Note: This is
archived info from the original website for the Friends of Dicken Woods.
It was written when the Friends were in the process of saving DW
The Friends of Dicken Woods
Press Release - May 29, 2003
Web site: www.dickenwoods.org
Contact one of the following officers for additional information
- Erik Stalhandske 769-1498 (home) 930-5881 (work)
- Naela Jenkins 327-1051
- Tom Ivacko 741-9484
- Deb Norbotten 663-3190
- Jim Boyd 662-8348 (home) (517) 545-7923 (work)
Novi Developer Withdraws Proposal; Friends of
Dicken Woods Begin Fundraising for Purchase as City Park
For immediate release
May 29, 2003
Friends of Dicken Woods, a newly incorporated
non-profit organization, is taking the initiative
to preserve a parcel of land once slated for
rezoning and high-density development. CrossWinds
Communities of Novi has abandoned plans to clear
the last tree-covered, ten-acre plot on the West
side of Ann Arbor. Members of the Dicken neighborhood
community united to fill the Planning Commission
chambers at two meetings, arguing effectively
against the rezoning proposal. “ They did their
homework and came prepared to fight on behalf of the
integrity and quality of their neighborhood. I’m
consistently impressed with their high level of
commitment of time and energy”, states Margie Teall,
4th Ward City Council Representative. “I’m very
supportive of their efforts.”
Friends of Dicken Woods have been encouraged by the
current owners of the property, the Catholic Diocese
of Lansing, to develop and present an alternative
proposal. “We believe that this represents an amazing
win-win opportunity for the Church and the community
of Ann Arbor,” states Erik Stalhandske, President of
the Friends Organization. “The church will receive fair
compensation for their property, and this land can be
preserved as a park with nature trails and a pond.”
This ten acres represents some of the highest elevations
in the city, and is on the corner of Pauline and
South Maple. It has wetlands, an abundance of wildlife,
and more than half is covered with trees.
“Our goal is to raise $50,000 and work with the City
to coordinate other funding sources, including the City
Parkland Acquisition Millage. Additionally, we will work
to tap similar funding from the County park fund, the Michigan
DNR and other state sources, and possibly federal sources
too”, states Naela Jenkins. Mayor Hieftje, Councilpersons
Margie Teall and Wendy Woods, and Ron Olson of the City
Parks Department have encouraged the group in their activities
and development of a formal proposal.
Friends of Dicken Woods have planned a clean-up day for
Saturday, May 31, from 9 to 11 AM. They have also organized
a one hundred family yard sale for June 27 and 28 on Dicken
Drive, with proceeds supporting their efforts. Another
potential activity is a concert at the Ark with local
musicians in late August.
Friends of Dicken Woods has over 130 members and a steering
committee of approximately 10. See our website for
additional information.
