GRIFFIN STREET RECONSTRUCTION

BEGINS SEPTEMBER 15TH

The City’s 2025 Road Reconstruction Projects are moving forward. Griffin Street reconstruction, between Pine and S. Union Streets, is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2025 and be substantially completed by October 31, 2025.

Project Details

• Asphalt, watermain, and sanitary sewer
• Mobility Improvements: Install shared-lane markings (sharrows) and create a multi-use trail connection linking Locust to Union across the city-owned parcel north of Speedway.

Closures and Impacts

During the project, Griffin Street will be closed between Pine and Locust Streets. Sidewalks within the construction area will be closed as necessary to complete the watermain connections at Pine and S. Union Streets. Access to driveways and nearby side streets will be maintained as much as possible; however, some temporary restrictions may be necessary during specific construction activities. Proper barricades and signage will be in place to ensure safety and provide clear directions.

MURAL FESTIVAL KICKS OFF

PUBLIC ART CELEBRATION

The Traverse City Arts Commission will host Traverse City's first Mural Festival next week. The weeklong celebration of public art will transform the North Boardman Lake District into a corridor of color, creativity, and community.

From September 12–17, walls along Eight Street from Lake Avenue to Barlow Street will become canvases for artists from Michigan, across the country, and beyond. More than an arts event, the festival is part of the North Boardman Creative Initiative, a program to reimagine the corridor as a hub of activity and investment.

The Artists

• Nik Burkhart (Maple City)
• Jamie John (Traverse City)
• Dania Grevengoed (Grand Rapids)
• Eddie Chaffer aka Son Visual (Grand Rapids)
• Daisuke Okamoto (Los Angeles, CA)
• Dominic Laporte & Anaïs Labreque aka Drift Mural Co. (Ottawa, Ontario)

The Walls

• Oryana
• The Box Building
• EB2 Vintage
• Bay Family Vision Care
• Silver Spruce Brewing
• The Copy Shop
• The Filling Station

The Events

The public is invited to watch the murals take shape and take part in festival events, including:

• Kickoff Celebration: September 12, 5 pm, Commongrounds
• Family Art Activity: September 14, Traverse Area District Library
• Artist Panel: September 16, 6 pm, The Alluvion at Commongrounds
• Closing Parade: September 17, 4 pm, starting at Oryana on Tenth Street
• Downtown Art Fair: September 13, 10 am to 6 pm, September 14, 10 am to 4 pm

FOURTEENTH STREET MILL & PAVE CONTINUES

WORK COMPLETED SEPTEMBER 25TH

The Traverse City Streets Division will continue closing sections of Fourteenth Street between Cass Street and Maple Street to traffic to complete asphalt surface repairs as part of a large-scale mill and pave project. The work which began on Monday, August 25, 2025 is now anticipated to be completed on Thursday, September 25, 2025, weather permitting.

Beginning Monday, September 15, 2025, Fourteenth Street will be closed to eastbound traffic from Maple Street to Veterans Drive. Crews will work east block by block from Maple Street.

This work may cause disruptions to pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic. Appropriate

signage will be in place for the detour, and access to all homes and businesses will be maintained at all times. 

About the Project

The project scope includes milling two inches of asphalt along both the curb and centerline, then overlay three inches of new asphalt on the drive lanes between Cass Street and Maple Street. The Veterans Drive intersection will be excluded due to its good condition, helping to minimize traffic disruptions. This temporary improvement is expected to extend the roadway’s life, improve drivability, and reduce emergency maintenance needs for the next three years until a full mill and overlay of the corridor is planned to take place. 

INTERACTIVE PARKING MAP

NAVIGATE PARKING IN THE CITY

Parking Services has introduced a new interactive GIS map to help residents and visitors navigate parking in the City of Traverse City. Replacing the previous Google-based map, this upgraded tool offers expanded details and greater accuracy.

Each parking space is now individually marked and includes information such as time limits, payment types, rates, and special features like ADA accessibility, EV charging, and fire lanes. The map is updated daily to reflect the most current parking configurations, ensuring users have the latest information at their fingertips.

PUBLIC SURPLUS AUCTION

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 19TH

The City is auctioning off a variety of vehicles, trailers, and equipment on a public surplus platform, providing an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and enthusiasts to acquire quality assets at competitive prices while efficiently repurposing the City's used resources.

Check it out now through September 19, 2025 at 2 pm.

RECREATIONAL AUTHORITY SURVEY

The Recreation Authority has released a new public survey designed to help guide its operations and the future of three major public properties in City of Traverse City and Garfield Township; Historic Barns Park, Hickory Meadows, and the Hickory Forest Natural Area. In addition to gathering input on how these parks are being used, the survey asks broader questions about the Recreational Authority’s overall service to the community. Field survey work will also take place at all three properties.

Survey results will inform the Authority’s upcoming five-year Recreation Plan and help prioritize resources for future improvements.

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 Wednesday, September 17, 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. 

Fun Fact: Donating blood burns approximately 650 calories per donation!

CAPE SEALING PROGRESS

PROJECT NEARLY COMPLETED

On Monday, September 8, 2025, the City's contractor began the Cape Sealing project that improves over four miles of roadway in the City. Approximately 20 residential streets have received the treatment that extends the life of the road by about 7 - 10 years. The project involved short, mobile closures on several streets, which allow for minimal impacts. Work is expected to be wrapped up over the weekend, weather permitting.

Learn More

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 15TH

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 September 15th Locations

The week of September 15th, the project will be conducted on the 200 and 300 blocks of E. Eighth Street. The work will result in flag control between Union Street and Boardman Avenue. Additionally, work will be conducted on the 500 and 600 blocks of Lakes Avenues, and the 200 block of E. Tenth Street. The work will cause sidewalk and closures and lane closures will result in a traffic shift.

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION TO HOST "KNOW YOUR RIGHTS" EVENT

The City’s Human Rights Commission invites the public to a “Know Your Rights” Fair on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10 am to 2 pm in the McGuire Room at the Traverse Area District Library.

Community members will have the opportunity to connect face-to-face with local organizations that provide support, information, and advocacy for all citizens. This collaborative event will bring together nonprofits, advocacy groups, and community resources in an accessible table format.

Come learn about your rights, discover available services, and connect with organizations such as the Disability Network Northern Michigan, Equality Michigan, Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan, Munson Behavioral Health, and Northern MI E3, who are dedicated to ensuring dignity and respect for everyone in our community. This event is presented in partnership between the Traverse City Human Rights Commission and the Traverse Area District Library.

CITY PIG ROAST

GOOD FOOD, GREAT COMPANY, & CAMARADERIE

Good food, great company, and camaraderie were at the heart of the City’s annual pig roast. Thank you to all staff who joined in the celebration and provided food. A special shoutout to the dedicated pit crew from the Street Division, Kevin Bratschi and Matthew Radtke who kept the pig roasting all night! And a special thanks to Richard Lewis for participating in our City traditions once again!