FISHPASS STAGING BEGINS

MAY 21, 2024

FishPass construction will begin May 21, 2024, with the installation of site fencing by the contactor Spence Bros., and the US Army Corps of Engineers. As a result, Lot J will be closed, and parking will no longer be accessible through the duration of the project.

Access to Boardman/Ottaway River

The entire south shoreline of the river and any riverwalk features between Cass and Union Street will be closed to the public for the duration of construction. The stairs on the southwest corner, near the Cass Street Bridge, will be closed at the first landing. There will be no access to the docks in this location. The riverwalk and stairs on the north side of the river, near the Union Street Bridge, will remain open during construction. Pedestrian detour signage will be installed.

Access within the Boardman/Ottaway River

The dam safety buoy line will be relocated to upstream of Cass Street Bridge. Dedicated portage points will be at Hull Park on the upstream side and Clinch Park on the downstream side. During construction, a temporary portage point will be near the stairs on the northeast corner of Union St. Bridge. The portage point at American Legion Park will be closed. In 2025, construction work will not permit any portage between Cass and Union Street.

Mobilization and site preparation is anticipated to begin in early June 2024, with heavy construction beginning in July 2024. FishPass is anticipated to be complete in 2027. 

FishPass represents the culmination of approximately two decades of restoration efforts on the Boardman/Ottaway River, aiming to reconnect the river with Lake Michigan. It addresses the deteriorating Union Street Dam, replacing it with a new, complete barrier to all fish while incorporating innovative technology to selectively pass desirable species and block harmful invaders like sea lamprey.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ENTITLEMENT COMMUNITY

SURVEY FOR CONSOLIDATED PLAN

The City of Traverse City recently became a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement community. To access annual funding, the City must develop a Five-Year Consolidated Plan. This plan is a process required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for grant recipients, including states, local governments, and public housing agencies. It aims to identify priority needs and goals for housing and community development. Additionally, the plan will help identify at-risk populations, assess the prevalence of low-to-moderate income households, and evaluate the community’s housing needs.

CDBG funds can be used for:

• Housing (e.g. Rehabilitation, etc.)
• Public Infrastructure/Facilities Improvements
• Public Services

Funds assist Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) individuals and families

• Low- and Moderate-Income Persons (Area/ClientBased)
• Prevention or Elimination of Slums or Blight
• Meet Community Development Needs Having a Particular Urgency

Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey for the City 2024/2025 - 2028/2029 Five Year Consolidated Plan. 

200 BLOCK STATE STREET CLOSURE

Contractors will be closing the 200 block of E. State Street between Cass Street and Park Street on Monday, May 20, 2024 through Friday, May 24, 2024. Access will be maintained to all businesses and residences at all times and appropriate signage

will be in place.

Work is weather dependent and modifications may be necessary. If possible, please use alternate routes avoiding this area to reduce congestion, delay, and promote worker safety.

FY '24-'25 BUDGET

PUBLIC HEARING



A Public Hearing has been scheduled for May 20, 2024 City Commission meeting for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Budget for the City, Traverse City Light & Power, and the Downtown Development Authority.

If necessary, the City Commission may schedule an additional Study Session, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The budget is scheduled to be adopted at the Monday, June 3, 2024 City Commission meeting.

150 TREES PLANTING

SPRING TREE PLANTING COMPLETE

The City has successfully completed its annual spring tree planting for 2024, adding a total of 150 bare root trees throughout the City. Several trees were planted to reforest the Slabtown area due to the Madison Jefferson project. Additionally, two White Pines were planted at Indian Woods Park, and 20 cedar trees were added along the fencing at Oakwood Cemetery.

Species included American Elm, Basswood, Little Leaf Linden, London Plane, Serviceberry, Hackberry, Honey Locust, Tulip Tree, Ivory Silk Tree Lilac, and White Oak. The Parks & Recreation Division plans to plant at least another 150 bare root trees this fall, along with more conifers throughout Hickory Hills.

Diversifying the urban canopy is crucial for enhancing resilience against climate change by promoting a variety of tree species that can adapt to different environmental conditions and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

A diverse urban canopy not only contributes to improved air quality by filtering pollutants but also fosters biodiversity, creating habitats for various species and supporting ecological balance within urban environments.

Beyond the environmental benefits, diversifying the urban canopy enhances the aesthetic appeal of the City, promoting a sense of well-being and community, while also addressing social equity by ensuring that the benefits of green spaces are distributed more equally across diverse neighborhoods.

MDOT PROJECT UPDATES

PRACTICE PATIENCE

Temporary traffic control measures during the MDOT Project deviate from the usual traffic controls. Your cooperation and diligence are essential for ensuring the safety of yourself, pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow motorists during this period of construction. We urge all drivers to exercise caution, yield to pedestrians, and remain vigilant while navigating the MDOT Project detours.

This Week's Progress Report

In the past week crews have completed Phase 1 of Segment 1, switched traffic, removed asphalt and concrete pavement in phase 2. Work has commenced on the stormwater treatment structure on Peninsula, sanitary lateral replacements and watermain.

Next Week's Work & Beyond

In the coming week, crews will complete sanitary lateral replacements, the stormwater treatment unit at Peninsula, and continue work on watermain and storm sewer.

Traffic control will remain as is until Tuesday when crews open Barlow to the north of US-31 and close Hope to the north of US-31.

Businesses Open

Anticipate that the construction will affect businesses, particularly those situated along the construction zone. However, it's important to note that our local businesses will continue to operate, and by demonstrating patience, you can actively support them throughout this period of disruption.

IN THE COMMUNITY

POLICE MEMORIAL CEREMONY

The Traverse City Police Department and Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office honored Police Memorial Day on Wednesday, May 15th.