MDOT PUBLIC MEETING ON M72/M22 PROJECT

DIVISION TO CHERRY BEND

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to rebuild a 2.2 mile section of M-72 (Grandview Parkway) from Division Street in the City of Traverse City and M-22 (Bay Shore Drive) to Cherry Bend Road in Elmwood Township in 2025. This project is NOT a City project due to the Grandview Parkway trunkline being owned by MDOT. However, due to significant impact on the City and community interest, we encourage the community to engage in the process. Work is anticipated to begin in April 2025 and be completed by November 2025.

The proposed rebuilding work will remove the concrete and composite (asphalt over concrete) pavements and restore the surface condition and ride quality to good condition; address drainage issues, including curb and gutter, storm sewer, culverts, and outlets; replace sidewalks and nonmotorized paths; make sidewalk ramp upgrades to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; make operational enhancements at the M-72 (East Traverse Road)/M-22 intersection; upgrade the traffic signal at Cherry Bend Road; and improve access management where possible. 

MDOT invites the public to attend an open house to discuss the project on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 4 - 6 pm at the Elmwood Township Hall, 10090 East Lincoln Road.

MOVING DOWNTOWN FORWARD

The DDA recently hired Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) to conduct a thorough examination and evaluation of the current and future needs of Downtown, as well as the organizational and funding structure of the DDA.

A Community Survey has launched and an Open House is planned for June 22nd at the City Opera House with identical sessions from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS

Absentee Ballot Applications have been mailed for the upcoming elections held in the City of Traverse City on August 2, 2022 and November 8, 2022.

Due to the passage of the statewide ballot proposal 18-3, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. However, an Absentee Ballot Application must be submitted to receive an absentee ballot.

ADULT USE CANNABIS RETAIL APPLICATIONS

Adult Use Cannabis Retail applications will be available as of Monday, June 13, 2022.

Applications will be accepted beginning August 22, 2022 at 8 am through August 26, 2022 at 5 pm.

The City Commission approved the adult use cannabis licensing and zoning ordinance and the scoring rubric on May 16, 2022. The maximum number of retail licenses will be 24. 

2022 SARA HARDY HUMANITARIAN AWARD HONOREE

Join us in congratulating Courtney Wiggins on being honored with the 2022 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award! Wiggins is co-founder of Northern Michigan E3, a local non-profit devoted to celebrating and welcoming diversity and equity for all residents and visitors to Northern Michigan.

E3 advocated for body cameras for Traverse City and Grand Traverse County law enforcement officers, and led anti-racism discussions in the local public schools and additional forums. Wiggins volunteers as a vibrational sound therapist to those who have experienced domestic violence. In July of 2021, they interviewed Dax Devlon-Ross, author of Letters to My White Male Friends, an eye opening narrative about race and racism and how individuals can be a driving force for change in their place of work, community, family and within themselves.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Thank you to the many volunteers who helped plant the Butterfly Garden in Hull Park on June 4th!