HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS

COMMUNITY UPDATE

At their August 19, 2024, meeting, the Traverse City Commission received an update on housing and homelessness initiatives led by Rotary Charities and the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. Since early spring 2024, these organizations have convened the Homelessness Collective, bringing together community stakeholders, neighborhood representatives, the Traverse City Police Department, the City's social worker, and more, to address the housing crisis, particularly focusing on the Pines, where up to 120 unsheltered individuals reside. In addition, the initiative is focused on creating a new framework that actively involves individuals experiencing homelessness in the discussions to develop effective solutions.

The joint effort has convened to find solutions to end homelessness by identifying common goals and sharing information. The joint effort has emphasized that housing is the key to ending homelessness, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges at the Pines. To fully address these issues, discussions are underway regarding the feasibility of establishing a year-round shelter. This comprehensive approach aims to create sustainable solutions for the city's housing crisis with a data driven approach for long-term housing, increased night shelter beds, and increased day services.

Homelessness Collective

• Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation (convener)Rotary Charities (convener)
• Rick Bellingham (facilitator)
• NW MI Coalition to End Homelessness
• Goodwill N. MI
• Safe Harbor
• Addiction Treatment Services
• Central United Methodist Church
• Grace Episcopal Church
• Jubilee House
• City of Traverse City
• Grand Traverse County
• Traverse City Police Dept.
• TC Quick Response Team
• Central Neighborhood Association
• Boardman Neighborhood Association
• The Commons Village Neighborhood Association
• Community Cares Coalition
• Traverse Area District Library
• Housing North
• Traverse City Housing Commission

Immediate Action at the Pines

The City’s ongoing efforts to minimize the impact of the Pines include enforcement measures to restrict growth within specific areas and ensure adherence to expectations for unhoused individuals. With the financial support of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and local philanthropy, the City took proactive steps this summer to enhance sanitation services at the Pines. Two portable restrooms and two sinks were installed near the dumpster along Eleventh Street. Regular servicing and surveillance will be implemented. Additionally, in an effort to ease strain on local businesses and public spaces while ensuring access to communication, the City will also install two benches equipped with solar-powered charging stations in the same area.

The Traverse City Police Department has assigned a dedicated officer to the Pines and established a Quick Response Team (QRT) that engages with nearly half of the Pines residents. The QRT has collaborated with housing providers in the coalition to end homelessness, successfully securing permanent housing for 47 individuals. Additionally, the City has recently expanded its efforts by adding a second police social worker position.

The City, in partnership with the District Court, is facilitating discussions on a specialized court program designed to address the legal issues of individuals experiencing homelessness in a supportive and rehabilitative environment.

Sustainable Solutions

The City has participated in a PILOT arrangement at Annika II for permanent supportive housing, and recently provided funding in the amount of $360,000 for East Bay Flats. The funding for East Bay Flats bridged a crucial gap, fast-tracking housing for 17 chronically homeless individuals by August 2024, and another 10 by January 2025.

In addition, the City recently became a CDBG Entitlement Community. Through a Five-Year Consolidated Plan, adopted in August 2024, the nearly $1.8 million in funding will aim to align with broader housing policies and leverage additional funding opportunities over time and will include the following.

• Bringing new permanent supportive housing on line ($1,113,625)
• Rental assistance to tenants for homelessness prevention ($250,000)
• Support services for those housed in permanent supportive housing ($109,596)
• Shelter upgrades (split between day and overnight shelters) ($100,000)
• Support services at shelters ($164,394)
• Program administration ($89,000)

Homelessness is a Housing Problem

According to the Coalition to End Homelessness, it costs approximately $2.5 million annually to maintain 70 chronically homeless individuals in the community, while housing these individuals—including providing rental subsidies and support services—costs less than $1 million. Housing not only reduces costs but also enhances the effectiveness of other support services, such as substance abuse treatment, mental health care, and job placement. Currently, 80% of individuals experiencing homelessness can self-resolve, with 20% requiring supportive services. However, the community faces a significant housing shortage, with a rental vacancy rate of just 0.9%, far below the target of 5-8% for a healthy community, and no vacancies for deeply affordable units.

The Homelessness Collective underscores that housing is essential to ending homelessness, particularly at the Pines, where conditions are deemed unsafe for residents and law enforcement alike. The Collective recommends that the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County should work alongside service providers, community representatives, and other stakeholders to develop and adopt a comprehensive plan to address and ultimately end homelessness. Increased funding for permanent housing, support services, and a year-round shelter is essential to significantly reducing homelessness in the region by 2025. To achieve this goal and prevent a repeat of the Pines homeless encampment next summer, the community must take immediate steps to ensure adequate staffing, facilities, and support services are in place for the coming year.

MASTER PLAN ADOPTION

At their August 20, 2024 meeting, the Planning Commission adopted the Master Plan by resolution.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the draft Master Plan on August 7, 2024, after the close of the mandatory 63-day public review period required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (MPEA). The MPEA requires that a Master Plan be adopted through resolution with at least 2/3 of the membership voting in the affirmative. Minor edits have been incorporated into the Master Plan based on feedback and discussions. 

The Master Plan will now go back to the City Commission to consider adoption through resolution at either the September 3, 2024 or September 16, 2024 meeting.

MY CLEAN CHOICE

Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP) has launched "My Clean Choice," a revamped program aimed at helping customers adopt environmentally friendly practices. Formerly known as the "Going Green" Program, it now features a new logo under the TCLP brand.

The program offers tools, resources, and incentives for reducing carbon footprints, conserving resources, and embracing greener lifestyles. Key features include rebate programs for energy-saving products, on-bill financing for home improvements, renewable energy options, voluntary green pricing for renewable energy credits, and a time-of-use rate plan that encourages energy use during off-peak hours. The initiative reflects TCLP's commitment to environmental sustainability and is open to all TCLP customers.

Are you interested in serving the City of Traverse City? Serving on a board or commission can be a rewarding experience that allows you to make a difference in our community. Boards and Commissions are responsible for making key decisions and providing direction to the City and City Commission.

Interested in Becoming Involved?

The City is seeking volunteers for the following Boards and Commissions. Please feel free to contact the City Clerk's Office with any questions at (231) 922-4480 or by email at tcclerk@traversecitymi.gov to learn more on the appointment process through the City Commission Policy on Appointments and Committees. The following Boards and Commissions are seeking applicants.

• Brown Bridge Advisory Committee
• Board of Zoning Appeals
• Coast Guard City Committee
• Grand Traverse Commons Joint Planning
• Historic Districts Commission
• Human Rights Commission 
• Local Officers Compensation Commission
• Parks & Recreation Commission

Attend Meetings and/or Subscribe to Meeting Packets

Attending meetings or following the work of your fellow community members who sit on various Boards and Commissions is the best way to stay in the know on the policies and initiatives that are being developed to shape our future. 

Subscribe to Meeting Agendas

Watch Streamed Meetings

City Commission, Planning Commission, the Downtown Development Authority, and TC Light & Power meetings are all live streamed. Visit the link below to watch live or view the recordings at a later time.

Watch Streamed Meetings

MDOT PROJECT

SEGMENT 2 TRAFFIC SHIFT IMPACTS

Temporary traffic control measures during the MDOT Project deviate from the usual traffic controls. Your cooperation and diligence are essential for ensuring the safety of yourself, pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow motorists during this period of construction. We urge all drivers to exercise caution, yield to pedestrians, and remain vigilant while navigating the MDOT Grandview Parkway Project.

Vehicular Shift & 24 Hour Work

The traffic shift to the south side of the Grandview Parkway occurred this week. One lane is open in each direction will operate as the westbound lanes are rebuilt. Crews will be conducting work 24 hours a day beginning, Monday, August 26th through the evening of Friday, August 30th.

Parking Lot Closures & Marina Drive Access

During the remainder of Segment 2, the RB Parking Lot and West End Parking Lot will be closed. Anticipated for Tuesday, August 27th, access to the Marina will shift to the Marina Parking Lot and Marina Drive will close. Both Marina Drive and the Marina Drive Parking Lot will alternate being open/closed based on the scope of work being performed to maintain access.

Intersections Open

Intersections south of the Grandview Parkway are now open.

Front Street/Grandview Parkway Intersection Closure

Front Street continues to be closed on the west side of Franklin Street. Turns at the US-31/Front Street intersection will still be restricted until next week. After that, drivers will be able to turn from US-31 onto Front Street. However, turns from Front Street onto US-31 will be restricted until Segment 2 is completed and all lanes are open.

Pedestrian Detours: TART Closed at Murchie

The Clinch Park Tunnel will be the alternate pedestrian crossing during construction.

The TART is closed just east of the Murchie Bridge to Cass Street. When utilizing the Murchie Bridge underpass, the trail is only accessible to travel east.

While crews are working on the Grandview Parkway/Front Street intersection portion of Segment 2, pedestrians will be detoured across Front Street and Grandview Parkway at the Barlow Street signalized crossing.

While crews are working on the Division Street/Grandview Parkway intersection, pedestrians will be detoured to the High-Intensity Activated CrossWalK (HAWK) signal crossing at the Elmwood Street/Grandview Parkway intersection and the signalized crossing at the Division Street/East Front Street intersection.

Additional Improvements

In addition to rebuilding the roadway, this project will include replacing concrete curb and gutter, upgrading sidewalk and ramps, improving storm sewer, and repairing the Murchie Bridge over the Boardman/Ottaway River.

During this project, the City has planned utility infrastructure improvements to coincide with the project, investing $3.2 million to replace underground water and wastewater utilities.

Businesses Open

Anticipate that the construction will affect businesses, particularly those situated along the construction zone. However, it's important to note that our local businesses will continue to operate, and by demonstrating patience, you can actively support them throughout this period of disruption.