BROWN BRIDGE QUIET AREA EXPANSION MOVES FORWARD

ENGINEERING & DESIGN FOR SPRING LAKE TRAILHEAD PROJECT

At their Tuesday, September 8, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider authorizing a contract for professional engineering, design, and construction management services associated with the Brown Bridge Quiet Area Expansion, Spring Lake Trailhead Project.

The City recently closed on the acquisition of 528 acres adjacent to the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, significantly expanding the City-owned natural area. The acquisition followed voter approval in November 2023 to use Brown Bridge Trust Fund dollars as the City’s match for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant supporting the purchase.

With the acquisition complete, attention is now turning to improving public access to the expanded property. The Spring Lake Trailhead Project was identified among the projects to be funded through the Brown Bridge Trust Fund following the November 2024 vote. Planned improvements include a new trailhead along Hobbs Highway, parking, restroom facilities, a universally accessible trail, a viewing platform overlooking Spring Lake, and connections to the expanded trail system.

The proposed contract is for an amount not to exceed $92,782, including a 15% contingency, and would provide professional services through the design, permitting, bidding, and construction phases. The overall project, including design and construction, is currently estimated at approximately $350,000.

Gourdie Fraser was selected following a competitive Request for Proposals process that received four proposals. The firm brings experience with municipal infrastructure, trails, parks, and natural resource projects, as well as local knowledge and an established working relationship with the Grand Traverse Conservation District, which manages the Brown Bridge Quiet Area.

Design and engineering will prepare the project for construction, which is anticipated to begin in spring 2027.

Strategic Alignment

The Spring Lake Trailhead Project advances priorities identified in the City’s Strategic Action Plan by expanding access to recreational and gathering spaces that support social connection, community well-being, and opportunities to experience the area’s natural resources. The project is also specifically identified in the City Commission Objectives and Key Results (OKR) Work Plan, further connecting the investment to the City’s broader strategic priorities and implementation efforts.

2026 CAPE SEAL PROJECT BEGINS SEPTEMBER 9

DOWNTOWN STREETS FIRST IN CITYWIDE PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT

The City will begin its 2026 Cape Seal Project on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 launching a pavement preservation effort that will treat approximately four miles of City streets. Work is anticipated to be substantially complete by Friday, September 18, 2026 weather permitting, with pavement markings to follow later in September.

Cape sealing is part of the City’s proactive approach to maintaining local streets and extending the useful life of existing pavement. Rather than waiting until a roadway deteriorates to the point that more extensive and costly reconstruction is necessary, pavement preservation treatments can help protect streets that remain in relatively good condition and maximize the City’s investment in its transportation infrastructure.

What is a Cape Seal?

Cape seal is a two-step pavement preservation treatment that combines a chip seal with a micro-surface application. The first application, chip seal, places a layer of asphalt emulsion and aggregate over the existing roadway to seal minor cracks and protect the pavement from water and weather-related deterioration. The second application, micro-surfacing, creates a smoother, more uniform finished surface. Together, the treatments can extend the life of a roadway by approximately seven to 10 years, while improving surface quality and providing a renewed roadway surface without the cost and disruption of a full reconstruction.

Because cape seal is a preservation treatment rather than a reconstruction project, motorists may still notice existing roadway characteristics or imperfections beneath the finished surface. The goal of the treatment is to preserve and protect the existing pavement and delay the need for more extensive future improvements.

Downtown Work Begins September 9

The project will begin with several streets in Downtown Traverse City, including Cass, Front, Hall, Union, and Eighth Streets. Because cape seal is a two-step process, crews will return approximately one week after the initial treatment to complete the second application.

The downtown schedule is anticipated as follows:

• Cass Street – September 9 & 15: Full closure from the N. Cass Street Bridge to Washington Street and the S. Cass Street Bridge to Eighth Street.
• Front Street – September 10 & 16: Partial closure from Pine Street to Boardman Avenue.
• Hall Street – September 10 & 16: Flagging operations from W. Front Street to Grandview Parkway.
• Union Street – September 11 & 17: Partial closure from Garland Street to the South Union Street Bridge and Eighth Street to Ninth Street.
• Eighth Street – September 11 & 17: Flagging operations from Union Street to Lake Avenue.

Work will begin early each morning, with streets expected to reopen later the same day once treatment is complete and conditions allow. A third operation to restore traffic and pedestrian pavement markings will occur later in September.

Front Street Work

One of the most visible portions of the project will take place on Front Street between Pine Street and Boardman Avenue on September 10 and again on September 16, 2026.

Front Street will be partially closed while crews complete each stage of the cape seal treatment. Businesses will remain accessible, and the contractor will work to complete the treatment and reopen the street as quickly as conditions allow.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and consider alternate routes while work is underway. Downtown businesses will remain open throughout the project.

What to Expect

Streets being treated will be impacted for several hours while crews apply the cape seal and allow the material to properly set. Parking will not be permitted within active work areas, and temporary traffic restrictions will be necessary.

Notices will be distributed in advance to affected properties. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained, although temporary delays or changes in access may occur while crews are immediately adjacent to a property.

Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should follow posted signage and directions from construction personnel. When possible, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes around active work areas to reduce congestion and delays and provide a safer work environment for crews.

All work is weather dependent, and the schedule may be modified based on weather, material conditions, or construction progress.

2026 Cape Seal Locations

• Front Street (Pine to Boardman)
• Bay Street (M-72 to Spruce)
• Sixth Street (Beaumont to Division)
• Hall Street (W. Front to M-37/M-72/US-31)
• Union Street (Garland to S. Union Street Bridge and Eighth to Ninth) 
• Cass Street (N. Cass St. Bridge to Washington and S. Cass Street Bridge to Eighth)
• Eighth Street (Union to Lake)
• Railroad Avenue (Franklin to Eighth)
• State Street (Railroad to Hope)
• Hannah Avenue (Barlow to Bates)
• Quail Ridge/Huron Hills (Eastern to M-37/Center) 

S. GARFIELD AVENUE SIDEWALK PROJECT TO FILL CRITICAL GAP

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 8

Construction will begin Tuesday, September 8, 2026, on the S. Garfield Avenue Sidewalk Project, an effort to fill an existing gap in the City’s sidewalk network and provide a more complete pedestrian connection along this important corridor.

The project will add sidewalk along S. Garfield Avenue between Boon Street and the southern city limits, improving connectivity and accessibility where sidewalk infrastructure is currently missing. The project reflects the City’s broader effort to identify and address critical gaps in the non-motorized transportation network, creating safer and more connected routes for people walking and traveling throughout the community.

During construction, contractors will close the eastern northbound lane of S. Garfield Avenue between Boon Street and the southern city limits. Northbound traffic will be maintained using a lane-shift traffic pattern. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should use caution in the area and consider alternate routes when possible to reduce congestion and support worker safety. The project is anticipated to be substantially complete by November 5, 2026. Work is weather dependent, and the schedule may be adjusted as necessary.

Strategic Alignment

The project also advances priorities identified in the City’s Strategic Action Plan and is specifically identified in the City Commission Objectives and Key Results (OKR) Work Plan as part of the City’s work to improve critical pedestrian and mobility connections.

PROJECT UPDATES

COMPLETE, ACTIVE, AND UPCOMING

Eleventh Street Culvert/Kids Creek Restoration Project: Nearing Completion

The Kids Creek Restoration Project is anticipating to be substantially completed on Friday, September 4, 2026, and include the opening of the 700 and 900 blocks of Eleventh Street between Elmwood Avenue and Division Street. The new culvert is a significant investment in the health of Kids Creek. Replacing the undersized crossing will improve water flow, restore aquatic habitat, enhance fish passage, and reduce flooding impacts, all while supporting ongoing efforts to remove Kids Creek from Michigan's Impaired Waters List. This project continues a long-standing regional partnership focused on restoring the health and function of the Kids Creek watershed.

Cape Seal Project: Upcoming

Project begins September 9, 2026.

Catch Basin Cleaning Project: Upcoming

Project begins September 8, 2026.

S. Garfield Sidewalk Construction Project: Upcoming

Project begins September 8, 2026.

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.

Monroe Street Reconstruction: Active

Phase 3 of the Monroe Street Reconstruction is underway, with Monroe Street closing from Randolph Street to West Front Street. Work will include sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, curb and gutter, pavement, sidewalks, and related improvements, with intermittent impacts expected at the Randolph and West Front intersections. This final phase of reconstruction is anticipated to be completed and reopened to traffic on or around October 30, 2026, weather permitting.



Projects Completed

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)

Looking Ahead

Crack Sealing Project: Begins September 2026

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7

Michigan's 2017 Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) designates galvanized water services as lead service lines if they "are or ever were" connected to a lead gooseneck, requiring utilities to pay for replacing private water services from the curb stop to the building. Lead goosenecks, installed before the mid-1940s, are 3-foot lead pipes used between the brass connection to the water main and a galvanized pipe.

The City has since installed copper services and has no known fully lead service lines. Not all private galvanized lines need replacement; those originally connected to City-owned copper services don't require replacement. The water service line replacement project started in May 2026 and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2026.

Week of September 7 Locations

The week of September 7, 2026, work will be conducted on the 800, 900, and 1000 blocks of Barlow. This work will cause lane closures and lane shifts. Additionally, the work will cause sidewalk closures.

PUBLIC BEACH

MONITORING & TESTING

The Environmental Health Division of the Grand Traverse County Health Department works closely with the City of Traverse City, Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, and the Traverse City State Park to ensure the health and safety of several public beaches in Grand Traverse County.

The Watershed Center administers grants from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to sample surface water from swim areas of the beaches. The water samples are analyzed for E. coli, a relatively harmless organism that may indicate the possible presence of harmful pathogenic microorganisms.

The Beach Monitoring Dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays. If any beaches report a "Level 2" or higher, those specific beaches will then be resampled. Resample results will be available and published 24 hours later.

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, water sampling classified Clinch Park beach as a Level 2, recommending partial body contact only. Resampling will be conducted on Thursday, September 3, 2026 with results issued on Friday, September 4, 2026. All other beaches were classified as Level 1 and are considered safe for full-body contact.

ATTAINABLE HOUSING DISTRICT PUBLIC HEARING

SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 8

The City Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. to receive public input on the proposed establishment of an Attainable Housing District.

As shared last week, the City recently issued a certified mailing to affected property owners, a required step under Michigan’s Attainable Housing Facilities Act. The mailing provides notice of the proposed district and public hearing and does not mean that individual properties are automatically enrolled in or receiving a tax exemption.

If established, the district would create an area where eligible rental properties may apply for an Attainable Housing Exemption Certificate, a property tax incentive intended to support the creation, rehabilitation, and preservation of attainable rental housing.

Strategic Alignment

Exploring this tool aligns with the City’s Strategic Action Plan priority of Creating a Complete Community, including expanding housing opportunities for people at different income levels and stages of life, and advances housing-related actions within the City Commission’s Objectives and Key Results Work Plan.

40 UNDER 40

CONGRATULATIONS JERRY SWANSON & LANCE BOEHMER

Congratulations to Technology Director Jerry Swanson and City Commissioner Lance Boehmer on being named to the Traverse City Business News 2026 40Under40 class!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 40Under40 program, which recognizes young leaders from across northern Michigan for their professional achievements, civic involvement, and leadership. More than 100 nominations were submitted for this year’s class.

Jerry was recognized in part for his leadership in establishing the City’s Technology Department and deploying the City’s first network, helping advance a significant modernization of City government. Commissioner Boehmer was recognized for his professional and entrepreneurial work, community involvement, and recent election to the City Commission.

Congratulations, Jerry and Lance, on this well-deserved recognition!

Also, a big congratulations to several individuals who serve on City boards, committees, and commissions, including Anna Dituri, Jacob Goodman, Dana Pflughoeft, and Merek Roman!