ASHTON PARK IMPROVEMENTS

NEW NATURE BASED PLAYGROUND

Ashton Park will soon undergo improvements that include the installation of new playground equipment and enhancements to trail access. The project features a nature-based playground design that uses only natural materials, with no plastic components. A key element is the reuse of Black Locust logs sourced from trees removed at the Senior Center. These logs were cured over two years and prepared for construction by TC Millworks. The playground will include separate play areas for ages 2–5 and 5–12, climbing structures, boulders, a spider net, and a craft table, aiming to maintain the park's wooded character.

The project also includes a trail extension that will connect the existing wooded trails to the Safe Route to School sidewalk on the south side of the park, near the Wayne Street entrance.

The project is being funded through Brown Bridge Trust Fund dollars (2019 allocation).

ELEVENTH STREET RECONSTRUCTION

BEGINS JULY 7TH

The Eleventh Street reconstruction project will begin July 7, 2025, between Pine Street and Lake Avenue. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed by September 12, 2025.

Project Details

This is a full reconstruction effort. Key improvements include:

• Complete street rebuild: new curbs, asphalt pavement, water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, bioswales, and galvanized water service replacements.
• Utility upgrades: enhancing sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer infrastructure to improve long-term service reliability.
• Mobility improvements: installation of Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at the intersection of Cass Street and Eleventh Street to improve pedestrian safety.

Permanent Parking Changes

As a result of the project, there will be no parking on the north side of East Eleventh Street from South Union Street to South Cass Street, with certain exceptions.

Traffic and Access Impacts

• Street closure: Eleventh Street will be closed to through traffic between Pine Street and Lake Avenue during construction.
• Sidewalk closures: sidewalks within the construction area will be closed. Intermittent closures at the intersections of Cass and Union will occur, but not at the same time to minimize disruption.
• Driveway and side street access: will be maintained as much as possible, although temporary restrictions may be necessary during certain phases.
• Barricades and signage: will be in place to ensure safety and provide clear detours.

Part of the City’s 2025 Reconstruction Project

This work on Eleventh Sttreet is part of the City’s broader 2025 Reconstruction Project, which also includes:

• Fulton Street (Jefferson Avenue to Randolph Street)
• East Ninth Street (Union Street to Cass Street)
• East Twelfth Street (Union Street to Cass Street)
• Griffin Street (Pine Street to Locust Street)

Streets were prioritized for reconstruction based on their PASER ratings, which measure pavement condition, and the need for underlying utility upgrades. Some of these streets are also part of the City’s Mobility Action Plan, meaning they may receive enhancements that support the “Proposed Vision Bike Network” and safer connections for all users.

The total for the 2025 Reconstruction Project is $3,491,000. The project is being funded by a FY 24-25 fund balance to cover authorized expenditures of funds in the Capital Streets, Water, Sewer, and Traffic Calming funds. 

The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as these improvements move forward. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay alert to posted signs and changing traffic patterns throughout the project.

EASTERN AVENUE SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION

BEGINS JULY 7TH

The City's contractor will begin constructing a new sidewalk along the south side of Eastern Avenue, between Peninsula Drive and Milliken Drive. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by August 15, 2025, ahead of the 2025/26 school year.

During construction, a lane shift will be in place on Eastern Avenue. Access to driveways and nearby side streets will be maintained as much as possible; however, temporary restrictions may occur during certain phases of work. Proper barricades and signage will help guide traffic and ensure safety throughout the project. Please note that construction activities will generate some dust, noise, and general inconvenience.

This long-requested initiative, supported by neighborhood residents and approved by City leadership in 2024, aims to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity by better linking pedestrians to the existing crosswalk on Peninsula Drive and addressing long-standing safety concerns in the area. The project will include shifting the curb line northward and installing a 6-foot-wide sidewalk with an additional 1-foot buffer—resulting in a total of 7 feet of new concrete walkway.

The project cost is $158,719.84 which includes a 15% contingency ($20,702.59) and is funded through the Capital Improvements Fund.

EMPLOYEE PARKING

CHOOSE AFFORDABLE & RELIABLE PARKING

As the busy summer season arrives, parking Downtown can become more challenging with the influx of visitors and increased activity. The City encourages Downtown employees to take advantage of convenient, cost-effective parking options.

Monthly permits in the Hardy and Old Town Parking Structures cost the equivalent of approximately $1.80 per day, significantly less than paying hourly at meters. This helps keep prime on-street parking available for customers and visitors, while giving employees reliable all-day parking.

PUBLIC SPACE IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED

E. FRONT STREET

At their July 7, 2025 meeting, the City Commission will consider an agreement for improvements to a riverside public space on E. Front Street. Recently, the City was approached by Joel Peterson of J. Peterson Homes with a proposal for a public/private partnership to enhance the City-owned site along the Boardman-Ottaway River at 429 E. Front Street. This property currently includes a sanitary sewer lift station and a covered bicycle parking area, both of which will remain in place.

As Peterson moves forward with redeveloping the property across the street, he has offered to fully fund improvements to the City-owned parcel. These enhancements would focus on creating a space for public use. Improvements include a brick paver area, landscaping, picnic tables, and additional seating areas. Upon completion, the City would still retain ownership and continue to maintain the public space.

The proposal was reviewed by both the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. As required by state law, the Planning Commission confirmed it aligns with the Master Plan, noting the site’s designation for mixed commercial, residential, and public uses. Although the riverfront parcel is not designated as parkland, both Commissions supported the project, seeing it as a valuable improvement to an underused public space.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF JULY 7TH

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 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2025.

Week of July 7th Locations

The week of July 7th, the project will be conducted on the 400 and 500 blocks of N. Elmwood, and the 600 block of N. Madison. The work will cause sidewalk and intermittent street closures.

IMAGINE

ROTARY SQUARE

OPEN HOUSE

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) invites the public to attend the third “Imagine Rotary Square” Open House. This event will showcase the ongoing design process and provide an opportunity for community members to give feedback on two potential design options for the future of Rotary Square.

The Open House will take place on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 4:30-7:00 pm at Rotary Square (the corner of State and Union Streets). Using feedback collected at previous open houses, pop ups, and surveys, design alternatives have been narrowed from six concepts to two refined designs. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their preferred elements from each design and shape the final design of Rotary Square that is expected later this summer.

UNION STREET ZONING AMENDMENT

INTRODUCTION

Following a recommendation from the Planning Commission, an ordinance amendment will be introduced at the July 7, 2025 City Commission meeting to rezone the 300, 400, and 500 blocks of S. Union Street in the Old Towne District from C-2: Neighborhood Center District to C-4a: Regional Center District. This proposal was prompted by a rezoning application for the properties at 418 and 420 S. Union Street.

The key difference between the existing C-2 zoning and the proposed C-4a designation is the requirement for residential units in taller buildings. Under C-2 zoning, buildings can be constructed up to 45 feet, but any structure over 30 feet must include at least one story of residential housing. The C-4a zoning district removes this requirement, allowing taller buildings without a mandatory residential component.

The ordinance amendment could be scheduled for possible enactment on July 21, 2025.

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 Thursday, July 3, 2025, Sunset Park was reported at a Level 2, partial body contact, and will be resampled with results issued on Friday, July 4, 2025.

WALK, BIKE, BUS

NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL CONTINUES

The National Cherry Festival officially kicked off on Saturday, June 28. During the festival, we encourage those wanting to enjoy the festivities to walk, bike, or take the bus! These alternative modes of transportation not only contribute to a more enjoyable and less stressful festival experience, but also support eco-friendly options.

BATA Bayline

Hop on BATA’s Bayline route for free and easy transportation during the National Cherry Festival. The Bayline offers continuous service throughout the festival, with shuttles departing every 15 minutes from any stop along the route. Special park-and-ride lots are available at Meijer on US-31, the Cherry Lot at Northwestern Michigan College, and Woodland Creek Furniture on the east side of town.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists should be aware of increased traffic during the National Cherry Festival, especially during the air shows and fireworks. Additionally, a street closure is planned for the Cherry Royal Parade on Saturday, July 5. For everyone’s safety, please navigate the City with patience.

Parking Tips

If you choose to drive to Downtown Traverse City, parking is convenient and readily available for all events and shopping. Hourly and all-day parking is offered in signed surface lots and at the Hardy and Old Town Parking Structures. Bicycle parking is available throughout Downtown.

Fireworks Parking: Access to the Old Town Parking Structure is recommended via the Eighth Street entrance. Access to the Hardy Parking Structure is recommended via the Front Street entrance. Fireworks will take place on both Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th.

Parade Parking: Due to street closures, the Old Town Parking Structure will be accessible from Eighth Street, while the Hardy Parking Structure will be accessible only from the State Street entrance.

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