11/27/24

Good morning, Ann Arbor! This is the Ann Arbor Minute – the email so engaging, it might just make you forget about the three half-finished projects on your desk. 📬

What’s on tap for today:

• Man arrested near school sparks community concern 😰

• Ann Arbor tackles junk fees—big relief for renters! 🏠

• Professors sue UM for back pay—3,600 and counting! ⚖️

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🚔 Man Arrested After Approaching Students Near Tappan Middle School  

A 24-year-old Ypsilanti man has been arrested after allegedly approaching students from Ann Arbor’s Tappan Middle School inappropriately as they walked home. Principal Tyese Parnell informed families on Monday about separate incidents of “unwanted engagement” involving students over the past week. The school has been proactive in keeping families updated about the situation, which police are now investigating. This incident highlights efforts to ensure student safety in the community.

(Source)

👨‍🏫 Professors Take U-M to Court Over Back Pay  

About 3,600 University of Michigan professors are suing the university, claiming they’ve been shorted on pay for the last three years. The lawsuit alleges the university delays implementing faculty raises until September 1 of each year, skipping payments for July and August. The professors, from the Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn campuses, argue this amounts to millions in unpaid wages, including $2.5 million annually across all affected faculty. The lead plaintiff, sociology professor Fatma Müge Göçek, says she’s owed over $3,600 due to the discrepancy. The university plans to align raises with the fiscal year starting July 2025 but has not yet agreed to compensate prior underpayments. The class action lawsuit seeks back pay and claims the university has been unjustly enriched by this practice.

(Source)

🏠 Ann Arbor may ban pricey apartment waitlist and rental ‘junk fees’

Ann Arbor landlords could soon be prohibited from charging sky-high apartment waitlist fees, some exceeding $6,000, thanks to a proposed city ordinance. These fees often give renters no guarantee of housing, sparking months of backlash from the Ann Arbor Tenants Union and other advocates. The new ordinance aims to tackle these “junk fees” and create fairer leasing practices for prospective tenants. If passed, it could bring significant relief to renters navigating the city’s competitive housing market. Officials plan to review the proposal soon, signaling a potential end to these controversial charges.

(Source)

🚶‍♂️ No Pedestrian Mall for Downtown Ann Arbor — For Now  

A new study has cast doubt on the idea of pedestrian-only streets in downtown Ann Arbor, despite growing interest from residents. Some locals, like Andrew Schneider, who has lived car-free in the city for seven years, say navigating downtown on foot can be challenging with heavy car traffic. While advocates see pedestrian malls as a solution for safer, more walkable spaces, the study raised concerns about feasibility, including the impact on traffic and nearby businesses. Ann Arbor previously experimented with a pedestrian mall decades ago, but it didn’t last. For now, the idea remains on pause, with officials exploring other ways to balance foot traffic and vehicle use.

(Source)

🌙 Shop ’til Midnight Returns to Downtown A2

Downtown Ann Arbor’s favorite holiday tradition, Midnight Madness, is back on Friday, Dec. 6! This annual event transforms the State Street District, Kerrytown District, and Main Street Area into a late-night shopper’s paradise. Stores will stay open extra late, giving you plenty of time to cross off your holiday shopping list while enjoying festive activities and family-friendly entertainment. The evening promises holiday cheer for all, whether you’re exploring local boutiques or soaking in the magical downtown atmosphere. Mark your calendars and get ready to shop under the stars!.

(Source)

🏫 A $30M Home for Mitchell Elementary Students 

Starting next spring, Ann Arbor Public Schools will kick off a $30 million project to rebuild Mitchell Elementary School. The school board has already approved $23.4 million in contracts for key construction work, which includes site preparation and construction essentials. The new design aims to provide an updated, welcoming environment for the neighborhood school, building on the district’s capital bond initiative. This investment reflects the community's commitment to enhancing local education—Mitchell families can look forward to a new chapter on the horizon.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

42 🌡️ 30 | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 15% | NW 8 mph (7 knots) 

Tomorrow

38 🌡️ 27 | ☁️ (Cloudy) | 10% | NNW 9 mph (8 knots)

AROUND TOWN

Happening Today:

🥕 Farm Fresh Finds

Rise and shine for the Ann Arbor Farmers Market Wednesday edition! From 7 AM to 3 PM, you can peruse fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and seasonal treats at 315 Detroit Street. It's the perfect spot to grab some last-minute Thanksgiving ingredients or just enjoy a crisp fall morning.

🎅 Santa's Jolly Photo Op

Ho ho ho! Santa's setting up shop at Briarwood Mall's Von Maur court. Bring the kiddos (or yourself, we don't judge) for a festive photo with the big man in red from 11 AM to 8 PM. Pro tip: make an appointment at simon.com/santa to avoid long waits and maximize your holiday cheer!

🏊 Splash and Play

Dive into some family fun at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. It's Family Fun Night, so grab your swimsuits and get ready for some aquatic adventures. Perfect for burning off that pre-Thanksgiving energy!

🎿 Warren Miller's Ski Flick

Grab your ski buddies and head to the Michigan Theater at 7:00 PM for Warren Miller's latest ski film. This independently promoted show, hosted by Sun & Snow Sports, is sure to get you hyped for the upcoming winter season. Tickets will be on sale soon, so keep an eye out!

🎭 Elf on the Big Screen

Buddy the Elf is coming to town! Catch Will Ferrell in this holiday classic at Emagine Saline at 6:00 PM. It's part of their Flashback Cinema series, so get ready to laugh and feel all the Christmas feels. Perfect for a pre-Thanksgiving movie night!

Happening Soon:

🔥 Fireside Fun

Gather 'round the campfire at Leslie Science & Nature Center on November 29 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This free event is perfect for all ages – bring your camp chairs, games, and s'mores fixings for a cozy evening under the stars. It's a great way to kick off the holiday season with some good old-fashioned outdoor fun!

🎵 Sing-Along White Christmas

Get into the holiday spirit at the Michigan Theater on November 29 at 7:30 PM. Join fellow movie-lovers for a sing-along screening of the classic "White Christmas." It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season – just don't forget your singing voice!

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

SMARTER EVERYDAY

Struggle with decision-making?

Try the "10/10/10 Rule":

Ask yourself how you'll feel about the choice in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. Short-term pain often leads to long-term gain—and vice versa.

Fear fogs judgment; perspective clears it.  🧠

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