Ann Arbor approves $150,000 sidewalk snow-removal contract as neighbors press to protect Brockman trees

The Ann Arbor City Council on Dec. 16 approved a general services contract with Target Facility Management LLC, not to exceed $150,000, to provide snow removal for city-maintained sidewalks and 136 pedestrian islands (approximately 13.2 miles of coverage). The action, part of the consent agenda after discussion, followed hours of public comment urging a broader approach to sidewalks, safety and tree preservation.

Residents and active-transportation advocates urged the council to treat sidewalks as essential transportation infrastructure and to expand snow-removal coverage beyond the limited parcels in the contract. "It's time to treat this with the urgency it deserves," said Molly Kleinman, a Ward 4 resident who pointed to two serious injuries on Packard in the prior week as evidence that pedestrian infrastructure needs faster action. Adam Jaskiewicz, also a Ward 4 resident, urged proactive enforcement of the city's…