Donated Land Rezoned for Nature Area

Land that’s been donated to the city by developer Bill Martin is in the process of being rezoned as public land, following action at the Feb. 20, 2014 meeting of the Ann Arbor planning commission. The 2.2-acre parcel is being added to the adjacent Stapp Nature Area, near the Leslie Park golf course.

Land to be donated by Bill Martin to the city of Ann Arbor indicated in red outline.

Land donated by Bill Martin to the city of Ann Arbor indicated in red outline, south of Stapp Nature Area.

Based on advice from the city staff, the planning commission recommended rezoning the donated parcel from R4D (multi-family dwelling) to PL (public land). The land spans from Traverwood Drive and to the Leslie Park golf course, south of Huron Parkway. The additional land expands a corridor of natural areas and parkland. Stapp Nature Area, a 8.11-acre property with a mature native forest and small vernal pool, is adjacent to Tuebingen Park and has a connection to Leslie Woods.

The site is on the northern edge of a larger property that’s being developed by First Martin Corp. as Traverwood Apartments. That project received its final necessary approvals by the city council on Jan. 6, 2014. The council will  also need to approve the rezoning of the donated land.

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