IN THE NEWS: Levine urges citywide action on approved Ann Arbor growth plan in MLive article

Taubman College’s Jonathan Levine was quoted as expressing support for Ann Arbor’s future growth plan, which reimagines zoning policy across the city, in a recent article by news website MLive. Levine, professor of urban and regional planning, is an expert in land use and a consistent advocate for reforms to existing zoning law. His current work focuses on transforming land use from a mobility-based paradigm to an accessibility-based one.

The new Ann Arbor growth plan, unanimously adopted by the city council on March 16, will abolish single-family zoning in the city and push for greater housing density in several urban “hub” locations. Although final implementation will involve a community engagement process, Levine said the city should leave no neighborhood untouched.

“Citywide reform, including permitting small apartment buildings throughout our city, is imperative,” Levine said. “The highest-density condo and apartment buildings are envisioned along the city’s busiest streets, but households for whom multifamily housing is the best option also should have an opportunity to live somewhere other than the most trafficked automobile corridors.”

In addition to his comments, Levine provided implementation recommendations to the city, alongside local advocate Will Leaf and University of Michigan law professor Noah Kazis. The planning commission, which includes Taubman faculty Sarah Mills, Richard Norton, Ellie Abrons, and Wonwoo Lee, was set to begin deliberating this month on how to implement the growth plan.

Read the full article, “How fast will Ann Arbor implement new growth plan? Talks kick off” at MLive.com. (Registration or a paid subscription may be required for full access.)