Council approves Hickory Way 3 PUD, 39 affordable units with supportive services

The Ann Arbor City Council on the evening’s agenda approved rezoning 1.15 acres at 1146 South Maple Road to a Planned Unit Development and authorized the Hickory Way 3 site plan, a four-story building that will add 39 one-bedroom affordable units.

Council members and project proponents framed the vote as a response to rising homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing. “This project more than meets the first criteria for a planned unit development,” Council Member Dish said, citing the PUD’s compatibility with surrounding multifamily land uses and planned sustainability measures. Wendy Harding Saxon, director of real estate development at Avalon Housing, told the council she “really appreciate[d] your moving forward agenda as is.”

Nut graf: The council said the Hickory Way 3 project meets PUD criteria including beneficial effects on surrounding land use, consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan, added open space, and project-specific standards that enable funding eligibility. Council members noted the building will meet a national green building silver standard (or equivalent), be all-electric, and incorporate energy-efficient envelope and systems.

Under the site plan and development agreement, at least 35% of units will be accompanied by supportive services. Council discussion referenced recent county funding action: an Urban County recommendation moved $3,400,000 in HOME-ARP HUD funds toward development programs, and council members said the project was a primary beneficiary of that allocation.

Council Member Dish walked through the PUD criteria at the meeting, saying the project provides open space in excess of minimums, allows a setback modification that preserves unit count while meeting MSHDA parking requirements, and does not disturb identified natural or historic features. Council members Briggs and others expressed support, saying the project will add needed affordable housing in the Fifth Ward.

The council approved the rezoning ordinance (B-1) and the development site plan/resolution (DS-1) by voice vote; no roll-call tally for the rezoning appears in the transcript. The DS-1 motion was moved by Council Member Dish and seconded by Council Member Medina.

Ending: The council recorded the approvals during the meeting’s land-use items; the development agreement and final plan will return to the city’s formal land-use review and permitting channels as required by the PUD and applicable approvals.