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Investor buys building on downtown Ann Arbor's South Fourth Avenue after foreclosure

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The building at 210-216 S. Fourth Ave. was sold this week.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com

New management is making plans for the future of a building on downtown Ann Arbor’s South Fourth Avenue after a sale was finalized on Tuesday.

212 4th Ave. LLC, registered to Joe Barbat, purchased the mixed-use Town Center Plaza building at 210-216 S. Fourth Ave. from lender Bloomfield Capital, which foreclosed on it earlier this year.

Tenants in the building include Bandito’s Mexican Restaurant, Salon Vertigo, and offices on the second floor.

“We’re just getting the architect to give us an idea of what we have to do (moving forward),” said Jim Chaconas of Colliers International Ann Arbor, which represented the buyer and seller in the deal. “Structurally, (the building is) fine.”

Bloomfield Capital initiated foreclosure proceedings on the property in July 2012 after the building’s former owner, local landlord Dale Newman, failed to make mortgage payments. Filings show Newman owed the lender $1,291,089.

Earlier this year, Bloomfield Capital took full control of the building following a redemption period and Birmingham-based real estate firm Broder & Sachse took over management of the property to position it for a sale.

Chaconas declined to reveal the purchase price of the building and Barbat — whose Southfield-based company Barbat Holdings LLC owns and manages several Ann Arbor properties — couldn’t be reached for comment. The building has a 2013 assessed value of $766,500.

“I had a few people who were interested (in buying it),” Chaconas said.

“(The building) has some great features; it has very high ceilings on the second floor,” he added.”

The sale comes two months after the 17-year-old Eastern Accents Asian bakery closed its doors at 214 S. Fourth citing a dispute with the landlord. At the time, Eastern Accents co-owner Carol Sun said she had extensive issues with the way the building was managed by Newman and said it was plagued with maintenance issues that were often ignored.

Meanwhile, the lease for the Blue Lotus hookah lounge and carryout restaurant that planned to open at 210 S. Fourth was terminated while the building was in transition, Chaconas said.

Ken Sing, owner of Bandito's Mexican Restaurant, said he hopes to remain in the building under the new owners.

"I'm just hoping it's for the best," he said.

Chaconas estimated the second floor of the building is about 30 percent leased and the first floor is about 25 percent leased. Colliers has been hired to take over the leasing of the building.

He said the new owner is working with architect Brad Moore of J Bradley Moore & Associates to determine how to move forward. He said the building could be gutted and the new owner is considering expansion options, but it shouldn’t result in any immediate changes for the building’s current tenants.

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.


McDonald's resubmits site plan to reconfigure restaurant on Carpenter Road

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The entrance of McDonald's on Carpenter Road in Pittsfield Township.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com

Pittsfield Township Planning Commission will consider a proposal Thursday night that would allow a McDonald’s restaurant on Carpenter Road to reconfigure its drive-thru and make other site improvements.

McDonald’s, at 3811 Carpenter Road just north of Ellsworth, is requesting a conditional use permit and site plan approval to reconfigure its drive-thru from a one-menu board to a two-menu board. Modifications to a drive-thru require a conditional use permit.

Plans also call to reduce the overall on-site parking spaces from 39 to 36, increase landscaping and make facade improvements to the building.

“McDonald’s indicates two drive-thru ordering boards is fast, thus allowing them to expedite the ordering and food delivery process,” a Pittsfield Township planning report says.

A second ordering board also is in the works for the McDonald's at 16 Ecorse Road in Ypsilanti.

The restaurant submitted an original site plan in August 2012, but plans were modified at the request of Pittsfield Township officials. Officials suggested the restaurant consider removing its main Carpenter Road entrance due to safety concerns. (Read more)

Issues cited by the township included: cars turning left into the site from Carpenter Road, cars turning left out of the site to Carpenter Road, cars driving over the curb to exit and enter the adjacent Red Robin site, cars going against the one way drive-aisle adjacent to the drive-thru.

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The red arrows indicate access points and the yellow arrows indicate access issues such as cars turning left into the McDonald's off of Carpenter Road and cars driving over the curb to exit and enter Red Robin.

Courtesy of Pittsfield Township

The restaurant’s new site plan does not call to remove the main entrance from Carpenter Road. Instead, the applicant had a traffic analysis prepared and resubmitted the plan with all access points remaining. The proposal calls to extend the Carpenter Road curb cut traffic island and add landscaping and boulders between the Red Robin site to prevent cars from driving over the curb.

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The new site plan for the McDonald's on Carpenter Road calls to extend the traffic island curb cut and add landscaping to prevent cars from driving over the curb to enter the Red Robin site.

Courtesy of Pittsfield Township

The township’s planning report says the modifications are only a “partial solution.” It says the applicant should eliminate the Carpenter Road curb cut or provide an alternative solution.

“We believe that the increased activity of the dual drive-thru without further addressing the Carpenter Road access will increase on-site traffic issue,” the report says.

The township report is recommending approval of the conditional land use permit contingent on changes to the site plan.

Also on the Pittsfield Township Planning Commission agenda:

  • A conditional use permit submitted by the Meijer store on Carpenter Road that would allow temporary outdoor plant sales

  • An amendment to the State Street Business Park PUD that would allow the construction of an indoor recreation facility on the northern portion of the site

Pittsfield Township Planning Commission will consider these requests at its 6:30 p.m. meeting on Thursday, May 16.

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.

Ann Arbor YMCA expanding free swim lessons within Washtenaw County

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Ann Arbor Y aquatics coordinator Jerry McNamee, left, teaches Ypsilanti resident Andrew Richardson, far right, and his brother, Andre, how to float with life jackets on as a part of the Ypsi SPLASH! program at The Villas apartments in Ypsilanti.

Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com

The Ann Arbor YMCA is expanding its offering of free swim and water safety classes to five apartment complexes and its Ann Arbor location this summer following last year’s successful SPLASH! Program.

"We’re pretty excited about the fact that we’re going to serve a lot more kids," said Jan Hack, communications director of the YMCA.

This summer, children from five Mckinley-owned properties including The Villas, Aspen Chase, Golfside Lake, Roundtree and Evergreen apartment complexes in Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township and Pittsfield Township can participate in the lessons.

Children will again be able to receive free swim lessons at the Y facility at 400 W. Washington St. in Ann Arbor.

The Ann Arbor Y, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, has offered a free week of Splash! programming at the Y’s indoor pool, for 49 years, Hack said.

The YMCA just received a $2,500 grant from the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor in support of the Y’s free Splash! learn-to-swim program.

Last year, more than 300 children participated at the Ann Arbor location alone, Hack said.

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More than 300 children participated in the Splash! Program at the Y location at 400 Washington Street in Ann Arbor.

Courtesy Ann Arbor YMCA

The free residential program began in 2011 when staff from the Ann Arbor YMCA taught 20 children at the Aspen Chase apartment complex.

In 2012, the YMCA received a $70,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health in support of its subsidized after school and summer programs for underserved youth in the Ypsilanti and Willow Run communities. Hack said some of those funds continue to go toward the Splash! Program.

Programming at each venue will take place for five consecutive days during the following time frame:

Ann Arbor YMCA at 400 W. Washington St.: June 17 through 21

The Villas at 2911 Bynan Dr.: June 24 through 28.

Golfside Lake Apartments at 2345 Woodridge Way: July 8 through 12

Aspen Chase at 2960 International Dr : July 15 through July 19

Evergreen Apartments at 3089 Woodland Hills: July 22 through 26

Roundtree Apartments at 2835 Roundtree Blvd: July 29 through Aug. 2.

All classes are geared toward children aged 5-10 and will cover pool, boating, beach and water park safety, and stroke development.

"I think that swimming and being safe around the water is very important," Hack said. "It's true that in Michigan you are always close to a body of water, whether that be a pool or a lake, or a water park. Kids are constantly around water and it's important for them to know how to be safe."

Hack said several apartment complexes in the area have swimming pools right within the complex.

Children from low-income households have accidental drowning rates three times higher than that of their higher-income peers. In many of these families, the parents also do not know how to swim, reinforcing the need for access to swim classes, Hack said.

Beginning May 27, participants may register by picking up a flier at their local community apartment office, printing a flier online or by calling or emailing Christina Wackenheim, aquatics director, at cwackenheim@annarborymca.org or 734-661-8050.

Registration is now open for parents interested in enrolling their children at the YMCA Washington Street location.

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

Ypsilanti budget forecast: Water Street debt 'driving force' of severe budget imbalances

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According to a six year projection, Ypsilanti's general fund balance is expected to decrease by $6.4 million through 2019.

Courtesy City of Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti will continue to draw from its general fund to pay down its $24.7 million Water Street debt and a consultant warned the city its general fund balance may decline by $6.4 million through 2019, largely because of the debt.

Ypsilanti has heavily drawn from its reserves and general fund balance over the years to remain afloat. One potential effect, according to John Kaczor from Municipal Analytics, could be no wage increases for all city employees through 2019. However, those who would be due step increases would likely be exempt.

Ypsilanti's fund balance is estimated to decline from $8.6 million to $2.2 million by 2019 and Kaczor said the city's Water Street debt is the "driving force" of the city's budget imbalance.

"The city will continue to rely on its fund balance and reserves," Kaczor said Tuesday during the city's second budget session. "The challenge is to minimize that each year. All of this is Water Street debt that’s driving that balance. Without it, things would be significantly better."

A fund balance is an accumulation of revenues minus expenditures, and each fund maintained by the city has a fund balance. Any surplus revenues in excess of expenditures at the end of a fiscal year goes into a fund balance.

The city will transfer $1,341,778 from its general fund in fiscal year 2013-14 to go toward the Water Street debt. To date, the city has paid $4.6 million of the debt.

The payments, and interest rate, are expected to increase as the city continues to pay through 2031. The debt repayment schedule shows two payments are due each year and the first 2013 payment of $848,783.75 was due May 1 of this year. The next payment, $435,070, is due Nov. 1.

Officials have discussed refinancing the debt in the near future.

So far, the city has used more than $5 million from the general fund to go toward Water Street and has spent $30.2 million in total, according to city records.

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City Manager Ralph Lange and Mayor Paul Schreiber

However, City Manager Ralph Lange said the six year outlook provided by Kaczor gives the city time to figure out how to pay for its debt, while maintaining city services.

"If it wasn’t for that, we would be in the black and not the red," Lange said. "The goal of this city is to get past 2031. If we get past that, everything changes. The sky is not falling and the place isn’t going to go down the drain tomorrow. We have time to make the changes we need."

Notable six-year projections:

  • Taxable valuation increases 0.87 percent in FY 14-15, then 2 percent each year after
  • All new employee hires receive will receive Tier 2 benefits
  • No wage increases through FY 18-19
  • General fund expenditures expected to reach $15 million by FY 18-19

In total, the city will transfer more than $2.4 million from its general fund to pay for city services and retiree costs in fiscal year 2013-14. Lange noted that if the city didn't have to make those transfers and contributions to other city funds, it would have a nearly $2 million surplus.

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Courtesy City of Ypsilanti

Lange said the city needs to focus on finding a way to run and manage a successful economic development campaign, which he believes would create more tax revenue for the city.

Lange said he and city staff will focus on the redevelopment of Water Street, the Angstrom USA property and selling city-owned property. Lange said he would like to put 100 percent of the proceeds from any sales toward the Water Street debt.

"If we’re successful in that, a lot of our problems will be greatly reduced," Lange said.

The city received a $2.7 million Community Development Block Grant loan from the state of Michigan for the Water Street property that it must start repaying in 2015. Lange said for every five million dollars of real property investment on the property, $100,000 will be taken off of the amount owed to the state.

"If we're successful (in redevelopment) we can peel off a lot of money," he said.

However, council member Pete Murdock thought some of the budget presentation distorted how serious of a financial strain the city is in.

"If I saw this I would say, 'Wow ,we’re in great shape, what are we complaining about,'" Murdock said. "But those general fund transfers and contributions are real expenses. It kind of distorts our situation. The Water Street debt is not going away."

Murdock said the amended budgets for 2013-14 and projections do relatively little to improve the city's financial picture.

"At the end of five years we’re at the same place where we were going to be at your first whack at this," Murdock said to Lange. "We're going to be $1.2 million in the hole and have no more usable fund balance.The debt is still the same…At some point its all going to crash. If we don’t get a handle on some of those things in the next several years, it isn’t going to matter how much we build our the taxable value."

Lange said the city is not alone in figuring out how to manage city services, while repaying debt and handling increasing pension and retiree costs.

"There are a lot of macro forces that are crushing the city and we’re certainly not alone in this," Lange said.

Kaczor said the projections allow the city to have a chance at regaining stability.

"These projections include stability," he said. "This is the first chance you can say we have a chance to stabilize government operations. Without stability there's a lot of uncertainty."

Police and fire budgets

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The Ypsilanti Police and FIre Departments have experienced decreased staffing and tight budgets over the past several years.

Courtesy City of Ypsilanti

The police and fire departments have been understaffed over the past several years, as the city looked for ways to maintain city services.

The police department has 26 sworn officers and Police Chief Amy Walker said there's a crucial need for more officers on the streets. Walker said she is continuing to focus efforts on moving toward a police and fire hybrid model.

"This time last year, I was looking into ways to collaborate with the area townships," Walker said. "We’re on a new adventure and we’re exploring that and that’s moving forward."

Police highlights:

  • The fiscal year 2012-2013 operating budget has 26 sworn officers and 4 civilians for 30 full-time employees.
  • The amended fiscal year 2013-2014 includes an additional three new police officers and two part-time police officers. This would increase the total to 29 sworn police officers and four civilians. The department would have 33 full time employees and two part-time officers.
  • The overtime budget will be reduced from $434,000 to $360,000, for a savings of $75,000.

Similar to the police department, Captain Max Anthouard said an increase in fire department personnel is needed. The department has 15 employees. Anthouard said his goal is to reach 17 personnel, including one fire marshal, three captains and three lieutenants. The city's fire marshal position is empty at the moment, and Anthouard said the job being filled is crucial to the work the department does.

Anthouard also said the department's overtime costs need to be controlled. From January to April 2013, the department has incurred $67,320 in overtime costs.

"The overtime we have at fire department is out of control," Anthouard said. "We have overtime every day and hiring two firefighters would be saving money over time. It would also decrease the amount of overtime senior firefighters are making."

Garbage fund in severe distress

The city's garbage fund is out of reserves and will require hard negotiating for the new contract this year, according to city officials. The fund is currently being subsidized by the motor pool fund. Kaczor noted that the garbage fund will likely be in the red by nearly $819,000 in 2019.

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The garbage fund is depleted and Kaczor said the city must find new revenue sources for it.

Courtesy City of Ypsilanti

Kaczor said the fund will require a significant effort to be self-sustaining and the city's waste hauling contract must be renegotiated. Other cost reductions will be required and the city should consider exploring other funding options as well.

Motor pool contributions to the garbage fund will be fully eliminated by fiscal year 2015-16.

"Beyond that, the city needs to find a solution for this fund," Kaczor said. "It really should not be something you're subsidizing from the motor pool and the general fund cannot subsidize it."

The motor pool may also be severely impacted through 2019, Kaczor said. The fund has about $3.5 million in reserve funding, but they may be depleted entirely by 2019.

"We have to find way to make the garbage fund sustainable," Lange said.

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

Michelle Chamuel among the final 10 on 'The Voice'

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Michelle Chamuel on "The Voice"

On NBC's singing competition show, "The Voice," a contestant from Team Usher was sent packing on Tuesday, May 14, but it wasn't former Ann Arborite Michelle Chamuel.

No, the former Ella Riot/My Dear Disco front woman survived Tuesday evening's elimination round - when Usher's mentee Vedo was sent home, as was Shakira's Garret Gardner.

That means the competitive field has been narrowed down to just 10, and Chamuel's still standing. How far will she get? We'll have to keep watching to find out.

Jenn McKee is an entertainment reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.

Ann Arbor SAES graffiti suspect will face more charges, remains in custody

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There are numerous instances of the tag SAES throughout Ann Arbor.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

The 15-year-old Ann Arbor boy accused of spray painting his moniker SAES all over the city will face more vandalism charges, police said.

A court hearing Wednesday in the Washtenaw County juvenile court was adjourned three weeks due to more charges being filed against the teen.

"There is another petition winding its way through court," the boy's attorney Lynn D'Orio told Referee Julia Owdziej when requesting the adjournment.

Owdziej set the next hearing for June 5 and ordered the boy to remain in the Washtenaw County Youth Home.

Ann Arbor police Det. Robin Larson could not confirm how many other counts the juvenile will face, but did say she is working on putting together another petition to submit to the prosecutor's office.

The charges will be similar in nature to the 16 destruction of property counts the boy already faces, according to court proceedings.

Nine of those counts are felonies punishable by five years of imprisonment, and/or $10,000 or three times the amount of destruction or injury, whichever is greater. The remaining counts are misdemeanors, four punishable by one year in jail and/or $2,000 or three times the amount of damage and three punishable by 93 days in jail and/or $500 or three times the amount of damage, whichever is greater.

The boy appeared in court wearing a juvenile detention jumpsuit with shackles on his wrists and ankles. He addressed the referee about why he should be released from the youth home while awaiting the next hearing.

"I would like to go back to school," he said. "I just want to give it my all. I don't want to give up."

The boy attended Community High School up until being taken into custody.

The boy said he was remorseful for what he had done and that his stay at the detention center had taught him a lesson. He also said he would be willing to work with all the businesses to clean up all the graffiti he is accused of spray painting.

"I really want to turn it around from now on," he said.

The prosecution was unmoved.

"I don't think (he) takes any of this seriously," argued Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor Jonathan Emmons against the boy being freed.

Despite hearing pleas from the boy's mother, father and grandmother, Owdziej ordered the boy to remain at the youth home until at least May 28, when she scheduled another placement review.

The boy was taken into custody three days after breaking a court ordered tether ruling in April.

The prosecutor's office also requested and was granted an order to have the boy evaluated by the drug court because there was a concern of "high-level drug use," according to probation officials.

On Monday, a 16-year-old Ann Arbor Pioneer High School student told the court he was behind the "Mole" tags. He pleaded guilty in 11 counts of property destruction. Police say the two boys were friends and are responsible for numerous graffiti on dozens of buildings, overpasses, light poles and other locations around Ann Arbor.

Just how much restitution the boys will have to pay together should be determined by the time the 16-year-old is sentenced June 18.

John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

TV, jewelry stolen during daytime home invasion

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Jewelry and a flat-screen TV were stolen during a daytime home invasion Tuesday in Ypsilanti Township, according to deputies.

The break-in occurred between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday in the 300 block of Carriage Way, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. Someone forced open the front door of the home, allowing entry.

A large, flat-screen TV and an unknown amount of jewelry were both reported stolen from the home.

There was no suspect description released by investigators Wednesday.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office anonymous tip line at 734-973-7711 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP (773-2587).


View Larger Map

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Sabra Briere talks about challenges city faces with Ann Arbor's downtown zoning

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Standing atop the promenade deck outside Ann Arbor's city hall on Tuesday, City Council Member Sabra Briere acknowledged the challenges the city faces with its downtown zoning.

Overlooking a collection of properties just east of city hall, Briere, D-1st Ward, contemplated the theoretical possibility that a future developer — given the D1 zoning that's in place in that area — could come along and acquire the parking lot that fronts Ann Street and some of the adjacent parcels, and construct a 180-foot-tall development that meets the city's zoning requirements.

And given that it rubs up against a historic district and residential properties, a 180-foot-tall development might be disliked as much as the 14-story high-rise at 413 E. Huron the City Council approved this week for fear of bringing on a costly lawsuit if it didn't approve the project.

Briere was one of five council members who voted against the project, which won approval in a 6-5 split vote following months of debate.

Watch the video above (note the 411 Lofts and Varsity student high-rises off in the distance) and leave your thoughts on the city's downtown zoning in the comments below.

And while you're at it, take our poll.

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.


Ann Arbor remains a thriving community decades after decriminalizing marijuana

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Larry Gabriel, former editor of Metro Times, writes in a new column that Ann Arbor is "a showplace for the state" and "a place that marijuana activists look to with a gleam in their eyes."

He notes Ann Arbor remains a thriving community — atop a listing of Michigan "Hot Spots" on the Pure Michigan website — long after it decriminalized marijuana in the 1970s.

"With the University of Michigan, the U-M hospital, the annual art fair, a popping downtown and plenty of people walking the neighborhoods, an abundance of jobs and a low crime rate, Ann Arbor is the kind of place that lots of cities would like to be," Gabriel writes.

As more and more cities in Michigan move to soften the penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, and as state lawmakers consider legislation introduced by state Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, to decriminalize marijuana statewide, Gabriel points to Ann Arbor as an example of a place that "has not gone to hell since sanctions against the evil weed were lowered."

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"With the University of Michigan, the U-M hospital, the annual art fair, a popping downtown and plenty of people walking the neighborhoods, an abundance of jobs and a low crime rate, Ann Arbor is the kind of place that lots of cities would like to be," Gabriel writes.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com file photo

"Maybe there's something in trying to embrace Ann Arbor's uniqueness," he concludes.

The Ann Arbor City Council in the 1970s reduced the city penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana to a $5 civil infraction, essentially decriminalizing weed in Ann Arbor. That remains the case today, except it's now a $25 ticket for first offenses.

Following Ann Arbor's model, Irwin announced legislation on April 24 that would make the possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana a civil infraction rather than a crime throughout Michigan.

Irwin's legislation, House Bill 4623, is co-sponsored by a mix of Republican and Democratic state lawmakers, including Mike Callton, Rose Mary C. Robinson, Phil Cavanagh, Mike Shirkey, Jon Switalski and Marcia Hovey-Wright.

But whether Irwin's bill will get a vote on the House floor remains to be seen. Ari Adler, a spokesman for House Speaker Jase Bolger, told MLive the House GOP has other priorities right now, but the leadership is not ruling out an eventual debate on decriminalizing marijuana.

"It will go through the committee process, but we're not going to close the door on having the discussion," Adler said. "There are a lot of important issues that we have to deal with first."

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.

In search of the Tucker: Documentarian visits Ypsilanti, home of legendary car's inventor

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Brendan Edgerton poses with his Australian Commodore, which he has driven around the world in search of the Tucker automobile.

Australian documentarian Brendan Edgerton is traveling the world in hopes of seeing every Tucker automobile on the planet. On Tuesday, that quest led him to Ypsilanti, which was home to Preston Tucker, inventor of the ill-fated automobile that bore his name.

Tucker, owner of the Ypsilanti Machine and Tool Company and creator of the 1948 Tucker automobile, is known today for his innovation. The Tucker, which was manufactured in Chicago, is recognized for its rear engine and safety features, some of which, like seat belts, are still in use today. The Tucker featured a pop-out windshield, and center headlights that turn with the steering wheel.

Tuckers have become a collector's item since only 51 were produced and only 47 remain in existence. Production was halted because of a lack of raw materials after World War II and a lack of funds.

It was ‘Tucker’, the 1988 film starring Jeff Bridges that launched Edgerton's fascination with these rare cars that are valued at $1 million each.

“I thought it was a fantastic story,” Edgerton said. “Then I googled it and found out it’s not a story. It really happened. I did some more research and eventually joined the Tucker Automobile Club. I’ve been to a few conventions in America and I’ve seen quite a few Tuckers over the years.”

Edgerton plans to make his Tucker quest into a movie. ‘Around the World in 300 Days in Search of the Lost Tuckers’ will be Edgerton’s third documentary.

In Ypsilanti, Edgerton visited Tucker’s old house on park street as well as the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum which has a replica of the Tucker. He said the museum had a lot interesting information that he will be including in his documentary. Edgerton also contacted Tucker’s grandson, John Tucker, who lives near Ann Arbor. Edgerton will head to New York in the next leg of his trip.

The documentary focuses on Edgerton and his journey to find the rare vehicles.

“The documentary is going to be more about my car getting around the world and the adventure I have, but when I get to a Tucker that’s my turning point. I do an interview with someone there, hopefully the owner, and film some interesting stuff along the way,” Edgerton said.

Edgerton sends his Australian Commodore around the world by way of ship. He faces a wide range of challenges including legal issues, obtaining car insurance, and dealing with customs.

So far, Edgarton has seen 20 of the Tuckers across the United States and next plans to move on to New York. After that, he'll leave for Europe, where he plans to stop in England, Germany and Russia. Edgerton expects to complete his journey on Nov. 27. A final release date for the documentary has not been set.

Chelsea Hoedl is an intern for AnnArbor.com. Contact her at choedl@mlive.com

Tecumseh Products agrees to pay $7M in price-fixing settlement

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Pittsfield Township-based Tecumseh Products Co., along with units of Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool Corp., as well as a division of a Danish parts-supplier, agreed Wednesday to a settlement in a price-fixing lawsuit. The settlement will cost Tecumseh approximately $7 million, according to a report in Crain’s Detroit Business.

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Tecumseh Products operates a technical center in Pittsfield Township.

Lizzy Alfs | AnnArbor.com

The lawsuit, which was consolidated before U.S. District Judge Sean Cox in 2009, centers on a secret meeting between executives of the companies as well as Panasonic Corp., and an Italy-based components company. According to Crain’s, the group allegedly met at a hotel in 2004 as part of a conspiracy to inflate the price of compressors.

Crain’s reported the settlement totaled $41 million and must be approved by Judge Cox before it is implemented. Tecumseh’s portion represents 2.7 percent of the company’s sales between February 2005 and December 2008.

Tecumseh Products has had an eventful 2013 thus far. The company’s chairman resigned in January and operations were shifted to a new Pittsfield Township headquarters in February.

The company’s stock (NASDAQ: TECUA) began the year trading at $4.78 per share and rising quickly from mid-January until the end of February has held relatively steady at approximately $8.50 per share since early March.

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

Vehicle mows down pedestrian crossing sign in downtown Ann Arbor

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A crossing sign was damaged after it was knocked to the ground by a vehicle making a right turn from Huron Street to Main Street Wednesday. The vehicle tracks are visible in the left of the photo.

Kyle Feldscher | AnnArbor.com

A driver took a right turn from East Huron Street onto North Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor a little too sharply Wednesday and knocked over the pedestrian crossing light.

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The tire tracks are visible near the fallen crossing sign at East Huron and North Main streets.

Kyle Feldscher | AnnArbor.com

The crash occurred about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at the corner of East Huron Street and North Main Street. Tire tracks left on the sidewalk showed a driver going west on East Huron cut the corner between the two roadways and clipped the crossing sign’s pole.

The pole fell to the ground and lay damaged on the ground outside of the Washtenaw County Trial Court. The tire tracks continued onto northbound North Main Street.

An Ann Arbor Police Department squad car was parked on North Main Street near the fallen sign Wednesday afternoon. A police official who spoke to AnnArbor.com was not sure if the incident was a hit-and-run crash.

There were no other vehicles parked near the crash at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday. No description of the vehicle that hit the crossing sign was available.


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Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Pet grooming business opens in Ypsilanti Township

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All Paws Grooming Salon, a new dog grooming facility, has opened on Hewitt Road in Ypsilanti Township, Concentrate Media reported.

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All Paws Grooming will be providing similar services to dog owners, as pictured here.

Janet Miller | For AnnArbor.com

The grooming business opened at 505 N. Hewitt Road and owner Annette Collins has been in the business for more than 47 years.

All Paws opened at the nearly 2,000-square-foot bungalow at the end of March. In addition to dog grooming and pet retail items, Collins carries American-made inventory, as well as Ypsilanti-made products.

Collins said she eventually may add a daycare facility as well as obiedience classes for dogs.

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

Residents not benefitting from downtown development

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Between the boundless greed of downtown landlords and the handing over of downtown to developers by the City Council, all the unique and interesting independent businesses that gave Ann Arbor its special appeal are rapidly being driven out.

For years my husband and I lived downtown. The numerous and diverse mix of small, independent businesses made it possible for us to do most of our shopping downtown and made it a great place to live. Those days are long gone, obviously. Yet those businesses are what made living and working downtown a joy.

The DDA and City Council should think hard about what it is that makes living in Ann Arbor, and particularly downtown, attractive in the first place before allowing more high-rise development.

The push to make the downtown more “vertical" as a means of containing sprawl, are making the downtown darker with the enormous cast-shadows created by these high-rises. When skyscrapers first appeared in Chicago and New York early in the 20th century, ordinances were passed to require greater setbacks in order to minimize this effect. Our City Council, however, is pushing for buildings right up to the sidewalk, thereby exacerbating the problem.

These projects benefit no one except out-of-town corporate interests. The goose that laid the golden egg is gasping for air, and no one appears to care, except current residents, whose opinions apparently do not count.

Karen Cass Anderson

Ann Arbor

Casa Bella Salon set to open on Ann Arbor's North Maple

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A hair, nails and massage spa is preparing to open on Ann Arbor’s North Maple Road, Concentrate Media reports.

The 785-square-foot Casa Bella Salon is opening at the Maple Miller Plaza, just north of Miller Road. Casa Bella will join two new tenants at the shopping center at 1522 N. Maple: Juicy Kitchen and El Harissa Market.

Salon owner Kaliah Wolf plans to donate 90 percent of the salon’s profits to her non-profit organization, Carons Crazy Corral. The nonprofit is a horse training facility that offers lessons to at-risk children. (Read more)

Wolf has hired three employees and is looking to hire a stylist, massage therapist and makeup artist, the report says.


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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.


Saline girls soccer leads halfway through final AnnArbor.com Team of the Week vote

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The Saline girls soccer team huddles before a 2012 regional semifinal game

AnnArbor.com file

We’ve had a baseball team, a softball team, a track team, a lacrosse team and two tennis teams win AnnArbor.com Team of the Week honors this spring.

And in our final weekly poll, it looks like we may be adding yet another sport to that list.

The Saline girls soccer team currently leads this week’s poll with 148 votes as of midday Wednesday, halfway through the poll. The Hornets are trailed by Skyline girls soccer, in second place with 50 votes.

The poll will stay open until noon Friday, so there’s still plenty of time for any of our other three teams to get in the mix, as well.

But if we end up catching some soccer action next week, we’ll be seeing some games either way. Saline will play Huron and Pioneer next week to wrap up its regular season. Skyline will play Monroe Tuesday and Huron Thursday.

Until then, though, our focus lies with this week’s Team of the Week: Greenhills girls tennis.

New 'Star Trek,' acclaimed 'Ginger & Rosa,' and more

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Opening at the multiplex

“Star Trek Into Darkness” finds the crew of the Enterprise called back home - only to find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has destroyed the Starship fleet and everything it stands for, leaving the earth in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew. Generally positive review are typified by Rafer Guzman of Newsday: "’Into Darkness’" is fast and fun, zipping along on all thrusters while everyone on the bridge settles comfortably into an agreeably lighthearted vibe (and into ever-slimmer outfits).” “Star Trek Into Darkness” opened Wednesday, May 15 for IMAX3D screenings and everywhere else on Thursday, May 16.

Opening downtown

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“Ginger & Rosa” follows the lives of two teenage girls as they skip school together, talk about love, religion and politics, and dream of lives bigger than their mothers’ domesticity in 1960s England. As the growing threat of nuclear war casts a shadow over their lives, Ginger (Elle Fanning) is drawn to poetry and protest, while Rosa (Alice Englert) shows Ginger how to smoke cigarettes, kiss boys and pray. Both rebel against their mothers: Rosa's single mum, Anoushka (Jodhi May), and Ginger's frustrated painter mother, Natalie (“Mad Men”’s Christina Hendricks). Meanwhile, Ginger's pacifist father, Roland (Alessandro Nivola) seems a romantic, bohemian figure to the girls. He encourages Ginger's "Ban-the-Bomb" activism, while Rosa starts to take a very different interest in him. As Ginger's parents fight and fall apart, she finds emotional sanctuary with a gay couple, both named Mark (Timothy Spall and Oliver Platt), and their American friend, the poet Bella (Annette Bening). Finally, as the Cuban Missile Crisis escalates—and it seems the world itself may come to an end—the lifelong friendship of the two girls is shattered. Colin Covert of the Minneapolis Star Tribune says, “A near-flawless film, beautifully shot and cut, excitingly performed and deeply felt.” “Ginger & Rosa” opens Sunday, May 19 at the Michigan Theater.

In “Erased,” ex-CIA agent Ben Logan (Aaron Eckhart) discovers that he and his daughter have been marked for termination as part of a wide-reaching international conspiracy. A dangerous game of cat-and-mouse ensues as Logan tries to outsmart his hunters and uncover the truth. Already playing in the UK, Matthew Turner of View London is enthusiastic, saying the film is an “engaging and enjoyable thriller, enlivened by a sharp script, pacey direction, solid action sequences and strong performances from both Aaron Eckhart and Liana Liberato.” “Erased” opens Friday at the State Theatre.

“Starbuck” stars Patrick Huard as David Wosniak, a 42-year-old lovable screw-up who finally decides to take control of his life. A habitual sperm donor in his youth, he discovers that he's the biological father of 533 children, 142 of whom are trying to force the fertility clinic to reveal the true identity of the prolific donor, code-named Starbuck. Soren Anderson of the Seattle Times says, “Rather than a jolting shot of joe, this French-Canadian comedy is a soothing cup of warm cocoa.” “Starbuck” opens Sunday, May 19 at the Michigan Theater.

Not a film…but….

Ann Arbor In Concert is a new performing arts group based in Ann Arbor that I am enthusiastic about. They bring members of the community together to perform musical theater classics in a concert setting. Featuring professional direction and some of the most talented musical theater performers in our area (and with the U-M Musical Theatre program there is a lot of talent in our community), they will present “Ragtime,” the 3-time Tony Award-winning hit musical, at the Michigan Theater. “Ragtime” was created by the award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (“Once on this Island” and “Seussical”), noted playwright Terrence McNally (“Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “Master Class”), and based on E.L. Doctorow’s distinguished novel. “Ragtime,” a special one night only event, will be presented live-on-stage Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m. at the Michigan Theater.

Continuing downtown

“The Great Gatsby” continues playing in both 3D and 2D in downtown Ann Arbor! Todd McCarthy of the Hollywood Reporter says, “The cast is first-rate, the ambiance and story provide a measure of intoxication and, most importantly, the core thematic concerns pertaining to the American dream, self-reinvention and love lost, regained and lost again are tenaciously addressed.”

“From Up On Poppy Hill,” the latest from the famous Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli continues downtown at the Michigan and “Mud” and “The Company You Keep” continue at the State.

See you at the movies!

Russ Collins is executive director of the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. Tune in to the audio version of “Cinema Chat” on WEMU radio (89.1-FM) each Thursday at 7:40 a.m. and 5:40 p.m., or listen to it online at WEMU's web site.

Warm weather brings out potential con artists and greedy victims

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Spring is finally descending onto our lovely Huron Valley. I could tell by my allergies and the bright yellow dust on all outdoor surfaces last week. While our noses run and our eyes itch, travelling bands of criminals will be heading north to ply their wares on the unsuspecting, naive — and perhaps a little greedy — potential victims.

Some of these criminals will masquerade as driveway re-surfacers. Wow — what luck! They were just down the road finishing a job and just happen to have enough sealant left on the truck to do your driveway.

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AnnArbor.com file photo

With a wink and a nod, they will insinuate that their boss won’t even miss the little bit of sealant needed to coat and protect your driveway at a deep discount. The more greedy homeowner will think the worker has gone rogue on his employer and is going to steal a few materials from the boss so they can make a little extra cash. The homeowner will get a great deal at the boss’s expense.

This charming rogue can resurface your driveway for about a third of what real companies in the area will charge. Remember this probably is going to be a cash transaction because your new pal wants to keep it off the books so the boss won’t find out.

So, the homeowner looking for a great deal will agree to the project and then a few things will happen. First of all, the sealant is some watery black paint used to seal perhaps the undercarriage of a vehicle, not the thick tarry goo that really seals an asphalt driveway. Next, there may be a few scoopfuls of cold patch “ to fill in major leaks ” because the scammer did not realize your driveway was in such bad shape.

The unsuspecting victim will be cheated either by faulty repair materials or by extras added to the job and enforced by some rather large, rough-looking pavers who want payment “or else.” Intimidation is used to loosen up the wallet of those looking to get something for next to nothing.

Travelling “barn painters” and cut-rate roofers are another common spring and summer phenomenon. They, like their cousins in the driveway resurfacing business, use faulty materials and scare tactics at the job’s completion to make their criminal living.

Other fly-by-night home repairmen fleece their victims, by asking for some cash upfront for materials and then taking off to pick up the materials and never returning.

Take a look at who you are dealing with. Check the Internet, read the side of the truck for an address and phone number, write down license plate number on their vehicles. Are they from out of state? Copy them down and steer away from them.

The best way to avoid being taken advantage of when you need a home repair is for you to research what you need and drawing up a contract to make it happen. People who come from nowhere, are unsolicited and offer you a great deal on a home repair you don't know if you actually need, are out to make a quick buck and head for the hills.

Other strangers you will soon see in your neighborhoods — and who should be immediately reported to the police — are “students” selling magazine subscriptions. There also will be vacuum salesmen and the guys with pickup trucks with freezers in the back selling steaks and seafood. The meat and seafood is of poor quality — from dubious origins — frozen and thawed several times before it makes it way onto your grill. Call the police on these guys and have them checked out. Many do not have permits to peddle or solicit and many of the individuals hired to go door-to-door also have warrants. Do not hesitate to call 911 to have them checked or be reassured by the dispatcher those persons already have been checked out and are legitimate.

Another warm weather tradition in the area are the guys in the white van selling stereo speakers in strip-mall parking lots. These guys lead the potential customers to believe these are high-end speakers that “fell off a truck” or are otherwise “hot” — more likely stolen — and of course, a great bargain.

The fact of the matter is these guys will have receipts in their van for all the speakers when the police check them out. They scam their victims, by purchasing very cheap, junk speakers and selling them as to greedy people looking for a deal and not caring whether the items are stolen or not, as long as they are getting what they think is something for next to nothing.

The fact of the matter is you get what you pay for. A good basic barometer to determine if you are about to be swindled is this: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is and you are about to be victimized by a con artist.

The elderly and those with mobility issues also should be on the lookout this time of year for the criminals posing as meter-readers or guys from utility companies with unmarked pickup trucks. These guys will have work vests, hard hats and clipboards, hoping to gain access to your home in search of a leaky sewer line, gas line, or any other phoney excuse to target a homeowner not able to get around well in their basement.

They will then either head upstairs to get some tool or will have a partner sneak in and steal envelopes of cash and other valuables seniors have in their kitchens or office areas.

Legitimate utility companies will announce when they will be in the area and for what reason. Their personnel will be in clearly-marked company vehicles.

They will not mind if you call the police to have them checked on. Remember while doing so, to keep these “inspectors” outside until the police check them out or reassure you these workers are legitimate.

Keep your eyes peeled and do not get greedy this summer to avoid victimization.

Lock it up, don’t leave it unattended, be aware and watch out for your neighbors.

Bad Axe-based Northstar Bank set to open first Ann Arbor branch

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Ann Arbor’s steadily growing economy has enticed another Michigan-based bank to expand into the area.

Northstar Bank, headquartered in Bad Axe, Michigan, has hired four new Ann Arbor employees and plans to have a branch operating in the city within the next three months. All four employees formerly worked for Michigan Commerce Bank.

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Northstar Financial Group, Inc., the holding company for the bank, control’s Northstar’s four branches in Michigan’s thumb and four branches of St. Clair-based Seaway Bank.

The holding company’s CEO and president Kevin Nelson previously worked for Comerica Bank’s Ann Arbor office and said he felt comfortable bringing a branch of his current bank to the city due to his knowledge of the area and its economic resilience.

“I like the fact that financially, it is very strong,” he said.

“The west side of the state, where we bought a bank in February of 2011, and the Ann Arbor area are the two areas that handled the recession better than the rest of the state.”

The first step to establishing a bank in Ann Arbor will be to open a loan production office with the bank’s current employees.

“Once we have that established we can apply to the regulator world to turn that into a branch where we can accept deposits and do all the normal banking transactions,” Nelson said.

“Usually we’ll hear back within 60 days so we’re looking at hopefully a 90-day timeframe to have what we will be able to call a branch of Northstar Bank.”

The company is looking at potential locations in Ann Arbor, and Nelson said he could have a space by the end of the week.

“I want to get rockin' and rollin' and up in business as soon as possible,” he said.

The last Michigan bank to expand by opening a branch in the Ann Arbor market was Hantz Bank in 2011. The Oakland County-based bank and insurance group employed approximately 50 people at its Ann Arbor location shortly after opening.

Nelson said he is unsure how many people his new office will employ, but he thinks Ann Arbor’s strong economic ecosystem will allow his bank the ability to provide capital to strong companies and consumers.

“The strength of the region and our ability to get people who have been lending and banking in this market for a long to be part of our team made this move possible,” he said.

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.

New 'tailgate park' plans in motion for Mr. Stadium Coin Laundry owner

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Renderings for the new tailgate park show double-wide spaces and a shared "clubhouse" for guests.

Damian Farrell Design Group

Plans for a new tailgate park on Ann Arbor's South Industrial Highway show what could be a new way to experience Michigan football games for those who can’t make it into the stadium.

Dan Kachadorian first had the idea for a self-contained tailgate park nearly 20 years ago when he read that people were renting parking spots at an apartment complex to tailgate for football games. Now the owner of Mr. Stadium Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaning, 1964 S. Industrial Highway, is ready to make good on his dream.

“At this point I really just need to do it or it will never happen,” he said. “It’s been in the back of my mind all these years and I think it could be a lot of fun.”

Plans for the park, drawn up by Damian Farrell Design Group, include 50 to 60 parking spaces and a central “clubhouse” space with restrooms, storage rooms, meeting rooms and possibly a small banquet facility. Kachadorian believes the clubhouse will be a major differentiator between his new venture and tailgates held in parking lots with fewer amenities.

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The owner of Mr. Stadium Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaning, 1964 S. Industrial Highway in Ann Arbor, is looking to create a tailgate park.

Ben Freed | AnnArbor.com

“The bathrooms are a big thing,” he said. “No one likes using Porta-Johns and women especially don’t like them. I think people will be drawn to the experience where you can have all the fun of tailgating without those negative nuisances.”

In order to create a “family atmosphere,” spaces at the new park will not only have to be reserved in advance, they will be held by long-term leases. Kachadorian’s preliminary plans call for options that include a 20-year lease with options for the next 60 years.

“Michigan is tradition, and people like the idea of being able to pass something on,” he said.

“That’s what this is all about. I want this to be something people can keep in their families and keep for a long time.”

Last year, another Ann Arbor resident spent more than $80,000 upgrading his patio to a luxury tailgate spot. Other die-hard fans bring massive grills and big parties to Ann Arbor every home football weekend.

Kachadorian graduated from Wayne State University and said he tailgates for every game but rarely actually joined the 110,000-plus fans in the Big House.

“I’m usually right here outside the store on game days,” he said.

“Some people like the fun experience of coming out and grilling but then they set up TVs and generators and watch the game right at their tailgate. Even some people who have tickets to the game end up coming back to watch with the tailgaters if the weather is bad.”

Football and tailgating are already big business in Ann Arbor. According to a U-M study, each home-game weekend brings $10 million into the local economy. Season passes for parking spots at the Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club across the street from the stadium can be reserved through Ann Arbor startup Park n Party for $385.

Mr. Stadium first opened in the Colonial Plaza shopping center in 1972. In 1998 Kachadorian purchased the two plots of land between the strip mall and the U.S. Army Reserve Center in order to expand his laundry operation.

“I didn’t really have plans for the second plot when I purchased the land,” Kachadorian said.

“I figured at some point I would sell it or it would be redeveloped into something else, but it’s perfect for this park.”

The space has been unused since the property was purchased and is currently a small wooded strip that separates the army area from the laundromat. Kachadorian said he still has a lot to figure out on the project and pricing is still up in the air.

In addition to pricing, Kachadorian has to finalize site plans for the park and will have to have his project approved by the city before he can begin construction.

He has his eyes set on opening the park for the 2014 football season if all goes according to plan.

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

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