Why is this project being done?

Filling gaps in the sidewalk system is consistent with both Ann Arbor's Moving Together Towards Vision Zero Transportation Plan and Complete Streets Policy. Providing sidewalks where they currently do not exist can:

• Improve pedestrian safety
• Encourage active transportation and community health
• Provide a continuous user experience
• Provide more transportation options
• Eliminate the practice of walking along the road and across traffic

In November of 2020, voters approved a six-year New Sidewalk Millage. This millage, which will generate an annual revenue of approximately $1.3 million, will be used exclusively for sidewalk gap filling projects. Funding from the New Sidewalk Millage applies to all sidewalks constructed adjacent to tax-paying parcels in the City of Ann Arbor.

The city developed a prioritization system for the public right-of-way where sidewalks do not currently exist. The system considers proximity to schools, transit, and other pedestrian attractors; equity; classification of adjacent road; community support/citizen requests; and safety. This system identifies the highest priority sidewalk gaps for inclusion in the City's Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). Please visit the city's new sidewalk website for more information and to view the dashboard.

Work to be done

Design will begin after the October 2024 public engagement guided walks. Public input will be requested again after an initial design is complete.

During the planning and design process, city staff will reach out to the neighborhood and to individual property owners to discuss the details of the project.

While determining which side the new sidewalk is built on and the alignment of the sidewalk within the right-of-way, staff will consider the following:

• Feedback from the neighborhood;
• Removing and/or saving trees;
• Removing and/or maintaining parking;
• Reducing the road width;
• Existing utilities, fences, landscaping, and drainage.

Dec. 11, 2024 Project Update:

Dear Residents,

As we move forward with the community and city council’s direction to create a safer travel network for people of all ages and abilities, we wanted to update you on the sidewalk gap filling project on Brockman from Packard to Ferdon. As with other sidewalk gap projects the city has undertaken, all attempts are made to avoid removing trees or limiting the number to only those necessary. Thankfully, we have been successful at reaching that goal on most of the sidewalk work. As we began this process on Brockman, a design for which is far from final, staff have engaged neighbors to come up with solutions that address safety and non-motorized travel alongside protecting our urban forest.

Thankfully, we have come up with at least one option on Brockman that could result in a sidewalk in the public right-of-way that preserves most, if not all, the trees. At the next project meeting, which we hope will be in person in the Spring of 2025, we will walk everyone through the various options being considered. We continue to appreciate everyone’s earnest participation and desire to see a community that is safer and more walkable, all under a beautiful urban canopy.

Thank you,
Francisca Chan
Project Manager

Sept. 12, 2024 Information session #1

• Project overview video (YouTube)
• PowerPoint slides (PDF)

Oct. 1 & Oct. 3, 2024: A guided walk with project staff was held in each neighborhood.

• Barton walk question and answer (PDF)
• Brockman walk question and answer (PDF)

On Nov. 4, 2024 the post engagement online form for residents to submit questions and concerns about the project closed.

Spring 2025 Virtual Information Session #2

Date to be determined.