FISHPASS UPDATE

PHASE TWO

The FishPass project has entered Phase 2 of construction. Phase 1 included the completion of the upstream cofferdam, and the entire river flow is now passing over the new arc-labyrinth and low-flow weirs.

Phase 2 will encompass the north side of the river, constructing the fish-sorting channel and headworks. Sheet pile activities are anticipated to be completed in August. Sheet pile methods may shift back and forth from a vibratory hammer to an impact hammer.

When work begins on the downstream cofferdam, through traffic will not be allowed in the alley south of State Street near the S. Union Street Bridge to accommodate the placement of a crane. In addition, Lot K will be closed. The contractor expects this work to start by the end of August, pending progress on upstream sheet pile installation. The impacts on the alley and Lot K are anticipated to last for a two-week time period.



FishPass represents the culmination of approximately two decades of restoration efforts on the Boardman/Ottaway River, aiming to reconnect the river with Lake Michigan. It addresses the deteriorating Union Street Dam, replacing it with a new, complete barrier to all fish while incorporating innovative technology to selectively pass desirable species and block harmful invaders like sea lamprey.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES & VIGIL

JULY 26TH INCIDENT

The City of Traverse City extends its deepest sympathy to the victims, their families, and all those affected in the community by the tragic stabbing incident that occurred at the Walmart in Traverse City on July 26, 2025. 

While the incident did not occur within the City of Traverse City, it has had a profound impact on our community. We are grateful to law enforcement, first responders, and the team at Munson Medical Center. We also recognize and extend our great appreciation to the citizens who had the courage to stop further violence.  

Community Resources

Counseling services are available counseling for all community members.

Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis & Access Center

410 Brook Street

24 hour counseling

Crisis Hotline

833-295-0616

24 hours

Interfaith Vigil to Honor Those Affected by Recent Violence

The S.A.L.T. Coalition invites the public to an interfaith vigil this Friday, August 1st at 7 pm at Sunset Park, 635 E. Front Street.

The vigil is intended to support and uplift those affected by the July 26th incident at Walmart, which injured 11 individuals, several of whom are still recovering at Munson Medical Center.

The community gathering will include:

• A period of silent reflection and candle-lighting
• Prayers from interfaith leaders across traditions
• Informal fellowship and mutual support

All are encouraged to attend. Come as you are.

MIDBLOCK CROSSWALK RECONSTRUCTION

100 BLOCK OF CASS STREET

At their August 4, 2025 meeting, the City Commission will consider approving a contract to reconstruct the mid-block pedestrian crosswalk on the 100 block of Cass Street, located between Front and State Streets in Downtown Traverse City.

This project is the result of a joint assessment by City Engineering and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to address deteriorating infrastructure and improve pedestrian safety. The proposed improvements will replace aging brick pavers and curbing, upgrade drainage structures, and ensure compliance with ADA standards.

If approved, the contract will be awarded to AJ’s Excavating for an amount not to exceed $98,000. Funding for the project will come from the DDA TIF-97 Fund.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPEN HOUSE

AUGUST 1ST

Join the City and Jacobs Engineering for a public open house at the Traverse City Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 10 am to 12:30 pm.  

Tour-goers will follow the path of wastewater as it travels through the treatment process to remove pollutants, and protect the waterway. Attendees will learn how and what microorganisms remove organic matter, the role membrane filtration plays, how biogas produced during digestion is recycled as an energy source, what happens to the solids during and after treatment, and more.

Plant tours will be provided on the half hour, with the last tour departing at 12:30 pm.

Tour Requirements

• Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult
• All participants must wear close-toed shoes
• Hard hats and safety glasses are required and will be provided
• For security purposes, photos are not permitted
• Tour may not be suitable for children under 6

THREE-WAY STOP AT PINE

AND W. FRONT

Since the City Commission extended the Two-Way Street Pilot Project in February 2025, the DDA and City staff have been working on targeted improvements based on feedback and traffic data.

The first change is now in place: a new stop sign has been added for eastbound traffic at Pine and W. Front Street, creating a three-way stop to enhance safety and flow.

Launched in 2022, the pilot aims to improve downtown accessibility by converting portions of State, Pine, and Boardman Streets to two-way traffic. The two-year extension allows continued evaluation and adjustments, including potential signal changes, mid-block crosswalks, and even a future two-way conversion of Front Street.

Traffic data collection is ongoing to assess impacts and guide future decisions. Public input is welcome at two-way@downtowntc.com.

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.

FIVE YEAR PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN SURVEY

The City is updating its Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This plan will help guide the City as it develops and improves its parks and recreation system over the next five years.

The City’s current plan is set to expire at the end of 2025. In order to remain eligible for grant opportunities, an approved five-year plan must be submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by February 1, 2026.

Parks & Recreation Master Plan Survey

Input is being sought for parks and recreation priorities over the next five years. This survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete.

BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY APPLICATION & SURVEY

The City has submitted an application to the League of American Bicyclists to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC). This designation reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to promoting safe, accessible, and enjoyable biking for all residents and visitors.

As part of the review process, the League is conducting a national survey to gather input from people who bike, or want to bike, in communities that applied for the 2025 program.

Your feedback will help both the League and the City better understand current bicycling conditions and identify opportunities for improvement.

THANK YOU CANDIDATES

MAYORAL AND COMMISSION CANDIDATE TOUR

A big thank you to the Mayoral and City Commission candidates who were able to join City, DDA and TCLP staff for a full day tour of city operations and presentations. We appreciate your commitment to serve our community!