with video: Group using YouTube video to make case for central park in downtown Ann Arbor
Supporters of the vision for a central park in Ann Arbor are circulating a 10-minute promotional video stating their case for more green space downtown.
Ann Arbor resident Will Hathaway, one of the leaders of the Library Green group, uploaded the video to YouTube to make the argument that city officials have two choices for the city-owned site atop a new underground parking structure downtown: a park or a parking lot.
The video expands on arguments Hathaway made during a presentation before the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority last month.
The idea of a central park hasn't gained traction with city officials who want to see vertical development on the site. However, Mayor John Hieftje has said he wants to see at least some open space on the Library Lot — it's just a matter of how much.
The Library Green group is hosting a downtown block party at the site of the new parking structure on Fifth Avenue from noon to 5 p.m. July 14.
Fliers circulated by group member Alan Haber indicate the event will honor the 25th anniversary of Jerusalem Garden and the 50th anniversary of the Herb David Guitar Studio.
Both companies sued the city over the parking structure project a few years ago, claiming it hurt their business. The lawsuit was later settled out of court.
The flier for the July 14 event invites the entire community to come "imagine a park" and be "green for a day."
The Library Green group holds planning meetings at 310 S. Ashley St. on Sunday afternoons from 1:30-3:30 p.m. For more information, call 734-649-3207 or 734-761-7967.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
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