Comments on: Vote on Ann Arbor Parks Plan Postponed

By: Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:49:11 +0000

That W. Kingsley-N.First route is an important way for cars to get around the north end of downtown. I can’t imagine the city closing it. That corner would be a great place for a detention area/pocket park, though.

By: Dave Askins

Dave Askins — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:45:15 +0000

Re: [3] The city council concurs at least in part. From Chronicle coverage of the Nov. 15, 2010 city council meeting:

The council also approved the receipt of a $216,723 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for the purchase and demolition the structures at 215 and 219 W. Kingsley Street, which are located in the Allen Creek floodway. The area is subject to flooding during heavy rainstorms. The site will be modified in a way to create a small stormwater retention area, with $72,241 in city funds for the project to be drawn from the stormwater capital budget.

By: David Rosenberg

David Rosenberg — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:37:38 +0000

I live near the corner of West Kingsley and First Street. There is a house at that corner that looks dilapidated and abandoned, and it sits on the Allen Creek floodway. It would probably make a great addition to a greenway. West Kingsley St. could just be made into a dead end street.

By: Vince Caruso

Vince Caruso — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 15:29:18 +0000

The greenway in the Allen’s Creek valley would also significantly reduce the very real flood hazard in the Allen’s Creek watershed. 1,200 to 1,500 homes and businesses are estimated at risk to flooding.

Many other communities in MI and elsewhere have obtain flood hazard reduction and economic vitality from greenway creations. In just one of many examples in MI the new Kalamazoo Arcadia Creek greenway has resulted in total removal of the 100 year floodplain, $12M festival receipts per year and the area generates much elevated taxes from the, now much in demand, adjacent land. It also provides bike and walking trails through a downtown greenspace.

The city has adopted a Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan that allows for Federal Funds to assist in the greenway creation, and like many other communities, Ann Arbor has finally used some of these funds to remove old dilapidated buildings for the Allen’s Creek floodway improvement.

A long overdue meaningful Allen’s Creek watershed study with new data collection, which the city has yet to commit to, would show the true extent of significant danger and undeniable benefit of a Greenway.

A Greenway would also improve the much polluted water delivered to the Huron River.

Climate Change has now added greatly to the existing hazard facing Ann Arbor and MI.

By: Stew Nelson

Stew Nelson — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 16:11:33 +0000

I keep wondering how Tim Berla received a “Lifetime” appointment to this committee? I know it is through the “back door” but still….