In 2007, Wood Partners submitted a site plan to the Ann Arbor planning department for a proposed "planned development" to be located on 15 acres at 1430 South Maple Road. The developer called the project "42 North", apparently in reference to it being located near the 42 north latitude line.

The first site plan proposed 160, four-bedroom apartments in five buildings and a separate clubhouse. The plan also called for an immense parking lot, with 640 parking places. Moreover, the developer's plan was to lease each bedroom in an apartment independently, so that four strangers would be housed in each apartment. The site plan was submitted a a planned project because such developments can exceed height and density limits of the property's zoning district.

The plan was very controversial. The surrounding neighborhoods opposed the plan for its adverse impact on the watersheds that originate at that property and for the negative impact that the very dense development would have on the neighborhood. The neighbors formed an opposition group called the South Maple Group.

On October 16 and November 20, 2007, the Ann Arbor Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed planned project. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the project. On January 22, 2008, the City Council voted 10 to 1 to reject the planned project.

In March 2008, the developer contacted neighbors to announce its intention to submit a revised site plan for the South Maple property. The revised plan reduced the height of the apartment buildings and reduced the number of apartments to comply with the requirements of the R4B zoning that is applicable to the property. The plan also called for fewer parking spaces.

The South Maple Group again opposed the project for its adverse impact on the environment and neighborhood. The Planning Commission again recommended approval of the site plan. The City Council sought advice from the City Attorney on whether it could reject a site plan based on the project's adverse impact on public health, safety and welfare. Believing that the City Code language that allowed consideration of adverse impact on public health, safety and welfare to be unconstitutionally vague, the Council voted to approve the revised 42 North project.

According to the city code, Chapter 57 section 5:122(6):

   “Standards for site plan approval. A site plan shall be approved by the appropriate body
   after it determines that:
        (a) The contemplated development would comply with all applicable state, local and
       federal law, ordinances, standards and regulations; and
        (b) The development would limit the disturbance of natural features to the minimum
       necessary to allow a reasonable use of the land, applying criteria for reviewing a
       natural features statement of impact set forth in this Chapter; and
        (c) The development would not cause a public or private nuisance and would not
       have a detrimental effect on the public health, safety or welfare.”

The 42 North project was not built. The developer did not exercise its option on the property. It is generally believed that the economic downturn in 2008 (especially in the real estate market) caused the developer to lose financial backing. The property remains on the market.

Web: Wood Partners: http://www.woodpartners.com/

South Maple Group: http://groups.google.com/group/southmaplegroup