Title
Resolution to Direct the City Administrator, Ann Arbor Housing Commission, and Planning Commission to Create Proposed Application Materials, Review and Recommend Development Entitlements to the City Council for 350 S. Fifth Avenue (former Y-Lot) to Support the Development of Affordable Housing in the City
Memorandum
On April 1, 2019, Ann Arbor City Council adopted Resolution R-19-138 which directed the City Administrator and Ann Arbor Housing Commission to provide analysis on the feasibility of City-owned properties as potential locations for Affordable Housing, including 350 S. Fifth (the "Site"). On August 19, 2019, the City Council approved a contract with SmithGroup, Inc. to conduct public engagement, develop potential building concepts, and perform evaluation of the feasibility of these concepts for the Site.
350 S. Fifth (the former Y Lot) is a strong candidate for affordable housing:
* The site is in the D1 Zoning District currently, which provides for a adequate density of development to maximize affordable housing.
* Development of the site has the potential to enhance and/or expand the operations of the Blake Transit Center immediately north, while providing exceptional transit access to future residents.
* The potential for Downtown Development Authority support, based on the project's location.
Based on the feasibility of development and feedback from the community, it is recommended that this site progress to pre-entitlement phase. This phase would occur through partnership with the Ann Arbor Housing Commission as applicant, and City as reviewer/property owner, to pre-entitle the property by seeking an appropriate level of zoning and/or plan approval to facilitate the selection and realization of a development consistent with the desired goals from the evaluation of the site conducted to date.
It is recommended that such entitlement be conducted through a Planned Unit Development and Concept Plan, or another mechanism which will successf...
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