Arbor Update

Events

Affordable Housing Focus Groups

Posted by Chuck Warpehoski on 28. July 2006

Sometimes it seems like affordable housing is like the weather, everybody talks about it but nobody does anything about it.

So on August 1st, there’s going to be another chance to talk about the issue, but hopefully in a way that supports action.

Washtenaw County/City of Ann Arbor Office of Community Development is conducting an Affordable Housing Needs Assessment from 6:30-8:30pm and the Library Learning Resource Center (LLRC) at 4134 Washtenaw. (full details on upcoming.org)

(Of course, good groups like Avalon Housing and Religious Action for Affordable Housing do work on affordable housing. And of course Exxon does it’s share to change the weather, but that’s another story).

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Environment

Time for Greenway Feedback

Posted by Dale Winling on 27. July 2006

It’s that time again—time to rate the greenway taskforce and the work they have been doing on the concept of connecting parks in the Allen Creek floodplain.

August 2nd, 6:30pm, Courthouse Square Ballroom.

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Environment

Candlelight Vigil for Peace & Ceasefire In the Middle East

Posted by Chuck Warpehoski on 27. July 2006

Take a stand for peace and a ceasefire in the Middle East.

Join Michigan Peaceworks and Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice on Sunday, July 30 at 8:30 p.m. in Downtown Ann Arbor for a candlelight vigil. We’ll have signs, banner, and candles—just bring your self, your friends, and your hopes & prayers for peace.

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Events

Saturday at Leopold Bros.: Ann Arbor Ear Fair

Posted by Brandon on 21. July 2006

Take a break from the sweat and the fanny-packs with a cavalcade of local acts, including much-buzzed indie-pop bands Canada and Mason Proper:

Arts

Another Use of a Parking Spot

Posted by MarkDilley on 21. July 2006

Citywide parking space art event
The only requirements are that you:
1. Use a parking space with a meter
2. Don’t engage in any activity that would be illegal in and of itself

You will “rent” the space(s) by paying the requisite amount for the time. This payment should authorize and entitle you to use the space in any way you choose. Why should cars be privileged? Why should so much space be devoted exclusively to automobiles?

The purpose of these citywide action/performances is to interfere with the monolithic and unimaginative uses of urban space.

via Chicago folks Humanize the Earth! and The Place Where We Live

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Local

Pittsfield Recall

Posted by Bruce Fields on 20. July 2006

Larry Kestenbaum writes:

A group in Pittsfield Township has gathered enough signatures to force a vote on whether to remove the top three township elected officials.

The marquee issues have to do with development—the officials’ failure to stop a proposed Wal-Mart store on Michigan Avenue, and the expenditure several years ago of $11 million to purchase 540 acres where a development was proposed. The reasons stated on the ballot (limited to actions during the current term of office) complain that the officials voted to increase their own salaries, made false statements, usurped the authority of the planning commission, failed to act to ensure safety, and undermined residents efforts to mitigate the impact of Wal-Mart.

Read on for details.

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Local

Stephen Colbert honors Ann Arborite

Posted by MarkDilley on 19. July 2006

With a mention on his fabulous show, the Colbert Report… and after said honoree is mentioned for sending Colbert, money. It’s funny check it out.

And if for some reason you have not seen this yet, here is Stephen Colbert at the White House Correspondents Dinner. It ROCKS

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Arts

Art Fair 2006

Posted by Juliew on 19. July 2006

Love it, hate it, tolerate it: whatever your feelings, if you are still in town, go out and support your local artists and Ann Arbor retailers during the Art Fair. Don’t assume that every business will be crowded downtown. This is often the slowest week of the year for many downtown businesses. Everyone talks about supporting the local arts community by creating artist space, but buying their art is still the most direct and efficient way to support an artist.

Technically there are four official Art Fairs (and a few non-official ones):
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair
The State Street Area Art Fair
The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair

AATA and the City will both run shuttle buses from outlying parking lots. The prices are extremely reasonable: $3 roundtrip for the AATA shuttle (free parking) at Pioneer or Briarwood and $5 for a day of parking at the UM’s Glazier Lot (free if you already have a parking pass). Shuttles will run every 15 minutes.
UM parking, shuttle and detour information
AATA shuttle and detour information

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Culture

Mobile Historical Society this evening

Posted by Josh Steichmann on 18. July 2006

Take a pedestrian tour of peculiar Ann Arbor, seeing the sites of murders, mayhem and mesmerism.

Tour starts at 8pm from the UM Credit Union parking lot, and will take about half an hour to forty-five minutes.

Donations will be accepted but not at all required.

Regional

Ypsi Mayoral Debates: July 27th, 2006

Posted by Murph on 18. July 2006

The Ypsilanti Mayoral Debate Committee* has organized a debate between Ypsi’s three mayoral candidates (all running in the August Democratic Primary), and is soliciting questions from the community. Questions may be e-mailed to ymdc06@umich.edu or deposited in the fifteen drop boxes distributed to Ypsi businesses and service agencies.

All questions are being posted in blog format for general discussion; the committee will be selecting several to ask of the candidates at the debate, which will be held in EMU’s McKenny Union. Full details on the debate and the Ypsi Mayoral Debate Committee are available at YpsiVotes.com (note the generic url, appropriate for future voter empowerment efforts).

Mayoral candidates Steve Pierce, Lois Richardson, and Paul Schrieber have all confirmed their participation.

• Full disclosure: I’m a member of the YMDC, if the least active.

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