A2Council Update: "Spot Zoning Indiscriminately" Newport/Bird/Victoria Circle Annexations

Eleven parcels at Newport Rd, Bird Rd, and Victoria Circle were recently annexed into the City of Ann Arbor (they were previously part of Ann Arbor Township). After annexation, these parcels were assigned zoning through a process that involved City staff, the City's Planning Commission, and Ann Arbor City Council. City planners recommended zoning of R1A (single-family dwelling district) and all documents related to parcel annexations included this recommendation for future zoning, consistent with the area and existing comprehensive plan. At a meeting on May 16, 2023, mayoral appointees on the City's Planning Commission rejected this staff recommended zoning and substituted different zoning (R1D) in order to reduce lot sizes, reduce setbacks, and increase density. At their meeting on August 21, 2023, elected members of Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to give final approval to this rezoning, despite significant opposition from area residents. Legistar link for May 16, 2023 Planning Commission meeting: https://a2gov.legistar.com/MeetingDet... Legistar link for August 21, 2023 City Council meeting: https://a2gov.legistar.com/MeetingDet... 0:00 Introduction 0:39 Annexation Background 2:48 Planning Commission 7:33 City Council