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Ann Arbor DDA members discuss $5–6 million bollards ask, MDOT trunk-line talks and university concert planning
Summary
Board members reviewed several initiatives in member communications: a possible $5–6 million bollards project contingent on outside funding, ongoing talks with MDOT about control of trunk lines, University of Michigan’s planned country music concert in September and an MDOT-proposed 'Welcome to Ann Arbor' overpass sign.
Board members used member communications at the May 7 Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority meeting to discuss a cluster of projects ranging from streetscape safety to event planning and city branding.
A board member summarized the DDA’s pursuit of federal funding for a downtown bollards project and said the authority’s ask was “somewhere between 5 and 6,000,000.” The speaker added the DDA has “no idea if we’re gonna make it or not.” That funding would be used in part to tweak a related downtown project, the member said.
The board also discussed continuing conversations with the Michigan Department of Transportation about ownership of certain trunk lines; the member said the city has expressed interest in taking control of the lines so the city could “determine our own destiny” rather than leave decisions to another owner. The board member described the process as “a long elaborate process that goes and appeals and smells pace,” and said they remain “at the table.” (Transcript speech was garbled in parts.)
On events, a board member said the University of Michigan plans a country music concert in September and has indicated it could be an annual event if the first one “goes well.” Board members said the DDA is preparing to welcome attendees who may not be familiar with downtown routes and amenities and that advance planning is important to mitigate crowding and navigational issues.
Members also reported MDOT has approached the DDA about placing a “Welcome to Ann Arbor” message on an overpass on U.S. 23 leading into the city. Board members noted that the sign could be “extraordinarily expensive” and said they are talking with potential partners; one member asked whether a sign would be single-sided or double-sided as part of the feasibility discussion.
None of these items produced a formal motion or vote at the meeting; they were presented under member communications for board awareness and future action if funding or agreements progress.
