It is a multi-use, multi-age mixture of public space and small (micro) private enterprise. A place to relax and just be, to interact with fellow citizens, where everyone feels welcome and no one feels the pressure to buy something in order to be allowed to occupy space (anti-commercial), but where refreshments and other "incidentals" are available to purchase. I envision something like a large open plaza with a few cafes, bars, and small shops on its perifery. There might be a day set aside for a market where local producers sell their wares. Retailers might enjoy tax breaks or other subsidies in order to be able to operate in a way that doesn't require patrons to hurry in and out or spend lots of money.
What experiences support your ideal commons?
My experience of European cities. What makes most European cities so much more livable than American ones is the existence of public spaces where residents are encouraged to just BE (rather than to be en route to somewhere else). There is not a lot that goes into a Spanish or Italian plaza. It is paved and maybe has a few trees. The main thing is that it is an open, public, civic space.
(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 - 3
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 - 2
Visit the downtown library - 1
Attend a private/public celebration - 3
Skate on an ice rink - 4
Experience a water fountain - 1
Have a drink at an indoor/outdoor cafe - 1
Learn about the city’s history - 2
Attend a kid’s program - 1
Catch the time at a clock tower - 4
Come home to your apartment - 4
Appreciate an artistic sculpture - 4
Use a computer in an internet “hot spot” - 4
Experience a memorial - 4
Attend a conference - 4
Participate in a hands-on crafts activity - 3
Buy incidentals from a store - 1
Do you have any comments on the listed activities?
I think the actual infrastructure should be as simple, and therefore adaptable, as possible, so that any and all temporary activities (children's programming, cultural events, performances, etc.) can be accomodated. The exception would be a play structure for children.
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.).
Teenagers
What does this user hear in the Commons?
Adults engaging in lively conversation, children shouting and laughing, their peers telling jokes, and maybe some drums and accoustic guitar.
What does this user see in the Commons?
Lots and lots of people doing different things: sitting, drinking coffee, talking, laughing, running, walking, watching, playing. What this person does NOT see is car traffic!
What does this user do in the Commons?
Hangs out with friends in a place that is not commercial (a mall, movie theater, gaming arcade), not a private home (a basement, bedroom), not a car. This is a place to be a teenager, to practice autonomy while at the same time being in the presence of adults.
What does this user feel in the Commons?
Community. The teenager feels that she is part of a larger society that is supportive of her need to stretch her wings and to have models of responsible adult behavior.
Besides the user group you named above, what additional audiences do you think might use the Commons?
Families with small children, young adults, senior citizens, visitors.
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?
No response.
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.
Translate
What does your ideal commons look like?
It is a multi-use, multi-age mixture of public space and small (micro) private enterprise. A place to relax and just be, to interact with fellow citizens, where everyone feels welcome and no one feels the pressure to buy something in order to be allowed to occupy space (anti-commercial), but where refreshments and other "incidentals" are available to purchase. I envision something like a large open plaza with a few cafes, bars, and small shops on its perifery. There might be a day set aside for a market where local producers sell their wares. Retailers might enjoy tax breaks or other subsidies in order to be able to operate in a way that doesn't require patrons to hurry in and out or spend lots of money.
What experiences support your ideal commons?
My experience of European cities. What makes most European cities so much more livable than American ones is the existence of public spaces where residents are encouraged to just BE (rather than to be en route to somewhere else). There is not a lot that goes into a Spanish or Italian plaza. It is paved and maybe has a few trees. The main thing is that it is an open, public, civic space.
(1=A good idea, 4=Not in favor)
Do you have any comments on the listed activities?
I think the actual infrastructure should be as simple, and therefore adaptable, as possible, so that any and all temporary activities (children's programming, cultural events, performances, etc.) can be accomodated. The exception would be a play structure for children.
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.).
Teenagers
What does this user hear in the Commons?
Adults engaging in lively conversation, children shouting and laughing, their peers telling jokes, and maybe some drums and accoustic guitar.
What does this user see in the Commons?
Lots and lots of people doing different things: sitting, drinking coffee, talking, laughing, running, walking, watching, playing. What this person does NOT see is car traffic!
What does this user do in the Commons?
Hangs out with friends in a place that is not commercial (a mall, movie theater, gaming arcade), not a private home (a basement, bedroom), not a car. This is a place to be a teenager, to practice autonomy while at the same time being in the presence of adults.
What does this user feel in the Commons?
Community. The teenager feels that she is part of a larger society that is supportive of her need to stretch her wings and to have models of responsible adult behavior.
Besides the user group you named above, what additional audiences do you think might use the Commons?
Families with small children, young adults, senior citizens, visitors.
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?
No response.What would make it easier for you to engage with the City of Ann Arbor?
No response.