SENIOR CENTER UPDATE

CITY TO ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

A new Senior Center is on the horizon! In 2018, the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County formed an Ad Hoc Committee to determine future reconstruction of the Senior Center. The partners engaged local firm, Environment Architects, for professional services for design and construction of a new Senior Center. The project saw a major boost in 2022 when a $7 Million allocation from the State of Michigan was provided.

The City has worked with Environment Architects since that time to refine design elements and prepare to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP). Design drawings are at 50% and the updated cost estimate is approximately $10.6 million. Final design documents are to be provided by July 14, 2023. Accurate cost will not be achieved without receiving proposals through RFP process.  

Proposed Project Timeline

July 14, 2023: Final Designs Completed

July 17, 2023: Request for Proposals Issued

August 4, 2023: Deadline for Proposals

August 21, 2023: City Commission to Consider Recommended Contractor

September 2023: Construction Anticipated to Begin

Proposed Project Elements

Square footage will increase from 5,780 to over 18,114 (including exterior spaces, such as patios). The building will be oriented to the north to open park space and views of the public beach from Front Street, and will include exterior covered spaces to maximize the outdoor opportunities and the views along the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. 



The goal of rebuilding the Senior Center will require planning for various project elements, some of which may be implemented at a later time due to funding constraints. Fortunately, initial planning has identified cost savings for certain elements, providing some relief in the budget.

Funding

To achieve accurate cost, it is necessary to receive proposals through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Currently, approximately $8,100,000 of available funds have been identified, which include a commitment of City of Traverse City ARPA funds in the amount of $500,000 and a $7,000,000 allocation from the State of Michigan. The project has a funding gap of $2,500,000.

The City is working closely with Grand Traverse County to identify eligible funding sources. In addition, the Friends of the Senior Center have played an active role in the process to seek additional funding. 

Total Estimated Project Costs

$10,600,000

Total Estimated Project Funding

$8,100,000

Total Project Funding Gap

$2,500,000

UTILITY BILL SEPARATION

REMINDER

A reminder to utility customers that Water/Sewer and Electric/Fiber are now separate bills as of December 2022.

Electric & Fiber payments can only be made in person at Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP), 1331 Hastings. Customers may utilize the red drop box located at the Governmental Center. Please note that payments to TCLP may take 2-3 business days to be applied to your account if utilizing the Governmental Center drop box method. 

City Water & Sewer account questions: (231) 922-4431

TCLP Electric & Fiber questions: (231) 922-4940 

BOARDMAN RIVER WALL & SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT

The Boardman River Wall & Sewer Relocation Projects in the 100 & 200 block alley of E. Front Street along the Boardman/Ottaway River is substantially complete. Both alleys are open to traffic. Railing work and additional minor items will be completed within the month.

The Boardman River Wall and Sewer Relocation Project consisted of relocating a 24-inch sanitary sewer running along the river wall between Union and Cass Streets to the south, and stabilization of the river wall between Park and Cass Streets. The project was the first of the City’s The 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.

NCF UPDATES AND PARADE ROUTE REMINDER

The 97th National Cherry Festival kicks off on Saturday, July 1st and will run through July 8th. A number of activities are planned utilizing public parks, parking lots, and streets throughout the City.

Due to the Union Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project delay, the Community Royal Parade on July 6th and the Cherry Royal Parade on July 8th have been rerouted. Parade staging will continue to take place at F&M Park and along the surrounding streets, the parade will travel west on Front Street, cross Union Street, and travel south on Oak Street to 13th street, ending at Thirlby Field.

IN THE COMMUNITY

FAREWELL TO CHIEF O'BRIEN

Today, June 30th marks Police Chief O'Brien's last day the Traverse City Police Department. We can't say enough good things about the level of integrity that Chief brought to the TCPD. Please join us in wishing him well on his retirement!

During his tenure, Chief O’Brien focused his efforts on the 6 pillars of 21st Century Policing: Building Trust and Legitimacy, Policy and Oversight, Technology and Social Media, Community Policing and Crime Reduction, Officer Training and Education, and Officer Safety and Wellness. He was instrumental in the City’s Community Policing Program. Under his leadership, a LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer was assigned, and a Police Social Worker was hired to develop a Quick Response Team that focuses on mental health and overdose prevention. In addition, Chief O’Brien worked closely with various outreach programs surrounding homelessness. He obtained his Master's Degree in Management and Organizational Leadership. In 2021, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police presented an award to the TCPD for accreditation from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

IN THE COMMUNITY

ARTS COMMISSION STREET PAINTING INSTALLATION

A splash of color, with a purpose, was painted along the streets of Downtown TC by the Arts Commission! The blank canvas was created when traffic patterns were reconfigured for the two conversion of State, Pine, and Boardman.