UPDATES ON INITIATIVES ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS

SUMMER 2024 PRIORITIES

As the winter emergency shelter in Traverse City prepared for seasonal closure on April 30, 2024, the City, alongside area stakeholders, philanthropic organizations, and homeless service providers, is pleased to announce a partnership aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the homeless population, particularly at the Pines.

Short Term Goals – Immediate Action at the Pines

The City’s ongoing efforts to minimize the impact of the Pines include enforcement measures to restrict growth within specific areas, and ensuring adherence to expectations for unhoused individuals. With the financial support of local philanthropy, this summer, the City is taking proactive steps to enhance sanitation services at the Pines. Two portable restrooms and two sinks will be installed near the dumpster along Eleventh Street. Regular servicing and surveillance will be implemented. Additionally, in an effort to ease strain on local businesses and public spaces while ensuring access to communication, the City will also install two benches equipped with solar powered charging stations in the same area. 

These services were made possible through the support of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, area organizations such as Rotary Charities, Oleson Foundation, Huckle Foundation, e Foundation, BurdcoInc., Mack and Lorraine Beers, and several other donors who are together providing $50,000 in funding.

The primary objective of the City’s partnerships is to establish facilities that not only meet the short-term sanitary needs of people experiencing homelessness, but also prioritize safety and public health. Furthermore, the City will continue its commitment to preserving ongoing efforts aimed at restoring the water quality of Kids Creek, which borders the encampments within the Pines. As the need is imminent, restroom facilities and the installation of solar powered bench charging stations are vital in ensuring that residents at the Pines can maintain communication with providers that meet basic needs, while also helping people work toward permanent housing.

Long-Term Goals: Sustainable Solutions & Budgetary Recommendations

In addition to the short term goals, long term solutions continue to be addressed. City Administration will be making several budgetary recommendations related to addressing housing designated for people experiencing chronic homelessness. 

Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan acquired East Bay Flats in November 2023 and secured LIHTC funding in March 2024. Permanent rental subsidy attached to the units at East Bay Flats will not become available until June 2025. Therefore, the City has been approached to provide the funding gap to permanently house 17 chronically homeless individuals by August 2024 and another 10 by January 2025. City Administration will be recommending a FY ’23-’24 budget amendment to provide the gap funding. 

City Administration is recommending funding in the FY '24-'25 budget for the addition of a Community Police Officer, a second embedded Police Social Worker, and funds to relaunch Community Court. Community Court is a specialized court program designed to address the legal issues of individuals experiencing homelessness in a supportive and rehabilitative environment. The goal is to resolve legal matters that may be barriers to obtaining housing, employment, and other services critical for the transition out of homelessness.

EIGHTH & UNION INTERSECTION COMPLETE

Reconstruction of the S. Union and Eighth Street intersection was completed on Thursday, May 2nd. Activities for the project included a full reconstruction of the intersection with new concrete pavement and brick crosswalks.

COMMUNITY

BLOOD

DRIVE

A Community Blood Drive will be hosted at the Governmental Center on May 14th at 10 am to 2:30 pm.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins welcome. Call 1-866-MI-BL00D.

Pro-Tip: Make sure to EAT a healthy MEAL and DRINK plenty of WATER before donating. 

SUMMER

VOLLEYBALL REGISTRATION

Registration begins on May 6th for the City's Beach Volleyball Leagues.

Please be aware that demand is high and registration forms must be completed no later than May 19th.

TART IMPROVEMENT & EXTENSION PROJECT

PHASE 1 CONSIDERED FOR APPROVAL

At their May 6, 2024 meeting, the City Commission will consider awarding a contract in the amount of $1,242,898 for Phase I of the TART Improvement and Extension Project. In 2022, the City initiated the TART Improvement and Extension Project, located between West End Beach and the intersection of Peninsula and Eastern Avenue. The section of non-motorized trail between West End Beach and Murchie Bridge serves as confluence of the regional trail network for both transportation and recreation, providing a junction for the TART, Leelanau Trail, and the Boardman Lake Loop Trail. Extending the trail to Eastern Avenue will serve as a critical connector to the City center for the east side of the City and Old Mission Peninsula.

Phase 1

• Sunset Park to Senior Center: North side of US 31, connecting the public properties with an improved trail, new 10' multi use and 6' pedestrian facilities at Sunset Park and NMC's Hagerty Center transitioning to 12' multi use at the Senior Center
• Clinch Park to Murchie Bridge: North side of Grandview Parkway with reconstruction of the asphalt TART Trail between Clinch Park and 200' east of the Park Street/Grandview intersection with separated 10' cycle/multiuse and 10' pedestrian facilities
• Division to Hall Street: Trail construction along the southern portion of Grandview Parkway with new 10' multi use path between Division Street and the existing 8' sidewalk at Harbor View Centre (across from the volleyball courts) 

Tree Removal and Replacement

• Segment One: 7 trees to be removed, 11 trees to be planted
• Segment Two: 4 trees to be removed, 6 trees to be planted
• Segment Three: 14 trees to be removed (12 on NMC property, 0 on Senior Center property), 10 trees to be planted

Additional Features

• Wayfinding plan
• Pavement markings
• Trail separation
• Separated pedestrian and bike facilities
• Offset trail crossing and speed (elevated) table
• Signalized crossings

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 worked on finishing fine grading, setting utility castings, installing storm sewer components, and began base-course paving.

Next Week's Work & Beyond

In the coming week crews will continue storm sewer installation, and begin leveling-course and top-course paving. Murchie Bridge work will continue.

Barlow Street north of US-31 will be remain closed for several weeks for storm sewer installation.

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

TCLP COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND

Traverse City Light & Power gives back through their Community Investment Fund!

Are you a non-profit organization operating in the Traverse City service area that has a program or project that can benefit the Traverse City community? Does your project aim to promote energy-related education, improve the quality of the natural resources of Traverse City, and support a sustainable environment?

If your answer is yes to the above questions, apply for TCLP's Community Investment Fund. The grant applications for the 2024 - 2025 fiscal year are open from May 1 - July 31, 2024.