Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Aadl Rezoning 343 S Fifth topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission recommends rezoning of 343 S. Fifth to D1 to enable mixed-use redevelopment with library
Summary
The commission voted to recommend rezoning the Ann Arbor District Library site at 343 South Fifth from Public Land (PL) to Downtown Core (D1) to allow potential mixed-use redevelopment including a new downtown library with housing above; the recommendation goes to city council.
The Ann Arbor Planning Commission on March 4 recommended that city council rezone 343 South Fifth Avenue, the downtown Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) site, from Public Land (PL) to D1, the Downtown Core District, to enable potential mixed-use redevelopment including a new library and housing.
Elan Aberger, director of the Ann Arbor District Library, told commissioners the library’s board seeks flexibility to pursue a public–private partnership that could fund a new downtown library without a new millage. Aberger said rezoning would allow the library to occupy several floors while selling air rights or partnering with a developer to build housing and other amenities above.
Aberger presented historic photos and a 2019 feasibility study and said the current building has structural and waterproofing issues that constrain daily service. “We found that it was not built according to the drawings. There was waterproofing missing… Those original supports were corroding and swelling and pushing off the pieces of the building,” Aberger said.
Staff recommended rezoning to D1 and noted that the site is already surrounded by D1 zoning on nearly all sides; the adopted master plan also recommends Downtown Core for the location. If rezoned, the Downtown Character Overlay (Midtown Character Overlay) would apply to regulate street wall height, massing and other form-based standards.
Commissioners debated timing and safeguards; several asked why the library sought rezoning before a final development concept was presented. Aberger said the library wanted the zoning question resolved before entering negotiations with potential development partners so rezoning would not derail discussions.
The commission’s motion to waive an area plan requirement and recommend rezoning to D1 was moved by Commissioner Weiss and seconded by Commissioner Wetherbee. Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend approval; the matter now proceeds to the mayor and city council for final action.
