The
Thompson Block
Last fall a massive fire gutted two thirds of the Civil War-era Thompson
Block. The fire-damaged walls are currently being held up with wood bracing.
The Thompson block is eligible for state historic preservation tax credits
only if the walls remain standing. If the walls come down, Ypsilanti will
have lost part of its history, financing will be impossible, and the site
will not be developed for years or decades.
To move forward, the issue needs to be divided into two parts. First, the building must be made safe for pedestrians on the public sidewalks around the Thompson Block. After public safety is assured, then the building must have an acceptable development timeline.
The first step, an agreement based on safety between the Thompson Block owner, Stewart Beal, and city staff was rejected by Ypsilanti City Council 4 to 3. I voted for the agreement because it required a safety analysis by an independent structural engineer and a timeline for making the building safe for the public. If Mr. Beal failed to adhere to the agreement, a default clause would allow the city to make the building safe. If the issue then landed in court, the city would be in the strong position of defending public safety.
After the agreement was rejected by council in April, the city began to negotiate with Mr. Beal's lawyer through a court-appointed facilitator. Councilmember Pete Murdock, who voted against the April agreement, attends the facilitation meetings as the city council-appointed representative. No agreement has been reached yet, and the city is paying $125 per hour for the facilitator plus the usual litigation expenses.
To move forward, the facilitation should concentrate on a safety agreement similar to the original one narrowly rejected by city council in April.
In the end, I hope that the Thompson Block can be developed into a successful commercial venture for Depot Town. But first, it must be made safe.
Water Street
The city of Ypsilanti has received $1 million in federal and state funds to
demolish blighted buildings and remediate the soil at the Water Street
property. This is the next step toward making the Water Street property
more attractive to developers.
The only Water Street development project to come before city council thus far has been a Burger King restaurant. The proposal was defeated unanimously. To prevent further waste of time and money with inappropriate development proposals, city council must adopt the new zoning districts that were created by the Ypsilanti Planning Commission especially for Water Street. These districts call for multiple-story business and residential development consistent with downtown. Buildings will be reusable as businesses change. Larger storefronts will attract businesses that want more space than is available in the historic downtown buildings.
Water Street is valuable property in downtown Ypsilanti that will be developed over time. It is critical to plan carefully and think long-term. The revitalization of downtown will serve as a catalyst for Water Street when the economy improves.
WEMU Soapbox Speech
I'm Paul Schreiber. In my first four years as mayor of Ypsilanti, I’ve worked hard to earn the voters’ trust ─ to erase old battle lines and bring people together to make a positive difference in Ypsilanti. I’m proud of what’s been accomplished so far, but there’s still much work to be done. I look forward to building on the momentum of the last four years, but to do that, I need your vote in the August 3rd Democratic primary.
In spite of the bad economy, Ypsilanti is continuing its transformation into a twenty-first-century city with a new economy based on education, technology, arts, and entertainment.
Today young professionals and their families are drawn to Ypsilanti ─ the home of Eastern Michigan University.
Downtown and Depot Town anchor attractive residential neighborhoods. Beautiful and affordable downtown loft apartments above renovated store fronts rent quickly. Ypsilanti has a large historic district and a burgeoning arts community.
Ypsilanti is a well-run city. As mayor, I serve on boards with public officials from all over Washtenaw County. I can tell you that Ypsilanti has respect throughout the county. That respect comes from good government, but it also comes from being a city with a clear direction.
The job of mayor is more than just casting votes at the city council table. To stay on course for the next four years, the mayor must communicate the direction of the city to residents of Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County.
If re-elected, I will continue to champion renovation of our historic downtown buildings.
If re-elected, I will continue to press for a reasonable zoning plan at the Water Street property that gives developers direction for projects that complement downtown businesses.
If re-elected, I will continue to support renovation of housing in the city. I will commit to transforming the boarded-up Parkview Apartments into a quality housing development. If re-elected, I pledge to serve on the Parkview board to oversee a renovation that will improve the city’s image and provide at least 6 million dollars of investment in the city.
If re-elected I will continue to encourage volunteerism in the city by appointing capable and respected people to serve on city boards and commissions.
If re-elected, I will continue to support friends groups that oversee our recreational resources: Rutherford Pool, the Parkridge Community Center, the Senior Community Center, and the Ypsilanti Freight House.
If re-elected, I will continue to promote open and transparent city government. I will communicate city news ─ both good and bad ─ to Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County through the news media, e-mail updates, and the annual state of the city message.
The August 3rd primary will most likely determine Ypsilanti’s next mayor. To continue Ypsilanti’s transformation into a city of education, arts, and entertainment, I urge you to vote for me, Paul Schreiber, in the Democratic Primary on August 3rd.
Thank you.
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