<html><head><style type='text/css'>p { margin: 0; }</style></head><body><div style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000'>Hello Neighbors,<br><br> It was fun hanging out with so many of you last night at the Corner Brewery for St. Patrick's day. It certainly made me remember why I like our neighborhood so much. <br><br> So what is going on you ask?<br><br> Here are answers:<br><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The St. PAWdy's Day Parade - 'march of the mutts' is in Depot Town on Saturday.</span> Dress your dog(s) and come on down Saturday at 12:30pm. Details are below</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">'The Friends of Prospect Park ' MEETING next Monday March 22, 7pm</span> in the multi-purpose room of Adams School..Enter from the North Parking lot. - these are fine folks that got the birdhouse rebuilt, kept the park clean last summer, Continued work on the Luna Lake Native Plants Garden, Put on the Luna Lake Hoedown, and laid the Mulch on the Playground. I encourage you to become a part of this group which gets things done with a combination of volunteers, City (workers and $), The Ypsilanti School district, and the YMCA. The major projects for 2010 will be: A community garden in the park, Repairing and Painting at least one of the pavilions and equipping it with rain barrels for the garden. </li><li><div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="733194520-17032010"><span style="font-weight: bold;">107 East Cross Demolition to Begin -</span> Monday's deadline
passed without any appeal being filed by Mr. Kircher for 107 E Cross Street
(building behind Thompson block). The City has a court order to demolish and
will be proceeding with demolition as soon as possible. At least this saga is
coming to an end - I think.</span></font></div></li><li><b><font class="Apple-style-span" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span">Clean Energy Coalition Kicks-Off 2010 Rebuild Ypsilanti Program - Details Below</span></font></b></li><li><b><font class="Apple-style-span" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span">Youth Master Gardener Program beginning soon - Details Below</span></font></b></li><li><b><font class="Apple-style-span" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span">The Mayor's State of the City Letter - Look Below</span></font></b></li><li><b><font class="Apple-style-span" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span">Cafe' Luwak is not just sandwiches anymore they now has some great Lunch Specials and breakfast daily. </span></font></b><font class="Apple-style-span" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span">A large Portion of Vegetarian or Meat Lasagna with side salad and garlic bread for $6.49 -- This is a great deal. If you missed your Corned Beef Luwak has an excellent Corned Beef and Cabbage dish too. Don't forget the sandwiches, ice-cream, and coffee too. <br></span></font></li></ul>I think that is about all I have for today.<br>Take care,<br>Kurt<br>prospectparkneighborhood@comcast.net<br><br><br><br><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><br>Come on down to Depot Town Saturday, March 20th for the St. Pawdy's Day, March of the Mutts, Pet Parade!!<br>Registration will be at 12:30 PM. Parade will start at Sidetrack, in Depot Town and end at Riverside Park Parade starts @ 1 PM.<br>Pets Supplies Plus is providing Doggie Treat Bags for participants:<br><br>Special Grand Prizes for the:<br>Cutest dog<br>Best costume<br>Ugliest dog<br>Best behaved dog<br>Most Irish dog<br>Dog that looks most like their owner.<br><br>Suggested
entry fee for the contest is $5/dog, with all proceeds benefiting the
HURON VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY. Registration Parking will be at the
parking lot on Rice Street, South of E Forest. Local merchants will be
offering special sales and treats for dogs and their owners, so come on
down with the family on March 20th and celebrate the first day of
Spring!<br><br>For more information go to: <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT458">depottownpromotions@gmail.com</span>.<br><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><br><div><b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</b>, March 17, 2010 </div><div>Contact: Joshua Brugeman, Project Manager</div><div>Email: <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT712"><a href="mailto:josh@cec-mi.org" target="_blank">josh@cec-mi.org</a></span></div><div>Phone: 888.818.0987 x 708</div><div><br></div><div><b><font class="Apple-style-span" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span">Clean Energy Coalition Kicks-Off 2010 Rebuild Ypsilanti Program</span></font></b></div><div><i><font class="Apple-style-span" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span">Improving Energy Efficiency for Commercial Buildings in Ypsilanti</span></font></i></div><div><br></div><div><b>YPSILANTI, MI</b> –
Clean Energy Coalition (CEC), an Ypsilanti-based nonprofit organization
promoting clean energy technologies, is kicking off its 2010 Rebuild
Ypsilanti Program, a project aimed to reduce energy costs by assisting
Ypsilanti commercial building owners with energy efficiency
improvements. Commercial buildings include offices, retail space,
restaurants, multifamily residential units, and more.</div><div><br></div><div>“Clean
Energy Coalition is based in Ypsilanti. We’re extremely excited to work
right here in the community towards energy efficiency practices that
will help building owners reduce their operating costs and avoid the
challenges of rising energy prices,” said Sean Reed, CEC’s Executive
Director.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Getting Involved</b></div><div>The general public is invited to the 2010 Rebuild Ypsilanti meeting:</div><div><br></div><div><b><i>Increasing Your Energy Efficiency and Your Bottom Line</i></b></div><div>RSVP Required</div><div>April 29th, 10AM – 12PM</div><div>Ypsilanti District Library</div><div>5577 Whittaker Road</div><div>Ypsilanti, MI 48197</div><div><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT713"><a href="http://www.ypsilibrary.org/" target="_blank">www.ypsilibrary.org</a></span></div><div><br></div><div>This
meeting will include an update on Rebuild Ypsilanti program as well as
expert speakers on energy efficiency, financing options, and financial
incentive opportunities for energy conservation measures (RSVP
required, as space is limited).</div><div><br></div><div>The Rebuild
Ypsilanti program also provides complimentary energy audits to owners
and renters of commercial buildings in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti
Township. If you are interested in receiving an audit, please complete
an application online at <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT714"><a href="http://cec-mi.org/" target="_blank">cec-mi.org</a></span>.</div><div><br></div><div>To get involved in Rebuild Ypsilanti or to RSVP for the Kick-off meeting, please contact Joshua Brugeman at <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT715"><a href="mailto:josh@cec-mi.org" target="_blank">josh@cec-mi.org</a></span>. For more details about the project, visit our website at <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT716"><a href="http://cec-mi.org/" target="_blank">cec-mi.org</a></span>.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Program Benefits</b></div><div>For owners and renters of commercial buildings in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, Rebuild Ypsilanti Program will provide:</div><div><br></div><div><ul class="MailOutline"><li>Free and Reduced Cost Energy Audits</li><li>Technical Guides</li><li>Print and Electronic Publications</li><li>Financial Strategies for Energy Projects</li><li>National, Regional, and Local Workshops & Meetings</li><li>Key Program News</li><li>Reduced costs on energy efficiency products</li><li>Access to incentive and project management specialists</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>These
resources will assist program participants in improving the energy
efficiency of their facilities, which will not only reduce operating
costs, but also improve comfort and health for building occupants and
the environment by preventing pollution.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Increasing Energy Costs and Potential Savings</b></div><div>Over
the next five years, demand for natural gas and electricity are
expected to increase by 4.36 percent and 8.29 percent respectively.i
With increased demand comes increased prices. Electricity supplied to
the Ypsilanti region through DTE has increased 13.1 percentii over the
last year. For the businesses in Ypsilanti, rising energy prices
have become a significant burden on their operating costs.</div><div><br></div><div>Energy
efficiency improvements can result in substantial energy savings. For
example, savings of $.50 per square foot is readily achievable.
Although the savings will vary significantly from building to building,
a 100,000 sq. ft. commercial building could realize annual savings of
$50,000. Even simple solutions such as lighting and HVAC retrofits can
generate noticeable results. It’s possible to save up to 40 percent on
lighting costs alone by switching to T8 fluorescent lights from older
T12 lights.iii Also, by installing a programmable thermostat to
automatically set back during unoccupied hours, buildings can decrease
energy use up to 16 percent.iv Many of these energy efficiency measures
offer a payback period of less than 5 years.</div><div><br></div><div>Freeing
up this money from decreased energy usage will serve the other budget
areas of participants, feeding local economies and the community. The
Rebuild Ypsilanti program is part of a greater emphasis on energy
efficiency, renewable energy and energy independence on the local,
state and national levels. The program is part of the Rebuild Michigan
program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and
administered by the State of Michigan Energy Office (Bureau of Energy
Systems), which promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy
development and use with Michigan residents, businesses and public
institutions. Local officials, businesses and organizations are
enthusiastic about the continuation of the program.</div><div><br></div><div>A
variety of incentives are available to commercial building owners in
Ypsilanti. The incentives include federal tax reductions and utility
optimization funds that help offset the initial cost of equipment and
shorten payback periods. The Rebuild Ypsilanti program guides building
owners through the process of leveraging all possible incentives.</div><div><br></div><div>Current
committed stakeholders include 1st Step Referral Services, A3C
Collaborative Architects, AWTEC, City of Ypsilanti, Corner Brewery,
Cribley Drilling Co, Inc., Depot Town CDC, Detroit Regional Chapter US
Green Building Council, Dragon's Hoard Accounting, Eagle's Net Laundry,
Gross Electric, Growing Hope, Haab's Restaurant, Houdini's Cleaners and
Laundryland, Impact Energy Management, Jacobsen/Daniels Associates,
Kenco Energy Services, Manchester and Associates, Materials Unlimited,
Michigan IR, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Riverside Manor
Apartments, SecurAlarm Systems, Inc., SOS Community Services, Stadium
Meadows Condominium Association, Vanston / O'Brien Inc., W. W.
Grainger, Inc., Willow Building, Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce,
Ypsilanti District Library, Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority,
Ypsilanti Food Co-op. Please contact us if you are interested in
becoming a stakeholder. We are always looking for new partnerships!</div><div><br></div><div><b>About The Clean Energy Coalition</b></div><div>CEC
is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting clean
energy technologies as a way to create healthier, energy independent
communities. CEC implements, manages, and evaluates cost effective,
market transformation projects and programs in the building and
transportation sectors. For more information visit <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT717"><a href="http://cec-mi.org/" target="_blank">cec-mi.org</a></span>.<br><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(91, 168, 79);">It's springtime! And, it
is a great time to think about gardening--for children!</span></strong>
<p>The 4-H Junior Master Gardener program is now accepting applications from
youth ages 9-11. This program hosted by MSU Extension program is open to
all county residents, but there is so much interest in gardening in Ypsi, that
this is a great opportunity for children you know to learn more about
gardening. They could even consider learning about business and trying
out the Farmer's Market. The registration deadline is April 26,
2010. The program begins in May and there is a fee to participate in this
six-week program. </p>
<p>Please click on "Jr. Master Gardener" at the following link
or call (734) 997-1678 for more information: <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT740"><a href="http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/extension/4-H" target="_blank">http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/extension/4-H</a></span>.</p><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><br><div class="Section1">
<p class="MsoHeader"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">March 16,
2010</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Dear Ypsilanti Neighbors and
Friends:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The state of
the City of Ypsilanti in 2010 is a mix of good and bad. Michigan’s economic
crisis is forcing expenditure reductions and layoffs for Ypsilanti as well as
many other Michigan cities. But Ypsilanti’s geographic, cultural, and urban
advantages are attracting businesses and families and will keep Ypsilanti
thriving. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">In the first
half of this message, I will feature the many good things happening in our city.
In the second half, I will discuss the fiscal challenges facing Ypsilanti.
</span></p>
<h1>Retooling in Ypsilanti</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Last year I
cited the former Ford automotive parts plant as an example of Michigan’s
economic crisis coming to Ypsilanti. Since then, <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT757"><a href="http://www.angstrom-usa.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Angstrom USA</span></a></span></b>, an
automotive supplier that produces aluminum tubing and needle bearing assemblies,
has purchased the property. As part of the sale, the oldest building on the site
will be demolished. The retooled facility will provide jobs and tax revenue
again, but on a smaller scale. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Angstrom USA
is one of many retooling efforts happening in Ypsilanti. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">For example,
in downtown: </span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">the <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT758"><a href="http://www.cornerhealth.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Corner Health
Center</span></a></span></b> celebrated its renovations and expansion into the next
store front,</span> </li></ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT759"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ypsilanti-MI/mix-new-and-used-Ypsilanti-MI/185271216900?v=photos" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Mix</span></a></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">, a collection of clothes and other
items new and used, opened on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Adams
Street,</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT760"><a href="http://www.annarborusa.org/start-ups/spark-incubator/spark-east-incubator/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">SPARK
East</span></a></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">, a
hub of small business entrepreneurship in Ypsilanti, opened last spring on
Michigan Avenue,</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT761"><a href="http://ypsilantidda.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Ypsilanti Downtown
Development Authority</span></a></span></b> installed attractive decorative lighting
along Michigan Avenue,</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT762"><a href="http://pufferreds.com/main/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Puffer
Reds</span></a></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> on
Michigan Avenue took advantage of the state façade grant to spruce up their
east store front, and</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT763"><a href="http://www.thomasblondisalon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Thomas
Blondi</span></a></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">
opened a very sharp looking styling salon on North Huron
Street.</span> </li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">North of
downtown:</span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT764"><a href="http://www.vgkids.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">VG
Kids</span></a></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">
found a larger space on Railroad Street and will move their printing operation
from their downtown Michigan Avenue location,</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">James Marks, owner of <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT765"><a href="http://www.vgkids.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">VG Kids</span></a></span>, has fully
leased <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT766"><a href="http://www.spurstudios.org/about.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Spur
Studios</span></a></span></b></span>─<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">a collection of private work spaces
for artists on Lowell Street,</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT767"><a href="http://schoolpictures.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Schoolpictures.com</span></a></span>,</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> at the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT768"><a href="http://www.concentratemedia.com/devnews/schoolpicturesypsilanti0068.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">former Ave Maria
Campus</span></a></span> on West Forest, is expecting to be designated the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT769"><a href="http://www.concentratemedia.com/devnews/schoolpicturesypsilanti0068.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">first pre-1950 building in
Michigan with Silver LEED status</span></a></span> for environmental friendliness,
and</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT770"><a href="http://cityofypsilanti.com/news/LeForge%20Bridge%20Repairs" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">LeForge Street
bridge</span></a></span></b> has been repaired.</span> </li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">In the Depot
Town area:</span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT771"><a href="http://www.foyf.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Friends of the Freight
House</span></a></span></b> received a $500,000 stimulus grant for exterior repairs
to the Freight House and will be hosting “<b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT772"><a href="http://zh-cn.facebook.com/ypsilanti.freighthouse?ref=share#%21/ypsilanti.freighthouse?v=wall&viewas=0&ref=share" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Train Stops
Here</span></a></span></b>” fundraiser at the <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT773"><a href="http://www.michiganfirehousemuseum.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Firehouse
Museum</span></a></span></b> on Thursday, April 9, </span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Plans for the <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT774"><a href="http://www.annarbor.com/2009/11/15/Cross_streetscape_concepts.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">East and West Cross
streetscape renovation project</span></a></span></b> are being drawn up,
and</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The <b>Friends of Prospect Park</b>
won the <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT775"><a href="http://www.keepmichiganbeautiful.org/fpp09.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Keep Michigan
Beautiful</span></a></span></b> <b>Award</b> for programs and activities that
substantially contribute to environmental improvement, clean up,
beautification, site restoration, and historic preservation.</span>
</li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">South of
Michigan Avenue:</span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT776"><a href="http://www.thehopeclinic.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">HOPE Clinic</span></a></span></b> on
Harriet Street continues their expansion, </span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The former <b>Cannon’s</b> store at
South Hamilton and Harriet streets has been remodeled and is ready for retail
tenants,</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT777"><a href="http://cityofypsilanti.com/services/recreation/recreational_facilities/pcc" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Parkridge Community
Center</span></a></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">
has been renovated with $78,000 in federal funds,</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The Harriet Street corridor<b>
</b>is slated to receive $20,000 in federal funds through the <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT778"><a href="http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/community_development/urban_county" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Washtenaw Urban
County</span></a></span> </b>to pay for the planning of pedestrian-access
improvements, healthy food initiatives, and job creation,
and</span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT779"><a href="http://city-ypsilanti.org/boards/bd_housing" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Ypsilanti Housing
Commission</span></a></span></b> is negotiating with the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT780"><a href="http://hud.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Federal Department of Housing
and Urban Development</span></a></span> to renovate <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT781"><a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/court-orders-hud-action-on-parkview-apartments-in-ypsilanti/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Parkview
Apartments</span></a></span></b>.</span> </li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">On the West
Side:</span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT782"><a href="http://ypsiciti.com/section/Community/College%20Place%20street%20repairs%20begin%20in%20summer-article-1539.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">College
Place</span></a></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">
will be finally be repaved, </span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">A sidewalk has been installed in
front of <b>West Middle School,</b></span>
</li><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Mansfield Street</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> repaving will continue this year,
and</span> </li></ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT783"><a href="http://www.socializr.com/organization/ypsipool" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Friends of Rutherford
Pool</span></a></span></b> held their <b><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT784"><a href="http://www.socializr.com/event/420844816" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Seeking a Clear
Vision</span></a></span></b> event to drum up support for renovating Rutherford
Pool.</span> </li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<h1>Fiscal Challenges</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Ypsilanti
property owners recently received their property value assessments. The
good news: property taxes are going down. The bad news: property tax revenues
for the city of Ypsilanti are declining.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Although the
Water Street bond payments are kicking in with no compensating tax revenue in
sight, lower tax revenues are the major cause of Ypsilanti’s economic crisis. <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT785"><a href="http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/washtenaw-county-residential-property-values-still-falling-in-2010/index.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Reductions in property
tax</span></a></span> and state revenues will create annual deficits starting in 2011
(<a href="mail#Current_Revenues_Expenditures"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Figure 1</span></a>).
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">This stark
economic scenario has prompted Ypsilanti City Council to cut expenditures
starting in 2011. These cuts, representing 10 percent of the budget, will save
up to $1.4 million per year. City council’s target expenditure reductions delay
annual deficits until 2012 (<a href="mail#Target_Revenues_Expenditures"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Figure 2</span></a>).
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Fortunately,
the city has budgeted conservatively through the years and has $10.4 million in
reserves as of 2009 (<a href="mail#Fund_Balance_Projections"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Figure 3</span></a>). Cutting
expenditures now will keep Ypsilanti sustainable until 2015 and buy time for
collaboration with neighboring municipalities who are also facing lower tax
revenues.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<h1>City Staff Changes </h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">In <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT786"><a href="http://cityofypsilanti.com/bd_city-council/Mayor%20Updates/2009-02" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">2008 the city cut a dozen
vacant staff positions without layoffs.</span></a></span> But this year the tough
expenditure cuts include closing City Hall for thirteen furlough days and laying
off five police officers and three to six firefighters. In spite of these
reductions, emergency response and public safety will continue to be top
priorities in the city of Ypsilanti.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoHeader"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">In January,
Ypsilanti police lieutenant Amy Walker was sworn in as the city’s police chief.
At a recent neighborhood meeting her leadership was on display. Speaking of
personnel cuts in the police department, Chief Walker assured residents that “we
will be here for you.” She could have easily been speaking for the entire
city.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoHeader"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">With best
regards,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT787"><a href="mailto:mayor@cityofypsilanti.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Paul
Schreiber</span></a></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Mayor, <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT788"><a href="http://www.cityofypsilanti.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">City of
Ypsilanti</span></a></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">734.277.5446</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"> </span></p></div><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><br style="page-break-before: always;" clear="all"></span>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoHeader" align="center"><a name="Current_Revenues_Expenditures"></a><img src="cid:image007.jpg@01CAC48A.D99015B0" id="Picture_x0020_4" height="487" width="713" border="0"></p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoHeader"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Figure 1 is a graph
of the city of Ypsilanti general fund projected revenues minus expenditures in
<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);">blue</span> and the Water Street bond payments in
<span style="color: rgb(250, 191, 143);">orange</span>. With no expenditure
reductions, lower property tax and state revenues will create annual deficits
starting in 2011.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoHeader" align="center"> </p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><br style="page-break-before: always;" clear="all"></span>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoHeader" align="center"><a name="Target_Revenues_Expenditures"></a><img src="cid:image008.jpg@01CAC48A.D99015B0" id="Picture_x0020_5" height="486" width="712" border="0"></p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Figure 2 is a graph
of the city of Ypsilanti general fund projected revenues minus expenditures at
targeted expenditure levels in <span style="color: rgb(146, 208, 80);">green</span> and the
Water Street bond payment in <span style="color: rgb(250, 191, 143);">orange</span>. City
council’s target expenditure reductions delay annual deficits until
2012.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"> </p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><br style="page-break-before: always;" clear="all"></span>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><a name="Fund_Balance_Projections"></a><img src="cid:image009.jpg@01CAC48A.D99015B0" id="Picture_x0020_6" height="495" width="726" border="0"></p>
<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Figure 3 is a graph
of the city of Ypsilanti’s combined reserves using projections for declining tax
revenue and two options for expenditures. The <span style="color: rgb(0, 32, 96);">blue
line</span> shows reserves without expenditure reductions and the <span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);">green line</span> shows reserves with expenditure
reductions. Cutting expenditures now will keep Ypsilanti sustainable until 2015
and buy time for collaboration with neighboring municipalities who are also
facing lower tax revenues.<br></span><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><br><br></span><p><br></p></div></div></body></html>