Ann Arbor Public School District

The Design Review Board meeting commenced with a review of the board's purpose, procedures, and status as a mandatory review, voluntary compliance body. Key discussion points centered on updating the board's bylaws, including establishing time limits for applicant presentations, which was deferred to the following year contingent on better coaching. The board approved the existing bylaws and discussed the vacancy on the board, noting the requirement for members to be electors of the city. Additionally, the committee reviewed the status of the city's master plan development process, initiated via an RFP, which includes a review of current architectural and design guidelines, potentially leading to their extension or revision. The process for selecting the master plan development team and ensuring stakeholder consultation, including with this board, was highlighted.

The meeting addressed the electronic format utilized due to public health concerns, outlining procedures for public comment via telephone. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes. Reports covered recent City Council approvals, such as annexations (2731 Newport and 201 Scio Church) and the approval of R2A zoning, as well as the first reading for the rezoning of 700 North Main. Future items previewed included ordinance revisions concerning site plan review thresholds, transit zoning district finalization, and amendments to home occupation regulations. Updates were also provided on the Council of the Commons regarding the library lot, and a forthcoming joint meeting on the Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan and a joint session with the Energy Commission regarding electrification of new developments. The primary unfinished business involved detailed discussion and data presentation regarding proposed amendments for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), specifically addressing setbacks, lot coverage, and residential tax exemptions. Furthermore, upcoming public hearings for the next meeting were announced, covering a building addition, a special exception use for a childcare center, creation of a transit corridor zoning district, and further modification of home occupation regulations.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the December 5th, 2023 meeting, with a minor typographical correction noted for the latter. Key discussions focused on proposed amendments to Chapter 55 of the Unified Development Code regarding Transportation Impact Analysis requirements and review criteria. These amendments aim to modernize terminology, mandate multimodal transportation impact analyses based on the 2023 Institute of Transportation Engineers methodology for certain thresholds, and clarify submission requirements. Public comment was taken regarding these amendments, with concerns raised about the underlying methodologies and the impact on developers. There was also a report on recent City Council actions, including approvals for solar energy system modifications, amendments for an office district to create a used banquet hall, and rezoning for Plymouth Road, noting the removal of eight parcels by the Council. The Commission also acknowledged the resignation of Commissioner Sal and the upcoming retirement of City Planner Chris Changen.

The electronic meeting convened to discuss the final draft of the Comprehensive Transportation Plan update. Key discussions included presenting updates made since the previous draft, addressing comments from the Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) and Citizens Advisory Commission (CAC) regarding equity implementation throughout the plan, and emphasizing speed limit reduction as a key policy strategy in alignment with NACTO recommendations. Other discussed updates involved clarifying the 20-minute neighborhood metrics (grocery stores, parks, retail, schools), adding information on the connector project, adjusting language from Transit Oriented Development to Transit Supportive Zoning, adding a freight strategy review, and proposing that additional bike network routes be pursued by a dedicated committee. The Commission approved the consent agenda and discussed the process for forwarding the plan to the City Planning Commission.

The meeting began with an annual roll call and approval of the agenda, noting a required update for the chair of the Community Engagement Committee. Discussions included the approval of the March 20th meeting minutes, with a minor spelling correction noted. The main session featured presentations from the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, detailing upcoming events such as 'ABCs of Medicare' and a screening of the film 'Through a Dog's Eyes' in celebration of National Guide Dog Day. The speaker also provided details on the Visions 2019 program, including various presentation slots covering topics like technology in transition services, multidisciplinary low vision rehabilitation, tactile displays, and ADA updates regarding emotional support animals. Following these updates, popular book recommendations were shared. During public comments, a representative from the Energy Commission and Perks Advisory Commission offered assistance and discussed the application process for the Center of the City Task Force, including noted accessibility issues with the online application form.