Council authorizes negotiations on library air‑rights, plans ballot measure for downtown redevelopment

The council authorized the city administrator to negotiate with the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) for sale of air rights at Library Lane, conditioned on voter approval of related charter amendments.

Council discussion framed the action as a step toward a larger center‑of‑the‑city proposal that would combine a new downtown library, mixed‑income housing, public open space, business incubation and performance and gathering venues. Council Member Cornell described the plan as leveraging the library’s stewardship to revitalize an underutilized rooftop parking area and to create new downtown amenities.

The resolution directs the administration to continue negotiating terms and to present a recommendation on how proceeds and project responsibilities would be distributed if voters approve charter amendments. Council members said they intend to present the ballot language to voters in the next available election window; the city attorney noted the approved ballot language for the center‑of‑the‑city measure.

Council members emphasized that the effort remains contingent on voter approval and subsequent sale terms. The administrator earlier said revenue from other potential sales (such as the Klein lot) could create a strategic acquisition fund; in one presentation item the administrator suggested placing the first $5,000,000 of a proceeds sale into that fund, though council will consider any allocation when staff returns with recommendations.

Ending: Staff will continue negotiations with the library and return to council with recommended sale terms, proposed uses of proceeds and any ballot scheduling details required for final action.