In addition to discussing several resolutions Thursday night, the Ann Arbor City Council proclaimed its continued commitment to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is now in its 25th year.
Mayor Christopher Taylor presented Carolyn Grawi, executive director of the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, with a proclamation stating that he, along with the city, will continue striving to reach ADA law requirements in the name of equality.
“The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life,” Taylor said. “However, the promise of the ADA, the full promise, will only be reached if we remain committed to continue our efforts to fully implement it.”
Members of council also heard from the Washtenaw Housing Alliance and Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, which announced Thursday night their 2016 housing initiative: “Washtenaw County Zero.”
The Housing Alliance’s ongoing project works to secure housing for the homeless within the community. Representatives said the program has been been very successful in the past few months and, if it remains on track, will accomplish its goal of ending chronic homelessness around 10 months before their anticipated goal date.
Councilmembers also spent a considerable amount of time listening to community members comment on the issue of the South Pond Village proposal, a 73-home housing development plan on East Huron River Drive.
The community affected by this construction plan is divided on what the best route to reach the proposed village would be in order to reduce traffic and avoid preserved, natural areas. After much discussion, the council unanimously voted to take the discussion back to the Planning Commision in an attempt to learn more about each option before choosing the appropriate one.
After discussing the issue of deer management, Council unanimously voted to schedule a public hearing for August 17 to gather further community input before deciding whether or not to implement the deer management program.
“This public hearing will give the public a final opportunity to weigh in on deer management and… procedures to help guide both the council and staff,” Sabra Briere (D-Ward 1) said.
The council also voted unanimously in support of paying Saladino Construction Company to provide barrier-free access to the Bandemer Park Rowing Docks on Lakeshore Drive. Citizens, including the University’s rowing teams, can only reach Bandemer Park by crossing an ungated railroad crossing and heavy traffic areas.