New program could offer EMU employees up to $10,000 to purchase homes in Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti's Depot Town.
Steve Pepple | AnnArbor.com
Eastern Michigan University plans to offer employees up to $10,000 to purchase homes in Ypsilanti.
The Live Ypsi program, which is currently being finalized and will likely be announced later this month, will use EMU, Washtenaw County government and DTE Foundation resources to offer forgivable loans to full-time faculty and staff who purchase a home in the Ypsilanti area.
Officials say loans will likely range from $5,000 to $10,000 per individual. For each year that the homeowner lives in the Ypsilanti area and maintains employment at EMU, 20 percent of the loan will be forgiven. After five years, the loan will be completely forgiven.
Leigh Greden has been developing the Live Yspi program for more than a year.
The program has $60,000 secured for its pilot launch and a possible partnership with a state entity could mean more cash, said Anthony VanDerworp, director of Washtenaw County Economic Development.
"The program will begin small. It's designed to be a pilot," said EMU Director of Government Relations Leigh Greden, who began brainstorming about the program with Washtenaw County more than a year ago.
Live Ypsi, he says, is based of the Live Midtown program in Detroit, a larger but similar partnership between government and business entities to incentivize residential life.
Greden said "there is absolutely no connection" between the soon-to-be-announced initiative and the city's proposed income tax, which voters will decide on Tuesday.
Andy LaBarre, vice president of government relations for the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce, said the loan program is "a start" toward encouraging individuals to reside in Ypsilanti.
"With the income tax there'd be a disincentive for businesses and residents to move to the city," he said. "Programs like (Live Ypsi) that encourage folks to move there and live there are generally positive because the more folks we have there committed to the city, the better off we all are."
Added VanDerworp: "If people that work in a large company or institution on the east side of the county are able to move there and own homes there a couple things happen: One is that their spending will be more local. What they spend on groceries and entertainment will have an impact on the county."
Second, VanDerworp said, is that "people will become more engaged in the community in terms of supporting events and being civic-minded."
Ypsilanti mayor Paul Schreiber says residents have been gradually leaving the city.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Live Ypsi loans are limited to full-time EMU employees who purchase, and not rent, a house. The money can be used toward a down-payment, mortgage or home remodel, Greden said. Loans are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Greden said officials have not yet determined the geographic terms of the program and whether Ypsilanti Township will be included.
Ypsilanti Mayor Paul Schreiber said residents have been gradually leaving the Ypsilanti area. According to U.S. Census data, Ypsilanti's population declined more than 13 percent from 2000 to 2010.
“Ypsilanti is transforming itself from an industrial city to a city that is a college town and part of that is having college professors live here,” he said, adding that streets like Normal Street downtown used to be lined with the homes of professors. “We’re trying to go back to the days when professors lived near Eastern and walked to campus.”
According to Greden, less than half of the roughly 2,000 full time EMU employees live in the Ypsilanti area.
"As energy prices keep going up, as gas prices keep going up, I think this program does have the ability to grow," Schreiber said.
The average home price in the Ypsilanti and Willow Run area this year is $78,300, according to Board of Realtors data. Since January 1 nearly 60 homes in the area have been sold. Houses are on the market for an average of 103 days before sale.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Lets Get Real
Thu, May 10, 2012 : 2:20 p.m.
How does working for EMU entitle you to a grant to buy a home in Ypsi. The broke county, the budget challenged public university, and the public utility company who is constantly petitioning for ? more rate hikes that have moeny to give people to buy houses? Sorry, that is my money. What makes you think you know better how to spend it? And what makes you think you can transfer my wealth to another? So let me understand - do I have to work at EMU: full time? part-time? as an adjunct? for one of the ancillary organizations they sponsor? as a work study student? applied for a job? volunteer? worked for them previously? Am a former employee who is still owed money? Just want to live in Ypsi - oh no - you are not good enough. No money for you. YOU - Washtenaw County residents, are having your money - and the money gleaned from you, and from people who don't even live here - channeled to where the bureaucrats tell you it needs to be spent and given to others they deem better to receive it. Not even based on need! These aren't disabled, or poor, or veterans, or some other protected group. These are people with incomes! People the "powers that be" have deemed are more desirable to live in Ypsi and so your wealth is being distributed to them. No mater that there are too few firefighters to keep the home you will buy from burning to the ground, too few police to keep your house from being robbed, and the schools your kids will attend are abysmal. How about start by demanding the people who are running things in Ypsi, being paid with public money, live there? As an example, the county contractor for tourism imports their county funded employees from Warren and Westland and Brighton. And they promote Ypsi? When do I get on the list for entitlement? Never. Because I work hard, built a business, pay my taxes, and stay out of trouble. Nothing but more taxes to be redistributed to others for that behavior.
TownieR
Tue, May 8, 2012 : 8:58 p.m.
All I'm saying is that at least they're trying something. I see all those abandoned buildings and lots on Michigan Ave and feel down passing through this town.
Patrick McLean
Tue, May 8, 2012 : 9:45 a.m.
With very few exceptions, small cities in the midwest are struggling. Ypsilanti is no exception. But the cities that will emerge from the economic downturn are those whose citizens and partners come together to find creative solutions to problems. This home ownership incentive program is just one example of EMU working with the city to move Ypsilanti in the right direction. Anything that encourages home ownership in our city is an effort worth making. EMU under President Martin already has a good track record of helping the community. They've been tremendous partners in helping build a new neighborhood pool, and their response when asked to participate in community events is always positive. Hats off to Leigh Greden and his team at EMU. This is a fantastic idea!
Meaghan
Mon, May 7, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
Thank you EMU!!!
JRW
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
The property tax RATES are higher in Ypsi than A2. If you buy a cheap house, expect to pay a lot in taxes. Not a sustainable situation. EMU should pay taxes.
Kara H
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 11:30 p.m.
Churches and schools are tax exempt. Not going to change anytime soon. Try again.
u812
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 4:22 p.m.
EMU must be owned by mitt and snyder
JRW
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.
Residents are leaving the city for obvious reasons. I think they would practically have to give away homes to encourage people to live in some of those neighborhoods. Not a bad idea but I doubt too many takers will be around unless they are investors and looking to rent out the houses.
greg, too
Mon, May 7, 2012 : 4:54 a.m.
New professors won't know about the imploding market, low prices, or the failures of the city. I think the hope is to grab a "whale" of a prof and get them to buy a bloated property. And there are plenty of them in the more upper class hoods in Ypsi.
lute1812
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 2:14 p.m.
Instead EMU should pay property taxes.
Kara H
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 11:29 p.m.
Churches and schools are tax exempt. Not going to change anytime soon. You should spin the wheel again to generate some new random advise.
Andrew Jason Clock
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.
Oh, and especially for all you income tax opponents: this is what you want. This is a growth program, and its not on the city dime. This is how you grow your income tax base. You should be loving this. But everyone involved on both side of the debate is so blinded by the argument that they have utterly forgotten what the debate is really about: how best to insure the future of Ypsilanti. As usual, we're arguing just to argue.
Glen S.
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
Andrew, what exactly are you talking about? "lori" and I have both been frequent commenters on the "Yes" side of the tax issues, and we both left very positive, supportive comments regarding this story. I only see ONE side here arguing that this is a bad idea ...
Andrew Jason Clock
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
Gee, this has never been tried anywhere else, and certainly isn't transforming parts major parts of one of America's most troubled cities, that happens to be 30 minutes east.. This place is troll central. But then, it seems any article is fair game for the trolls on either side of Ypsi's income tax debate. http://www.freep.com/article/20110725/NEWS01/110725035/New-Live-Downtown-Detroit-program-offer-cash-incentives-16K-workers The update on this is that these incentives have been so popular and successful that additional funds had to be added within months. These programs work. DTE has had major success in Detroit with their partners there. They see a need in Ypsilanti, and they are bringing their proven formula here. Hate on haters.
Jay Thomas
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
Any place run by democrats long enough will need a program to bribe people to live there.
Linda French
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.
Thank You Leigh, EMU, Washtenaw County and DTE Foundation. This is a great idea that shows a common sense path to stablizing the City of Ypsilanti. Keep this ball rolling.
YpsiGreen
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:01 p.m.
Agreeing with others: another reason to vote "No" on the income tax debacle. Let's make it more desirable to live and work here instead of bleeding pockets dry.
Jessica 'Decky' Alexander
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 11:54 a.m.
I personally would have loved this opportunity when I was looking to purchase my first home several years ago. As an EMU faculty member I was unable to purchase a home in the city of Ypsilanti due to combination of (at the time) home cost and taxes. I do recall Mayor Farmer and other EMU personnel looking into doing something like this a decade ago as well. Ypsilanti's largest employer is EMU (I think...unless it's the County), and thus providing EMU employees incentives to live in the city builds bridges and community. Good things.
Steve
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 7:16 a.m.
Where I'm from this is called gentrification
simone66
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
Sometimes gentrification is necessary to HELP a community.
pseudo
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 11:50 a.m.
then bring on the gentrification!
greg, too
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 4:40 a.m.
"As energy prices keep going up, as gas prices keep going up, I think this program does have the ability to grow," Not quite the bold vision you want from your mayor for a program that could bring back young, stable financially families. So, if gas prices drop, then people should just settle outside of the city? How about selling the town a little?
JB1
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 2:40 a.m.
I'm wondering how many of the negative comments are from people who don't actually live or work (or even set foot in!) Ypsilanti? Are we perhaps a bit touchy because UofM didn't subsidize the overpriced houses in Ann Arbor? Look, Ypsilanti needs help, and as much as many in Ann Arbor would like to just "put up a wall" at 23, that isn't going to happen. Would you rather live next to a community that is improving, or one that is declining? I've seen the VERY positive effects of these types of initiatives in Detroit (and very nearly took advantage of one!). It is darn near impossible to find a place to live in Midtown these days. At some point there will be no place left to "run away" from the problems of struggling communities, and I applaud everyone who steps up and chooses to live in Ypsilanti, Detroit, or any other struggling city. Great work to those who helped pull this program together!
pseudo
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.
WAY TO GO EMU!! Nice to pull these organizations together and do something positive here in Ypsilanti. Too many local employers will not relocation employees to Ypsilanti. This is a great way to break that cycle. Thanks - this is fantastic.
greg, too
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 5:07 a.m.
Lorie, I did not assume you were anti EMU. It was more a statement against the pro tax people who believe that EMU has not paid it's fair share. Sorry to insinuate that you were from the same group.
pseudo
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 11:48 a.m.
Greg - evil is your term not mine. EMU does use a ton of city services and sucks up resources that it pays nothing for. Further, it brings a population to town that is high maintenance and low input as well. This is why I'm excited for them to step up and help like this. And, frankly,its just a small start in the right direction. I love EMU but it is a significant drain on this city's services and resources and it has not done nearly enough, like other land-grant universities do, to make that up to the community. Here is hoping that this signals a change in that relationship.
greg, too
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 4:37 a.m.
Wait, is this the same evil EMU that uses our streets and gives nothing back to the community? I am so confused...
rosewater
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 1:34 a.m.
Washtenaw county must be flush with cash even after bailing Sylvan Township out after they defaulted on interest payments to bond holders for their multimillion dollar bonds for major water and sewer improvements. And EMU a publicly funded university must be in the same position. Don't know the financial status of DTE, but my energy bill is always going up.
rosewater
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
the DTE Foundation is the charitable arm of DTE Energy
pseudo
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
DTE Foundation...not DTE the utility/energy company
Bob Krzewinski
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 1:14 a.m.
I just would like to commend everyone who gives comments on AA.com that uses their REAL NAME. It shows that you as a person are not afraid to stand behind your words in public.
Patti Smith
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.
I always used my real name because I knew if I didn't, I would be tempted to come on here when I was pissed off and say something stupid. I also have my real picture (yes, sadly, that is me) and have actually had people recognize me !??!?! No one has punched me in the face yet :)
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:07 p.m.
I am one who made the switch to my real name early on when some one else suggested we should all be willing to stand behind our words.
Chase Ingersoll
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:12 a.m.
Ah, if we didn't already know who the Socialist Engineers were in Ypsilanti, once again they have raised their heads high, waved their hands in the air and jumped up and down screaming 'It is we! It is we!" And why is this not seen as a transparent attempt to keep the city filled with liberal academics who will continue to elect a mayor who will cater them with special favors such as this? Keep it up Ypsilanti - you are almost as entertaining and almost broke as Detroit. Chase Ingersoll
YpsiVeteran
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
Way to bolster your credibility, Chase. Comparing a city with a fund balance (at least for now), only recent financial issues and honest if lackluster city government with a city literally drowning in tens of millions in debt, with an overwhelming number of federal indictments of former and current city officials and employees and a crime rate so horrific that hardened Afghanistan veterans won't live there. All of you comparing Ypsilanti, or any city for that matter, with Detroit need to give it a rest.
ypsilistener
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
I just didn't realize that Ypsi was the home of academic elitists. Thanks for the enlightenment.
YpsiGreen
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:04 p.m.
Gee. Dwell on conspiracy theories much?
Maxwell
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 3:39 a.m.
Actually it is EMU, the county, and DTE taking a proactive step for the community they are all part of. There is a big difference between community and communism just like the Marx Brothers were not a communist plot.
JB1
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 2:32 a.m.
Its fairly obvious you don't live in Ypsilanti--so, why do you care?
jweaverA2
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 11:55 p.m.
You can sit around and hope things get better or you can do something. I'm an EMU grad who now resides in Ann Arbor. Criticize Ypsilanti all you want and I do, but it has a great heritage and this idea has a great deal of merit in my estimation. I had the now dreaded 48197 zip code for over ten years and yes I moved out for the reasons most have already mentioned. A targeted transformational program like this sounds far better than trying to attract another manufacturer that simply will not come without more costly incentives. A big thumbs up, this could be a home run!
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.
my concern is "costly incentive" is a relative term. In either case, this plan or the Manufacturer, there is a return of some sort on the expenditure. Clearly an over 100% return would be the best. But what is the return? These folks seemingly would move in to homes that already exist and are already being taxed at some level. Will they do their shopping in Ypsilanti if they move there?
jbhuron
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 11:31 p.m.
Finally a plan for growth! Council, are you listening? These are the types of ideas that will grow the city, not more taxes. Annarbor.com, you might want to proof your photo captions.
YpsiVeteran
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
Greg, in response to your posts here and above, about the council not appearing to be involved in marketing and other civic-boosting activities and programs, I would like offer something. I agree that Ypsi's council seems disconnected, for lack of a better description, but I reminded myself that these are people with other full-time jobs. They are, ideally, supposed to oversee things brought to them by city staff, offer input consistent with the desires of their constituents and the city at large, make decisions and offer direction. They don't get paid much, which I prefer, and they all have other jobs, which I also prefer to the prospect of full-time politicians. The problem is that city staff is mostly gone. All but the most essential positions have been cut. There's no one left to perform the development functions we all wish were being pursued with more vigor (and publicity). The financial realities being what they are, I think this is what we have to expect for at least the near future. If we want strong development activity out of the city, we have to fund the staff to make it happen. Otherwise, can we really slam the council for not spending money the city doesn't have?
greg, too
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 4:36 a.m.
Either it was bias by the author or it would seem that the city council had nothing at all to do with this. While they are out carrying the flag of tax increases, outside organizations are trying to bring people in via more logical and cost effective ways.
Arborcomment
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
Sounds like a good effort. Many localities have similar programs for police and firefighters.
CT
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.
This is a misuse of government funds. Money should not be confiscated from one citizen and given to another to buy a house.
Unusual Suspect
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:18 a.m.
Apparently, the socialists and communists disagree with you.
Glen S.
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 10:10 p.m.
EMU, the City of Ypsilanti, and others are working together to encourage more members of the EMU community to settle in, and become a part of the place that EMU calls home. This seems to be a great example of smart planning and the kind of regional cooperation everyone seems to agree we need more of -- and yet nearly all the comments about this story are NEGATIVE? Considering the price of gas, helping people find ways to live closer to (even better, within walking distance of) their jobs is a great idea. Even better, encouraging more EMU faculty and staff to live nearby will likely make campus more appealing, and safer. I applaud this partnership between EMU and the City of Ypsilanti, and hope to see more collaboration like this in the future.
simone66
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:20 p.m.
I'm an EMU Grad student, I graduated from U of M in 1996, and I rent in A2. I support this initiative, and I would hope that the funding of this program develops over time because I would welcome the opportunity to receive up to $10k to buy an Ypsi home, if the recipients were also EMU alumni.
greg, too
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 4:35 a.m.
It seems like a great idea to me. It is in EMU's best interest to keep the city of Ypsi as viable as it can and it is in the city's interest to keep professors in town. It is sad that it has taken something like this, something that seems to be completely an effort outside of the city government and with the mayor merely as a mouthpiece and the city council nowhere to be found, to keep EMU faculty and staff in town. But if it works, it could be great for the city. Interesting that it might also go out to the township....
allergictobs
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.
It is great that you want what's best for your kids, truly noble and you need to do what's best for you no doubt. You have no "dog in this fight" but you join the discussion to disparage Ypsi Schools? What I like about Ypsi schools, among many other things, is that if your kid wants to play sports, school play, or orchestra They can pick and choose with full inclusion. At Huron and Pioneer, which are great schools BTW, you have to be the cream of the crop to get a chance. More dreams die at these mega schools because if this. At Ypsi youre and individual. Pioneer/Huron you're a number.
ypsilistener
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.
Can I vote more than once? :-) Inclusiveness and individuality are 2 great characteristics of Ypsi schools!
Ron Granger
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
So do taxpayers have any choice in having their taxdollars fund these FORGIVABLE" loans? What about the taxpayers who really need the money? Why should those who can't afford to buy a home pay for homes in ypsi?
Rob Logan
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
Seems like we are only getting comments on one side of this issue. Let's get this out of the way, most people don't like paying taxes. Americans have been complaining about this before America existed as we know it. All that aside, wouldn't you rather pay taxes to keep your town safe, try to provide quality educations and continue to provide city services? Yes, people may leave because of high taxes, but everyone will leave if there are no police, fire and there is trash everywhere. If you don't think your elected officials will do what's right with the added income, vote them out! Ypsi is trying to do something. They have to. There are a lot of great people in this town and there is a ton of potential, but it's a working class city with the problems that come with it. To be honest, it's the only place that many of us can afford to live and buy homes. So, mohomed can shut that up right now and continue to live in your Ann Arbor suburban fantasy where problems are brushed under the rug and everyone pretends they live on penny lane. By the way mohomed, this is my real name. I don't hide behind screen names to make jerky comments.
jweaverA2
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.
Spot on Rob. Love the potential of the city
Kevin McNulty
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.
I think this is a good example of two things. First the old Town/Gown relationship. Second, in times of fiscal strife a city needs to look at both balancing its budget and what can they do to attract people to the city. Here, four groups are collaborating, Ypsilanti, EMU, Washtenaw County and DTE Foundation. Yup new residents will pay city tax, property taxes at a high millage, but that increase may be offset by lowering transportation/parking costs with a short ride, walk, bike or bus to work. When the Detroit City Council was bickering over its pending "financial manager dooming its democratic ability to take care of the city" predicament I was thinking maybe they should let the EFM handle the finances while the city council concentrate on drawing both business and residents to Detroit. Part 2 so to speak. Balancing your budget it one thing, returning your city to a thriving community is another.
jweaverA2
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 11:59 p.m.
Thanks Kevin, very insightful.
djacks24
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
How about offering $10,000 to EMU alumni? Or would they rather their grads not live in Ypsi? We paid our dues, how about a little kick back?
Unusual Suspect
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:16 a.m.
$20,000 to Hurons. $10,000 to Eagles.
Soccer Mom
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.
I think the city of Ypsilanti is great. However...forget about higher taxes and gas prices...the only reason I would not move to Ypsilanti is because of the school system. Yes, I know there are articles on how they are going to great lengths to improve it, however, there would be no incentive to pull my children out of Huron High School (voted "Best Performing High School in Michigan" by US News and World Report).
allergictobs
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
It is great that you want what's best for your kids, truly noble and you need to do what's best for you no doubt. You have no "dog in this fight" but you join the discussion to disparage Ypsi Schools? What I like about Ypsi schools, among many other things, is that if your kid wants to play sports, school play, or orchestra They can pick and choose with full inclusion. At Huron and Pioneer, which are great schools BTW, you have to be the cream of the crop to get a chance. More dreams die at these mega schools because if this. At Ypsi youre and individual. Pioneer/Huron you're a number.
Soccer Mom
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
@allergictobs...First of all, I will agree with your statement, "When Ann Arbor goes totally school of choice in the next few years Ypsi property values will skyrocket!" However, that has nothing to do with my situation. In a few years, my children will be in college! So if that was the case now, maybe you would have a valid point. I have no doubt there are exceptional students in Ypsi. I never said otherwise. That being said, I am going to have to disagree with you when you referred to me as having "my head buried in the sand". You are sadly mistakenly my friend, and a little insultive I may add. I am just a mother that wants the very best for her children, and as it stands now, that would be Huron High School in my opinion.
allergictobs
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.
When Ann Arbor goes totally school of choice in the next few years Ypsi property values will skyrocket! And I will put the top students in Ypsi up against the top students from any school district in the State. Do a little research and see where the top students the last few years from Ypsi are going to school and career wise. I can think of one young Lady in particular, a product of the Ypsi school district, that is making history and very soon Ann Arbor will be claiming her as their own, and she is only a Sophmore in college. Ann Arbor schools has never produced anyone within light years. The schools are only as good as the parent involvement with the young people attending. Ypsi schools are real world. How's the view with your head buried in the sand?
mohomed
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:30 p.m.
Sounds good to me except you have a 50/50 chance of having $10,000 robbed right out your home the 1st year you live there. There's a reason people are leaving Ypsi... it's out of control with crime.
YpsiVeteran
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
Robbed, or burglarized? If you came home and your stuff was gone, that's a burglary. It's still awful, but it's not a "robbery." On a happier note, YPD is above average at catching thieves and burglars. Sometimes it takes a while, but they usually get those responsible, and they're also pretty good a recovering stolen property.
jmcmurray
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.
My house on summit just got robbed.
local
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
My house on Monday and 4 others on our street in the last year have been robbed. We are out of here as quickly as we can make it happen. And because of house values and what we owe, we may end up walking away. Crime might be down because less people live in ypsi to rob!
allergictobs
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.
This comment is a flat out lie. Please supply data to back up this ridiculous post.
Top Cat
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.
So people need to be bribed to live in Ypsi ?
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.
"The Live Ypsi program..... will use EMU, Washtenaw County government and DTE Foundation resources" Interesting. I thought EMU was struggling to keep tuition under control while losing funding from the state that owns it? I wasn't aware that Washtenaw county had some "unassigned" cash too.
YpsiGreen
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 11:57 a.m.
In the larger scheme of things, they are only talking $60,000 here.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 11:56 a.m.
jweaver, I think the plan in theory is nice, but how can anyone afford/justify it given the state of our economy and the state of Government resources ? I have some reaaly great ideas to fix up my house but I can't afford most of them so they stay nothing more than ideas. I grew up in Ypsilanti and have a fondness for the place even tough I no longer live there. I also lament what it has become. It still doesn't mean the plan is economically feasible. That is my concern.
jweaverA2
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:03 a.m.
Craig I generally detest govt intervention but upgrading Ypsilanti would indeed benefit the entire county!
Ann English
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 7:37 p.m.
People go reside where they're freer. Low taxes mean the politicians believe in the people. High taxes locally mean the politicians don't believe the taxpayers know best what's good for them. Where people are freest to be all they can be (and that includes NO FORCED UNIONISM), the politicians believe in the people the most. If something is subsidized, it can't survive where freedom and all the personal responsibility required to keep it, is how most of the people paying the taxes think and stay informed on those who lust for power over them.
pseudo
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 11:51 a.m.
and you explain Ann Arbor how? This comment is irrelevant to the discussion.
allergictobs
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:23 p.m.
The reason taxes are so high has nothing to do with your drivel. They are so high BECAUSE the city is landlocked, most industry is gone. As an example when the Ford/Visteon plant left the City, they took with them the 8% of the Ciity tax base they paid. EMU is tax exempt and when they buy a property it becomes exempt as well. So the base keeps shrinking, it can't be expanded sooooo the burden is spread on who is left. The City cannot cut it's way to prosperity.
Mike
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
Subsidized housing.............Great way to spend dollars that could be used elsewhere
Jimmy McNulty
Tue, May 8, 2012 : 11:51 a.m.
@ypsiveteran, did you re-read your original response to my question (albeit, not an answer to what I was specifically asking)? It sure sounds as if you have a beef when you write: " They are a huge source of noise complaints and loud party calls, especially in the fall. They get their cars towed at an alarming rate, and a certain percentage of them never learn to get along with their roommates, generating any number of civil disputes." So, A) I still challenge your assertation that "The majority of EMU students live off-campus, within city limits" since EMU has a very large commuter population, and B) your rants have yet to answer my question for Allergictobs of what services do EMU employees specifically use?
YpsiVeteran
Mon, May 7, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
Not sure why you think I "have a beef" with the school and/or its students, especially since it's not true in the least, but if it makes you feel better to think that, then have at it.
Jimmy McNulty
Mon, May 7, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
@ypsiveteran, please re-read my original question to allergictobs. He said of EMU employees that "all the employees that work there use Ypsi services." I just wanted to know what services employees specifically use. It seems you have a beef with the school and students in general. I also challenge your numbers that show that the majority of students live off-campus, within the city limits.
YpsiVeteran
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
Jimmy, serious answer: The majority of EMU students live off-campus, within the city limits. All the frat houses are located in the city. EMU students are a huge source of calls for service for YPD. They are victims -- of burglaries, assaults, car thefts, sex crimes and robberies. They are suspects -- drug crimes, driving while intoxicated/impaired, drunk and/or disorderly conduct, burglaries, assaults, sex crimes and robberies. They are a huge source of noise complaints and loud party calls, especially in the fall. They get their cars towed at an alarming rate, and a certain percentage of them never learn to get along with their roommates, generating any number of civil disputes. EMU has a wonderful police force that is responsible only for buildings and occurrences on campus, so the majority of issues are handled by the city police. Fire services at EMU are provided by YFD, which the state is supposed to reimburse the city for but does not. I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones that I immediately thought of.
Jimmy McNulty
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
@allergictobs, what Ypsi services do EMU employees use? Serious question.
allergictobs
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
Ypsi has been "subsidizing" EMU for years. They pay not 1 dime in taxes yet all the employees that work there use Ypsi services. I see this program as a good sign that EMU is finally doing something positive for the City. Being a good neighbor. Interesting to see the haters rise up and start the mud slinging.
EatKeyLimePie
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.
"According to U.S. Census data, Ypsilanti lost more than 13 percent of its residents from 2000 to 2010." Implement a city income tax and watch that number double over the next decade.
jns131
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
Hey pie? You must be from Florida. Pass me a slice of that Key Lime Pie.
EatKeyLimePie
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
Yup and then the city will take it right back from you in the form of the new taxes if they pass. Vote NO on both city income tax and water street debt retirement millage!