Ann Arbor residents and commissioners press to embed natural-features protections in comprehensive plan

Public commenters and members of the Environmental Commission urged Ann Arbor leaders to preserve the city’s natural features protections and to strengthen floodplain and biodiversity language in the draft comprehensive land use plan.

The resolution before the commission would direct staff and the planning commission to treat natural features and biodiversity as priorities in the city’s comprehensive planning process. Kathy Boris, a Fifth Ward resident, called in to “support agenda item 250633” and asked the city to “incorporate the 2004 Natural Features Master Plan into the comprehensive plan” and to “elevate natural features to a priority in the sustainability program.”

The resolution matters because the comprehensive land use plan provides the policy framework that guides later zoning and code decisions. Supporters warned that without explicit protections, important trees, wetlands and other urban natural features could be lost as the city plans for growth. Anne Bannister, a resident who spoke during public comment, said the draft “mentions flood plains in passing, but it doesn't emphasize its importance enough,” and recommended stronger language to avoid building on remaining open floodplain land.

Commissioners and several council members discussed how the draft plan currently treats existing…