MDOT M72/M22 PROJECT

BEGINS MARCH 21, 2025

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is set to begin the 2025 reconstruction project on March 21, 2025 to 2.2 miles of M-72 (Grandview Parkway) and M-22 (Bay Shore Drive). The $25.8 million project will improve roadway conditions, improve safety, and upgrade pedestrian and transit infrastructure between Division Street in the City and Cherry Bend Road in Elmwood Township. The project is anticipated to be completed by November 15, 2025.

What to Expect

The reconstruction will include:

• Full pavement removal and replacement to improve ride quality
• Drainage enhancements, including new curbs, gutters, storm sewers, and culverts
• New sidewalks and non-motorized paths to enhance pedestrian access
• Upgraded transit stops to support public transportation
• Improved accessibility with sidewalk ramps upgraded to meet ADA standards
• A new roundabout at M-72/M-22, incorporating Bay Street for better traffic flow
• Cherry Bend Road traffic signal upgrades and driveway access improvements

Construction Phases & Traffic Impacts

During construction, one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction on M-72 and M-22 for most of the project. However, there will be occasional short-term lane closures and detours:

Bay Street Closure:

• Bay Street from M-72 to Ramsdell Street will be closed while the new roundabout is built.

TART Trail & Sidewalk Closures:

• March to May and June to October: The west side of the TART Trail (Elmwood Ave. to the Leelanau Trail) will be closed, along with sidewalks near the intersection. A temporary pedestrian crossing (HAWK signal) will be installed for safety.
• May to June: The east side of the TART Trail (Division St. to north of the intersection) will be closed. Pedestrians and cyclists will be detoured to alternate crossings.

Access to all businesses and residences will be maintained throughout the project.

The City appreciates the community’s patience during this project. Stay tuned for updates and detour information throughout the construction period.

EASTERN AVENUE SIDEWALK

CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL

At their March 17, 2025 meeting, the City Commission will consider approving a construction contract for the Eastern Avenue Sidewalk Project. This project involves installing a sidewalk on the south side of Eastern Avenue between Milliken Drive and Peninsula Drive, an initiative long supported by area residents and approved by City leadership in 2024.

The project scope includes shifting the curb line northward and constructing a 6-foot-wide sidewalk with an attached 1-foot buffer, totaling 7 feet of concrete. This improvement aims to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity, particularly to the crosswalk at Peninsula Drive.

The estimated project cost is approximately $140,000. Completion is targeted before the start of the 2025/26 school year.

PROPOSED R2 ZONING AMENDMENTS

INTRODUCED TO CITY COMMISSION

At the March 17, 2025, City Commission meeting, an amendment to the R-2 Mixed Density Residential District will be introduced, and scheduled for possible enactment at their April 7, 2024 meeeting. The proposed change would increase the allowable number of dwelling units per parcel from two to four, aligning with the City’s Master Plan and broader housing initiatives. The Comm

This amendment was initially part of a 2023 zoning update recommended by the Planning Commission to promote housing diversity. While most proposed changes were adopted, the R-2 density adjustment was not acted upon, leaving R-1b and R-2 districts with identical density regulations.

The Planning Commission revisited the proposal as part of its 2025 goal-setting discussions and voted on March 4, 2025, to recommend the amendment to the City Commission.

While the amendment would allow for increased density, existing zoning regulations—such as setbacks, lot size, and other requirements—would still determine property eligibility. Community members are encouraged to review the proposal and stay engaged in the discussion.

HICKORY HILLS SEASON

SEASON CLOSES MARCH 16TH WITH ANNUAL SLUSH CUP

The slopes at Hickory Hills are winding down for the season, but we’re going out in style! Mark your calendars for the Slush Cup on Sunday, March 16th, the grand finale of our winter season.

What is the Slush Cup?

A fan-favorite tradition, the Slush Cup challenges skiers and snowboarders to make it across a giant pond of icy water—often in the most outrageous costumes possible! Whether you're competing or just cheering from the sidelines, it’s a guaranteed good time.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, March 16th (Last day of the season!)

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location: Magna Carta

Cost: FREE

Want to Compete? Here’s What You Need to Know:

• Registration: 11 AM - 12 PM in the lodge (same-day only).
• Waivers Required: All participants must sign a waiver. Under 18? A parent or guardian must complete a release of liability at registration.
• Equipment Rules: No rental equipment allowed.
• Gear Up! Helmets are recommended, no poles allowed.
• Costumes Encouraged! The more creative, the better!

Competitors get one chance to make it across the pond. Will you sink or skim your way to glory? Either way, it’s an unforgettable way to close out the season!

Come celebrate with us, whether you’re taking the plunge or just soaking in the fun. See you at Hickory Hills for the Slush Cup—where winter ends with a splash!

Runs Currently Open

Fast Tammy, Magna Carta, Swede, Waterfall, Jack’s Trail, Birch, Buck, Cherry Bomb, Mad Dog, Don & Jerry, Bail, Low Grade, Pete, Rotary Rocks & Lodge Alley.

Nordic Update

Thanks to a solid man-made base, trail coverage remains good on the outer Sprint Loop, Low-Grade Road, and the Lighted Loop. Upper trails with natural snow are now limited to out-and-back use as coverage fades.

With Alpine operations concluding this weekend, City staff will be transitioning the facility for summer use. Skiers should be mindful of ongoing work as ropes, fencing, and winter equipment are removed. Grooming has continued nearly daily, and conditions should allow for skiing well into next week, possibly longer, depending on weather.

A special thank you goes to the Volunteer Groomers and City staff for their efforts in maintaining the trails this season. Enjoy the final stretch of skiing!

HICKORY HILLS MERCH ALERT!

MERCHANDISE ON SALE THIS WEEKEND

As the ski season winds down, Hickory Hills Ski Area is celebrating with a huge merchandise sale during the season closer, Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 16.

Buy One, Get One Free

• Kinco gloves
• Retro tees
• Navy long-sleeve tees & sweatshirts
• Light the Night books
• Vintage posters
• Glove guards
• Goggle pass holders

30% Off

• Jack’s Trail and Most Difficult sweatshirts
• This year’s Green Collection merchandise

Show your Hickory Pride with the best deals of the season!

LEAF PICK UP BEGINS APRIL 28TH - ONE PASS ONLY

Leaf & Brush Pick Up will begin in City neighborhoods on April 28th.

The City launched a new map to streamline its annual leaf pickup program, dividing the city into six zones for efficient service. Leaf collection will begin on the west side in Zone 1 and progress eastward through all zones. Residents can view the map to identify their zone and prepare for leaf pickup accordingly.

Due to unpredictable weather conditions, exact dates for each zone's pickup will not be provided. The City encourages residents to be ready for leaf pick up in their zone, as there will be only one pass. Leaves may be raked on-street no sooner than April 25th.

Brush piles cannot exceed 8' x 8' and 4' high - branches no more than 4" in diameter and should be placed in the alley. If there is no alley, brush can be placed behind the curb or pavement edge of the street.

ROSS BIEDERMAN VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

Do you know a dedicated community volunteer who has made a lasting impact on the Recreation Authority's parks? The City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority (Rec Authority) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Ross Biederman Volunteer Service Award.

This annual award honors outstanding individuals who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the Rec Authority’s parklands and services. Named after longtime volunteer and local broadcaster Ross Biederman, the award recognizes those who continue his legacy of service. Past honorees include Karen and Kurt Schmidt (2023) and Richard Lewis (2024).

Nominations are open to the public through March 31, 2025. The recipient will be recognized with a permanent plaque displayed inside the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park.

N. UNION STREET BRIDGE

WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Heavy vehicle and commercial truck operators should be aware of the newly imposed weight restrictions on the N. Union Street bridge. A recent special inspection of the bridge found corrosion that limits the load capacity of some of the steel beams. Using the findings of the inspection a load rating analysis was conducted, confirming that the bridge must be posted with weight restrictions. The weight limits are intended to prevent loads that cause stresses in the affected beams above the safe limit from crossing the bridge.

The City has identified the repair of the N. Union Street bridge as part of its Capital Improvement Plan for FY25/26 and is currently working to secure funding sources for the project.

New Weight Restrictions

The N. Union St. bridge weight restrictions will be posted by truck type using a standard sign type at both ends of the bridge and in advance of the bridge in March 2025. The weight restrictions for the bridge will be as follows:

1-unit truck (e.g., concrete truck) – Maximum allowable weight: 31 tons

2-unit truck (e.g., semi-trailer truck) – Maximum allowable weight: 32 tons

3-unit truck (e.g., semi-trailer truck with an additional trailer) – Maximum allowable weight: 41 tons

The restrictions are in place to prevent damage to the load-restricted beams until the repairs can be completed. For reference, a 2023 Subaru Outback base model reportedly weighs 1.8 tons and a 2024 Cadillac Escalade reportedly weighs 2.9 tons. One ton is 2000 pounds.

Bridge Work & Maintenance

Since 2021, rehabilitation has been completed on six of the City’s seven vehicle bridges:

• S. Cass Street Bridge
• Eighth Street Bridge
• Park Street Bridge
• West Front Street Bridge (complete new bridge)
• S. Union Street Bridge
• N. Cass Street Bridge

Approximately $13.3 million was invested in bridge projects between 2021 and 2023. This funding was coordinated with various stakeholders, including MDOT, DDA TIF Funds, and federal agencies, with a majority of funds coming from the MDOT Local Bridge Funding program.

We appreciate the community’s patience as we take the necessary steps to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the N. Union Street bridge. 

THE PERFORMANCE 2024 AT A GLANCE

SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS

The City has published The Performance, the 2024 annual report, highlighting the significant progress and accomplishments in the past year.

Efforts to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and implement greener practices have driven meaningful change. From infrastructure upgrades to waste reduction programs, the 2024 improvements align with long-term sustainability goals while enhancing services for the community.

Electrification Efforts

• Senior Center Project: Fully electric, geothermal heating & cooling, green roofs, and pervious pavement.
• Building Electrification Policy (adopted 2023) guides transition away from fossil fuels.
• Additional projects: Replacing natural gas heater with electric heater at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to reduce emissions.

Compost & Food Waste Reduction Project

• $255,396 two-year grant awarded in 2023 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to launch a food waste reduction program.
• Partnership with SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers, and Carter’s Compost to manage food waste collection and processing.
• Officially launched in September 2024, expanding organic material collection for residents and businesses through a subscription service.
• Environmental impact: At full capacity, projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 12 cars from the road annually.
• Infrastructure: 20-yard In-Vessel Composter capable of processing approximatley 100 tons of food waste annually.
• Use of compost: Applied to City parks, donated to food pantries and community gardens.
• Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza (Nov 2024): Showcased the new composting system, engaging the community in sustainability education while diverting 3x the goal of pumpkins from landfills.

Drainage District

• Establishment of a Drainage District was approved and identified as the 8th Street Storm Outlet and Water Quality Improvements Project.
• High-priority drainage project to improve stormwater quality before it enters Grand Traverse Bay.
• Drainage District established to fund stormwater improvements, preventing pollution and erosion.

Riparian Buffer Committee

• Formed by the Planning Department to develop a Riparian Buffer Ordinance for waterway protection.
• Focus areas: Kid’s Creek, Boardman/Ottaway River, and the Bayfront.
• Goals: Protect water quality, prevent erosion, enhance fish habitats, and improve flood resilience.
• Current work: Developing ordinance standards, public education efforts, and riparian property management strategies.

Tree Plantings

• 47 medium/large potted trees planted at Brown Bridge.
• 3,192 wildflower plugs planted at Brown Bridge.
• 400 tree & shrub seedlings planted at Brown Bridge.
• 6,078 flowers planted across the City.
• 591 trees planted throughout the City.

ASK THE CITY

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED ANSWER

“Ask the City” allows residents to submit questions to City staff and receive personalized video responses. Once a resident’s question is answered, they will be notified via email, ensuring quick and clear communication. This platform gives every community member a direct line to City employees, creating an open forum for dialogue and making it easier than ever to engage with the City.

When is the Slush Cup at Hickory Hills?

Check out Dan at Hickory Hills!