FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-1 PAGE
Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Brandt Coultas, Director of Government Affairs
(734) 214-0101, brandt@annarborchamber.org

ANN ARBOR AREA CHAMBER PUSHES FOR INCREASED DENSITY, IMPROVED DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

FEBRUARY 6, 2006--The Ann Arbor Area Chamber will submit close to 100 emails and signed statements from Chamber members in support of more density in downtown Ann Arbor and a better City zoning and permitting process at the City Council meeting Monday night. The statements read:

“Dear City Council. I urge you to adopt recommendations from the Calthorpe Plan to improve zoning, permitting and other business processes. I support increased density in downtown Ann Arbor. It is good for business.”

The statement of support was signed by Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce members located throughout the Ann Arbor Area. The Chamber circulated the statement to demonstrate the broad support that exists in the business community for growth downtown.  

“Businesses throughout the Ann Arbor area understand that downtown Ann Arbor needs to grow,” said Sabrina Keeley, president of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce.  “They support more people living downtown and more businesses downtown because it is good for the region.”

According to the Chamber, improving the City’s development process is crucial to building a successful downtown and a successful business community throughout the area.  “Every business, whether it is a retailer expanding on Stadium Boulevard or a bank opening downtown, should be able to get through the City’s planning and permitting process in a timely fashion,” said Keeley. “Currently, this is not the case.” 

The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Washtenaw County. The mission of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber is to support our members by promoting commerce in the greater Ann Arbor area through business advocacy and leadership in economic, political and educational development. Membership means: access to health care; advocacy; benefits & cost savings; connections; and exposure for business.

 

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