.

Upon voting in favor of the project, Council Member Carsten Hohnke, D-5th Ward, said it was unfortunate the developer refused to make some minor improvements to the site plan.

"I was disappointed that didn't happen," he said.

Mayor John Hieftje said he feared the city could be sued if it didn't approve the project. That's the same rationale the council used for approving the controversial City Place apartments, another project that neither residents nor city officials wanted to see move forward.

"We do have an obligation to follow the law," Hieftje said, adding the city would be "on extremely thin ice" in a lawsuit over Maple Cove.

Council Member Tony Derezinski, D-2nd Ward, agreed.

"When it meets the code, that's it," Derezinski said. "At some point in time, what's your law is your law and you have to make sure you comply with it."