CITY COMMISSION TO CONSIDER SALE OF LOT O

MIXED USE & AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT PROPOSED

In May 2021, the City Commission authorized issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from developers to build housing at the location of Lot O, 159 East State Street. After careful consideration of the four options, the ad hoc committee chose to pursue a proposal from Homestretch.

HomeStretch Housing is a local non-profit organized to provide decent, affordable housing for persons of low and moderate income. They have built 118 affordable housing units locally. Project funds are raised through donations and grants. 

The proposed project at 159 E. State Street was reviewed at the City Commission meeting on Monday, June 13, 2022. The project's general idea of a creative mixed-use solution will focus on providing a unique blend of affordable, urban housing options.  The project will feature 60 units for individuals with mixed incomes that will vary in size from 245 square feet to 750 square feet. Units will rent for 30%-80% of the ami (area median income). The building will also be seeking LEED certification.

At the Tuesday, January 17, 2023 meeting, the City Commission will consider of authorizing a purchase agreement for the sale of the property for the development of affordable housing units as described in the proposal from HomeStretch. As part of the deal, a perpetual deed restriction would be included to require housing meeting specific criteria.

In 2022, the City Commission adopted their Goals and Objectives and identified housing and homelessness as a strategic priority with a goal to increase opportunities for more diverse housing through public and private options.

NEW BASKETBALL COURTS

Due to the mild temperatures a spring 2023 project was accelerated and began this week. The basketball courts at Arbutus Court Park and F&M Park are getting a facelift! Work on a new reinforced concrete slab basketball court that will be enlarged began in Arbutus Court Park on January 12, 2023. Work to resurface the the basketball court in F&M Park will began on January 13, 2023.

The park improvement projects were identified in the Capital Improvement Plan and funded by Brown Bridge Trust Parks Improvement Fund. 

In 2022, the City Commission adopted their Goals and Objectives and identified connecting people with nature as a strategic priority with a goal to provide safe and accessible public spaces where people may recreate, socialize, or enjoy being alone in nature.

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 is 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.

The City's Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for business and/or organization humanitarian efforts in the Grand Traverse region. Nominations are due by January 31, 2023. The honoree(s) will be celebrated at a reception in spring 2023.

The mission of the Human Rights Commission is to strive to ensure human dignity through advocacy, education, negotiation and information ensuring understanding and respect among all.

JOIN OUR TEAM

FULL TIME, PART-TIME, AND SEASONAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The City of Traverse City is a great place to work! As an employer, we offer a wide range of rewarding jobs. Our employees take pride in their work and in making Traverse City the best it can be.

The City of Traverse City is an equal opportunity employer. Full-time positions receive a competitive benefits package; paid time off, short-term leave, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, employer retirement contribution, and participation in Michigan’s Municipal Employee Retirement System, pension benefit program. Employees must live within a radius of twenty (20) miles of the City limits, measured from the nearest City limit.  

Open Full-Time Positions

• City Treasurer/Finance Director
• Firefighter/Paramedic - 24 Hour
• Patrol Officer

Seasonal/Temporary/Part-Time Positions

• Seasonal Hickory Hills Positions
• Seasonal Sidewalk Snow Blower Operators
• Part-Time Grounds/Building Maintenance Worker
• Temporary Human Resource Assistant
• Temporary Customer Service Representative

IN THE COMMUNITY

A great time was had promoting winter safety at the Chill Out Helmet Clinic at Hickory Hills on January 7th! Free helmets and fittings were provided courtesy of Munson Healthcare.