Title
DDA Funds Purchase Sidewalk Recycling Containers
Memorandum
The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority strongly supports sustainability as a fundamental tenet of downtown development. At its annual retreat in October 2007, the DDA affirmed a priority focus for the 2007/08 year would be projects that were environmentally focused. One of the elements of this work plan was a resolve to purchase and install downtown sidewalk recycling containers to increase the amount of recyclables that could be diverted from the landfill.
In the weeks following the retreat the DDA Capital Improvements Committee framed a resolution for the DDA that would authorize $12,000 for a pilot program, which provided funds for approximately 10-20 sidewalk recycle containers plus dollars for promotion and education. At their December Board Meeting, the DDA approved this resolution.
DDA staff have begun work with City Public Services staff to explore the various kinds of sidewalk recycle containers available, and DDA Capital Improvements Committee members will be consulted for their input before purchases are made. It is anticipated that more than one kind of container will be used during the experiment period to determine which is most intuitive and thus most likely to be used, as well as the containers that are easiest for staff to empty and maintain. It is also likely that an information sign will be attached to the containers to elicit feedback from pedestrians, similar to what was done with the LED street light pilot project on E. Washington Street.
Staff
Submitted by: Susan Pollay, DDA Executive Director
Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator