THE
BAY BRIEF
May 2024 / Vol. 05
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HOUSING POLICY WORKSHOP
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON HOUSING SOLUTIONS
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The City of Traverse City invites the public to attend an informative evening workshop on housing policy, hosted at the City Opera House. The event will take place on June 18, 2024, at 6 pm, featuring presentations and discussions aimed at addressing the critical issues surrounding housing in our community.
The City will feature speakers from Flywheel Community Development Services and the Michigan Association of Planning to present data-driven options to support effective housing strategies that cater to both local and regional needs. The program will delve into the complexities of housing policy, highlighting the necessity for thoughtful and customized approaches rather than generic, one-size-fits-all solutions.
In addition, the meeting will serve as a joint meeting with the City Commission, Planning Commission, and Downtown Development Authority. Attendees will gain insights into how the City of Traverse City fits within the broader northern regional housing and employment system. The session will also explore the unique challenges faced by different communities, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies to address specific local issues.
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VETERANS DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT AND FUNDING CONSIDERATION
At their June 3, 2024 meeting the City Commission will consider authorizing a contract for the reconstruction of Veterans Drive. The contract involves MDOT contributing up to $1,127,594 and the city covering up to $1,211,985.98. Funding will come from the Road Fund and Water Fund.
The Veterans Drive improvement project, stretching from Fourteenth Street to the City Limits, will involve significant updates and enhancements. Here's what to expect:
- Pavement Removal: Existing pavements, including underlying concrete, selective sidewalks, and sections of curb, will be removed to facilitate water service replacements and other upgrades.
- Curb and Sidewalk Adjustments: Intersections will see the removal of curbs and sidewalks to create bulb outs, reducing pedestrian crossing exposure. These removals will also occur in areas needing water service replacements. The curb along the west side of the road will largely remain in place.
- Water Main Installation: A new water main will be installed along the center line of the existing roadway at a depth of six feet, while the existing water main will be abandoned in place.
- Drainage Improvements: New catch basins and dry wells will be added at low points and intersections to alleviate stormwater load.
- Curb and Sidewalk Replacement: New curbs and sidewalks will replace those removed during the project.
- Roadway Construction: The contractor will install a new aggregate base and asphalt top.
- Sidewalk and Crossing Updates: A new sidewalk will be installed along the west side up to Boughey Street, featuring a new crossing.
- Roadway Striping: The roadway will be striped for 10-foot travel lanes, special emphasis crosswalk markings, 6-7 foot bike lanes, and bike shields extending to the city limits.
These improvements aim to enhance safety, accessibility, and infrastructure durability along Veterans Drive. If approved, the project is anticipated to begin in August 2024.
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BROWN BRIDGE TRUST
PARKS IMPROVEMENT FUND
AD HOC COMMITTEE
In 2019, a ballot proposal passed by 75.89% to allow the City Commission for a period of five years to use part of the Brown Bridge Trust Fund Principal that exceeds $12,000,000 to be used for City park capital improvements and/or acquisition of property to be designated and used as City parklands. That allowance expires November 4, 2024.
At their June 3, 2024 meeting, the City Commission will appoint an Ad Hoc Committee to discuss placing a new proposal in front of the electorate with proposed priorities to be discussed a future public meetings. The proposal may take a different shape than the current provision, which will be vetted by the Ad Hoc Committee and to public, and be brought back to the City Commission for consideration.
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.
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MASTER & MOBILITY PLANS DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COMMISSION
At their June 3, 2024 meeting, the City Commission will be distributed the draft Master and Mobility Plans. After being vetted by the respective leadership teams, the Planning Commission began reviewing the draft Master Plan / Mobility Action Plan in April. After meeting for five consecutive weeks, they voted on May 21, 2024, to send the drafts to the City Commission to begin the public review period. According to the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, the Planning Commission must submit a prepared plan to the legislative body to approve its distribution for a mandatory 63-day public review period. This distribution step does not constitute approval or endorsement of the draft plan by the City Commission. Once voted for distribution, it will trigger the required public notification and start the review period clock.
A public open house will be scheduled during the public review period for both plan elements to further gather public input. Once the review period ends, the Planning Commission will hold the required hearing before plan adoption. Once complete, the drafts will go to the City Commission for additional approval.
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BATA
SURVEY
The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) is currently running a survey to understand our community's awareness and perceptions about public transportation in our region.
Feedback from this survey will be used to help BATA improve their outreach efforts so they reach the right people – with the right information – at the right time – as they continue offering essential transportation services in our region. BATA is inviting feedback from everyone!
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SMART COMMUTE WEEK
TART Trails is celebrating 30 years of our annual SMART Commute Week this year!
The purpose of Smart Commute Week is to promote alternative forms of transportation and to educate area residents of the benefits of a smart commute.
Join TART this year for FREE daily breakfasts from June 3-June 7, free prizes and giveaways, and a great community of people to connect with in the Traverse City Region.
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CDBG ENTITLEMENT COMMUNITY
The City is now a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement community. To secure annual funding, the City needs input for the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. The Plan will identify housing and community development priorities and helps assess at-risk populations and low-to-moderate income households. Funds can be used for Housing (e.g. Rehabilitation, etc.), Public Infrastructure/Facilities Improvements, and Public Services.
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MDOT PROJECT UPDATES
PRACTICE PATIENCE
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 Project detours.
This Week's Progress Report
In the past week crews have completed watermain work for Segment 1 and commenced storm sewer work.
The Murchie Bridge underpass is now open!
Next Week's Work & Beyond
This next week we will complete storm sewer installation, commence grading work and begin gravelling/prep for concrete.
Traffic control will remain as is for main EB/WB traffic. Barlow Street will be closed Friday to complete storm sewer work in the area.
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.
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IN THE COMMUNITY
VOTER REGISTRATION ROAD SHOW
The City's dynamic duo, Rebecca and Kristen in the Clerk's Office, have hit the road to promote voter registration! In recent weeks, the duo participated in registration events at both West and Central High Schools! We are looking forward to seeing our future Titan and Trojan voters!
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DID YOU KNOW....
The Traverse City Arts Commission has a rotating art exhibition along the Boardman Lake Trail, near the Tenth Street trailhead. This week, four sculptures by Steve and Dorota Coy titled “Spirit of the Forest” were installed. The sculptures are made of cast aluminum with UV light. Steve Coy has strong connections to Northern Michigan, having spent some of his childhood living in the area. Two of their duo's works are already in the area. In addition, their work has been recognized in various media, books, and film, and they have also displayed works in several venues around the world. The work was selected through the Arts Commission's RFP process that began in December 2023.
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