Ann Arbor's Greenbelt isn't tightening in these tough economic times, its loosening as the city expands the green space offerings around it.
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Interest in donating land or selling development rights to various open space preservation programs in the county is increasing among developers faced with weaker demand for housing, program officials say.
The Ann Arbor Greenbelt Program, which buys land or development rights from property owners, is working on creating a new bidding process meant to streamline participation in the open space preservation project for the increasing numbers of farmers and developers seeking to take part.
Peg Kohring, midwest director for The Conservation Fund, a contractor with the city of Ann Arbor's greenbelt program, said the program has seen a tremendous increase in interest since the fall.
"It has continued to accelerate," she said. "The interest has changed from the traditional farmer community to more of an interest from some developers who have surplus property."
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