CITY AWARDED $1,685,479 GRANT

SOLAR & BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT PLANNED

The City of Traverse City has been awarded a Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Low

Carbon Infrastructure Enhancement & Development Grant in the amount of $1,685,479. City staff

worked with Jacobs and Traverse City Light & Power to draft and submit the application in January 2023 for a solar and battery storage project.

In December 2022, the City Commission approved the preparation of a grant application in the amount up to $2 million to the Michigan Public Service Commission Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure Enhancement and Development Grant for possible funding to purchase and install a solar system with battery storage. The intent is to install solar arrays on the rooftops of the Traverse City Wastewater Treatment Plant buildings. Battery storage, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), are devices that enable energy from renewables, such as solar, to be stored and then released when the power is needed most, and are becoming essential in expediting the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) uses approximately 5,048 MWh of electricity annually, based on an analysis of monthly electric bills. The total cost is about $411,525 for a unit cost of $0.082/kWh. The solar PV plant would produce about 510MWh per year of electricity, about 10% of the WWTP annual consumption. This solar project would reduce the WWTP’s electricity costs by approximately $41,000 each year. Over a 25-year lifespan, this project would save the City at least $1.025 million in operations costs. The project is anticipated to reduce annual CO2e Emissions by 300 metric tons per year.

The City Commission’s 2022 adopted Goals and Objectives identified climate as a strategic priority with a goal to address climate within all of our City priorities, goals, policies, and actions. In addition, Traverse City Light & Power is developing a Climate Action Plan.

The total project budget is $1,921,245. The City will need to identify $235,765 of the additional funds needed in the future.

SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT 100 BLOCK ALLEY DELAYED TO JUNE 30TH COMPLETION

On April 10th, portions of the 100 Block North Alley of East Front Street between N. Union Street and N. Cass Street were closed for the Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project. The sewer relocation completion date has been pushed to June 30, 2023.

The Boardman River Wall Stabilization and Sewer Relocation Project is the first project of the City’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Five Year Project Plan. The total estimated cost of potential improvements is $28,734,260 over a 5 year period.

ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS MOVED FORWARD BY PLANNING COMMISSION

At their June 6, 2023 meeting, the Planning Commission approved an amendment to the Traverse City Code of Ordinances to allow additional dwelling types and to modify dimensional standards in the R-1a, R-1b and R-2 residential zoning districts.

Next Steps

The item will be introduced to City Commission no sooner than July 17, 2023. After introduction, the City Commission will need to schedule a public hearing in order to take action on the recommended amendments. The final dates will be published once established.

MADISON & JEFFERSON PROJECT

RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT BEGINS JUNE 9, 2023

Early site preparation work on Madison Street from Wayne to Randolph Streets will begin Friday, June 9, 2023 at 7 am. The entire project is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 12, 2023. The project is anticipated to be complete in November 2023. 

Project Summary

Street reconstruction, improvements to the sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer utilities are being planned within the project limits of Jefferson Avenue from Fulton Street to Elmwood Avenue, and Madison Street from Front Street to Wayne Street. Also included are improvements to mobility and safety with the addition of a sidewalk on the north side of Jefferson. Crossing widths at the intersections will be reduced on Madison for shorter pedestrian crossing distances. Speed tables were included on Madison to discourage excessive speeds within the long blocks. Parking will be moved to the east side only on Madison to enhance mobility where sidewalks are most accessible. Lastly, the project will include green infrastructure elements such as drywells and bioswales.

Increased Tree Canopy

The City will maintain the urban tree canopy with the inclusion of 27 street trees in the project scope fill in areas where street trees would be most appropriate to provide for the Formal Residential Character identified in the current Master Plan.  

IN THE COMMUNITY

PRIDE MONTH

The Progressive Pride Flag is proudly flying at Clinch Park Marina this month. At their June 5, 2023 meeting, the City Commission adopted a resolution declaring June 2023 as LGBTQ+ and Pride Month in the City of Traverse City. The City cherishes the value and dignity of each person, and appreciates the importance of equality and freedom. All are welcome in the City of Traverse to live, work, visit, and play. And every family—in any shape—deserves a place to call home where they are safe, happy, and supported by friends and neighbors.