Title
Resolution to Request Planning Staff and City Planning Commission Evaluate Regulations to Encourage Active Street-Level Uses on Downtown Shopping Streets
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor’s downtown shopping districts are a local and regional destination and therefore create a significant amount of value for the community;
Whereas, The health of a downtown shopping district relies on retail and entertainment venues at street level that appeal to pedestrians, exist in close proximity, and may be open in the evening;
Whereas, Street-level businesses that do not appeal to pedestrians and are typically closed in the evening detract from the vitality of shopping districts;
Whereas, While these “non-active” uses, such as banks and offices, are an integral part of the downtown economy, many cities regulate their prevalence at street-level in order to avoid negative impacts to their shopping districts;
Whereas, The first action strategy of the Retail Environment section of the City of Ann Arbor Downtown Plan (2009) reads as follows: “Explore opportunities to encourage active street-level uses, such as retail sales and services, and discourage the addition of non-active uses on key retail streets,” and
Whereas, Planning staff and the City Planning Commission drafted and recommended adoption of an “active-use” regulation as part of the 2009 A2D2 zoning effort, however it was not approved by council at that time; and
RESOLVED, That City Council request that Planning staff and the City Planning Commission further explore the “active use” strategy recommended in the Downtown Plan and deliver a recommendation to City Council by March 16, 2017.
Sponsored by Councilmembers Westphal, Grand, Frenzel and Mayor Taylor