Reimagine Washtenaw is a multi-jurisdictional planning effort to improve land use and transportation along the Washtenaw Avenue corridor. It includes the four communities that have frontage along the corridor: the City of Ann Arbor, the City of Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Charter Township and Ypsilanti Charter Township. Additional participants include The Ride (AAATA), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Systems (WATS).
A strategy for the corridor was developed in 2010 (see link, below). A Joint Technical Committee has been meeting monthly since that time to move the strategy forward in each of the communities.
Washtenaw Avenue Corridor Redevelopment Strategy
Reimagine Washtenaw Corridor Improvement Study
The Corridor Improvement Study (formerly called the “Right-of-Way” study) was funded by a HUD Sustainable Communities Challenge Grant which began in 2013 and was completed in April 2014. The work represents an important step in creating a coherent transportation cross-section for the future of the corridor. The final study is provided in the link below, in addition to related resource documents:
The study provides a clear understanding of how to achieve a successful multi-model street, where accommodations are provided for motorized and non-motorized modes of travel. The Study lays out a dimensional plan for future cross sections of each segment of the corridor. The recommendations accommodate vehicular, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes of travel. Additionally, the location of bus stops with enhanced amenities called “Super Stops”, were identified. TheRide has already budgeted for the construction of at least one Super Stop in the near future.
An extensive public engagement process was included in this planning effort. Four public meetings were held along the corridor in the Spring of 2013, and a public meeting was held on December 11, 2013, where the study recommendations were presented.
The Ann Arbor City Council currently is considering a resolution in support of the Corridor Improvement Study. An informational meeting was held on March 31, 2015 and notes from this meeting are provided in the link below. City Council has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed resolution in support of the study on Monday, June 1, 2015 at 7 pm, 2nd floor, Larcom City Hall.
