300 Signature Milestone Reached!

The Midtown Neighborhood announced today that they have received the 300th protest signature of the Cross Street/Midtown rezoning. The proposed rezoning district is a the largest rezoning ever undertaken by the city with over 600 properties. Over 300 property owners have signed their name in opposition to the current plan. You can add you name to the list by clicking on Sign the petition link on the right, fill it out and fax it in. We will make sure to add your name to the growing list of Ypsilantian's opposed to the Cross Street/Midtown rezoning.

Letter to Mayor: Don't Give Up On Midtown

From: Rachel Cuschieri-Murray
Sent: Monday, February 06, 2006 12:16 AM
To: cheryl farmer
Subject: Progress Made

Cheryl,

We did make progress. For the sake of the neighborhood and the City, I hope you will not overlook that fact.

In your email you state, "It looks to me as if you are not certain that we actually agreed upon anything." You have misinterpreted my use of the words "seem" and "may." Although, by all appearances we "do" agree, I cannot be CERTAIN that we agree until my entire neighborhood has the opportunity to review the changes and express agreement, as stated in the same email.

I think it is fair to point out that I cannot speak for my entire neighborhood just as you cannot make decisions or speak for the entire Council.

You also state, "I understand that you need to represent your boss's viewpoint, but don't pretend to yourself that his viewpoint is in the best long term interests of your neighborhood." If I were representing my boss's viewpoint, I would have adamantly insisted that the entire plan be struck down from the beginning.

However, my neighbors and I acknowledge that there are some positive aspects of the plan, which would benefit our neighborhood. We would like to see those positive aspects saved and the problem points revised and corrected.

That was why seven of my neighbors and I met with you with less than 24 hours notice. That is also why we were all present at each of the other meetings that were scheduled over the last year specifically for us to meet with you. However, you wouldn't know that because, despite numerous promises by you to attend those meetings, you never did. Nor did City staff or any other representatives who are "pushing" this plan.

I will appeal to you one last time before the Tuesday meeting. Please do not abandon the progress we have made. Pursue the changes that have the support of the neighborhood. If you do not, we will ask Council to vote the plan down in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Rachel Cuschieri-Murray
114 N. Normal

Mayor Responds to Weekend Meetings

From: cheryl farmer
Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2006 11:42 PM
To: Rachel Cuschieri-Murray
Subject: Re: My summary of today's discussion of downzoning issues

Rachel

I too thought we had made progress with our back to back meetings two weeks ago, but when I received your January 25th letter, I realized I was wrong.
I have highlighted the clues to this truth:

" We SEEM to agree on Items #1 and #2." "There MAY not be a problem with Item #3."

It looks to me as if you are not certain that we actually agreed upon anything.

With respect to Item #4, I do not agree that further discussion of this item needs to further delay consideration of the rest of the changes recommended to Council by the Planning Commission over a year ago.

I understand that you need to represent your boss's viewpoint, but don't pretend to yourself that his viewpoint is in the best long term interests of your neighborhood.

Cheryl

Urgent Information Regarding Your Property in the Midtown/Cross Street Area of Ypsilanti

Dear Neighbor:

This is a follow up to the notice of Public Hearing you should have received from the City last week.

Your property rights and/or those of your neighbors are being threatened.

The City of Ypsilanti is considering a plan to “downzone” the area where your property is, making more than half the neighborhood “non-conforming.”

As the new ordinance stands, non-conforming properties will not be allowed to rebuild “as-is” after destruction caused by fire, storms or other acts outside the control of the owner.

This is unacceptable! Property owners should have the right to rebuild their homes “as-is” without question and without having to beg for permission from the City.

Please come to the Public Hearing which is part of the City Council meeting on FEBRUARY 7th, 2006 at 7:30pm at City Hall to voice your opinion on the matter. Our Council needs to hear from you. Please also consider writing a letter or sending an email to your council representative or calling him/her personally.

This will be your last opportunity to defend your property rights, as City Council will be voting on whether or not to make this new ordinance law on FEBRUARY 7th, 2006 at 7:30pm at City Hall! Please come to this meeting!

For more information regarding this downzoning ordinance, you are also welcome to contact me at 734-786-1584 or 734-674-8909 or email me at Rachel@ypsi.com.

Sincerely,

Rachel Cuschieri-Murray
114 N. Normal St.
Cell: (734) 674-8909

When : Tuesday, February 7th, 2006
Where: Council Chambers, City Hall
1 South Huron
Ypsilanti, MI 48197