PROPOSED SOCIAL DISTRICT

BOUNDARIES REVIEWED

At their meeting on July 1, 2024, the City Commission will revisit the proposed Social District at the E. Eighth & Garfield corridor. Originally presented on April 29, 2024, the project has since undergone revisions based on public and City Commission feedback.

The proposed Social District includes a defined boundary that follows parcel lines and ensures no parcel is bisected. Licensed businesses within this boundary are eligible to participate. The boundary also includes non-licensed businesses interested in being part of the district for branding and marketing purposes, as well as encouraging new commercial investments in the area.

In the Social District, adults can consume alcoholic beverages in public spaces within the common area, provided the beverage is purchased from an approved licensee and served in a properly labeled container not exceeding 16 ounces.

The revised proposal includes three map options, reflecting changes to the district's footprint. Residents are encouraged to provide their input on the proposed Social District.

SERVICE IMPACTS

NETWORK DISRUPTION

The City and Grand Traverse County continue to recover after the June 11, 2024, cyber incident. The following items have been restored:

• Network connection
• Voicemail: Recent voicemails may have been lost during this time period.
• Live stream meetings
• Non-emergency phone number (231) 922-4550
• Interactive maps on the City's website

Water & sewer, tax payments, and all BS&A integrated payments are currently unavailable. Previously established online payments such as autopay will continue. However, customers will not be able to log in to the portal to access their account balance, see activity, or make one time transactional payments. No late fees or penalties are being assessed during this time period.  

AUGUST 6 ELECTION

ABSENTEE BALLOTS MAILED

The initial mailing of absentee ballots for the August 6, 2024, election is being mailed on Friday, June 28, 2024. Voters may still return an absentee ballot application, register on the permanent ballot list, or visit the Clerk's Office if interested in receiving an absentee ballot.

In addition to absentee voting, with the passing of Proposal 22-2, Michigan voters gave themselves the provision for nine days of early in-person voting. Early in-person voting must be provided a minimum of 9 days (beginning the second Saturday before the election through the Sunday before the election) and for 8 hours per day for all statewide and federal elections. Early voting hours will be 9 am to 5 pm.

MAPLE STREET EXPECTED COMPLETION

Resurfacing of Maple Street between Sixth and Griffin Streets is expected to be complete by the end of the day on Friday, June 28, 2024. Activities for the project include milling the existing pavement, adjusting catch basins and manhole covers, and overlaying the street with asphalt.

In addition to the completion of resurfacing Maple Street, the Eighth & Maple intersection resurfacing and brickwork was recently completed.

The Maple Street resurfacing project is part of the 2023/2024 Pavement Preservation Project.



BROWN BRIDGE TRUST

PARKS IMPROVEMENT FUND

PROPOSED BALLOT INITIATIVE

To ensure meaningful community engagement, the Brown Bridge Trust Parks Improvement Fund Ad Hoc Committee will instead work to prepare a ballot proposal for November 2025 election instead of November 2024..

In 2019, a ballot proposal passed with 75.89% support, allowing the City Commission to use the Brown Bridge Trust Fund Principal exceeding $12,000,000 for City park capital improvements, including non-motorized access to parks, and property acquisition for parklands for five years. This allowance expires on November 4, 2024.

Provide Your Suggestions

While a community survey is forthcoming, residents are encouraged to send their suggestions for park improvements to tcparks@traversecitymi.gov. Stay tuned for more engagement opportunities in the future.

Past Improvements

Brown Bridge Trust Parks Improvement Fund has been used for several park improvements including extensive improvements at Hickory Hills, and improvements to neighborhood parks such as F&M Park, Boon Street Park, Indian Woods Park, and Arbutus Court Park. The funds are also being used toward the new Park Signage project that is currently being implemented. Ashton Park, Highland Park, and Jupiter Park improvements are still underway with the existing proposal.

WALK, BIKE, BUS

NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL BEGINS

The National Cherry Festival officially kicks off on Saturday, July 6th. During the festival, we encourage those wanting to enjoy the festival to walk, bike or bus! These alternative modes of transportation not only contribute to a more enjoyable and less stressful festival experience, but also supports more eco-friendly options.

BATA Bayline

Hop on BATA's Bayline route for free and easy transportation during National Cherry Festival. BATA's Bayline offers continuous transportation throughout the festival. Shuttles depart every 20 minutes from any stop location along the route. Special park and ride lots are available at Meijer on US-31, at the Cherry Lot at Northwestern Michigan College, and at Woodland Creek Furniture on the east side of town.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists should be aware that there will be increased traffic during the National Cherry Festival, especially during the air shows featuring the Blue Angels. In addition, there are several street closures planned for special events such as parades, art fairs, and car shows.

IN THE COMMUNITY

TCFD TRAINING

It's Festival training time for the TCFD crew! On Wednesday, June 26, Crew 01 from the Traverse City Fire Department completed annual extraction training for the Blue Angels Air Show. The crew learned how to render the aircraft safe to extract an unconscious pilot from the Navy's F-18 Hornet jet in the event of an incident during the air show. This training occurs each time the Blue Angels perform for the Cherry Festival.