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	The Ypsilanti Courier A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Task force brings new ideas to City Council

By Christine Laughren, Staff Writer

PUBLISHED: February 28, 2008

With more than 25 personal projects identified by Ypsilanti's 2020 task force, the 11-member group hopes the city will be a destination for people throughout the state by the year 2020.

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Gary Clark, chair of the 2020 task force, said the group has spent most of its time learning about the various entities and projects the city already are undertaking.

"Our intent is to avoid duplication of efforts," Clark said during the task force's quarterly report at Ypsilanti's Feb. 19 City Council meeting.

According to Clark the task force compiled a "projects and initiatives map" to help various groups stay up to date on initiatives and suggest ways that community resources can be coordinated.

"In the case of the Downtown Blueprints project the Downtown Development Authority) is engaged in, other planning groups such as ours can offer support in the form of volunteers and other types of encouragement and support, then see what can be incorporated into our own future efforts," Clark said.

The task force outlined more than 25 personal projects they think would address the long-term challenges and opportunities for the city as well as promote the community and stimulate the economy.

Some projects such as Ypsilanti's buy local initiative and the Shadow Art Fair are not new ideas and are already into their second or third years.

Other projects such as a minor league baseball team at the Water Street location and a Southeastern Michigan Children's Film Festival are in their infancy.

The task force is also looking for a way to promote Ypsilanti living through realtors.

Kent Baumkel, a member of the committee said she sees the city as a small gem or jewel just waiting to be discovered.

Baumkel also said how excited she is to see how much is going on in Ypsilanti already.

"There's a lot happening here," Baumkel said. "I'm very excited about this city and I'm a relative newcomer."

Council member Brian Robb voiced concern about the group's time management.

"You have four months left and a tremendous task," Robb said.

However Clark assured members of the city council the task force would have its final report outlining the group's "future vision" by June 30.

Contact Staff Writer Christine Laughren at 697-8255 or at claughren@heritage.com

INFO BOX

The 2020 task force was established last February to develop long-range plans to set policy and make strategic decisions. The task force, created by mayor Paul Schreiber, was specifically established to address Ypsilanti's long-term challenges as determined by city council and the task force. These challenges are: