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<div>Hello Neighbors,<br><br> Below you will find some updates and some things to do. I'd like to thank The Sidetrack for a lot of this good information. If you aren't on their mailing list I suggest you sign up http://www.sidetrackbarandgrill.com/ they have a great monthly newsletter with great coupons. Aubrees also sends out good coupons and you get a free pizza on your birthday (at least it has been for years) if you sign up http://www.aubrees.com/ . If you are looking for local coupons I'd suggest the Haab's list as well. I'd also like to thank Pete Murdock who sent out some very good updates and always keeps me informed.<br><br> I'd like you to know that the Community Garden idea for Prospect Park is in good hands and gaining momentum if you'd like to get involved just let me know. <br><br>We are also in the planning stages for the 2nd Annual Luna Lake Hoedown at Prospect Park, June 26th 9am-4pm, and it will be fantastic . Right now we have commitments from two of the best local bands, Black Jake and the Carnies and Hullabaloo, The YMCA is going to put on some kids programs, Washtenaw County Parks and Rec department will be on hand to talk about Rain Gardens and some of the plants in the park, We should have some other events and speakers on hand. If you want to help out or have ideas contact me (kurt) prospectparkneighborhood@comcast.net . We are also going to need volunteers to help repaint and repair the pavilions at Prospect Park.<br><br>Here is the list of what you will find below.<br><ul><li>Things to do Tonight<br><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"></span></font></li><li><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">Thompson Block Update</span></font></li><li><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">Chili Challenge - Feb 21st 3-6pm</span></font></li><li><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">Chili Challenge - Feb 21st 3-6pm - The Bike Ypsi Way</span></font></li><li><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">Luna Lake Fundraiser / My Birthday Party - <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Feb 25th MANDATORY ATTENDANCE IF YOU RECEIVE THIS EMAIL</span></span></font></li><li><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">Freighthouse Fundraiser Organizational Meeting</span></font></li><li><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">Detroit A2 Train Update - The truth comes out.</span></font><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(31, 73, 125); font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(31, 73, 125); font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="2"> Queen of Hearts Pastries is having an open house from noon until 4
p.m. on Saturday February 13<sup>th</sup>. Everyone is invited to stop in for some scrumptious samples!</font></span></li></ul><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">That's a lot to go through but you should.<br><br>Take care,<br>Kurt Anschuetz<br>prospectparkneighborhood@comcast.net<br><br><br></span></font><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TONIGHT - As always there is live music at the Elbow Room and Tap Room plus these other exciting things.<br><br></span></span></font><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(31, 73, 125); font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="2"> </font></span><br><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Starry Night in Depot Town” –
Friday, Feb 5<sup>th</sup> from 5-9 pm</span></b></p>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Six
local artists will be setting up and selling their artwork (jewelry,
photographs & more) from 5 - 9 p.m. next Friday, Feb. 5th at the first
of many upcoming first Friday events called, "Starry Night in Depot
Town," which will be held at Potts Studio, 25 E. Cross Street! It
makes for a perfect date night or an excellent outing with friends for
shopping, art, music and festivities in Ypsilanti's very own
"Hip"storic Depot Town! So swing by after work or even after
dinner....the artists will be there waiting for you (at least until 9)! <br>
<br>
Don't forget ~
Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so treat yourself and/or a
sweetheart with something unique & beautiful made by a local artist this
year!</span><br>Event: First Friday Gallery Night<br>
Start Time: Friday, February 5 at 5:00pm<br>
End Time: Friday, February 5 at 9:00pm<br>
Where: Mary Potts Studio, 25 E. Cross Street, Ypsilanti MI<br><br><br>Keystone - (Under J Neils) 10pm - 1am - Great Music $1.00 Cover - $1.25 Pabsts and other Drink Specials<br><br><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Stand with Haiti Fundraiser –
Friday, Feb 5<sup>th</sup> from 6-9 pm</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Several community members have
joined forces with Pilar’s Tamales to raise funds to help alleviate suffering
for Haiti’s earthquake victims. We felt moved by the near unfathomable
devastation of this event and feel compelled to take action. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Please join us for a benefit dinner
on Friday, February 5<sup>th</sup>, 2010 (6-9 pm) at the First United Methodist
Church in Ypsilanti, with live music, a silent auction, and members of our
community coming together to support those in need (see attached flyer).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Proceeds from this event will go to
Stand With Haiti/Partners in Health (PIH), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
which has been working on the ground with Haiti for over twenty years. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">**Tickets are $15 for adults and $5
for children. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be purchased
through Pilar's Tamales, 2261 West Liberty or by contacting me (Jessica Faul, <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT204"><a href="mailto:jfaul@umich.edu" target="_blank">jfaul@umich.edu</a></span> or 483-4690).**</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span></p><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><br></span></p><br><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thompson Block Update from Councilman Pete Murdock</span><br>Hi All
-</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">Tuesday, Mr. Beal unveiled
his plan for the Thompson Building. (attached.)</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">It consists of two
parts:</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">The first is a process, in
four phases, to move off of the streets and public areas, that consists mainly
of stabilizing and rebracing the walls from the inside. This would be complete
by November 2010.</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">Long term his plan is to
develop the building by maintaining (restoring?) the existing facade envelope
and building a completely new structure inside of it. There is no definite time
schedule for that project.</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">The second, deals with the
north end of the block which was virtually undamaged by the fire will be
renovated for a single tenant 400-500 capacity bar/restaurant/ club with a live
entertainment venue. This is similar to a proposal he was working on pre-fire
with the same tenant. He is hopeful that the prospective tenant will get his
financing and a Special DDA Liquor license and sign a lease by this
Spring.</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">At the City Council meeting
on Tuesday, February 16th Council will be asked to extend the street closing to
accommodate this plan.</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">Pete</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010">485-7799<br></span></font><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/COMPAQ%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt=""><font face="Arial"><span class="552110822-04022010"></span></font></div><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/COMPAQ%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt=""><p><img src="http://wheelsinmotion.us/merchant/988/images/site/web-banner-INFO-PAGE-WEB.jpg" width="780" height="284"></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://wheelsinmotion.us/merchant/988/images/site/WHATS-THIS.jpg" width="575" height="37"></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Another
FREE event for cyclists? You know it. Its winter people and anything we
can do to motivate the masses to get out on their bikes, we're there.
So grab your bike and lets ride! NO, this is not a race, its a RIDE.
That doesn't mean you have to ride slow, just do what you do and be
nice to other riders doing what they do.<br></span></span></p>
<p><img src="http://wheelsinmotion.us/merchant/988/images/site/WHEN-WHERE.jpg" width="575" height="37"></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;">Big Sunday, February 21st is when it will go down. Starting at <a href="http://www.cafeluwak.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Luwak</a>, smack down in the center of <a href="http://www.depottown.org/" target="_blank">Depot Town, Ypsilanti</a>.
Ride your bike down and get some grub before the ride. If your driving
in, there is plenty of parking in Depot Town and you can park up at the
<a href="http://www.arborbrewing.com/index.php?site=cornerbrewery" target="_blank">Corner Brewery</a> and roll down to Cafe Luwak. All routes will end at the Corner so you'll be all set. </span></p>
<p><img src="http://wheelsinmotion.us/merchant/988/images/site/ROUTES-TIMES.jpg" width="575" height="37"></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks to Tom Lennon & <a href="http://bike.ypsi.org/" target="_blank">Bike Ypsi</a>
we have some good routes picked out. We have start times below and you
can do with those what you want. We'll be at Cafe Luwak handing out
maps for the routes up until about 3:30pm. These times will give you
enough time to ride and get back for the Chili Challenge (see below).
If eating great chili and helping out a great charity is not your
thing, you can roll off your bike and into the <a href="http://www.arborbrewing.com/index.php?site=cornerbrewery" target="_blank">Corner Brewery</a>, into your car, back home on your bike, or whatever.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;">2:30pm 28 Mile Route <span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3449949" title="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3449949">http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3449949</a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;"><br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;">3:00pm 12 Mile Route <span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3449933" title="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3449933">http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3449933</a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;"><br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;">3:30pm 4 Mile Route <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3449959" title="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3449959">http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3449959</a></span></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;">We'll have Bike Ypsi crew out on the rides leading the way and making sure no one gets lost.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;">At the Corner
Brewery we'll have bike parking and people to watch out for your rigs
and keep would be bike thieves away while you eat your chili, drink
your beer, or whatever. The Corner will offer Happy Hour drink prices
for the duration of this event!<br></span></p>
<p><img src="http://wheelsinmotion.us/merchant/988/images/site/CHILI-CHALLENGE.jpg" width="575" height="37"></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;">3-6pm February 21st<br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;">Sposored by <a href="http://www.soscs.org/" target="_blank">SOS Community Services</a>,
this event brings the community together for a good cause and dishes
out the best chili around. All proceeds go to SOS Community Services. <br>What you do is pick up your bowls ($10) at <a href="http://www.cafeluwak.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Luwak</a>
and roll around to the 7 resturants participating this year and fill
your bowl, empty your bowl, & then vote. All the votes will be
counted and the winner will be announced at the Corner Brewery at or
round 6:20pm. Once again, the Corner will be offering Happy Hour prices
on drinks for the event.<br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;">There may even be some live music after the winner is announced. (still working on that one)<br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;">Restaurants competing for this year's title:<br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.cafeluwak.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Luwak</a><br><a href="http://www.aubrees.com/2009/09/30/aubrees-saloon-ypsilantis-depot-town/" target="_blank">Aubrees</a><br><a href="http://www.sidetrackbarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">Sidetrack</a><br><a href="http://www.queenofheartspastries.com/" target="_blank">Queen of Hearts</a><br><a href="http://www.ypsifoodcoop.org/" target="_blank">Ypsi Food Coop</a><br><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=ugly+mug+ypsi&fb=1&gl=us&hq=ugly+mug+ypsi&hnear=Michigan&cid=0,0,2064714603910828670&ei=TI9oS9-6Nsn-nAe--sm3Bw&ved=0CBUQnwIwAw&ll=42.24739,-83.617244&spn=0.007704,0.01929&z=16&iwloc=A" target="_blank">Ugly Mug</a><br><a href="http://www.arborbrewing.com/index.php?site=cornerbrewery" target="_blank">Corner Brewery</a></span></p><p><br></p><p><font style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;" color="#333333" face="Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" size="1"><font size="3">Also, Luwak will be offering a 15% discount on their breakfast buffet to anyone who has a <span class="yshortcuts" style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" id="lw_1265231403_1">bicycle helmet</span>.</font></font><br><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large; font-family: Verdana;"></span></p><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><p><a href="http://www.arborbrewing.com/index.php?site=cornerbrewery" target="_blank"><font style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;" color="#333333" face="Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" size="1">
<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><font style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;" color="#cc0000" face="Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" size="2"><b>
IT'S A CHILI CHALLENGE</b></font></span><br>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Come help Sidetrack defend their title!</span><br><font style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" size="3"><br><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3440224223_3c12c312de.jpg?v=0" alt="opera" dfsrc="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3440224223_3c12c312de.jpg?v=0" vspace="5" width="143" align="right" border="0" height="200" hspace="5"></font>
</font><font style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;" color="#333333" face="Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" size="1"><font size="3">The annual DEPOT TOWN CHILI COOK OFF will be held <span class="yshortcuts" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" id="lw_1265220313_0">on F</span><span class="yshortcuts" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" id="lw_1265220313_0">ebruary 21st</span><br>from <span class="yshortcuts" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" id="lw_1265220313_1">3pm to 6pm</span>.
The cost is $5 for the chili tasting/ judging kit, as well as 10
different types of chili.. The kits will be available from SOS
volunteers at Cafe Luwak on the day of the event.</font></font></a></p><p><br></p><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;">
<div><br></div><font><font><font><font id="role_document" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="2"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><font style="background-color: transparent;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3">What<u><u>:</u></u> Funky Fun Fundraiser for <font><font><font><font id="role_document" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="2"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><font style="background-color: transparent;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"> "Friends of Prospect Park Luna Lake</font></font></font></font></font></font><br>When: February 25th. 2010 8-11pm <br>Where: Frenchie's- The Place to PARTY!<br> --Music by DJ Dannyboy--<br><br> Come
on down to Frenchie's and have dinner and drinks for a good cause! A
portion of the evening's proceeds from Frenchies will to go to Friends
of Prospect Park for the Luna Lake Garden. Eat great food, meet good
friends and help support this local group!<br><br> Can't <font><font><font><font id="role_document" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="2"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><font style="background-color: transparent;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"> make the Frenchies
event? On the 26th, customers</font></font></font></font></font></font> who bring an invite or mention they wish to support the Luna Lake
Garden Project will have a <font><font><font><font id="role_document" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="2"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><font style="background-color: transparent;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"><font><font><font><font id="role_document" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="2"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><font style="background-color: transparent;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3">portion of proceeds from their bill at the Sidetrack donated to the Friends of Prospect Park.<br><br><br></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font></font><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><br><br><br><div><font face="Arial" size="4"><span class="348284714-04022010">From Steve Gross of
Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse (FOYF) on the organizational meeting for
the FOYF Auction Fundraiser planned for the spring. This should be a fun event
and will provide needed resources for getting the Freighthouse ready for
the train arrival in the fall.</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="4"><span class="348284714-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><font size="4">Here we go! Not as much notice as we would like, but....First
meeting for the "The Train Stops Here" fundraiser to benefit the Freight
House is this Monday, 7pm,February the 8th at Frenchie's! This will be the
most important meeting we have as we will present event overview and talk in
depth about soliciting sponsorships and the special, unique gift acquisitions
for both the live and silent auctions. Oh yes, there will be hand
outs.</font></div>
<div><font size="4"> We would like as many people as possible, and all those
interested to attend with the understanding that your involvement does NOT
obligate you to attending meetings on a regular basis. This will be fun and
exciting (for a meeting)!</font></div>
<div> <br><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="968200414-04022010">nformation on the
Detroit-AA comuter train from The Ann Arbor Chronicle report of a presentation
to Ann Arbor City Council by SEMCOG</span></font>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="968200414-04022010"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT135"><a href="http://annarborchronicle.com/2010/02/04/council-talks-transportation-budget/" target="_blank">http://annarborchronicle.com/2010/02/04/council-talks-transportation-budget/</a></span></span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="968200414-04022010">Looks like still on
target for Fall 2010 start but with a scaled back schedule.</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="968200414-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="968200414-04022010">Pete</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="968200414-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="968200414-04022010">485-7799</span></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="968200414-04022010"></span></font> </div>
<div><em>East-West Commuter Rail</em></div>
<div>
<p><em>A presentation to the council at the start of the meeting on the
east-west commuter rail project was followed up by discussion by
councilmembers</em></p>
<h4><em>East-West Commuter Rail: Presentation</em></h4>
<p><em>Carmine Polombo, transportation planner with the Southeast Michigan
Council of Governments (SEMCOG), gave the council a presentation on proposed
commuter rail service between Detroit and Ann Arbor.</em></p>
<p><em>Polombo pointed the council to </em><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT136"><a href="http://www.semcog.org/AADD.aspx" target="_blank"><font color="#000000"><em>SEMCOG’s</em></font></a></span><em> website, where monthly updates on
the east-west Detroit-to-Ann Arbor commuter rail project could be found. He
described the project as a partnership among various government entities
including SEMCOG, the Michigan Department of Transportation and the governor’s
office. Certain elements of the project had started to become concrete, he
reported, which include the leasing of locomotives and the award of a contract
to refurbish nine train cars for the east-west project, plus an additional six
cars for WALLY – a separate north-south commuter rail project. Refurbished cars,
Polombo said, would start rolling off the line by June of this year: “That’s a
go,” he said.</em></p>
<p><em>Two additional stations, he reported, would need to be constructed – one
in Depot Town in Ypsilanti, and the other in Westland. Of the six environmental
documents required by the Federal Railroad Administration, Polombo reported that
four had been completed. He described how computer simulations that had been run
– in order to minimize potential conflicts between the commuter service and
other existing service – had shown that even a five-minute window adjusted in
one direction or another could mean the difference between needing to add more
track and not.</em></p>
<p><em>He stressed the importance of the need to coordinate with other transit
agencies so that passengers could get access to the stations, and from the
stations to their final destination. He described it as needing to make sure
that we can “feed this beast.” The linchpin to the system, he said, is in
Detroit – there is a section of track that goes from two tracks down to one
track, and back to two tracks again – that would need around $12 million worth
of improvements, he said.</em></p>
<p><em>As far as next steps, he said, finding more money to fund the project was
crucial. The Federal Railroad Administration had awarded through the stimulus
package some money to construct two new stations. But Polombo said that they
were “sort of hoping for a few more dollars.” They would, therefore, be
exploring plans B, C, D, and F. He alluded to the federal TIGER grants
(Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) that involved the
awarding of $1.5 billion nationally – announcement of those grants is expected
by Feb. 14. In addition, he said they were preparing for the possibility of yet
another stimulus package being offered by the federal government.</em></p>
<p><em>They have secured a request for proposals to select an operator for the
service – the contract cannot just be given to Amtrak, he said. Because of the
federal dollars being used, a bidding process for the service was necessary.
Later, in response to questions from council members, Polombo said that the
Detroit railroads might have issues if anyone other than Amtrak were awarded the
contract to operate the service.</em></p>
<h4><em>East-West Commuter Rail: Deliberations</em></h4>
<p><em>Mayor John Hieftje led off conversation among councilmembers by stating
that he had been receiving regular updates from SEMCOG. Hieftje then prodded
Polombo to express some confidence that the service would actually begin this
year. Polombo confirmed that something would be rolling, but seemed interested
in lowering expectations of what the early service might look like.</em></p>
<p><em>Polombo described it as involving individual day trips – University of
Michigan football games, events like Restaurant Week in Ann Arbor, Thanksgiving
day, or trips to the Henry Ford Museum. Polombo also stressed that the Norfolk
Southern part of the route needs track work. What is really important, Polombo
said, is reliable, safe, on-time service.</em></p>
<p><em>Hieftje then stated that he had been part of those conversations for a
long time, whereas some people have not. Hieftje said he appreciated the idea
that the strategy would be to grow into the service, not start it all at
once.</em></p>
<p><em>Sabra Briere (Ward 1) asked about a $3.5 million federal earmark for the
project, which required a 20% match. She asked where the match would come from.
Polombo explained that one possibility would be that the Michigan Department of
Transportation would provide cash for the match – that would be the best
possible situation. However, another strategy would be to use a “soft match” –
the construction of stations in Westland and Ypsilanti, which would not be done
with federal funds, could be used as soft match money.</em></p>
<p><em>Tony Derezinski (Ward 2) asked about some preliminary awards for
high-speed rail links that had recently gone to other parts of the country –
were we now excluded? Polombo said no, there was still a possibility for
that.</em></p>
<p><em>Sandi Smith (Ward 1) asked if the proposed Fuller Road transit station
would qualify as a soft match. Polombo’s answer was that the station had been
submitted as part of a TIGER grant and that it would all depend on the timing.
The point is, Polombo said, we have a station now [the Amtrak station], we can
use it, and make it work. If the new station were to be built, he said, the
service can be made to work there, too.</em></p>
<p><em>Carsten Hohnke (Ward 5) asked Polombo about the challenge of getting
people the last mile to their destination – Ann Arbor had a plan that involved
construction of the Fuller Road station. What are other communities doing,
wondered Hohnke. Polombo described how </em><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT137"><a href="http://www.smartbus.org/" target="_blank"><font color="#000000"><em>SMART</em></font></a></span><em>, the metro Detroit transit agency,
was mapping their services – in Dearborn for example.</em></p>
<p><em>Mike Anglin (Ward 5) asked what discussions with Amtrak had been like.
Polombo said that Amtrak had been a partner from the start of the project and
that they would like to be a service provider for the project. But because the
project was using a substantial number of federal dollars, the contract for
operation of the service would need to be bid out. One potential problem, he
said, was that the Detroit railroads say that if the service provider is not
Amtrak, they might have a prob<span class="968200414-04022010">lem.</span></em></p><p><em><span class="968200414-04022010"></span></em></p><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crossroads Festival Survey -</span> Don't forget to tell them their sound guys are horrible<br><br>We need your help selecting performers for 2010 Crossroads. Please use the<br>following link to send us your feedback. Thank you to all of the local<br>musicians who submitted your press packs to be considered for 2010<br>Crossroads. The application process is now closed.<br><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT159"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CVN2QV8">http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CVN2QV8</a><br><br></span><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT159"><br></span><p><em><span class="968200414-04022010"><br></span></em></p></div></div><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/COMPAQ%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt=""></div></body></html>