A contentious debate over a significant plot of land in downtown Ann Arbor has prevented its development for nearly seven years. This site, known as the Library Lane Parking Structure, is once again under scrutiny as city residents prepare to vote on Proposals A and B in the upcoming August 5 primary.
Eli Neiburger, Director of the Ann Arbor District Library, shared his insights while standing atop the site. “Well, we’re standing on the surface parking lot on the top of the Library Lane parking structure,” he said, noting the space is mostly occupied by stairs, ramps, elevators, a few planters, and numerous parked cars. Some of the planters, however, contain dying trees.
Neiburger envisions a transformative plan if the proposals are approved. The development rights would shift from the city to the library, nullifying a city charter amendment that had designated the area as a public park. His vision includes a high-rise structure with expanded library facilities, potentially alleviating the current limitations faced during library events.
The proposed high-rise would also incorporate a variety of housing options, from senior and affordable units to artist and market-rate dwellings. This mixed-use concept mirrors a previous city initiative to sell development rights for $10 million, which was halted by a public vote favoring park development instead.
Rita Mitchell, President of the Library Green Conservancy, supports the park idea, envisioning a vibrant urban green space that could host events like concerts and poetry readings. “An urban park is different from a green space park. It’s usually smaller. This is smaller,” she explained, emphasizing the potential for improvement.
However, Mayor Chris Taylor opposes the park plan, arguing that the site’s design is unsuitable. “The location simply cannot be a central, beautiful, verdant park. It is, in fact, in reality, a parking structure. That initiative was never reality-based,” he stated.
Tom Wieder, head of the Vote No on Proposals A and B Ballot Committee, believes a park is feasible with the right funding, referencing successful projects in other cities. “In Chicago, Millennium Park, the wonderful park there, sits atop three parking garages and a rail yard,” he noted.
Some voters, like Greg Matthews, have shifted their stance, favoring the library’s plan for its potential to enhance public spaces. “I probably didn’t do enough research when I came to vote, but I liked the idea of a park,” Matthews admitted, now supporting Proposals A and B.
The debate continues as both sides hope voters will align with their vision for the future of this downtown site.
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