A number of student organizations are sponsoring a forum on the Greenbelt proposal and affordable housing in Ann Arbor to be held Thursday, October 30 from 7:30 to 9:30 PM in the Michigan Union ballroom. The event will be moderated by Prof. Matt Lassiter, and the panelists include:

– John Hieftje, Mayor of Ann Arbor
– Roderick Hills, U-M Professor of Law
– Margaret Dewar, U-M Professor of Urban Planning
– Mike Garfield, Ecology Center

I think this even will be a great opportunity to ask Mayor Hieftje some tough questions about why one-story boutiques surrounded by ugly, empty 8-story parking garages is in any way “European,” and asking Profs. Hills and Dewar about some things the city could do to increase the amount of housing downtown. One idea is allowing accessory apartments, or “granny flats,” in neighborhoods zoned for single family residence. Oh wait, the city council already unanimously rejected those two years ago. The sponsors include Students for PIRGM, Environmental Issues Commission of MSA, College Dems, Planners Network, and the Urban Planning Club.

Author: Rob