Title
Resolution to Approve Street Closings for the Ann Arbor Marathon Running Event - Sunday, October 13, 2024
Memorandum
Attached for your consideration is a resolution to approve the closing of certain streets for the Ann Arbor Marathon Running Event on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 3:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
The applicant, Epic Races, LLC, is raising money through this event for select charities with the common mission to "E-Race the Stigma" surrounding mental health: Families Against Narcotics, Miles Jeffrey Roberts Foundation, Girls on the Run, Lost Voices, and Concert Music Outreach Collective.
The applicant has requested to close the following streets between 3:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. and the streets will be reopened as soon as safely possible after participants have cleared the areas (many of these streets will occupy one lane only). The races start at 7:00 AM:
S. Ashley from W. Washington to W. Liberty
W. Washington from S. 1st St. to S. Ashley
Liberty from S. 1st St. to State
State from E. Liberty to S. University
South University from State to East University
Observatory from Geddes to Washington Heights
East U across Pedestrian Mall to North U.- cross North U.
Palmer Field path to Observatory
Observatory to Geddes
Geddes to E. Huron River Dr.
E. Huron River Dr. to N. Dixboro
N. Dixboro to Geddes Road
Geddes Road from Earhart to Huron Parkway (one lane)
Fuller Rd. Sidewalk to E. Medical Center Dr. sidewalk to Arb entrance
Arb trails to Washington Heights
One month before the event, the applicant will hand-deliver information about the event to all impacted businesses and notify the media. One week before the event, the applicant will post informational signs along the route and send postcards to impacted residents along the Geddes. The City’s website will also include information about street closures for this event.
The applicant agrees to obtain all necessary permits, to provide evidence of proper liability insurance as required, to comply with all City regulations governing the use of the streets, and will reimburse the City for all event expenses.
City staff has met with the organizers for this event as there were complaints received in 2023 regarding traffic back-ups and congestion, access to businesses, and, most importantly, the length of time that streets were closed. The organizer is asking for what amounts to a 10-hour street closure for major streets. This disruption was particularly felt by City Police, who bore the brunt of the complaints during the event. Recognizing that as the race nears its end the participants will be directed to sidewalks, which should allow the streets to open sooner, but because of the full length of time, the disruption is still significant. Additionally, City Administrator Dohoney has received feedback in advance of the event decrying the route and disruption to the downtown community for such a great length of time.
The portion of the route on Geddes from Earhart to Huron River Drive is new to this event and felt by staff to be narrow. Police are prepared to close one lane but it would be treated as though it were a construction site, i.e., stopping traffic for one side while the other proceeds. Runners will be moved to the sidewalks as they progress east towards US23. This route is also heavily used by travelers to the University of Michigan and Veterans Administration Hospitals.
The organizers have been asked to submit a communication plan, impact information, and a statement describing the value this event brings to the City. The organizers will be at the Council meeting (either in-person or via Zoom) to answer any questions Council may have.
Staff
Prepared by: Debra Williams, Office Manager
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City has received a request to approve the closing of certain streets for the Ann Arbor Marathon Running Event on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 3:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.;
Whereas, The Applicant is requesting the City close the following streets from 3:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. for the race and cleanup with streets to reopen as soon as safely possible after participants have cleared the areas:
S. Ashley from W. Washington to W. Liberty
W. Washington from S. 1st St. to S. Ashley
Liberty from S. 1st St. to State
State from E. Liberty to S. University
South University from State to East University
Observatory from Geddes to Washington Heights
East U across Pedestrian Mall to North U.- cross North U.
Palmer Field path to Observatory
Observatory to Geddes
Geddes to E. Huron River Dr.
E. Huron River Dr. to N. Dixboro
N. Dixboro to Geddes Road
Geddes Road from Earhart to Huron Parkway (one lane)
Fuller Rd. Sidewalk to E. Medical Center Dr. sidewalk to Arb entrance
Arb trails to Washington Heights
Whereas, The street closures will be signed, barricaded and properly supervised;
Whereas, The Applicant agrees to obtain all necessary permits, to provide evidence of proper liability insurance as required, and to comply with all City regulations governing the use of the streets;
Whereas, The Applicant has agreed to pay the cost of City services associated with the staging of this event; and
Whereas, Notification of the street closings will be provided through the City’s website, GovDelivery and the applicant’s communications;
RESOLVED, That the Applicant will pay the cost of City services associated with the staging of this event; and
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the closing of the following streets on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 3:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. with streets to reopen as soon as safely possible after participants have cleared the areas:
S. Ashley from W. Washington to W. Liberty
W. Washington from S. 1st St. to S. Ashley
Liberty from S. 1st St. to State
State from E. Liberty to S. University
South University from State to East University
Observatory from Geddes to Washington Heights
East U across Pedestrian Mall to North U.- cross North U.
Palmer Field path to Observatory
Observatory to Geddes
Geddes to E. Huron River Dr.
E. Huron River Dr. to N. Dixboro
N. Dixboro to Geddes Road
Geddes Road from Earhart to Huron Parkway (one lane)
Fuller Rd. Sidewalk to E. Medical Center Dr. sidewalk to Arb entrance
Arb trails to Washington Heights