MDOT PROJECT

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be hosting a community Open House on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 4 - 6 pm to review their upcoming project that is slated to kick off in mid March.

Project Background

MDOT will rebuild a 2-mile section of US-31/Grandview Parkway/Front Street between Garfield Avenue and Division Street. This project will result in operational enhancements at the intersections of Division Street, Hall Street, Front Street, and Peninsula Drive, drainage improvements, Americans with Disabilities Act review and upgrades, repairs to the Murchie Bridge over the Boardman/Ottaway River, and new signs and pavement markings. 

In addition, the City of Traverse City is investing $3.5 million to replace underground water and wastewater utilities as part of the project.

The major project is anticipated to begin in mid March 2024 and will be divided into two segments. The first segment, Garfield Avenue to Front Street is expected to take place from March 2024 to June 2024. The second segment, Front Street to Division Street is expected to take place from July 2024, after the conclusion of the National Cherry Festival, to November 2024.

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.

Community Open House

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

4 - 6 pm

MDOT Traverse City TSC facility

2084 US-31

Traverse City, MI 49685

The City will be working closely with MDOT and Team Elmer’s to provide the latest updates throughout this major project. All work is weather permitting and businesses along the project route will remain open during construction.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DEI VOTING WORKSHOP

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from noon to 1:30 pm, City Clerk, Benjamin Marentette will be a featured speaker at a League of Women Voters workshop on various voting opportunities available for citizens who have physical and/or mental challenges including mobility, hearing, vision, and learning differences.

The LWV is a national, non-partisan organization that works to increase public understanding of public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

MADISON & JEFFERSON PROJECT COMPLETION

Minor work to close out items related to the Madison & Jefferson project is expected to begin on May 6, 2024, weather permitting. Lane closures will occur on Madison and Monroe, but the work is not expected to result in full closures. The project is anticipated to take approximately 30 days.

• Sidewalk construction on Monroe
• Repair work to topsoil with seed will take place on the 100 - 400 blocks
• Concrete driveways and sidewalks on the 100 block of Madison

CITY ACADEMY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

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.

RIPARIAN BUFFER COMMITTEE

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

The shorelines along waterbodies and rivers are part of an important ecosystem that is integral to fish habitats and water quality. Activities just below the edge of the water and upland of the edge of water impact these fragile systems. Well-managed riparian zones can also play a role in protecting property values and promoting flood resilience. For these reasons, the City is seeking volunteers to serve on the Riparian Buffer Committee.

Up to four at-large residents will be appointed to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee along with three Planning Commissioners and City staff. The City would like to have representation from the Kid's Creek, Boardman/Ottaway River, Boardman/Ottaway Lake, and Grand Traverse Bayfront areas.

Applications will be accepted through February 29, 2024.

EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING BEGINS

FEBRUARY 17TH

FEBRUARY PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

The City Clerk's Office is currently in the midst of election season, marked by the approaching Presidential Primary Election slated for February 27, 2024.

Early In-Person Voting

Early In-Person Voting begins 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.

City of Traverse City Early In-Person Voting Site

Governmental Center

Lower Level Cafeteria

400 Boardman Avenue

Traverse City, MI 49684

In November 2022, voters across Michigan amended the Michigan Constitution to give themselves the right to early in-person voting in all federal and state elections, and to have the option for early in-person voting at all other elections as determined by the local election official, in our case, the City Clerk. Early in-person voting must be provided a minimum of 9 days (beginning the second Saturday before the election through the Sunday before the election) and for 8 hours per day for all statewide and federal elections, with the same minimum day requirement for all other elections where the local election official opts in, with flexibility in hours.

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.



Absentee Voting

How is Early Voting Different from 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.

New for 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).

Permanent Ballot List

For individuals enrolled in the Permanent Ballot List, it is required to complete a Ballot Selection Form to receive the issuance of an Absentee Ballot for the February election. The City has sent Ballot Selection Forms via mail to all eligible voters on the Permanent Ballot List.

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.

IN THE COMMUNITY

FRESHWATER RESEARCH

It is crucial for City staff to undergo professional development to enhance their skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in addressing the evolving needs and challenges of our urban and natural environments in Traverse City. This week, DPS Director, Frank Dituri attended sessions with the FishPass Science Team and the Advisory Board meeting. Topics discussed included the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, pheromone research, and a sea lamprey report.