Traverse City Neighborhoods

09/26/2024

Too late for Traverse City …

America is known for its English-Protestant roots, for the pilgrims who settled the Eastern seaboard and the Anglos who descended from them. But America has a French-Catholic history, too, and Northern Michigan is a central location in that history.

12/14/2023

City of Traverse City Awarded a $2,352,200 MNRTF Grant
Funds to be used for Brown Bridge Quiet Area Land Acquisition

The City of Traverse City has been awarded a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Grant in the amount of $2,352,200 to be used for land acquisition at the Brown Bridge Quiet Area.

The Brown Bridge Quiet Area is approximately 1,310 acres of City-owned property located 11 miles southeast of Traverse City within the Boardman/Ottaway River Watershed. The City obtained the property in the early 1900s. The property was established as a natural area for quiet recreation by the City Commission in the 1970s.

In 2023, the City was presented the opportunity to acquire 528 acres of land adjacent to the Brown Bridge Quiet Area for $3,098,445. The City Commission approved a resolution to apply for a MNRTF Grant in the amount of $2,352,200. At the November 2023 election, an overwhelming support of over 80% of City voters approved usage of the principal from the Brown Bridge Trust Fund to match the grant in an amount not to exceed $746,245.

Traverse City Mayor, Amy Shamroe stated, “We are thrilled to have been awarded this grant. The Brown Bridge Quiet Area has stood as a testament to our commitment to preserving natural beauty and fostering a haven for quiet recreation. This expansion is not just an acquisition of land; it's an investment in our community's well-being and the preservation of our natural heritage for generations to come.” Shamroe continued, “I extend my gratitude to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and our dedicated residents whose overwhelming support, demonstrated through the November 2023 election, has enabled the City to move forward. This milestone represents our collective dedication to environmental stewardship and the enhancement of outdoor experiences for the community.”

Upon acquisition, the Brown Bridge Quiet Area will expand to 1,838 acres for quiet recreation, with one of the newly acquired parcels encompassing 228 acres featuring Spring Lake, while the second, a 300-acre section, is part of the Traverse City Rotary Camps and Services property. Collaborating closely with the Brown Bridge Advisory Committee, the City is committed to reassessing the Management Plan, ensuring the thoughtful and sustainable use of these newly acquired lands.

The City partnered with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy to secure the properties acquisition and to navigate the complexities of applying for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. This collaborative effort aims to develop efficient methodologies that align with conservation goals, preserving the natural integrity of these landscapes for the benefit of our community and future generations.

Glen Chow, Executive Director of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, states “It is our honor and pleasure to partner once again with the City of Traverse City to protect our region’s most precious natural resources. We are tremendously fortunate to live in a community that overwhelmingly supports these efforts and in the State of Michigan, where the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has provided more than $1.3 billion dollars to protect and provide access to the land and water in our state.”

10/28/2023

ICYMI, The Ticker mentioned my little hobby website (it's a weird hobby, I know) in one of their stories yesterday.

And to be clear, until ​recently, I supported extending TIF97.

​In fact, when I created Live TC (a community that advocates for abundant housing on Traverse City’s 8 square miles) in January of 2022, extending TIF97 to build the west-side parking deck to redevelop surface lots into housing was a goal.

Why did I change​ my mind?

4 reasons:​

1. The DDA forced the nonprofit builder, HomeStretch, to build a tunnel for cars through its workforce housing project on Lot O (giving up precious 1st-floor square footage makes the whole project harder – impossible? – to finance)

2. The DDA aggressively lobbied with several private nonprofits for MDOT’s wider, car-first Parkway redesign

3. The DDA report that the Old Town parking deck only averages 21% occupancy (meaning 412 of its 522 parking spots or roughly 80%, on average, go empty)

4. The DDA’s decision to allocate $0 of its ~$8M 2023/24 budget was allocated for housing despite the DDA’s guiding principle (value) to “champion the development of attainable and workforce housing”

I now believe the ~15,600 people who live in Traverse City will be better served if we ​return the massive TIF97 tax growth (~$2.7M/year) to the City.

These unrestricted dollars could be invested in anything we want.

Things like:

• a new housing fund to help with what’s going on in the Pines

• neighborhood improvements identified in the masterplan listening sessions

• a new youth center (we’re about to build a $11M new senior center – let’s do something similar for our kids)

• maintaining our existing infrastructure, including our sidewalks, trails, streets, and sewer and stormwater systems

• creating a new ambulance service without raising property taxes

• doubling the number of trees we plant every year

• or whatever else we think will improve the health, wellbeing, safety, and prosperity of those who live in Traverse City.



If the people of Traverse City decide to end TIF97 by either:

• electing City Commission candidates that support returning massive tax growth to the City

•a referendum petition

and then want to create a new TIF with a new name and new projects; we can certainly do that.


If we want to.

Citizenship (showing up) required.

~ Ty

10/24/2023

Traverse City’s New City Manager to Assume Role in January 2024

The City of Traverse City is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Vogel as the new City Manager. At their October 9, 2023 meeting, the City Commission approved a contract agreement. Ms. Vogel will officially assume the role of City Manager on January 2, 2024.

The City Manager is the administrative officer of the City and shall hold office at the pleasure of the City Commission. Under the general supervision of the City Commission, the City Manager performs a broad range of administrative and financial functions in support of the daily operations which serve the best interests of the entire Traverse City community, and oversees the functions of all City departments.

Traverse City Mayor Richard Lewis expressed his optimism for this new chapter, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Vogel to the City of Traverse City as our new City Manager. Her background in municipal leadership and innovative solutions will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of our beloved city. I have every confidence that Ms. Vogel will lead with vision and purpose, fostering an environment of mentoring, collaboration, and progress."

As the Administrator and Chief Financial Officer for Missaukee County since 2021, Vogel has been responsible for the preparation of the annual County budget, creating and annually updating the six-year capital improvement plan, supervising nine County Departments, and determining the strategy for the bargaining and administration of all labor agreements, among many other duties. Prior to Missaukee County, Vogel served as the Deputy Supervisor for Clinton Township. She is a graduate of Albion College, and has a Master of Arts from Loyola University, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Baker College. She is also an International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager.

Elizabeth Vogel stated, “I am thrilled and honored to be the next City Manager for the City of Traverse City. As part of my commitment to a smooth transition, I've scheduled some vacation time for late October, during which I'll be in Traverse City to personally meet staff. I'm currently finalizing the dates and working on a transition letter for the Traverse City team. I want to emphasize that I remain fully dedicated to my current role as Missaukee County administrator, and I will continue to serve the taxpayers of Missaukee diligently until my final day in the office on November 27, 2023. Providing a seamless transition for the great team in Missaukee is of utmost importance to me. With the upcoming holidays just around the corner, I eagerly anticipate this special time to recharge, enjoying quality time with family and friends. I look forward to hitting the ground running in Traverse City on January 2, 2024, bringing boundless energy and enthusiasm in the New Year!”

Traverse City Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Shamroe stated, "Our strength lies in our unity, and I encourage all City residents to join us in extending a warm welcome and celebration to Ms. Vogel, the first female Traverse City City Manager. With her experience and dedication, we are in capable hands. Together, let us embark on this journey of collaboration, understanding, and shared purpose to ensure our city remains a thriving community for all."

# # #
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Colleen Paveglio (she/her)
Communications Manager | City of Traverse City
400 Boardman Ave. | Traverse City, MI 49684
[email protected] | www.traversecitymi.gov
O: 231.922.4480 | F: 231.922.4485
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

Welcome to the City of Traverse City!

09/02/2023

08/29/2023

MDOT’s contractor for their Grandview Parkway reconstruction project, Team Elmer’s, will be conducting preconstruction work beginning September 2023 through November 2023.

Project Background
MDOT plans to rebuild a 2-mile section of US-31/Grandview Parkway/Front Street in 2024 between Garfield Avenue and Division Street. This project will result in operational enhancements at the intersections of Division Street, Hall Street, Front Street, and Peninsula Drive, drainage improvements, Americans with Disabilities Act review and upgrades, repairs to the Murchie Bridge over the Boardman River, and new signs and pavement markings.

In addition, the City of Traverse City is investing $3.5 million to replace underground water and wastewater utilities as part of the project.

The major project is anticipated to begin in March 2024 and will be divided into two segments. The first segment, Garfield Avenue to Front Streets is expected to take place from March 2024 to July 2024. The second segment, Front Street to Division Street is expected to take place from July 2024, after the conclusions of the National Cherry Festival, to November 2024.

Preconstruction Work
Beginning September 5, 2023, preconstruction work will take place near the project location to accommodate for the planned detours. Temporary traffic signals will not be operational until major construction begins in 2024. Preconstruction work will be as follows:

Installation of a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and East Front Street, removal of a portion of the center median at Grandview Parkway, and temporary paving at the north end of Railroad Avenue connecting it directly to Front Street.
Removal of a portion of the center median island on Grandview Parkway at Division Street.
Widening the turn radius at Railroad Avenue and Eighth Street for detour traffic, and installation of a temporary sidewalk ramp.
Installation of a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of US-31 (Front Street) and Milliken Drive.
Installation of a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Washington Street.
Installation of advance warning and detour signs for 2024 work.

The City will be working closely with MDOT and Team Elmer’s to provide the latest updates throughout this major project.

08/24/2023

N. Union St. Bridge Work

Traverse City – The City of Traverse City and Grand River Construction will be repairing portions of the N. Union St. bridge deck and pier. The project is expected to start Monday, August 28, 2023 and be finished by the end of the day on Thursday, August 31, 2023. The outside northbound and southbound lanes will be closed to traffic. Two-way traffic will be maintained over the bridge. The sidewalks on the bridge will be closed when workers are present and a pedestrian detour will be provided.

Please use alternate routes avoiding this area to reduce congestion, delay and promote worker safety. Appropriate signage and barricades will be in place in and around the work area.

This construction will generate dust, noise and cause inconvenience. We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. Please feel free to call Alexander Yockey,
Civil Engineer II, at (231) 922-4468 if you have any questions, comments or concerns about the work or the schedule.

08/23/2023

Michigan Supreme Court Denies Leave to Appeal FishPass Case

On August 22, 2023, the Michigan Supreme Court denied leave to appeal in the FishPass case, which confirms the Court of Appeals decision and allows the City of Traverse City to implement the project. At issue in this lawsuit was whether the City Charter required a public vote prior to construction of the FishPass Project. The Court of Appeals unanimous ruling agreed with the City’s position and held that no public vote is required.

According to the Michigan Supreme Court, “The application for leave to appeal the October 20, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeals is considered, and it is denied, because we are not persuaded that the question presented should be reviewed by this Court.”
City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht who argued the City’s case before the Michigan Court of Appeals, indicated, “The Michigan Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Michigan Court of Appeals ruling regarding the FishPass project is indeed a positive development. This decision affirms the City's choice to implement the project, which aims to replace the aging Union Street Dam, protecting the health and safety of downtown Traverse City, while also restoring and improving the ecological health of the waterways in the area.”

The Michigan Court of Appeals decision did not address whether the property was actually parkland. Instead the Court held that assuming it was parkland a vote still would not be required under the City Charter. According to the Court’s opinion in October 2022, “…the Project will result in a net gain of parkland and more public use. The Property will remain a park under the Project.” Furthermore, “The trial court based its decision largely on the Project’s research elements, but occupying space on the Property for purposes of conducting research related to the passage of fish, which matter has been part of the operation of the Dam and a characteristic of the Property since the addition of the fish ladder in 1987, does not transform the park into something other than a park. Moreover, engaging in environmental research concerning the habitat of species found in the area has a natural connection to the Property’s purpose and use as a park. There is no evidence that the Project involves selling, exchanging, leasing, or alienating the Property. The City retains ownership of the Property throughout the duration of the Project. Authorizations to perform work or research on the Property do not entail the sale of the Property, an exchange of the Property, the leasing of the Property, or the alienation of the Property. At most, they convey a simple license.”

FishPass is the capstone of an approximately 20 year restoration project on the Boardman/Ottaway River, Traverse City, Michigan, re-connecting the river with Lake Michigan. In 2021, a required MDEQ Dam Safety Unit inspection was performed and indicated a downgraded rating from Good to Fair/Poor condition. FishPass will replace the deteriorating Union Street Dam with a new, complete barrier to all fish that will have the ability to sort and selectively pass desirable fishes while blocking harmful invaders like sea lamprey. While fully automated selective passage is the long-term goal of the project, passage of any fish during the initial 10 years will be coordinated with fishery management agencies, limited in number, and restricted to fishes native to the upper Great Lakes.
Traverse City Mayor, Richard Lewis stated, “We are committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the effective implementation of FishPass, and we are confident that this project will deliver significant benefits for years to come. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that FishPass will have on the Boardman/Ottaway River. ”

“FishPass is an innovative project that is set to transform the way we manage and protect our waterways. The City and its partners have worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition, and are extremely happy about this decision. This state of the art project is designed to selectively pass fish and protect the Boardman/Ottaway River, providing a sustainable solution that benefits both the environment and the community. By creating a safe and secure passage for fish to navigate through, we are helping to provide access to the habitat that has already been restored through the Boardman/Ottaway River Restoration project. This decision is a huge step forward ensuring the health of our waters and the safety and wellbeing of our community for future generations,” said Department of Public Services Director Frank Dituri.

08/23/2023

Michigan Supreme Court Denies Leave to Appeal Building Height Measurement

On August 22, 2023, the Michigan Supreme Court denied leave to appeal the Save Our Downtown vs. City of Traverse City/Innovo case. In a unanimous published decision, the Michigan Court of Appeals agreed with the City and Innovo’s arguments that the trial court erred by adopting plaintiffs’ interpretation of the charter amendment and by giving precedence to their interpretation over the method of measuring building height stated in the zoning ordinance. Today, the Michigan Supreme Court upheld this decision, which affirms the City’s longstanding method of measuring building height.

According to the Michigan Court of Appeals decision in October 2022, “…although plaintiffs alleged in their complaint that the charter amendment invalidated certain zoning ordinances, they insist that the aim of the charter amendment was not to amend the zoning ordinance. Nevertheless, the practical effect of plaintiffs’ argument is just that: amendment of the zoning ordinance’s method of measuring building height. However, to the extent that the charter amendment purported to change the zoning ordinance’s method of measuring the height of a building, the charter amendment would be invalid. An initiative that purports to enact or amend a zoning ordinance is invalid unless it complied with the procedural requirements found in the Michigan zoning enabling act (MZEA), MCL 125.3101 et seq. See MCL 125.3202(1)”

The City developed an Implementation Policy when Charter 28 was amended in 2016. However, the City’s historical method of how it measures building height was not changed by the Charter amendment or the Implementation Policy. The purpose of the City of Traverse City Implementation Policy for Charter 28 Building Height Restriction is to establish a procedure for implementation of the above referenced Charter provision that may be relied upon by property owners, City administration, staff and the public to ensure consistency and predictability in the administration of approvals related to building height, as required by this provision.

City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht who argued the City’s case before the Michigan Court of Appeals, indicated, “We are pleased that the Michigan Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Michigan Court of Appeals ruling, and that the City’s interpretation on how the City Charter should be implemented and the City’s method on how buildings are measured has been confirmed.”

“It's great to hear that the City has found clarity on the building height issue and that the historical way of measuring buildings has been confirmed as provided in the zoning ordinance. This clarity is beneficial for the City, as it helps avoid any confusion or misunderstandings regarding building regulations and zoning laws,” stated City Planning Director Shawn Winter.

08/11/2023

DPS to Conduct Brush Only Pick Up Due to Storm Damage

Traverse City – City residents should be aware that the City’s Department of Public Services (DPS) will conduct a special brush pick up in response to the August 3, 2023 storm that resulted in downed trees and branches throughout the City. The special pick up is for brush resulting from the storm only. Leaves and yard waste will not be picked up.

As the City completes an assessment and maintenance of downed trees on public land, parks, and within the right of way, the special brush pick up will begin on Monday, August 14, 2023.

All brush should be placed no later than August 13, 2023. Two crews (DPS Parks and Streets Divisions) will work from both the east and west side of the City and make one pass only. Brush may be placed in the alley or tree lawn, behind the curb or pavement edge of the street.

We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. Please feel free to contact Michelle Hunt at (231) 922-4900 if you have any questions, comments or concerns about the work or the schedule.