Former Vivian Land Gets Initial OK for Rezoning

A rezoning request for 3875 E. Huron River Drive from R1A (single-family dwelling) to PL (public land) has been given initial approval by the Ann Arbor city council. The site, which is adjacent to the city’s South Pond park, will be used as parkland. The initial action by the council came at its Sept. 16, 2013 meeting. An additional vote will be required for final approval.

The property was acquired by the city in 2010, from the Elizabeth Kaufman and Wes Vivian trust, but a “life estate” was in place until earlier this year, according to a staff memo. Former U.S. Congressman Wes Vivian has now moved out of the residence, which makes the property now available to the city.

The two-acre site – located on the north side of E. Huron River Drive and west of west of Thorn Oaks Drive – includes a single-family home. The land overlooks South Pond. At its Sept. 8, 2009 meeting, the city council approved the purchase of the property, allocating $636,000 from the city’s open space and parkland preservation millage, which is used for greenbelt and parkland purchases. Of that total, $600,000 was designated for the purchase price, with the remainder used for closing costs, a property survey and Phase I environmental site assessment. The deal closed in 2010.

A staff memo prepared for the council in 2009 described the site’s future use as “passive recreation”: “The property would be suitable for a picnic area and possibly a picnic shelter. As water and sewer are already on the site, a restroom structure could be constructed as well. The site would provide boaters with access to South Pond.”

This brief was filed from the city council’s chambers on the second floor of city hall, located at 301 E. Huron. A more detailed report will follow: [link]