David A. Lange, The City Manager of Ypsilanti at Ann Arbor North Meeting

City Manager of Ypsilanti, Speaks at October 11th Meeting.

At the Rotary Club Ann Arbor North meeting on October 11th, David Lange the City Manager of Ypsilanti, gave a speech on how Ypsilanti is doing after these hard economic times.

Ralph Lange, has helped many communities achieve long-term financial stability. He enjoys working and living in the Midwest, especially Northern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan. Ralph told, "us that Ypsilanti has much potential for a great come back".

He discussed that they are talking to developers about developing the closed Vistion Plant. It is 180 acres and it is hard for a city if that much land going undeveloped.

He liked the fact that the Wolverine Rail Road goes through Ypsilanti. He see's potential for the railroad, that could give transportation for Metro Airport, Eastern and Michigan Universities, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit resident. This could give cheap public transportation around the area instead of having to rely on the expensive car.

Other reasons for the potential for Ypsilanti come back, is the city is right in the middle of the I-94 corridor between Ann Arbor and Detroit. Ypsilanti also has many enthusiastic boosters and they are very spiritual and spiritually diverse.

Ralph said, "that one of the challenges of downsizing City departments is to balance the budget, yet not eliminating vital City services". He acknowledged, that crime continues to be a problem in Ypsilanti. Ralph believes that bringing businesses back to the town will provide a greater tax base, and allow the City to hire more Police Officer's.

Ralph is busy speaking to community groups (like our club), and working with SEMCOG, Spark East, The Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Authority.