In November 2002, the Dicken neighborhood of Ann Arbor received alarming news that a large Novi development corporation planned to install their standard large mass townhouse developments in the midst of our neighborhood of single family homes. The developer, we learned, is homogenizing S.E. Michigan with major developments in over 16 area communities to-date, and more on the way. Their vision for our neighborhood called for 3+ story high, large mass buildings dropped within 25 feet of the existing houses, most of which are single story ranch homes. While there is nothing wrong with townhouse developments in general, the proposed new large mass apartment style structures would tower over and dwarf the adjacent houses of the existing neighborhood. And worse, the developer's profit was to be realized at the expense of a beautiful wooded natural area, home of important natural features including wetlands, woodlands, significant slopes, and extensive wildlife. The site, known as Dicken Woods, lies within the headwaters of Allen's Creek, itself an important environmental entity in Ann Arbor with a major impact on the quality of the Huron River.

But the story doesn't end there ... [Read More ...]

The developer has the money, but it's our neighborhood, our city, and our Master Plan. And we're saving Dicken Woods!

The Friends of Dicken Woods next meeting is tentatively scheduled for early February 2004. More details to come on exact date/time. All are welcome! Please join, even if you can only stay for part of the meeting. There are no further obligations (though any help is welcome!), just come along, meet your neighbors and other concerned citizens, and stay informed.

The Friends met most recently on November 3, 2003. The meeting minutes are available.