Why is this study 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 sidewalk millage. This millage, which generates annual revenue of approximately $1.3 million, is used exclusively for filling sidewalk gaps. Funding from the 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

The city and project team will meet with the community to seek input on filling sidewalk gaps along the corridor. The team will then investigate and present design alternatives and costs and seek further feedback from the community. The team will then finalize the study and provide recommendations for future project consideration for inclusion in the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). No construction is planned as part of this study phase.

Costs and funding source

Funding would likely come from the sidewalk millage if the project moves forward

No impacts will be experienced during the study phase. As part of the study phase, the project team will hold public engagement meetings with the community and neighborhoods to discuss project details and possible impacts from connecting sidewalk gaps.

• While determining design alternatives, staff will consider:
• Feedback from the neighborhood;
• Removing and/or saving trees;
• Removing and/or maintaining on-street parking;
• Reducing the road width;
• Existing utilities, fences, landscaping, and drainage.

City staff and the project team will hold two engagement sessions residents, property owners and stakeholders. The first session will seek audience feedback prior to investigating design alternatives. The second meeting will focus on present study findings for additional public input prior to presenting the information to City Council. Dates and times of the sessions TBD. Check back soon!