ANN ARBOR, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — The city of Ann Arbor is considering adding sidewalks to a portion of Brockman Boulevard south of Lower Burns Park to improve pedestrian safety.
But some residents say they are concerned about the loss of their mature trees and the character of the neighborhood.
“We’re not against safety, we’re against taking down giant, beautiful trees in Ann Arbor,” said resident Chuck Ream.
Neighbor Bill Sverdlik said he understands why a sidewalk could be helpful, but he believes cutting down the mature trees would be a cost-saving measure by the city.
“There are neighbors we have with little kids who walk to school,” Sverdlik said. “They want sidewalks, we have to be sensitive to that. But you don’t have to destroy the character of the neighborhood. You just have to tell yourself: it just takes a little more ingenuity and probably a little more money.” to do this the right way.”
Sverdlik and his wife Karen Schulte have been living on the streets for thirty years.
A large Norway maple sits against the curb in their front yard.
“We are now looking on pins and needles at two years of our future and what are they going to do with the place we call home and have invested our time and energy in?” Schulte said. “This is such a stressful, deeply personal process that I don’t think I’m sure they understand.”
In a statement to CBS Detroit, the city of Ann Arbor said:
“The city’s Vision Zero transportation plan, which was developed with extensive public input and adopted by the City Council, emphasizes safety and access for people of all ages and abilities. The plan identified filling gaps in sidewalks as a way to achieve the Vision Zero goal of no deaths or serious injuries on Ann Arbor’s streets. These gaps have been identified and prioritized and staff are working with residents and property owners to meet this community priority.
“As we started working, we noticed that many people are excited, some have questions and others are opposed because of changes that may or may not happen, especially when it comes to trees. We understand these concerns and questions and are committed to working with working together folks as we begin to develop design solutions that reduce impact on the local environment and make Ann Arbor a great place to move, for everyone.”
The section of Brockman being considered for sidewalk construction is near Packard, a main road with a bus stop.
Some residents believe a sidewalk would improve accessibility to that area.
“I think we need a sidewalk at least on one side to get people to where they can catch the bus on Packard,” said resident Jennifer Manning. “And it would be nice if a good conversation could take place about the best design to optimize the preservation of monumental trees while still providing a safe path to the bus.”
The proposal calls for the sidewalks to be installed by 2026.
Meredith Bruckner
