Dharma's Council Newsletter, April 20, 2025

Neighbors,

Happy Easter to all who are celebrating today. City Council meets Monday, April 21 at 7pm.

I am keeping my newsletter very brief today as I've been away this weekend enjoying the holiday with my family. This week's meeting will include a presentation of the City Administrator's proposed budget (while not yet posted at the time of this writing, it will appear at the provided link when it is posted).

Bike Lane Safety Enforcement Plan Released

In response to City Council Resolution R-25-053, the Ann Arbor Police Department has released a new Bike Lane Safety Enforcement Plan. The plan aims to improve safety for cyclists by addressing common violations like vehicles blocking bike lanes or placing trash bins in them. It will use education, enforcement, and engineering to change behavior and reduce hazards. Key components include:

• Targeted enforcement in known trouble spots (e.g., S. Main and S. Division)

• Public outreach and coordination with local bike advocacy groups

• A new dashboard to track enforcement data and trends

• Adding protection to buffered bike lanes

Ward 4 Listening Hour April 27

I'm hosting my next Ward 4 constituent coffee hour Sunday, April 27 from 11-noon at York Food and Drink (1929 Packard). RSVP or just swing by!

Comprehensive Land Use Plan Draft and Engagement Opportunities

The city released the Draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan a couple of weeks ago. This plan will guide how our city grows over the coming decades—how we plan for housing, transportation, and infrastructure—and it reflects values many of us share: affordability, sustainability, and equity. Please review the draft plan and find more information here: https://engage.a2gov.org/comprehensive-land-use-plan.

There also also several upcoming open houses opportunities. Stop by any time during the hours below to learn more about the plan and share your feedback:

• Thursday, April 24, 3–7 p.m. Westgate Library – 2503 Jackson Ave

• Wednesday, April 30, 3–7 p.m. Malletts Creek Library – 3090 E Eisenhower Parkway

• Wednesday, May 7, 3–7 p.m. Traverwood Library – 3333 Traverwood Dr

City Council Meeting, Monday, April 21 at 7pm

• Meeting Agenda

• Responses to Council Member Questions

Agenda Highlights

• Public Hearing Items (note: you need not sign up in advance to make public comment on public hearing--PH--items)

  • Ordinance to Amend Sections 5.15 and 5.16 of Chapter 55 (Unified Development Code) of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (General Entertainment Uses) (PH-1). This change to the zoning code would make it easier for entertainment businesses—like arcades, theaters, and similar venues—to open in in all of the same districts as other General Entertainment Uses. The update was prompted by a request to move a pinball parlor downtown, which current zoning doesn’t allow.

  • An Ordinance to Amend Sections 5.17, 5.27 and 5.28 of Chapter 55 (Unified Development Code) of Title V (Building Design Requirements on Primary and Secondary Streets, Design Review Board, and Design Review) and to Repeal Section 1:239 of Chapter 8 of Title I of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor CPC (PH-2). This ordinance change would eliminate the requirement for downtown development projects to go before the Design Review Board (DRB). Instead, city planning staff would take on the responsibility of reviewing project designs using the same standards. This change is part of a broader effort to streamline housing development processes, as directed by Council in 2024 through Resolution R-24-109. It will also allow more flexibility in building materials, including the use of EIFS (a type of insulated exterior finish) which was previously not permitted. I will be proposing an amendment that maintains current restrictions on EIFS.

  • An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 34 (Gas Franchise) and Replace it with a New Heating Franchise And Adopt Accompanying Agreement Regarding Climate Action (PH-3). This ordinance grants DTE Gas a new, time-limited franchise to continue operating in Ann Arbor—but unlike the typical 30-year term, this agreement only runs through 2035. That shorter timeframe is intentional: it sends a clear signal that the City is actively exploring cleaner alternatives to gas, like electric heat pumps, and geothermal systems, in line with our A2ZERO carbon neutrality goals. While this doesn’t rule out the possibility of another franchise agreement (with DTE or another utility) down the road, it also doesn’t guarantee one. The franchise includes commitments from DTE to work with the City on reducing emissions, coordinating infrastructure work, and supporting future clean energy initiatives like the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU)—all steps aimed at cutting carbon and minimizing infrastructure disruption for residents. See the full work plan.

• Resolution to Authorize the City Administrator to Negotiate with the Ann Arbor District Library for the Sale of Air Rights at Library Lane Conditioned on Voter Approval of Charter Amendments (DC-3) (Sponsor: Taylor). City Council is considering a resolution to authorize negotiations with the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) for the future sale of air rights (the space above the parking deck) at Library Lane. This can only happen if voters approve a Charter amendment during a special election on August 5, 2025. If voters approve, the City would sell the air rights above the Library Lane parking deck for $1 to support a connected, mixed-use development including library space, housing (market-rate, affordable, and for the arts community), and outdoor public space. This would involve no new taxes for residents.

I'd love to hear from you.

Feel free to reach out any time with your questions, concerns, or ideas:

Email: DAkmon@a2gov.org

Phone/Text: 734-492-5866

There are also several ways to share your thoughts with the full City Council:

• Submit an eComment online

• Email all of Council: CityCouncil@a2gov.org

• Speak at a Council meeting (in person or remote):Call the City Clerk’s office at 734-794-6140 starting at 8 a.m. on the day of the meeting to reserve a speaking time.Note: You do not need to reserve time to speak during a formal public hearing.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged!