12/4/2024

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute, where the news comes crisp, clever, and with zero assembly required. 🛠️

What’s on tap for today:

• AI bike cameras reveal hidden stress for cyclists 🚴‍♀️

• Cook’s food truck dream fueled by guaranteed income 🌮

• Fell from a balcony, found her savior ❤️

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🚴‍♂️ AI Tech Sheds Light on Cyclists’ Safety Needs in Ann Arbor  

A study using AI-powered bike light cameras is offering detailed insights into where it’s safest—and where it’s scariest—to ride a bike in Ann Arbor. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) partnered with tech firm Velo AI to collect real-time data from residents biking around town with “Copilot” devices. These high-tech cameras track vehicle speeds, distances, and cyclist interactions to map out stress levels on various streets. Unsurprisingly, streets with curb-protected bike lanes were safest, with risky passes less likely (12.5%). Meanwhile, Packard Street and parts of North Division saw much higher stress levels due to frequent close vehicle passes. The findings confirm what many cyclists already know: safer infrastructure like protected bike lanes or bike boulevards could encourage more people to ride confidently. Draft recommendations for expanding the city’s bikeway network are already in the works, signaling hope for a smoother, safer future for Ann Arbor cyclists.

(Source)

💫 Woman Reunites with Hero Who Saved Her Life

Three years after a harrowing fall from her third-floor balcony in Ann Arbor, Kaavya Ramachandhran has been reunited with the man who kept her alive. In 2021, Kaavya leapt from her apartment to escape an attacker, landing on asphalt with devastating injuries, including broken ribs and a fractured spine. A stranger, now identified as Andrew Zhou, found her that night and stayed by her side until help arrived. After years of searching, the two recently reconnected, with Kaavya expressing immense gratitude for Zhou’s selflessness during one of the darkest nights of her life.

(Source)

🚗 Road Rage Turns Violent on Thanksgiving Night  

A scary road rage incident unfolded late Thanksgiving night in Ypsilanti Township. According to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, a man reported being shot at from another car near Michigan Avenue and I-94 around 11:47 p.m. on Nov. 28. Thankfully, no injuries were mentioned in the report, but the encounter is being investigated as a felonious assault. Authorities haven’t shared details about suspects or arrests yet, leaving questions about what sparked the confrontation.  

Stay cautious out there—this serves as a sobering reminder to stay calm behind the wheel.

(Source)

🚚 Guaranteed Income Program Fuels Local Cook’s Food Truck Dream  

Marie Codrington, a 37-year-old restaurant cook from Ann Arbor, is one of the first to benefit from the city’s GIG A2 guaranteed income program. As one of 100 low-income residents selected, she’s receiving $528 a month with no strings attached. For Codrington, this financial boost has been life-changing, allowing her to not only stabilize her finances but actively pursue her goal of starting a food truck business. Sitting in her childhood home, she shared how this program has given her hope, gratitude, and the ability to plan for a better future. Ann Arbor launched GIG A2 earlier this year as a pilot program to test how guaranteed income can impact residents' lives, and Codrington’s success story is already proving its potential.

(Source)

🛠️ Ann Arbor City Council tackles fence uniformity ordinance

City Council is set to discuss updates to Ann Arbor's fencing ordinance, aiming for simpler and more consistent rules. The current system varies by location, allowing 100% opacity for rear yard fences, 50% in front, and 80% on the sides. The proposed change would permit 100% opacity for side yard fences too. The updates also clarify a ban on barbed wire and electric fences in residential areas, which already applies to commercial lots unless required otherwise. In addition, fences would be permitted anywhere on a property, including along lot lines. Planning Manager Brett Lenart emphasized the need for clear, uniform guidelines on fencing throughout the city. This discussion is expected to impact both homeowners and businesses.

(Source)

🏡 A Week of Ann Arbor Home Sales

Between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1, nine homes changed hands across Ann Arbor. The priciest sale was a stunning 4,273-square-foot residence on Whispering Woods Drive that went for $1.375 million. Meanwhile, the most affordable property was a cozy 596-square-foot one-bedroom condo on William Street, sold for $249,375. The median sale was a 1,879-square-foot home on Maiden Lane, fetching $520,000. From charming condos to spacious family homes, the sales showcase the diversity of Ann Arbor’s housing market.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

🌨️ High: 36°F, Low: 18°F.

Cloudy and windy with afternoon snow showers; little to no accumulation expected.

Tomorrow

❄️ High: 30°F, Low: 20°F.

Intervals of clouds and sunshine, windy and chilly with snow flurries; bitter cold—be sure to wear layers.

AROUND TOWN

🎸 Food Donations Meet Rock ‘n Roll Vibes  

Food Gatherers’ annual “Rockin’ for the Hungry” fundraiser is back! From December 3–7, you can catch radio station 107one DJs broadcasting live outside the Kroger on South Maple. The goal? To collect as much canned food, nonperishables, and monetary donations as possible to help fight hunger in Washtenaw County. These high-energy broadcasts run daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., setting the mood for a worthy cause. Whether you swing by to donate or just take in the good tunes, every contribution helps local families in need.

🎹 Genre-bending pianist BLKBOK hits The Ark this Friday  

Detroit native and groundbreaking pianist BLKBOK, known offstage as Charles Wilson III, will bring his unique blend of classical training, jazz influences, and social awareness to Ann Arbor’s The Ark this Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. BLKBOK, who gained recognition during the pandemic, grew up steeped in music with family ties to legendary performers. His sound evolved after years as a touring musician for big-name stars like Rihanna and Justin Timberlake, leading him to carve out his own musical identity. Tickets to see this one-night-only performance are $25 and available at theark.org. Don’t miss this chance to catch a truly innovative artist in an intimate local setting!

🎁 Midnight Madness Brings Holiday Cheer to Ann Arbor 

Get ready for “Midnight Madness,” an Ann Arbor tradition happening this Friday! This festive event combines late-night shopping, holiday activities, and family-friendly fun across three local districts. Organized by Destination Ann Arbor, it’s all about supporting local businesses and enjoying seasonal cheer with your neighbors. From unique gifts to holiday entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, as part of Live in the D’s “Days of Giving,” you can enter daily to win a $500 gift card now through December 13th. Make plans to celebrate the season while keeping it local!

💃 Swing Into Wednesday Fun

Get your groove on with the Ann Arbor Swing Dance Association’s “Wednesday Night Swing” on December 4, 2024, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Dance the night away to music spun by DJs, featuring styles like Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Charleston, and Balboa. No partner? No problem! Arrive early for a free beginner lesson at 6:30 PM. Wear your favorite low-grip shoes and join the fun—locations are listed at swingannarbor.com/calendar. Admission is $5, and members dance for free!

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

SMARTER EVERYDAY

Want to be more assertive without sounding rude?

When someone interrupts you, pause, smile, and say, "Hold that thought—I'd love to hear it right after I finish this."

Kindly assertive, zero drama, maximum control.

You're not just holding the floor—you’re paving the conversational highway.

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