Title
Resolution calling for the Creation of an Innovative Process of Community Collaboration to Explore a Greenway Park and Arts Center at 415 W. Washington
Body
Whereas, There was a Request for Proposals process for the city owned site at 415 W. Washington that did not result in a proposal moving forward;
Whereas, In Alternative B of their report, the Greenway Task Force recommended that 415 W. Washington become a combined Greenway Park and Arts Center;
Whereas, This site is just a short walk from the Main St. area of Downtown Ann Arbor and is just across the street from the YMCA that is enjoyed by thousands of residents including seniors and children;
Whereas, There is great potential for this site to be the anchor park of a new Greenway that will someday join the existing Huron River Greenway;
Whereas, The lack of affordable space for studios, art display, and performance space in Ann Arbor is known to have forced some artists and musicians in the community to take their craft away from the city;
Whereas, Ann Arbor has long been considered a haven for the arts and hosts the largest art fair in the nation and recent studies have confirmed that the arts annually contribute millions of dollars to the local economy and provide thousands of jobs in the greater Ann Arbor area;
Whereas, 415 W. Washington provides a wonderful opportunity for the display of public art for all to enjoy;
Whereas, a large portion of the site lies within the floodway;
Whereas, the site lies within the boundaries of the Downtown Development Authority;
Whereas, if it is determined that the brick building that fronts on Washington and is part of the Old West Side Historic District can be restored in a cost effective manner there is great potential in redeveloping this site as a model of energy efficiency supported by renewable energy;
Whereas, The building could be made available to artists and others in the community as a place for studios, gatherings, meetings, and performanc...
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