A2's Greenbelt Program

Ryan Stanton of AnnArbor.com has written an article detailing the progress of Ann Arbor's Greenbelt Program. Low land prices have allowed for more aquisitions in 2009, increasing the total land within the program by 66% in one year. A total of 1782 acres is now protected.

The purpose of the program is to prevent urban sprawl around the city of Ann Arbor by purchasing patches of undeveloped land to prevent future development.


The comment from Webster Township resident Spencer Ford resonated with me most. 

"It's been a great program," Ford said. "It's really great for Webster Township, and I love what it's doing for Ann Arbor, too. It would have been a shame to have turned into another Canton and have solid development all the way around the city."

I can honestly say that cities like Canton creep me out. They represent everything wrong with suburbia, from the big box stores, to the chain restaurants, and the subdivisions where everyone's house looks the same. There's no character, no charm, no individuality. That may work for some people, but I'm not one of them.

However, there was something in Grand New Party which, I think, addresses how these types of initiatives are detrimental to communities, especially the working poor. I'll be sure to update this post when I'm home and can refresh my memory.