Proposed High-Rise at South University and Forest

Developers Dan Ketelaar and Ron Hughes propose to build a 22-story high rise and a connect 15-story tower at the corner of S. Univeristy and Forest. The site is a large portion of the block where Village Corner, the Bagel bakery, Park Plaza Apartments, Student Bike Shop, Cahmpion's Convenience Mart and two rental houses now stand. The building would be apartments, primarily students with retail space on the ground level.

There will be a working session of the Planning Commission on Tuesday, March 11th at 7 PM in the 4th floor conference room of City Hall. The public may attend, and no action will be taken by the Commission.

The meeting of the Planning Commission will be on Tuesday, March 18th at 7 PM in the Council Chamber on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Public commentary will be welcome.

Co-chairpersons of the North Burns Park Association, Peter Nagourney and Kathy Sample are encouraging neighbors to voice their concerns about the project at these meetings.

More information or a copy of the developers' drawings are available by emailing: apvh@umich.edu or gnystuen@umich.edu.

What are the concerns of people who live closer to this area? I live a few blocks away so the impact on my will be minimal. Since the block in question is mainly student housing at present, I think the only major impact will be to parking in the area. With that many students, there will likely be more cars in that direct area. Otherwise, the new retail and increased population will be good for the local businesses. Students don't usually venture into the residential neighborhood, so I don't see much impact to the permanant residents here.

Any other opinions?