The ReImagine Washtenaw project, a collaborative initiative by multiple local governments to shape the future of the Washtenaw Avenue corridor, will take another step forward Friday morning with a new partner.
The pedestrian path as it was nearing completion in November 2012.
Joseph Tobianski | AnnArbor.com
“It means a lot to us because this is exactly what we’ve been trying to do in engaging the business community,” he said. “They’re interested because these sorts of connections and networks make them more accessible and bring them more customers.”
The new merchants association was the brainchild of collaboration between the ReImagine Washtenaw consortium and the A2Y Chamber of Commerce. Andy LaBarre, Chamber vice president for government relations, said the idea originated during discussions on the future of the street.
“It’s a huge street both physically and in terms of traffic, commerce and activity in the county,” LaBarre said.
“So it was kind of interesting that we didn’t have a merchants association there. Now we’ve had a couple meetings, but it’s still definitely in the formative stage.”
The group, currently approximately 10-15 businesses spread out along Washtenaw Avenue held its first meeting at Paesano’s Restaurant and LaBarre said it has grown organically since then. Other associations in Ann Arbor, such as the Main Street Area Association, have dedicated staff and a web presence but the new association has not committed to any investments.
“I think it’s really going to depend on how much those business owners and representatives want to engage with it (the association),” LaBarre said.
“When you talk about hiring people or websites then you’re talking about association fees and I don’t know if they want to do that. I do think that whatever form it takes, it’s a good thing for the community if there’s a vibrant merchants’ association on Washtenaw because it’s vital to the community.”
In addition to Michael Roddy of Paesano’s, Hiller's Market vice president Justin Hiller has taken a leadership role in rounding up business owners to be a part of the new organization.
“It’s really a situation where new folks are coming in because the attendees at the first meeting and leaders like Mike and Justin have talked to them about being a part of the group,” LaBarre said.
“They have a bunch of options of where they could go from here. It could be something very formal or much more low key.”
In addition to representatives from the new association, the ceremony Friday morning will also be attended by representatives from the Washtenaw County government, Ann Arbor, Pittsfield Township and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Most of the construction of the path was completed before the end of 2012, but finishing touches have recently been added and Voght said the county wanted to wait for better weather before staging the ribbon cutting.
Ben Freed covers business for AnnArbor.com. You can sign up here to receive Business Review updates every week. Reach out to Ben at 734-623-2528 or email him at benfreed@annarbor.com. Follow him on twitter @BFreedinA2.