In the context of turning the library lot into a commons, I see lots of open space including grassy areas, some sheltered/covered space, benches, and a stage or other structure that would allow for events including concerts and rallies. A well-maintained public bathroom would also be essential.
What experiences support your ideal commons?
Community events including concerts, fairs and festivals, meetings and rallies.
(1=A good idea, 4=Not in favor)
Sit and talk with friends - 1
Buy from a food vendor - 3
Meditate in a garden or grassy area - 1
Get help - 1
Work at an office - 4
Listen to live music - 1
Watch children at play - 1
Sit quietly and read a book - 1
Use a public rest room - 1
Visit the downtown library - 1
Attend a private/public celebration - 1
Skate on an ice rink - 4
Experience a water fountain - 2
Have a drink at an indoor/outdoor cafe - 4
Learn about the city’s history - 3
Attend a kid’s program - 1
Catch the time at a clock tower - 2
Come home to your apartment - 4
Appreciate an artistic sculpture - 2
Use a computer in an internet “hot spot” - 2
Experience a memorial - 2
Attend a conference - 3
Participate in a hands-on crafts activity - 2
Buy incidentals from a store - 4
Do you have any comments on the listed activities?
There should be no for-profit commercial businesses in the commons, except possibly local food vendors (eg food trucks or booths) during specific public events. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area.
What type of activity would you especially imagine for yourself?
I imagine sitting there to rest, read, drink a coffee during an occasional leisurely afternoon downtown. I would go out of my way to attend concerts, rallies, fairs, and other free community events if they were held on the commons.
Name a potential audience/user group of the Commons. (For example, senior citizens, children, etc.).
Low-income and homeless people
What does this user hear in the Commons?
The sounds of people talking, laughing, kids playing, music
What does this user see in the Commons?
A diverse mix of community members - downtown workers and city residents, out-of-town visitors, students, etc all having a nice time
What does this user do in the Commons?
This user exists like a respected member of the community
What does this user feel in the Commons?
This user feels welcome and comfortable and respected
Besides the user group you named above, what additional audiences do you think might use the Commons?
EVERYONE. That is the point of a commons.
Do you have other ideas that would help create an inspirational Community Commons leaving a lasting legacy?
Make it accessible to everyone including the poor and the disabled.
Are there any additional thoughts about the Commons you would like to share with the Task Force?
The commons should be for everyone. If that's not the case, it isn't a commons.
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.
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What does your ideal commons look like?
In the context of turning the library lot into a commons, I see lots of open space including grassy areas, some sheltered/covered space, benches, and a stage or other structure that would allow for events including concerts and rallies. A well-maintained public bathroom would also be essential.
What experiences support your ideal commons?
Community events including concerts, fairs and festivals, meetings and rallies.
(1=A good idea, 4=Not in favor)
Do you have any comments on the listed activities?
There should be no for-profit commercial businesses in the commons, except possibly local food vendors (eg food trucks or booths) during specific public events. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area.
What type of activity would you especially imagine for yourself?
I imagine sitting there to rest, read, drink a coffee during an occasional leisurely afternoon downtown. I would go out of my way to attend concerts, rallies, fairs, and other free community events if they were held on the commons.
Name a potential audience/user group of the Commons. (For example, senior citizens, children, etc.).
Low-income and homeless people
What does this user hear in the Commons?
The sounds of people talking, laughing, kids playing, music
What does this user see in the Commons?
A diverse mix of community members - downtown workers and city residents, out-of-town visitors, students, etc all having a nice time
What does this user do in the Commons?
This user exists like a respected member of the community
What does this user feel in the Commons?
This user feels welcome and comfortable and respected
Besides the user group you named above, what additional audiences do you think might use the Commons?
EVERYONE. That is the point of a commons.
Do you have other ideas that would help create an inspirational Community Commons leaving a lasting legacy?
Make it accessible to everyone including the poor and the disabled.
Are there any additional thoughts about the Commons you would like to share with the Task Force?
The commons should be for everyone. If that's not the case, it isn't a commons.
What would make it easier for you to engage with the City of Ann Arbor?
No response.