Ann Arbor Community Land Trust seeks zoning reforms for affordable housing development

The Ann Arbor City Planning Commission meeting on March 18, 2025, focused on the urgent need for affordable housing in the city, particularly for essential workers. Sarah, co-founder and executive director of the Ann Arbor Community Land Trust (A2CLT), presented a compelling case for the development of permanently affordable homeownership opportunities aimed at teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and other critical employees earning under $100,000 annually.

A2CLT currently has nine infill parcels ready for development and is prepared to break ground with the help of general contractor Norfolk Homes. Sarah emphasized the profound stress and despair faced by these workers, many of whom struggle to find affordable housing in Ann Arbor. She proposed several reforms to zoning and permitting processes to expedite the construction of 25 to 50 homes within the next 12 to 18 months, with a goal of 200 homes over the next two years. Key requests included expedited approvals for A2CLT projects, fee waivers to lower costs, and zoning changes to facilitate the development of small affordable homes.

Several community members echoed the need for affordable housing. Alexa Salazar, a local recruiter, shared her personal struggle of spending over 50% of her income on rent, highlighting the irony of promoting Ann Arbor while being unable to afford to live there. Luke Woodworth, a special education teacher, expressed similar concerns, noting that rising rents and increased costs have made homeownership feel unattainable for many educators.

However, not all feedback was supportive. Richard Docus, representing a homeowners association, raised concerns about potential increases in street parking demand and the impact on local infrastructure due to proposed developments. He argued that the city should consider the unique characteristics of different neighborhoods rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to zoning changes.

Mary Durfee, a long-time resident, also cautioned against blanket upzoning, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions that account for existing infrastructure challenges. Jack Cedarquist voiced opposition to rezoning single-family residential properties, suggesting that the city should conduct more thorough surveys to gauge community sentiment before proceeding with such changes.

The meeting underscored the complex balance between addressing the housing crisis and maintaining community integrity. As discussions continue, the Planning Commission faces the challenge of implementing effective solutions that meet the needs of both essential workers and existing residents.