State Reps Oppose U of Michigan’s Plan to Buy Concordia Land

State lawmakers and local officials are pushing back against the University of Michigan’s plan to buy property from Concordia University in Ann Arbor as the $60 million acquisition awaits approval from the Board of Regents, MLive reported.

Members of the Washtenaw County Legislative Delegation sent a letter to the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents Tuesday, arguing the 187-acre property is “one of the most significant remaining land opportunities in our community” and should be used for housing, recreation space or other local needs.

“If acquired by the university, it would remain permanently tax-exempt and increase the university’s already massive Ann Arbor land holdings by roughly 10 percent,” the letter states. “At a time when residents are struggling with rising housing costs, increasing rents, and growing property tax pressures, expanding the footprint of tax-exempt land in our community moves us in the wrong direction and should concern everyone.”

Earlier in the week, Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously in favor of a resolution opposing the purchase.

The Board of Regents is expected to decide Thursday whether to acquire the Concordia property.