Arbor Update

Environment

New downtown trashcans let you recycle bottles and cans

Posted by Nancy Shore on 19. June 2008

Last Friday (during Green Fair , of course). The City unveiled some new green trashcans downtown. I’ve seen one in the Kerrytown area and one on the corner of Liberty and Main Street.

These trash cans are special because they have two sections: one for trash and one for bottles and cans. This allows for more of those items to be recycled.

I couldn’t find out much more about these new “green” green trash cans, but I wouldn’t be surprised if more information surfaces shortly.

Comment [6]

City Council

City Council: Administration

Posted by Juliew on 16. June 2008

Monday, June 16 at 7:00 pm.
Agenda

There are a few items of interest on this agenda, although much of it is administrative issues and contract renewals (not that those aren’t fascinating, but perhaps not as attention-grabbing as, say, a 27-story building proposal or chickens).

Highlights:

• North Sky Zoning changes (at one point, this project had a web site, but it no longer seems to exist)
• Proposal to allow grass clippings in compost
• Resolution to approve an agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of properties owned by Biltmore Company in Superior Township
• Resolution to Amend Ann Arbor City Budget for Fiscal Year 2007-2008
• Administrative issues and contract renewals

Comment [7]

Business

Everyday Cook struggling

Posted by Bruce Fields on 15. June 2008

Arbor Update reader Solomon writes:

Everyday Cook (a part of Everyday Wines) is going out of business at the end of the month unless they come up with some capital. Everyday Wines is fine, it’s not going out of business, but Everyday Cook might be.

Owner Mary Campbell would like feedback about her proposal to keep it going.

It seems the lunch business has taken off in a store that wasn’t originally designed for that, so they’re hoping to raise capital for improvements and a liquor license by selling memberships.

More:

• Gastronomical Three and Kitchen Chick on the future of Everday Cook
  
• Mary’s full letter
  

Comment [9]

Events

Festifair Friday

Posted by Juliew on 12. June 2008

This Friday, June 13, starts a busy summer of Fairs and Festivals.

The Mayor’s Green Fair is on Main Street from 6:00-9:00pm. There will be an “Environmental Leaders Area” which showcases local environmental organizations (including solar-powered bands, environmental Jeopardy, live birds of prey demonstration, and lots of information and crafts), a Green Commute Area sponsored by getDowntown, and the way cool BikeFest with a freeride bike skills demo, and rides on the conference bike. Attended free bike parking is included.

Friday is also the first day of the 25th anniversary of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival with the opening night party at Top of the Park starting at 6:30pm. Yes indeed, it is that time of year already! Check out the schedule and plan around the great events inside and outside for the next three and a half weeks.

Comment [2]

Culture

Top of the Park starts Friday

Posted by Bruce Fields on 11. June 2008

Top of the Park starts this Friday at 6:30pm, with My Dear Disco and The Macpodz.

It’s still at Ingalls Mall.

Comment [14]

Local

Ann Arbor Street View

Posted by Bruce Fields on 11. June 2008

Ed is one among several to have pointed out the recent arrival of google street view for Ann Arbor:

From the looks of it, the photos were taken last fall; gas was $2.899 a gallon.

Comment [8]

Local

Downtown Library Project Discussion

Posted by Juliew on 4. June 2008

From the Ann Arbor District Library web site regarding discussions on the future of the downtown Library (note: the first meeting is tomorrow morning):

Recently, over 6,000 persons responded to a survey sponsored by the Library and the AA Downtown Development Authority on the future of the Downtown Library building and the proposed underground parking structure on the lot north of the Library.

Please join us this week to discuss the findings and to continue this important discussion on the future of library services in the Downtown.

All of the meetings are in the Downtown MultiPurpose Room. The dates and times are:

Wednesday, June 4, 10:00am-Noon and
Sunday, June 8, 3:00pm-5:00pm.

Comment [5]

Business

Borders Layoffs

Posted by Bruce Fields on 4. June 2008

Ed suggests people might want to discuss Layoffs at Border’s Ann Arbor headquarters. So, here’s your chance.

From the Ann Arbor News article:

E. Han Kim, a professor of finance at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business, said corporate layoffs are an expense-cutting move that typically happens after a company has sold off, or tried to sell, noncore assets.

“Then when times get really tough, they have to lay off people who are closer to the top management,” Kim said. “When that doesn’t work, then the last resort is changing of top management through a sale of the company.”

If the company were to be sold or merged with another company, that could jeopardize hundreds of jobs at the Ann Arbor headquarters.

Comment [5]

Urban Chickens

City Council: Chicken, Chicken, who's got the Chicken

Posted by Juliew on 2. June 2008

Monday, June 2 at 7:00 pm (City Hall)
Agenda

Highlights:

• Backyard chicken ordinances (most likely the final vote)
• Resolution to approve conceptual plan to redesign Fifth Avenue and Division between Packard and Beakes to be more bicycle and pedestrian friendly
• Resolution approving the court and police facilities capital improvement bonds

Also of interest are several public hearings at Tuesday’s Planning Commission Meeting.
Tuesday, June 3 7:00 pm (City Hall)
Agenda

• University Village Site Plan (South University on the Village Corner). A proposal to construct a mixed-use development (retail on first level, 342 residential dwellings units on rest of floors) consisting of one 25-story tower with two wings, 20 stories each, and a total of 259 parking spaces (235 underground)
• Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed changes would reduce front setback requirements, increase height limitations, and (for non-residential districts) allow greater floor area ratios
• Proposed Citizen Participation Ordinance that addresses the implementation of an early notification stage for citizens. The purpose is to improve communications between real estate developers who are proposing projects, City staff who will be reviewing projects, and citizens who may be affected by their plans.

Comment [53]

Local

Compost Cart Deadline is May 31

Posted by Juliew on 26. May 2008

Don’t forget the deadline for ordering the City’s new compost carts is this Saturday, May 31. You can order a 96, 64, or 35 gallon cart(s). Not sure which you want? Check here for compost cart display locations. The cost is $25 for the first cart at each address ordered by May 31, 2008 and $50 for any additional carts or if you order after May 31. In addition, if you order the carts now, they will be delivered to your residence. If you order them after May 31, you will have to pick them up at the Wheeler Service Center on Stone School Road.

If you want to compost your yard waste, these carts are by far the easiest way to do it. You will still be able to use compost bags or bundle large sticks, but you will no longer be able to put compost in resident-supplied cans. For more information, see the compost cart web page.

The carts will be delivered on the following schedule:

• Monday route: June 9-11
• Tuesday route: June 12-14
• Wednesday route: June 16-18
• Thursday route: June 19-21
• Friday route: June 23-25

Old cans will be picked up the week of July 7-11.

Comment [3]