Issue: Downtown
Mayor Hieftje’s Accomplishments:
Mayor John Hieftje has been a champion for downtown Ann Arbor
As our Mayor, John Hieftje:
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Worked for new programs and ordinance changes to encourage the construction of “green” buildings
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Supported changes to the City’s sidewalk ordinances, facilitating the vibrant sidewalk dining atmosphere that makes downtown Ann Arbor a destination for people from throughout southeast Michigan
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Supported a new zoning code that supports progressive development while creating new limits on building heights to ensure that new construction will not overshadow our near-downtown neighborhoods
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Has been a champion for the Allen Creek Greenway
Thanks to Mayor Hieftje’s leadership:
The City is working with the Arts Alliance and the Allen Creek Greenway Conservancy to create a Community Art Center and Greenway Park out of the old county and later, city maintenance yard at 415 West Washington.
The Future:
In his next term, Mayor Hieftje will continue to work closely with locally-owned merchants to insure a vibrant downtown that is easy to access for residents. Mayor Hieftje will also support new residential development downtown to relieve the pressure for new development in surrounding neighborhoods.

