MASTER PLAN & MOBILITY ACTION PLAN

PROCESS AND NEXT STEPS

In 2022, the City initiated the process to rewrite the Master Plan and formulate a Mobility Action Plan. After several months in 2022 and 2023 of active public engagement, the Master Plan continues to be in the development phase, and the Mobility Action Plan has been drafted.

Master Plan

A Master Plan is a comprehensive long-term planning document that serves as a strategic framework to guide decision-making related to land use, infrastructure, transportation, zoning, economic development, and other aspects of urban or regional development. Key features of a Master Plan often include land-use maps, policies, and recommendations to help manage growth, promote sustainability, and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Mobility Action Plan

A Mobility Action Plan is a strategic document that outlines a set of measures and strategies to guide policies designed to improve transportation and mobility. A plan will address various transportation challenges and promote more sustainable, efficient, and accessible transportation systems. Mobility Action Plans are crucial to addressing issues related to urban congestion, environmental concerns, and the overall quality of life for residents.

The draft Mobility Action Plan was approved by the Mobility Action Plan Leadership Team on October 18, 2023. Both the Master Plan and Mobility Action Plan will be reviewed as one document.

Process & Next Steps

Summer/Fall/Winter 2023

• Finalized Drafting Chapters

February 2024: Staff Review

• Staff review of of Draft Master Plan with Leadership Team edits completed

March 2024: MP Leadership Team & City Leadership Review

• Updated draft distributed to City Manager, department heads, and MP Leadership Team
• MP Leadership Team will meet March 20 for final review and send the draft to the Planning Commission

March - May 2024: Planning Commission Review

• Draft MAP & MP distributed to Planning Commission
• Planning Commission review meetings: April 2, 9, 16, 23, and May 7
• Distribute to City Commission

May - July 2024: City Commission Distribution, Review, and Public Open House

• City Commission, through resolution, opens the mandatory 63-day public review period for the planning document (PA 33 of 2008). This is a required step and not an endorsement of the planning document
• City Commission will review the planning document during this time
• Public Open House to be schedule between June 17 - 28

June - August 2024: Planning Commission Review, Public Hearing, and Adoption

• Planning Commission will review public input and make changes as deemed necessary
• Required public hearing August 7. Planning Commission may adopt the planning document after the hearing 
• State statute (PA 33 of 2008) requires a resolution and 2/3 affirmative vote of the Planning Commission for adoption

August - September 2024:

• State statute does not require the legislative body to adopt a master plan, but does allow them to do so through ordinance, which the City has enacted
• Introduced to City Commission August 19
• Adoption through resolution September 3 with a majority vote required

FEBRUARY PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

Election season is underway, marked by the upcoming Presidential Primary Election scheduled for February 27, 2024. Polls will be open on election day from 7 am to 8 pm.

Early In-Person Voting

Early In-Person Voting began in the City of Traverse City on Saturday, February 17, 2024 and will run through Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 9 am to 5 pm. The Early Voting Site for voters in the City of Traverse City is at the Governmental Center, Lower Level, 400 Boardman Avenue.

Absentee Voting

A voter may run their absentee ballot through a tabulator during Early In-Person Voting or at their precinct on election day (and of course, you may still return the ballot to the City Clerk's Office by 8 pm on election day to have it tabulated by the Absent Voter Counting Board).

Due to the election being days away, it is recommended that Absentee Ballots are returned in-person at this time instead of using the mail option.

Registering to Vote

Because the next election is within the next 14 days, a voter must register with their local clerk with residency verification in order to vote in the upcoming election on February 27, 2024.

MDOT TARGETING MARCH 1OTH START DATE

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin their 2.2 mile rebuild of US-31/Grandview Parkway/Front Street between Garfield Avenue and Division Street on March 10, 2024, weather permitting.

Initial work will resume on Monday, February 26, 2024 and will include activating temporary traffic signals, equipment delivery, and other preparatory work.

Segment 1

The first segment, Garfield Avenue to Front Street, is expected to take place from March 2024 to June 2024. Segment 1, Phase 1, is anticipated to take place between March 10 to mid May and will include a full closure of the Garfield Avenue and E. Front Street intersection. Once the work has concluded in Phase 1, the intersection will open.

Detours: Vehicular, Bicycle, Pedestrian

The MDOT detours are expected to result in increased traffic along alternative routes and adjacent areas. To address this, the City plans to install additional in-street crosswalk signage at 13 new locations, supplementing existing ones, at the project's outset. Additionally, speed feedback signs will be deployed on select streets that may experience heightened traffic flow during the project. The development of pedestrian and bicycle detour mapping is currently underway.

PILOT TWO WAY STREET CONVERSION EVALUATION

As year two is entered of the pilot for the Two Way State Street Conversion Project, factors to help gauge the success of the project will continue to be evaluated, including pedestrian volumes, bicycle volumes, crash data, traffic speeds, and traffic volumes. 

Traffic data will be sought in the upcoming week to record the frequency and volume of pedestrians, vehicle maneuvers, and speeds. Efforts are focused on understanding how the conversion of State Street to two-way traffic is currently operating, identifying opportunities for improvements, and best understanding how traffic is flowing into, through, and out of the downtown area and the impacts it has on the neighborhoods.

As the two-way conversion is experienced, users may provide suggestions at two-way@downtowntc.com.

CITY ACADEMY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Last Call! The 2024 City Academy applications are available now through February 29, 2024. The program will run for 5 weeks, with 8 sessions, and begin on April 23, 2024. The program aims to educate citizens about the City and its services, encourage active participation in boards and commissions, and foster ambassadorship for the City. Additionally, it seeks to build stronger relationships between citizens and City staff by promoting open communication, breaking down barriers, and facilitating meaningful dialogue for collective action.

Throughout the program, participants will engage with City staff, delving into the realms of both long-term planning and day-to-day operations. From informative presentations to exclusive "behind-the-scenes" facility tours, attendees will gain valuable insights into the pivotal role local government plays in shaping the quality of life for Traverse City residents.

WEST END MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT

DESIGN AND COST ESTIMATES

At the DDA Board meeting on February 16, 2023, the West End Mixed-Use Development project presentation included designs and cost estimates. Fishbeck and Cornerstone Architects secured the RFP for engineering and design services for the project at a cost of $1,591,141. The project was divided into two phases, with the first phase involving the completion of the schematic design for $383,570. This initial phase focused on determining the project's cost and exploring potential public/private partnerships.

The mixed use project, located at the corner of Pine and State Streets, which will include a 534 space parking garage, retail space, and 82 attainable housing units, is estimated to cost $67.7 million. The public parking garage portion of the cost estimate is $32.4 million. The liner building along State Street will include a residential build out, grade level mobility hub, and white-box for commercial space at grade, is estimated to cost $23.4 million. The A-B building which includes a residential build out, and white-box for commercial space at grade, is estimated to cost $9.9 million. The remaining costs will be dedicated to public space improvements, site preparation work, and utility upgrades.

The primary goal of the design and engineering work was to assess the project's feasibility, costs, and the potential for public/private collaborations. While the completion of the schematic design offers an estimated cost for the DDA's new proposed Moving Downtown Forward TIF Plan in 2024, it does not guarantee the project's implementation. The information will equip the DDA with crucial insights to decide on the project's future.

Project Goals

• Attainable housing
• Parking for multiple user groups
• Leverage public/private partnerships
• Explore future repurposing of parking structure
• Incorporate community values and ordinance requirements: Sustainability, Stormwater treatment and detention, Electrification, Improve visitor experience, Building height and character, Bicycle facilities

IN THE COMMUNITY

EARLY VOTING MAKES HISTORY IN MICHIGAN

History was made in Michigan as Early In-Person Voting officially commenced on Saturday, February 17, 2024. The City is grateful to the dedicated election workers in our community who play an integral role in ensuring the fairness and integrity of our elections. Your time and efforts are truly appreciated, and we recognize that we could not uphold democracy without your invaluable contributions!