AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROPOSED FOR LOT O

HOUSING FOR ALL

In May 2021, the City Commission authorized issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from developers to build housing at the location of Lot O, 159 East State Street. After careful consideration of the four options, the ad hoc committee chose to pursue a proposal from Homestretch.

HomeStretch Housing is a local non-profit organized to provide decent, affordable housing for persons of low and moderate income. They have built 118 affordable housing units locally. Project funds are raised through donations and grants. 

The proposed project at 159 E. State Street was reviewed at the City Commission meeting on Monday, June 13, 2022. The project's general idea of a creative mixed-use solution will focus on providing a unique blend of affordable, urban housing options.  The project will feature 60 units for individuals with mixed incomes that will vary in size from 245 square feet to 750 square feet. Units will rent for 30%-80% of the ami (area median income). The building will also be seeking LEED certification. 

It is anticipated that a purchase order will come before the City Commission for approval in late summer/early fall 2022. As part of the deal, a perpetual deed restriction would be included to require housing meeting specific criteria.

In 2022, the City Commission adopted their Goals and Objectives and identified housing and homelessness as a strategic priority with a goal to increase opportunities for more diverse housing through public and private options.

MASTERPLAN

REWRITE

A master plan is a dynamic long-term planning document that provides a conceptual layout to guide future growth and development. Master planning is about making the connection between buildings, social settings, and their surrounding environments.

The City’s current Master Plan was adopted in 2009, and updated/amended in 2017. The Michigan Planning Enabling Act requires that a Planning Commission review its Master Plan every five years. In 2022, the City will embark on a Master Plan rewrite. 

C-4 REGIONAL CENTER DISTRICT USE

A proposed amendment to the C-4 District will go before the City Commission at their June 20th meeting. 

The purpose is to preserve the commercial/retail mix in the downtown district. Proposed amendments include a first floor prohibition of vacation home rentals, prohibiting the first 30 feet of a buildings interior first floor space from being used for parking, storage, or utilities, removing the exception that residential-only buildings didn't need to meet the minimum 14-foot first floor height requirement, and more. 

MOBILITY AND BIKE ACTION PLAN

The City is working toward a comprehensive plan that will address emerging micro-mobility options and the steps necessary to create a robust non-motorized network.

In addition to goals of increased accessibility and connectivity for people who utilize non-motorized methods of transportation, the formation of the plan is intended to provide community expectations and direction on future street projects, which will make planning processes more predictable and allow better use of City funds.

BECOME A CITIZEN IN ACTION!

Are you interested in serving the beautiful City of Traverse City? Our community spirit of involvement is a great source of beautification for our community on all fronts. We hope this information is of assistance as you contemplate the donation of your experiential resources.  

Interested in Becoming Involved?

The City is seeking volunteers for the following Boards and Committees. Please feel free to contact The City Clerk's Office with any questions at (231) 922-4480 or by email at tcclerk@traversecitymi.gov to learn more on the appointment process through the City Commission Policy on Appointments and Committees. 

• Arts Commission
• Board of Zoning Appeals
• Historic Districts Commission
• Local Officers Compensation Commission

Attend Meetings and/or Subscribe to Meeting Packets

Attending meetings or following the work of your fellow community members who sit on various boards and commissions is the best way to stay in the know on the policies and initiatives that are being developed to shape our future. 

Subscribe to Meeting Agendas

Watch Streamed Meetings

City Commission, Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority, and TC Light & Power meetings are all live streamed. Visit the link below to watch live or view the recordings at a later time.

Watch Stream Meetings

IN THE COMMUNITY

Congratulations to DDA CEO Jean Derenzy on being honored with the 2022 Athena Award!