My Past Activism

When the iconic MD Bagel Fragel faced a sudden eviction from its home of twenty-five years, the Ann Arbor community was devastated. Owner Patricia Rockette was given only days to vacate, threatening the future of their famous "Fragels" and their family’s livelihood. Recognizing that sentiment alone wouldn't save the shop, Sandy Aldrich stepped in to transform local heartbreak into a strategic rescue mission.

Sandy acted as the primary architect for the "Save Bagel Fragel" movement, launching a GoFundMe campaign that mobilized the neighborhood. Her leadership turned a dire situation into a community-wide rally, raising nearly $12,000 from over 240 donors. This financial bridge provided the Rockettes with the critical seed money needed to store their equipment and navigate a two-year transition, while the public pressure Sandy helped generate secured a vital lease extension through the end of the year.

The result of Sandy’s activism was more than just a successful fundraiser; it was the preservation of a local legacy. Her efforts kept the business's momentum alive during its long hiatus, eventually leading to a triumphant reopening on 3500 Washtenaw Avenue in 2020. Today, the shop stands as a testament to Sandy’s belief that when a small business is at risk, a dedicated leader can turn a community's passion into a permanent home.

In 2016, Sandy Aldrich’s leadership within the Northeast Ann Arbor Community Coalition (NEA2CC) serves as a primary example of her commitment to mindful growth and authentic engagement. As co-president of the coalition, which represented hundreds of households, she played a pivotal role in navigating a complex dispute with the University of Michigan over a proposed $38.5 million bus maintenance facility.

Advocating for Smarter Growth

When the University proposed placing this industrial facility near the King School neighborhood, Sandy and fellow leader Katherine Delaney did not simply oppose the project; they advocated for "respectful development" that considered the safety and quality of life of local families.

• Neighborhood Concerns: Residents were primarily worried about noise, air pollution, and traffic congestion in a largely residential area filled with children and pedestrians.

• The "Check-the-Box" Challenge: Sandy was vocal about the lack of transparency, noting that the University had initially published project information without informing neighbors, despite assurances to the contrary.

• Professional Persistence: Sandy criticized the University staff for failing to act as true partners, emphasizing that community voices should be treated as legitimate stakeholders rather than obstacles to be bypassed.

A Strategy of Meaningful Engagement

To move the dialogue forward, Sandy and the NEA2CC employed innovative advocacy strategies to ensure the community could not be sidelined:

• Leveraging Influence: The coalition called on its members—80% of whom were University donors—to pause their donations until the University addressed residential concerns.

• Direct Advocacy: Sandy personally represented the neighborhood at Board of Regents meetings, where she argued that placing industrial development in the middle of residential streets "defied common sense".

• Demanding Data: The coalition insisted that the University conduct and share thorough studies on environmental and traffic impacts before proceeding.

A Landmark Win for Collaborative Planning

The outcome was a significant victory for local residents and a shift in how the university approaches community relations. In May 2016, University President Mark Schlissel canceled the project at the residential site, ultimately relocating it to more appropriate industrial land.

This victory was described as ushering in a "new era" of communication between the city and the University. President Schlissel even apologized to the neighborhood, stating that the University must be "more thoughtful and responsive" and incorporate formal outreach much earlier in the development process. By insisting on transparency and partnership, Sandy helped secure a solution that met institutional needs while preserving the unique character of the Northeast Ann Arbor community.