WEST SIDE SANITARY SEWER PROJECT EXPANDS

1,750 FOOT SEGMENT ADDED TO SCOPE

At their August 4, 2025 meeting, the City Commission approved a contract amendment to expand the scope of the West Side Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. The amendment adds a 1,750-foot segment of aging clay sewer main in the Downtown alley south of Front Street, from west of Cass Street to Park Street, to the original project. This added segment has required ongoing maintenance, and rehabilitation will extend the life of the infrastructure by approximately 50 years.

Background

The West Side Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project began on April 21, 2025, as part of the City’s long-term effort to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure. Originally, the project focused on lining approximately 6,900 feet of aging clay sanitary sewer mains, ranging from 8 to 15 inches in diameter, on the City’s west side. The work also included lining the first five feet of private sewer laterals to help block groundwater from entering the system.

The goal of the project is to reduce Infiltration and Inflow (I&I), unwanted water that seeps or flows into the sanitary sewer system, helping to prevent backups, protect public health, extend the life of sewer assets, and lower treatment costs.

• Infiltration happens when groundwater enters the system through cracks, leaks, or faulty joints in underground pipes or manholes.
• Inflow occurs when stormwater flows directly into the system through improper connections, such as roof downspouts or sump pumps tied to sanitary sewers.

The project investment is approximately $1.4 million and funded through the City’s Sewer Fund. The work is part of the City’s two five-year water infrastructure plans adopted in 2022, totaling over $48 million in drinking water and wastewater improvements.

CRIME VICTIM RESOURCES

SUPPORT & COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

The City is grateful for the many support systems in place to provide resources to assist victims of criminal mass violence. Information on the Crime Victim Compensation Program and a Virtual Resiliency Center is now available for those impacted by the July 26, 2025 Walmart incident.

Crime Victim Compensation Program

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Victim Services is actively responding to the incident that occurred on July 26, 2025. The Crime Victim Compensation program is available to assist with counseling, lost wages, transportation, and other expenses for eligible individuals and victims impacted by the tragedy at Walmart. This may include individuals who were injured, witnesses, individuals who were in direct proximity to the crime and first responders who responded to the incident.

Learn More

Virtual Resiliency Center

The National Mass Violence Center has launched a Virtual Resiliency Center webpage in coordination with the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor's Office. Resources include victim and social services, social connection and empowerment, health and wellness, and managing grief and trauma.

Additionally, "proximate victims" and community members affected by the incident may soon subscribe for notifications on the court case.

Learn More

EASTERN AVENUE SIDEWALK

PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE

The new sidewalk on the south side of Eastern Avenue, between Peninsula Drive and Milliken Drive, is substantially complete. Items remaining include painting and sign installation.

This long-requested initiative, supported by neighborhood residents and approved by City leadership in 2024, aims to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity by better linking pedestrians to the existing crosswalk on Peninsula Drive and addressing long-standing safety concerns in the area. The project will include shifting the curb line northward and installing a 6-foot-wide sidewalk with an additional 1-foot buffer—resulting in a total of 7 feet of new concrete walkway.

The project cost was $158,719.84 which included a 15% contingency ($20,702.59) and was funded through the Capital Improvements Fund.

JUBILEE HOUSE FUNDING

CITY APPROVES $102,000

At their August 4, 2025 meeting, the City Commission approved a funding allocation of up to $102,256 for day shelter services provided at Jubilee House, operated by Grace Episcopal Church. The agreement is to ensure continued operations through the end of the 2025 calendar year.

Jubilee House offers a range of essential services for individuals experiencing homelessness Monday through Friday, including showers, laundry, personal storage, internet access, emergency clothing, bus passes, and a safe daytime space for guests to rest, eat, and connect with community resources.

The funding, drawn from the City's General Fund balance, is a continuation of the City's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. The agreement includes provisions for financial reporting and accountability and underscores the need for ongoing discussions about long-term support strategies.

EASTERN AVENUE & M37/PENINSULA DRIVE TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin work to upgrade the traffic signal at Eastern Avenue and M37. Initial work is anticipated to begin on Monday, August 11, 2025 and be completed at the end of August, weather permitting.

Work activities include foundations, sidewalk, curbs, and sidewalk ramps. In late fall, MDOT will replace signal equipment, including new mast arms.

STREET & SIDEWALK

CLOSURE

INTERACTIVE MAP

The City is in the height of construction season, and street or sidewalk closures can change quickly. The City’s Interactive Street & Sidewalk Closure Map is the best way to stay up-to-date on current and upcoming closures. Check the map before you travel to plan the safest and most efficient route through the City.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF AUGUST 11TH

Michigan's 2017 Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) designates galvanized water services as lead service lines if they "are or ever were" connected to a lead gooseneck, requiring utilities to pay for replacing private water services from the curb stop to the building. Lead goosenecks, installed before the mid-1940s, are 3-foot lead pipes used between the brass connection to the water main and a galvanized pipe.

The City has since installed copper services and has no known fully lead service lines. Not all private galvanized lines need replacement; those originally connected to City-owned copper services don't require replacement. The water service line replacement project started in May 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2025.

Week of August 11th Locations

The week of August 11th, the project will be conducted on the 100 and 200 blocks of N. Oak Street, the 200 block of Gillis Street, the 200 block of Garland Street, the 600 block of W. Front Street, and the 300 block of Grandview Parkway. The work will cause sidewalk and intermittent street closures. The work on W. Front Street and Grandview Parkway will result in a lane closure and traffic shift.

PUBLIC BEACH

MONITORING & TESTING

The Environmental Health Division of the Grand Traverse County Health Department works closely with the City of Traverse City, Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, and the Traverse City State Park to ensure the health and safety of several public beaches in Grand Traverse County.

The Watershed Center administers grants from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to sample surface water from swim areas of the beaches. The water samples are analyzed for E. coli, a relatively harmless organism that may indicate the possible presence of harmful pathogenic microorganisms.

The Beach Monitoring Dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays. If any beaches report a "Level 2" or higher, those specific beaches will then be resampled. Resample results will be available and published 24 hours later.

On Thursday, August 7, 2025, Clinch Park Beach and West End Beach were both reported at a Level 2, partial body contact. All other beaches tested at a Level 1. The beaches have been retested and results will be issued on Friday, August 8, 2025.

FIVE YEAR PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN SURVEY

The City is updating its Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This plan will help guide the City as it develops and improves its parks and recreation system over the next five years.

The City’s current plan is set to expire at the end of 2025. In order to remain eligible for grant opportunities, an approved five-year plan must be submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by February 1, 2026.

Parks & Recreation Master Plan Survey

Input is being sought for parks and recreation priorities over the next five years. This survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete.

BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY APPLICATION & SURVEY

The City has submitted an application to the League of American Bicyclists to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC). This designation reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to promoting safe, accessible, and enjoyable biking for all residents and visitors.

As part of the review process, the League is conducting a national survey to gather input from people who bike, or want to bike, in communities that applied for the 2025 program.

Your feedback will help both the League and the City better understand current bicycling conditions and identify opportunities for improvement.

IN THE COMMUNITY

AU SABLE INSTITUTE

Last week, a Restoration Ecology class from the Au Sable Institute, 28 students and four professors, met with the Planning Department staff for a dynamic discussion on resiliency and climate adaptation. Thank you to everyone involved for the thoughtful conversation and valuable exchange on urban climate change adaptation!