Some questions to consider

I am a member of the West Washtenaw Business Association.  I was just at a meeting where our 5th ward council representative, Chuck Warpahowski (sp?) and Chris Chang, a city planner, were present.  I talked to both of them about this planned development.

Because the development meets the multi-family zoning, there may not be any way we can change it to a few single-family homes.  The city has not seen any site plans yet.  However, the scheduled neighborhood feedback meeting on the 15th is very important because they will be taking into consideration all comments/questions about the development.  Important things to find out are:

1. Will there be a new extension of Charlton to the other side of Hillside Terrace?  Charlton is the path of least stop signs.  Can traffic bumps be installed to slow down the cars racing to get from one end of the street to the other?  (The Chris Chang didn't know about the "start-stop" of Charlton that occurs on this property.)

2. How will exit/entry traffic from the development be handled, especially with the planned traffic calming on Jackson Rd.?

3. How much of a set-back from Glendale will be allowed?  The city planner said the city WILL put in a sidewalk along Glendale.

4. Is there any way the developer can reduce the number of units?  This development, as planned, may add up to 32 more people to the neighborhood and at least 16 cars.

5. What about visitor parking to this development?  Where will that go?  On Glendale?

6. What upgrades to the sewage and water systems will be made in the neighborhood?  Many of us down the hill from Jackson have experienced sewage back-ups and water in our basements.  Supposedly we are not on the list of neighborhoods to have the planned footing disconnects.

7. Is the developer one who has a good aesthetic sense?  Does he care about how the development fits aesthetically in the neighborhood?  Think about what is planned for the corner of Division and Huron or what happened to the Heritage Row/City Place project on S. Fifth Ave.

These are just a few of the issues we discussed.  Chris Chang will not be at the January 15th neighborhood meeting, but will be at the planning commission meeting, which will be the next step.  He was surprised this property had not been developed, but was not that familiar with the neighborhood.  I encouraged him to drive down Glendale on his way back to his office.  Chuck may be present for at least part of our meeting.

In retrospect, it is too bad that Hillside Terrace didn't get to build their extension when they wanted to about 25 years ago.  It would have been preferable, I think, and a quiet addition to the neighborhood.  They may even have left some of the trees.  But they were scared away by some neighbors' objections to a sidewalk. 

Get your questions ready. See you on the 15th.

Mary Cronin