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Mayor's Green Fair spotlights zero-waste efforts and energy-saving tips

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Related story: Ann Arbor mayor: Commuter rail to Detroit can happen in 3 years with regional support

Main Street was not the gridlock of cars you might expect it to be from 6 to 9 p.m. on a Friday. Instead, energy-efficient appliances, eight-seat bikes and a solar powered concert filled the street for the 13th annual Mayor’s Green Fair.

More than 100 exhibits displaying environmental information ranging from "green" transportation to energy saving techniques lined the street.

“Ann Arbor has such an environmental ethos and this event really resonates with the citizens,” City Transportation Program Manager Eli Cooper said. “That’s why we get thousands of people walking around and learning about how to be more environmentally-friendly.”

A new addition to the fair this year was Arbor Brewing Company’s zero-waste beer garden, where the restaurant teamed up with the city to produce an exhibit that would not send trash to the landfills. The booth had a live band and beverages served in compostable cups.

“This is our first Green Fair experience and we’re really excited about it,” Arbor Brewing Company general manager Casey Hyde said. “Everything here is compostable or recyclable. We wanted to do our part and show people how easy it can be to be environmentally friendly and produce less waste.”

Also new this year was a refurbished railcar for people to tour. The railcar, which is proposed for the Ann Arbor-to-Detroit commuter rail service, was toured by more than 150 people within the fair's first hour.

“People love it,” said Alex Bourgeau , transportation coordinator for Southeast Michigan Council of Governments . “At least the people that have been here seem to like it a great deal. We wanted to be able to show people what’s going to be available for them.”

Ann Arbor resident Diana Bowman said she specifically came to the fair to tour the railcar.

“With the two decks it reminds me of the metro in Chicago,” Bowman said. “It’s exactly what I was expecting and it looks like they’ve done a good job.”

Several local businesses set up shop to show off products and services helpful in reducing energy use as well. Arbor Insulation explained their ‘fresh start’ program and how proper insulation can reduce energy use by about 30 percent.

“It’s a great way to reduce energy use, especially in Ann Arbor,” said general manager Rob Patterson. “So many houses were built in the early 20th century with little to no insulation. We’re a local company and we’re at the fair to get the word out and help people save energy.”

People and organizations in charge of the booths used demonstrations, product explanations and hands-on activities to teach people how to be more environmentally friendly.

DTE Energy informed citizens of the benefits of LED light bulbs and Energy Star rated appliances. They also explained their rebate incentives available to those who purchase Energy Star rated appliances and handed out mini lightbulb keychains to encourage energy saving.

“We just like to get out and talk to the customers,” said Todd Bondy, a residential lighting and appliance representative with DTE. “We want them to know we’re here for them and provide information on saving energy.”

Aside from vendors and booths lining the street, energy efficient cars we also in attendance for people to tour, including a hybrid bus.

Cooper said it is clear Ann Arbor citizens enjoy the fair for both the information provided as well as the atmosphere.

“It’s a celebration of life and it gives the citizens a chance to be in a car-free environment, walk around and enjoy Main Street and this beautiful weather,” Cooper said.

Chelsea Hoedl is an intern reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at choedl@mlive.com.


Juneteenth celebration set for Saturday in Ann Arbor

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Juneteenth, the annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery in America, comes to Ann Arbor's Wheeler Park on Saturday, June 15.

The local chapter of the NAACP sponsors the event, which takes place from noon-6 p.m. at the park, on the corner of North Fourth Avenue and Summit Street.

Food, vendors, entertainment, a cake walk, and children's activities are all part of the celebration.

As explained on the NAACP website, "Juneteenth is the name given to the celebration by enslaved Africans in Texas and the southwest when they were told of their freedom on June 19, 1865—nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation already freed them."

The celebration is free and open to the public.

Roundabout construction to close Superior Township intersection Monday for the summer

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The intersection of Geddes and Ridge roads in Superior Township will be closed for the summer as crews hired by the Washtenaw County Road Commission convert the four-way-stop intersection into a single-lane roundabout.

Courtesy of the Washtenaw County Road Commission

The intersection of Geddes and Ridge roads in Superior Township will be closed to drivers this summer as four-way stop is converted in to a single-lane roundabout.

The $1.1 million project is being coordinated by the Washtenaw County Road Commission.

The closure starts Monday, June 17. The Road Commission’s contractor for the work has until Aug. 23 to complete construction, per the agreement between the two parties.

Traffic at the intersection mounted this year after the opening of South Pointe Scholars Charter Academy in the southwest corner of the intersection at 10550 Geddes Road.

The charter public school’s parent agency, National Heritage Academies, agreed to fund the roundabout portion of the project. NHA receives its revenue from the state.

Before NHA built the school, it conducted a traffic study to see how its addition would affect area roads. Based on the findings from the study, the county's Road Commission suggested the roundabout, according to school officials.

The road construction project was factored in to the costs of building and operating the school, officials said.

The school will also be funding the installation of new streetlights at the roundabout. The Road Commission will pay for future maintenance and all electricity costs.

In addition to roundabout construction, the project also involves replacing a culvert on Ridge Road over Fowler Creek near the school.

The designated detour—about a seven-mile route around the intersection—will be to use Prospect Road, Holmes Road, Michigan Avenue, Denton Road and Proctor Road.


View Geddes and Ridge roads in a larger map

Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.

Tonight at Top of the Park - Saturday, June 15: Whit Hill, Sun Messengers, face painting and more

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Here's the schedule for tonight's Top of the Park, the free (donations welcome), outdoor component of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Descriptions provided by the festival. Top of the Park takes place in the area around East Washington Street at Ingalls Mall.

5 p.m.: Body Masterpiece - Extreme Face Painting; KidZone Tent

Bring your imagination and let the artists of Body Masterpiece turn you into living, walking masterpiece.

5 p.m.: Retreat: Prana Vinyasa - Power Center Lawn

Consciously explore the fluid movements of prana, or energy in the body, breath, and stillness in this creative yoga class with A2 Yoga.

5 p.m.: Frankie D'Angelo - Grove Stage

Join us in The Grove for D'Angelo's catchy, soulful pop, solo acoustic music.

6 p.m.: Jo Serrapere and John Devine - Grove Stage

Fusing folk, blues, roots rock, swing, hot jazz, and alt-country, Jo Serrapere has beeen a popular draw at folk festivals around the country.

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Whit Hill

7 p.m.: Whit Hill & The Postcards - Rackham Stage

Nashville’s Whit Hill returns to her Ann Arbor roots and joins her Detroit-based alt-country band for a set of story songs and ballads blending twangy country, organ-laced soul, and southern rock.

8 p.m.: Al Hill & The Love Butlers - Rackham Stage

Al Hill returns to Ann Arbor with The Love Butlers to bring a rockin’ good time to Top of the Park.

9:30 p.m.: The Sun Messengers - Rackham Stage

Making a triumphant return to Top of the Park, this hard-hitting eight-piece, horn-driven R&B party band guarantees one of the season's biggest street dance parties!

11 p.m.: After Dark w/ DJ Nick Ayers of the Macpodz - Grove Stage

Come hear the Brazilian, Calypso, Latin, and Funk set by Ann Arbor-based DJ Nick Ayers, percussionist of The Macpodz.

Wildly Fit fitness studio to include 'outdoorsy twist' on regular workouts

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Christian and Amy Wilds opened Wildly Fit at 220 Felch St. in Ann Arbor.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Amy and Christian Wilds wanted to put an outdoorsy twist on fitness training with the opening of their new studio, Wildly Fit.

The husband and wife duo — both American College of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainers in the Ann Arbor area — opened Wildly Fit, at 220 Felch St., earlier this year. The studio celebrated its grand opening in early June.

“We always wanted to do this,” Amy said. “We jumped on this location. It’s hard to find outdoor space — especially connected to your studio.”

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TRX Suspension Trainers hang outside Wildly Fit's new studio on Felch Street.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Located in a former Ann Arbor Art Center building just north of downtown, Wildly Fit utilizes its 1,000-square-foot studio for personal training and group fitness classes. When the weather cooperates, classes are held outside on the property.

“Everything at this point is mostly outdoor,” Amy said. “We’re not afraid of a little rain.”

Wildly Fit specializes in TRX Suspension Training and Cardio Resistance Training classes, more commonly known as boot camp. The studio has elliptical machines, a treadmill, spinning bike, a FreeMotion machine, punching bag, free weights, kettlebells and other equipment.

“We have to be very creative in our workouts, because we don’t have a lot of machines,” Christian said.

“It’s a perfect location, because we have all these parks nearby,” he added.

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Wildly Fit took over the space vacated by Pure Barre last year.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Christian — who’s training a group of clients for a Tough Mudder race — said they will jog to nearby parks and run up hills and stairs.

Wildly Fit mostly offers one-on-one or semi-private training by appointment, but it also has 16 group classes per week, or a group — which must be comprised of at least five people — can customize a class. First-time clients can try a class for free, and the studio offers student discounts. It also plans to host a youth fitness camp beginning in July.

In the competitive world of health and fitness, Amy and Christian said they are finding their niche by solely focusing on providing one-on-one attention andy fitness training.

“We just want to be fitness,” Amy said. “That’s what we’re good at.”

Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.

Eastern Michigan University professor to bike 450 miles around state to support student development

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Eastern Michigan University part-time professor John Fike and his wife Bonita will spend their vacation this year raising money to help fund important life experiences for students.

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John Fike will bike 450 miles this summer to raise $4,000 for EMU students.

“This year we got to thinking about where we wanted to go,” 70-year-old Fike said. “Bonita and I generally combine biking and vacation in the summer and we’ve biked some long distances. So I said let’s extend it, make it something of a challenge and see if we can raise some money for scholarships. At first it was just this crazy idea but the more we thought about it and reflected on it the more we wanted to do it.”

On June 29, Fike will bike 450 miles around Michigan in an attempt to raise $4,000 to help fund study abroad scholarships and help students start their fundraising careers by giving money to EMU’s nonprofit leadership alliance program. Bonita will meet him at stopping points along the way with their car and supplies.

Starting in Lansing, Fike will travel through Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, South Haven, Grand Haven, Big Rapids, Mount Pleasant, Bay City and finally Lexington where he will complete the 450 miles. Fike plans to finish his journey by July 13 or 14, which means he will be traveling between 40 and 50 miles a day.

“We have set aside five days of no biking,” Fike said. “In those five days we’ll be doing a little touring around Battle Creek, South Haven and then a day up in Big Rapids visiting state parks. We’ll take another day over in Bay City so we get to experience some tourism as well.”

In return for Fike’s long, winding bike ride across Michigan he asks those inspired by his journey to donate to one of two causes: study abroad scholarships or funding for the EMU nonprofit Leadership Alliance Program, which gives students real-life experience working in the field.

“I’m asking everyone to contribute to these two funds” Fike said. “I want people to know about the programs and I hope that the general public will have an interest in my trip, but more importantly the cause and that they will be interested in giving.”

Fike boasts about the exciting group of students he taught winter semester as he explains why he’s using his vacation time to bolster these two programs. He said he is inspired by his students because every one of them overcomes some sort of challenge to obtain their education.

“The best part about teaching at Eastern is being able to watch my students succeed even when they had to struggle to get there,” Fike said. “Many of them are married and have full-time jobs on top of taking full-time classes. It’s amazing to me to watch them balance it all and I want to support them any way I can.”

The education system leaves graduates in debt and it shouldn’t be that way, Fike said.

“So many students come out of their education now with so much debt, which is really one of the things that moves me to raise money,” Fike said. “I’d like students to get these experiences without having so much debt to deal with because of it.”

Students come back from studying in other countries with a stronger interest in what they’re learning and this shows through in their work, Fike said. He said he wants to foster experiences like study abroad because they allow students to grow.

“When our students study in foreign countries they come back with new knowledge, but they also change as people,” Fike said. “They’re more focused and more mature. They are more well-rounded in their understand of what’s going on around them and so one of the things I’ve been trying to support is students studying abroad.”

One of the courses Fike teaches at Eastern is fundraising. He said he wants his students to have the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom, but this sort of experience requires funding.

“There are often frustrated students who go out for their first job and are passed over for those who have more real life experience,” Fike said. “I want to be able to give them the experience to match their educational skills.”

Fike has been training since March for the bike ride he hopes will raise funds for two programs he believes to be important in personal and educational development, he said. You can follow his trip on Twitter @EMUjohnfike. Donations to support study abroad or nonprofit management training can be made online.

Chelsea Hoedl is an intern reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at choedl@mlive.com.

Ann Arbor Connector: Public input sought on high-capacity transit project

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The Connector is a developing plan for high-capacity transit in an arc from northeast to south Ann Arbor, connecting major destinations — including downtown, the University of Michigan campuses and medical center, and other commercial areas. Download larger version of map.

Ann Arbor Connector

The next public meeting for the Ann Arbor Connector planning process takes place Tuesday and community members are encouraged to attend.

The workshop-style event is scheduled from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the downtown library, with several opportunities for the public to provide feedback.

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This example of bus rapid transit on 34th Street in Manhattan was included in a previous presentation on the Ann Arbor Connector.

URS Corp.

The Connector is a developing plan for high-capacity transit in an arc from northeast to south Ann Arbor, connecting major destinations — including downtown, the University of Michigan campuses and medical center, and other commercial areas.

In early 2011, the city of Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the University of Michigan collaborated to complete a feasibility study that concluded a high-capacity transit service in the study corridor is feasible and that demand is sufficient to consider streetcars, bus rapid transit, light rail or an elevated guideway such as a monorail.

The project is now in the alternatives analysis stage, where community input is needed to determine a locally preferred alternative that will specify the type of transit technology (bus rapid transit, streetcar, light rail or elevated guideway), service levels, route alignment, station locations and costs.

Tuesday's workshop is open to anyone who wants to attend, including residents, business owners, and other stakeholders or interested parties.

The workshop agenda:

  • 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Open House
  • 5:30-6:00 p.m. — Presentation
  • 6:00-7:00 p.m. — Breakout Groups: "Connect The Connector"
  • 7:00-7:30 p.m. — Presentation
  • 7:30-8:00 p.m. — Open House

The open house portion of the workshop will feature displays on the various modes of travel under consideration, as well as possible route options.

Project staff and representatives from the organizations collaborating on the project will be available to further explain the displays, answer questions and record comments.

The presentation will provide a brief overview of the project. The breakout groups will be an opportunity for the public to review segments of the Connector route and make comments.

This is the second in a series of public input opportunities, the first of which were held in December, and there will be additional opportunities later this year.

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.

Report reveals details of night 6-week-old baby died in drunken driving accident with mother

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The 1996 Plymouth Voyager Constance Johnson was driving the night she was in an accident that killed her 6-week-old son, Isaiah.

Courtesy of WCSO

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Constance Johnson

Courtesy of WCSO

Constance Johnson was under the influence of alcohol and painkillers when she got behind the wheel of a minivan with her 6-week-old son in an unsecured baby carrier in the passenger seat, a police report contends.

Johnson also hadn’t had a valid driver’s license for two years, according to investigators.

The death of 6-week-old Isaiah Caddell in an ensuing crash prompted numerous criminal charges to be brought against the 37-year-old Ypsilanti Township woman, who on Thursday had a jury trial scheduled for Aug. 5 after a brief court appearance.

Documents recently obtained by AnnArbor.com via the Freedom of Information Act shed light on what exactly happened in the early morning hours of Oct. 7, 2012 that left an infant dead and a mother facing four separate 15-year felonies.

Card games and painkillers

Johnson had taken Isaiah to her cousin’s house in Ypsilanti where she said she had a few drinks, played cards and socialized until 5 a.m. The police report did not indicate where exactly the cousin lived.

Johnson’s daughter told police she offered to drive when her mother dropped her off somewhere around 1:36 a.m., according to the report.

“(She said) that her mother had been drinking, and that (she) had offered to drive herself, and had also offered to take Isaiah overnight, but that Johnson had declined,” the report states.

Johnson then returned to her cousin’s. She told police the family get-together was the first time many of her relatives had the chance to see the new baby. She said eventually she put him in a back bedroom to sleep, according to the report.

Meanwhile, she said she had a couple of Miller Genuine Drafts and taken a Vicodin for which she had a prescription. She later admitted to police she had smoked marijuana on Oct. 5 — two days before — but did not that night. She said she had her last beer around 10 p.m., the report says.

Johnson and her infant left for home sometime after 5 a.m.

Two 911 calls

As they neared the Ypsilanti Township home were Johnson lived with her mother and six of her other children on the 1300 block of Andrea Street, Isaiah was crying, the report said.

The police report indicates Johnson was reaching for a pacifier when she rammed her 1996 Plymouth Voyager into the back of a 1992 Ford Ranger pick-up parked on Foley Avenue.

Airbags were then deployed. Johnson, who was wearing her seatbelt, was not injured. A witness said after the accident, Johnson reached into the minivan, pulled out Isaiah's seat and yelled, “Oh, my baby,” according to the report.

The report said the accident was around the corner from Johnson’s residence. She ran there with Isaiah, who she told police was now crying in a way she had never heard before.

Two 911 calls were placed, one for the accident and a second for a medical emergency for the baby. The owner of the pick-up truck heard the crash, came out and called. As police were arriving at Foley near Harry Street, a second call for a medical emergency involving a baby around the block was placed by Johnson.

The officers continued to Johnson’s residence on Andrea Street.

Hospital and jail

Deputies arriving at the home found Isaiah lying on the floor of the living room with Johnson kneeling nearby. Two other women were nearby.

Isaiah was crying.

“(His) eyes were shut and the cry did not sound normal to me,” the deputy wrote in the report.

The baby also had a very wet and dirty diaper, the deputy noted. He smelled alcohol on Johnson, who admitted she was in a vehicle crash around the corner.

She said her baby “was not right” and it was not a normal cry. Isaiah quickly was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital where a scan revealed he had a skull fracture. Surgeons immediately began operating on him.

Johnson was questioned and given sobriety tests. She told police the minivan’s brakes had “gone out,” according to the police report.

She failed many of the field sobriety tests — which included reciting the alphabet and counting backwards — and eventually blew a .05 blood alcohol content level in a breath test, the report said.

Johnson was arrested and taken to the Washtenaw County Jail. The report said she had four warrants out for her arrest, though it did not indicate what the warrants were for.

Isaiah died a week later from head injuries sustained in the accident. The medical examiner's office cited the official cause of death craniocerebral trauma involving skull fractures, subdural hemorrhages and sever brain deterioration.

Investigation

The lead investigator, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Detective Douglas McMullen, discovered a can of beer and a half-filled bottle of cognac — a type of brandy — among baby bottles and other items in the minivan.

Just outside of the minivan on the sidewalk, he found a light blue, one-piece baby suit with pieces of dark grey foam attached to it.

“I noted that the car seat had sustained significant damage and that there was damage done to the plastic, and that there were broken pieces of white foam that were coming from the car seat,” he said.

Investigators concluded Johnson neglected to fasten the baby seat properly and the airbag caused the life-ending head injuries.

“The car seat was not secured to the automobile seat in any manner,” McMullen wrote in the report. “When the airbag contacts an object or person that is too close of too small the damage can be considerable. As a result of Johnson’s neglect the airbag struck Isaiah Caddell causing his death.”

Police also had a mechanic look at the minivan's brakes, to check and see if there was any validity to Johnson’s claims they were faulty. The mechanic found no problems with the brakes, according to the report.

In addition to that finding, McMullen concluded Johnson never used the brakes.

“The brakes had not been applied prior to the collision,” McMullens wrote in the report.

Charges filed

Police continued to investigate the incident throughout the winter. Johnson formally was charged April 4 with homicide with a motor vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, operating while intoxicated causing death, operating with a suspended license causing death, second-degree child abuse and an open alcohol container in a vehicle.

At the time of her arraignment, Magistrate Elisha Fink gave Johnson a $1,000 personal recognizance bond. Such a bond allows the defendant to get out of jail on a promise to appear in court. The defendant has to pay the bond to the court if he or she fails to appear.

Johnson has been charged in three criminal cases in the past 13 years, two of which were dismissed, according to court records. She received a stiffer bond in all three cases than she did this time.

Johnson also is listed as the plaintiff in six paternity suits and two child support suits between 1998 and 2009 in circuit court records. A Stark Funeral Home obituary for Isaiah says he was survived by nine brothers and sisters and was preceded in death by two additional siblings.

Child Protective Services were contacted following the fatal car accident, the police report said.

In court Thursday, Johnson’s appointed attorney James Gallagher said there was a plea offer from the prosecution that was going to be considered before the case went to trial.

A final pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 11 before Judge David Swartz.


Official: Former Ypsi-Arbor Bowl to be demolished

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Ypsilanti Township officials want the former Ypsi-Arbor Bowl brought up to code. It has sat vacant for more than two years.

Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com

The owner of the former Ypsi-Arbor Bowl property says the building will soon be torn down.

Ypsilanti Township officials received notification of Troy-based Frankel Associates' intent this week. The property is at the intersection of Washtenaw Avenue and Golfside Drive.

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Paneling on the side of the alley has been broken and is now boarded.

Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com

Mike Radzik, director of the township's office of community standards, said no date has been set and the township will soon be in communication with Frankel to determine one.

On June 6, the township sent Frankel notice of a litany of code violations on the property and asked that it respond to a request to bring the 3.3- acre property up to code or demolish the building within 30 days.

Hard economic times forced the 38,000-square-foot alley to close after 40 years in business in May of 2011 and it has sat vacant since.

Issues range from cosmetic to potentially serious. Cracks are appearing in the masonry and the township asked Frankel for an assessment from a structural engineer.

The windows have been boarded for more than 30 days, which is the limit per township ordinance, and many of those boards are serving as a canvas for graffiti artists. Tall weeds are growing out of the growing number of cracks and potholes in the parking lot, and broken paneling on the building’s exterior have been covered with boards.

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Officials are not pleased that a boarded up bowling alley has greeted motorists entering the township at the intersection of Golfside Drive and Washtenaw Avenue for the last two years.

Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com

Ypsilanti Township Building Director Ron Fulton also expressed concern over the deteriorating light poles in the parking lot.

“The building is classified as blight and the blight has to be abated,” Fulton said.

A Frankel representative declined to comment.

The property is being marketed for sale or lease by the Mid America Realty Group. No price is available on the company's website and it's vice president, Adam Goodman, declined to comment.

In June 2012, Frankel told the township a national retailer would present redevelopment plans to the Ypsilanti Township Planning Commission, but the retailer chose a different location.

"We want to see the property brought into code compliance by repairing or demolishing the building and cleaning up the grounds," Radzik said. "If the owner chooses demolition, I hope the property will be well positioned for redevelopment. It is an important gateway to the community with extremely high traffic counts and visibility."


View Larger Map

Tom Perkins is a freelance reporter. Contact the AnnArbor.com news desk at news@annarbor.com.

Summer Festival hosting the unique pop-rock sound of Django Django

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Django Django

For the mostly Scottish band Django Django, what started out as a necessity turned into a virtue.

When these lads from Edinburgh (plus one Brit from Leeds) first formed a band and began writing and recording songs for their self-titled 2012 debut album, they didn’t have a record contract, so they didn’t have enough money to go into a recording studio.

But that’s just as well for a new young band that is just finding its footing - and still finding its sound. Better not to rush things, and not have A&R weasels looking over your shoulder, prodding you to “write a hit single.”

So they took their time, writing and recording one song at a time - and mostly recording them in the bedroom of drummer / producer David Maclean.

“We were all still working day jobs, and didn’t have any money, and recording in David’s room meant we didn’t have enough space to set up a full drum kit, or use much of our equipment,” says bassist Jimmy Dixon (that lone Brit in the band), who will join his mates at the Power Center on Tuesday for an Ann Arbor Summer Festival show.

“David had a kick drum and floor tom set up, and for other beats, we’d end up whacking wine bottles, and tin cans, and the radiator,” recalls Dixon, during a phone interview from his apartment in London. (The guys all relocated to London a few years ago).

“And we would work out the parts of the songs on David’s computer, and I didn’t have room for my bass and amp, so Vinnie (Neff, the guitarist and singer) would tune down his guitar to get a bass sound, and we would run that into the computer. We really were learning on the job.”

PREVIEW

Django Django

  • Who: Young UK band that released its acclaimed debut album in 2012.
  • What: The group’s music is built on a foundation of computer-generated synth-pop / dance rock, but also draws on and eclectic mix of influences that includes Krautrock, Brian Eno, the Beta Band, Jamaican dancehall and ‘60s-era psychedelia.
  • Where: Power Center 121 Fletcher St.
  • When: Tuesday, June 18, 8 p.m.
  • How much: $20, $25. Tickets available at the ticket office by calling 734-764-2538 or toll-free in Michigan at (800) 221-1229, or online.
And since the tracks were mostly assembled and built up on the computer, the band members later had to go about the business of learning to play the songs live, as a unit. So, the live performances of the songs are not note-for-note, texture-for-texture replications of the studio tracks, but rather more organic versions of those songs. “And in terms of the individual songs, when we were writing and recording, we tried our best not to have any pre-conceived notions about what kind of sound we wanted, or what kind of record we wanted to make,” says Dixon.

“We just took one idea at a time, and worked on it until we were happy with it, then we would move on to the next song, and didn’t worry about whether one song was completely different than the previous song. We just wanted the whole thing to grow naturally, even if they all sounded stylistically different.”

And many of them do. Although the band’s sound generally falls under the umbrella of synth-pop / electro-dance rock, the group members were clearly not shy about drawing on their broad range of other influences, from strains of Jamaican dancehall to the 1960s-era psychedelic / progressive rock of the Silver Apples.

On some of the songs, you can hear the ambient, ticking whoosh of Kraftwerk, and elsewhere the Brian Eno influence rises to the surface. The opening track, “Hail Bop” is notable for its sunny Beach Boys-style harmonies, and “Life’s a Beach” is propelled by a syncopated, Bo Diddley guitar groove.

The band has also clearly drawn inspiration from various Krautrock bands, like Cluster and Neu!, and “the German electronic bands in general,” says Dixon. “Those bands have been a big influence on all of us.”

And the musical legacy of the Beta Band also looms large in Django Django’s sound. And that comes naturally, since Maclean is the younger brother of John Maclean, who was the keyboard player for that influential but now-defunct Scottish band.

“Yeah, there are definitely similarities due to that family connection,” says Dixon. “They grew up together, and shared the same record collection, and played music together when they were kids and teenagers, so those similarities are definitely going to be there. “I remember, when I was about 15, and not many bands were coming through Leeds, being pretty excited by the music of the Beta Band, because they were experimental, and they opened me up to different kinds of music—they also draw on reggae and dub.”

And the guys in Django Django definitely share the Beta Band’s fondness for experimentation, in the way that they draw on those disparate influences and combine them to create coherent whole.

That “Django Django” debut album was released in the UK in January of 2012, but not in the U.S. until eight months later, in September.

“Actually, when we were writing and recording, we really didn’t expect it would even be released in the States,” confesses Dixon. “So, those eight months were a nice progression for us—the album was getting good reviews, and we got a chance to slowly build an audience in the UK, and get better at playing the songs live, before it hit the States, which is obviously a much larger market. So, that was a good way for it to happen.”

After the U.S. release, the band’s profile did increase significantly. “The first time we toured the States, we were playing really small rooms, to audiences of maybe 200 or 400 people,” says Dixon. “But the next time we came to the States, after the album was released there, we noticed the change—we were playing to crowds of 1,200 to 1,500.”

Presently, the band is kicking around ideas for the next record. Now that they’re signed to a label, they have some money, “so we’ll be able to hire studio technicians who know how to mic the guitars and bass and such, which will speed up the process,” says Dixon.

“But we’re not going to spend 50,000 pounds to go into a big studio and crank out an album in one week. We like the approach to creating songs that we used for this album, and we don’t want to deviate too much from that.”

Kevin Ransom is a free-lance writer who covers music for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at KevinRansom10@aol.com.

Scenes from Top of the Park 2013's first night

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The Ann Arbor summer season got into full swing on Friday with the return of Top of the Park.

The free, outdoor component of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival takes place in the Ingalls Mall area on East Washington Street, offering live music, movies, food and other attractions.

Photographer Courtney Sacco captured these images. Top of the Park continues Tuesday-Sunday evenings through July 7.

Whole Foods Market honors NSF International food safety expert

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Customers have a reasonable expectation that food they buy from the grocery store will be safe for them to eat.

It might seem like a simple notion, but there are a number of checks and procedures that have to happen along the food’s supply chain to ensure that it is not contaminated or otherwise dangerous.

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NSF International director of supply chain food safety technical services Jim Bail with his award from Whole Foods Market.

Courtesy NFS International

For stores like Whole Foods Market, that attempt to source some products locally, ensuring food safety can be difficult.

“If you’re working with large multi-national companies, those guys have tons of resources and scientists and food safety experts,” John Burns, Whole Foods’ executive director of global food safety and quality assurance, said.

“But a mom and pop granola operation that’s located within a couple miles of a store and provides incredible products doesn’t have those mechanisms in place.”

To help bring their smaller suppliers up to code, Whole Foods sought out Ann Arbor-based NSF International, a public health organization that helps establish standards for safety in food, water and other consumer goods.

“One day out of the blue I got a cold call from [John] Burns. He had some questions about food safety auditing and that kind of thing,” NSF International director of supply chain food safety technical services Jim Bail said. “That was eight years ago.”

Over nearly a decade, Bail and NSF International have helped Whole Foods develop quality control mechanisms for their regional suppliers. On June 6, Bail was honored by Whole Foods with a newly created “Special Recognition Supplier Award.”

“We started giving suppliers awards a couple of years ago, and we started thinking about our service providers, the ones who partner with us and allow us to provide the caliber of products we want to provide to our customers,” Burns said.

“And the first person that came out of that was Jim and the work he’s done helping us with our supply chains… He’s not just a service provider, he’s helping us to solve the problems we have and the challenges we have in the organic industry.”

Bail said the relationships between he and Burns and the companies they work for have grown naturally over the years thanks to common concerns and ideologies and that the award was an acknowledgement of that connection.

“It was a real honor for me to receive the award. I admire the way Whole Foods goes about their business and we just appreciate the opportunity to work with them,” he said.

“They value innovation and they engage in a lot of fresh thinking. They’re very receptive to that sort of thing and I think that’s one of the reasons it’s been such a great working relationship with them.”

Food safety is not always seen as a realm with a lot of innovation, but Burns noted the same quality when asked to put a finger on what made the company’s relationship with NSF International, and Bail in particular, so unique and fruitful. “He’s a great innovative thinker, someone who truly understands the food industry not just from the big producer prospective but from the smaller and organic prospective as well,” he said.

Ben Freed covers business for AnnArbor.com. You can sign up here to receive Business Review updates every week. Get in touch with Ben at 734-623-2528 or email him at benfreed@annarbor.com. Follow him on twitter @BFreedinA2

Cigarettes, unknown merchandise stolen during two break-ins in Ypsilanti

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Two instances of breaking and entering were reported at unknown times Friday, according to the Ypsilanti Police Department.

The reports both came from the 400 block of West Michigan Avenue, in Ypsilanti, but it is unclear whether they were related.

One of the reports stated an unknown suspect broke a window at the location before entering and stealing unknown merchandise.

The second incident reportedly involved two unknown male suspects who entered the building — which the report refers to as a store — and stole multiple packs of cigarettes. There was no time of the break-in given.

Again, it has not been made clear by police whether the two incidents were related, but the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on the break-ins is encouraged to call the Ypsilanti Police Department at 734-483-9510,


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iPhone and luggage stolen from unlocked car

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An iPhone as well as a luggage bag was taken from a vehicle at an unknown time on Friday, according to the Ypsilanti Police Department.

The victims reported the incident took place on the 500 block of West Cross Street, in Ypsilanti. The police said access to the vehicle was gained through an unlocked door.

There are no suspects and police continue to investigate the incident.

No further information was available.


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Thunder Over Michigan Air Show adds top aerobatic performer to 2013 lineup

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The "world’s top civilian aerobatic pilot" Sean D. Tucker will perform at the 2013 Thunder Over Michigan Air Show Aug. 10 and 11.

Courtesy photo

The "world's top civilian" aerobatic pilot, Sean D. Tucker, is the latest performer to be added to the upcoming Thunder Over Michigan Air Show at the Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti Township.

According to airshow officials, Tucker is a member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame and is internationally known for his aerobatic flying routine. Tucker has received several awards, including induction into the International Council of Air Shows Hall of Fame and the Living Legend Aviation Award.

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Thunder Over Michigan Air Show will be Aug. 10 and 11.

Tucker has done more than 1,100 performances in the span of his 40-year career in front of 100 million fans.

Tucker’s airplane, the Oracle Challenger III bi-plane, weighs just more than 1,200 pounds and has more than 400 horsepower.

The airshow, slated for Aug. 10 and 11, is expected to announce more lineup additions in the next several weeks.

"We have just begun releasing what is going to be a very thrilling, unprecedented air show lineup," said Kevin Walsh, air show director. "We are known as one of the top air shows in the U.S. for a reason, and that is because we always have something new and unusual for our fans to enjoy. I think our fans are going to be especially excited about some of the things we will be announcing in the next several weeks."

The show was originally scheduled to take place June 15 and 16 to accommodate the scheduling of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. However, the Thunderbirds' entire 2013 season, was grounded due to the federal budget sequestration.

Show organizers decided to move the show back to its usual August date.

"Early August is what our fans have come to expect for Thunder and we are pleased that we can now move back to our normal dates," Walsh said. "The August dates allow us to secure additional world-class performers, statics, and displays. The weather is historically much better than in June and there is less conflict with other events then."

Tickets are now on sale for a discounted price if purchased online through Sunday, Aug.11 at noon. General admission tickets for guests 16 and older are now $30 and kids 15 and under are admitted at no charge.

Previous estimates show that between 40,000 and 45,000 people attend the annual show over the course of Saturday and Sunday.

Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.


Rec & Ed's youth baseball teams swing-in the season on newly-renovated fields

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The magic of baseball isn't limited to watching the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

Saturday morning, Ann Arbor Rec & Ed's team of the 7- and 8-year-old Tigers — along with the Sharks, the Owls, the Lugnuts and more — gathered at the newly-refurbished Veterans Memorial Park baseball fields ready to swing-in the opening day of the youth baseball season.

PAWS, mascot for the Detroit Tigers, even made the trip for the big debut of both the season and the fields, which have been completely renovated using red clay to create less dust less dust and better-repel water.

"The fields look great." said Kyle Kerbawy, Rec & Ed coach of the Tigers. "I'm happy to be here today."

His players agreed.

"It's going to be a good game," said 8-year-old player Charlie Andrew-Vaughan.

Seven-year-old Tigers teammate Charlie Beeson is hoping the new field will bring the team a bit of luck, after losing last year.

Teammate Rhys Burman, 7, was walking onto the pristine baseball diamond for his debut with the Rec & Ed team.

"I'm excited because it's our first game," he said. "The fields look big."

Burman, along with all players, had their name announced and received a high-five from PAWS on his or her way out to take their place on the baseball diamond.

Ann Arbor's Rec & Ed, has 1,720 kids enrolled in this year's summer programs, which include baseball, softball, coach-pitch and T-ball for 5 to15 year olds.

"Rec & Ed guarantees that all the players get to play in each and every game," said Elyse Bairley, team sports supervisor. "The main outcomes we want to achieve is for the kids playing in the leagues is to have a great time, learn the game, develop a sense of sportsmanship and fair play, and increase their self-esteem through participation in the activity."

"I hope we win," said Sofi Maranda, 7, who also is making her playing debut.

Her mom, Sooji Min-Maranda, said she was delighted with her daughter's program.

"I'm impressed and excited," she said. "They take baseball seriously but have a good time."

Kimberly Ringer from the band All Directions, performed the National Anthem, and led the crowd in singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

Once PAWS threw the ceremonial pitch, the 2013 Ann Arbor Rec & Ed Youth Baseball season was officially underway and ready for plenty of beautiful days for a ballgame.

For more information on Youth Baseball teams, go to www.aareced.com.

Juneteenth celebrates 148th anniversary of freedom from slavery

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The French Dukes precision drill team perform Saturday at Ann Arbor's Wheeler Park for the Juneteenth celebration.

Lisa Carolin for AnnArbor.com

The activities at Wheeler Park at North Fourth Avenue and Summit Street in Ann Arbor Saturday afternoon are more than just a summer get-together, it's Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom.

Juneteenth, which is in it's 19th year being recognized in Ann Arbor, is the 148th anniversary of the freeing of slaves in Texas and the southwest. Michigan is one of 41 states where it is celebrated.

"The primary purpose of this event is to allow people to gain some knowledge on a little-known African American holiday," said William V. Hampton, president of the Ann Arbor branch of the NAACP.

The Emancipation Proclamation had been signed Jan. 1, 1863, and the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — freeing all slaves — was signed in February of 1865. However, the news of those events didn't reach the southwest until June 19,1865, which the day was named for.

Hampton originally is from Tyler, Texas, where he says Juneteenth is more important than Fourth of July.

"When July 4, 1776 occurred, most African Americans were slaves," he explained.

Hampton says slavery in this country didn't relatively occur that long ago, and it's an important part of people's heritage and it's important to remember that.

"This is a historical moment," said Lisa Jones, the liaison to the French Dukes precision drill team, which performed at Juneteenth early Saturday afternoon. "They were really big in the late 1960s and were all born and raised in Ann Arbor. They started the drill team when they were teenagers."

The African-American drill team reunited last year after a more than 30-year hiatus. Early in their years as a drill team, they were invited to perform at President Richard Nixon's 1973 Inaugural parade.

Another emphasized activity at Juneteenth was storytelling. Elizabeth James, who works for the University of Michigan's Department of African-American Studies, told a story about African roots as well as one about emancipation.

"I think the adults enjoyed the stories as much as the children," she said, adding that each story teaches a lesson.

Members of the crowd also included Union soldiers, who actually were part of an historic reenactment group from Ypsilanti.

John Delcamp, who dressed the part, said, "We are representing Company E of the 17th Michigan Infantry, and we are here to let everyone know they are free."

A variety of vendors also were participating in the event, which will continue until 6 p.m. Friday.

Saline golf rebounds on day two for fifth-place finish at state finals

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Saline senior Caleb Wittig hits a shot at the University of Michigan golf course earlier this season.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com file

EAST LANSING -- One more time, the Saline High School boys golf team peaked at the right time.

The Hornets improved by five shots on the second day of the Division 1 MHSAA finals, and carded a two-day total of 617 to finish in fifth place as a team Saturday at Forest Akers West Golf Course at Michigan State.

More Coverage: Full Results

After a disappointing first day that left Saline tied for seventh, a hot start to the second day propelled the Hornets two spots up the team standings to their best finish in five years.

“We were definitely disappointed in one regard, but one thing that for sure happened is we didn’t play ourselves out of it,” Saline coach Debbie Williams-Hoak said. “We made our job a little bit tougher today, we would have to be close to perfect today to really make a big move. We were still in a position to finish high. That’s always a good thing.”

Battle Creek Lakeview and Plymouth both shot 601, and Lakeview won the team title on a tiebreaker.

A week ago, Saline shot a 297 at regionals and edged Plymouth by one stroke to take the title. That led to some high expectations going into the weekend -- ones that were dampened a bit by Friday’s 311.

Through the early holes Saturday, though, the Hornets seemed like they might be able to turn in that near-perfect performance, with every player within a stroke or two of par.

“It was really exciting,” Williams-Hoak said. “We got off to a really good start, we were stable, nothing crazy happened between the five guys. We had a lot of pars to begin with, even my number four guy (James Alcock) was one-under for a while."

Fifth place still marked Saline’s third straight year of improvement. Two years ago, Saline finished in 12th. Last year they were ninth. Saturday marked the Hornets’ best finish since they were runners-up in 2008.

“In our minds we knew that if we played well we could be right up there with everybody else,” junior Ian Martin said. “But improving from last year and improving from two years ago, I think we’re pretty pleased."

Martin shot a 74-75-149 to finish sixth overall among individuals and land a spot on the all-tournament team. He was the top Washtenaw County finisher.

Martin said he felt he left shots on the course, particularly on the putting green. But he also finished his MHSAA postseason with two incredible shots. On the fourth hole Friday, Martin holed out for eagle from 80 yards out. The shot came two weeks after he holed out from 100 yards away for eagle during district play.

“I was more than pleased,” Martin said.

Martin’s 75 on Saturday was matched by senior Caleb Wittig. Although a first-day 79 kept Wittig from walking out with a medal around his neck, he still finished his season with an individual SEC title, a regional title and a district runner-up finish.

“I had a great year towards the end, especially, winning SECs and regionals, I think I’ll always remember it,” said Wittig, who plans to try out for the golf team at Miami (Ohio next season). “It’ll always be a good memory.”

The Hornets turned in two other 78’s Saturday, one from senior Ryan Peruski, who will play at Saginaw Valley State next year, and one from senior Matt de Irala. After sitting out the first day of the tournament, de Irala was inserted into the fifth spot of the lineup for the final day and finished his high school career with a 78.

“We gave Matt a chance to play and he came through,” Williams-Hoak said.

Junior Connor Lang of Skyline also qualified for the tournament, and shot 77-82-159.

After finishing the SEC regular season unbeaten, Saline was upset in the league tournament by Skyline and finished runner-up. Williams-Hoak said wet early weather made for a hectic month of May, and combined with an already tough schedule the Hornets ended up playing for 10 consecutive days at one point. By the time the league tournament came around, the energy level was low.

“It was just a brutal stretch, guys were wiped,” Williams-Hoak said.

But following some rest and practice, the Hornets rebounded with a runner-up finish in districts and its strong regional performance to take the momentum into the state finals.

In the end, they settled for fifth place, and a continued trend of improving in the state tournament and playing the best golf of the season at the end.

“We put it into gear at the end of the season and prepare better,” Wittig said. “Mentally, we’re more focused.”

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.

Tonight at Top of the Park - Sunday, June 16: The Macpodz, 'Skyfall,' and more

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Here's the schedule for tonight's Top of the Park, the free (donations welcome), outdoor component of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Descriptions provided by the festival. Top of the Park takes place in the area around East Washington Street at Ingalls Mall, except as noted.

2 p.m.; Kids Music Workshop with Ice Cream Vendors - Ann Arbor District Main Library

ICV's Jon Kostal and Greg Barnett let you in on their unique approach to songwriting; includes an interactive demonstration.

5 p.m.: Body Masterpiece: Extreme Face Painting - KidZone Tent

The Body Masterpiece face painters will amaze you as they push the limits of face and body painting to transform kids and adults into colorful creations of art and spectacle.

5 p.m.: Retreat: Aikido - Power Center Lawn

Partner up and learn Japanese martial art techniques for finding harmony in motion.

5 p.m.: Matt Jones - Grove Stage

Ypsilanti singer-songwriter Matt Jones composes edgy indie rock laden with lilting guitar twangs, melodic vocals, and storytelling that’s unafraid to explore darkness as well as light.

6 p.m.: Kate Peterson - Grove Stage

Festival favorite Nervous But Excited’s Kate Peterson is taking a turn as a solo act.

7 p.m.: Ice Cream Vendors - Rackham Stage

From beta data and bacon men to sharing eyeglasses, Ice Cream Vendors’ clever compositions are inspired by unusual everyday sources.

8:30 p.m.: The Macpodz - Rackham Stage

Nobody brings the dance party to TOP quite like Ann Arbor’s high-energy fusion band The Macpodz.

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"Skyfall"

10 p.m.: Movie: "Skyfall" - Rackham Stage

Bond’s loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. Whilst MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

One of Washtenaw County's most dangerous intersections to get $65K safety upgrade

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The intersection of Carpenter and Packard roads in Pittsfield Township, pictured here Friday looking north, will be under construction beginning Monday as a small median is added on all four legs of the intersection. The two-foot-wide, six-inch-tall concrete curb aims to prevent drivers from turning left into the road from driveways at adjacent businesses, like this one.

Amy Biolchini | AnnArbor.com

One of the most dangerous intersections in Washtenaw County at Carpenter and Packard roads will get a $65,000 safety upgrade.

Work will begin Monday at the Pittsfield Township crossing, where there were 114 crashes reported in 2011.

The project, which was designed by the Washtenaw County Road Commission, will last until July 3. Though the intersection will remain open during the project, officials warn traffic delays are likely and drivers are encouraged to avoid it.

A small concrete median about two feet wide, six inches high and about 150 to 200 feet long will be installed on the double-yellow line on all four legs of the intersection.

Reflective plastic markers about three feet tall will line the median to increase the night visibility of the new barrier.

The small barrier—similar to what is already in place at the intersection of Golfside and Washtenaw—is intended to prevent people from making left-hand turns other than at the traffic light.

That means that patrons at businesses near the intersection will not be able to turn left out of the driveways on to Carpenter or Packard roads, nor will people be able to make a left hand turn in to the businesses’ driveways.

At the intersection, both roads are five lanes. The addition of the small concrete median will mean the lane width is slightly reduced, said Matt MacDonell, senior projects manager with the Road Commission.

Construction will occur on one leg of the intersection at a time, beginning with Packard Road and then Carpenter Road.

During construction, one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction.

Drivers will still be able to make a left-hand turn at the traffic signal, though the Road Commission warns that the lane reductions will cause significant traffic delays.

The intersection safety project preempts a full reconstruction of Carpenter Road from Packard to Washtenaw Avenue in Pittsfield Township that is slated for 2014.

The reconstruction project will add two mid-block pedestrian crossings but will not affect the new concrete median being installed this summer.

The construction this summer at the intersection is one of several major projects that are in progress and are being coordinated by the Washtenaw County Road Commission:


View Carpenter and Packard intersection safety project in a larger map

Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.

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