NEWS AND INFO

2/6/08. I received the following via email.  Please attend this meeting if you can.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE: Ann Arbor Housing and Human Services Advisory Board Public Meeting As part of its 2008 work plan, and with the assistance of the Office of Community Development, the City of Ann Arbor Housing and Human Services Advisory Board (HHSAB) is charged with preparing a written recommendation to the City Council, on or before May 31, 2008, summarizing options and a recommendation for the development of 100 units of affordable housing for low-income residents, including supportive services for the residents of this housing. These units will replace 100 SRO units located at the former YMCA site. The HHSAB requests public comment at a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m. to address the following issues, and requests:

• Whether the 100 units of affordable housing should be located on the site or elsewhere;
• Whether the 100 units of affordable housing should be developed on one site or dispersed in a variety of locations;
• Whether the 100 units of affordable housing should be located in the downtown area, outside the downtown area, or dispersed both inside and outside the downtown area;
• Likely requirements and possible sources of funding for development of the 100 units of affordable housing, including provisions of social services for the housing residents;
• Whether non-profit developers, for-profit developers, and social service providers in the community have sufficient capacity to develop and provide services for 100 units of affordable housing within the next four (4) years; and
• Any other challenges or opportunities related to the development of 100 units of affordable housing for low-income residents.



The public is encouraged to participate and share its opinion. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Feb. 12, in the lower level conference room at 200 North Main Street, Ann Arbor. For additional information or questions, please contact Jennifer Hall by calling 734.622.9006.

2/4/08.   I noticed today that the Liberty Pines lot is for sale.  This is the lot on the north side of W. Liberty, adjacent to I-94.  The Religious Action for Affordable Housing group had proposed "work force" condominiums there but did not go ahead with their project.  The Concannon Company (who is doing West Towne) then proposed market-rate condominiums which were approved by the City.  If anyone notices anything happening with this lot, let us all know.


This 42 North proposal was rejected by City Council on a 10-1 vote on Tuesday, 1/22/08.  See the South Maple Group's website for more information. 



Construction at West Towne Condominiums is moving along.  They are installing insulation and sheetrock and putting the HardiePlank™ Lap Siding up.  They have permits to start two more buildings--not the two facing West Liberty, yet.