THE

BAY BRIEF

January 2025 / Vol. 03

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MEETINGS & EVENTS

DDA BOARD MEETING

January 17

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GOVERNMENTAL CENTER CLOSED

January 20

STRATEGIC PLANNING ROUNDTABLE SESSION

January 21

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CITY COMMISSION MEETING

January 21

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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

January 22

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SENIOR CENTER

BUILDING SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED: FEBRUARY OPENING

At the end of 2024, the new Senior Center was substantially completed. Finishing touches such as painting and furniture installation continue. The new building expands from 5,780 previously to over 18,000 square feet, including covered patios and outdoor spaces. With a northward orientation, the building offers stunning views of park spaces, the public beach, and West Grand Traverse Bay. These design choices maximize outdoor enjoyment and functionality. The building is slated to open on February 3, 2025, with a community celebration being planned for spring 2025.


Project Features

Expanded Space: From 5,780 to over 18,000 square feet

Optimal Orientation: Maximizing views of the park and waterfront

Sustainability: Green roofs, pervious pavement, and geothermal systems

Accessibility: Enhanced access to the beach, outdoor spaces, and restrooms

Modern Facilities: Commercial kitchen, furnishings, and equipment

Recreation: New tennis/pickleball courts, pool table, meeting space, and fitness room

Convenience: Covered drop-off zones and patio


In 2022, the City’s vision for an enhanced Senior Center took a major leap forward with a $7 million allocation from the State of Michigan. This funding made the long-envisioned rebuild possible, culminating in a groundbreaking ceremony in September 2023. The project’s total cost exceeded $10,000,000. Funding includes $7 million from the State of Michigan, City ARPA funds, City funds, and private donations.  

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STRATEGIC PLANNING ROUNDTABLE SESSION

JOIN US JANUARY 21ST


The City is developing a community-driven Strategic Action Plan through 2035. The project is a robust, inclusive, and forward- looking planning process. The project’s objective is to produce the Traverse City Strategic Action Plan, which aims to position the City on a continued path of a diverse, resilient, and ‘forward thinking city.’ The process also will explore the future strategic positioning of the City and create an enduring, collaborative roadmap to the future. A fundamental premise is that the world is changing fast, and the City needs decisive thinking to help envision how it will thrive over the coming decade.


The project kicked off in fall of 2024 with Think-Tank workshops, a future oriented exploration of macro trends and their impact on the City. Over 200 community members participated in the Community Visioning Sessions held in November 2024.


Strategic Roundtable Session: January 21, 2025

The Strategic Round Table session will be a highly interactive session that will help create the key strategic focus areas for the Strategic Action Plan. The session is open to the community, and it is the next important step in the planning work. The session will include an update on the outcomes from the Think-Tank held in October 2024 and the Community Visioning sessions held in November 2024. Preliminary results from the Community Survey will also be reviewed. The purpose of the session is to identify 5-6 key strategic focus areas that will support the preferred future for the City of Traverse City. The session will include initial brainstorming of ideas and possible action steps. More in-depth focus groups workshops, which will dig more into detail, will be held during the period February 18-20, 2025. 


Strategic Roundtable Session

January 21, 2025

West Shore Bank Community Room

400 E. Eighth Street, 3rd Floor

1 - 3 pm


Register to Attend


Think Tank Report

A Think Tank Report has been completed and summarizes the findings of a Think-Tank workshop and Community Visioning sessions that were part of Traverse City's Strategic Action Plan process thus far. It outlines each key step in the planning, beginning with background exploration and analysis. The process involved "future gazing," where stakeholders considered various possible directions for the city's future and assessed their potential impacts and consequences. From this, participants identified an optimal or preferred future, providing a foundation for determining actionable steps to achieve that vision. The report serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding community priorities and will inform the strategic pathways to meet them.


Think Tank Report


Heatmap Survey Data Visualization Platform


Community Survey #1

The first community survey for the Strategic Action Plan project is now available. Its primary goal is to gather insights on the community’s desired future direction to inform the development of the Strategic Plan. The survey is designed for residents of City of Traverse City and individuals with a direct connection to the community. It seeks to understand their perspectives on life in Traverse City and their vision for the City's future.


Take the Survey


Stay Engaged!

It is critical for residents to be engaged in the Strategic Planning process. Keep an eye on the project portal and join the project mailing list to stay up to date on opportunities to get involved.


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IMAGINE ROTARY SQUARE

DDA SEEKING DESIGN INPUT


The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is inviting residents to shape the future of “Imagine Rotary Square,” an initiative to design a vibrant public meeting space in Downtown Traverse City. The project aims to celebrate the City’s culture and history while addressing community needs.


Located on a half-acre on the corner of State and Union, and acquired in 2019 with grants from the State of Michigan and Rotary Charities, Rotary Square has already hosted events like concerts, tailgates, and the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market. Now, the DDA seeks community input through surveys and upcoming workshops in early 2025 to guide the square’s formal design, with a conceptual plan expected by June.


Take the Survey

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PLANNING COMMISSION TO DISCUSS PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT

INCREASING ALLOWABLE DENSITY IN R2


At its January 7, 2025, meeting, the Planning Commission began discussions on annual goals, including a potential amendment to increase the allowable density in the R-2 Mixed Density Residential District from two to four dwelling units per parcel. This proposal aligns with the City's Master Plan and ongoing efforts to address housing needs.


The R-2 density increase was part of a set of zoning amendments recommended by the Planning Commission in 2023 to promote housing diversity. While most amendments were adopted by the City Commission, no action was taken on this item, leaving R-1b and R-2 districts identical in terms of density.


The Planning Commission has asked staff to prepare materials for further review at the upcoming Study Session on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. No formal action will be taken at the meeting. However, if consensus is reached to consider the proposed amendment, the proposal could move forward for a public hearing as early as March 4, 2025.


Further information may be found in the Planning Commission's meeting packet, published on Friday, January 17, 2025.

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HICKORY HILLS

WEEKLY UPDATE


Hickory Hills opened on January 10th and the hill has been busline with memories being made by all ages!


Alpine

With the addition of 3" of fresh snow on Thursday, and lower temps allowing for snow making now, conidtions are good. This week, Jack's Trail opened and more hills are being prepared to open soon!


Runs Open Today: Fast Tammy, Magna Carta, Swede, Waterfall, Birch, Jack's Trail


Nordic

Snowfall has allowed volunteers to enhance the existing base. Conditions in the Meadows are very good, and the entire trail system is skiing well!


On the hillside at Hickory, snowmaking efforts are producing impressive coverage but will pause briefly with warmer weather expected. Upper natural snow areas have seen grooming and continue to improve. Snowmaking will resume as soon as temperatures drop, ensuring extended coverage for the season.

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SEEKING GUARDIAN AWARD NOMINATIONS


The City's Coast Guard Committee proudly announces the call for nominations for its Guardian Award. Established to recognize outstanding contributions to the community by individuals, families, or entire Coast Guard families active at Air Station Traverse City, this award celebrates the epitome of selfless service and dedication.


The Coast Guard is a unique branch of the Military responsible for an array of maritime duties, from ensuring safe and lawful commerce to performing rescue missions in severe conditions. The Coast Guard Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the City Commission to make recommendations on matters relating to the operation, development, and planning of the United States Coast Guard services, facilities, and programs within the City of Traverse City. The City of Traverse City has been a designated Coast Guard City since 2010.


Nominations are due by March 31, 2025. The honoree(s) will be celebrated at a reception in spring 2025.

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CITY ICE SKATING RINKS OPEN


The Parks and Recreation Division has been working hard on the public ice skating rinks in the City are now open! The rinks are available for public use at no charge.


Rink Locations

  • 14th and Pine Street (Thirlby Field)  
  • State Street between Railroad and Hope (F&M Park)


Rink Hours

Please note that the lights turn off at 9 pm. Enjoy a true northern Michigan tradition in the City!

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CHRISTMAS TREE DROP OFF SITE


The Christmas Tree drop off site is available and open for City residents. Please be sure that trees are free of all decorations, tinsel, etc. so they can be properly mulched and reused in nature. The drop off site closes on January 31st.


Trees may be dropped off at the boat launch parking lot in Hull Park.


Fun Fact: Trees are chipped and used for trail surfacing in City parks and the Brown Bridge Quiet area, mulching material, and erosion control.

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SEASONAL SNOW REMOVAL

PRIORITIZATION & HOW YOU CAN HELP


The City's Streets Division is responsible for plowing public streets and alleys. Safety routes are prioritized—these are the main roads and critical areas that need to stay open for emergency access. The MDOT trunklines and emergency routes receive first priority for clearing snow in the morning and are continually plowed throughout the day if snow continues to accumulate. City crews then move on to major and local streets, and finally alleys.


Keep Your Sidewalk Accessible for Everyone

During winter, the City reminds residents and business owners that they are responsible by ordinance for the removal of any snow and ice that accumulates on the sidewalks immediately adjacent to their property. The City also encourages residents to help neighbors and relatives who have difficulty removing snow from their sidewalks.


City Sidewalk Snow Plowing

The City provides a supplemental snow plowing program for sidewalks. Sidewalks are prioritized near routes to schools and to provide access to City buildings. The City starts with sidewalks along main roadways and safety routes, then moves into residential areas when time and staffing allow.


Downtown Sidewalk Snow Removal

If snow accumulates over 3 inches overnight, the City's contractor clears the sidewalks of snow early in the morning in the Downtown commercial area. This process is conducted only in the early morning hours when sidewalks are clear of pedestrians. Sidewalks are not cleared by the contractor throughout the day. If snow continues to accumulate throughout the day after being cleared in the morning, property owners are responsible for shoveling their storefront sidewalks as needed.


Snow Removal Reminder for Residents, Businesses, and Contractors

When clearing snow with a shovel, plow, or snowblower, please avoid pushing or placing snow into the street or alley. This creates unnecessary snow piles, increases the workload for City crews, and can result in large accumulations being pushed into other areas, potentially causing safety hazards. Instead, snow should be placed on the tree lawn, your personal property, or, for those in the Downtown area, around street trees.


Let’s work together to keep our community walkable, welcoming, and safe for everyone this winter!

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DID YOU KNOW....


We want to feature your Growing Up Hickory stories!


There’s something magical about Hickory Hills—a place where memories are made and traditions take root. From the first wobbly ski runs to laughter in the lodge, it’s more than a hill; it’s where childhood adventures turn into lifelong stories.


We would love to share your favorite "Growing Up Hickory" memories. Email pics and your favorite stories to cpaveglio@traversecitymi.gov.

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