Commission recommends vacating John Street to clear path for University of Michigan's Wolverine Village phase 2

The Ann Arbor Planning Commission on March 3 recommended the City Council approve a street vacation for John Street, a one‑block right of way between South 5th Avenue and South Division Street, to allow the University of Michigan to move forward with phase 2 of its Wolverine Village project.

A University of Michigan representative from the office of government relations told the commission that vacating John Street is a key step to enable the next phase; phase 1 is slated for completion in August and phase 2 timing depends on required city approvals. Planner DeLeo told commissioners that the university owns the full right of way and that certain public sanitary, water and stormwater mains are located in the right of way and would be transferred to the university following vacation.

Commissioners raised policy and design questions. Commissioner Mills asked about how vacated rights‑of‑way are allocated and whether the city had previously purchased such rights; Planner DeLeo explained street vacations are a plat‑act process and when both sides of a street come from the same plat the right‑of‑way is typically split down the middle. Commissioner Wetherbee and others asked about pedestrian permeability; the university representative and staff said the design would include internal walkways and an external path called "Wolverine Way," and that the project would provide walk‑through access for pedestrians.

Commissioner Mills moved and Commissioner Lee seconded the motion to recommend approval. Manager Kelly called the roll and commissioners recorded unanimous support. The commission’s recommendation proceeds to City Council for final action.