Episode 07: Fake Data to Sell Real Parks
This episode of the A2 Pause The Plan-cast investigates data manipulation concerning Ann Arbor's public parks within the new draft comprehensive plan (CLUP). We explore how nearly 500 acres of parkland, including municipal golf courses, seem to have disappeared from official records, and what the financial and political motivations behind this could be.
Topics Covered:
Data Discrepancy: The city's official parkland ratio appears to have been reduced by 22% between a January 2023 report and the draft CLUP, with nearly 500 acres of parks and nature areas seemingly removed from the official inventory.
Circumventing Voters?: We discuss how reducing the official parkland list could potentially sidestep a voter-approved charter amendment requiring a public vote to sell parkland.
Financial Impact: A lower official parkland ratio directly reduces the amount of money or land developers are required to contribute for parks, potentially costing the city millions in lost revenue over time.
Coded Language: The CLUP's focus on "underutilized spaces" is examined as potential coded language targeting municipal golf courses for redevelopment, backed by statements from city officials.
Contradictory Policies: We highlight how the city's actions—like removing golf courses from the parkland list while also honoring their historic clubhouses—send conflicting messages about the value of these public green spaces.
We explore concerns about the potential loss of irreplaceable green spaces and whether the city's vision aligns with preserving the natural environment and quality of life that makes Ann Arbor special.
Ann Arbor deserves what other forward-thinking cities expect and receive. That is a plan built on real community conversations, accurate data, and realistic projections which provide clear pathways to reach our common goals. 💙
From the Ann Arbor Neighborhood Network (A2N2) – A community-driven organization committed to enhancing local engagement and encouraging all Ann Arbor residents to actively participate in city life and governance.
📝 Read the Parks and Public Trust Memo to the City
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