Ann Arbor DDA passes resolution urging city to let DDA handle redevelopment of city-owned lots
From left to right, Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority board members Bob Guenzel, Newcombe Clark and John Mouat discuss a proposed agreement with the city of Ann Arbor for redevelopment of city-owned properties at today's DDA meeting.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Members of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority urged the Ann Arbor City Council today to approve a plan that would let the DDA take the lead on promoting redevelopment of city-owned property downtown.
The DDA's governing board voted 10-0 on a resolution encouraging the City Council to authorize the DDA to develop an implementation plan and take the lead on handling requests for proposals from private developers.
Under the draft plan on which the DDA has yet to vote, the DDA would take responsibility for the creation of a strategic parcel-by-parcel plan, solicitation of developer proposals and working with City Council to select projects that match goals of the plan.
The City Council is expected to take up the issue on Jan. 18, after which it likely would come back to the DDA for further discussion. Mayor John Hieftje, who serves on the DDA, said it could take more than one meeting to pass through council.
"Hopefully the council will pass it," said DDA Chairwoman Joan Lowenstein. "Once it's passed by council, then it comes back to us to say how are we going to turn this into something that is more than just a framework."
The resolution approved by the DDA today notes that the authority's 2003 Renewal Plan stated that the DDA would work to encourage private development of public land and attract people and businesses to downtown Ann Arbor. The plan specifically highlighted a number of city-owned downtown parking lots as sites for potential redevelopment.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Dog Guy
Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
Good plan! Another layer of overlay will delay the inevitable tracing of bribes.
Ben Connor Barrie
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
Is it just me, or it this article's title a little misleading? Granted, 'handle' is a vague word. Perhaps, 'Ann Arbor DDA passes resolution urging city to let DDA take lead in handling redevelopment proposals for city-owned lots' would be a more accurate, yet less attention grabbing headline?
Bob Martel
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.
Ryan, Is there an inventory of the specific properties that the DDA would be charged with redeveloping?
jcj
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
Another power grab from a group that thinks it has all the answers! Lets just do away with a city council! They appear to be incapable of making their own decision about much except artwork!