Title
Resolution to Establish North Main-Huron River Corridor Vision Taskforce
Memorandum
The City has engaged in master planning for parks and economic development for the City's north side. Various elements of this master planning are: The 2011 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan, the 2009 Land Use Plan, the 2009 Transportation Plan, the 2009 Downtown Plan, the 2007 Non-Motorized Plan, the 2007 Allen Creek Greenway Taskforce Report, the 2004 Natural Features Plan and the 1988 North Main/Huron River Corridor Study.
The City is also looking at possible uses for the public land at 721 N. Main. Michcon is considering redeveloping its land off Broadway after it finishes cleaning the site. There is a community desire to increase public access to the river-side amenities of existing parks in the North Main-Huron River Corridor and enhance the look and feel along this corridor.
At present, there are two efforts underway to stimulate economic development in the City: the Washtenaw Avenue Corridor Redevelopment and S. State Street Corridor. The Main Street Corridor study is anticipated to begin within two years. A task force comprising a mix of residents, business and property owners, local non-profits, Park Advisory Commission, Planning Commission and Huron River Watershed Council representatives can begin the community discussion now to establish a vision for the North Main- Huron River Corridor redevelopment. This task force's efforts should create/complete/enhance pedestrian and bike connection from downtown to Bandemer and Huron River Drive, increased public access to the river-side amenities of existing park in the North Main-Huron River corridor, ease traffic congestion at Main and Depot at certain times of a day and recommend use for Michcon property at Broadway.
Body
Whereas, The City is considering options for the re-use of its property at 721 N. Main;
Whereas, The City has invested resources to improve Argo park, the Border to Border trail and Argo Cascades;
Whereas, It is anticipated that the City plans to conduct a Main Street Corridor study within two years and corridor improvements subsequently;
Whereas, Michcon is preparing its Broadway site adjacent to the Huron River (opposite Argo Cascades) for redevelopment;
Whereas, There is increased activity at Argo and Bandemer Parks due to recent park improvements resulting in more bike and pedestrian traffic resulting in a need for a better pathway across the railroad;
Whereas, Community is seeking increased use and access to the river-side parks along North Main -Huron River Corridor;
Whereas, A community dialogue can start now for the North Main-Huron River Corridor to create/complete/enhance pedestrian and bike connection from downtown to Bandemer and Huron River Drive, increased public access to the river-side amenities of existing park in this corridor, ease traffic congestion at Main and Depot at certain times of a day and recommend use for MichCon property at Broadway; and
Whereas, A task force made up of residents representing Water hill, the North Central and the Broadway/Pontiac neighborhoods, business and property owners in the affected area to review existing plans to seek common elements and develop a vision for the North Main-Huron corridor through robust public engagement;
RESOLVED, City Council will establish a task force to develop a vision for the North Main-Huron Corridor redevelopment;
RESOLVED, That the Task Force will include one member of the Park Advisory Commission, one member of Planning Commission, one resident representing Water Hill, one resident representing the North Central, one resident from Old Fourth Ward and one resident representing Broadway/Pontiac neighborhood, two business and property owners from the affected area, one member of Huron River Watershed Council, one member of City Council, a representative of the boating/fishing community of river users, a representative from the Huron River Citizens Association and a representative from the Public Arts Commission;
RESOLVED, This task force's efforts should result in a recommendation to Council for the best use of 721 N. Main as part of the Allen Creek Greenway trails by December 31, 2012;
RESOLVED, This task force's efforts should develop a vision to create/complete/enhance pedestrian and bike connection from downtown to Bandemer and Huron River Drive, increase public access to the river-side amenities of existing parks in the North Main-Huron River corridor, ease traffic congestion at Main and Depot at certain times of a day and recommend use of MichCon property at Broadway; and
RESOLVED, That the task force will submit its report to Council by July 31, 2013. To assist the Task Force in making its recommendations, it shall conduct a series of public workshops, and consult with independent professionals and City staff.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Smith and Briere
As Amended by Ann Arbor City Council on May 7, 2012 and by City Council Resolution R-12-228 on May 21, 2102