Title
Liberty Plaza Improvement Resolution
Body
Whereas, Liberty Plaza is a highly visible park located in Central downtown Ann Arbor;
Whereas, Liberty Plaza has benefited from the generous support and maintenance provided by the First Martin Corporation and other volunteer groups;
Whereas, Liberty Plaza has seen a slight increase in programming and activities as a result of the rental fee waiver implemented by Council in June 2013;
Whereas, Despite such efforts, Liberty Plaza continues to be underutilized and is often perceived to facilitate negative behavior;
Whereas, The FY15 Budget funds two additional, sworn community engagement officers to help patrol the downtown, an activity that will help improve Liberty Plaza although more needs to be done;
Whereas, Liberty Plaza could benefit from design improvements and increased programming to facilitate positive behavior and a public downtown space the Ann Arbor residents can be proud of and enjoy;
Whereas, The Parks Advisory Commission ("PAC") downtown subcommittee report recommends that significant capital/structural improvements to Liberty Plaza should be made in concert with the adjacent property owner;
Whereas, The PAC downtown subcommittee report recommends that any future improvements should also work to create a permanent and highly visible connection between the Library Lot and Liberty Plaza;
Whereas, It is understood that a successful programmed urban park requires significant staff support and on-going funding to sustain activities, security, and high maintenance standards;
Whereas, City Council increased the Parks & Recreation Services FY2015 budget by $23,577 as a result of the Parks Millage Administrative Policy, the so-called Parks Fairness Resolution;
Whereas, These funds were not earmarked for a specific project or purpose;
Whereas, The residents of Ann Arbor wish to have a clean, safe, and successful park in the downtown; and
Whereas, Liberty Plaza does not c...
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