FALL TREE PLANTING
149 TREES TO BE PLANTED

Fall tree planting is underway in the City, with 149 new trees being planted throughout the community. Led by the Parks and Recreation Department, the annual initiative supports the City's ongoing efforts to grow, maintain, replenish, and diversify its urban tree canopy.

Most of this year's plantings will take place within public rights-of-way across the City, replacing trees that were removed. Additional plantings include replacement trees associated with the Monroe Street reconstruction project, new trees in City parks, and 27 trees in downtown Traverse City to replace declining ornamental pear trees. The downtown replacements will feature a mix of Serviceberry varieties, Hackberry, and Ivory Silk Tree Lilac, introducing greater species diversity to the downtown landscape.

This year's planting program includes 13 tree varieties: Honey Locust, Upright Serviceberry, Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, Spring Flurry Serviceberry, Hackberry, Sweetgum, Tulip Tree, London Plane, White Oak, Swamp White Oak, Ivory Silk Tree Lilac, Basswood, and American Elm.

The program also includes four tribute trees, with two being planted or replaced in Hannah Park, one in the City Cemetery, and one in Veterans Park.

BOARDMAN RETAINING WALL STUDY
STUDY OUTLINES STABILIZATION NEEDS

At its Monday, November 9, 2026, meeting, the City Commission will hear a presentation on the Boardman River Retaining Wall Study, which evaluates the condition of the existing retaining wall along the 100 block of the Boardman/Ottaway River, between Union and Cass Streets. The presentation will outline recommended stabilization measures, long-term improvement options, and opportunities to coordinate the work with other planned riverfront projects.

Originally constructed in 1931, the retaining wall has been the subject of ongoing monitoring and evaluation. A detailed inspection conducted in May 2026, including an underwater assessment, identified significant deterioration beneath the wall, including erosion around its foundation and decay of the timber support piles. While the likelihood of sudden failure under normal conditions is considered low, the wall's overall condition has been rated as "serious," prompting recommendations for both immediate and long-term improvements.

A Three-Phase Approach

The study recommends a three-phase approach to address the wall's condition:

• Phase 1 – Emergency Stabilization: The City is moving forward with approximately $252,000 in emergency repairs this fall to help stabilize the wall and prevent further deterioration. Additional work will restore adjacent sidewalk, parking, and lighting infrastructure.
• Phase 2 – Short-Term Stabilization: Installation of steel sheet piling along the riverfront to reinforce the existing wall and prevent further erosion beneath its foundation. Construction is estimated at $1.1 million, with implementation anticipated in 2028 or 2029.
• Phase 3 – Long-Term Improvements: The study evaluates several alternatives for the future of the riverfront. The recommended option combines structural reinforcement with a more naturalized riverbank, providing opportunities for improved river access and habitat restoration. The estimated construction cost is approximately $1.1 million.

The combined estimated construction cost of the recommended three-phase approach is approximately $2.5 million, excluding engineering and certain restoration expenses.

Coordinating Riverfront Improvements

The study also presents an opportunity to coordinate retaining wall improvements with two Downtown Development Authority (DDA) initiatives currently in design: the proposed Boardman/Ottaway River pedestrian bridge and the Boardman/Ottaway River Habitat Improvement Project.

The habitat project, being advanced in partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, aims to improve aquatic habitat, restore natural river features, and enhance the ecological health of the river corridor.

Coordinating these efforts could create efficiencies in design, permitting, and construction while advancing broader goals for river access, environmental restoration, and public spaces along the waterfront.

The recommended long-term wall alternative would also involve changes to existing parking along the riverfront, including the removal of 68 perpendicular parking spaces and the creation of nine parallel spaces. These considerations will be part of the Commission's discussion as it evaluates the options.

Next Steps

At the November 9 meeting, City staff and engineering consultants will present the study findings and seek Commission direction on proceeding with the next phase of stabilization and identifying a preferred long-term approach.

PUMPKIN DROP OFF SITE
PUMPKIN SMASHING EXTRAVAGANZA

Pumpkin Drop Off Site Open

Don't let your pumpkins go to waste! The City and Carter's Compost is offering residents an opportunity to compost their pumpkins rather than send them to the landfill. A pumpkin drop-off site is now open at 143 Beitner Street, next to the DPS Building on Woodmere Avenue, and will remain available through Sunday, November 8, at 1:00 p.m. Pumpkins should be free of any decorations and paint.

Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza: November 8

The City is excited to team up with Carter’s Compost and SEEDS again this year for the Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza, a community event focused on sustainability and fun, happening on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the City’s in-vessel composting unit, located at 143 Beitner (next to the DPS Building on Woodmere Avenue). This free event will welcome the public to smash their pumpkins at various activity stations.

The 20-yard in-vessel composting unit is a key part of the City’s Compost and Food Waste Reduction project. This fully enclosed system, ideal for urban settings, can process approximately 100 tons of food waste annually.

In 2025, nearly 3 tons of pumpkins were diverted from landfills. With 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins produced annually in the U.S., many end up in landfills, contributing to methane emissions—landfills account for 20% of the U.S.’s methane output. Composting pumpkins helps reduce greenhouse gases, diverts waste, and returns nutrients to the soil, improving environmental health. This event is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and educate the public on how they can make incremental steps toward food waste reduction.

HICKORY HILLS SEASON UPDATES

SEASON PASSES ON SALE NOW

Season Passes

The City is gearing up for the winter season at Hickory Hills! Season passes for Hickory Hills are now on sale. Alpine season passholders may also use Nordic trails at no additional charge.

The City's software offers options to make your adventurous days at Hickory easier than ever. Waivers may be completed ahead of time, and money can be added to passholder accounts for use on anything at Hickory (think snacks and merch!).

Hickory Purchase Portal

When the season opens, day passes will continue to be purchased onsite at the ticket window. Reminder, a variety of rentals are available for both alpine and nordic.

Seasonal Positions

JOIN THE FUN! The City is now hiring for seasonal positions at Hickory Hills. 

Learn More

Disc Golf Season Concludes

To prepare for the ski season, disc golf baskets will be removed on November 4, 2026.

COMMUNITY SURVEY FOR MOBILITY INITIATIVES

CLOSES NOVEMBER 6

The City is inviting community members to provide input on potential mobility improvements as part of a significant infrastructure project that will replace aging water and sanitary sewer infrastructure and reconstruct portions of Boardman Avenue, Washington Street, Cass Street, State Street, and the public alley west of Cass Street.

Following a Community Open House held on October 20, the City has launched a community survey to gather additional feedback as the project enters the preliminary design phase.

More Than Underground Infrastructure

While replacing aging utilities is a key component of the project, reconstruction provides an opportunity to consider how people move through and experience these streets.

The project team is evaluating potential improvements for walking, biking, transit access, and accessibility. This includes bicycle facilities identified in the City's Mobility Action Plan, pedestrian safety improvements, traffic-calming measures, and upgraded stormwater infrastructure.

Share Your Input

Community members are encouraged to complete the survey and share their perspectives on existing challenges, priorities, and opportunities for improvement.

PROJECT UPDATES

COMPLETE, ACTIVE, AND UPCOMING

Catch Basin Cleaning Project: Active

Project anticipated to be completed late October

Crack Sealing Project: Active

Project anticipated to be completed late October

Monroe Street Reconstruction: Active

Phase 3 of the Monroe Street Reconstruction is nearing completion. Paving activities are anticipated to begin on Saturday, November 7.



Farmers Market Project: Active

Construction is underway on the new Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market Pavilion. Parking Lot B is closed for the duration of the project, which includes construction of a modern, accessible covered pavilion, reconstruction of the parking lot, upgraded drainage and stormwater infrastructure, enhanced landscaping, and parking improvements to better serve the market and surrounding riverfront. The project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.

Approximately 27 parking spaces in Lot T will remain closed through Thursday, November 12.



2026 Projects Completed

East Side Social District Mill and Pave

Seventh Street Mill and Fill

S. Garfield Sidewalk Construction Project

Eleventh Street Culvert/Kids Creek Restoration Project

Pavement Marking Project

Oak Street Mill and Fill (Seventh Street and W. Thirteenth Street)

Seventh Street Mill and Fill (S. Elmwood Ave. and S. Division Street)

Elmwood Mill and Fill (W. Front Street and W. Eleventh Streets)

Washington Street Resurface (Rose Street to Prospect Street)

Cass Street Crosswalk (E. State Street and E. Front Street)

CHERRY CAPITAL AIRPORT JOINT ZONING BOARD - SEEKING APPLICANTS

The Cherry Capital Airport Joint Zoning Board is seeking interested and qualified individuals to serve on the Cherry Capital Airport Zoning Board of Appeals. City of Traverse City residents who are registered electors are eligible to apply.

The Board of Appeals is responsible for hearing and deciding appeals related to the Cherry Capital Airport Joint Zoning Ordinance, including requests for special exceptions and variances.

Applicants should be available to attend meetings in person throughout the year and be comfortable reviewing and interpreting zoning regulations and technical materials. Experience in planning, aviation, or related technical fields is preferred.

The Board will consist of five regular members and two alternates, with staggered terms ranging from one to three years for initial appointments. Alternate members will serve three-year terms.

FALL

LOOSE LEAF PICK UP

The fall Loose Leaf Pickup is underway in City neighborhoods, moving west to east. Crews will then return to the west side to repeat the process.

The City has a progression map that divides the City into six zones for efficient service. Residents can view the map to identify their zone and prepare for leaf pickup accordingly.

Due to weather conditions and the unpredictability of leaf fall, exact dates for each zone's pickup will not be provided. The City encourages residents to be ready by having their leaves gathered before collection starts in their zone.

Progress updates will be announced via social media and will also be available on the interactive map on the City's Leaf Pickup webpage.

While crews may clean streets outside the scheduled zone to finish up the day, if they are not officially picking up in that zone, they will return at the appropriate time.