Pittsfield seeks tax-capturing authority to fund State Road overhaul, new roundabouts
Video: A 360 degree view of the intersection of South State Road and Hines Drive on Tuesday, July, 23.
In order to drum up funds needed for a $30 million overhaul to its major State Road commercial corridor, Pittsfield Township is seeking to create a tax-capturing authority.
Supervisor Mandy Grewal has been leading the charge to update South State Road since she took office in 2008, and has been working with the Washtenaw County Road Commission to develop a plan.
“(State Road) has county-wide significance,” Grewal said. “It runs through the heart of our business district.”
South State Road at the intersection of West Textile Road on Tuesday, July 23. Pittsfield Township is seeking an overhaul to this corridor that would widen State Road to four lanes with a narrow median in a boulevard configuration, with new roundabouts at Morgan and Textile.
Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com
Similar to a Downtown Development Authority, it will allow the township to collect increases in taxable value due to new development within the authority’s bounds.
“The hope is to leverage the only local financing tool left in our tool box to attract federal funds to do a major overhaul to this corridor,” Grewal said.
The corridor improvement authority includes commercial properties adjacent to State Road from Pittsfield Township’s northern bounds on Interstate 94 to West Michigan Avenue.
Grewal said the township will pursue a tax increment finance plan that will capture 50 percent of the increased property value over a 20-year period.
Shaded areas indicate the properties that would be a part of the corridor improvement authority in Pittsfield Township. Red areas are developed and yellow areas are undeveloped.
Courtesy of Pittsfield Township
According to a plan drafted by the Road Commission in conjunction with township officials, the overhaul will include expanding State Road from two lanes to a boulevard-style four lane configuration with a narrow median from Airport Drive to Campus Parkway.
The project would also include the installation of two new roundabouts on State Road — one at the intersection of Morgan Road and another at the intersection of Textile Road. The Road Commission is in the process of building a roundabout at the State and Ellsworth intersection at the northern end of the project’s proposed bounds.
Bike lanes and pedestrian walkways would be installed as a part of the project. The Road Commission estimates that the overhaul, which would be completed in three phases, would cost a total of about $30 million, said Roy Townsend, managing director.
Expanding State Road from two to four lanes would allow for an express bus to service the businesses in the corridor, which is not an option in the present configuration, Grewal said.
“That corridor is in the same shape as it was in the 1970s,” Grewal said. “Transportation needs for the corridor have changed.”
Townsend said State Road was last repaved in 2010 using federal stimulus dollars. Updates to State Road have been discussed for about 20 years, Townsend said.
“That became a higher priority for Mandy when she took office (in 2008),” Townsend said. “It makes sense to us. Everyone has recognized that that’s one of the main corridors for Pittsfield Township.”
Creation of such an authority has been publicly discussed since March 27, when a long-term tax increment financing program was first introduced.
Trustees voted 7-0 April 24 to pursue establishing the creation of such an authority - which began a 60-day public commenting period, which ends Wednesday.
In addition to voting to create the authority Wednesday, trustees will also vote on appointing five people to the authority’s board, on which Grewal will sit by default. Representatives are from State Road businesses within the authority's bounds:
- Claudia Kretschmer of Gym America; one-year term
- Roger Jackson of Tecumseh Products; two-year term
- Bill Linfield of Costco; three-year term
- Bill Reminder, Pittsfield Township resident; four-year term
- David Sarns of NuStep; four-year term
Time is of the essence for Grewal as she moves to create the authority, as the authority’s board is responsible for creating a TIF plan that must undergo a public hearing process as well. Should all go according to plan, the TIF plan will be approved before the end of 2013 so it can begin to accrue funds in 2014.
Grewal said she anticipates 2014 will be another year of development by businesses in the corridor, and she wants to get the TIF in place as soon as possible to collect that revenue.
“We don’t want to miss the increases in new development as the economy takes off,” Grewal said.
A commercial building at South State Road and Hines Drive on Tuesday, July 23.
Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com
Pittsfield Township has applied for a federal TIGER grant for the first phase of the project, which extends from Airport Drive to Morgan Road.
Most federal grants require a 10 percent to 20 percent local match, which would be about $1 million to $2 million for Pittsfield Township if the project cost is $10 million.
Grewal said the township can’t allocate $1 million to $2 million from its $11.5 million general fund budget for the State Road project because it would not be fair to the other corridor improvement projects it is involved in — including ReImagine Washtenaw.
“We’re very particular as to how and why we’re establishing the CIA,” Grewal said. “Some DDAs gain the reputation of randomly capturing dollars. … We’re going to make a very clear commitment to each of the taxing jurisdictions that that’s where the money is going.”
Pittsfield Township, as well as other municipalities in Washtenaw County, saw an increase in taxable value in 2013.
In the past five years, Grewal said she’s witnessed a retention of existing businesses along State Road, as well as a number of Michigan-based businesses that have chosen to site their headquarters there, including NuStep, Tecumseh Products and Systems in Motion.
“We’re looking at these businesses as they grow throughout the next decade,” Grewal said. “They’re going to want a better transportation infrastructure to accommodate their continued growth.”
View Area of planned State Road improvements in a larger map
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
Vivienne Armentrout
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 6:31 p.m.
Thanks for the reporting on this. Readers might find the Corridor Development Act useful reading http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2005-2006/publicact/pdf/2005-PA-0280.pdf (This is Public Act 280 of 2005.) A CIA is much like a DDA in that it is also set up to encourage development. It is not just a mechanism for tax transfers, but a semi-autonomous governmental body that can borrow money and acquire land. The tax increment financing captures all property tax revenues resulting from new development - as other commenters have explained, it is only the portion of taxes due to the new development, not the amounts due to inflation or change in assessed value because of market changes. This means that not only Pittsfield Township gives up that tax revenue, but the county, WCC, AADL (I assume that this portion of Pittsfield Township is in the AAPS school district) also lose any revenue due to new development. School taxes are exempt. Also, any special millages like the county parks millage are funneled into the CIA instead. It will be interesting to watch and see how this works out.
Vivienne Armentrout
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 10:38 a.m.
I was not clear. I meant the increase in valuation of pre-existing property due to inflation was not taxed. Many TIFAs do collect the increase in tax due to inflation of improved properties. The subsequent story to this one also clarifies some points. One is that Pittsfield is structuring its CIA so that only 50% of the tax is captured.
tosviol8or
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:33 a.m.
"... it is only the portion of taxes due to the new development, not the amounts due to inflation or change in assessed value because of market changes." That's how AA's works. That's not how 99% of them work.
Willie Reid
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 7:34 p.m.
Sounds like an even better deal now.
Willie Reid
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 5:13 p.m.
Personally I feel this board has earned the benefit of the doubt. I know I've only lived here for 12 years and this board has only been in control for 5, but in that time I have had no complaints. I know there are some people unhappy with the police and fire millage, but it still passed with overwhelming support. I feel like our quality of life is high in Pittsfield Township especially considering the lower taxes we pay compared to our neighbors. Yes our taxes are higher than other parts of the state, but again, to me it's a quality of life issue. Let's look at all of the complaining on this site about other local governments. More often than not, our board gets it right. This doesn't always happen in government obviously. I think they should be commended. This idea is the kind of forward thinking needed from our leaders. Yes, it may suck if you own a house on State, but this area is slated for development on the Master Plan. What can our leaders do to best implement the Master Plan. This isn't a tax increase. Residents of Pittsfield Townships will not see an increase in taxes. Also, no matter what these properties are assesed at, Proposal A limits how much taxes can increase until sold or improvements are made to a property. The idea is to capture a portion of these property improvements. This might siphon a few dollars from the general fund from natural taxable value increases, but I think it's worth it if this area can be developed. And it sounds like local businesses will be well represented on this new authority. I would think if anyone should be complaining, it would be them. Don't you think if taxes were increasing as the nay-sayers are saying, the local businesses would be the ones with the loudest complaints? I do agree that there needs to be a sunset clause on it. It sounds like 20-years is talked about. I think that would be acceptable.
Basic Bob
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 3:05 p.m.
Let me guess, another unanimous vote from the Trustees?
Julius
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
Maybe when we're done building all these roundabouts (I call them mini speedways) all over the place we can replace a couple bridges so a wider 94 is possible.
Tag
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 4:45 a.m.
I love how the picture is labeled "a commercial building at South State street...." It's a reminder of bygone years as it is (or was) where the Ann Arbor News was last printed.
Ann English
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:03 a.m.
Yes, I too remember the hardcopy Ann Arbor News editions getting folded there, and the advertisements inserted into the papers there.
tosviol8or
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 3:30 a.m.
The story calls this authority the first of its kind in Washtenaw County" but later it says Grewal won't commit general fund money to it because it would be unfair to the other authority projects the township is involved in, including ReImagine Washtenaw. ????
tosviol8or
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 2:30 a.m.
So, then, Pittsfield Township is involved in the projects of an authority that does not exist?
Amy Biolchini
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
ReImagine Washtenaw is an initiative between Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Township and Ypsilanti Township. Though the idea has been floated, a corridor improvement authority has not yet been created for that project. Grewal meant Pittsfield Township does not have room in its general fund to allocate $1 million or $2 million to each of the major road improvement projects it is pursuing.
Basic Bob
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 3 p.m.
Not a whole lot of fact checking in Pittsfield. It's like a George Orwell story where the history constantly updates itself.
stihl1
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 3:01 a.m.
How about improving the pot hole and patched roads that are in dire need first? Driving around Ann Arbor is like driving in a 3rd world city in some areas.
aarog
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 2:33 a.m.
I am perplexed at the positive comments surrounding a new tax authority. However benign the officials want you to see it, they incur expenses which need more taxes and their purpose is to capture more taxes. This can mean nothing except more taxes.
Hemenway
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:58 a.m.
I'm pleased that bicycle traffic and pedestrian traffic are considered in the proposal, this will be a nice addition to the pedestrain walkway all ready in place on Lohr Road. I see this walkway get regular use all year long.
Ann English
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 11:58 p.m.
Yes, I too saw that Lohr Road walkway in use 12 days ago, even before 9 in the morning; I don't go to Saline often, but had to conclude that seeing that walking path along Lohr being used when I did was NO exception.
Tim Hornton
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:57 a.m.
I say increase the taxes on the wealthy to pay for this! They need to pay their Fair Share in local and State taxes too at a much higher rate. I see a lot of big homes around that area south of Ann Arbor with people wih good paying jobs that can be taxed more to help the rest of the county out.
Lifelong A2
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:48 a.m.
Here's the bottom line: local matches for road projects should be contributed by the LOCAL entity, which in this case is Pittsfield Twp. If Township voters refuse to tax themselves enough to cover that local match, they should burden other entities, such as the County and Community College, with that obligation.
jane
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:13 a.m.
Michigan ave should get the expansion first. Or pave Textile so we citizens can enjoy the multi million dollar park/swamp the Township purchased.
a2citizen
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 12:06 a.m.
Put a toll booth in at the intersection. That would fund a lot of road improvements.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.
It's a great time to implement a Tax Increment Financing plan, while property values are artificially low. As property values rise to reflect their actual values, this money will be diverted into a fund which can only be used for one purpose - to widen the road from the Centennial Park sub to Costco and Briarwood. And as long as we have $12M tied up that can't be used for anything else, we will have to commit to another $20M. If this is such a good idea, why do we have such short notice for an unusual 11 am township board meeting?
Greg
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:09 p.m.
Nunya - This article is labeled as about Pittsfield township, not Ann Arbor. Really need to look at what is being discussed.
ThinkingOne
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
Research parks aren't business? More importantly, what is the master plan for that area of State - business or residential? Of course there is vacant land there - and you are trying to attract businesses to a business zone. Again, compare Jackson Ave to almost any other corridor in the area. There are advantages to getting this type of thing done before everything else is built.
Rod Johnson
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 2:07 a.m.
Greg, you might want to look at a map. Washtenaw and Carpenter (and Packard, and Ellsworth) have significant segments that go through Pittsfield and carry the bulk of commercial activity in the Township--the business district, if you will. State in Pittsfield is mainly research parks and undeveloped land--hardly "the heart of our business district," as Grewal has it. Nunya has it right.
LXIX
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 11:23 p.m.
Yes Nunya - even though you are correct in that both Washtenaw and Carpenter roads go through Pittsfield Township - pay attention.
Jim Osborn
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9:42 p.m.
It should have a sunset clause in it though, so after the inprovements are made, perhaps only half or 1/4 of the amount will be needed for up-keep. This is to prevent Ann Arbor type roads with potholes. Making State Street wider costs a lot more than just repaving every few years. But do budget to do this needed activity. Without a sunset clause, the excess money could be wasted instead of being better spendt elsewhere; especially if this "DDA" is s special unelected board that can only spend it on State Street.
RUKiddingMe
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9:41 p.m.
It was repaved in 2010; is 3 years about the return we expect to get on a re-pave? How much did that cost?
nunya
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9:31 p.m.
Didn't realize this was the heart of the business district. I wonder how the businesses on Washtenaw and Carpenter feel about that?
ThinkingOne
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:25 a.m.
Again, if you look at Jackson Ave, it is better to have the roadwork and utilities in place before the businesses all move in. Businesses know where they are wanted and know what to expect regarding roadwork and utilities - it is all done. No wondering about moving because the 'plans might change when someone else is elected'. Much less guessing, hemming and hawing.
LXIX
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9:16 p.m.
It was first spotted in Downtown Ann Arbor. Then quietly infected nearby townships. Now the bug is rampant in communities everywhere. It's the DDA TIF invasion without representation. Coming soon to a property near you. If it is your land, then run ! as in Run Forest, RUN ! The Detroit DDA just approved a brand new, half billion dollar Red Wings stadium. With stores offices and fancy residential complex nearby. To be financed with private monies and quarter of a billion in TIF contributions. City going bankrupt? So ?
ThinkingOne
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:51 p.m.
Regarding Michigan Ave My recollection is that widening of Michigan Ave and the bridge over US23 was in the planning stages years ago, under MDOT (US highway). However, since nothing other than initial planning had occurred, it was one of the first long-term transportation projects cancelled when the recession first began. I believe the recommendation brought forth was pretty much a 5-lane boulevard due to costs of acquiring land for a boulevard. However, if you compare Washtenaw (5 lane) to Jackson (boulevard), perhaps the township should look to setting up a Michigan Ave TIF to aid in land acquisition or other costs when the state revisits this project. Whenever that might be.
ThinkingOne
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:41 p.m.
ChrisW and Silly Sally This is capturing part of rising tax revenue due to increasing property value; not creating a new tax or increasing a tax rate. 'Similar to a Downtown Development Authority, it will allow the township to collect increases in taxable value due to new development within the authority's bounds.' This is how it was explained to me; I hope I have remembered it clearly: Example: Vacant land is taxed at $2,000 per year. Land is sold and a business is built. Property taxes are now $12,000 per year. Increase in tax due entirely to increase in property value: $10,000. $7,000 goes to the township (original $2,000 and half of the $10,000) and $5,000 goes directly to the TIF authority (half of the $10,000). These are not new taxes nor are they increased tax rates. They reflect the normal increase due to increased value. The only difference is that half of the increase is pledged somewhere beforehand and is not subject to annual bickering among councils and boards as to where it should go.
ThinkingOne
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:46 a.m.
If property values in general go up over 20 years, then the township will receive 100% of the increase everywhere in the township except in this special district, which will still get half of that. The rationale is that a major part of the increase along State St will be because of the businesses moving in; and a major reason they will be moving in is because they will be located on a modern road that is designed to support business.
ThinkingOne
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:30 a.m.
Sally 'Grewal said the township will pursue a tax increment finance plan that will capture 50 percent of the increased property value over a 20-year period.'
LXIX
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 11:48 p.m.
All right. Pop quiz for TIF taxation without representatation. WHO determines the increases in a property value? Can they be connected in any non-voting way to the independent TIF authority?
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 10:37 p.m.
Over time, inflation will cause property values to increase, so more money will go to this project and less will go to fund schools, police, and fire services.
Silly Sally
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9:33 p.m.
Thanks for expaining it better than the article. It needs to have some way of ending it once the improvements are finished it every few years. If they keep full funding, a new supervisor might get like Ann Arbor's silly mayor and dream away our money.
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:40 p.m.
Just to be clear: Pittsfield Township is not proposing to raise taxes on businesses within the bounds of the corridor improvement authority. The township is proposing to take 50 percent of the increased property value due to new development within the authority and collect it to use towards the State Road improvement project.
aarog
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 2:29 a.m.
I believe that "tax increment finance plan" means raising taxes, and I guarantee that a new tax authority will include people who get paid which assures money goes to them instead of other places, and since the government has a difficult time not taking money from other places, I believe you are not correct, that it means more taxes, raising taxes, and a bit bigger governement that needs more tax money permanently.
ThinkingOne
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:27 a.m.
I would assume the same people who determine all property values - the assessor's office.
LXIX
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 11:11 p.m.
And who determines the "increased property value due to new development within the authority"?
a2huron
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:33 p.m.
Why is it that Pittsfield seems to get things right compared to the city??? This process sure looks better than the AA DDA and its piggy bank of flexible funds.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:50 p.m.
You must be kidding. The plan is to divert $12M from property tax increases caused by general improvements in the economy, plus another $20M from the township general fund. Good thing we have the extra public safety millage generating a million in excess revenue, because we just tied it up for the next 30 years. The only economic activity it will stimulate is the airport runway expansion.
John of Saline
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:30 p.m.
"Capturing" dollars. Makes it sound like a strategy game.
djacks24
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:27 p.m.
Got to attract and retain those great paying Wal-Mart and Costco jobs and others like them.
nonyo
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9:18 p.m.
Costco is a pretty darn good place to work. Don't lump it in with Walmart.
Milo Simon
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:26 p.m.
I've driven along Jackson Road for years and it is far better now as reconfigured and widened. People forget Jackson Road used to look like State Road. Property values will go up if the roads are improved. Businesses will want to locate there. Come on, its MORE JOBS, people! Glad they are making sure money is targeted there and not used elsewhere. Nice plan.
aarog
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 2:26 a.m.
It may be a nice plan, but what is more jobs, temporary construction perhaps. I cannot get excited by a new tax authority, as if.
tammrm
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:23 p.m.
What about Michigan Avenue through Pittsfield Township? Now THATS the road that needs widening to five lanes!
JimmyD
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 2 p.m.
Tam - I think that M12 is a State issue.
Arieswoman
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 10:36 a.m.
Folks are using gravel road, Textile to cut through to Platt. At rush hour it is unreal the number of cars coming off Textile at Platt Rd.
Brad
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:20 p.m.
"Some DDAs gain the reputation of randomly capturing dollars" Hey! No making fun of our DDA, even if it is true.
Silly Sally
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:12 p.m.
This seems very unfair to the old time businesses such as Tyner's Furniture who do not benefit from the congestion; nor the few remaining single-family homes south of Textile. The business that should pay are the newer ones such as Costco and Wal-Mart that create much of the traffic increaase, as well as the ever expanding business parks. Does Mandy Grewal even care? Or, is she just empire building? After all, she approaved these newest additions, and now wants to pay to fix the traffic jams they created.
Tag
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 4:38 a.m.
The congestion was already there and... "Mandy Grewal has been leading the charge to update South State Road since she took office in 2008..."
Silly Sally
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9:20 p.m.
Tyners and especially the single family homes were on a country road (State Street) and now it is crowded from all of the new businesses such as Walmart. Why should they have to pay to wqden the road? They did not cause the congestion? They would be paying to fix a problem that they did not create. It is like saying that you would benefit by repairing your roof that leaked from a hole caused by a crashed airplane, when only the airplane's owner should pay, not you.
Milo Simon
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:22 p.m.
Eh, you do know what you said is a reason for doing this? Doing away with congestion would benefit everyone along the path. Especially Tyners and homes. I drive on Jackson Road every day and it's far better now than when it used to look like State.
ChrisW
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 8:11 p.m.
Seems like if we stopped giving tax abatements to companies to stay/locate in the township we wouldn't need to raise taxes on existing businesses. Also, I think Systems in Motion is on Oak Valley, not directly off State Road.
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 7:45 p.m.
TIF-districts to fund road projects like this aren't unprecedented in Washtenaw County: Scio Township set up a DDA in 1998 to fund its Jackson Road boulevard construction.
tosviol8or
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 3:39 a.m.
If you think any of those TIF districts are going to end when the initial projects they were created are done, you haven't been paying attention to all the TIF districts in Washtenaw County. There's never a shortage of reasons to just keep taking the money forever.
Ann English
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 12:27 a.m.
The Jackson Road Boulevard came to mind as I read about this proposal. I don't remember seeing one empty business building after another along Jackson Road, like I've seen along State Road right after the Walmart Supercenter opened. Is State Road's appearance realy that much better since the Saline Walmart opened?
demistify
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9:38 p.m.
....and then threw away an opportunity to have Costco move there.
a2huron
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 7:38 p.m.
Sounds like a good business-oriented approach to attract more jobs to the region. Well thought out, it appears. Driven that stretch before and there's a lot of land but little road width/lanes. If I'm looking for a business site, I'm expecting better roads than what's there now. Certainly aren't getting any more federal $ for this stuff, so kudos to for taking the lead to get it done and not wait 20 more years.
aarog
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 2:24 a.m.
Assuming you don't own a business since your criteria is not the criteria business use. And they won't be excited by the extra bicycle lanes.
John of Saline
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 7:34 p.m.
Also, Morgan should be paved east of State all the way to Platt, and the southern section of Stone School that ends at Morgan should also be paved. Lots of people use those roads at rush hour, and they constantly need regrading.
Ann English
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 12:24 a.m.
I drove on that part of Morgan and that part of Stone School eleven days ago, on my way back from Saline, and they had just had stones put on them; I had expected them to be in better condition. It is a way to avoid the State & Ellsworth intersection, roundabout or not. The people you're referring to, Platt-bound, can avoid 3 or more traffic signals by staying on Morgan.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 11:52 p.m.
I'm sure the families with kids (and without) like the potholes to slow down the speeders Just Fine.
John of Saline
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 7:33 p.m.
Actually, roundabouts at Morgan and Textile FIRST would have made a lot of sense, given the traffic lights, which, during non-rush times, often are just time-wasters.
jns131
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
Wow!!! Ann Arbor has gone round about crazy. Can't wait to see every intersection going round and round. Need to sit down, making me dizzy here.
Rod Johnson
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 : 1:58 a.m.
That's what you take away from this? The *County* Road Commission is constructing three roundabouts, two of which are in Pittsfield, and you point fingers at Ann Arbor?