CASS & E. EIGHTH STREET INTERSECTION RECONSTRUCTION

BEGINS SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

At their August 21, 2023 meeting, the City Commission approved the 2023-2024 Pavement Preservation Project which will include reconstruction and resurfacing of several streets, sidewalks, and parking lots throughout the City.

Cass and E. Eighth Street Intersection Reconstruction Begins September 18th

The City's contractor, Team Elmer’s, will be reconstructing the Cass and E. Eighth Street intersection beginning Monday, September 18, 2023. Activities include a full reconstruction of the intersection with new concrete pavement and brick crosswalks. The work is anticipated to be completed by mid-October, weather permitting.

During construction, the intersection will be closed to all vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Traffic delays are expected. Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular detour maps have been provided to assist those traveling throughout the City. Please use alternate routes avoiding this area to reduce congestion, delay and promote worker safety. Appropriate signage and barricades will be in place in and around the work area.

Access to all businesses, residences, and the Old Town Parking Garage will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.  

This construction will generate dust, noise and cause inconvenience. We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. 

2023- 2024 Pavement Preservation Locations

• Maple Street between Sixth and Griffin Streets (includes reconstructing brick intersection at Eighth Street)
• Twelfth Street between Division and Union Streets
• Eastern Avenue between M-37 and the Eastern Terminus at the City Water Plant, Low Pump Station
• Railroad Avenue (stormwater components)
• Cass & E. Eighth Street Intersection
• Union & E. Eighth Street Intersection
• Maple & Eighth Intersection
• Parking Lot G Repair
• Parking Lot C Repair

Funding

The 2023-2024 Pavement Preservation project total is $2,577,831.26 and is funded by the road commission millage fund, the Capital Projects Fund, the Parking Fund, and Downtown Development Authority TIF Funds.

HOUSING AMENDMENTS ON SEPTEMBER 18 AGENDA

At their September 5, 2023 meeting, the City Commission in their discussion about the housing amendments, voted to individually consider the six proposed zoning amendments and a selection of their associated elements. The proposed amendments to the Traverse City Code of Ordinances are to allow additional dwelling types and to modify dimensional standards in the R-1a, R-1b and R-2 residential zoning districts.

Proposed Amendments to be Considered

The following proposed zoning changes will be introduced at the City Commission meeting on Monday, September 18, 2023 with possible enactment at the October 16, 2023 meeting.

• Increase Density in the R-1a/b District
• Cluster Housing Modifications
• Two Principle Dwellings in R-1a/b
• Dimension Standard Modifications
• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Modifications

Proposed Amendments on Hold

The following proposed zoning changes will not go before the City Commission on September 18, 2023. It is anticipated that the items will go back to the Planning Commission in the near future to review and discuss further.

• Increase Density in the R-2 District
• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Modifications

CHANGES IN PARKING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTED

Parking services is updating the Parking Access and Revenue Control Systems (PARCS) equipment at both parking structures. The new equipment will integrate with the existing software system for managing entries and exits. 

Equipment Benefits

• More immediate configuration and management options to provide parking access.
• Permits purchased online will immediately be available for use in the lanes without having to pick up a permit from the office.
• Permit parkers will be offered AVI hangtags that will allow for handsfree access in the lanes.
• Businesses will have more validation options to pay for their customer parking.
• Payments will be available in all exit lanes via credit card payment. Cash payments will not be accepted in the lanes.
• Hardy will have a circulation shift from clock-wise to counter clockwise on the ground floor and the State Street lanes will swap to align with the State Street traffic flow.

Work is underway and implementation is anticipated for the week of September 18, 2023. Learn more about all the changes at the link.

BENJAMIN MARENTETTE NAMED NEW CITY MANAGER BY UNANIMOUS VOTE

CONGRATULATIONS!

The City Commission unanimously voted to select Benjamin Marentette as City Manager.

Benjamin Marentette has been serving as the City Clerk for the City since 2011, where he strategizes on organizational and public policy and direction, exercises financial oversight of over $150 million annually in financial disbursements, serves as Chief Election Officer, and analyzes the legal landscape and operational risk, among other duties.

Prior to his time as the City Clerk, Marentette served as the Recreational Authority Executive Director for the City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield, as well as the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Traverse City. He is a graduate of Spring Arbor University and has a Master of Business Administration from Lawrence Technological University. Marentette also has a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government. He is also currently a member of the Election Policy Working Group, is a Trustee and Treasurer for Rotary Charities of Traverse City, and is an advisor on the national election administration 2023 with the Pew Charitable Trusts Election Trust Initiative. 

It is always encouraging to see a leader receive unanimous support. However, it is even more impressive that Marentette was able to garner top scores from both the public and department heads during a series of meetings. This suggests that he has the ability to connect with a wide variety of people and understand the needs and concerns of all parties involved as an effective leader. With such strong support from all sides, it seems that Marentette is poised for success in this role!

Next Steps

Contracts and transition start date timelines are still in negotiation.

DOWNED TREES ALONG BOARDMAN-OTTAWAY

CAUTION TO PADDLERS

The recent heavy rainfall resulted in a number of locations with downed trees along the Boardman-Ottaway River, especially near Brown Bridge Quiet area.

Crews are continuing to work on opening the river after numerous trees had fallen last week, blocking the river after heavy rains. However, all blockages have not yet been cleared. Paddlers should be prepared to portage around downed trees.

The Grand Traverse Conservation District will provide an update when the known blockages have been cleared. 

Regardless, paddlers should always be aware that they may encounter a downed tree caused by high winds, a beaver, or otherwise when paddling out northern Michigan rivers.

IN THE COMMUNITY

SENIOR CENTER GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

The community gathered to celebrate the significant milestone of constructing a new Senior Center! Speakers included Traverse City Mayor, Richard Lewis, Grand Traverse County Chairperson, Robert Hentschel, Friends of the Senior Center, Jim Carruthers, Lillian Ostendorf, Robert Steadman, and Richard Steadman, and Senior Network Director, Michelle Krumm.

Thank you to all who have made this exciting project come to fruition!