MDOT PROJECT UPDATES

SEGMENT 1 PHASE 1 TO BE COMPLETED FRIDAY, MAY 10TH

Weather and work progress permitting, MDOT's contractor Team Elmer's expects to complete the Phase 1 of Segment 1 today, May 10th.

Based on current progress and the weather forecast, MDOT expects to complete the underground utility work, new sidewalks, and paving of the eastbound lanes of US-31 from Front Street to Peninsula Drive, all lanes from Gilbert Street to Garfield Avenue, and all lanes on M-37 (Garfield Avenue) north of US-31 on Friday, May 10. Completion of Phase 1 is more than a week early, allowing Team Elmer's to begin work on Phase 2 that includes underground utilities, sidewalks, and new pavement on the westbound lanes of US-31 between Front Street and Peninsula Drive. When Phase 1 is complete, a traffic shift will take place for Segment 1, Phase 2.

Temporary traffic control measures during the MDOT Project deviate from the usual traffic controls. Your cooperation and diligence are essential for ensuring the safety of yourself, pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow motorists during this period of construction. We urge all drivers to exercise caution, yield to pedestrians, and remain vigilant while navigating the MDOT Project detours.

Traffic Shift: Segment 1, Phase 2

• Garfield and E. Front intersection will open and Milliken and Fair Street detours will be eliminated
• Eastbound traffic will remain, but using the new eastbound lanes
• Westbound traffic will remain detoured on Eighth Street and Railroad Avenue
• Peninsula Drive will be closed to through traffic while storm sewer upgrades continue
• Access to homes and businesses will be maintained

Pedestrians & Bicyclists: Segment 1, Phase 2

• While the Murchie Bridge underpass is closed for repairs, pedestrians will be detoured across Front Street and Grandview Parkway at the Garfield Avenue and Park Street signalized crossings,
• TART Trail bicyclists will be detoured between Railroad Avenue and Park Street along State Street
• The sidewalk along the north side of US-31 (Front Street) between Peninsula Drive and Front Street will be closed while it is rebuilt

Businesses Open

Anticipate that the construction will affect businesses, particularly those situated along the construction zone. However, it's important to note that our local businesses will continue to operate, and by demonstrating patience, you can actively support them throughout this period of disruption.

INSTALLATION OF NEW PARK SIGNAGE BEGINS

City parks are getting a new look, and the first new sign has been installed!

A new signage array for the City's 30+ parks is underway. The diverse range of signage types, tailored in size and design to complement each park's unique landscape will include park identification monuments, information kiosks, guide signs, trail markers, and regulatory markers. The consistency of this new package allows the Parks and Recreation Division to have a level of cohesion to better educate the public on park rules, wayfinding information, and environmental education.

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SEEKING NOMINATIONS



The Traverse City Human Rights Commission is accepting nominations for the 2024 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award. Named in honor of Sara Hardy, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Human Rights Commission over three decades ago, this annual accolade celebrates individuals who embody the Commission's core principles of fostering mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity within our community.

Nominations for individuals who exemplify the ideals of human rights may be submitted until May 10, 2024, at noon.

FY '24-'25

BUDGET

OVERVIEW



At the May 13, 2024 City Commission meeting, a high level overview of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Budget will be conducted for the City, Traverse City Light & Power, and the Downtown Development Authority.

A Public Hearing has been scheduled for May 20, 2024. If necessary, the City Commission may schedule an additional Study Session, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The budget is scheduled to be adopted at the Monday, June 3, 3024 City Commission meeting.

CITY FUNDS PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

This past week, the City Commission greenlit a recommendation from City Administration for $360,000 to bridge a crucial gap, fast-tracking housing for 17 chronically homeless individuals by August 2024, and another 10 by January 2025. The permanent supportive housing will be located at Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan's East Bay Flats, which was acquired in November 2023.

Recognizing the complexity of homelessness, the City is working alongside partners to implement comprehensive short and long-term strategies and is committed to paving a way forward in caring for our vulnerable populations.

Permanent supportive housing provides long term housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and provides wrap-around support services to help them stay in their homes.

PILOT TWO-WAY STREET CONVERSION EVALUATION

Well into year two 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 weeks 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.

PARKING GARAGE RESTORATION PROJECT

BEGINS MAY 15TH

Traverse City Parking Services will kick-off a $1,000,000 restoration project on the Hardy and Old Town Parking Structures beginning May 15, 2024. The project is designed to address the needs of aging infrastructure, aiming to prolong the usability and effectiveness of each location. Activities include concrete crack repairs, expansion joint repairs, traffic coating, sealants, windowsill repairs, pedestrian tower improvements, painting, and more. The work is anticipated to be completed by November 2024.

Activities will be conducted predominantly during business hours, Monday through Friday. Weekends and late hours are a possibility. Both structures will remain open during the repairs to provide parking during the busy summer season. However, due to the extent of the work items, all users of the facilities should expect periodic disruptions and closed off areas.

This is the first set of repairs in the 5-year plan with another $1.2 M planned in 2027.

$1 M GRANT AWARDED

FISHPASS PROJECT

The City has secured a $1,000,000 EGLE Dam Risk Reduction Grant to support construction of FishPass at the site of the Union Street Dam. The project, set to commence in spring 2024, is the result of nearly two decades of efforts to restore the Boardman/Ottaway River and reconnect it with Lake Michigan. It aims to replace the deteriorating Union Street Dam with a new barrier that selectively allows certain fish species while preventing invasive ones like sea lamprey.

The grant will help to close a funding gap created by increased project costs associated with delays in the project timeline. Construction will begin with critical "wet" work elements, including dam replacement and fish passage channel development, starting in June 2024 and is expected to finish by 2026. Simultaneously, efforts to finalize costs and funding for "dry" elements such as an educational facility and landscaping enhancements will be underway, with construction slated to begin in 2026 or earlier. This phased approach ensures that all project elements will be completed effectively and on schedule.

WEST END BEACH

DESIGN REVIEW AND DISCUSSION

The City's West End Beach parking lot suffered extensive damage during recent periods of high water. Originally equipped with 24 spaces, along with an ADA-compliant space, the lot now requires significant restoration. During their meeting on December 4, 2023, the City Commission directed staff to address these issues and implement the following improvements:

• Reduce parking spaces by about half
• Provide ADA access to beach
• No permanent plastic materials
• Use native plants
• Use natural stone
• Target $200,000 budget limit

City staff will review a design for the parking lot based on the direction received by the City Commission at their meeting on Monday, May 13, 2024. No action will be taken at the meeting.

IN THE COMMUNITY

GUARDIAN AWARD

Congratulations to AET3 Scott Wallace on being honored with the 2024 Guardian Award! The Guardian Award was established to recognize outstanding contributions to the community by individuals, families, or entire Coast Guard families active at Air Station Traverse City.