Title
Resolution Accepting the Park Advisory Commission Downtown Parks Subcommittee Report on Downtown Parks
Body
Whereas, In 2012, Council authorized the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to facilitate the process of establishing development priorities for five City-owned properties in the downtown: the Library Lot, Old YMCA Lot, Palio Lot, Kline Lot, and the first floor of the Fourth & William Parking Structure;
Whereas, The DDA completed the Connecting William Street study;
Whereas, The community expressed a need for an effort focused on the park and open space needs of the downtown area;
Whereas, City Council asked PAC to look further into the subject of downtown parks and open spaces;
Whereas, PAC developed the following mission statement: “To determine whether and what additional parks are wanted and/or needed in downtown Ann Arbor, focusing on city-owned parcels in the DDA district while maintaining awareness of additional nearby properties, for example: Liberty Plaza, 721 North Main and 415 W. Washington. The ‘deliverable’ will be a set of recommendations for the City Council.”;
Whereas, PAC created a Downtown Parks Subcommittee to study the subject of downtown parks and open spaces;
Whereas, The Downtown Parks Subcommittee’s online survey received 1608 responses;
Whereas, The Downtown Parks Subcommittee conducted two, widely advertised public meetings held prior the recommendations being developed;
Whereas, The Downtown Parks Subcommittee listened to and received presentations made by representatives of the following groups: Allen Creek Greenway Conservancy, UM Urban Planning, ice skating rink advocates, Library Green Conservancy, Ann Arbor District Library, Main Street Area Association, and the South University Area Association;
Whereas, The Downtown Parks Subcommittee attended “Placemaking” seminars hosted by the Michigan Parks and Recreation Association;
Whereas, The Park Advisory Commission unanimously approved the Downtown Parks Su...
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