[Rizzo]

I agree.

I think the character argument really only becomes a major issue when you are replacing older structures that contributed firmly to the neighborhood fabric with ones that refuse to be a part of it.

Well intentioned decades ago, they demolished older building stock for parking or "suburban styled" establishments because they thought it would encourage more downtown activity. Fortunately we didn't lose much, but we know that these ideas are in the past and are starting to replace lots and less the desirable structures.

So yeah. you want to replace a parking lot with a 14 story building and people start complaining. I think a lot of people in this city want different things, and Ann Arbor is nice enough to give everyone a voice. But I think it's getting in the way of a functional development plan.