OFFICE COPY ONLY
D0 NOT REMOVE
TO: City of Ann Arbor Planning Commission
FROM: Raymond D. Martin, Planning Director
DATE: 16 September 64
SUBJECT: Huron Parkway, Council Action of 14 September 1964
Attached to this report are copies of reports, maps, and resolutions
pertaining to the Huron Parkway.
These Council actions, among others, were taken to support the forth
coming Huron Parkway Bond Proposal. During your review of this material,
you will note that in the "Criteria and Standards" report, dated 10
September 1964, page 2, that section (4) (c) (One (1) western collector
street to provide service to private property lying to the west of the
parkway) was deleted. While Council action deleted this section, it
should be known that the action was not absolutely decisive. It is
difficult to report on attitude, however, it is believed that it was
Council's intent to delete the question of the access until more
information was available at a future date, and until the issues were more
thoroughly considered by Council. Consequently, it was recognized at
Council meeting that this particular access may be re -instated by Council
in the near future.
In support of past Commission and Council actions concerning the
"parkway", the actions of Council on 14 September 1964, and to encourage
the realization of the vitally needed Huron Parkway, the Planning
Department staff recommends that the Commission adopt and transmit to
Council the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the City Council on 14 September 1964 approved the Huron Parkway
Bond Proposal, and
WHEREAS. the City Council also adopted specified reports, maps, and
criteria and standards regarding the concept, route, and design for the
Huron Parkway, and
WHEREAS, Council action is intended to implement vital
parts of the Ann Arbor Thoroughfare Plan and Capital Improvement
Budget and Program; parts of the Ann Arbor General Development Plan,
WHEREAS, the construction of the Huron Parkway was determined to be
necessary for the general safety and welfare of the City,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the intensions and
actions of the A an Arbor City Council are hereby unanimously supported by
the Ann Arbor City Planning Commission.
Raymond D. Martin
Planning Director
Page 2
The attachments are described as follows:
Attachment #1 Report dated 4 September 1964, by City Administrator on
the Route and Design of the Huron Parkway.
Attachment #2 Report dated. 10 September 1964, by City Administrator on
the Criteria and Standards of the Huron Parkway.
Attachment #3 Motions and Resolutions Adopted by Council at its Regular
Meeting of 14 September 1964
September 4, 1964
TO: The Mayor and Members of Council
FROM: Guy C. Larcom, Jr., City Administrator
SUBJECT: HURON PARKWAY
This memorandum is intended to provide more complete information on the
concept, route and design of Huron Parkway and to answer some of the
questions raised regarding it.
CONCEPT
Huron Parkway was first conceived of as an "inner belt" roadway providing
a new, direct route for traffic between the developing south, east and
north sections of the city.
When the original route of the State 23-bypass was relocated to the east,
the need for a local highway an inner route became obvious. Failure to
construct such a road would mean the routing of a large volume of traffic
through main roads into the center of the city and out again or along
indirect routes via Arlington,,Geddes, Fuller and Beal.
The original concept was as a typical roadway with the primary purpose of
carrying traffic - not as a parkway. It was to have an 80 foot
right-of-way providing a 48 foot paved surface for 4 lanes of traffic.
Project costs and difficulties of securing right-of-way determined this
since at that time it was hoped to construct the road out of annual weight
and gas tax revenues.
PROGRESS TO DATE
The proposed road was adopted officially as part of Ann Arbor's
Thoroughfare Plan March 30, 1959. The general route appears on that
official map. It was also approved then by the City Planning Commission.
On July 18, 1960, a specific alignment of the roadway prepared by the City
Engineer was adopted by Council and the City Administrator was authorized
to begin land acquisition along the approved route.
First land acquisition was on August 29, 1960, in time to forestall
development that would have blocked the rightof-way at the Washtenaw
Avenue crossing.
The 80-foot right-of-way across the Pearl property north of Washtenaw to
the Huron Hills golf course was purchased in may, 1961.
Other portions of the needed right-of-way have been acquired so that a
major. portion of the total road is under city ownership. Some changes in
the route have resulted from right-of-way negotiations. Where the route
originally was on the west side of the Pearl property, it was re-located
more to the east at a greater distance from the Woodhaven-Ann Arbor Hills
area. The route at Elmwood was changed, and the road was re-located
across the east side of the golf course to avoid interference with the
residential subdivision near Elmwood.
In June, 1963, after the route of the road was well established and
portions of the right-of-way had been acquired, the School Board
communicated its intention to proceed with a new high school along the
roadway in the vicinity of Geddes Road. The decision of the School Board
did not affect the location of the road. The fact that the high school
will open in September, 1967, does make an earlier time schedule for
completion of the road a necessity.
-2-
It should be stressed that the road is an actuality with "much of the
right-of-way acquired and some portions completed and some under
construction. The city has spent or committed $394,000.00 to date.
Council recently authorized an expenditure of $86,705.00 to construct a
section from Plymouth Road south to Hubbard in the middle of the North
Campus.
PLANNING
This roadway is an example of advance planning by the city. It was
conceived to meet necessary future traffic needs. By laying out the route
well in advance, it was possible to secure large portions of right-of-way
without conflict with private or public development. It was made a part
of the City Thoroughfare Plan, which means it was integrated into the
total pattern of city major and local roads as well as state and county
highway planning. It has been regularly included as a top priority
project in the Planning Commission capital improvement program and budget.
The route and need for this road has been thoroughly explored with other
government agencies. It is included in the Preliminary Land Use Plan for
Washtenaw County issued in 1962 by the County Planning Commission as "a
basis for coordination and cooperation in planning among local authorities
in the County", and among other objectives, relates land use and
development with county-city highway systems. The roadway appears in Ann
Arbor Area Sectional Plan of the County Planning Commission dated July,
1959. Called an "inner loop" it is referred to in the "Preliminary
Capacity Study for Ann Arbor Township" dated December, 1959, and prepared
by the County Planning Commission. Representatives of other government
units such as the County Road Commission and Ann Arbor Township have been
consulted on various portions of the route,
-3-
THE PARKWAY CONCEPT
The concept of a parkway rather than a roadway was introduced in 1962 in
the Ann Arbor Planning Commission's Parks and Open Space Plan as follows:
"The program for the development of the Huron Parkway is already well
under way. If this proposed 'inner belt' is to be truly a 'parkway'
action must be started now for the acquisition of a 300-foot minimum
right-of-way to insure a scenic recreational drive along its length.
Where this is clearly impossible, at the very least, scenic easements
should be acquired".
Council, on October 14, 1963, did authorize the acquisition of 120'
right-of-way from Geddes Road northerly. A 150-foot right-of-way has been
obtained by agreement with the University between Glacier and Plymouth
Roads. The city is endeavoring to obtain 120-foot right-of-way from
Geddes to Glacier.
The 80-foot roadway north of Washtenaw to Huron River Drive had been
acquired prior to the Parkway concept. An 80-foot right-of-way with
48-foot paved surface and 16 foot strips on each side can be beautified by
plantings and careful treatment. Whether further acquisition for "scenic
easements" is feasible on this stretch of road is a question depending
-4-
upon additional cost and ability to acquire adjacent land. The route
along the golf course need not be expanded beyond the width needed for
four lanes and a turning lane since the golf course itself is a scenic
amenity.
Consideration should be given to the acquisition of additional land at the
Parkway and Geddes crossing to permit attractive landscaping.
ACCESS
This is not a limited access highway such as the state builds, but is
intended as a controlled access road with access carefully limited to the
number and location points necessary for public convenience. With some
exception, most stretches of the road will not be accessible directly from
private property.
In the section in the vicinity of Washtenaw where the zoning is
commercial, office and multi-family, direct access is limited o a given
number of locations. From a point 600 feet north of Washtenaw, access
will be primarily by intersecting roads. These points of access will be
carefully specified and are as follows:
One access from the west and one from the east
between Washtenaw and Huron River Drive
Huron River Drive and Parkway
Golf course and Parkway
Glacier Road and Parkway
High School and Parkway
Area east of Parkway between Glacier and Geddes
Hubbard and Parkway
Parke-Davis and Climax Molybdenum and Parkway
Plymouth and Parkway
-5-
Citizens have disputed the need for access from the Woodhaven Hills - Ann
Arbor Hills area west of the Huron Parkway. The Board of Education and
the City planners believe "it is imperative to provide access from the
existing Ann Arbor Hills development to the existing Chalmers Drive, as
well as to the proposed Huron Parkway. The extension of existing
vehicular facilities will not only serve future elementary schools, but
will also assist greatly in expediting traffic from the immediate area to
and from the second senior high school." A new elementary school is to be
located east of Huron Parkway, north of Washtenaw and just west of
Chalmers Drive.
ZONING AND LAND USE
A considerable portion of the Parkway is public land owned by the City
(golf course), University (North Campus) and public schools (high school
and elementary school sites). Stretches subject to private development
are now located in the township but presumably will come into the city
before development can occur. These areas should be zoned residential and
agreements of intent to this effect could be reached by the city council
and township board. Similar policy statements regarding non-access
directly to the Parkway from private properties should be made.
STANDARDS
It is recommended that Council adopt standards regarding Huron Parkway as
to alignment, size and location of rights-of-way, intersections and access
points and related information.
-6-
This would define city policy as to this roadway and
changes would be subject to Council approval. These criteria and
standards will be reviewed in detail with Council at the meeting of
Thursday, September 10, 1964.
-7-
TO-. Mayor and Council DATE: 10
September 1964
F R OM: Guy C. Larcom, Jr. City Administrator
SUBJECT: Huron Parkway
CRITERIA AND STANDARDS
The following (1) ROW (right-of-way), (2) design standards,
(3) intersection controls, (4) access, and (5) land use/ zoning
criteria
and standards are recommended for the indicated portion of the Huron
Parkway.
PLATT ROAD TO SIX HUNDRED FEET NORTH OF WASHTENAW
(1) ROW: 80 feet
(2) Design Standard:
(a) 4 lanes
(b) 48 foot paved width
(c) No median strip
(d) 16 foot shoulders, special planting area, and sidewalk.
(3) Intersection, Controls: Traffic signal at Washtenaw.
(4) Access: Controlled access through:
(a) Access at Platt Road
(b) Access at Washtenaw
(c) One ingress-egress point per individual parcel or multiple parcel
access through joint service drives.
(5) Land Use/ Zoning: The zoning, fronting the Parkway, in this area
is "R3", "RE", "C-3", "R5", "RIB", "R4B", "R4A". Since substantial
development has taken place, existing and permitted land uses are
recognized.
NOTE: Acquisition of land at the entrance to the parkway (Huron-Parkway
and Platt Road) near Community Park is possible. This acquisition, for a
fire station site, would provide the ability to create and identify a
"park-like" entrance way to the Parkway.
Page 2
SIX HUNDRED FEET NORTH OF WASHTENAW TO HURON RIVER DRIVE
INTERSECTION
(1) ROW: 80 feet
(2) Design Standards
(a) 4 lanes
(b) 48 foot paved width
(c) No median strip
(d) 16 foot shoulder and special planting area
(e) Possible ROW extension for planting area, scenic easements,
turnoffs, through acquisition of development rights.
(3) Intersection Controls: Intersection stop signs.
(4) Access: Controlled access through:
(a) One (1) eastern collector street to provide service to private
property lying to the east of the parkway.
(b) Access to the proposed elementary school site adjacent on the east
to the parkway.
Delete as per Council
action 14 Sept 64 ---
(c) One (1) western collector street to provide service to
private property lying to the west of the parkway.
(d) Access to parkway at junction of route and Huron River
Drive--southeast
NOTE: Collector street access provides the ability to prohibit direct
private drive access to the parkway.
(5) Land Use/Zoning
(a) Public Land (PL) zoning for City Golf Course and elementary school
site.
(b) Residential zoning for private property adjacent to parkway.
NOTE: For those areas remaining in the Township, agreements of intent to
this effect should be reached by the City Council and Township Board.
Page 3
HURON RIVER DRIVE TO BRIDGE CROSSING (1) ROW:
(a) 80-94 feet--Golf Course
(b) 220 X 150 feet--grade separation--west
(c) 250 X 70 feet--grade separation--east
(2) Design Standards:
(a) 4 to 7 lanes--Golf Course to Bridge 4 through lanes and 3 turning
lanes
(b) 10-18 foot shoulder and special planting area--east side
(c) Golf Course and tree screen- -west side
NOTE: Additional ROW and partial grade separation ROW to
be acquired from private property lying to west
(3) Intersection Controls: Possible light at partial grade separation
(4) Access: Controlled access through:
(a) Access to parkway at junction of route and Huron River
Drive/Geddes
(b) Access to parkway via partial grade separation
(c) Access to Golf Course--both sides
(d) Pedestrian over-pass joining Golf Course sections
(5) Land Use/Zoning:
(a) Public Land (PL) zoning for Golf Course
(b) Appropriate zoning for proposed Racquet Club.
Page 4
BRIDGE CROSSING TO GLACIER WAY
(1) ROW:
(a) 82 feet--bridge
(b) To be determined--causeway
(C) 150 feet--to be acquired--river to Glacier Way
(2) Design Standards:
(a) 6 through lanes, 72 feet roadway, non-divided 5 foot pedestrian
walks--bridge and causeway
(b) 4 lanes, two 24 foot roadways
(c) One 62 foot median
(d) Two 20 foot shoulder and special planting areas
(3) Intersection Controls:
(a) Geddes: at grade intersection with ultimate signal control
(b) Glacier Way: at grade intersection with possible signal control
NOTE: Possible additional intersection ROW acquisition at
Parkway-Geddes, for improved "parkway treatment". If not possible at all
four intersection quadrants then emphasis on' southern (river) quadrants
(4) Access: Controlled access through:
(a) Access to parkway from Geddes
(b) Access to parkway from Ann Arbor High School site
(c) One (1) eastern collector street to provide service to private
property lying to the east of the parkway
(d) Access to parkway from Glacier Way
(5) Land Use/Zoning
(a) Public Land (PL) zoning for Ann Arbor High School site.
(b) Residential zoning for private property adjacent to parkway.
Page 5
GLACIER WAY TO PLYMOUTH ROAD
(1) ROW: 150 foot (128.5 feet at Parke-Davis and Climax molybdenum)
(2) Design Standard:
(a) 4 lanes, two 24 foot roadways
(b) One 62 foot median
(c), Two 20 foot shoulders and special planting area
(d) median reduced at intersections for turning lanes,
(3) Intersection Controls: Hubbard: at grade intersection with
possible signal control
(4) Access: Controlled access through
(a) Access to parkway from University collector street at Hubbard.
(b) Access to Parke-Davis
(c) Access to Climax Molybdenum
NOTE: Consistant with University North Campus
Development, additional controlled access points may be
required.
(5) Land Use/Zoning
(a) Public Land (PL) zoning for University property.
(b) Research (RE) zoning for Parke-Davis and Climax Molybdenum
Page 6
PLYMOUTH ROAD TO NIXON ROAD
(1) ROW: 80 feet
(2) Design Standards:
(a) 5 lanes
(b) 60 foot paved width
(c) 10 foot shoulders, 2 planting areas
(3) Intersection Control: Traffic signal at Plymouth Road
(4) Access: Controlled access through:
(a) No access, reverse frontage lots, from residential property
abutting on the east (existing)
(b) Access to Ann Arbor Bank, branch (existing)
(c) One ingress-egress point per individual
parcel or multiple parcel access through joint service drives
--west.
(5) Land Use/Zoning: The zoning fronting this area is "C-3", "O" and
"RlC". Since substantial development has taken place, existing and
permitted land uses are recognized.
NOTE: Specified design standards may vary where ever it is possible to
more fully provide a "parkway treatment" for the roadway.
djk
southern half of map
northern half of map
ATTACHMENTS #3
Motions and Resolutions Adopted by Council at its Regular Meeting of 14
September 1964
Moved by Councilman Bandemer that Council approve the resolution for the
Huron Parkway.
Moved by Councilman Pierce that the resolution be amended that any further
extensions in curb cuts, in addition to those in the report, be approved
by Council.
On Councilman Pierce's motion on roll call, the following resolution, was
approved. 10 yeas, 0 nays.
"WHEREAS the construction of Huron Parkway is necessary for the general
safety and welfare of the City, and
WHEREAS, it is essential to expedite the construction, and
WHEREAS, certain questions concerning the design of the Parkway
have been raised,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the report of the City Administrator
dated September 4, 1964, regarding the concept, route and design of Huron
Parkway, the criteria and standards for Huron Parkway stated in a report
of the City Administrator dated 10 September 1964, and in a map prepared
by the Ann Arbor City Planning Department dated 4 September 1964, be and
they hereby are adopted by this Council. Any changes in the criteria and
standards shall be approved by Council."
Moved by Councilman Bandemer, that on page 2, Item C of paragraph 4 be
deleted.
Carried on roll call vote. 10 yeas. 0 nays.
Attachment #3 Continued
Councilman Cappaert presented a Resolution of Intent to be included in the
criteria and standards for the Huron Parkway.
On the original motion as amended it was carried on roll call vote. 10
yeas. 0 nays.
The resolution states as follows:
"Resolution of Intent Regarding the Proposed Huron Parkway to
be Considered by Council.
WHEREAS, this Council is convinced of the urgency of beginning
construction of the Huron Parkway; and
WHEREAS certain relevant questions concerning the Huron Parkway have been
raised,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that it is the intent of this Council that:
1. Planning, engineering, and construction of the Huron Parkway shall
not proceed in such a manner as to limit the options of this Council
concerning the route of a major penetrator road, or roads, designed to
carry traffic between Ann Arbor and the U. S. Highway 23 Eastbelt.
2. Attached to this resolution, and adopted as a part of it, is a
route diagram for the proposed Huron Parkway, indicating all curb cuts
currently planned and authorized by this Council. Any changes in either
the number or location of curb cuts in the Huron Parkway shall be approved
by a majority of this Council,
3. The City Administrator shall be encouraged to purchase additional
right-of-way for the Huron Parkway up to a maximum width of three hundred
feet. Where it is impossible to purchase right-of-way to this maximum
width,
the Administrator is instructed to negotiate for scenic easements along
the right-of -way, up to a total maximum width of three hundred feet for
both purchased right-of-way and scenic easements
4. It is further the intent of this Council to prevent future
commercial development along the Huron Parkway, The City Administrator is
directed to take such action, in conjunction with private owners and
developers and with other units of Government, to implement this and other
intents expressed in this resolution.
Councilman --Roy A. Cappaert