Council sends two charter amendments on downtown library lot to voters; measures would authorize sale and repeal earlier provision

The Ann Arbor City Council voted on March 3 to place two charter amendment questions on an upcoming ballot that would (1) authorize the sale or transfer of the downtown "library lot" (319 South Fifth Avenue and related parcels) to the Ann Arbor District Library for redevelopment and (2) repeal the charter text that currently identifies that specific lot for park/open-space use.

Council members framed the measures as a practical path to produce a new, expanded downtown library, mixed-income housing above ground-floor public amenities and a programmed public open space without new taxes. Supporters argued the site has remained underutilized for years and that the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) has the organizational capacity to develop a modern downtown branch and activate adjacent open space.

Several public commenters and members of the Library Green Conservancy urged care in preserving true public green space and insisted on clear, public-facing details about what the library and any developer would provide. Opponents and some residents questioned whether the ballot language should be more specific about housing amounts, open-space square footage, or other design details; council and staff said the ballot text must avoid advocacy and that more specifics would be provided through subsequent public outreach and planning documents.

Council member Cornell, who supported the measure, said the city had studied the site for years and that the new approach is a viable path to combine affordable housing, library services and active public space in the downtown core. Council member Ira (co-sponsor) described the plan as an opportunity to secure the library’s long-term future and transform the lot without raising taxes.

Votes and next steps: The two resolutions (DC 3 and DC 4) were passed by the council. DC 3, authorizing a ballot question to permit the sale or transfer of 319 South Fifth Avenue to the Ann Arbor District Library, passed by roll call with 10 yes votes among council members present; DC 4, repealing section 1.4 of the charter that names the lot for park use, also passed. Staff and AADL officials said they would provide more detailed descriptions of proposed uses to the public before the election.

Council and public meetings will follow to present the library’s development concept, explain project financing and provide additional opportunity for public comment ahead of the ballot vote.