1/10/2025

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute - small town news that packs a big punch 🥊

What’s on tap for today:

• Heroic mail carrier saves the day🚨

• No-parking rule during snowstorms—what to know! ❄️

• Dining deals galore: Ann Arbor Restaurant Week! 🍽️  

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🏠 Ann Arbor Cracks Down on Costly Rental Fees  

Ann Arbor renters scored a major win this week as City Council unanimously approved a ban on pre-tenancy “junk fees.” These include exorbitant charges like waitlist fees, which in some cases reached over $6,000. The new ordinance now caps refundable application fees at $50 per unit and eliminates other pre-move-in fees, such as holding and preparation fees. The move was celebrated by the Ann Arbor Tenants Union, whose “Trash the Junk Fees” campaign pushed for the change, calling it a big step toward affordability and fairness. City officials also hinted at a future ordinance aiming for greater transparency around lease costs, so renters can compare listings more easily. While some landlords expressed concerns about the potential impacts, tenant advocates applauded the effort, highlighting how predatory fees were pricing people out of Ann Arbor. Violations of the new law could result in fines of up to $1,000 per offense.

(Source)

🔥 Ann Arbor Mail Carrier Steps Up to Stop Apartment Fire  

Mail carrier Cory Shaw-Hillman’s quick thinking may have prevented a disaster on Wednesday morning. On his way to work, Cory spotted flames on the porch of a Hillcrest Apartments unit on St. Charles Drive. Acting fast, he alerted nearby residents and called 911 after confirming the unit was vacant. Ann Arbor firefighters swiftly arrived and contained the minor blaze before it could spread further. Witnesses praised Cory for his composure during the tense situation, though he humbly stated he was just in the “right place at the right time.” The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

(Source)

🚫 Snowstorms Bring New Parking Rules to Ann Arbor  

Starting this winter, parking on Ann Arbor streets during snowstorms is officially off-limits. The City Council passed a new ordinance on January 6, banning on-street parking during snowy weather to help with snowplow operations and keep roads clear. Alerts will go out to residents in advance, giving time to move their cars. This change means it’s especially important to have a plan if you need to relocate your vehicle during heavy snowfall—no one wants a ticket (or a car stuck in a snowplow’s path)!

(Source)

🚶‍♂️ University of Michigan student injured in crosswalk accident  

A 24-year-old University of Michigan student is in serious but stable condition after being hit by a car near N. University Avenue and S. Thayer Street on Wednesday morning. Emergency responders found the student unconscious at the scene and transported him to a local hospital. The driver, a 72-year-old woman from Ypsilanti, stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. While speed and reckless driving don’t seem to be factors, authorities are still investigating whether drugs or alcohol played a role. The driver also sustained minor injuries and received medical attention.

(Source)

🚧 Construction Alert: Expect Lane Reductions Downtown  

Downtown Ann Arbor traffic is about to get tighter. Starting Monday, Jan. 13, South Fifth Avenue—between East Huron and East Washington—will shrink to one lane to accommodate ongoing construction of a six-story, 139-room AC Hotels by Marriott at 310 E. Huron St. The project, located across from city hall, is expected to disrupt traffic for the better part of the year. So, if you’re driving in the area, plan for delays or consider alternative routes!

(Source)

🏡 A Snapshot of Ann Arbor’s Recent Home Sales  

From Dec. 30 to Jan. 5, Ann Arbor saw 14 homes change hands, with prices ranging from $245,000 to over $1.1 million. The median sale was a 1,576-square-foot home on Nature Cove Court, purchased for $385,000. Highlights include a cozy 703-square-foot home on Parkwood Ave. selling for $245,000, and a spacious 3,218-square-foot property on Hollow Oak Drive topping the charts at $1,145,000. Whether you’re curious about neighborhood trends or eyeing your dream home, this week’s real estate data offers a peek into the local market!

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

🌨️ High: 26°F, Low: 22°F

Cloudy with snow showers becoming a steady accumulating snow later on. Chance of snow 70%. Expect 1 to 3 inches of snow. 

Tomorrow

☁️ High: 29°F, Low: 22°F

A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon.

AROUND TOWN

🍽️ Savor the Flavors of Ann Arbor Restaurant Week 2025  

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week is back from January 19–24, spotlighting over 40 downtown restaurants with exclusive menus and special deals. Diners can enjoy prix fixe lunches starting at $15 and dinners at $30, alongside unique a la carte options. It’s the perfect chance to try new dishes or revisit your favorite spots. This year promises even more excitement with new participants and creative collaborations, all supported by local sponsors like Destination Ann Arbor. Be sure to make a reservation soon—tables fill up fast! Visit annarborrestaurantweek.com for all the tasty details.

🌀 Relax & Rejuvenate Sound Bath

Take a break from the hustle and unwind at the Sound Bath Experience with Katie Schroeder on January 12, 2025, from 4:00–5:00 PM at The Mix Fitness Studios (306 N. River, Suite C, Ypsilanti). For $30, you’ll enjoy a soothing journey of guided meditation, gentle yin yoga, and the calming vibrations of singing bowls, gongs, and chimes. Bring your favorite blanket or pillow, wear comfy clothes, and prepare to sink into a deep state of relaxation. It’s the ultimate hour of self-care you absolutely deserve! ✨🧘‍♀️🎶

🦉 Discover the World of Owls

Step into the fascinating lives of owls with the Discovery Demo: All About Owls at the U-M Museum of Natural History and Planetarium (1109 N. University Ave). This free, 15–20 minute demonstration happens on January 11, 12, 18, 19, and 25 at 11:30 AM and is perfect for curious visitors ages 5 and up. Explore owl adaptations like silent wings and sharp claws, uncover how these modern raptors connect to dinosaurs, and even dissect a real owl pellet (spoiler: it’s not poop!). It’s a hands-on, feather-filled adventure into the food chain that you won’t want to miss! 🪶✨

🐔 Slim Chickens Brings Southern Charm to Scio Township  

Ann Arbor-area foodies have a new spot to explore: Slim Chickens just opened its first full-service Michigan location at 5505 Arbor Chase Drive in Scio Township. Known for its made-to-order chicken dishes like tenders, wings, sandwiches, and chicken and waffles, the chain also serves up crowd-pleasers like mac and cheese, fried pickles, and milkshakes. While Slim Chickens already has smaller outposts on college campuses in Michigan, this is the first location offering the brand’s full menu and a sit-down dining experience. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (drive-thru till 11 p.m.), the spot has been a hit, boasting “overwhelmingly positive” reviews so far.

Please verify event details with the organizers before attending, as schedules may change.

SMARTER EVERYDAY

"Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear." — George Addair.

Consider this today: It’s not the difficulty, but the fear of the difficulty, holding you back.

What's one thing you’d do if fear wasn’t in the picture?

THANK YOU!

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