The City of Ypsilanti Moves Forward with the Water Street Redevelopment Area

This project results from contributions from many partners, including a 2022 appropriation from Senator Jeff Irwin’s office for $4,381,000 administered through MEDC, which has been extended through December 2025, and another $3 Million appropriation that Washtenaw County received on our behalf through Congresswoman Dingell’s office in 2022 administered through HUD through the Economic Development Initiative for the purposes and specified for Community Project Funding. 

"I am excited to see progress on the Water Street site." said Senator Jeff Irwin. "Water Street is an exciting opportunity for new housing and to activate the river, but it has been sitting contaminated and undeveloped for too long. Movement on the project gives residents hope for future job growth as well as new housing and recreation opportunities in the City of Ypsilanti."

The next steps to the property's redevelopment are that we will be doing some brush and tree clearing this February and March. Following brush clearing, we will repair the fence to delineate the contamination area. Then, this summer, we will excavate an approximately two-acre portion of the site previously used as the Detroit United Railway (DUR) storage yard circa (ca.) 1927 and a metal junkyard ca. 1950 through the 1990s. The plan with the additional HUD funds is to continue site testing on the eastern marsh portion of the site. Finally, the City of Ypsilanti has applied for a $4 Million EPA Cleanup grant. If the City receives that grant, it will go towards remediation in the eastern and western marsh building on funds from Senator Irwin’s and Congresswoman Dingell’s offices. That award notification will take place in May 2025. 

"This is a long-awaited project and one of the city's last pieces of undeveloped property. We are excited to leave it better than we found it, redevelop it, and return it to the city's tax rolls, making it profitable for the City of Ypsilanti and benefiting its residents," said Mayor Nicole Brown.

“This funding is crucial for the redevelopment of the Water Street project, as it provides us with the unprecedented opportunity to address the contamination on the property and prepare it for future development. By excavating and revitalizing this site, we are removing environmental hazards and paving the way for new opportunities,” said Andrew Hellenga, City Manager of the City of Ypsilanti.

The project results from cooperative efforts and open community involvement. The City of Ypsilanti is exceptionally appreciative of Senator Irwin’s Office, Congresswoman Dingell’s Office, Washtenaw County, AKT Peerless, Carlisle Wortman, the Washtenaw County Brownfield Authority, and many others who have continued to push this project forward through the years. Throughout 2025, the City of Ypsilanti will plan to conduct community engagement sessions to develop the Water Street property.

Free Presentation: Top Ten Things Homeowners Should Know About Their Trees in Ypsilanti on Monday, February 17th

Join ReLeaf Michigan at Ypsilanti City Hall for a free presentation on “Top Ten Things Homeowners Should Know About Their Trees” 

on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Led by Marvin Pettway, former Campus Forester for the University of Michigan and lead project forester at ReLeaf Michigan, this free workshop will provide an overview of crucial tree care knowledge so homeowners can ensure the long-term health and vitality of their trees. Funding for this project is provided by the USDA Forest Service and MDNR Urban and Community Forestry Program through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. 

ReLeaf Michigan offers educational presentations and workshops for homeowners throughout Michigan, each one tailored to the needs of the community. This in-person educational session is a valuable opportunity for residents to hear expert advice, ask questions, and gain an understanding of how we can each do our part to help our trees stay healthy for many years into the future. The DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program provides educational, technical, and financial assistance to municipalities, schools, and community-based organizations to help plant, promote and care for trees and forests that benefit all Michigan citizens and the environment.

Where: City Hall Council Chambers, 1 S Huron Street Ypsilanti, MI 48197

When: Monday, February 17, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Sponsors:       

• ReLeaf Michigan (www.ReLeafMichigan.org)
• City of Ypsilanti
• US Forest Service
• Michigan DNR – Urban and Community Forestry Program

Cost: This event is free! RSVPs are appreciated to ensure adequate handouts. 

RSVP at www.releafmichigan.org/RSVP. 

City staff visited the Huron Vista Senior Apartment Buildings on January 27th, 2025. They explored the fitness center, community spaces, storage areas, underground parking, and a pet washing station. 

Check out the photo collage below, or look at the apartments today!

Taxes are sent out on December 1st, 2024 & are due February 14th, 2025.

Bills are sent to the property address or owner's address unless we are contacted by a bank or escrow company requesting the bill.

The bill is also posted online at Online Payments | Ypsilanti, MI

If you do not receive the bill, it does not waive the late fee. The General Property Tax Act states MCL 211.44(2) Failure to send or receive the notice does not prejudice the right to collect or enforce the payment of tax.

Please contact our office at (734) 483-1100, immediately if you do not receive your bill.

New Year Collection Schedule

Determine if you are in an "A" week area or a "B" week area:

https://cityofypsilanti.com/881/Recycling-and-Yard-Waste-Pickup-Schedule

Learn more about yard waste pickup here: www.cityofypsilanti.com/yardwaste

FREE SMOKE DETECTOR

SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES!

The Ypsilanti City Fire Department is offering free smoke detector installation for all residents who currently do not have working smoke detectors. This will ensure that residents have proper fire protection and working smoke detectors.

To schedule your appointment for your free smoke detector and installation, call (734) 482- 9755

The Car Seat Program remains on the third Tuesday of Each Month at the Ypsilanti Fire Station (525 W. Michigan) from 12 PM to 3 PM. This program is for those interested in safely buckling children in automobiles. No registration is required; just show up at these meeting times. For any questions or for additional information, please contact (734) 763-2251.

Warming Centers in Ypsilanti

The Ypsilanti Freighthouse is now serving as a daytime warming center, which will be available to the community starting on November 13th and continuing through the end of March. During the winter season, the Freighthouse will open its doors to those in need from Monday to Thursday, between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM, providing a warm and safe space for individuals seeking refuge from the cold.

In addition to the Freighthouse, overnight shelters will be accessible at St. Luke’s Church from 7 PM to 8 AM, Monday through Friday, from November to March. This year, a new initiative allows First United Methodist Church to offer overnight shelter on Sundays during November. Moreover, starting in December, the Second Baptist Church will provide overnight accommodations on Saturdays and Sundays, running through March.

For more information on Warming Centers within Washtenaw County, please visit the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County's website.

https://www.annarborshelter.org/

For further details about the warming center and overnight shelter options available in Washtenaw County, please visit https://www.washtenaw.org/2789/Winter-Warming-Centers