HOUSING ITEMS APPROVED

CITY COMMISSION APPROVES ZONING AMENDMENTS AND PILOT PROJECTS

Zoning Ordinance Amendments

At their October 16, 2023 meeting, the City Commission adopted amendments 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.

Special Land Use Regulations

• Reduce minimum lot size from five acres to one acre
• Switch from a City Commission SLUP to an Administrative SLUP

R-1a and R-1b Single-Family Dwelling District Modifications

• Reduce minimum lot width in the R-1a from 90 ft to 70 ft
• Reduce minimum lot width in the R-1b from 45 ft to 35 ft
• Reduce minimum lot area in the R-1a from 9,000 sf to 7,000 sf
• Reduce minimum lot area in the R-1b from 5,000 sf to 4,000 sf
• Increase maximum impervious area in the R-1a from 30% to 35%
• Option to increase maximum impervious area in the R-1b from 45% to 50% subject to complying with standards
• Increase maximum impervious area in the R-1a from 40% to 50%

Two Principle Dwellings in R-1a/b

• Allow two single family dwellings on lots that are twice the minimum area without a lot split

Increase Density in the R-1a/b District

• Allow duplexes by right

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Modifications

• Remove the annual cap of 15 permitted ADUs
• The requirement that the property owner live in either the principal residence or the accessory dwelling unit remains

PILOT Arrangements for Workforce Housing

At their October 16, 2023 meeting, the City Commission adopted resolutions approving payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) arrangements for workforce housing at 125 Hall Street, 145 Hall Street, and 155 Garland Street.

125/145 Hall Street

A 10% PILOT arrangement was approved with Innovo TC Hall, LLC for 15 Years to support workforce housing throughout 100% of the residential units of the development. 125/145 Hall Street will be a mixed use building with first floor commercial/retail and 127 apartment units on the upper floors with household earning incomes between 80% to 120% AMI. Leases will be 12 months with sub leasing explicitly prohibited. Additional elements include a parking deck/garage for tenants in the building. Construction of the project is expected to commence during the summer/fall of 2024 with full operation by fall 2026. 

155 Garland Street

A 10% PILOT arrangement was approved with Innovo Breakwater Apartments, LLC for 15 Years to support workforce housing throughout a minimum of 80% of the residential units. Delivered in fall 2020, 155 Garland Street is a mixed use building with 24 studio units (450 sf), 35 one-bedroom units (670 sf), 16 two-bedroom units (1,047 sf) and 3 three-bedroom units (2,115 sf). As of January 2023, the apartments are 95% occupied. The 9,805 square feet of ground floor retail is currently 100% leased to three small business tenants with a weighted-average lease term of about 8 years. The PILOT arrangement will offer a minimum of 80% of the 78 units to households earning incomes between 80% and 120% AMI.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER ONLINE OR BY MAIL

The last day to register to vote in Michigan by mail or online is October 23rd for the November 2023 election.

After October 23rd, a voter must register with their local clerk with residency verification in order to vote, including on Election Day.

There are many ways to register to vote in Michigan. You can register at any time up to 8 pm on Election Day, but it is better to register as soon as possible. Please read the information at the link to learn more.

LEAF PICK UP BEGINS

OCTOBER 23RD

The Fall Loose Leaf Pick Up will begin October 23rd in City neighborhoods on the west side and moving eastward, over a period of 5 to 7 weekdays, and then will return to the west side to repeat the process. Leaves must be kept off the street until October 19th. 

Due to construction, residents on Madison and Jefferson who have alley access, are to place leaves in the alley. Those with no alley access (100 and 400 block of Madison - west side of the road) place leaves in the roadway. 

VASE SKI CLUB ANNUAL NORDIC SKI SWAP

The Vasa Ski Club, our partners in Nordic skiing at Hickory Hills, will host their annual Cross Country Ski Swap on Saturday, October 21st from 10 am to 1 pm at Brick Wheels, 736 E. Eighth Street. Used Nordic skis, boots, and other gear may be dropped off on Friday, October 20th from 4 - 7 pm.

Proceeds from the swap help fund Vasa Ski Club programs to promote Nordic skiing in the Grand Traverse Region. Vasa Ski Club programs include the Nordic Rocks & Ski Sparks for grade school kids, Nordic Flyers Middle School Program, the VASA Raptors high school team, and a variety of adult/masters programs. Each of these programs is geared to get people of all ages in the region outdoors in the winter, and having fun!

GOVERNMENTAL CENTER HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE



Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than by attending the Governmental Center's Halloween Open House on Friday, October 27th from 3 pm to 5 pm! This event promises to be a spooktacular time for all who attend.

Little ones can enjoy trick or treating at various stations with Fire Trucks, Police Vehicles, Department of Public Services equipment, and more! It's a great opportunity for children to meet local heroes and see some of the equipment they use to keep our community safe.



So put on your best costume and come join the fun with your City and County at the Governmental Center's Halloween Open House. It's sure to be a howling good time!

The City is a great place to work! As an employer, we offer a wide range of rewarding jobs. Our employees take pride in their work and in making Traverse City the best it can be!

The City of Traverse City is an equal opportunity employer. Full-time positions receive a competitive benefits package, paid time off, short-term leave, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, employer retirement contribution, and participation in Michigan’s Municipal Employee Retirement System pension benefit program. 

Open Full-Time Positions

• City Engineer
• Finance Director/City Treasurer
• Deputy City Assessor
• Firefighter
• Patrol Officer
• Deputy City Planner/Sustainability Coordinator
• Vehicle Equipment Technician

Seasonal/Temporary/Part-Time Positions

• Temporary Customer Service Representative
• Seasonal Kitchen Lead
• Seasonal Positions at Hickory Hills

IN THE COMMUNITY

THANK YOU RICHARD LEWIS AND LINDA KOEBERT

Mayor Richard Lewis and Commissioner Linda Koebert were honored at the October 16th City Commission meeting for their service. Lewis and Koebert will not be seeking reelection in the November 2023 election. We extend our deep gratitude to both individuals for their selfless service on the City Commission. Thank you for your dedication to giving back!