A decision is expected Monday night as Ann Arbor officials debate whether they should buy a State Street Property or have it permanently removed from the tax rolls. City Council is holding a special meeting to consider using a right of first refusal to buy the Edwards Brothers property.
Ann Arbor needs to match the University of Michigan's $12.8 million bid. Council has been considering the issue for months, but delayed a decision until now. The city's deadline to purchase the property is Wednesday so a decision is expected Monday night.
Mayor John Hieftje says council has been trying to get as much information as possible. That includes feedback from firms that might be interested in buying the nearly 17 acre site.
Council member Stephen Kunselman however thinks the plan is a speculative land deal and should be avoided by the city.
— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.