![]() Voting against disclosure were Councilmembers Kirk Westphal (D–Ward 2), Julie Grand (D–Ward 3), Zachary Ackerman (D–Ward 3), Graydon Krapohl (D–Ward 4) and Chip Smith (D–Ward 5) - in addition to Mayor Taylor.Įaton said the development of the rail station project cannot continue behind closed doors, arguing that early public input through a transparent process would prevent issues further down the project timeline, pointing to the backlash concerning the University of Michigan’s lack of transparency in its recent attempt to construct a maintenance facility near several Ann Arbor residential neighborhoods. In addition to Eaton, Kailasapathy and Lumm, councilmembers Sabra Briere (D–Ward 1) and Chuck Warpehoski (D–Ward 5) voted in favor of disclosure. All councilmembers acknowledged they themselves had not yet seen the report or the relevant correspondence, but those opposed to the resolution expressed faith in the city staff conducting the analyses. The resolution for disclosure failed in a narrow 5-to-6 vote. However, other councilmembers and Mayor Christopher Taylor expressed concern that a premature disclosure would have unintended consequences. An alternatives analysis on potential locations of the new station was expected for public release in the summer of 2015 but has been delayed without explanation by city staff members.Ī Freedom of Information Act request by the Ann Arbor News in May found significant portions of the draft analysis and correspondence between city officials, the Michigan Department of Transportation and Federal Railway Administration to be heavily redacted.Ĭouncilmembers Sumi Kailasapathy (D–Ward 1), Jack Eaton (D–Ward 4) and Jane Lumm (I–Ward 2) introduced a resolution demanding the disclosure of the entire report and all relevant correspondence, arguing this would be in the public interest. ![]() The rail station was originally proposed in 2009, and the city accepted a $2.8 million federal grant to explore options for a new facility in 2012. ![]()
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