Project Summary
On Jan. 3, 2011, City Council endorsed a Resolution of Intent to evaluate the feasibility of creating a Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA). The intent of the CIA would be to encourage public and private sector investment into this major mixed-use transportation corridor. The City of Ann Arbor is contemplating forming a CIA for a portion of Washtenaw Avenue between Stadium Boulevard and US-23 and establish an inter-local agreement with the Charter Township of Pittsfield, the Charter Township of Ypsilanti and the City of Ypsilanti that would allow for the joint operation and administration of the authority from Stadium Boulevard to the City of Ypsilanti.
The CIA would allow a variety of funding mechanisms including the creation of a tax increment financing system to fund future improvements to the corridor. Possible improvements include but are not limited to: developing long range plans, constructing street improvements, acquiring right-of-way, constructing public facilities, improving land and constructing buildings, and providing non-motorized and transit system improvements.
The formation of CIA’s along Washtenaw Avenue from Stadium Boulevard to the City of Ypsilanti is one of the recommendations of the Washtenaw Avenue Corridor Redevelopment Strategy (2010). The strategy is an effort on the part of the City of Ann Arbor, Pittsfield Township, Ypsilanti Township, and the City of Ypsilanti to develop tools that can result in private and public sector improvements along the corridor.
Informational Meetings
Two informational meetings are planned in February and March 2011.
• For residents interested in the establishment of the authority: Wednesday, March 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm (2781 Packard Road)
Public Hearing
The Ann Arbor City Council has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m., County Administration Building, 220 North Main Street, to hear public comment on a proposal to establish a Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) for portions of Washtenaw Avenue, between Stadium Boulevard and US-23. The State of Michigan Act 280 of 2005 requires a public hearing prior to the establishment of a CIA. City Council cannot take action on the proposed CIA for at least 60 days after the public hearing. Comments may be provided in person at the public hearing or in writing to the Ann Arbor City Clerk in advance of the meeting.
Staff Contact
For more information, contact Jeff Kahan, 734.794.6000 ext 42614 or at jkahan@a2gov.org.
Additional Information
- Map of Washtenaw Avenue Corridor (pdf)
Corridor Improvement Authority Fact Sheet (pdf)
Washtenaw Avenue Corridor Redevelopment Strategy (pdf)
City Council Resolution of Intent (pdf)
MEDC summary of CIAs (pdf)
PA 280 of 2005 - Which allows communities to establish CIAs (pdf)
Last Updated: February 23, 2011