The following was released by the City on Nov 12, 2019 at: https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=638
What is affordable housing? Where should it be located? Why is it needed? How should it be developed? Because affordable housing is a complex topic, answers to these questions can vary depending on who is asked.
The city is beginning a public engagement process to assist in developing a shared understanding and language about affordable housing, and its relationship to jobs, development, growth and planning, by creating a framework for discussing or evaluating these issues. Specifically, issues will be discussed in the context of redevelopment of two key publicly owned sites in downtown Ann Arbor, as part of a larger context of housing and affordability in our city: vacant city-owned lots at 350 S. Fifth Ave. and 415 W. Washington St.
From Thursday, Dec. 5-Monday, Dec. 9, the city will host five, four-hour community discussions regarding the redevelopment of vacant lots at 350 S. Fifth Ave. and 415 W. Washington St. These honest and interactive conversations will be part of a larger context of housing and affordability discussions in Ann Arbor.
All people who live, work and/or spend significant time in Ann Arbor are invited to attend one of the below open-house style sessions. Weekend, day and evening options have been included to expand feedback opportunities from all.
Housing + Affordability: Community Discussion Dates
Thursday, Dec. 5 2019 (5:00-9:00 PM)
Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
150 S. 5th Ave Suite 301
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Friday, Dec. 6 2019 (12 noon – 4:00PM)
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch (3rd floor freespace)
343 S 5th Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Saturday, Dec. 7 2019 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Ann Arbor YMCA (Michigan Room)
400 W Washington St
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Sunday, Dec. 8 2019 (12 noon – 4:00PM)
The Cirq Bar
210 S. 1st St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Monday, Dec. 9 2019 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch (3rd floor freespace)
343 S 5th Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
“These community discussions are intended to encourage candid and open conversations,” said Derek Delacourt, City of Ann Arbor community services administrator. “Our goal is the co-creation of solutions and development concepts for these two properties in order to assist City Council in understanding community sentiment regarding reuse of these sites.”
Those unable to attend a discussion can share feedback via the project webpage at:
https://www.community-engagement-annarbor.com/
Or email questions to Derek Delacourt at ddelacourt@a2gov.org. Staff will be working to provide more feedback opportunities, including an online survey, in the near future.