In October, MLive posted an article that includes a conceptual illustration of the monorail that UM has proposed. The illustration lacks clear landmarks. What is clear is the scale of the structure to support the monorail. It appears similar to the Detroit People Mover as far as structural supports. Our concern is how such a structure would affect the Arb. We are asking the UM and City of Ann Arbor decision-makers to identify a route that excludes a footprint in the Arb.
Our goal is to retain the existing trees and to improve protection of the steeply sloped landscape that is at risk for erosion. That may require alterations of plans for construction uphill in the Washington Heights/Markley dorm area.
We want to retain the Arb as habitat for birds and other wildlife, plants, ecosystem services, and as a place for people to enjoy nature.