NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERPRISE ZONE

AD HOC COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED

At their March 20, 2023 meeting, the City Commission established an ad hoc committee to explore the framework regarding the potential establishment of Neighborhood Enterprise Zones and to make a recommendation to the City Commission.

The Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) Act was established in 1992 and provides tax exemptions for the development and rehabilitation of residential housing located within eligible distressed communities, of which the City of Traverse City is identified as a qualified local unit of government.

A community will reduce the taxes on property for up to 15 years in designated areas to promote the revitalization of those neighborhoods.

• New Housing Development: The tax rate is half of the statewide average.
• Rehabilitated Housing Projects: The assessment is frozen at pre-improvement levels. This tax rate is established annually by the State of Michigan.

By resolution, the City Commission may designate one or more NEZs within the City. Eligible locations include the DDA District, Principal Shopping Districts, and areas zoned and primarily used for business. At a minimum, the land must be platted parcels, compact, and contiguous. The minimum number of parcels and maximum percent of acreage vary depending on the type of designation. The reduction of taxes on the property may be for 6-15 years in the designated areas.

The ad hoc committee will explore if NEZs could be used as a tool to incentivize affordable housing, similar to PILOT incentives, and Renaissance Zones that have been used in the City.

The City Commission’s 2022 adopted Goals and Objectives identified housing and homelessness as a strategic priority with a goal to increase opportunities for more diverse housing through public and private options.

SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS POLICY, ICLUDING ELECTRIFICATION

At their March 20, 2023 meeting, the City Commission reviewed the first draft of recommendations regarding City Managed Construction and Renovations, including electrification.

Electrification is beneficial because it targets the highest output of greenhouse gas emissions, transportation, buildings, and industrial sectors. Addressing emissions from these sectors is critical to decarbonizing the economy and, ultimately, mitigating the impacts of climate change by supporting planet health. Building electrification describes the shift to using electricity rather than burning fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal for heating and cooking. The goal is all-electric buildings powered by solar, wind and other sources of zero-carbon electricity.

Addressing Climate Change is one of the City Commissions 2022-2023 Goals and Objectives, to work towards this goal the Green Team has been developing recommendations for a policy to include electrification of city-managed construction and renovations and has the support of Traverse City Light Power, who is exploring moving forward in a manner that enables electric readiness as a focus of future strategic planning. 

RFP TO BE ISSUED FOR FIRE

STATIONS

At their March 20, 2023 meeting the City Commission approved issuing Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Architectural Services for design of two new fire stations on W. Front Street and E. Eighth Street.

The Primary Transport Ad Hoc Committee provided an update and recommendation to pursue the construction of a new facility at Fire Station 1 to provide for expanded use. The Committee also recommended the City pursue the construction of a new facility at Fire Station 2. The recommendation is due to larger renovations that will be required based on the condition of the existing structures and the fact they will need to be addressed in near future. 

The Traverse City Fire Department utilizes the fire stations to provide emergency fire and Advanced Life Support medical response services to the citizens of Traverse City, along with other special emergency and non-emergency services. Each location houses emergency response apparatus, vehicles, administrative offices, equipment and related storage and living quarters for fire service personnel who work 24-hour shifts at each location. It is the intent to construct new facilities that will meet current and future emergency and non-emergency service needs for the next 40-50 years.

TART TART IMPROVEMENT & EXTENSION - ADDITONAL INPUT

Public engagement sessions for the TART Improvement & Extension Project on March 15 & 16 served as a follow up to the February engagement sessions and focused on various areas that are being targeted for improvement and extension. Refined concepts were developed based on community input and introduced to gather additional input on how to determine the best ways to enhance the TART network along the Bayfront.

The proposed project is located between West End Beach and the intersection of Peninsula Drive/US 37 and Eastern Avenue. The plan elevates the existing TART network by enhancing the functionality and enjoyment of the trail as well as extending its reach along Peninsula Drive from East Front Street to Eastern Avenue. The project is in support of multimodal efforts that aim to provide a more connected and safe trail network.

Provide Additional Input

Presentation slides with refined concepts are available for viewing. If unable to attend the sessions, an opportunity to provide input on the concepts is available through March 24th. A recording of the virtual engagement session is also available for viewing.

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN OPEN HOUSE

THE PATH TO A HEALTHIER CLIMATE BEGINS IN TRAVERSE CITY

Traverse City Light & Power is developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to provide innovative utility solutions designed to reduce our carbon impact while protecting grid resiliency. Throughout the development of the CAP, TCLP encourages the community and stakeholders to assist in shaping a better future for our climate. Together, changes can make a significant impact.

CAP will explore the following solutions.

• Carbon Neutrality
• Demand Response
• Distributed Energy Resources
• Electrification
• Energy Storage
• Energy Waste Reduction
• Integrated Resource Plan

On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, TCLP will host a CAP Open House at the Traverse Area District Library, Woodmere Branch, from 4 - 6 pm. Highlights will include the following.

• Learn how to reduce your energy bills and get money back
• Learn about TCLP's strategy to reduce carbon output
• Provide your insight and opinions for the future of Traverse City
• Engage in discussions with industry experts and local officials

IN THE COMMUNITY

MOBILITY ACTION PLAN OPEN HOUSE

The future of mobility within the City is being developed as a draft Mobility Network Plan was introduced this past week. Thank you to all that attended the Open House and provided your input!