KEY CORRIDOR/AREAS DESIGN WORKSHOP INPUT

MASTER PLAN REWRITE

As part of the Master Plan Rewrite project, the City hosted a public workshop and online survey in April 2023 to inform the design and transformation of key locations within the City:

Workshop and survey participants were asked to identify what is currently working well and not working at the following locations, and what may be possible for them in the future.

Munson Avenue Corridor (between NMC and City limits): What's Good!

• Commercial offerings and variety
• Residential neighborhoods
• Traffic flow and access
• Parking availability
• Recreation attraction
• Land use and aesthetics
• Public facilities

Munson Avenue Corridor (between NMC and City limits): What's Not So Good!

• Lack of design standards
• Traffic congestion and speed
• Pedestrian safety and crossings
• Lack of left turn lanes
• Connectivity and accessibility
• Infrastructure and road conditions
• Tourism-oriented land uses

Munson Avenue Corridor (between NMC and City limits): What Can Be!

• Improve Safety and Connectivity
• Maintain Residential Character
• Encourage Diverse Commercial and Housing Options
• Improve Transportation Flow and Infrastructure
• Prioritize Environmental Considerations

14th Street Corridor: What's Good!

• Locally owned/small businesses
• Access to amenities and services
• Proximity to the Boardman Lake Trail
• Connection to downtown Traverse City, Garfield Township, and residential neighborhoods

14th Street Corridor: What's Not So Good!

• Traffic congestion
• Need for bike lane
• Pedestrian safety and access
• Inadequate turn lanes
• Lack of community vibrancy
• Road conditions and infrastructure
• Traffic signal issues
• Inadequate transit options

14th Street Corridor: What Can Be!

• Calm Traffic
• Encourage Mixed-Use Development and Housing
• Create Community Vibrancy

Garfield Avenue Corridor: What's Good!

• Mix of commercial and residential
• Sidewalks
• Higher density housing along the corridor
• Key corridor for accessing city/surrounding areas

Garfield Avenue Corridor: What's Not So Good!

• Traffic congestion, flow, and intersections
• Lack of bike friendliness
• Aesthetics and visual appeal
• Inconsistency and lack of a cohesive vision
• Road conditions and infrastructure
• Streetscaping
• Speeding and enforcement

Garfield Avenue Corridor: What Can Be!

• Safe and Diverse Transportation Options
• Vibrant Neighborhood Character

Garfield Avenue and Eighth Street Intersection: What's Good!

• Access to goods and services
• Parking availability

Garfield Avenue and Eighth Street Intersection: What's Not So Good!

• Traffic and congestion
• Confusing for pedestrians and bikes
• Unattractive appearance
• Parking
• Inefficient and inconsistent land use

Garfield Avenue and Eighth Street Intersection: What Can Be!

• Redevelopment
• Improve Connectivity for all Transportation Modes

Context and full summary results may be found at the Learn More link below.

Next Steps

Summer/Fall 2023: Finalizing Draft Chapters

Fall/Winter 2023: Presentation of the Draft Master Plan to Planning Commission & City Commission

Winter 2023/2024: Open House for Public Review & Input

Winter/Spring 2024: Adoption of the Master Plan

SPECIAL

BRUSH PICK UP

SCHEDULED

City residents should be aware that the City’s Department of Public Services

(DPS) will conduct a special brush pick up in response to the August 3, 2023 storm that resulted in downed trees and branches throughout the City. The special pick up is for brush resulting from the storm only. Leaves and yard waste will not be picked up.

As the City completes an assessment and maintenance of downed trees on public land, parks, and within the right of way, the special brush pick up will begin on Monday, August 14, 2023.

All brush should be placed no later than August 13, 2023. Two crews (DPS Parks and Streets Divisions) will work from both the east and west side of the City and make one

pass only. Brush may be placed in the alley or tree lawn, behind the curb or pavement edge of the street.

We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. Please feel free to contact Michelle Hunt at (231) 922-4900 if you have any questions, comments or

concerns about the work or the schedule.

BOON STREET PARK IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED

Boon Street Park is set to receive exciting improvements thanks to the Brown Bridge Trust Fund Parks Improvement Fund dollars approved by voters in the City back in 2019. At a meeting held on August 7, 2023, the City Commission approved the expenditure for these improvements which will include a new playground with a picnic area and a defined entrance with a trail into the park.

In Spring 2023, the Parks Division conducted a survey among the surrounding neighbors of Boon Street Park. The survey received 50 responses that expressed a desire for a swing set, climbing feature, and slide. Additionally, the survey noted that the basketball hoop and the open green space were important features that should be maintained.



The new equipment that will be installed in the park was carefully chosen based on its theme, style, and functionality. The equipment meets the City's requirements for using sustainable building materials, reducing plastic play structures, and having high-quality design. The new equipment also boasts the greatest variety of equipment in one theme, creating a unified play structure for the park. Overall, these improvements to Boon Street Park are sure to be enjoyed by the community for years to come.

TCAPS TO REVIEW FACILITIES ASSESSMENT & SURVEY DATA

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) recently conducted an assessment of their facilities and programs. This assessment included Central Grade School, which has garnered attention from City residents due to its location in the heart of Central Neighborhood. Central Grade School is the oldest operating school in the TCAPS district and spans an entire City block between 7th and 8th Streets.

The assessment of TCAPS facilities aimed to provide direction on improvements and maintenance of the historic building, which has served as a landmark in the community.

TCAPS has scheduled a Board of Education Retreat on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 to review the parent survey data and hear the summary report on the completed facility and program assessments. This retreat will also provide an opportunity for public comment.

Board of Education Retreat

Date: August 16, 2023

Location: 412 Webster Street

Time: 10 am to 1 pm

STUDY SESSION SCHEDULED ON HOUSING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS

AUGUST 28, 2023

The demand for housing in our region remains high, particularly in locations that are convenient and accessible to one’s daily needs. Land use regulations as they relate to permitting housing types, densities, and locations are just one of the many levers influencing the housing needs in the City, and one that the City Commission and Planning Commission have direct influence over.

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.

Proposed Zoning Changes

• Create Definitions for Duplexes, Triplexes, and Quadplexes
• Eliminate the Annual Cap on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Remove the Owner-Occupancy Requirement for ADUs
• Allow ADUs with Duplexes
• Allow Duplexes by Right in the R-1a/b zoning District
• Allow up to Four Dwelling Units Per Lot in the R-2 District
• Reduce Minimum Lot Area in R-1a/b Zoning District
• Reduce Minimum Lot Width in the R-1a/b Zoning District
• Marginally Increase Impervious Surface Limits
• Allow Two Homes on a Lot That is Twice the Minimum Area without Being Split
• Reduce the Minimum Land Area for the Cluster Housing Development Option
• Rename the R-1a/b and R-2 Zoning Districts to Reflect the Proposed Changes

Next Steps

The item will be discussed at a City Commission Study Session on Monday, August 28, 2023. The City Commission will then need to schedule a public hearing at a Regular City Commission meeting in order to take action on the recommended amendments.

IN THE COMMUNITY

KUDOS TO PUBLIC SAFETY, TCLP, & DPS CREWS

Kudos to the City's public safety teams, the Department of Public Services, and Traverse City Light & Power on their swift responses to the August 3, 2023 storm. Downed trees in the public right of way were addressed quickly, and power was restored to all residents.