Title
Resolution Directing the Planning Commission to Create a Transit Supported Development District
Body
Whereas, Housing costs are typically a household's largest single expense, critically affecting quality of life;
Whereas, Ann Arbor has become unaffordable for 45% of households making $35,000.00-$49,999.00 a year, 87% of households making $20,000.00-$34,999.00, and 94% of households making under $20,000.00 [1];
Whereas, Ann Arbor is the least affordable city in Michigan with median rents 22% higher than the rest of the state [2];
Whereas, Neighborhoods such as Arbor Oaks and Water Hill are seeing significant demographic shifts due to a lack of housing options city-wide;
Whereas, Results from the 2018 City Budget Prioritization Survey clearly indicate Ann Arbor residents believe affordable housing should be a policy and budgeting priority;
Whereas, Expanding the supply of affordable housing is a complex issue, requiring many strategies;
Whereas, Decades of research and experience show that allowing housing to be built, especially near transit corridors, improves affordability community-wide [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9];
Whereas, Additionally, the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Strategy necessitates a reduction of vehicle miles traveled by a minimum of 50%;
Whereas, Housing people near bus lines and employment centers encourages residents to drive less;
Whereas, Ann Arbor's current Master Plan identifies transit corridors as Plymouth-Fuller, State, Jackson, and Washtenaw. Some of these corridors are under-utilized, often with single-story strip malls without any housing; and
Whereas, Multiple portions of the City's current Master Plan also call for increased density along certain transit corridors;
RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council refers the issue to the City Planning Commission;
RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council requests that the City Planning Commission forward a transit- supported zoning district to increase housing density and optio...
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