Title
Annexation of Township Parcels
Memo
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
This memo summarizes major issues regarding the annexation of township islands within the overall City of Ann Arbor service area. It is intended to provide key information to decision makers and staff regarding the annexation of approximately 580 township “islands” from Ann Arbor, Pittsfield and Scio Townships to the City of Ann Arbor. Staff provided the first report to Council on May 12, 2008.
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The City of Ann Arbor became incorporated as a village in 1824. Over the past 184 years, the City has grown and expanded into areas surrounding it. In the later part of the 19th century, the City began providing municipal water and sanitary sewer service to City parcels. Paved streets became increasingly common in the City of Ann Arbor after the introduction of motor vehicles. Development pressures after World War II resulted in the City expanding its jurisdiction into surrounding areas and providing water and sewer services to newly developing neighborhoods and commercial districts. Most annexations occurred after owners requested annexation and the city services that accompanied it. This expansion resulted in a number of “islands” of township parcels whose owners did not request annexation. Approximately 580 of these township islands (totaling approximately 1,000 acres) remain to date within the City of Ann Arbor utility service area. Although most parcels are located within the freeway ring surrounding Ann Arbor, some exist outside of the freeway ring. Many of these township island parcels include single-family homes.
Early in 1979, the City and Pittsfield Township signed a policy statement document that, in part, outlined “the Territory” that would ultimately be annexed to the City “in an orderly manner.” In mid-1979, the City and Scio Township entered into a Promulgation of Annexation Policy agreement, which outlined the “ultimate permanent boundary” between the ...
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