Neighbors voice opposition to closing Main Street for Michigan football games
The University of Michigan wants to close the section of Main Street near Michigan Stadium during home football games.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com
Nearly three dozen members of the community attended a public meeting Wednesday night at the downtown Ann Arbor library to hear details about the plan and provide feedback.
Several neighbors who live just west of the Big House said they're worried their streets will be clogged with extra traffic trying to navigate around Main Street.
Ann Arbor Police Chief John Seto and University of Michigan Police Chief Joe Piersante listen to residents' concerns about the closure of Main Street Wednesday during a meeting inside the downtown library.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The 2013 schedule also includes a night game against Notre Dame at 8 p.m. Sept. 7.
George Feldman, who lives in the shadow of the Big House on Keech Avenue, said he thinks the proposal is more about creating a "plaza-type situation" for football fans than about safety.
"What they want to do is have a better experience for their crowd, which is understandable, but it vastly inconveniences other people in the neighborhood," he said. "It will make things worse, there's no advantage to it, and it should be voted down."
Ann Arbor Police Chief John Seto, who facilitated Wednesday's meeting, said he's supporting the university's request, which goes to the City Council for consideration Aug. 8.
Seto said he thinks the proposal strikes the right balance between providing public safety and minimizing inconveniences to residents.
"I realize there's going to be inconveniences. I recognize that and I empathize, and that's why we're here to listen to that," he said.
The university made its request to the city on July 15. U-M Police Chief Joe Piersante said the proposed street closure is 100 percent about safety.
Piersante said Homeland Security did a vulnerability assessment in 2010 — the year President Barack Obama delivered the commencement address at the Big House — and pointed out some weaknesses and made some recommendations to enhance security at the stadium.
"One was a 100-foot buffer zone all the way around the stadium, and right now we have a 100-foot zone on the east side, the north side and the south side," Piersante said. "We want to be able to complete that on the west side, which is Main Street."
Seto and Piersante both said the street closure should improve pedestrian safety, as large crowds outside the stadium sometimes spill into traffic on the street.
City Council Member Marcia Higgins, D-4th Ward, said she's not willing to support the university's request at this point given the concerns residents' raised Wednesday night.
"I'm really looking to see what the chief's going to do with this feedback," she said after the meeting. "I think he's got a lot to go back and think about."
Seto said he was thankful for the input residents provided and he's going to evaluate their suggestions.
"As far as the proposal, it has to go before council for consideration, so if there's any modifications we're able to make ... we'll certainly make those and present those to council," he said.
The city closed Main Street in front of the Big House during Obama's visit in 2010 and during the Notre Game night game in 2011. The street closed three hours before the Notre Dame game at 5 p.m. and reopened at 11:30 p.m. right before the game ended.
U-M is proposing a similar plan for this fall, with the street closing three hours before each game and reopening for post-game traffic at the end of each game.
Southbound traffic would be detoured on Pauline to Seventh Street and then south to Stadium and back to Main. Northbound traffic would follow the exact reverse of that route.
Six additional city police officers would be specifically assigned to handle the detour route and affected area. They would be assigned to Pauline and Seventh, Stadium and Seventh, and in the Allmendinger neighborhood to respond to any traffic problems in the area.
Seto said the university would be responsible for reimbursing the city for staff costs. There also would be two additional city signs and signals employees to monitor traffic control devices.
According to information provided by the city, there were few traffic backups and few complaints as a result of the street closure during the Notre Dame game in 2011 and officers assisted motorists needing to access parking lots off Main Street.
Seto said city police and university police would meet after every game this fall to evaluate any issues that might arise.
"I do not expect there to be any traffic problems," Seto said. "But if there are, there will be additional staff to mitigate those and resolve those as quickly as possible."
Jack Schoettes, who lives on Snyder Avenue just four houses down from the Big House, was in the minority in saying he likes the plan. He thinks it should have been implemented before now.
Even if the chances of a terrorist driving up Main Street and detonating a bomb next to the Big House are low, he said, it's still something the community should take precautions against.
"It's an inconvenience we're willing to deal with," he said of the street closure.
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.
Comments
Terry Reilly
Sun, Jul 28, 2013 : 11:52 a.m.
Get over it, This is for part of 7 days of the year. Your life will go on largely uninterrupted.
sweet_life
Sat, Jul 27, 2013 : 11:56 a.m.
Using the measurement tool and historic images in Google Earth, I measured the distance between Main St. and the west side of the stadium before the additions were added. The distance between the street and stands was never more than 60-80 feet. So, the argument that the University should have somehow anticipated the need for a 100 foot buffer zone before building the addition is bogus. They would have had to move the whole stadium to the east.
wisecat
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 2:26 p.m.
Having read all these comments, I would add for history's sake, Baseball used to be the great American pastime--"take me out to the ball game, etc." In 1890, the Department of Interior announced that the "frontier" was officially closed. All the land in the continental United States was settled or claimed. Internally, the imperial urge for conquest was thwarted. How to satisfy, gratify, sublimate this social need in the people? University presidents and politicians got together and decided that Football was the answer: create and celebrate and amplify a game of territorial conquest. Then began the promotion and investing, in College Football as a new national sport. Glorify a game of territorial conquest, a line of scrimmage for the boys to fight over, preparing them, and their families, for the normality of the marines in the Philippines, Hawaii, Cuba, Honduras, Dominica, Guatemala, , Grenada, El Salvador, Nicaragua and more recently Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, apparently soon Syria, "from the Halls of Montazuma to the shores of Tripoli". Football is not just a game, just as de-nial (denial) is not just a river in Egypt. For "our town" Main Street is the next line of scrimmage. Good luck Ann Arbor High. We are facing the Champions of the West, Leaders and Best, Victors Valiant. If the arrogance of power was not obvious from the ill-fated "halo" or the great arched colosseum for the patricians in their luxury boxes to watch the gladiators below, or the electronic billboard on Stadium Boulevard, this latest effort for a "temporary"occupation of Main Street should persuade one and all of the rationality and good sense of Empire, especially when voiced by two Chiefs of Police and Homeland Security itself. Be grateful though, Main Street is only a temporary taking. They want all of Monroe Street from State to Tappan, so their Law and Public Policy students can go back and forth without the nuis
wisecat
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 2:29 p.m.
...nuisance of a lowly municipal thoroughfare. Go Tigers! [the tale end was cut off this cat's meow, even though the number of characters was not exceeded]
15crown00
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 5:23 a.m.
do not let Uni M have it's way.tell them to move their stadium to Flint wherev they need a boost for their economy.
M.Haney
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 4:48 a.m.
Will the city be asked in the future to close Main St for UM graduation events and other UM activities that take place in the stadium? Although these might not be a sell out event, at what level of attendance will the street be subject to closure? Is there a minimum attendance risk exposure before they consider closing the street? Perhaps they should start looking at the exposure risk of all other UM buildings with close proximity to a street. Residence halls maybe?
andreaz
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 1:59 p.m.
That's already happened, most recently when Obama spoke at graduation a few years back.
TryingToBeObjective
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 4:39 a.m.
I think it's really pathetic, with the recent homicide of the UM med student, and all of the other tragedy going on in this world, that people bicker over traffic by the stadium seven days out of a year. What do you do at the holidays? Ask Briarwood to have stores open special hours so you dont encounter traffic? Are football Saturdays your only days to run errands downtown? Seriously. If you don't like it, you have the freedom to move. Or don't buy there in the first place.
DJBudSonic
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 3:32 a.m.
As long as we charge the University at least what the city charges contractors who need sidewalk or street closure permits to work; 1.5 cents/square foot per day for sidewalks, and 5 cents /square foot per day for streets, plus $100/hour per lane closure. If they want to play they have to pay. It is time the university starts chipping in for stuff around here.
Michael Bodary
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 3:01 a.m.
makes sense to close streets around the whole block, except for buses an taxis. One hour before and one hour after.
15crown00
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 5:24 a.m.
heck no
seldon
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 3:01 a.m.
"Even if the chances of a terrorist driving up Main Street and detonating a bomb next to the Big House are low, he said, it's still something the community should take precautions against." Even if the chances of a meteor hitting the Big House is low, it's still something the community should take precautions against. See how dumb that sounds? Where are our meteor shields?
15crown00
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 5:26 a.m.
let me tell you if terrorists wanted to hit that stadium they'd do it whether or not Main St. is closed.
SEC Fan
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 2:15 a.m.
The Big House was built in what 1927? Had a capacity of 80K+? and we're complaining about "inconveniences" and "football tourists"? Seems to me, if you moved into the neighborhood prior to 1927, then you can complain all you want. But if you've moved in since...what were your expectations of fall Saturday afternoons?
jcj
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 3:11 a.m.
SEC I think we all have a right to complain when they try to alter what has been since 1927!
A2centsworth
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 2:22 a.m.
coming from out of state, I had no idea what I was in for! My first "home game saturday" It took me an hour to get from busches on main to scio church! LOL. what a surprise that was!
A2centsworth
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 1:41 a.m.
"Joe Piersante said the proposed street closure is 100 percent about safety. " If Mr. Piersante, feels the stadium does not provide enough safety for those attending the games, then perhaps the stadium should be shut down, as by his own words he is saying that attendees are not safe!
15crown00
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 5:27 a.m.
all about safety in his dreams.that's the company line.
M.Haney
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 12:58 a.m.
Maybe Yost Arena is next. Will the UM close down state street and disallow any parking within 100ft of that building? Probably not. This is all for show. Mr Brandon will be the first AD to boost he can shut down a major highway because they are the Champions of the Midwest. As was stated many times already. Why was the stadium build so close to the street anyhow if security was an issue? To maximize profits is the only reason. The UM Football program is becoming more and more about the big egos of the school leaders. It used to be about the sport, now it's about the money.
15crown00
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 5:28 a.m.
no it's abot money,money and MORE MONEY
BlueEyesGirl
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 9:03 p.m.
I live near the Stadium, so I am one of these people that will be inconvenienced. I agree that if they wanted a complete buffer, they shouldn't have built it so far out. I don't mind if they want to close Main street for an hour or two before the game (after all, it's almost unpassable with tailgaters), but there is NO need to close it for the entire length of the game! That's my only window to get out of the house, and closing a major road is not acceptable.
A2centsworth
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 1:51 a.m.
Thanks for the history lesson WalkingJoe, not being a native I did not know that. One would think as the area grew someone might have thought to relocate the stadium rather than build it up so close to the street, where it now has become more of an eyesore. If the area cannot handle the traffic and number of people coming into the area for these games, it may be time to either build a walkway over the street or relocate it to a larger area.
WalkingJoe
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:48 p.m.
@A2centworth, it seems you might need a local history lesson. The stadium was built well before the highway. In fact I am 60 years old and lived here all my life. Point of fact, my great-grandfather who died at 100 in 1981 helped excavate the hole for it and he told us that at that time that area was all open field.
A2centsworth
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:47 p.m.
I live off of main as well, and keep dates of all the home games on my calendar so that I can avoid that part of town. I have found everything I need over on the west side. Not being a football fan, I really do not see all the hubbub surrounding this sport. It seems it would have made sense to put the stadium over on Jackson, right off the highway, rather than in the middle of all this mess.
A2centsworth
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 8:42 p.m.
No matter how you look at it, the only one it benefits from this, is the U of M. So my proposal is that sure give them what they want, but give residents of Ann Arbor, special discounts for attending the university as students as well as special discounts for attending all games. After all, having the university in our town is an inconvenience that we all have to live with and do not get to benefit from. U of M needs to learn that you have to GIVE in order to GET!
15crown00
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 5:30 a.m.
Sounds good but enforcement would be a nightmare.
A2centsworth
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:43 p.m.
a2miguy: recession-proof? what town do you live in? multi-cultural, perhaps, but we have a very high number of illegal, or rather "undocumented" aliens, which increases our medical costs. The student population are merely passing through, giving little thought to our community. Same as the medical residents. They are not voting or contributing to our town. When is the last time you tried to drive through downtown during the school year? There is also a lot of discrimination within our school system. It is not all roses and sunshine. The U of M makes a ton of money and needs to give back to this town. We are the ones who live here, not the students or many of those that attend the highly prized football games..
a2miguy
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 9:36 p.m.
I'm not in favor of this plan either, but to say we get no benefit from the university being here is absurd. We get a vibrant, multi-cultural town that is nearly recession-proof. If you don't think that's a benefit to you, there are plenty of other places in the world to live.
a2miguy
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 8:40 p.m.
"I do not expect there to be any traffic problems," Seto said. This might be the hilarious comment of the century. Clearly Mr. Seto has never driven down Pauline on gameday. I have parked/tailgated at a house on Pauline for years. I generally arrive about 2 hours before kickoff. Traffic isn't horrible on Pauline at that point, but it gets worse and worse up til game time. Having Pauline be the detour route will make Pauline impassable. The intersection of 7th and Pauline, already congested before games, will be ridiculously clogged and traffic will be backed up in every direction.
seldon
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 3:02 a.m.
There aren't traffic problems if you have flashing lights and a siren on your car like Chief Seto does, maybe.
Rabid Wolverine
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
I would bet a large portion of the reason they are doing this is to try to prevent any vehicle/student accidents from happening when they institute the GA seating policy this season. They are hoping to have herds of students lining up outside the stadium gates for hours before the game. That will certainly be hard to contain to that little bit of sidewalk provided. That is the reasoning behind this and as part of the herd standing waiting to get in, I see this as a very valid point to be addressed before a half drunk student takes a tumble into a moving car.
dagoose
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:43 p.m.
Students can now enter ONLY through Gate 10 at the corner of Keech and Greene. Their will be an area across the street in the U of M parking lot for congregating prior to openining Gate 10 three hours prior to kickoff. The "herds" of students will not be near Main St. The "herds" of students will be minimal excepting the ND, Neb, and OSU games. The atheletic department does try to have student safety in mind. This is from a former student ticket holder and current Event Staff member.
hackman
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
This should have been done years ago; stadium expansion and the like has nothing to do with it. It's certainly a sad sign of the times that we have to think in these terms, but this is the reality. Being able to drive up that close to the biggest icon of the American fall ritual of big-time college football is just inviting disaster. Kudos to the level heads who should prevail over the predictable knee-jerk reaction of those who are quick to rail at almost everything.
Somargie
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
Here's a suggestion.... With all that money, UM seem to have from their sports programs, tuition increases and ready cash they are using to buy taxable property at insane prices, why don't they just demolish that section of their behemoth shrine that they willingly chose to build without a 100 ft. buffer zone and rebuild it. This would solve their fears of a terrorist attack, safety of their football fans and the city of Ann Arbor which they seem to care so much for when pesky permission is sought. With all that money, I'm sure this could be demolished at the end of their football season and quickly built by the the 2014-15 football season. In the meantime, could someone please find out where the citizens of Ann Arbor can request a lowering of their ( many) stadium noise levels and prevention of night fireworks and limits of those huge TV monitors. Oh I forgot...there is absolutely no one to prevent this...they own Ann Arbor.
Somargie
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:25 p.m.
Welcome to your new town University of MI, MI...with two police chiefs The arrogance & power of UM led them to build their behemoth shrine to sports to the very edge of the sidewalk knowing full well that it did not include a buffer zone. Worst, no one in the city of AA was even allowed to dispute any of their designs because the public have absolutely no control over universities. The power given to universities to destroy cities is astounding to the point they are even allowed to blast fireworks, have night games, and even allowed extreme noise levels without fear of any constraints. All of this is granted by the State of MI and so-call elected regents who serve only to say yes to everything without any concern about the people who have to deal with these injustices on a daily basis. Now we have probably yet another capulation on the part of the city to grant UM yet another street closure to basically turn main street into their person seller's market. I can't wait to see the side-show created by UM when they propose an insane fees to set up vending tents, media booth or party tents for holders of special tickets. Then the city of Ann Arbor, will realize what fools they were again for believing that this closure was not to create a buffer zone for terrorist attacks but more money for them. Give it up Ann Aborites, the UM is not a good neighbor, they own this city and removing this pesky constraint is just a facade of control the citizens have. They even own this sham of democracy called online news..because they are constantly removing articles or comments that criticize them.
Rick Stevens
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:18 p.m.
Funny how the university is now wants to ' improve pedestrian safety,' for football games but those of us who have gone to night basketball games and have to cross at Main and Stadium often find there are NO police (city or UM) at that intersection before the game. Pedestrians are on their own. There always seem to be UM police inside idling police SUVs near the entrance though. Scalper patrol?
Sean Thomas
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:17 p.m.
this is the furthest from a big deal. It's a few hours a few times a year. You can even still get out via other streets. I don't see the problem at all.
Kronoberger
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:03 p.m.
I suppose if the city doesn't comply the U will just claim the neighborhood south of main through eminent domain, build a parking structure with a tunnel under south main, and take some more land off the tax rolls. Meanwhile they can raise the tuition another 10% and block even more poor kids from attending the "Harvard of the Midwest." Land of the Free Home of the Brave.
joech
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 4:24 p.m.
Oh, great! Another measure put in place justified (partially) because it helps protect people from themselves. Protect the pedestrians who spill out into the street? Nobody's pushing them! Perhaps the AAPD should keep them on the sidewalks.
bill
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:57 p.m.
A couple of years ago I remember the City asking Uof M to provide some funding for the additional traffic control and security during game days. I believe the U told us to "stick it". Was there ever any additional money rom the University? Now they want to close a road that they don't pay any taxes to support. Tell them to "stick it". Also isn't Main Street part of the State highway system? Has anyone asked the state?
seldon
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:52 p.m.
You people who are saying that Ann Arbor residents never use Main during the games have no idea what you're talking about. I'm a long-time resident, I live south of the Stadium area, and I definitely use Main to get into town to do stuff during the games. Comparisons to Art Fair are also way off base. Art Fair happens once a year. UM home football games happen most weekends, for most of September-November. And whenever they change the conference, they seem to add more. A lot of businesses aren't open on Sunday, so if you work "business hours," you have to get stuff done on Saturday or take vacation days to do it during the week. All through the Fall, these games interfere. Now I obviously knew they existed when I moved here, and A2 is a great place to live, but closing that road? Yes, it's going to make it even harder to get anything done.
jcj
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 3:04 a.m.
Douglas You know not of what you speak!
seldon
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:28 p.m.
It's a straight shot. And, during the games, it's very empty. Okay, it's more like half. It's 7/13, 7/12 if you count Thanksgiving weekend, which would be useless for getting anything done anyway. But you know what? It's still annoying. And 7/13 is still "most," technically.
Douglas Thompson
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:57 p.m.
there are 7 home games a year, not, "most weekends for most of september-november". why not just take scio church to seventh to get in to town. why would you take main st?
M.Haney
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
Ann Arbor is a great town associated with the University of Michigan. What bothers many citizens is that athletics has surpassed the academics portion of what makes the UM a great place. The over emphasis on making the UM a national athletic powerhouse concerns many people. I think most UM athletic supporters have forgotten that the athletic programs grew out of the UM presence as a world wide leader in education. The athletic programs would be nothing without the UM being a leader in the education of our youth. What makes the UM a great university is the 41,000+ students, not the 1,300+ student varsity athletes. Many supporters of UM athletics state that Ann Arbor would be nothing without the athletic programs. I seriously disagree with that perception.
joech
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.
Hear, hear, M. Haney !!!
Douglas Thompson
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
i don't understand the opposition to this. if you've spent 1 football saturday in ann arbor you know to avoid driving anywhere near main st anyways. there will be no way to tell if more people are using the side streets in the neighborhoods because everyone is already using the side streets in the neighborhoods to park!
jcj
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 3:02 a.m.
Douglas Main st is very busy before and after the game but as many have said. Empty during the game!
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 8:41 p.m.
I often drive by during a game. Don't even worry till mid 4th quarter.
Brad
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:39 p.m.
Well those of us who have spent way more than one football Saturday here know that during the game there is almost no traffic on Main.
David Cahill
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.
I'm more worried about overreaching by the Sovereign Nation of the U of M than I am about fantasized terrorists. Inventing "security" threats leads us to the surveillance state exposed by Edward Snowden. If the Big U were really concerned about security, they would have made the stadium a bit smaller to allow for it.
PersonX
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:27 p.m.
It is not the game itself, but the fact that it has a disproportional role in university life. Universities are not here to amuse-we have more than enough of that everywhere. We have a university president who knows everything about the lives of her players and nothing about even the names of her faculty. It is all too corrupt. The price of this entertainment is too high, but it will not change because we prize entertainment and money over knowledge. Down we go ....
WalkingJoe
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 8:09 p.m.
Really PersonX, shut down collage football just because you don't like it? I don't like WWE or any kind of basketball or what passes for boxing now but I realize there are people who do so I just leave those fans to enjoy their entertainment.
PersonX
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 7:21 p.m.
The U is not so bad; it is football, which has absolutely nothing to do with the scholarly and educational mission, that has distorted so much of the thinking of the top brass. It is a cancer! I know it brings in so much money, but we would be so much better off without it. Those who love the game would still have the pros to enjoy.
WalkingJoe
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
At the risk of adding fuel to the fire I want to ask if they are considering this for the Winter Classic? I am asking because, 1. I'm curious. 2. I'm going to be there for that. Oh, and Go Wings.
SonnyDog09
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:24 p.m.
The University wants this. Hizzoner will deliver. To do otherwise would negatively impact his performance review for his day job.
LXIX
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
If the UM pleads this as needed for security then How about airborne threats? Sorry Goodyear. It has been Good to see ya. Now Goodbye. You too, adplanes. How about vehicle bombs pre-positioned across the street? Sorry neighbors, no more tailgating or any sort of vehicle can be allowed across the street. How about closet bombs pre-positioned inside any of the buildings across the street? Sorry neighbors and businesses, you must evacuate your premises and/or be subject to a property search during the game. As well the TV and other vehicles parked around the stadium. Vendor cart bombs or exploding hot dogs inside the stadium? Get'em while there hot ! On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh truck-bombed the Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. The blast destroyed or damaged 324 buildings within a 16-block radius, destroyed or burned 86 cars, and shattered glass in 258 buildings. The blast was heard or felt up to 55 miles away and registered at least 3 on the earthquake Richter Scale. That of course is not a plausible example here. Only 100 foot proximity detonations are of any concern. Or really, just those on Main Street, the other threats above are too rediculous as scenarios to consider. for stadium safety. Riiiiight...
a2cents
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:08 p.m.
I would expect building searches prior to events if they are concerned about terror.
Joseph Maino
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:04 p.m.
Great idea
Bubbap
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:43 p.m.
The fact that neighborhood residents want to complain about being inconvenienced is a complete joke! The fact that these residents have been blessed with the ability to charge exhorbanent fees to people parking for football games (i have seen $50 or more per car for some football games) AND THEN want to complain about a minor road block is a joke. I have seen all of the rude things these residents do during football/basketball games, like parking their cars on street to take up 2 spaces so other people cant park there OR my favorite, using their car to take up a spot on the street and then charging someone money to park there when their driveway is clear. The people living in this area will get no sympathy from the rest of ann arbor residents (at least the ones that dont have an agenda against the U) because you chose to live in that neighborhood knowing full well what to expect on game day. Your benefits far outway the hassles. Question: Do residents in that neighborhood actually leave during games or do they just count the money they make by parking cars. Why would it matter?
dugster
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.
Also do the residents report the income from parking cars to the IRS?
Douglas Thompson
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:50 p.m.
that's absolutely right. imagine what this city would be like if the university wasn't here. football saturdays (no more than 7 a year) are a big part of the culture of this town. complaining about 600 feet of a road being closed, for 3 hours, that is already impassable anyways, seems silly.
a2cents
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:16 p.m.
I'd agree with outlawing lawn parking, wonderful idea! We'd soon see who the real fans are.
Pete Warburton
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
Our current AD is a great CEO . U of M's share of the profit from parking at home games is too low. If he can limit access to local parking and the stadium ....He can force fans to park at University Lots and bus them to the "Big House". Closing Main St. is step one in the plan.
FredMax
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
Did ya notice the ginormous football stadium nearby when you bought the house? Without UM, Ann Arbor would be Escanaba. Some of the complaints people make about UM remind me of when my son complained that he couldn't hear the XBox while my wife was vacuuming.
jcj
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 6:53 p.m.
Fred Doesn't appear to me YOU have anyone convinced!
FredMax
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
At least make me work for it here guys... - A multi-billion dollar institution needs you as much as you need them? - I suppose they would move... if they were the one complaining all the time! - You moved in nearby with the assumption that there would never be an expansion -- and any that occured would require your architectural approval?
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
@Fred: the stadium was only 2 stories tall. It was an architectural marvel. Then the greed of the athletic department expanded it into an 8 story monster that extended right up to the street. A better question would be "did ya notice main street when you decided to expand the stadium footprint right up to the edge of the sidewalk?" They noticed. Surely taking over main street was part of their assumptions from the start.
jcj
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:40 p.m.
Did you notice WHEN they moved part of the ginormous football stadium out to the street? Think anyone but the U could have done that? I don't need them to leave. Just don't try to run everything! If they are so great WHY don't they go elsewhere? Because they need us as much as we need them! Wake Up!
Audion Man
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
The more you complain, the more likely it is that the University with design another stadium "renovation" that puts the entry gates in the middle of Main street. It is futile to attempt to reason with that organization.
Twanders
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:07 p.m.
Why has no one suggested a compromise. Close the 2 northbound lanes of traffic directly next to the stadium on main and the leave the southbound lanes open. That way traffic can still flow somewhat, people can still get to these streets to park (you know that's one of the biggest issues here that somehow wasn't mentioned - and these people's largest concern) as a fellow neighbor close to the stadium who parks cars I get it, it's a huge source of revenue and one of the things that makes these circuses our town calls a football game more bearable. I agree with many of the other commenters, now is the time to negotiate, use your leverage!!!
a2cents
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
The obsolete term megalomania comes to mind when considering the athletic department and the uom. Years after a truck bomb demolished a federal building in Oklahoma (by one of MI's own, I might add), the u decided to pile up a mountain of bricks immediately adjacent to a major thoroughfare and provide 130,000 targets. The fact that safety & closing streets is now a serious consideration is a joke. It represents one of two situations: either the u intended to do this from inception believing they could not be denied -or- oops!, we missed that (i.e. ignorance & stupidity). That being said, Yost is even closer to a major street and is similarly crowded with fans . Let's close State St. (also) on those game days. And lets put field hockey fans at risk with a new stadium also next to State St.
M-Wolverine
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
So I'm curious...why is there no pedestrian danger or risk of terrorist attack as the game ends? I mean, if they're opening up the roads right after the game ends, why can't someone drive a car bomb then? And people go into the stadium at different times, but they mostly leave it at the same time...so aren't there many more people crossing the street after the game? Why is it important to close it before, and DURING the game, but not after? The answer sounds like we've already got your money and you're not stopping and buying anything on the way out to your car, so get out, safety be damned. And I'm still waiting to hear how there can be concern about all the traffic on Seventh from a previous article, but now they're going to direct all traffic to Seventh. I would guess that means we'r enot going to hear any complaints about using that street as an artery if the city plans on directing the busiest traffic days of the year to use that route.
bigbluenation
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
Being a member of the event staff, part of me job during the football season is working out side the stamium at S. Main & Potter. Part of my job direction fan's, answer their question's and the does and donts pertaining to U of M policy. Since 2010 I have witnessed many close calls between foot traffic and vehicles. This is a seroius situation, and with the big rival games coming up the problem doubles. The closing of S. Main before and after each game a sound idea. It could save a life or a serious accident. James(Jim) Ralston
a2cents
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:57 p.m.
personal responsibility is a wonderful concept... too drunk? too excited? You lose!
David Cahill
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:39 p.m.
Thanks for posting your real name, Mr. Ralston.
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
Think of the economic advantage: U of M can now open a game-time restaurant featuring sidewalk seating AND on-the-street seating. They could also rename Michigan Stadium; call it the Inconvenience Bowl. "Piersante said Homeland Security did a vulnerability assessment in 2010 — the year President Barack Obama delivered the commencement address at the Big House..." I remember that speech, he began with the phrase: "It's great to be here in the Big House... Go Blue!" Two years went by and he showed up in the Horseshoe in Columbus, talking abut "that team up north." Well, pretending to be a Michigan fan is about the same as pretending to be President, isn't it?
David
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.
The better the experience is for the football populace, the longer this glorious tradition will continue. The longer this glorious tradition continues, the longer the city of Ann Arbor will continue to benefit from the University residing here. It is and should continue to be a symbiotic relationship. We should be discussing what makes sense in the broader sense. Main Street before, during or after a football game is already deadlocked. Officially blocking this area would eliminate the "unofficial" street blockage that occurs when people stream across the street intermixing with vehicle traffic in what is a very dangerous situation.
David
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
NU - University is not leaving anytime soon, but fans can leave at any moment.
David
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.
KS - there will always be deadlock at some level. But people are not streaming across the street on Pauline trying to leave the Stadium.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
"Main Street before, during or after a football game is already deadlocked." If you think main street is "deadlocked" during football games, then you have no experience driving around a2 at that time. "The longer this glorious tradition continues, the longer the city of Ann Arbor will continue to benefit from the University residing here." First, it is about the educational mission. Football millions are spurious to that. Second, the university isn't likely to be moving out of a2 anytime soon... Third, many of the business owners who profit from football do not even reside in a2.
kindred spirit
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1 p.m.
So the deadlocked street will now be on Pauline and Seventh and Stadium, too. Thanks, but no thanks.
Steve Hendel
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.
"Jack Schoettes, who lives on Snyder Avenue just four houses down from the Big House, was in the minority in saying he likes the plan. He thinks it should have been implemented before now. Even if the chances of a terrorist driving up Main Street and detonating a bomb next to the Big House are low, he said, it's still something the community should take precautions against. "It's an inconvenience we're willing to deal with," he said of the street closure." We? Who is 'we'?
Brad
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:07 p.m.
Not to mention that last time our country had a big problem with a terrorist bombing it was from the air, not car bombs. So why isn't the airspace closed? For example, what about someone hijacking the banner plane towing around the Deja Vu ad?
Z-man
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
If the real reason is to prevent a terrorist bomb, isn't that reason rendered irrelevant if they plan to open up the street near the end of the game? It would seem that the best time to detonate a bomb would be right at the end of the game when the street is reopened. The stadium is still nearly full and the street is full of people.
riverguy
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:39 p.m.
Have you considered the possibility that the "we" he's referring to may be his family members and neighbors?
kindred spirit
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:56 p.m.
The best comment so far is that, essentially, "They had their 100 feet and then expanded the stadium." That should have been the rationale to not allow the stadium to expand in the first place. There's probably a 10-20 plan on some white board, with each step listed out and revealed only one at a time to avoid a big backlash. And yes, the hotdog stands will follow. I'm tired of football Saturdays. I really don't want a night game, with hundreds of strangers walking by at night. I don't want an artery of the city closed during the game. I don't want airplanes circling in the air, stalling out, and crashing into the neighborhood. I don't want a large quantity of cars zooming on my street, or, the cars backed up in a traffic jam. It's novel to live near the stadium at first, but then it wears on you as the decades pass.
DJBudSonic
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
Love it or leave it just doesn't cut it anymore. It is a persons right to express their frustration with a situation without being asked to shove off.
David
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
You have the right to move at any time.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
So much of the Stadium is now focused on making a Big Profit. *If* the city allows this, there should be a substantial cost associated with it, and profit to the taxpayers who own that street. It is a 6+ hour complete closure of a major road. It is only fair that taxpayers get a cut of the action. The diverted traffic will tear up the residential side streets and further burden residents who have watched the stadium go from a 2 story tall architectural marvel to a 7 story tall monstrosity. It is 5 blocks of closure, for 6+ hours. $500K per game seems in the ballpark.
blue85
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 12:37 a.m.
"It is 5 blocks of closure, for 6+ hours. $500K per game seems in the ballpark." 1) in the ballpark of what based on what analysis? 2) turnpike tolls at $5/car let you travel hundreds of miles; your figure for the 5 blocks suggest that the implied equivalent volume of cars is well North of a million vehicles. 3) if you think $500,000 is fair, why not set that as a hurdle, count the number of cars before instituting a closure, and then send a pro-rata bill to each car which uses those five blocks?
JPLewis
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
Seven days out of the year. Why not? Without UofM, Ann Arbor's economy would be just as bad as the rest of Michigan's.
yohan
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
Ann Arbor is a company town and the company gets what the company wants. Watch the mayor and his lemmings cave in on this one.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
I think it should be allowed. I've said this before, but residents aren't driving up main street on gameday. Sorry, I just don't believe it. When I wasn't attending football games, I avoided the heck out of all of those places (especially main street right next to the stadium). If you are in a residence around the stadium, there are plenty of back ways in and out of your neighborhood and Ann Arbor. The inconvenience on top of the gameday atmosphere already happening will be minimal. I will say that UM should not be allowed to actually host anything within the cleared area of main street. They should not be able to put up tents and trailers to sell stuff and use it in that sense.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:50 p.m.
"I chose to live near the stadium and have happily accepted the inconveniences that accompany the many benefits of this location." "I do disagree with their proposal." Whhhaaaa?
earthchick
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:59 p.m.
"So you have no problem with them unless someone actually asks you if you have a problem with them?" Nope, that's a total mischaracterization of what I said. I have no problem with them, period. I do disagree with their proposal.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:49 p.m.
So you have no problem with them unless someone actually asks you if you have a problem with them? I still fail to see why anyone REALLY cares about main being shut down for a few hours between a couple of blocks. If you really intended to drive down past the stadium on gameday, I don't suspect anyone will really notice the couple of minutes it takes to detour around it.
Brad
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
Johnny - do you ever tire of being wrong?
earthchick
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 4:45 p.m.
johnny and hail, I do not complain about the inconveniences related to living near the stadium, nor do I complain about the inconveniences related to the Art Fair, Top of the Park, or other facts of life in A2. I love living here and working here and am happy to adapt to road closings, etc. I chose to live near the stadium and have happily accepted the inconveniences that accompany the many benefits of this location. But when there is an open question - and so far, the issue of closing Main is supposedly still up for debate - I will ring in with my opinion. I fail to see how that is the same as complaining.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 4:05 p.m.
Well, I'd suggest that those residents knew that inconveniences surrounding game day at Michigan Stadium were part of the deal when they decided to buy a house near the stadium. So to some extent, yes - you have to deal with it as that's where you chose to live. From my perspective, closing main is a very slight inconvenience on top of the large inconvenience that already exists. People dealt with the Stadium bridge being closed for, what, 2 years? I think people can deal with main street being closed for 8 days a year for 4-6 hours. Furthermore, want to talk about inconvenience? Let's talk about the art fair that closes down EVERY street in the city for almost an entire week. I don't see people protesting the existence of that or some organization wanting to shut down the city. When you live in a city, sometimes events are going to close streets for safety, so they can be used for the event and for construction. Deal with it or don't' live in the city. What you're suggesting is that 110,000 people should be less safe so you don't have to drive two blocks down and go up state street....
earthchick
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
With all due respect, hail2thevict0r, you have no idea what you're talking about. As many have pointed out on this article and previous ones, residents absolutely are using Main Street on gameday, particularly during the games. And sure, there are currently other ways out of the neighborhood - but those other ways will become far more congested if Main Street is closed. My current ways out of my block are Pauline, 7th, and Stadium, all of which would have to absorb some of the rerouted traffic from Main.
Brad
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:09 p.m.
You've said it before and it's still wrong. I certainly drive on Main during the games and I know I'm not the only one. Seems like the best anybody has to offer is "hey - you people are already inconvenienced so what's a little more?". Not exactly compelling.
Daryl
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
Before the monsterous addition, there was the 100 foot buffer between the street and the stadium. If the university was actually interested in this safety buffer, they should have scaled back the addition on the west side and built more luxury suites on the north, east and south sides. The old saying of poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on our part, seems pertenant here. The best solution would be to put a temporary barrier down the center line of Main street and make the west side of Main street one way northbound before the game and southbound, after the game.This will give a buffer and more safe room for the fans walking around the stadium.
towncryer
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 7:39 p.m.
Why did they have to wait and "receive" a safety recommendation? Shouldn't that have been investigated in the pre-plannng stages?
blue85
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 12:31 a.m.
The safety recommendation was received roughly at or after project completion. The recommendation was consequent to an unusual event: a Presidential visit. Maybe that is poor planning, and maybe it is an outlier.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:28 p.m.
So Umich demonstrated an eagerness to bully and seize property by Eminent Domain over building luxury dorms. They build structures that do not conform to local codes, with zero regard for the people who live next to them. Now they want to "borrow" main street, for free, as a favor. Some people don't seem to understand that these are the times you negotiate major concessions.
Chase Ingersoll
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
You have no idea what a wonderful problem you have. I attended U of Illinois in Champaign. You can look at the map and see that parking was not a problem. No neighborhoods were near. Near, was a parking lot, cemetery and hog research facility to the South that established the aroma for the area. Ann Arbor has a unique national spectacle that hundreds of thousands of people consider to be their fall highlight. Be glad for them. And be glad for the opportunity. You could be living on the north side of a hog farm. https://www.google.com/maps?q=assembly+stadium+University+of+Illinois+at+Urbana-Champaign,+Champaign,+IL&ll=40.098181,-88.233862&spn=0.012376,0.017402&sll=40.10883556801875,-88.23004700000001&sspn=0.0069576607146666514,0.010459528085414357&t=h&dg=opt&hq=assembly+stadium+University+of+Illinois+at+Urbana-Champaign,+Champaign,+IL&radius=15000&z=16
SemperFi
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
We do have a hog farm to the south. It's called thee OSU.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
Yeah, and we could be living in a trench in Burma, or a whole lotta other places. But we're not, and the straw man isn't germane to the discussion.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
If this is allowed, how long until Umich expands their profit-making machine onto that Main Street space with trucks, stands, etc?
Cossur
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 4:23 p.m.
five minutes. If their phones are down, Nicholas.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
Umich *had* their 100' buffer zone. They chose to unnecessarily expand the building right up to the edge of the property.
leaguebus
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 2:17 a.m.
Yes, lets move the Big House 100 feet east. Probably wouldnt cost that much! LOL
blue85
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 12:29 a.m.
The recommendation was received roughly at completion of the project. Are you suggesting that U officials have telepathy or precognition and ignored it? From the photos, the old buffer would have been inadequate anyway...from the photos, the additional/incremental width doesn't look like 100'.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.
good point
Barzoom
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:12 p.m.
If it's something the community wants city council is guaranteed to vote the other way.
Billy
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:09 p.m.
I remember when 7th street from Stadium all the way down to Liberty would be backed up for HOURS after a game got out. This is probably 20+ years ago. In the past decade it was pretty nice to see it all clear out within an hour or less...sometimes it didn't even back up. As long as closures do NOT happen after the game....who cares. Closed DURING the game and the few hours beforehand...I see nothing wrong with that.
a2citizen
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:06 p.m.
If they are truly doing this for safety reasons then why don't the police enforce the alcohol laws (especially at Pioneer)? Because that would eventually affect attendance.
a2citizen
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
johnnya2, as I sit here drinking a beer I would like to remind you that alcohol on public school grounds is illegal. They do not enforce current laws because of the economic inconvenience. Remember the reason for not allowing people to park cars between the street and sidewalk? It was "safety". "Safety" is their fallback and I'm amused when I hear officials talk out of both sides of their mouth.
johnnya2
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:18 p.m.
What do alcohol laws have to do with safety? Is it your assertion that alcohol is not safe? People who use it are terrorists? The alcohol laws are ridiculously stupid and any cop will tell you a tailgater at Pioneer is safer than one at Frasers who then decides to DRIVE to the game.
Bruce Ball
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:57 a.m.
Maybe the UofM Athletic Department could offer to fix any sidewalk in need of repair in the affected big block bounded by the detour route. Some token of appreciation like that to the local residents would, I would think, go a long way toward good relations.
M-Wolverine
Sun, Jul 28, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
@Trying if you don't live in the city and are ignorant on the issues and laws you probably shouldn't be commenting on it.
Bruce Ball
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.
The sidewalk repair was just an example of something UofM Athletics maybe could offer up to foster a more symbiotic atmosphere between it and local residents. For reference, sidewalk repair is now a City responsibility: "In November of 2011, voters approved a 1/8-mil increase to the Street Reconstruction Millage for the purpose of repairing sidewalks in the public right-of-way. Prior to the passage of this millage, property owners were required to repair or replace deficient sidewalks that adjoined their property. Beginning in 2012, the City assumed responsibility for the repair of the sidewalk system, which will be performed through this project over the course of the next five years." I'm sure the City wouldn't turn down help from UofM Athletics, and I'm sure the residents wouldn't mind seeing sidewalks repaired faster than what would likely happen otherwise. I already paid out-of-pocket to have my sidewalk repaired prior to 2012; I voted in favor of the millage; I've lived on Pauline close to the Big House for 6 football seasons; I've never taken money to have cars park on my property; and I don't fundamentally have a problem with the proposed Main Street closure. I just feel that it's not good relations when UofM Athletics seemingly "takes what it wants" without offering something up in return. Part of the problem with this issue, I believe, is the question of whether citizens ultimately have any voice in making the decision or not and whether they should have a voice or not. It might meet with a lot of complaints if Homeland Security demanded the closure, but then the residents' frustration would likely be a little more toward Homeland Security and a little less toward UofM Athletics.
TryingToBeObjective
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 4:10 a.m.
@Julie....huh? Already answered. If you read the comment above yours you might have noted I don't live in the city. Huh? Read before responding.
julieswhimsies
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.
@Trying....Huh? Individual property owners are not expected to repair the sidewalks?!
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 6:15 p.m.
Don't live in the city, M wolverine. Many city residents don't clear their sidewalks after a snowfall,or is that not their responsibility either? And cry me a river for those who live near the stadium. It was there when you bought your house. So you're inconvenienced a handful of days per year. Go blue, and deal with it!
johnnya2
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:16 p.m.
@ MWolverine The buffer zone would still have been an issue and is a recommendation of Homeland Security. There are plenty of things I do not like dealing with in road closures (Art Fair, Parades. construction, Road races, Top of the Park). Living in society means you have to learn to live with inconveniences. If making 111k people safer and BETTER off hurts maybe 1000 nominally at best. I say CLOSE THAT STREET
M-Wolverine
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
TryingToBeObjective, you must have missed the vote for the city to cover sidewalk repairs. Residents don't fix sidewalks anymore. And the traffic on gameday specious, unless the person bought the house AFTER the expansion. There were no signs in decades of use that they would have to block off the street.
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
Shouldn't any sidewalk in need of repair in that area already have been fixed by the resident? Aren't you legally obligated to keep your sidelk in good repair? Im sure the traffic on the street near where I live I'm sure is busier on game days. Why not compensate all residents of Ann Arbor, Scio Township, and surrounding areas? We had no idea there would be traffic on game days when we bought a house here, after all. Duh.
InsideTheHall
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:56 a.m.
Come on Ryan why no report that many neighbors oppose the closure as it will be harder for tailgaters to access their parking lots and house they rent out to M fans.
PersonX
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:43 a.m.
If his is allowed, at least the city could negotiate to have them turn down the idiotic blabber from the sound system, which is much too loud!
Richard
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:36 a.m.
There are so many other ways to get in and out of that neighborhood. I doubt any of those people use Main Street during a game anyway. Seems like people in A2 have forgotten how to adapt.
jcj
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:34 p.m.
Richard Seems like you don't know what happens on a football Sat!
Brad
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
I don't live in that area but I definitely use Main during the games. Why should the city have to adapt to the football stadium?
seldon
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:47 a.m.
As a number of us pointed out on the previous article about this, DURING A GAME, Main Street is totally clear, and it's the best way to get errands done.
Fat Bill
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:26 a.m.
How about coming up with a one way system to force everyone to exit the area to the south? I remain amazed at the number of unenlightened fans who choose to squeeze up through downtown and through the Water Hill areas to leave through the north, even though the city provides 5 lanes southbound at the end of a home event.
jcj
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
How about doing nothing more to accommodate the U!
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:16 a.m.
Lets rent the street to the University for $250,000 per event. $300,000 for night events. If they are truly concerned about security they will be happy to spend it. That's only about 56 cents an hour to keep their fans safe.
blue85
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 12:26 a.m.
The surcharge is a great idea. The next equally rational step would be to add it as a user fee to students from Ann Arbor only. Perhaps one stupid move would nullify the other stupid move.
Brad
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:01 p.m.
They can just add it to the ticket price as a "Homeland Security surcharge". Why should the city and residents foot the bill? It isn't our responsibility to provide security for the football games.
a2cents
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
more like 25% of the gate
jcj
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
Too cheap.Double that!
David Briegel
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:16 a.m.
It's their town, we just get to live here.
blue85
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 12:24 a.m.
"Or maybe if Ann Arbor wasn't here UofM would be MSU." We have a winner: dumbest post ever. Time to retire the trophy. What does the existence of a town which contributes nothing to the university have to do with the university's excellence? It is clear that some of the posters on this board think that the U is more or less a giant pot of magic beans and that the U is refusing the share those beans. In fact, as the largest, or one of the largest, employers, UM contributes plenty to the financial well of the town and the state. Ann Arbor's reputation without UM would be...what exactly?
Brad
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 6:52 p.m.
Or maybe if Ann Arbor wasn't here UofM would be MSU.
SemperFi
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 5:28 p.m.
And if the UM wasn't here, then Ann Arbor would be, lets see... Jackson.
John B
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:11 a.m.
leave it to U of M to go overboard, we should all boycott a game in protest
Ponycar
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
HA! Ridiculous idea! No one will do that so it's useless to ask.
jcj
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
I have already gotten rid of my tickets this year after 35 years with 4!
olddog
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:18 a.m.
Like you could get enough tickets to matter!!!!!
Martha Cojelona Gratis
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:09 a.m.
"Southbound traffic would be detoured on Pauline to Seventh Street and then south to Stadium and back to Main. Northbound traffic would follow the exact reverse of that route." That seems like it would be a nightmare after games with the rush of cars trying to get out of town. I feel bad for the residents along those stretches.. be prepared to hear alot of honking and yelling.
Lynn Liston
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
Those streets are already a nightmare post-game. Even during the game, you can't easily get through the Stadium-Main intersection because of the number of game-goers who leave their seats during the game to dash back to their cars in the Pioneer lots.
JPLewis
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
Street would reopen when the game ends.
Greg
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:59 a.m.
Well, the only thing that really matters is the the U of MI makes million of dollars off the stadium. Rest is fluffing.
IVote
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:37 p.m.
Bazinga! It is disgusting.
drewk
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.
Obviously Blue Marker doesn't know sarcasm when he see's it! It's all about the Blue.
Blue Marker
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:17 a.m.
Exactly how does this increase the UM's bottom line?
SMAIVE
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:58 a.m.
"Staff costs will be reimbursed." What about the cost to use the street? Charge a whopping fee, athletic department can afford it.
Chip Reed
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:48 a.m.
The U-M should have thought of the buffer zone that they desire before they built the additions to the stadium. When you let "terrorists" govern your actions, they have already won...
blue85
Fri, Jul 26, 2013 : 12:20 a.m.
"Homeland Security did a vulnerability assessment in 2010 — the year President Barack Obama delivered the commencement address at the Big House — and pointed out some weaknesses and made some recommendations to enhance security at the stadium. "One was a 100-foot buffer zone all the way around the stadium, and right now we have a 100-foot zone on the east side, the north side and the south side," Piersante said. "We want to be able to complete that on the west side, which is Main Street."" The stadium was updated...when? I believe it was completed in mid-year 2010, so the assessment, driven by the Presidential visit, would not have been available before construction started. And the security assessment was done in 2010 per the article. The assessment notes a suggested 100 foot buffer which would not have exists before the renovation.
Hugh Giariola
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:40 a.m.
This makes sense. I'm sure those living near Stadium and Main St. experience inconveniences EVERY home football Saturday and have ways to cope with it. This should be no great change.
Brad
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:56 p.m.
I'm guessing the "they" is the neighbors voicing opposition (at least it says so in the headline).
julieswhimsies
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 7:43 p.m.
@seldon Who are "they"?
Ponycar
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:56 p.m.
The reason to inconvenience residents with football games is so City businesses, especially hotels and restaurants, increase revenue and stay in business and pay taxes for City services. And, of course, the U makes a buck or two as well as do the non-profits working the food stands, etc. Can someone point out the problems that were experienced when the street was shut during the Obama and ND visits?
Brad
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:11 p.m.
So let's inconvenience the residents yet more for the sake of the football tourists? Why?
seldon
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 11:46 a.m.
Then why are they opposing it?