The City is planning to spend $20 to $30 million
dollars to replace the East Stadium Bridges. However...
-
The CITY has NOT
performed a formal investigation into the cost and plan to install an
AT GRADE ROAD even though The City Has Acknowledged
an
AT GRADE ROAD would be
LESS EXPENSIVE!
-
The city has NOT
had any Public Meetings regarding
the decision to build a BRIDGE vs. install an AT GRADE ROAD.
What are the traffic flow implications and improvements to the local
neighborhood?
-
The city has NOT
had any On Site Meetings with
the State or the Railroad to discuss options to install an AT GRADE
ROAD at the intersection. If found necessary, the Railroad
cannot block installation of a crossing.
-
Instead of a formal Study on Bridge vs. No Bridge, the city has relied
on a brief, incomplete Opinion Letter
(click here
to read). A more formal investigation - one that includes a
cost / benefit analysis, traffic flow implications, etc - has not been
completed because the City Council and City Management has not asked
for one.
-
The city has NOT
identified where the money is coming from to pay for this Project.
The City of Ann Arbor may be forced to pay the entire $20 to $30
million bill without any State or Federal Assistance. The State
of Michigan has already DENIED Ann
Arbor funds from the Local Bridge Program. The Federal
Government has also DENIED Ann
Arbor funds.
-
Replacing the Bridge with a Road
Minimizes the Traffic Concerns to the
Residential Area Short Term and Long Term.
-
Short Term - One
would have to imagine our city can take down the bridge quicker than
taking it down AND replacing it.
-
Long Term - A
natural intersection at State and Stadium would minimize the need to
use Lower Burns Park as a cut through.
-
The City of Ann Arbor is
Ignoring a cost Savings
that could be over to
$10 Million Dollars.
With all of the City Budget issues, School Funding
crisis, and other Financial Crisis - Is this how we want the City of Ann
Arbor to be spending our money? The City at least owes the
taxpayers the courtesy of a thorough investigation into the cheapest
option for the East Stadium Bridge project, involving the public along
the way.
Please drop the Council a note by clicking the link
below, asking them to fully investigate BOTH options before committing
any more funds. It could be a multi-million dollar savings,
something that cannot be glossed over.
Email the City of Ann Arbor
Instead of a Bridge....
How about a nice, brick walkway from Industrial to Michigan
Stadium, similar to below??? I'd bet the University would help make
the walkway a beautiful open space. Isn't
Open Space what Ann Arbor is about? Perhaps a nice,
arched Welcome sign at the Stadium & State Intersection...
You'll have to imaging the Golf Course on the Left and the Stadium in the
Distance as you walk past the Field Hockey fields on the right...
