On The Verge

Despite seeing increased parking demand and raising parking rates, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is on the verge of running a deficit in its parking fund — a circumstance that would violate state law, according to an auditor. Alan Panter, a certified public accountant from Abraham & Gaffney P.C., offered an overview of the DDA's latest audit during a committee meeting today. "The parking fund is close to a zero fund balance," Panter said. Read the story.

Super Size Me

Detour routes diverting traffic from State Street and East Stadium Boulevard are now in effect in Ann Arbor, and crews are preparing to demolish the Stadium bridges. But what exactly is it going to take to dismantle two 83-year-old bridge spans made of heavy steel and concrete over the next two weeks? Part of the answer: "Super-sized jackhammers." Read the story.

On Golden Pond

Transforming Argo

Work to reconstruct the Argo Dam headrace on the Huron River in Ann Arbor is moving along quickly. Livonia-based TSP Environmental, the firm hired last year to complete the $1.17 million project, has been hard at work since August. In a few short months, its crews have transformed the headrace — a 1,500-foot channel that canoeists and kayakers use to bypass Argo Dam — into a new series of drop pools surrounded by rocky formations. Other new features coming with the project include a wider and smoother Border-to-Border trail section and a 30-foot bridge along that trail that was installed this week. Read the story.

83-Year-Old Bridge

With sledgehammers in hand, Ann Arbor officials joined U.S. Rep. John Dingell today in taking a ceremonial first whack at the Stadium bridges. The 83-year-old spans over South State Street and the nearby Ann Arbor Railroad tracks will be completely demolished starting next week as part of a $22.8 million project. Dingell said the federal funding almost didn't happen. "We had to yell twice as loud to get this one," he said during today's groundbreaking ceremony. Read the story.

All Aboard

A recent scene at the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority's downtown Blake Transit Center, which will be demolished and rebuilt as part of a $5.5 million project starting in spring 2012 and finishing by spring 2013. Read the story.

Fond Farewell

The Ann Arbor City Council offered a final farewell to Stephen Rapundalo at his last meeting Nov. 10, thanking him for his six years of service on council. "It's been a privilege and an honor," Rapundalo said. Read the story.

Chief Of Fire

Meet Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. It's hard to take a picture of him that he actually likes, but he likes this one. Win.

Chief Of Police

Barnett Jones came to Ann Arbor in June 2006 with 30 years of law enforcement experience, beginning as a Wayne County sheriff’s deputy and also working for the Inkster Police Department and Oakland County Sheriff’s Department before becoming the police chief in Sterling Heights. In Ann Arbor, he oversees a department that has continued to face tough budget cuts.

Last House Down

The last of seven houses on South Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor was demolished today to make way for City Place student apartments. Several passersby stopped to watch as the house was reduced to rubble, all in agreement it was a sad day. Read the story.