In downtown Ann Arbor, dense high rise development has traditionally been thought of negatively. However, a recent shift in political will has the City approving projects that will add greater density and housing to its commercial core.
"Local developer Fred Beal sat near the back of the council chamber Tuesday night while the Ann Arbor City Council moved forward toward approving three downtown residential projects -- two involving nine-story buildings and the third a 12-story and a 14-story tower connected by a four-story base.
Beal, a member of the Downtown Development Authority's board, said he remembers just a few years ago he attended a committee meeting of the city's Planning Commission when a four-story limit for new buildings was discussed.
When was the last time he was at a City Council meeting when that kind of development wasn't disputed?
He smiled. 'Never.'"
FULL STORY: Council Ok's Major Projects
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