THE
BAY BRIEF
January 2025 / Vol. 02
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TWO WAY STREET CONVERSION
PILOT EXTENSION CONSIDERED
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At their Monday, January 13, 2025 meeting the City Commission will be presented with an update from the DDA on the two way street conversion in Downtown Traverse City, and consider a recommendation to extend the pilot project for two additional years.
In November 2022, the DDA approached the City to launch a two-year pilot to convert portions of State, Pine, and Boardman Streets to two-way traffic, with a goal to enhance downtown accessibility and mobility. The pilot followed an iterative approach, incorporating public feedback and data collection to refine the changes, including additional signage and lane markings.
Challenges, such as limited turning options at key intersections and concerns about traffic flow, especially during the Grandview Parkway reconstruction, are intended to be addressed as part of the proposed two-year extension. Additional time is being recommended to allow for further evaluation and necessary adjustments to ensure the project meets the DDA's goals, which included: slower speeds, increase pedestrian safety, enhance the public realm, encourage private investment of underdeveloped commercial areas, and provide better connectivity to the existing grid system.
Looking Ahead
With the two-way pilot project’s traffic control order expired, the City Commission has the following considerations:
- Revert the streets to one-way traffic.
- Make the two-way conversion permanent, with or without modifications.
- Extend the pilot for two additional years to address immediate concerns and further evaluate long-term impacts.
The DDA has recommended a two-year extension, which includes updates such as signal modifications at key intersections, mid-block crosswalks, and exploring the potential conversion of Front Street to two-way traffic.
The Front Street conversion would represent a significant shift in Downtown traffic flow, aiming to enhance connectivity and walkability. If pursued, this change would require additional analysis of traffic impacts, such as how one eastbound lane on Front Street interacts with broader mobility patterns. Potential improvements may include adjustments to the Hardy Parking Deck entrance and a review of loading zones and delivery access to accommodate two-way movement.
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STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE
COMMUNITY REPORT, SURVEY, AND ENGAGEMENT SESSION
The City is developing a community-driven Strategic Action Plan through 2035. The project is a robust, inclusive, and forward- looking planning process. The project’s objective is to produce the Traverse City Strategic Action Plan, which aims to position Traverse City on a continued path of a diverse, resilient, and ‘forward thinking city.’ The process also will explore the future strategic positioning of the City and create an enduring, collaborative roadmap to the future. A fundamental premise is that the world is changing fast, and the city needs decisive thinking to help envision how it will thrive over the coming decade.
The project kicked off in fall of 2024 with Think-Tank workshops, a future oriented exploration of macro trends and their impact on Traverse City. Over 200 community members participated in the Community Visioning Sessions held in November 2024.
Think Tank Report
A Think Tank Report has been completed and summarizes the findings of a Think-Tank workshop and Community Visioning sessions that were part of Traverse City's Strategic Action Plan process thus far. It outlines each key step in the planning, beginning with background exploration and analysis. The process involved "future gazing," where stakeholders considered various possible directions for the city's future and assessed their potential impacts and consequences. From this, participants identified an optimal or preferred future, providing a foundation for determining actionable steps to achieve that vision. The report serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding community priorities and will inform the strategic pathways to meet them.
Think Tank Report
Heatmap Survey Data Visualization Platform
Community Survey #1
The first community survey for the Strategic Action Plan project is now available. Its primary goal is to gather insights on the community’s desired future direction to inform the development of the Strategic Plan. The survey is designed for residents of City of Traverse City and individuals with a direct connection to the community. It seeks to understand their perspectives on life in Traverse City and their vision for the City's future.
Take the Survey
Strategic Round Table Session: January 21, 2025
The Strategic Round Table session will be a highly interactive session that will help create the key strategic focus areas for the Traverse City Strategic Action Plan. The session is open to community, and it is the next important step in the planning work. The session will include an update on the outcomes from the Think-Tank held in October 2024 and the Community Visioning session held in November 2024. Preliminary results from the Community Survey will also be reviewed. The purpose of the session is to identify 5-6 key strategic focus areas that will support the preferred future for the City of Traverse City. The session will include initial brainstorming of ideas and possible action steps. More in-depth focus groups workshops, which will dig more into detail, will be held during the period February 18-20, 2025.
Strategic Round Table Session
January 21, 2025
West Shore Bank Community Room
400 E. Eighth Street, 3rd Floor
2 - 4 pm
Register to Attend
Stay Engaged!
It is critical for residents to be engaged in the Strategic Planning process. Keep an eye on the project portal and join the project mailing list to stay up to date on opportunities to get involved.
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HICKORY HILLS SKI AREA
OPENS JANUARY 10TH
The cold temperatures have been ideal for snowmaking and Hickory Hills Ski Area is set to open Friday, January 10th. We look forward to welcoming you this season!
Alpine Update
Slopes open for Alpine beginning Friday, January 10th are Fast Tammy, Magna Carta, Swede, Birch, and Waterfall. Daily passes must be purchased at the lodge.
Nordic Update
Grooming on the hillside continues with Pisten Bully treatment on man-made snow areas, followed by track setting where snow depth permits. Natural snow areas are packed and groomed but remain thin, especially in upper sections, so caution is advised when venturing beyond man-made coverage.
Man-made snow is primarily limited to the Sprint Loop near the parking lot, the low-grade roadway leading to the old red lodge and alpine slopes, and the Lighted Loop near the Birch Alpine run. Groomed natural snow areas include the upper FIS racing course loops (behind Pete/Buck and Cherry Bomb runs) and the Powerline Trail, which connects the Lighted Loop to Jack's trail on the alpine map.
In the Meadows, coverage is thin and inconsistent, with vegetation and occasional gravel hazards. Rock skis and caution are recommended, but skiing conditions are improving!
Season Passes
Be sure to snag your season passes in advance so you can hit the hill as soon as possible! Season passes are available for purchase online. Purchase in advance for an easy pick up. Alpine season pass holders may also use Nordic trails at no additional charge. Pass pick up is available after 2 pm, Monday - Friday, and during regular business hours on Saturday and Sunday.
The City's new software will offer more options to make your adventurous days at Hickory easier than ever. Waivers may be completed ahead of time, and money can be added to pass holder accounts for use on anything at Hickory (think snacks and merch!).
Hickory Purchase Portal
Raptor Rush: January 11th
The City's partner, Vasa Ski Club, will host the Raptor Rush this Saturday, January 11th on Hickory's nordic course. Registration is still open to adults and youth. Proceeds support the VASA Raptors HS Ski Team.
After homologation certification in 2023, Hickory's nordic course is the only FIS course in lower Michigan!
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CHRISTMAS TREE DROP OFF SITE
The Christmas Tree drop off site is available and open for City residents. Please be sure that trees are free of all decorations, tinsel, etc. so they can be properly mulched and reused in nature. The drop off site closes on January 31st. Trees may be dropped off at the boat launch parking lot in Hull Park.
Fun Fact: Trees are chipped and used for trail surfacing in City parks and the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, mulching material, and erosion control.
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SCAM ALERT NOTIFICATION
The City has been made aware of a scam involving text messages claiming recipients have delinquent parking tickets. These messages include a link to make a payment.
Please be advised: Parking Services never sends text messages requesting payment.
Stay vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links. If you have concerns about parking tickets, contact Parking Services directly through official channels.
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COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
Be a hero and join us for a Community Blood Drive hosted at the Governmental Center in the lower level cafeteria on January 15, 2025, from 10 am to 2:30 pm.
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins welcome. Call 1-866-MI-BL00D.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to EAT a healthy MEAL and DRINK plenty of WATER before donating.
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HANNAH PARK OVERLOOK PROJECT
Following the completion of the Union Street Bridge in 2022, the City and DDA evaluated the repairs and enhancements needed for the Hannah Park overlook, located at the southwest corner of the bridge. This overlook provides pedestrians with a relaxing resting spot and a scenic view of the Boardman/Ottaway River.
Improvements to the overlook are scheduled to begin on Monday, January 13, 2025, with an anticipated completion date of March 26, 2025, weather permitting. Construction will involve removing and salvaging sidewalks, selective demolition of fieldstone walls, adjustments to existing features, and installing new elements such as clay paver bricks, concrete sidewalks, fieldstone wall veneers, railings, and wall reinforcements. These upgrades aim to enhance the overlook’s infrastructure, safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. During the project, intermittent closures of the southbound lane on Union Street may occur, and the sidewalk on the west side of Union Street, between Sixth and State Streets, will be closed.
The project is funded by the Old Town TIF ($105,000), Brown Bridge Trust ($12,000), City Parks Fund ($20,700), and the Capital Improvement Fund ($68,000).
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DTE & TCLP UTILITY RELOCATION PROJECT
M-72 will be closed just west of the M-22 intersection in Elmwood Township for approximately four weeks beginning in January 2025. The closure is necessary to allow utility companies DTE and Traverse City Light & Power to relocate their underground utilities beneath the roadway. Bay Street will also be closed between M-72 and Ramsdell during this time.
This work is part of preparations for MDOT's project to rebuild M-72 and M-22 from west of Division Street to Cherry Bend Road, including a new roundabout at the M-72/M-22 intersection. Construction on the MDOT project is scheduled to begin in mid-April 2025.
During the utility relocation, M-72 will be closed from the M-72/M-22 intersection in Elmwood Township to just east of Incochee Woods Drive. However, M-22 will remain open between US-31/M-37 (Division Street) and Cherry Bend Road. Bay Street will be closed from M-72 to US-31/M-37 (Division Street) and at its intersections with Ramsdell.
Plans for pedestrian and bicycle detours during the utility work are being developed by the utility companies and contractors.
Updates, detours, and the project start date, will be published on the City's website as they become available.
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DID YOU KNOW....
You can be hip and sport your Hickory Hills pride with several options of hoodies, tees, and hats!
Merchandise is available in both adult and youth sizes, and can be purchased at the lodge after 2 pm, Monday - Friday, and during regular business hours on Saturday and Sunday.
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