PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT CONTINUES

EIGHTH & MAPLE INTERSECTION

The City's Pavement Preservation Project continues with the reconstruction of the Eighth & Maple intersection, beginning May 28, 2024. Activities include the removal of existing brick and replacement with new brick. The work is anticipated to be completed by mid-June, weather permitting.

During construction, the intersection will be closed to all vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Sidewalks will be accessible, but crossings will be directed to the intersections to the north, south, east, and west. If possible, please use alternate routes avoiding this area to reduce congestion, delay, and promote worker safety. Alley access for residents in the impacted area will be maintained. Appropriate signage and barricades will be in place in and around the work area.

The Eighth and Maple intersection is a part of the 2023-2024 Pavement Preservation Project. Completed projects include the Union and Eighth Street and the Cass and Eighth Street intersections.

ANNIKA PLACE OPENS

CITY PARTICIPATES IN PILOT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

An official ribbon-cutting took place on May 23rd to commemorate the opening of Annika Place, a new residential development located at 947 South Garfield Avenue. The 54,310-square-foot, four-story building replaced two homes with 53 residential units targeting singles, families, and seniors. The complex has a combination of 1 and 2-bedroom units: 29 one-bedroom units and 24 two-bedroom units.

Affordable Housing

Thirty-four of the units, or 64% of them, are targeted for residents with an annual income between 70-80% of the area median income. Rental rates are $377 to $1,125 per month. In addition, 8 units will provide housing for individuals who had previously experienced homelessness with rental assistance from the Traverse City Housing Commission.

Housing for Coast Guard Families

Annika Place will also focus on providing housing to individuals and their families who are newly enlisted and stationed in Traverse City serving in the Coast Guard. The development honors the memory of U.S. Coast Guardsman Douglas A. Munro, who lost his life at Guadalcanal on September 27, 1942, because of heroic measures with his Higgins boat that shielded and saved the lives of 500 Marines. He is the only Coast Guard member to receive the Medal of Honor.

PILOT Arrangement

The City participated in a 6% Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) with a term of 16 years, beginning in 2023 and ending in 2039.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: ARTISTIC BENCH EXHIBIT

The City’s Arts Commission is inviting artists to submit their qualifications for the TART Bayfront Trail Extension – Artistic Bench Exhibit. This is a unique opportunity for artists to contribute to the beautification of the City's trail system along the bayfront.

The deadline for submissions is June 7, 2024, by 3:00 PM. Artists can find detailed project specifications and submission guidelines on the Arts Commission’s website. 

HRC HONORS HUMANITARIAN EFFORT AWARDEES

The City's Human Rights Commission will honor two organizations, Grand Traverse Industries and J&S Hamburg South Airport: Project Feed the Kids, as their 2024 Business/Organization Humanitarian Effort Award recipients. The award was 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. The HRC will celebrate the honorees on June 3, 2024

SEEKING INPUT: 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.

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 worked on completing watermain installation and began testing, worked on storm sewer at Peninsula Drive, Hope Street, Rose Street and the west end of Segment 1.

Next Week's Work & Beyond

In the coming week, crews will continue making connections with water services, continue storm sewer installation, begin subgrade preparations, install storm sewer crossings, begin conduit installation, and begin grading for new curb.

Barlow Street north of US-31 will remain closed for several weeks for storm sewer installation.

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.

IN THE COMMUNITY

2024 CITY ACADEMY GRADUATES

To the outstanding graduates of the City Academy Class of 2024, congratulations on your achievement! The City is grateful for your dedication to understanding city government and your active participation in the program. Your commitment to civic engagement highlights the importance of citizen involvement in shaping our city's future. The City is proud of you and excited to see the positive impact you will continue to make. Congratulations once again!

• Laura Dagwell
• Carrie Gray
• Helen Lauren Finch
• Cheryl Pavic Henner
• Jeff Leonhardt
• Angus John MacDonald
• Scott Morey
• Daniel Noller
• Barbara Robbins
• Richard Robbins
• Breanne Roberts
• Paul Wilkins