Arbor South Brownfield Plan (PH-3)

A former councilmember and brownfield policy author said the plan shirks the city's 2019 brownfield policy, which requires public health and environmental purposes, not parking lots.

Ann Arbor SPARK's CEO urged approval, saying the region's housing shortage constrains economic competitiveness and the project serves early-career workers.

Called it the largest TIF ever, criticized the rushed process with the plan revised days before the hearing and no binding development agreement, and urged postponement.

Raised opportunity costs, noting a lack of street light and sidewalk funding while staff spend extensive time on this project.

Said the city should wait for a development that pays taxes and handles its own parking, as many downtown projects do.

Called it a 'parking plan' masquerading as a brownfield plan and warned of fiscal collapse risks like Water Street.

Acknowledged project benefits but argued parking projections are inflated by roughly 1,000 spaces, leaving the project vastly over-parked.

A self-described non-expert urged Council not to vote that night given the bad optics and available alternatives.

A Ward 1 council candidate who isn't accepting donations criticized developer campaign contributions to sitting councilmembers and questioned affordability pricing near a highway.

Suggested reducing parking spaces and increasing affordable units if the project proceeds.

Supported housing on the site but said the plan is worse than before — too much parking, unnecessary gas hookups — and should go back to square one.

Led the opposition, detailing the $329 million diversion across taxing jurisdictions and calling the 'but for the project' justification nonsense.

Criticized campaign donations to councilmembers and the TIF structure as enriching investors at the public's expense.

An unidentified resident spoke in opposition to the plan.