Ann Arbor seeks grants for greenbelt land

Ann Arbor will ask for federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection grants to help purchase development rights for five properties in the city's greenbelt area.

The potential deals are worth around $5 million.The grant applications can take months to process. But if some or all the requests are approved, they will help preserve more agricultural acreage close to the city.

Some of the proposed properties are adjacent to existing greenbelt parcels, said Ginny Trocchio of the nonprofit Conservation Fund, which staffs the greenbelt program.

"We're forming some blocks, which is what everyone hoped for," Trocchio said.
The applications are awaiting City Council approval tonight. The appropriation of greenbelt dollars, provided by a voter-approved tax, is contingent on receiving federal grants for the respective properties.

The properties include:

• The Webster United Church of Christ property in Webster Township.

• The Penz Development Company - or J.A. Bloch and Company - property in Superior Township.

• The Stephen, Frederick and Christopher Girbach property in Lodi Township.

• The Honke Family LLC property in Northfield Township.

• The William C. and Cherie L. Nixon property in Webster Township.

Approved by voters in 2003, the greenbelt program has used about $10 million to purchase land or development rights on some 1,321 acres in an area extending into eight townships surrounding the city. A portion of the tax is also used to buy park property.