PROPOSED R2 ZONING AMENDMENTS

CONSIDERED FOR POSSIBLE ENACTMENT ON APRIL 7TH

At the April 7, 2025 meeting, the City Commission will consider an amendment to the R-2 Mixed Density Residential District for possible enactment. The proposed change would increase the allowable number of dwelling units per parcel in R2 from two to four units.

This amendment was initially part of a 2023 zoning update recommended by the Planning Commission, but was not adopted. The R-2 density adjustment was not acted upon, leaving R-1b and R-2 districts with identical density regulations.

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.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR HICKORY WINTER

TAKE THE SURVEY

The Hickory Hills Advisory Committee is looking for your feedback on the 2024–2025 winter season! Whether you hit the slopes for alpine or nordic skiing, enjoyed the lodge amenities, or participated in club activities, your input is essential to guiding the next steps for Hickory Hills.

The survey should take about 5-minutes and will help inform decisions on everything from operations and safety to amenities and capital improvements. Your experiences—what worked well and what could be improved—will directly influence upcoming improvements.

LOT O PILOT ARRANGEMENT

CONSIDERATION ON APRIL 7TH

At their April 7, 2025 meeting, the City Commission will consider adopting a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) arrangement for a new five-story mixed-use building proposed by HomeStretch Nonprofit Housing Corporation at 159 East State Street in Downtown Traverse City. The development, known as the “Lot O” project, will feature retail space on the ground floor and 44 residential units—comprising studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, on floors two through five.

The proposed PILOT would allow a 4% annual tax payment totaling approximately $26,271, over a term of 20 years. The project is designed to serve residents earning between 30% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with 80% of the units achieving an average affordability level of 60% AMI. These affordability commitments will remain in effect for the duration of any outstanding mortgage, for as long as HomeStretch owns the property, or for 30 years—whichever is longer.

In addition to creating attainable housing for the downtown workforce, the development includes a committed commercial tenant on the ground floor, potential parking partnerships, and numerous sustainability features, such as energy-efficient systems and a vegetated roof. Construction is expected to begin in April 2026 with occupancy planned for spring 2028.

SAFE HARBOR

SPECIAL LAND USE PERMIT AMENDMENT

At the April 7, 2025 meeting, the City Commission will consider scheduling a public hearing for May 5, 2025 to amend the Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse to operate year-round.

The proposal would transition Safe Harbor’s emergency shelter at 517 Wellington Street from a seasonal facility to a year-round operation. No increase in capacity is proposed—maintaining the 90-bed limit—but the shift aims to meet the ongoing need for shelter services beyond the traditional winter season. The plan also includes site improvements such as a new parking lot and pedestrian connectivity, supported in part by federal grant funding.

Homelessness Collective

This work aligns with the broader regional effort led by Rotary Charities and the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, which launched the Homelessness Collective in spring 2024. This collaborative includes the City, Traverse City Police, local service providers, community members, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness. It focuses especially on challenges at The Pines, where up to 120 unsheltered individuals resided in summer 2024.

The Collective is working toward sustainable, data-driven solutions that prioritize housing as the key to ending homelessness. Key areas of focus include exploring a year-round shelter, increasing night shelter beds, and expanding day services—all part of a framework built to support long-term stability and community resilience.

Resolution of Support

In December 2024, the City Commission adopted a resolution supporting the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness’ Effort to End Chronic Homelessness Through Permanent Supportive Housing at their meeting. The Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness has committed to ending chronic homelessness in our region by 2028, recognizing that this goal is both urgent and achievable with the collaboration of local governments, community partners, and other stakeholders. Permanent supportive housing provides long term housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and wrap-around support services to help them stay in their homes.

LEAF & BRUSH PICK UP

BEGINS APRIL 28TH

The City's Leaf & Brush Pick Up is scheduled later this season and will begin on April 28, 2025. In 2024, 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.

STRATEGIC ACTION PLANNING UPDATE

COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS PUBLISHED

Traverse City Strategic Pillars Refinement

The over 100 attendees of six Focus Groups between February 18 and 20 helped shape the strategic pillars and associated actions. These will ultimately make up the Traverse City Strategic Action Plan that will be launched at the Future Summit in May 2025. More information to follow about the Future Summit. The Strategic Pillars pillars and actions have been drafted following many opportunities for community engagement throughout the process at visioning sessions, the Think-Tank and Focus Groups. All community ideas will be included for each pillar in the final Strategic Action Plan. 

Community Survey #1 Results

A huge thank-you goes out to the approximately 1,200 residents and stakeholders who took part in Community Survey #1. The survey results, now available on the project portal, provide clear insights into what community members value most and where they hope to see improvements.

Key takeaways from the survey include:



• Residents deeply value living in Traverse City and want to preserve its unique character and feel—especially at the neighborhood level.
• There is widespread concern about the pace and direction of change, particularly in areas like congestion, overdevelopment, and housing affordability.
• Many participants expressed strong support for more intentional, proactive urban design and a more regional approach to planning and development.
• The data shows a high level of alignment across the community on broad concerns and future aspirations.

The survey responses are available in an interactive format on the project portal, offering data visualizations that bring community priorities to life. These insights, along with input from the Focus Groups and other engagement efforts, are helping to shape the Strategic Action Plan and its specific action steps.

SARA HARDY HUMANITARIAN AWARD



The Human Rights Commission is accepting nominations for the 2025 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award. Named in honor of Sara Hardy, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Human Rights Commission over three decades ago, this annual accolade celebrates individuals who embody the Commission's core principles of fostering mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity within our community.

Nominations for individuals who exemplify the ideals of human rights may be submitted until May 2, 2025.

BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

The Human Rights Commission invites nominations for its Business and/or Organization Humanitarian Efforts Award, established to honor and give public recognition to a business or organization that has demonstrated an ongoing and sustained commitment to helping others in the Traverse City Region.

Nominations may be submitted until May 2, 2025.

LOON PLATFORM INSTALLED

BOARDMAN LAKE

The City worked with the Grand Traverse Audubon Club to support loons attempting to nest on Boardman Lake by allowing the installation of a floating nesting platform. The goal is to provide a safer, more secure environment for these iconic birds to breed and raise their young. The platform, launched on April 1st, is anchored in a quiet cove near the west end of Centre Street.

In recent years, female loons have repeatedly tried to nest on a sandbar toward the south end of the lake—only to see their efforts fail. As summer progresses and water levels drop, these nests become exposed to predators and the elements, leaving eggs vulnerable and unprotected. The Grand Traverse Audubon Club hopes that this temporary floating dock will offer a more stable and secure alternative.

Loon nests are essential for the survival and reproduction of the species, providing a sheltered space for laying eggs and raising chicks. These birds typically seek quiet, shoreline habitats or floating vegetation to minimize the risk of predation.

After several seasons of observing unsuccessful nesting attempts, the club is optimistic that this new platform will help give the loons a better chance at success.

SAVE THE DATE

SENIOR CENTER & PARK GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

Mark your calendar for April 30, 2025, and join the City and Grand Traverse County for the exciting Grand Opening Celebration of the Senior Center and Senior Center Park! Stay tuned for more details on this special event.