Several major county and community organizations, the
city of Ypsilanti and Eastern Michigan University are using
their expertise to collaborate on innovative projects that
will continue the development of area streetscapes.
Joint projects include the linking of Ypsilanti's downtown
to Huron River Drive, through bike paths and pedestrian
walks; and converting College Place, from Cross Street
to Forest Avenue, into a pedestrian mall. The mall would
include benches, bike paths, trees and lighting. A green
space, called "Pease Park," and an outdoor stage, would
be located to the south of the existing Pease Auditorium.
 |
A PLACE WITH GREEN SPACE : College Place,
the city
road that currently runs through campus
in front of
Pease Auditorium, may be closed by
spring 2007. The
city of Ypsilanti
and EMU are working to secure grants
to close
the road and turn it into a pedestrian area,
complete with benches, bike paths, trees and
lighting.
Photo
by Randy Mascharka
|
The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved
EMU's participation in the project at a special board meeting
Oct. 20.
This project has been in the works for several years,
is consistent with the campus concept plan, and comes at
an opportune time, because grant funds will likely not
be available at a later date. This will enable the University
to avoid much greater cost in the future.
"This is more than an EMU project. It is a community project.
EMU, the city and major organizations are using their expertise
to continue the revitalization of this area," said Steve
Holda, interim director of finance at EMU. "More importantly,
this partnership has set the stage for further collaboration
with area organizations and the city."
The project will provide a vital link in the ongoing effort
to revitalize the entire area from Huron Street to the
Water Tower. The beneficiaries will include the entire
local community. Once completed, the project is expected
to have a significant impact on connecting the southeast
corner of EMU's campus to adjacent neighborhoods. It also
provides a model for innovative town-gown cooperation.
Working with the University are the city of Ypsilanti;
the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT); the Ypsilanti
Downtown Development Authority; the Depot Town Development
Authority; the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study and
the Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce.
The Ypsilanti Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Ypsilanti
Jaycees; Ypsilanti COPAC, a community organization; the
Ypsilanti Central Business Community and the Southeast
Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) also are backing
the plan.
Phases I and II of the project, beginning in Spring 2007,
will redevelop College Place and West Cross Street. The
redevelopment of East Cross Street in Depot Town will occur
in Phase III.
"The groups are developing creative and innovative funding
methods for the three improvement phases," said Holda.
Under a letter of understanding, the city will lease College
Place to EMU for $1 a year for a period of 99 years. In
exchange, the University will lease its North Washington
parking lot, in downtown Ypsilanti, to the city for $1
a year for 99 years. EMU will reserve six parking spots
in the lot for University use.
"The College Place Enhancement Project, which is part
of Phase I, is estimated to cost approximately $1.3 million,
so the University is working with MDOT to obtain a grant
of nearly $442,590 from Federal Transportation Enhancement
Funds," said Holda.
Additional grants and gifts also are being pursued to
offset the University's share of $840,832. Any remaining
costs would come from uncommitted University reserves,
Holda said. The city of Ypsilanti would pay for the deconstruction
of the street and for repairing the water main under it.
"A more inviting pedestrian environment will benefit students,
patrons and businesses while creating a greater sense of
cooperative community," said Holda.
