FAQ

From Northsidewiki

Northside Neighborhood Association FAQ

• What is a neighborhood association, anyway?

In terms of the city code in Ann Arbor, neighborhood associations mean just one thing: whereas normally any new zoning or development hearings trigger written notification to property owners within 300 feet of the site, if there is a neighborhood association, new zoning or development plans within 300 feet of any part of the association will trigger written notification to everyone in the association.

Here's the actual city resolution.

Beyond that, a neighborhood association can be a way for neighbors to communicate with each other, discuss issues, and if we wish, to speak with a collective voice to the city council, the building department, and other parts of city government.

• How do I join the email group?

Sign yourself up! Just follow this link.

• If I join the email group, will I get a ton of spam?

The listserv software is good at avoiding spam and keeping members' information hidden.

• How were the association boundaries determined?

The boundaries are based essentially on geography and a feeling of what constitutes "our neighborhood." The boundaries can be changed, though, if we decide they should be different.

• I don't want my neighbors telling me what to do with my property.

No worries -- that's not the role of this association. Many condominiums and subdivisions have associations with various regulations, but an association like this is strictly for discussion and communication. We won't tell you to trim your hedges, we're not going to tell you what color to paint your fence, and we won't ask for money (though people might use this site and the mailing list to tell you about fundraisers for the school, neighborhood events, and so on).

• I'm outside the boundaries, but I want to be included.

It's possible to change the boundaries. In the meantime, anyone is welcome to register on this site, and to join the mailing list.

• I'm in the boundaries, but I don't want any part of this.

That's fine. If you're not on the email list and you never come back to this website, the only difference will be that from time to time you may receive a notice from the city in the mail about proposed developments nearby.

• I like the idea of a neighborhood association, but this one doesn't float my boat.

By all means, you're welcome to start a different association, with different boundaries. Anyone can start one, and association boundaries can overlap. Contact the city for an application.

• Who is the contact person?

For now, it's Jeff Kupperman. You can email him at jkupp@myprivacy.ca.