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Planning Commission recommends annexation of 1155 Arlington Boulevard and zoning to R1A after split vote on denser alternative
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to recommend annexation of 1155 Arlington Boulevard from Ann Arbor Township to the city and to zone the parcel R1A single‑family; commissioners rejected an amendment to rezone to R1B after debate about lot width and neighborhood consistency.
The Planning Commission voted to recommend that Mayor and City Council approve the annexation of 1155 Arlington Boulevard (a roughly one‑acre parcel) from Ann Arbor Township into the city and to zone the property R1A (single‑family dwelling district).
Staff explained the annexation petition stemmed from a county septic inspection that found the property is served by nearby water and sewer and therefore could not continue on septic at the time of sale; the applicant petitioned for annexation to connect to city utilities. Staff recommended R1A zoning to match the surrounding neighborhood.
During discussion a commissioner proposed amending the recommendation to R1B to allow slightly more flexible lot standards; the amendment was seconded but failed on a roll call (two in favor, five opposed). Commissioners citing map continuity said R1A matched the surrounding district and that piecemeal changes for a single lot in a contiguous R1A area would be incoherent.
A property owner present said the owners intend to preserve the historic house currently on the lot and asked commissioners not to adopt changes that might scare potential buyers. After the amendment failed, the commission voted to recommend annexation and R1A zoning; the motion passed on a roll call vote.
Key votes recorded at the meeting: - Proposed amendment to change the staff recommended zoning to R1B failed (Yes: Commissioner Abrams, Commissioner Disch; No: Commissioner Hammerschmidt, Commissioner Mills, Commissioner Wetherbee, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Norton). - Final recommendation to annex and zone to R1A passed (recorded votes: Hammerschmidt yes; Edwards yes; Disch yes; Mills yes; Wetherbee yes; Adams yes; Norton yes).
Staff noted the parcel is one of the last township —islands— in that area and that the lot appears on aerial photos from 1947; staff said the lot width does not meet the thresholds to allow multiple R1A lots and that the recommended R1A designation would maintain neighborhood consistency.
