Project Update – May 22, 2020
Since the last project update was provided staff have studied and revised the horizontal alignment of the proposed roadway to minimize impacts to the existing natural features and built environment. To that end, we had created three proposed roadway alignments that meet the primary objectives of saving the existing trees to the extent practicable and minimizing impacts to the existing public and private utilities within the project limits.
Several of the mature White Oak and Hickory trees along the north side of Hollywood Drive are considered Landmark Trees and, for the most part, are in good health and are well-adapted to their existing environment. On the south side of Hollywood Drive there are several existing trees that have been planted by property owners that are also in good condition and well-adapted to their current environment.
Upon creation of the previous three alignments, staff reviewed them with affected property owners and asked for feedback from the neighborhood. The result was the creation of a modified alignment that takes this input and synthesized it into a revised alignment that satisfies the relevant design criteria and public needs.
The revised alignment (PDF) currently under development.
This revised roadway alignment also includes a sidewalk along a portion of the north side of Hollywood Drive that saves many of the mature White Oak and Hickory trees. Staff have not yet had detailed conversations with the property owner regarding their acceptance of the sidewalk alignment. Depending upon continued public support for the project and the restoration of the city's finances, the conversations with the property owner would continue if necessary.
On May 13 a public information-sharing meeting was held via Zoom regarding the project; the proposed roadway alignment; the preliminary, estimated, project costs; and, the special assessment process that the Ann Arbor City Code requires us to follow. The meeting was well received and many residents participated in this public meeting.
The preliminary, estimated, project costs that were shared with the residents were about double the costs as previously estimated. We have compiled information that describes (PDF) how the current costs were derived and some of the reason for the large difference between the two cost estimates.
Based on the current estimated costs, we will be sending out another questionnaire to the residents of the area to determine of support for the project still exists and if the project's design should continue.
On Monday, May 18, the Ann Arbor City Council voted to remove this project from the FY 2021 City Budget. This does not mean the end of the project. However, it will delay the project to a future fiscal year depending on primarily two criteria; 1) public support for the project, and; 2) the city's finances being restored to a condition such that our General Fund could once again finance the roadway portion of the work pending re-payment from the Special Assessment revenue that would be generated by the project.
Timeline
Preliminary Schedule:
- Design – Winter 2020
- Administration Hearing – Spring/Summer 2020
- Obtain Construction Bids – Fall 2020
- Start Construction – TBD
Project limits
Hollywood Drive between Allison Drive and North Maple Road
Why is this project being done?
The City of Ann Arbor received a petition from Hollywood Drive residents to pave Hollywood Drive between Allison Drive and North Maple Road in May 2017. As this will be a reconstruction of an existing gravel road, the City will follow the Complete Streets Policy and Green Streets Policy adopted by City Council.
Work to be done:- New aggregate base and asphalt will be placed.
- New storm infrastructure will be installed based on the Green Streets Policy.
- New curb and gutter and sidewalk will be installed in accordance with the Complete Streets Policy.
Possible impact to residents:- Hollywood Drive will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the construction. Local traffic will have access to their driveways, but delays may be present during working hours. There will no on-street parking allowed for the duration of the project. Cross street traffic will be maintained as much as possible.
- General noise and dust generated by excavation of the site and the equipment that must work in the area.
- All adjacent property owners along Hollywood Drive in the project limits will be assessed for the project's hard surface installation.
- Residents adjacent to any new curb and gutter or sidewalks that are implemented will be specially assessed for the cost of those items.
Costs and funding source
For the new asphalt surface and any new sidewalks or curb and gutter constructed as part of the project, adjacent property owners will be specially assessed according to City Code Chapter 13. The City of Ann Arbor General Fund, City Street, and Storm Water Funds may fund portions of the project that are not subject to special assessment and constitute improvements to existing systems as part of this project.
Materials
May 13, 2020 drive paving presentation (PDF)
Oct. 2, 2019 public meeting
