EARTH WEEK

INVEST IN OUR PLANET, PROTECT OUR FUTURE

As we celebrate Earth Week 2023, to observe and acknowledge climate change, we are reminded about the small efforts that can be made to invest in the health of our planet.

Small gestures, such as planting trees, composting our food, and reducing our energy use, all have a positive impact on cooling the planet, protecting habitat, and keeping our waterways clean. But what if those efforts were incorporated into our lifestyles daily? By being a part of the change, imagine the impact we could make for future generations! This week, we encourage you to commit to daily practical actions that can make a real difference toward a healthier planet. We will all be better off for it!

MASTER PLAN REWRITE

CITY HOSTING OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE IDEAS ABOUT NEIGHBORHOODS AND KEY CORRIDORS DESIGN

The City of Traverse City is currently updating the community Master Plan, a long-range policy document used by elected and appointed community leaders to guide land-use decisions, including those related to transportation, development, housing, recreation, natural resources, arts and culture, and the economy.

The Master Plan is informed by data, land use planning best practices, and community input. The City encourages the community to inform the plan by participating in these upcoming engagement opportunities:

Neighborhood Virtual Listening Sessions: April 22

For City residents, the City is hosting two ZOOM neighborhood listening sessions on Saturday, April 22nd at 9 to 10:30 am and 10:30 am to noon. These sessions are for the purpose of discovering what residents want to preserve, enhance, and transform in their neighborhoods.

Open To All Neighborhoods

Session 1

9 - 10:30 am

Participation Link 

Session 2

10:30 am - Noon

Participation Link 

Online Neighborhood Survey

For City residents who are unable to attend the listening sessions above, the City is hosting an online survey with the same questions. The survey is open to residents from April 21st through May 7th. Take the survey at the link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TCNeighborhoods

Design Workshop: April 26

Open to everyone, the City is hosting a workshop on April 26th from 4 to 6 pm at the Hickory Hills Lodge, 2000 Randolph Street, to inform the design and transformation of these key locations within the city:

• Munson Avenue, between the college and city limits
• 14th Street; Garfield Avenue
• Intersection of Garfield Avenue and Eighth Street

All who work, transport, live, learn, or recreate on and/or adjacent to these areas are encouraged to attend.

HOUSING STORY MAP

A Story Map, or digital map that provides in depth context, has been developed by the Planning Department to explore expanding housing options.

This past week the Planning Commission Study Session was dedicated to their reaffirmed goal of expanding housing options While the demand for housing in our region remains high, particularly in locations that are convenient and accessible to one’s daily needs, the Planning Commission is exploring a host of small scale zoning changes to consider to remove barriers and provide additional attainable housing opportunities that allow numerous points of entry to being a resident in the City.

Next Steps and How You Can Participate

All of the modifications being considered are in line with the Planning Commission's goals and objectives and are still subject to change at this time. Please stay engaged with the Planning Commission by attending meetings, emailing commissioners, and attending public engagement events.

MOVING DOWNTOWN FORWARD

At their Monday, April 25th Study Session, the City Commission will receive an update regarding the Lower Boardman/Ottaway Riverfront Project in connection with the Moving Downtown Forward Initiative and an update on the West End Parking Structure.

In 2020, the City Commission, DDA Board, Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a Unified Plan for the portion of the Boardman River that runs through downtown. Providing public access and protecting the river were key needs and opportunities shared throughout the process. Addressing these needs along a targeted stretch of the the Boardman/Ottaway River - between Union and Park Streets - was one of the top priorities listed in the Unified Plan.

The West End Parking Structure was first identified as a need by the city and the DDA in 1997 in the TIF 97 Financing Plan. The City has purchased property along West Front Street and in December 2022, the City Commission approved a land purchase and property swap that provides a footprint for the parking structure on the west end of downtown.

IN THE COMMUNITY

WELCOME CITY ACADEMY!

This week we welcomed the City Academy Class of 2023! Week one kicked off with a general informational session on City government and closed with a review of the City Clerk's Office, Traverse City Fire Department, and Traverse City Police Department. Thursday evening was topped off with some special activities with fire hoses and wishing Fire Chief Tuller a Happy Birthday!

Class of 2023

Alice Bowe

Lisa Brady

Matt Bulloch

Bobby Busley

Thomas Comerford

Deborah Douglas

Margaret Fako

Megan Holtrey

Caroline Kennedy

Jack Lankford

Leah Moskovitz

David Page

Michelle Perez

Kathleen Ricord

Merek Roman