COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT

MASTER PLAN & MOBILITY ACTION PLAN

In fall 2022, the City of Traverse City kicked off the first phase of community engagement for the Master Plan and Mobility Action Plan initiatives. As part of this first round of Master Plan engagement, listening session attendees, open house participants, and survey respondents were asked to prioritize and comment on a list of guiding principles, sourced from existing community visions and plans, including the current master plan. What did they like? What is confusing? What is most important? Context related to the following themes resulted:

• Participants’ Ages Mirrors Community Age Makeup
• Protect Our Natural Resources
• Manage Public Infrastructure
• Community Inclusivity
• Cycling Safety and Education
• Bike Facilities and Trails
• Connections to Daily Amenities and Recreational Destinations

“Thank you to everyone who has participated in these community planning projects so far”, says Shawn Winter, City Planning Director. “If you haven’t yet shared your ideas, we will be hosting additional online surveys, online input sessions, and in-person input sessions and encourage you to participate in a way that is comfortable for you.” 

The City invites all people who live, work, learn, play, drive, walk, ride, roll, or cycle in Traverse City—of every gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income, and ability—to participate in the projects. Monthly public meetings are held for both Master Plan and Mobility Action Plan. Meeting schedules may be found at this link,

To learn more about the master plan, visit this website: tcmasterplan.org. To learn more about the mobility action plan, visit this website: tcmobility.org. Subscribing to project update emails may be found on each project website. 

CHRISTMAS TREE DROP OFF SITE OPEN

The Parks and Recreation Division offers a Christmas Tree drop-off site for City residents. Please be sure that trees are free of all decorations, tinsel, etc. so we may properly mulch and reuse them in nature. 

Trees can be brought to the boat launch parking lot at Hull Park at the west end of Hannah Street, just west of Woodmere Avenue. There is no charge for this service. Please do not leave trees in the alleys, streets, or City parks. The City will not be collecting them there.

Fun Fact: The trees are chipped and used for trail surfacing for City parks and Brown Bridge Quiet Area, mulching material, and erosion control.

CHILL OUT FOR WINTER SAFETY

Hickory Hills is teaming up with Munson Healthcare's Chill Out team for a free fittings and helmet clinic on Saturday, January 7th. The program will take place inside the lodge from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm, or until supplies last.

Raising awareness of preventable injuries and keeping families safe and healthy are behind the Chill Out for Winter Safety program. The program features an endearing mascot, Beary Careful, who raises awareness of preventable injuries using four key principles:



• Dress for the weather
• Use proper gear and a helmet when doing something fast
• Take a buddy with you
• Always ask permission from an adult

PARKING UPDATES

Governmental Center Parking: Beginning January 1, 2023, between the hours of 7 am and 5:30 pm, Lot L1 (south lot) at the Governmental Center will be available for those with a permit only. After 5:30 pm, parking is available for those without permits.

Lot L, in front of the Governmental Center, will continue to be metered. Overflow parking may be accessed on-street or at the Courthouse parking lot if needed.

Winter Parking: Overnight parking, from November 15th - April 15th is prohibited on City streets. Please help our Streets Division clear snow safely and efficiently throughout the winter months. If you are in need of overnight parking within the Downtown District, parking is available in the Hardy and Old Town Parking Garages, Lot T and Lot V.

COMPLETE STREETS POLICY REVIEW

CITY COMMISSION APPOINTS AD HOC

In 2011, the City Commission adopted a Complete Streets Policy. Complete Streets are defined as a design framework that enables safe and convenient access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and drivers of all ages and abilities. 

The City’s Infrastructure Strategy Policy refers to “Complete Streets” and context sensitive solutions and the City incorporating “Complete Streets” design considerations and practices as a routine part of infrastructure planning and implementation. The policy, in part, resulted in the City's first cycle track along the E. Eighth Street corridor.  Additional progress has been made with the City's investment with the Sidewalk Gap & Infill program and the Safe Routes To School project that resulted in 20+ miles of sidewalk infrastructure.

In addition, the policy called for the development of a non-motorized transportation plan for the City. Currently, the initial planning for a Mobility Action Plan has begun. At their December 19, 2022 meeting, the City Commission approved appointing an Ad Hoc Committee to restate and strengthen its commitment to Complete Streets to better guide the develop of future plans. Commissioners Mayor ProTem Shamroe, Commissioner Stanley, and Commissioner Werner were appointed to an Ad Hoc at the January 3, 2023 meeting.

IN THE COMMUNITY

When the weather is just right, the diehards come out to play! Residents embraced “mild temps” on December 31st and January 2nd with several hours of friendly pickleball matches!