TRAVERSE CITY #1 IN THE STATE FOR BIKEABILITY

96TH PERCENTILE IN THE COUNTRY

PeopleForBikes has ranked Traverse City No. 1 for the most bikeable city in the state of Michigan. The City Ratings compare the best cities for biking, both big and small, and how local leaders, decision makers, and advocates can act on key lessons to build more safe, fun, and connected places to ride across the U.S. The 2023 ratings represented the largest in the program’s history.

Traverse City also ranked in the 96th percentile overall throughout the country, and ranked in the 98th percentile in the small city category. The overall network score of 65 was based on a network that connects people to area residences, jobs and schools, core services, recreation, retail, and transit. Traverse City scored the highest network ratings in connection to retail, and jobs and schools.

The City of Traverse City has collaborated with several organizations and entered into intergovernmental agreements to build a more robust bike network in the City and beyond. Beginning with fiscal year 2015/2016, the City Commission began allocating substantially more funding toward sidewalks and accelerated programs such as the Sidewalk Gap and Infill Project, the Sidewalk Preservation Project, and Safe Routes to School. Between 2016 - 2021, the City invested nearly $8,000,000 in improved sidewalk connections. Funding was provided by numerous resources and resulted in 20.37 miles of improvements. In addition, the 4+ mile Boardman Lake Loop Trail was completed in 2022.

PeopleForBikes, the U.S. bicycling industry’s trade association and a national advocacy organization, announced the results of its 7th annual City Ratings, where 1,733 communities were rated on the quality of their bike networks for safe and efficient bike riding. A bike network is a connected system of protected bike lanes, off-street paths, slow shared streets, and safe crossings that enable people to comfortably bike around a city.

DATE FOR HOUSING AGENDA ITEM TO BE DETERMINED

At their June 6, 2023 meeting, the Planning Commission approved an amendment 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.

Next Steps

The date has not been determined on when the item will be introduced to City Commission. After introduction, the City Commission will need to decide the next steps. At a minimum, ordinances changes require action at two separate commission meetings. The final dates will be published once established.

Background

The Planning Commission has reaffirmed the goal of expanding housing options as part of their 2023 annual goals. A host of small-scale zoning changes are being considered to remove barriers, and to provide additional attainable housing opportunities that allow numerous points of entry to being a resident in the City.

Proposed Zoning Changes

• Create Definitions for Duplexes, Triplexes, and Quadplexes
• Eliminate the Annual Cap on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Remove the Owner-Occupancy Requirement for ADUs
• Allow ADUS with Duplexes
• Allow Duplexes by Right in the R-1a/b zoning District
• Allow up to Four Dwelling Units Per Lot in the R-2 District
• Reduce Minimum Lot Area in R-1a/b Zoning District
• Reduce Minimum Lot Width in the R-1a/b Zoning District
• Marginally Increase Impervious Surface Limits
• Allow Two Homes on a Lot That is Twice the Minimum Area without Being Split
• Reduce the Minimum Land Area for the Cluster Housing Development Option
• Rename the R-1a/b and R-2 Zoning Districts to Reflect the Proposed Changes

Story Map

A Story Map, or digital map that provides in depth context, has been developed by the Planning Department to explore expanding housing options.

BRIDGE REHABILITATION

UPDATE

The City is preparing to complete the multi-year bridge rehabilitation project with the recent completion of the the N. Cass Street Bridge and the anticipated completion of the S. Union Street Bridge later this summer.

N. Cass Street Bridge

The N. Cass Street Bridge rehabilitation work was completed June 30, 2023. Improvements include replacement of existing deck, concrete beams and railing on the existing foundation, widening sidewalks to 8' 7.5", installation of an MDOT crash tested/approved bridge railing detail painted black with aesthetic treatment at ends, and pedestrian railing approaching bridge. Intermittent lane closures to finalize remaining items on the bridge will occur in the future.

S. Union Street Bridge

The S. Union Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project is anticipated to be complete at the end of July 2023. Crews will be working on- site throughout the remainder of the project and all activity, including pedestrians, should avoid the area to assure safety within the project area.

Improvements include replacement of existing concrete deck and steel beams on the existing foundation, widening sidewalks to 9' 10", installation of an MDOT crash tested/approved bridge railing detail painted black along sidewalk edge with historic balustrade pedestrian railing to restore original aesthetic treatment, and a pedestrian railing approaching bridge.

City staff coordinated the projects with MDOT’s Traverse City Transportation Service Center and Local Agency Bridge program, the City’s municipal utilities and public services, DDA, State and Federal agencies, property owners, and water recreation businesses. The total for both bridge projects will be approximately $4 million with the majority of funds from the MDOT Local Bridge Funding program.

TCPD ANNUAL AUCTION

The Traverse City Police Department will auction off recovered and unclaimed property including bikes and other miscellaneous items. Minimum starting bids, photos, and brand/model are now listed on the online auction site.

The auction will remain active through Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

TREASURER'S OFFICE STAFF SHORTAGE

Due to staffing shortages during the next week in the City Treasurer's Office, we are currently encouraging customers who pay utilities and/or taxes in-person to utilize the red drop box at the Government Center or pay online at the link below. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

The City of Traverse 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. Employees must live within a radius of twenty (20) miles of the City limits, measured from the nearest City limit.  

Open Full-Time Positions

• Finance Director/City Treasurer
• Patrol Officer
• Firefighter
• Equipment Operator
• Vehicle Equipment Operator

Seasonal/Temporary/Part-Time Positions

• Seasonal Water/Sewer Maintenance Worker
• Seasonal Parks Maintenance Worker

FAREWELL TO FIRE CAPTAIN CHAD RUECKERT

ENJOY RETIREMENT!

On July 5th, and after 25 years, Captain Chad Rueckert retired from the Traverse City Fire Department. Captain Chris Jackson, who was recently promoted, will be taking Chad's place on Crew 01. Rueckert was a driving force in many aspects of Fire Service. We thank him for his time serving the City and wish him the best on his retirement!

IN THE COMMUNITY

TCPD MOTOR TEAM

Big thanks to the Traverse City Police Department's Motor Team during the busy time of the National Cherry Festival.