MASTER PLAN AND

MOBILITY ACTION PLAN UPDATES

PLANS IN DEVELOPMENT PHASE

In 2022, the City initiated the process to rewrite the Master Plan and formulate a Mobility Action Plan. After several months of active public engagement, both plans are now in the development phase.

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.

During the Master Planning process's current quiet phase, the Leadership Team remains engaged in reviewing draft chapters and fine-tuning a Five-Year Action Plan.

Next Steps

Summer/Fall 2023: Finalizing Draft Chapters

Winter 2024: Presentation of the Draft Master Plan to Planning Commission & City Commission

Winter 2024: Open House for Public Review & Input

Spring 2024: Adoption of the Master Plan

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.

A draft Mobility Action Plan was approved by the Mobility Action Plan Leadership Team on October 18, 2023.

Next Steps

Fall 2023: Draft Plan Adopted by Leadership Team

Winter 2024: Presentation of the Draft Master Plan to Planning Commission & City Commission

Winter 2024: Open House for Public Review & Input

Spring 2024: Adoption of the Mobility Action Plan

ELECTION UPDATES: EARLY IN-PERSON & ABSENTEE VOTING

With election season here, the City of TC Team wants to clarify some election items just in time for the big day on November 7, 2023. Do you know the difference between Early In-Person Voting and Absentee Voting?

What is Early In-Person Voting?

Early in-person voting allows the registered voter to cast their ballot in-person at an early voting site before the scheduled Election Day. Such a ballot that is cast during early in-person voting is inserted into the tabulator by the voter and therefore tabulated that day.



What is Absentee Voting?

Absentee voting, also referred to as mail-in voting, is a method that allows the registered

voter to receive and submit their ballot by mail or in-person at their local Clerk’s Office.

Absentee Ballots are tabulated on election day. As of 2018, all registered voters in Michigan may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.

Does Michigan have Early In-Person Voting?

In 2022, Proposal 22-2 was passed by Michigan voters, it and amended the Michigan Constitution to add several provisions regarding elections, including nine days of early in-person voting at all federal and state elections.

Will there be Early In-Person Voting in Traverse City this November?

No. The State of Michigan has been preparing for changes related to Proposal 22-2. However, the provision for nine days of early in-person voting will not be put into effect for the November 7, 2023, election in Traverse City. Early in-person voting will begin in the City of Traverse City in 2024.

UNION STREET DAM TREE MAINTENANCE

The DPS Parks and Recreation Division will be performing tree maintenance activities at the Union Street Dam. The work will be taking place on the north and south sides of the Boardman River. The work will begin on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 7:30 am and will continue with appropriate signage until complete.

The trail over the dam between parking lot J (south side of river) and the alley on the north will be closed to all bicycle and pedestrian traffic during the work, with Cass and Union Street will serve as the detour. Access to the river and boardwalk will remain in place from the Union Street Bridge and Lot J. 

Appropriate signage will be in place.  Please use alternate routes to avoid this area to reduce congestion, delay, and promote worker safety. 

The maintenance is being performed in accordance with the State of Michigan EGLE Dam Safety Inspection Report for Dam ID No. 511. In 2021, a required MDEQ Dam Safety Unit inspection was performed and indicated a downgraded rating from Good to Fair/Poor condition. The Michigan Dam Safety Inspection Report recommended several maintenance activities and investigatory tasks in the inspection report which included tree maintenance. In November 2021, the City began contracting for dam monitoring services.

The location of tree maintenance at the Union Street Dam is at the future site of the FishPass project. The start date for FishPass construction has not been determined at this time.

GOVERNMENTAL CENTER

HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE

TRICK OR TREAT WITH YOUR CITY AND COUNTY



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!

Halloween: Tuesday, October 31st

Halloween will take place on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, within the city limits of Traverse City 5 pm - 8:00 pm. Participating residents are asked to promptly turn lights on and off at the specified times to indicate their participation to the public.

The Traverse City Police Department recommends the following safety tips to help make this Halloween a safe and enjoyable holiday for our children.

Costume Safety

• Use make-up or face paint instead of masks. If masks are used, make sure they fit properly and have holes large enough for mouth and eyes.
• Choose costumes that are marked flame retardant.
• Wear light-colored clothing at night, short enough to prevent tripping. Add reflective tape or reflectors to dark colored costumes.
• Make props such as daggers or swords out of cardboard, rather than metal or wood.

Trick or Treating Safety

• Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only.
• Have children bring treats home for adult inspection before they are consumed.
• Adults should accompany small and elementary school age children when they are trick- or-treating and send older children in groups.
• Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay.
• Have children stay within their neighborhood; only visit homes you know.
• Watch for traffic.
• Keep costumed children away from pets. Pets may not recognize children and become frightened.

MADISON & JEFFERSON UPDATE

Major construction for the Madison & Jefferson Reconstruction Project began in June 2023. Additional paving was scheduled for this week. However, due to heavy rains, and in an effort to move the project forward, the contractor may choose to pave on Saturday, October 28th. Thank you to all the residents in the area for your patience, completion is nearing!

SEASON PASSES GO ON SALE AT HICKORY

The City is gearing up for the winter season at Hickory Hills! Season passes for Hickory Hills go on sale on November 1st. Alpine season pass holders may also use Nordic trails at no additional charge. Daily passes will be at the ticket window only this season.

JOIN THE FUN! Now hiring for seasonal positions at Hickory Hills. Learn more

FALL LEAF PICK UP CONTINUES

The Fall Loose Leaf Pick Up began October 23rd starting with City neighborhoods on the west side moving eastward, over a period of 5 to 7 weekdays. The City will then return to the west side to repeat the process.

The fall loose leaf pick up is for leaves only. Brush will be picked up during the spring program.



IN THE COMMUNITY

CITY OF TRAVERSE CITY WELCOMES

THE MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

Last week the City of Traverse City welcomed members of the Michigan Municipal League to Traverse City for their annual conference. A welcome reception was hosted at one of Traverse City’s true gems, the Hickory Hills Recreation Area! Thanks to generous donations, it was a treat to host Municipal leaders from all over Michigan, who got another glimpse of what makes TC so special!

The Hickory Hills Lodge can be rented for special occasions. Rental includes the lodge with a rustic and modern ambiance, along with an outdoor area that can accommodate up to a 40 x 100 tent. Learn more