Above all, the commons should be a space that attracts people and is active day and night and throughout the year. Exactly what comprises the commons is a secondary consideration. The important thing is to give people a reason to visit it.
What experiences support your ideal commons?
No response.
(1=A good idea, 4=Not in favor)
Sit and talk with friends - 1
Buy from a food vendor - 1
Meditate in a garden or grassy area - 4
Get help - 4
Work at an office - 2
Listen to live music - 2
Watch children at play - 4
Sit quietly and read a book - 3
Use a public rest room - 3
Visit the downtown library - 1
Attend a private/public celebration - 1
Skate on an ice rink - 4
Experience a water fountain - 4
Have a drink at an indoor/outdoor cafe - 1
Learn about the city’s history - 4
Attend a kid’s program - 1
Catch the time at a clock tower - 4
Come home to your apartment - 1
Appreciate an artistic sculpture - 2
Use a computer in an internet “hot spot” - 2
Experience a memorial - 4
Attend a conference - 3
Participate in a hands-on crafts activity - 4
Buy incidentals from a store - 1
Do you have any comments on the listed activities?
We have to keep in mind that the library lot is actually a small space, and one that already contains two structures (access points to the garage). I'm skeptical that an ice rink large enough to be useful would fit. Is there any demand for a clock tower, or for panels about the city's history? Would these ever draw people to the space?
What type of activity would you especially imagine for yourself?
No response.
Name a potential audience/user group of the Commons. (For example, senior citizens, children, etc.).
Why are we asking this question? Naming user groups already limits the discussion about who the commons is intended for.
What does this user hear in the Commons?
I hear people.
What does this user see in the Commons?
People
What does this user do in the Commons?
No response.
What does this user feel in the Commons?
No response.
Besides the user group you named above, what additional audiences do you think might use the Commons?
No response.
Do you have other ideas that would help create an inspirational Community Commons leaving a lasting legacy?
No response.
Are there any additional thoughts about the Commons you would like to share with the Task Force?
The idea of putting a park or library "green" atop a parking garage was absurd to begin with. A plaza will simply be a dead zone in cold weather or after dark. When I think of a lively "center" in Ann Arbor, I think of the Kerrytown/Farmers Market block. The library lot is too small, however, to reproduce anything similar to that.
What would make it easier for you to engage with the City of Ann Arbor?
No response.
A2 Open City Hall is not a certified voting system or ballot box. As with any public comment process, participation in A2 Open City Hall is voluntary. The responses in this record are not necessarily representative of the whole population, nor do they reflect the opinions of any government agency or elected officials.
What does your ideal commons look like?
Above all, the commons should be a space that attracts people and is active day and night and throughout the year. Exactly what comprises the commons is a secondary consideration. The important thing is to give people a reason to visit it.
What experiences support your ideal commons?
No response.(1=A good idea, 4=Not in favor)
Do you have any comments on the listed activities?
We have to keep in mind that the library lot is actually a small space, and one that already contains two structures (access points to the garage). I'm skeptical that an ice rink large enough to be useful would fit. Is there any demand for a clock tower, or for panels about the city's history? Would these ever draw people to the space?
What type of activity would you especially imagine for yourself?
No response.Name a potential audience/user group of the Commons. (For example, senior citizens, children, etc.).
Why are we asking this question? Naming user groups already limits the discussion about who the commons is intended for.
What does this user hear in the Commons?
I hear people.
What does this user see in the Commons?
People
What does this user do in the Commons?
No response.What does this user feel in the Commons?
No response.Besides the user group you named above, what additional audiences do you think might use the Commons?
No response.Do you have other ideas that would help create an inspirational Community Commons leaving a lasting legacy?
No response.Are there any additional thoughts about the Commons you would like to share with the Task Force?
The idea of putting a park or library "green" atop a parking garage was absurd to begin with. A plaza will simply be a dead zone in cold weather or after dark. When I think of a lively "center" in Ann Arbor, I think of the Kerrytown/Farmers Market block. The library lot is too small, however, to reproduce anything similar to that.
What would make it easier for you to engage with the City of Ann Arbor?
No response.