Council backs two home plans
Council backs two home plans
By Chong W. Pyen
CITY GOVERNMENT REPORTER
The Ann Arbor City Council Monday tentatively approved a massive two-prong housing-commercial package that many say will change the city map. In supporting the developments, council overrode a partial objection by the planning commission.
Given a green light on first reading are these two rezoning petitions: Cranbrook Village, 77.5 acres on Eisenhower Parkway and Ann Arbor Saline Road, for multiple and single family units, office buildings and convenience store; and Meadowbrook Village, 53.5 acres near S. Seventh Street and Eisenhower Parkway extension, for duplexes and single family homes.
THE PLANNING commission last month recommended in favor of Meadowbrook while opposing Cranbrook, largely because of density and traffic concerns. Since that time, the developers -- Cranbrook Venture and Meadowbrook Village Associates -- agreed to modify the Cranbrook configuration, according to Mayor Louis D. Belcher. Under the revised plan, Cranbrook would change 18.4 acres from the proposed multiple use (apartments or townhouses) to single family homes, reducing the density from 400 midrise units to 80 single residences.
Cranbrook, estimated to cost $60 million over a period of several years, would have about 1,000 dwelling units, down from the initial 1,300. Meadowbrook, estimated at $15 million, would add 100 single-family and 200 two-family homes to the city’s housing stock.
CITY OFFICIALS generally agreed the two projects would have a greater impact on the city than any other single developments, including the nearby Briarwood shopping mall. Final approval is expected next week.
Councilwoman Leslie Morris, D-Second Ward, had some reservations on sewer capacity and school needs. Planning Director Martin Overheiser said the city’s new sewer plant now under construction is designed to meet population increases through the year 1990. Ann Arbor Public School officials are also working to cope with the anticipated enrollment increase, he added.
Another major housing project -- the 26.7-acre Cross Creek Apartments south of Eisenhower Parkway and west of Ann Arbor Railroad -- was tabled at the request of the developer.
“THIS IS a mammoth project,” said Earl W. Green, D-Second Ward, of the three high-density complexes involving 158 acres in the same area. “It’ll have more impact on the city than any projects since I’ve been in the city,” he said, adding that he is concerned about heavy traffic and city services, such as streets, fire protection and schools.
Belcher said the planning staff will be directed to study the traffic pattern in the area to ease congestion. He also welcomed the developers’ offer of 400 senior citizens dwelling units and willingness to consider splitting the ownership and rental units at half and half.
A green light for Cranbrook. Meadowbrook projects
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