The Ann Arbor City Council delayed consideration of a proposed 14-story high-rise Monday night, but took further action on a review of the downtown zoning.
At the developer's request, the 413 E. Huron St. project will appear back on the council's agenda April 15 after revised plans have been carefully reviewed.
Representatives of the 413 E. Huron high-rise project approach city hall March 18 with the Varsity student high-rise taking shape in the background across the street, immediately adjacent to the already built 411 Lofts student high-rise.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The council adopted a resolution Monday night that provides specific directions to the city's Planning Commission regarding an upcoming review of the D1 downtown zoning — a process that got started in response to the highly controversial 413 E. Huron project.
The council decided against a moratorium on downtown development last month, but city officials believe at least a review of the D1 zoning is in order.
The City Council is asking the Planning Commission to specifically address whether D1 zoning is appropriately located on the north side of Huron Street between Division and South State (the area of the 413 E. Huron project) and on the south side of William Street between South Main and Fourth Avenue. The council also is asking the commission to consider whether the D1 residential floor area ratio (FAR) premiums effectively encourage a diverse downtown population.
Mayor John Hieftje and other council members have said they'd like to see fewer five- and six-bedroom apartments that cater to University of Michigan students and more workforce housing built for young professionals and others who want to live downtown.
The council also is asking the Planning Commission to consider rezoning a parcel on the south side of Ann Street — adjacent to the north side of city hall — that is zoned D1. The Planning Commission has until Oct. 1 to complete its review and report to the City Council.
The resolution was sponsored by Council Members Sabra Briere, D-1st Ward; Christopher Taylor, D-3rd Ward; and Marcia Higgins, D-4th Ward.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.